A solid and sturdy roof is essential to the preservation of a building. However, the reality is, the roof is the most neglected part of the house unless it starts showing visible signs of damage, like a broken or missing shingle, leak, and mold formation.
In Bronx, the roof is usually made from materials like asphalt shingles or tiles. The average roof will last for about 20 years, at which point it needs to be replaced. You should often replace your Bronx home’s roof depending on how much use the house gets and the environmental factors like temperature extremes in winter or summer and rain patterns.
5 Signs That Your Roof Needs Replacement
Mostly, a roof naturally ends its life span without experiencing any roof failure or damage. Your roof may just look worn and old and needs preventive maintenance. Here are the most common signs a homeowner should be keen on to help you determine if your roof needs to be replaced.
How Old is the Home
A lot of homeowners choose not to pay for an expensive replacement because they think that they have time. How old is the home? If it’s more than twenty years old, then chances are there will need to be major roof repairs in the near future because asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about 25-30 years, and tiles usually last for 40 or 50 years.
Shingle Edges are Curled
If you notice your shingles are starting to curl around the edges, then it’s time for a replacement. How high is your roof? If it has more than three or four shingles layers, there will be significant weight and stress on the material that may require repair or complete replacement sooner rather than later.
Cracked Shingles
Cracked shingles mean that there is a significant problem that needs to be fixed.
Moss and Mold Growth
If you see that there’s moss growth or lichen on your roof, then it means the shingles are corroded. Corroding equals leaking.
Moss and lichens also indicate an inadequate ventilation system in the attic or crawl space below the roof area. This can lead to mold formation, which will worsen if left untreated for a long time.
Mold growth is not only unsightly, but it can also have serious health effects and could cause respiratory problems in the home’s occupants. That means you’ll need to remove excess water by using an exhaust fan or dehumidifier so that mold doesn’t grow back quickly after treatment has been done on your roof.
Frequency and Severity of Storms
An essential factor to consider is the frequency and severity of storms in your area. How often do major incidents (such as hail) happen? How severe are those storms? For example, if a storm that causes significant damage occurs once every few decades, then you can probably wait till the next time it happens before replacing your roof.
But if storms happen more often, or are severe in your area, then it is best to replace the roof before a major problem emerges. How can you tell whether storms are frequent or severe? Either ask someone who lives in that area already or do some research online about how frequently hail happens in your region. Even if your roof is not showing signs of damage, it’s a good idea to replace your home’s roof when you notice that storms are frequent or severe.
Average Roof’s Lifespan
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are made of organic materials and are the most commonly used type of roofing material. It usually lasts for about 25-30 years, depending on the amount of exposure to sun and weather elements it has encountered over time.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles usually last 25-30 years, depending on how well the roof is well-maintained.
Tile Roofs
Roof tiles usually last for 40-50 years, depending on the quality and the level of exposure to sunlight. How well your roof is maintained will also affect its lifespan – if you have a tile roof that has been properly cleaned and coated every year, it should last much longer than one which hasn’t received proper maintenance.
Metal Roofs
The lifespan of metal roofs is indefinite as long as they don’t rust out or get destroyed by a storm. If your home’s roof has metal shingles, then you’ll need to replace them when they start rusting out or getting destroyed.
However, the most common metal roofing material like steel and aluminum usually lasts 50 years. Other metal material like copper and zinc lasts 100 years or more.
Synthetic (Rubber) Slate Tile
Synthetic Slate Tile roofs are made from rubber and usually have a lifespan of 50-100 years, depending on the quality and type.
Approximately How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?
The length of your home’s lifespan is a good indication of when you need to replace its roof as well because asphalt shingles have a natural life span of 25-30 years, where tiles have 40 or 50 years of longevity. Metal roofs will last indefinitely, as mentioned above.
However, a roof replacement should be done at least every 25-30 years and sometimes more frequently, depending on how intense the weather is in your area.
Keep in mind that a roof’s lifespan includes maintenance. It doesn’t matter what type of material you use for your roof; it will need to be maintained and cleaned periodically. It will also help if you repair any damages found during a routine inspection, so they don’t worsen.
Worried that whatever type of material you use won’t last as long? TCI Manhattan in Bronx specializes in installing quality roofs made from metal or tile materials so they can last much longer than your average asphalt shingles.
Roof Replacement in The Bronx
To homeowners, roof replacement is a big decision and expense, but if you look out for the signs that your Bronx home’s roof needs to be replaced soon, then it will reduce unnecessary costs in the future. Proper maintenance of your current roof can also help extend its life span by preventing damage from occurring in the first place!
If you are noticing any signs that your home’s Bronx roof needs replacement, don’t delay. Contact professional roofing contractors in Bronx NY today for more information! We can also advise you on the best type of roof for your home, depending on where it’s located and how much sun exposure there is. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.
