The lifespan of your roofing is primarily determined by the type of roofing, the materials used and external environmental conditions such as dust, heat, strength of UV rays, rainfall, humidity etc. However, not many homeowners know the right time when their roof needs replacing.
It should be noted that the roof comprises a significant portion of your housing development budget and if done right, it can yield the biggest return on your investment. In other words, as much as it’s important to properly maintain your roof, it is equally important to replace your roof when it has exceeded its natural lifespan.
The different types of roof
On average, the lifespan of a roof is between 20 to 30 years. However, this depends on the roofing structure and the materials used. These two factors are strong determinants when deciding whether your roof needs replacing.
In general, flat roofs tend to have a shorter lifespan and need to be replaced more compared to a pitched roof. On average, the former tends to last for approximately 10-20 years whereas the pitched roofs last a minimum of 25 years. Accordingly, you might want to review how long it has been since you last replaced your roof.
Additionally, the roof materials used can be a major determinant too. For instance metal roofing such as aluminium and steel roofs have a far greater lifespan compared to asphalt or felt roofs and won’t need to be replaced or refurbished as frequently.
How often do roofs need to be replaced?
There are many factors you would need to consider when deciding whether your roof needs replacing or not. In addition to the roofing structure and material used, as discussed above, you should consider the following points too:
- Frequency of inspection: If you have been continuously inspecting and maintaining your roof, the lifespan of your roof will likely be much longer compared to those roofs that have been ignored.
- Moisture: Depending on the area that you live, the level of moisture entering your home can affect the integrity of your roofing structure. In other words, if the humidity and moisture levels are high, the strength of the roof depletes faster.
- Water damages/leaks: If you are experiencing leaks throughout your roof, replacing it is probably the best course of action. Improper installation or materials wearing out are some of the common causes of water leaks.
Interior signs your roof needs replacing
Generally, it is not easy to find out when your roof needs replacing especially if it’s difficult to reach. It’s definitely something that many homeowners don’t pay attention to everyday and this could be a problem.
It’s therefore important to look for signs that can indicate that your roof needs to be replaced. Here some points to consider from inside your property:
- Daylight entering through the roof: if you notice light entering from the outside, it suggests that there are holes and cracks in your roof.
- Water damages: if there’s water seeping into your house, one of the first things you would need to check is if it’s coming in through damaged roofs.
- Sagging: If there is a sag in the middle of a roofing ridge, it may be a sign of structural damage and this can cause serious damage if not detected early.
Exterior signs your roof needs replacing
Some of the exterior issues listed below cannot be ignored either. These provide additional signs that could indicate that your roof needs replacing.
- Damaged tiles: certain roofing tiles may be worn out, cracked or even missing. These would have to be rectified by replacing them with new tiles.
- Moss, algae and mould: these are more common in areas that have high levels of moisture and shade. There are simple steps to remove them, however, certain roofs can be beyond repair.
- Insecure guttering: if the gutter from the roof has been displaced, it’s an indication that the roof has been worn out due to damage or rot.
- Damaged flashing: your flashing could be damaged due to the caulking material under the flashing deteriorating. These are generally contributed by adverse weather conditions and oxidation.
- Sitting water: should you notice a pool of water not being drained out of the roof, you’ll need to ensure a proper drainage line is fitted to your roof.
What happens if you don’t replace your roof?
As noted above, the consequences of not replacing your roof can be significantly high if ignored and not maintained regularly. If you notice any of the above signs, both internal and external, they should be attended to immediately.
The nature of roofing damages is that it initially may seem like a small issue. However, if ignored, they can grow exponentially to larger cracks and deteriorate the structural integrity of the roof which will also lead to a much larger cost to repair.
Additionally, in more severe cases, it can cause health risks through prolonged breathing of dangerous spores caused by moulds and mildew. It can also infest your home with pests and insects which will not be very pleasant.
What time of year is best to replace a roof?
There isn’t one right answer to this question, as it depends on the individual homeowner’s preference and the extent of any damage. For instance, if you want to get the best value for money in replacing your roofs then choosing an off-peak season (such as summer) may make sense because there will be less delay. For example, in the winter the harsh weather conditions can cause several unforeseen delays where it’s not safe to access the roof itself making the roof replacement near impossible.
However, if your roof needs replacing and you have planned out in detail, one of the best times to replace your roof would be during the spring season as the spring weather generally poses no problems for roof replacements.
Please bear in mind we do live in the UK where the weather changes every few minutes!
How much does replacing a roof cost?
If you’re in Northampton and anywhere around Northamptonshire, you will find that the roof replacement rates offered by LD Roofing are very competitive and offer the best value. Our team has been rated 5 stars by previous customers and we always strive for excellence from start to finish. Though the UK national average cost to replace a roof is £8,000 – £15,000 (Source: Checkatrade), the actual cost can vary depending on various factors such as the roof size, materials used in roofing etc.
If your roof needs replacing and you require a custom quotation and consultation, do get in touch with our roofers in Northampton and we will be happy to serve you. Please click here to contact us and request your free roof replacement quote today.
