How Many Years Do I Have Left on My Old Roof?
This question demands a lot of answers. To understand the longevity of your roof is to know all the factors that degrade your roof. And it depends on many considerations. First, the age of the roof is based on when your house was constructed. Second, the materials used and the workmanship laid on your roof will dictate its stability for its running years. But to get the remaining lifespan of your roof, read on.
Type of tile you choose
The roofing tile types have different lifespans. But no tiles do not last below 10 years, and it’s always more. For the best roofing tile that suits your home, roofers in Birmingham will give you a heads up on the different tiles they offer. Their roofing contractors know better as they are in this industry for more than two decades.
Whether your roof is pitched or flat, it is not built to last forever, because nothing can, even the most expensive roof tile. In our previous blog, “What Kind of Roof Lasts the Longest,” it explains how materials play a significant role in a roof’s age. Because technically, a human factor is not so much of an effect but the elements in the environment.
As explained in the article, a roof over our heads serves as the first line of defence against environmental hazards, specifically harsh and extreme weather. Its longevity will depend on the frequency of preventive maintenance you put and spend on it and the concern to fix minor repairs before they blow off. For example, a warped tile may be a sign that the roof tile has been outworn and had too much exposure from either extreme heat or cold. When the tiles warped, it can leave a space for leaks.
Check for flashings and gutters too. Having a chimney and its vent over the roof will affect the roof construction primarily when the chimney is not being maintained. Flashing corrodes in time due to overheating and exposure to hot gases, and a combination of snow and sun makes it more susceptible to damage.
Roof types popular in Birmingham
In Birmingham and the surrounding areas in the UK, commercial and residential structures use different roof types in terms of pitch. Flat roofs are the standard type for commercial buildings. For residential homes, the pitch type or slope roof is preferred.
Flat roofs
Commercial buildings prefer flat roofs because of the extra space they can utilise to install their HVAC system. The rooftop is a highly beneficial area and more applicable for full perimeter roof size.
Ideally flat roofs last around 30 years. Most coverings and materials used for flat roofs are durable against wind, fire, and chemicals coming from the vents. Imagine a building with less stable roofing; it wouldn’t stand different kinds of damaging factors. Examples of flat roofing materials are PVC single-ply membrane, thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) single-ply membrane, asphalt (felt), or fiberglass or glass reinforced polyester (GRP).
For in-depth facts on flat roofing, consult our team of experienced roofers.
Pitch roofs
Pitched roofing systems use tiles of different materials. In the olden age until this time, slate tiles are the most durable type of tiles because they last even for a hundred years. Their longevity is known way back in the Medieval times where ancient structures (historical, churches, museums) were built with roof using slate. Slates downside only go for price and weight.
Through innovative techniques, composite tiles were manufactured aside from the availability of concrete and clay tiles. These modern times emulate the beauty of slate but removing the weight and price factors. They could only last half of the slate’s age.
Check the approximate age of each tile material:
- Cedar—20 years
- Concrete/Clay—50 to 75 years
- Composite—20+ years
- Asphalt—15 to 30 years
- Metal—50 to 75 years
- Rubber—30 to 50 years
The following indicators will determine your roof’s age:
- Faded, warped, chipped tiles
- Missing tiles
- Broken tiles
- Rusted flashing and gutter
- Bent roof, gutter
- Rotten fascia and soffit
With the apparent indicators, it is time to tell if your roof needs repair or replacement. Count in the time the roof is new against the existing damage. From there, it is easy to calculate how much more can your roof go.
For a roof that needs fixing and replacing (maybe half a roof will do), you might want to consult our team and hire some of our professional roofers. The last thing you want is for your roof to end its life because it is more of an expensive undertaking than simple repairs. But if repairs are frequent, you may not notice you are spending more than if you had a new roof instead.
Contact roofers Birmingham for more information and help. We are just a click and call away.
