A properly installed roof is designed to last around 30 years before needing serious restoration or full replacements. But in Queensland, it’s not uncommon for us to see homeowners opting for re-roofing and roof replacement services as early as the ten year mark. Many factors can influence the frequency of roof replacement, including the weather, the material used, how well it’s been maintained and how it was first installed.
Longevity Depends on Roofing Materials
How Long Will a Metal Roof Last?
Metal roofs have an average lifespan of 40 years, but can last up to 70 years or more before a replacement is necessary. Common roofing materials such as Colorbond or Zincalum are highly durable and can withstand serious weather conditions.
How Long Does a Tile Roof Last?
Tile roofs are also quite durable, lasting around 50 years – they have even been known to last up to 100 years! Terracotta tiles are generally more long–lasting than concrete tiles, staying in better condition for more than 50 years longer than their concrete counterparts. But while they’re hard–wearing, tiles can be brittle and fragile. Tiles are not a good choice for homes exposed to harsh weather, as a roof replacement may be needed sooner rather than later.
Factors That Can Reduce a Roof’s Lifespan
Environmental Conditions
Regardless of your roofing material, environmental factors will play a massive role in how long your roof survives. If your roof is situated beneath tree cover, this can increase the speed of your roof’s deterioration. Likewise, being located by the sea can decay a roof faster than average due to strong winds and the corrosive salt. Homes located in tropical areas which experience heavy rain, thunderstorms or hail will also see their roof being worn down by the weather. If you’re living in Brisbane and broader Queensland, don’t be surprised if you’re calling for a roof replacement faster than most Australian homeowners.
A Lack of Maintenance
Regular roof maintenance performed by industry experts is a great way of extending the longevity of your metal or tile roof. It’s very tempting to just ignore signs of wear and tear or even structural damage to your roof, believing it’s not worth the hassle and cost of getting it fixed. However, repairing holes in your roof as they occur, replacing loose shingles and tiles, and keeping your roof clean and free of moss, rust and other debris can prolong its lifespan – saving you money in the long–run!
Whenever you notice any signs of deterioration to your roof, enlist the help of a professional roofer. Even if you can’t spot any obvious damage, having your roof inspected by a professional every few months will help identify small issues before they turn into big problems that call for a full roof replacement.
Poor Workmanship
Poorly performed roof repairs that use cheap, low–quality materials and unqualified roofers will seriously affect the strength & durability of your roof. You don’t have to look far to find many horror stories of homeowners engaging the services of a ‘cheap’ roofing contractor or company, only to find their problems have not been addressed, or worse yet, new problems have been left in their wake.
You should only request work from a reputable roofing business that comes highly recommended by real people. Before reaching out to them, check their Google Reviews, social media presence and their website for testimonials. The more research you can do, the more sure you can be that you’re getting high–quality service performed by licensed and professional roofers.
If You Roof Needs to Be Replaced
Whether you require restoration or a full re-roofing, don’t attempt to DIY this task. Roofing can be complex and dangerous without the training and expertise to perform work properly and safely. Use a licensed contractor for the best results. This expense is worthwhile in the long–run, as you won’t need to fix any issues that commonly arise when a roof restoration is attempted by non-professionals.
If you’re located in Brisbane, the team at Nev’s are your trusted roofing experts. We’ll restore (or replace) your metal or tile roof to the highest standard of workmanship. Request a free quote on any of our services today.