If you own or a property, or looking to purchase, then it is important to understand how long your roof should last. This will give you an idea of when to get your roof replaced and it will also help you to plan your maintenance budget for your property accordingly, which is especially important if you own an investment property.
Roofing Material - the material which your roof covering is made of will have the greatest impact upon the lifecycle of your roof.
Common roofing materials are expected to have the following lifespan*:
*quoted figures are intended as a guide only and will vary depending on lifecycle maintenance and exposure to adverse weather conditions
Maintenance and repair - to achieve the greatest longevity from your roof, it is important to make sure that you carry out routine maintenance and repairs to your roof when necessary. Chimney Repointing, tile cleaning, gutter clearance and condensation management are all examples of measures that need to be taken to avoid having to replace your roof prematurely.
Exposure to the elements - if your roof is particularly exposed to the wind, sun and rain, then you can expect to have to replace it sooner than a roof which is sheltered from harsh conditions.
Tile roofs are the most popular type of roof on properties in Nottingham and of all the roofing materials, natural slate tiles have the longest life expectancy. It is not uncommon for slate roofs to last more than 100 years. Natural slate is also one of the most expensive roofing materials and is not suitable for every type of property due to its weight. If you are using slate, structural strengthening may be required which can lead to significant disruption and cost.
Concrete and clay roof tiles have similar longevity and are the next most durable behind natural slate. Typically, a concrete or clay tile roof can easily last 60 years with proper care and maintenance, however most tile manufacturers will only guarantee the material for 30 years. Concrete and clay are suitable for most types of pitched roofs and are available in a variety of colours, making them a great choice for all round value for money.
Synthetic slate is a man-made tile that is made to appear the same as natural slate. Synthetic slate can be made from composite material or plastic; however it has a lower life expectancy when compared with other tile concrete, clay or natural slate. Synthetic slate gets its advantage from being lightweight, easily recyclable, and traditional in appearance.
Metal roofs are an extremely durable roofing material which is why they are commonly used on industrial and commercial buildings. The typical lifespan of a metal roof is around 55 years, bit spans of up 70+ years are not uncommon. A word of caution is that metal roofing can be expensive when compared with clay, concrete, and slate tiles. Metal roofing materials are also susceptible to large price changes in accordance with the market price changes of metal.
Flat roofs covered with felt or a rubber membrane typically have the shortest lifecycle of any roofing material. It can be difficult to find a flat roofing material that will be guaranteed beyond 20 years by the manufacturer, which is why flat roofs will need changing more often than pitched roofs.
A benefit of flat roofs is that they are cheaper to install than pitched roofs. They are also ideal for extensions, where a pitched roof would otherwise affect the view from the main building, or surrounding properties. At Roofers Nottingham, we recommend having your flat roof replaced approximately once every 25 years. If you have a rubber roof covering, you may be able to hold off a full replacement for 5-10+ years beyond this period.
Pitched tile roofs have the greatest expected lifespan and flat roofs have the lowest lifespan. To achieve the maximum potential from your roof’s lifespan, it is important to ensure that your roof is maintained correctly. Any repairs or defects should be seen to at the earliest opportunity to avoid damage and early deterioration.
For an honest assessment of your roof’s condition, call Roofers Nottingham today. Our experienced team of Roofers in Nottingham will be able to advise on the most cost effective solution to make sure you achieve the most out of your roof.
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