Phases of Roof Life Cycle –
Are you looking for information regarding the phases of the roof life cycle?
A roof’s life cycle will vary depending on factors but there are some tried and true phases too. Your home’s roof is one of the most valuable assets of protection to your home and serves a purpose greater than you’d ever imagine!
Skip unnecessary major repairs, roofing problems, and other bad news by keeping in the know! Today, we will discuss what you need to know about the phases of the roof life cycle. Let’s go!
✔ Related: Common Roofing Questions!
What is it important to understand the phases of the roof life cycle?
Your home’s roofing system adds the most value to protecting your home’s interior from environmental conditions and therefore is a critical piece in the puzzle that is important in maintaining your home’s structural integrity.
When we are in the know about our own home’s roof and its actual lifespan and subsequent stages of its life, we as homeowners are equipped with the fundamental knowledge to adapt to proper maintenance procedures that are necessary at that given time. Roofs are different from new to old, completely different stages = different care!
✔ Must Read: Roof Warranty Info
What is the life cycle of a roof?
The life cycle of a roof goes in three different phases that should take into consideration, however, it is wise to know the factors that play a role in your roof’s actual lifespan. Here are some below:
- Local environmental conditions
- Proper application and adequate roof maintenance
- The extent of material quality
- Proper building and roof system design
New Life
New roof installation
The life of a new roof begins with a completely new roof installation. This incipient stage, in other words, called “The curing phase,” in the roof’s lifecycle typically lasts around more or less 2 years keeping into account all variables mentioned above.
Proper installation is critical! While still in the beginning, expect premature aging other signs including rapid granule loss, and curling of shingles around the edge.
If this is giving you a premature heart attack, don’t fret! Just some growing pains to adapt.
Mid-Life
In this part of the roof’s lifecycle, you’re looking at a time frame of more or less 12-15 years where aging actually slows down as it moved past that initial adjustment “curing” phase. You’ll see cracking of shingles, minor granule loss, and other forms of lower-level wear and tear. Don’t need to worry here too much, but being proactive is key!
Regular inspection and routine maintenance is going to come in handy (frequency determined by the extent of variables mentioned above) 100% to make sure all components in your roofing system are working properly and effectively.
In periodic inspections, it is wise to check and clean gutters, vents, and get rid of any debris that is on your roof. Debris on your roof such as falling tree limbs can lead to broken shingles! Be sure to also do your due diligence in examining your roof for mold, moss, or algae. If you got any of them, your problems began!
That’s a tell-tale sign of leaks that requires immediate attention from professional roofers and/or roofing contractors.
With roofs remember that everything compounds over time!
If you don’t take proper care of your roof over an extended period of time, that actually is a red flag for eligibility for warranty coverage. Don’t allow extended neglect to cause you to shell out thousands! Plan ahead every step of the way.
End of Life (Roof Life Cycle)
Your roof’s lifespan can vary depending on the type of material you use (for example asphalt shingles don’t last as long as a metal roof) and near the end of your roof’s lifespan you are looking at a possible:
Roof Replacement
After the mid-life phase of a roof’s lifecycle of more or less 12-15 years, your roof is now considered an old roof and enters the twilight phase of its lifespan, entering another phase of rapid aging and decline.
Excessive loss, broken and missing shingles due to weather conditions, loose granules, exposed bald spots, and so on are characteristics of this phase. If you are not careful, you will have to replace other features around your roofs such as the roof’s decking or gutters if you stay in the end life cycle for too long!
Therefore, roof replacement should be considered as it is an imminent task to be performed. It is advisable go through a series of roof inspections to mitigate further maintenance costs.
Common Question: Should I get an Asphalt shingle roof?
Asphalt shingle roofs have a durable outer layer, effective, affordable, energy-efficient, and so forth! No short reason why it’s the most popular material in the roofing industry. However, your roof’s needs are different from the next!
You need help from roofing professionals, who can point you in the right direction! Many roofing contractors are glad to serve customers through free estimates on the best next replacement job for your home!
Asphalt shingle roof installation is more and more advanced with many of the factory product warranties guaranteeing your roof longer than ever before. A complete roof system install should last 25+ years.
Life Cycle Cost
Most people will ask the cost question, “How much does a new roof cost to install?”
We wrote an entire article on this and while the numbers vary, in the end, the initial installation costs might shock you, but doing it right the first time is worth it! The average life of a roof should be factored into your maintenance costs and budget!
What’s the Verdict?
The phases of a roof follow a simple sequence of progression, yet requires an in-depth understanding of each stage. When you make concerted efforts to be in the know in each stage, you know how to act and care for your roof. However, caring for your roof doesn’t come without expertise.
No matter what phase you are in, seek professional guidance for tips and ways forward to care for your roof.
Remember, it is always best to prepare before you have to repair… especially when it comes to your roof! Need a free estimate or roof inspection? Reach out here:
Roof Decking Replacement & What to Know