Every building is only as good as the roof that protects the interior from serious damage. The shingles on your home or commercial building’s roof stand up to a great deal of wear and tear over the years. But, that doesn’t mean they’ll last forever. Knowing when to replace the shingles on your roof helps you protect your property from serious wind and water damage.

What’s the Average Lifespan of Shingles?

On average, you can expect a new shingle roof to last for around 15 to 30 years. While this is a broad range, it helps to know that the life expectancy of a roof depends mostly on the type of shingles that it’s made of. For example, asphalt shingles last longer than ones made from wood. Meanwhile, concrete tile shingles could last up to 50 years with proper care. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll still need to plan for shingle repair periodically to achieve the higher ends of the life span for your roof type.

What Are Signs That Shingles Need Replacement?

One of the best things about a shingle roof is that you can replace individual ones when you catch damage early. Although you’ll eventually need to arrange for a full roof replacement, fixing isolated areas with damage can prevent major issues such as water leaks for many years. You can sometimes see roof damage by standing back from your property. But, you might also need a professional to look for issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye such as cracks and missing shingles that are located out of view. If you notice any missing shingles, loose granules or light coming through the attic, then call for an inspection right away.

How Do You Extend the Life of Your Roof?

Although a shingle replacement is inevitable at some point, there are several things you can do to preserve the ones on your roof. You can start by making sure that tree branches are trimmed back from the rooftop so they don’t rub off the granules on the shingles or fall and create cracks. You’ll also want to keep the gutters free of debris. Making sure that the gutters run freely helps to prevent water from pooling on the roof where it can damage the shingles. You’ll also want to remove debris from the roof as quickly as possible after a storm. Wet leaves, heavy branches and other debris can cause the roofing materials to rot over time. Keeping the roof clear allows the shingles to protect the roof better and have a longer lifespan.

Schedule a Roof Inspection to Extend Your Roof’s Lifespan

Ideally, roofs should have an annual inspection to check for small problems that are easier to repair now. Contact our team at Phil DiBello Family Roofing to schedule your inspection today!