From summer, fall, and winter to spring, your roof protects your home from heavy snow, rain, strong wind, hail, and scorching heat. 

But the question is, for how long can a roof last and protect your home? The roof’s average lifespan depends on multiple factors, like the type of roof, the material used, and how well it’s maintained.  

Although the average lifespan for each roof is different, unfortunately, no roof can last forever. When your roof reaches or surpasses its average lifespan, you must consider roof replacement Melbourne.

Read further to know how long your roof can last and when it is the right time to replace it.  

How Long Can You Expect Your Roof to Last?

Understanding the life span of your roof can help you decide when to repair or replace it. So, let’s learn the life expectancy of different types of roofs:

Asphalt and fibreglass shingles

Depending on the roof manufacturer, asphalt shingles can last 20 to 40 years. However, many warranties guarantee asphalt shingles lifespan between 15 and 25 years. Even though fibreglass shingles are an expensive roofing option, they can last over 50 years.

Wood shingles and shakes

Wood shingles and shakes are made from pressure-treated wood or cedar and are insect and rot-resistant. A roof made from wood shingles and shakes can last about 30 years.

Stone tiles

Stone tiles, made of slate, clay, concrete, or terracotta, can resist fading and withstand heavy rain and strong winds. The lifespan of clay tiles ranges between 40 and 60 years, while concrete and slate tiles can last 50 to 100 years.

Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Roof

Now that you know the roof’s life expectancy, it’s time to learn when to replace it to continue protecting your home against harsh weather elements. Below discussed are the signs indicating it’s time for roof replacement Melbourne:

The roof is ageing.

The first vital sign that your roof needs to be replaced is that the current one is getting old. A reputable roof manufacturer always provides roof warranties, which can last approximately 20 years. 

You should know when your roof was installed to estimate its lifespan. You can check your home improvement records if you are unsure about the roof installation date. If you haven’t installed a new roof in the last 20 years, it’s a good idea to start thinking about replacing it. 

Roof damage due to moss, mould, or fungi

Moss, mould, and fungi indicate trapped moisture, which could damage your roof. You can remove the moss and mould collected in the shaded corners of your roof using a stiff brush. 

But moss, mould, and fungi might have damaged your roof internally, weakening the shingles and boards. 

You should contact professional roofers for an inspection. They will inspect the roof and let you know the best action. If your roof has more underlying problems besides moss, mould, and fungi, you should opt for roof replacement Melbourne.

Water damage in the attic or upstairs

Moisture marks, brownish, yellowish, or greyish stains, and peeling paints on ceilings or walls usually indicate a damaged, leaking roof. In addition, you should also take a look in your attic, where damp or leaky rafters could indicate roof damage. 

The roof sags

Sagging is a sign that the boards under the roof are rotted because of accumulated moisture. A droopy, sagging roof surely needs replacement before it further damages your home. You should check the roof’s surface for signs of trapped moisture, sagging spots, or rotting boards. 

Missing tiles 

Look at your roof, and if the tiles are missing, you should consider repair or replacement. In case only a few tiles are missing, replacing them can solve the problem.

But if tiles and the roof’s supporting structure are cracked or missing, it’s an immediate red flag. You need to immediately opt for the new roof installation to eliminate the risk of collapsing the roof. 

Curling or buckling tiles

When tiles start curling or buckling, it indicates that tiles are no longer adequately attached and have already sustained damage.

The curved surface is not robust enough to withstand intense storms or heavy rainfall, leading to further damage to your home. If the roof’s tiles are beyond repair, you should replace your roof immediately.

How Can You Take Care of Your New Roof?

You can maintain your new roof for a long time with regular inspections and maintenance. Consider following these tips and tricks to take care of your roof and increase its shelf life:

• Do yearly checks on the roof tiles, especially after wild weather months. In addition to wind, rain, and snow, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage your roof. So, make sure to examine tiles when inspecting your roof.
• If trees grown around your house have overhanging branches, trim them as they can damage the roof and structures on top of it.
• Clogged gutters can overflow with debris, leaves, and bugs that the rainwater washes up. And over time, the rainwater can damage your roof and the supporting beams. So, clean your gutters regularly.
• Unhindered growth of moss can damage your roof. It will help if you scrub the moss away to protect your roof against damage.
• An improperly ventilated and insulated roof can result in excess moisture, leading to a rotted roof. It’s recommended to properly insulate and ventilate your roof to prevent excess moisture and protect your roof. 

To wrap up it all

Many homeowners consider replacing their roofs as the last option, as it can be expensive. They might be tempted to opt for cheaper repairs or ignore the roofing problem. However, it can be extremely costly in the long run. 

Therefore, replacing the roof is a necessary job that should be immediately done if the existing one is damaged beyond repair. You should contact professional roofers experienced in old roof replacement and new roof installation. 

Furthermore, when looking for a new roof, opt for the more durable, sturdy, fire and water-resistant roof. Also, once the roof is replaced, it’s crucial to maintain the new one to prolong its lifespan.