Experts usually say a roof should last about 20 years, but that also depends on the surface material of the roof, the climate in your area, and how well you maintain it. Remember, every home insurance company has its own guidelines for whether it will insure your home or not.
With a lifespan of around 22-25 years, a 20-year-old architectural asphalt shingle is considered near the end of its lifespan. While 20 years is old for an architectural asphalt shingle roof, it isn't for a steel standing seam metal roof.
An average roof lasts 25–50 years, depending on the quality, durability, and type of roofing material. You typically get what you pay for, so keep in mind that the cheapest options will require replacement sooner. For example, metal roofs cost much more than asphalt ones but last three times longer.
The national average cost of a new roof at 1,000 sq. ft. is $4,750 to $10,000, with most homeowners spending around $7,000 for architectural shingles installed on a cross gable roof. This project's low cost is $3,000 for 3-tab shingles installed on a gable roof.
If your roof is leaking due to damage from a covered peril, your insurer may pay to repair or replace it, up to the limits of your coverage and minus your deductible. If the roof damage is a result of neglect or wear and tear, it likely won't be covered by your homeowners insurance policy.
Generally considered the best time of year for a roof replacement, autumn offers comfortable temperatures and the mildest weather conditions of all seasons. Thus, workers can install your new roof with relative ease and efficiency. Fall also boasts lower humidity levels, which aids in the adhesion of shingles.
Do Either Darker or Lighter Shingles Last Longer? Many mistakenly believe certain colors might make the roof last longer, but this is a common myth with no data behind it.
While thicker than the traditional 3-tab (or 20-year) shingle, the reality is that a roof with 30-year shingles rarely lasts 30 years. More likely you can hope to get 25 years out of it – that is, if the roof is very well maintained.
You can always apply for a personal loan to pay for a new roof. When you do this, you're working with a lender and taking on a traditional loan. Once approved, you're given the money to pay for your new roof. Then, you pay back the money to your lender on a monthly schedule.
Preventative Maintenance: Replacing a roof before it starts leaking can be a proactive measure to prevent future issues. Leaks can cause extensive damage to your home, including structural damage, insulation problems, and mold growth.
In general, most roofs will last between 20 and 25 years before they need to be replaced. If your roof is approaching or has already reached this age, it's time to start considering a replacement. When a roof gets older, it becomes more susceptible to damage from storms, wind, and hail.
Most insurance policies won't pay to replace or repair any roof that is gradually deteriorating due to wear and tear or neglect. Roofs that are 15 years old often have limited coverage.
Older roofs tend to have poor insulation, affecting the home's energy efficiency. California buyers are often mindful of energy costs, and an inefficient roof can impact their interest.
Once the adjuster has calculated the value of the damage and the depreciation, they can calculate the ACV. So if your roof is warrantied for 30 years, but it's 20 years old, in an ideal world we would say that it has depreciated by 66%. In that case, the ACV would be 34% of the replacement or repair cost.
If you're someone who needs a more technical answer, this article explains that roofs with good resale value tend to be neutral-colored. This includes tan, brown, black, and gray.
Which Types of Roofs Have the Shortest Lifespan? Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials and are relatively affordable. However, they typically have a shorter lifespan compared to other materials, ranging from 15 to 30 years.
Increased Mold Risk
When it comes to the risk of mold, black shingles are something to be cautious about. Being able to absorb more heat than lighter colored shingles, these can create an environment conducive for the growth of mold spores.
You may want to oversee the work to ensure it is being installed properly, or maybe you want to be there to ask the contractor questions you think of. Whatever your reason, the contractor should not have an issue with it. However, a reputable roofing company will recommend that you leave while working.
However, winter is usually the cheapest time of year to replace your roof. This is simply because winter is the slowest time of year in the roofing industry. Because of this, roofing contractors' prices are generally the lowest or more competitive during the winter months.
Key Takeaways
Most homeowners insurance policies cover roof replacement if the damage is the result of an act of nature or sudden accidental event. Most homeowners insurance policies won't pay to replace or repair a roof that's gradually deteriorating due to wear and tear or neglect.
The Roofing Material
The choice of roofing material is often the most significant factor in the cost of a new roof, so expensive materials tend to lead to expensive roofs.