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Picture this: you’re pulling into your driveway after a long day at work when you glance up and do a double-take. “Out of sight, out of mind” may be your usual approach to dealing with your roof, but you’re suddenly realizing your home isn’t looking good. A few shingles are missing, and you don’t think you’re imagining the slight droop in the middle.

Roofing systems play a crucial part in protecting your property, but it’s easy to forget about it until your system has degraded beyond repair.

How can you tell when to call a roofing company in Ludington? Let’s take a look at the average lifespan of a roof, factors that impact that lifespan, and red flags that signal the need for a replacement.

How Often Should a Roof Be Replaced?

The answer to this question varies, but you can generally expect to replace a roof once every 20-40 years or so. Most roof warranties last anywhere between 15-30 years.

However, you’ll get a longer lifespan out of certain roofing materials over others:

– 3-tab asphalt shingles: 15-25 years

– Composite shingles: 15-40 years

– Architectural asphalt shingles: 30-50 years

– Clay tiles: 50-100 years

– Concrete tiles: 50-100 years

– Slate tiles: 50-100 years

– Metal roofing: 40-70 years

– Wood shake: 35-45 years

– Wood shingles: 25-30 years

Keep in mind that these are general lifespans, and the details may vary. When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s literature for the specific brand of shingles or tiles you’ve chosen.

Factors That Affect a Roof’s Lifespan

Though the type of roofing material you choose is the biggest indicator of how soon you’ll need a roof replacement, it’s far from the only factor to keep in mind. As you select, install, and maintain your roofing system, here are a few things to look out for:

Installation Quality: As you can likely guess, a roofing system installed by experts will always last longer than one installed by novices. Choosing an experienced and reputable roofing team is a crucial way to avoid defects that can wreak havoc on your roof. If you don’t want to deal with leaks, premature damage, and other frustrating problems, make sure you’re working with a professional. 

Local Climate: Here in Michigan, our climate is tough on roofs. Severe weather conditions like summer storms, heavy snowfall, forceful wind gusts, and hail can sometimes damage a roof in a way that requires premature replacement.

Maintenance: A roofing system isn’t a “set it and forget it” project. After the installation, you’ll still need to maintain your roof to keep it in peak condition and extend its lifespan. As a homeowner, you can do things like cleaning your gutters, checking for damage after storms, removing fallen debris, cleaning away moss and algae, and trimming overhanging branches. Doing so can prevent small problems from snowballing into major issues that translate into an early roof replacement.

Signs You Should Replace a Roof

If you’re reading this because you’re unsure how much longer you’ll be able to keep your roof, being aware of the red flags to watch for may help. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs to replace a roof, contact an expert to get their professional opinion.

Aging Roof Materials: Your roof’s age should be the first thing you consider if you’re weighing the pros and cons of a roof replacement. Again, this depends on the type of roof you’ve chosen, so go through your records to see when your system was first installed.

Obvious Damage: If you’ve noticed warped, curled, or missing shingles, it should always be a red flag. The same is true of shingle granules in your gutters. Worst of all is an obvious buckling or sagging roof. These issues are more common after a storm, but they can also happen with poor maintenance, shoddy installation, or inadequate attic ventilation.

Moisture Issues: If you notice water stains or a leaky roof, it’s important to call an expert right away: minor issues can quickly become problems that require water damage restoration or a total roof replacement. More subtle signs of moisture issues may include things like warped roofing materials, mold, mildew, or rot.

High Energy Bills: Poor insulation or roof damage can sometimes cause your home’s energy bills to rise. This happens when your air conditioner has to work harder to maintain comfortable temperatures in your home, often because air is leaking out through your roofing system. As a roof ages or takes damage, it may become less and less energy efficient and may require an eventual replacement.

The Importance of Timely Roof Replacement

We get it: it’s tempting to do whatever you can to postpone a roof replacement. These projects aren’t cheap, and unexpected roof damage can become an unpleasant surprise for your household budget. However, getting a roof replacement sooner rather than later can be crucial for several reasons.

Replacing a roof can help you avoid throwing more money into constant repairs for an aging roof. A new roof can prevent water damage to your home’s interior, increase your energy efficiency while lowering your utility bills, and even help you secure or maintain your standing with your homeowners insurance company. If you’re hoping to sell your property, a new roof can cause a significant boost in your resale value.

Best of all, a new roof means stronger, more durable protection for your home, which often translates to more peace of mind.

Call Our Roofing Company in Ludington

No one wants to deal with the hassle of a roof replacement, but it’s essential to maintain your home’s protective shield as it ages. If you’re on the fence about a replacement, make sure to consider the factors above and decide whether it’s time to spring for a new roof.

If you’d like professional advice on your roof’s condition from an expert roofing company in Ludington, contact our team at One Way Exteriors. Our experts have years of experience helping Michigan homeowners deal with roof damage, maintenance, replacement, and more. To schedule a free inspection, contact us online or call us at (231) 907-2882.