If you’re shopping for a new house, one of the main things to consider before sealing the deal is whether your future home will need a roof replacement.

On average, a roof can last between 15 and 30 years, but there are many factors that can affect its longevity. Roofing materials, the quality of the installation, maintenance and exposure to severe weather are all variables that may influence how long a roof lasts.

Determining exactly when a roof should be replaced isn’t always easy, but there are many telltale signs a roof may be nearing the end of its lifespan.

Fixing or replacing a roof can be a costly endeavor. Putting off a roof replacement until you have the cash to pay for it out of pocket may not be the wisest course of action. Insurance companies may deny claims if they determine you could have prevented damage by paying for repairs or getting a roof replacement.

Luckily, companies like ours frequently offer competitive financing to make it easy and affordable to get your roof replacement when you need it.

How Long Will My Roof Last?

The answer often lies in the type of roofing materials and the quality of installation.

Roofing materials range from extremely long lasting to those with relatively short life spans. Copper roofs are believed to last well over 200 years if they’re properly maintained. Asphalt roll roofs, which are popular among DIY enthusiasts, typically hold up for only 10 years before they need to be replaced.

The vast majority of Atlanta area homeowners invest in asphalt shingle roofs of varying styles. Asphalt shingles are far from uniform, and the quality of the shingles is directly correlated to the longevity of the roof.

So how long will your roof last? Here’s a list of average lifespans for some of the most popular roofing systems in the U.S.:

• Asphalt roll: Five to 10 years
• Asphalt shingle: 20 to 30 years
• Wood shingles: 25 to 30 years
• Composite roofs: 30 to 50 years
• Metal: 40 to 100 years
• Clay: 50 to 100 years
• Slate: 60 to 175 years

Higher-end asphalt shingles, like architectural shingles, can last significantly longer than lower-end three-tab shingles. Although there’s a higher upfront cost for architectural shingles, they can potentially save you money in the long run because they won’t need to be replaced as frequently.

Signs You Need a New Roof

Apart from conspicuous signs like water leaking into your home, there are several other tell-tale signs indicating you may need a new roof.

Your Roof Is Getting Up There in Age

The most obvious sign your roof may be giving out is its age. If your records indicate the roof was installed between 20 and 30 years ago, it may be the right moment for a thorough roof inspection.

Light Coming Through the Roof

You don’t have to climb on your roof to check for potential damages. You can examine your roof from insider your attic during the day. Look for things like light coming through the beams, stains and streaking, which are all indicators of a leaky roof.

Damaged Shingles

Your roof’s shingles should always lie flat. If you notice patches of shingles that are curling, buckling or missing, you may need to have your roof either repaired or replaced.

Your Roof Is Covered in Moss

Moss on your roof is never a good sign. It typically indicates there’s trapped moisture inside your roof. If left untreated, this moss can cause irreversible damage to your roof and shorten its lifespan by many years.

Spongy Surface

A roof that feels spongy and has droopy and rotting spots may be significantly weakened by trapped moisture and needs to be replaced before it causes more damage to your home. Since a saggy roof is never safe to walk on, you should refrain from any DIY repairs and contact a roofing professional as soon as possible.

Schedule a Roof Inspection with Total Roof Solutions

Our experienced Atlanta roofing specialists handle a variety of roof repairs. Every project begins with a thorough inspection of your roof to make sure we offer you the best possible solution.

We provide affordable reroofing services to customers whose current roofs can no longer be salvaged, but we can also perform reliable repairs to fix damage on roofs that still have life left in them.

For more information or to request a free estimate, call 678-752-8668 or fill out our request form.