Your roof works hard protecting your household from the elements, but eventually, it will experience too much wear and tear to do its job. The problem is homeowners are not always sure when a roof replacement is needed or how the process is different than typical repairs and maintenance. This guide will help to clear up any confusion you might have.

How to Tell if It's Time for a Roof Replacement

An asphalt roof’s life span is usually 20-25 years. Therefore, you should think about updating it around this time. However, there are other circumstances that could cause it to wear prematurely and you should be on the lookout for warning signs. These include cracked, curling, or missing shingles. While one or two problem areas can be repaired, when they become widespread, it opens your roof up to leaks. Once rain gets into your home, it can result in water damage, mold growth, and structural sagging. 

At that point, the roof no longer functions as it should, and replacing a few shingles here or there will not correct the overall failure. To prevent or halt further harm, the current shingle layer must be removed along with any damaged or weakened parts of the underlying framing. Then, new shingles can be placed.

What Are the Most Common Materials Used?

Asphalt

Most homeowners choose asphalt shingles due to their low installation cost and wide range of style and color options. Today's shingles are manufactured to resemble other materials, including cedar shakes, slate, and tile.

Metal

Aluminum, zinc, copper, and stainless steel are some of the oldest roofing materials. Homeowners prefer metal roofs for their low-maintenance qualities. It's also incredibly durable—withstanding debris, strong winds, mold, rain, and snow—and can last well over a half-century without showing any signs of corrosion. Metal roofing materials are also environmentally friendly and can be fully recycled at the end of their life. 

Clay

When you want to make more of an architectural statement with your roof, consider clay tiles. They come in a variety of shapes and colors and add character to any home style. While they are ideal for warm regions and homes located near salt water, today's advancements have also made them capable of withstanding the freeze-thaw cycle in colder regions. In most instances, you can expect clay roofs to last over 100 years.

When it's time for a roof replacement, turn to the professionals at AMCAT Roofing. They are a full-service roof repair and storm restoration company for homes and businesses in Durango, CO, and the surrounding areas. Their knowledgeable team is proficient at installing a variety of quality roofing materials—including Spanish tile, corrugated metal, and asphalt shingles—from trusted brands. Call them today at (970) 799-6759 to discuss your roofing needs, or visit their website to learn more about their services.