The Real Cost of an Old Roof
Like everything in this world roofs have a lifespan, and based on our 30 years of roofing in Central Oregon we can say an architectural shingled roof will last anywhere from 17-18 years. So if your roof is over 17 years old it is imperative that you begin preparing for a roof replacement.
What factors impact how long your roof lasts?
Environmental conditions – Central Oregon is harsh on roof, with the cold winters with lots of thawing and freezing, hail storms, and lots of sun.
Quality of the installation workmanship – A poor quality installation will shorten your roof’s lifespan.
The quality of materials used – Cheaper materials won’t cost as much upfront but will have to be replaced more often than other expensive roofing materials.
The type of roofing material used – Each roofing material has different durability, making them last longer or shorter in different conditions.
The Different Roof Types and How Long They Last.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Central Oregon due to their affordability, durability, and warranties that surpass the 20-year benchmark. Most asphalt shingle roofs will last between 18 and 22 years, however, here in Central Oregon we typically see high-quality asphalt shingles lasting closer to 15-20 years due to the harsh winters and dramatic temperature fluctuations.
Signs that your asphalt roof is needing replacement:
Heavy granule loss(granules are those small crushed stones and minerals that give your roof its color)
Black splotching (this is the asphalt showing through in areas where most, if not all, the granules are gone)
Shingles appear shiny (this is the fiberglass mat showing through)
Cracked shingles
Curling from your shingles.
Metal Roofing
A metal roof in Central Oregon can last anywhere from 30-50 years and is better at taking weather damage than its asphalt counterpart. Metal roofing is extremely durable, especially when premium metals are used.
Signs you need a metal roof replacement:
Metal roofs will last as long as the paint does, Once it starts to fade and chip, it’s time to start saving.
Tesla Solar Roof
The Tesla Solar Roof is a new product that Greenlee Roofing is offering in Central Oregon. The Solar Roof combines an incredibly durable waterproof underlayer covered with PV glass tiles that create a protective energy-creating roof for your home. The Tesla Solar Roof comes with a 25-year warranty is expected to last 50-100 years
Signs you need a Tesla Roof Replacement:
If you have shattered tiles or are experiencing water damage it is time to consider replacing your roof. However, due to the new nature of the Tesla Solar Roof, we personally have never seen one fail.
So what should you do if you own an old roof?
With all of this information, the important takeaway is this.
While roofs are intended to last for multiple decades and their ability to protect your home from the elements does diminish over time.
If you allow an old roof to remain on your home it will be a lot more expensive in the long run.
As soon as a roof has exceeded its lifespan, it has become compromised and is putting the home at risk for great damage. Dry rot, mold infestation, and structural damage can easily double and triple the cost of a roof replacement.
Make sure that you have a professional inspect your roof once it’s coming to the end of its anticipated lifespan. If you are in need Greenlee Roofing offers complimentary inspections.
Greenlee has always prided itself on being a relationship-building company first and foremost. We know that a new roof is not cheap – if we can tell a homeowner that they have a couple of winters left on their roof, we’ll communicate that. It’s by this honesty that we’ve become the oldest family-owned roofing company in central Oregon and had the opportunity to roof over 30,000 of your neighbors’ homes.
