Thompson Home Improvement has clients call us to schedule roof estimates all the time; where the client is completely certain the roof even needs to be replaced. As with many roofing related questions, there can be many answers to the question: “How often should my roof be replaced?”

The first thing to consider is: what is the material that is currently on your roof? Is it Metal? Is it Asphalt Shingles? Is it flat roofing? Is it a coating? Is it Cedar Shake? Or something else? All of these materials have a different lifespan. So, for today, we are going to focus on asphalt shingle roofing.

A quality asphalt shingle roof, when installed per manufacturer specifications with an appropriate roof system for ventilation and dry-in materials, should last you 25-30 years. With proper roof maintenance over its lifespan, your roof surface could last even longer. 

Materials used for new roof products are ever evolving to elongate their functionality. But, there are many factors that can contribute to a shorter lifespan of roof shingles as well. 

Sometimes roofs can experience premature de-granulization. This happens when shingles lose their granules, causing UV exposure to the mat base. This UV causes the shingle to break down entirely at a much faster rate. Sometimes when this happens it is a manufacturer defect. This can also happen depending on the climate where the roof has been installed.

Another huge factor for the premature breakdown of a roof is underperforming (or non-existent) exhaust and or ventilation systems. It is important that appropriate intake and exhaust ratios are installed to vent attic space. Insulation factors also play a role for this. 

Unfortunately, nature can also cause damage to a shingle roof. Ice damming, tree debris, and storms can play a role in the premature expiration of a roof.

If you are concerned that your roof may need to be replaced sooner than later, or that it is breaking down prematurely, the best thing to do is to hire a qualified roofing company to come out and evaluate. Thompson Home Improvement would recommend having more than one party evaluate. Not all companies are honest about the life expectancy of an existing roof. Many companies are looking for roofing projects; not to pass them up. 

Thompson Home Improvement has been called out to quote many roofs prematurely. So, we always provide an honest estimate for the remaining lifespan of a roof. It is not our goal to have potential clients take on an expensive project if it’s not necessary. We often have those same clients return to us 1-4 years later when the roof is finally ready, because we were honest with them about the remaining life span of a roof. 

We also have many condo associations and property management companies with standing orders to inspect particular roofs annually. This helps us document their condition and needs, so that those clients can plan accordingly for a roof replacement budget. So, to answer the original question, most roofs that are in moderate climates,  installed correctly, with appropriate ventilation, and are maintained from year to year should last 25-35 years.