How Long Does a Roof Last? Signs Yours Needs Replacing

The roof of your home is one of the most important aspects, and it’s integral to the structure and protection of the building. Ignoring a roof that needs to be replaced could leave you dealing with much bigger issues in the long run, on top of having to pay for a new one.

The lifespan of your roof is dependent on what it is made of, who installed it and the conditions where you live. On the whole, roofs have a long lifespan, however, if you buy a new house, the roof may have already been there for quite some time. Here we will explain how long you can expect your roof to last and the signs you may need to replace it.

Slate roofing

Slate is an excellent roof choice and is capable of lasting over 100 years. It’s a natural material with unmatched technical features. Often it’s the supporting timbers that deteriorate before the slate tiles themselves.

Signs your slate roof may need repairing or re-slating:

-      Delamination of poor quality slates where the tiles split into layers

-      Mechanical damage like wind-lift

-      Bad slating practice like the use of thin nails that cut through slates

-      Decay of mortar ‘torching’ underneath slates

Lead roofing

Lead is another material that is highly durable as well as being an abundant and cost-effective material. The lifespan of lead roofing can be between 60 to 100 years - or even more, depending on external factors. Prolonged exposure to the elements can leave your lead roofing looking a little tired.

Signs your lead roofing may need replacing:

-      Water damage because of gaps or cracks in the lead

-      Mould inside your home is an additional sign of water damage

-      Sunlight coming through the roof

-      Rotting underlay caused by moisture damaging the structure and leading to tears

-      Loose tiles meaning they are no longer fitting together because of missing lead or warping



Roof maintenance tips

To prolong the lifespan of your roof you can ensure regular maintenance including:

-      Cleaning the roof - When roofing material is left dirty, it can eventually rust and deteriorate. You can purchase a variety of cleaning products to keep your roof in good condition.

-      Clearing away debris - As well as keeping your roof clean, it’s important to clear any debris as well. You can do this by sweeping and collecting it in bags.

-      Clean your gutters - Clear any debris from your gutters too, including leaves, sticks or other obstructions. If your gutters are blocked it won’t allow rainwater to run off so make sure you keep these clean. 

B & D Roofing and Building provides high-quality roofing repair services, from flat roofs to slate and lead. Whether you’re in need of repairs, roof installations, green roofs, stonemasonry or other building services, get in touch with our friendly team.