How long should a new roof last without leaking?

For a standard 3-tab asphalt shingle roof, that's 25-years. As long as your roof has been properly ventilated and installed you should get pretty close to that 25 years of roof life. So obviously you want to replace your roof before it starts leaking or fails completely.

Is it normal for a new roof to leak?

A leak in a new roof can feel devastating, but it's very rarely the end of the world. Most often, leaks in a new roof are due to tricky flashing around chimneys and windows. They can be fixed fairly cheaply, you just need to find a roofer you trust to do the repairs for you.

How long should a roof last on a house?

Slate, copper and tile roofs, which are on the upper end of the price spectrum, can last more than 50 years. Homeowners with wood shake roofs should expect them to last about 30 years, while fiber cement shingles last about 25 years and asphalt shingle/composition roofs last about 20 years, the NAHB found.

Should I replace my roof if its not leaking?

If the crack or tear is minor, they may not even have to be replaced and could be fixed using a roof sealant. If you notice that some shingles are missing pieces, the entire shingle will need to be replaced. This usually happens if debris is blown onto your roof, causing pieces of your shingles to break off.

Should a new roof have soft spots?

A soft spot on your roof doesn't necessarily mean you need a full roof replacement. It is important to note though that most of the time, if you have identified one soft spot, there are chances that there will be more soft spots.

When Should I Replace My Roof? (From a Roofing Contractor)

Why does my roof feel spongy?

Spongy Texture

If there are areas of your roof that feel spongy or soft while you are walking on it, it is time to call the professionals. A spongy feeling means that the decking that lays under the roof has suffered damage from moisture and has become weak or rotted.

Why is my roof bouncy?

Inadequate attic ventilation can also cause your shingle roof to feel spongy or bouncy. Without good attic ventilation your roof gets extremely hot. And that extreme heat can damage both your shingles and the wood decking below them and causing your roof to feel soft when walking on it.

Why would a new shingle roof leak?

But when a new roof leaks, it's most likely caused by improper installation. Improper roof installation can be caused by a roofing contractor being lazy, using shortcuts to cut down on time and cost, or not caring about doing a good job. If you hired the cheapest roofing contractor in the area, this is more likely.

How often should roof Be Replaced?

If your roof was properly installed, your attic is adequately ventilated, and your roof is maintained, it will get as close as possible to the maximum lifespan. This means you shouldn't need a replacement for around 20 years or even up to around 50 years (or longer), depending on what kind of roofing material you have.

What is the life expectancy of a shingle roof?

While asphalt shingles come with warranties of 20 to 30 years, their lifespan in Florida is much shorter. High-quality architectural shingles have a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Conversely, 3-tab shingles are expected to last 10 to 12 years. Tile roofs in Florida last from 25 years to 50 years.

What type of roof lasts the longest?

Roofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products like wood shakes or any manufactured roofing materials including asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Although these materials have a good lifespan, they are not as durable.

How long does a 25 year roof last?

Typically, a 30 – year roof will last on average 12-15 years in more extreme climates, such as we have here in Texas. 25 – year roofs last 9-12 years on average.

How long should a 30 year roof last?

The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years.

Do all roofs leak a little?

Nearly All Roofs Leak -- A Little / Commonsense suggestions can minimize problem. The root purpose of every dwelling is to provide shelter from the elements, and an architect's most fundamental charge is to design a weather-tight building.

What kind of roof damage is covered by insurance?

For your insurance to cover roof damage, it must be caused by an extreme weather event. This includes straight-line winds (aka damaging winds) during heavy thunderstorms, hail storms, snowstorms, and tornados. Your homeowners insurance should also cover roof damage from fallen tree limbs caused by strong storms.

Why does my roof leak when it rains?

Roof leaks that happen during heavy rains may indicate the end of the shingles' life. Metal corrosion. Cracks in metal and corrosion around fasteners can create enough space for water to leak. Over time, expansion and contraction can loosen the seams in a metal roof.

What should I look for after replacing a roof?

Your inspector will look for signs of sagging, which is a definite point of concern in a new roof installation. Beyond that, there is also the fascia and soffits to inspect which, while not as substantial as the main structure of the roof itself, can still cause significant damage if not installed correctly.

How does it cost to replace a roof?

The national average cost to replace a roof is around $8,000, with most people spending in the range of $5,500 to $11,000. The two largest variables you'll deal with on a job like this are the square footage of your home (and thus, your roof), and the type of roofing material you choose.

What type of roofing is best?

Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Relatively lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the best choice for most houses. They come in sheets that are layered on a roof to give the illusion of more expensive single shingles, such as cedar and slate, that are installed one shingle at a time.

Where do most roof leaks occur?

The chimney is one of the main culprits of a roof leak. Most of the time, it's due to cracked or damaged flashing. These are thin strips of metal installed around the roof, which provide a seal in areas where the roof intersects.

Can gutters cause roof leaks?

Your gutters are designed to collect rainwater from your roof and divert the flow away from your home. When they are clogged, they can cause leaks and other structural damages.

Why do architectural shingles leak?

Shingles or roofing that isn't installed correctly can allow leaks. Faulty roofing materials can also lead to leakage from the beginning. Storm or wind damage can cause damage to the shingles. Heavy wind can cause shingles to blow off the roof.

What does soft spot on roof mean?

Soft spots form when the layer underneath your roof gets doused. This often happens due to gaps in your roof's shingles. If your roof has shingles, it likely has plywood sheeting underneath its tiles or shingles.

Why is my flat roof spongy?

A spongy feel to a flat roof usually indicates significant water ingress into the flat roofing substrate. In particular, this is the underlying decking and insulation. Water ingress will have occurred if your flat roof is also leaking.

Why does my roof look wavy?

A layer of felt paper goes down before the shingle does for every installation, which essentially acts as a base. If the material was damp, if the day was humid, or if the paper bubbled up a bit then it can produce a wavy appearance on your new roof.