First-Time Homeowner? Your Important Roof Replacement Questions Answered

The roof of a residential house is often referred to as being one of the most important parts of any home's structure. It protects and shelters the occupants and their possessions from rain and snow, as well as helping to strengthen and support the entire structure of the home. 

But even with this level of importance, most homeowners lack the education and experience to determine when their home's roof is ready for replacement. If you are new to home ownership and interested in learning as much as you can about the roof, including clues that can mean it is ready for replacement, here are some of your most important roofing questions answered. 

What is the expected lifespan of a home roof? 

The lifespan of the home roof will depend on several factors, including the type and quality of the materials and the level of expertise in the installation. The average lifespan of most roofing materials is: 

  • wooden shingles - 25 years
  • wooden shakes - 35 to 40 years
  • clay tile and slate roofing - 100 years or longer
  • standing seam metal - 30 to 50 years
  • composite shingles - 15 to 50 years

It is important to note that the lifespan numbers listed above may be reduced significantly if repair issues are not dealt with quickly. 

Is roof replacement covered under the home's insurance? 

Homeowners often believe that the cost of replacing their roof is covered under their homeowner's insurance, but the fact is that this is only partially true. In fact, a roof that needs to be replaced solely because it has reached its lifespan probably will not be covered at all.

Instead, most home insurance policies limit their coverage of a home's roof to damage caused specifically by a verifiable act of nature, such as a hailstorm, lightning strike, windstorm, or when a tree falls and impacts the roof. 

How can homeowners monitor the condition of their home's roof? 

One of the best ways to monitor roof condition is to invest in a regular professional inspection, performed by a properly licensed roofing contractor. During this inspection, the roofing contractor will closely examine roofing materials for wear or damage, as well as check seams, ridge vents, flashing, and seals around pipes and flues for signs of deterioration or leaking.

To schedule a roofing inspection or learn how to care for and extend the lifespan of your home's roof, call on a reputable roofing contractor in your area. For more information, contact a company like AlphaOne Exteriors.


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