How Often to Replace a Roof: What You Need to Know

How often should a roof be replaced? It’s not just a valid question for those with little to no experience in the roofing industry, it’s also an important one. Regardless of type or condition, every roof needs to be replaced at some point.

If you’re unsure how often to replace a roof, keep reading. You’ll learn why it’s important, what factors play a role, how residential and commercial replacements differ, and what you can do to determine if your roof needs replaced.

Why Knowing How Often to Replace a Roof Is Important

You may not be as concerned about when to replace your roof if you don’t know why it matters. Many people make the mistake of doing so when their roof has sustained significant damage, or when a certain amount of time has passed. However, there is much more to it than that.

Without knowing how often to replace a roof, you could potentially waste money by replacing it too early. Likewise, waiting too late could cause additional damage to your home or business via rain damage. You might also know when to replace roof shingles, but the longevity could vary considerably if your roof is made of a different material.

If you don’t want your home or building to sustain damage or spend unnecessary funds on early replacements, it’s essential to understand how often to replace a roof.

Variables for How Often to Replace a Roof

On average, most roofs can last around 20 years before needing to be replaced. However, many factors contribute to that lifespan, some of which can double or even triple that time. Some are significant, others play minor roles, but all contribute towards future roof replacements.

Materials

The type of roofing material your roof consists of is one of the critical variables for understanding how often it needs to be replaced. For example, a shingled roof may last anywhere from 20 to 30 years if properly maintained, whereas a metal roof lasts between 40 and 70 years. Or, if you’ve got deep pockets, slate roofs could last as long as 50 to 150 years!

Looking to Change Your Roofing?

Using more durable roofing materials not only extends the lifespan of your roof, but also better protects it from severe weather conditions. Read here to learn more about roofing materials and which might be best for your home or business.

Roofing Materials

Age

The older your roof gets, the more likely you’re approaching a roof replacement. With the average roof replacement needed approximately every 20 to 25 years, you can use this as a rough indication for your roof. That being said, there are too many factors to rely on age alone when replacing your roof, but using it as a benchmark can prove beneficial.

Location

Where your home or building is located can also affect the longevity of its roof. On average, a one that endures frequent hurricanes is prone to needing more replacements than one that only sees sunny skies. This can give you a better idea of how often you might need to replace your roof, as standard shingles might generally last 20 years, but a shingled roof replacement in Florida might need to occur every 15 years to be safe.

Damage

Just because your roof has sustained damage doesn’t mean it necessarily needs to be replaced, but it might be preferable to constant repairs. The cost of making regular repairs adds up. When comparing the age of your roof to the extent of storm damage, it might be better to replace with a new one than to fix an old one that will need to be swapped out soon anyway.

Maintenance

Do you have regular maintenance performed on your roof? If not, you can expect to replace it much sooner than you thought. Regular maintenance can help repair minor damages and extend the lifespan. If you value your time and money, keeping up with your roof is best.

Residential vs. Commercial Roof Replacements

Roof replacements differ when comparing residential and commercial roofs, but typically, you won’t notice much difference in replacement frequency aside from material factors.

Residential roofs come in various materials, such as asphalt shingles, concrete, metal, slate, and more. The lifespan of these materials varies wildly, lasting anywhere from 20 to 50 years, and sometimes even longer.

On the other hand, commercial roofs are generally flat, having shingles, silicone coating, TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, metal, composite, and more. Just as with the materials used for residential roofs, what you use will determine the longevity. The main difference is that commercial roofs are often much more extensive than standard residential ones, so there is a stronger need for regular maintenance and upkeep.

Residential vs. Commercial Roof Replacements

Flat roof protective covering with bitumen membrane for waterproofing

Still Unsure? Utilize Inspections

There’s much to consider when understanding how often to replace a roof. Knowing when to replace your roof can be confusing with all the variables to consider. If you feel overwhelmed, it might benefit you to get a professional inspection.

By getting a roof inspection, you’ll better understand what you’re dealing with. You’ll be informed of your roof’s condition, if any repairs are necessary, and how long your roof is expected to last. This information can be invaluable in determining how often to replace a roof, especially when you’re dealing with a material other than shingles or need to maintain a large commercial roof.

Looking for a Roof Replacement in Florida? Floridian Roofing & Solar Has You Covered

Knowing how often to replace a roof is only half the battle, and replacing it is another. Whether your roof has sustained storm damage, is undergoing material upgrades, or has simply reached the end of its expected duration, replacing it can be a major task. This is when it helps to know a trusted professional to get the job done promptly and efficiently.

Founded in 2018, the Floridian Roofing & Solar team has provided commercial and residential roofing services to the public for much longer—for over 20 years. Our experience with commercial and residential roof repairs, replacements, solar installations, and insurance claims layered the foundation for what we are today.

If you’re located in the Florida areas of Jacksonville, St. John’s, Duval County, Nassau, or the Palm Coast and need a roof replacement, give us a call. We would happily provide an inspection and assist with any additional services you may require.

How Often to Replace a Roof: What You Need to Know

Why Knowing How Often to Replace a Roof Is Important

Variables for How Often to Replace a Roof

Materials

Looking to Change Your Roofing?

Age

Location

Damage

Maintenance

Residential vs. Commercial Roof Replacements

Still Unsure? Utilize Inspections

Looking for a Roof Replacement in Florida? Floridian Roofing & Solar Has You Covered

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