Trusted Roofing Contractor Serving San Diego County and North County Since 2008

On average, an asphalt roof can last up to 20 years and a metal roof up to 50 years, but various factors can shorten or lengthen its lifespan. For example, extreme weather, climate and maintenance all play a role in how long the roof can last.

People who regularly take care of their roofs – by doing inspections, maintenance and washing it off – will extend the roof’s lifespan.

Flashing is material used over joints, giving the roof additional protection to ensure water cannot get into the susceptible spots of the roof, the chimney, area around pipes and skylights (if any).

The majority of flashing comprises galvanized steel or aluminum, which can rapidly deteriorate or loosen. When this happens, leaks can occur. Thankfully, problematic flashing can be dealt with easily, but it’s crucial to catch it early. In many cases, new flashing can be installed, or a roofing adhesive can be used to secure the old flashing.

This is a task that many homeowners can do themselves. However, if you lack the confidence to do this on your own, a professional Vista roofing company can do the job. Best of all, the cost to repair/replace flashing is reasonably cheap and can be done relatively quickly.

If you’re concerned about your roof and whether or not it’s failing, it’s important first to consider the age. Age is the primary factor of telling when your roof is failing or will fail. If you have an asphalt roof more than 20 years old, it should be replaced immediately. However, it’s not just older roofs that are prone to failure. It’s been known to happen that a newly installed or relatively newer roof can fail as well.

The key to protecting your home and its belongings and occupants is to visually inspect the roof for damage using binoculars. You want to see if there are any curled, cracked or missing shingles or if shingles have granules missing.

Go to the attic when the sun is shining bright to see if there are any holes (can you see the light peeking through the roof?). Most problems are found around stack vents and chimneys. If you notice sunlight coming through, your roof will need to be fixed or replaced. While in the attic, look for wet spots. If water has gotten through to the inside, it could lead to a more serious issue.

Contact a professional roofer right away to get the damage addressed.

In places where the climate is wet and humid, it’s not unusual to see green and black stains appear on roofs. What is the cause of these stains? It’s algae, lichens and moss that attach to the roof and proliferate. When you see the stains, make sure to regularly rinse the roof off. If allowed to grow, they eat the granules and shingles designed to keep the home dry.

Proliferation of these substances will lead to mold and rot, which will lead to leaks and water damage.

Regularly inspecting and cleaning your roof will ensure these growths are kept at bay and ensure your roof stays in good condition.

Don’t fret if you notice one or two leaks coming from your roof. Reach out to a professional roofing company to inspect and repair the problem. If there are multiple leaks, then in-depth repairs will be necessary.

Waiting to make repairs can lead to water getting underneath the shingles and causing the roof deck to rot. If this occurs, the roof will need to be replaced. The first time you see a leak, immediately call a professional roofer to address the problem.

All roofs are not the same, so getting an exact cost isn’t possible. If you need your home’s roof replaced, call a professional roofer to determine how much it will cost to do the job. Dependable roofers will install your new roof over the old one to save you money and them time. However, this is only possible if the roof is in good shape.

How long it takes a roofing contractor to replace your roof and install a new one depends on two key things:

• Home’s shape
• Kind of roof being installed

It can take several days to weeks to install a new roof. If an asphalt roof is being installed on the previous roof, the job can be finished quicker since the roof won’t be stripped.

Timing and weather also play a role in how long it takes for the job to be complete.

In the majority of cases, a homeowner’s home insurance policy covers a roof that’s experienced major damage from fire, wind, vandalism, etc. For minor problems, roofs come with a 10-year warranty. Of course, every roofing contractor offers their own warranties, and roofing material manufacturers have warranties they offer as well.

Make sure to get several bids from contractors to learn what warranties are offered and fit within your budget and expectations.

There are several re-roofing options for roofs that have been damaged or are older. If your home has a single roof, installing another one on top of it is an option. Remember, the old roof should still be in good shape for this to be a feasible option.

If a new roof is installed over the old one, you can choose an asphalt shingle or a light metal roof. There are advantages to both, but metal roofs don’t put a lot of strain on your home’s structure and will last longer. If you’re looking at re-roofing your home, talk with a reputable and experienced roofing company to determine which option is more ideal for your home and budget.