A roof in an integral part of your home. It offers protection from the elements and from any critters who might be looking for places to live, and it can help keep your place at a comfortable temperature. In addition, your roof contributes to the structural integrity of your place. It's one of the elements that ties other components together. In terms of financial considerations, a roof plays an important role. If you have a relatively new, well-maintained roof, this could result in a higher property value. The opposite can be true, too, as an old, damaged roof can detract from your home's value.

Roofs represent major investments, and this makes sense, given what they do and how they've been built. Fortunately, roofs can last a long time, so you won't have to replace your roof that frequently.

Just like with most other things, though, a roof has a limited lifespan. When it reaches the end of its lifespan, it'll have deteriorated to the point in which it can no longer offer reliable protection. It may become damaged, allowing water to penetrate through. When this happens, the situation can turn quickly. Wood can rot, and mold and mildew can develop. A damaged roof can also lead to problems with keeping the temperature in your home at a certain level, and it can invite animals to nest in your attic. To avoid these problems, replacing a roof may be the best decision in some scenarios. 

How will you know when the time is right to replace your roof? It depends on various factors.

 Asphalt roofs have become popular since they're more affordable than many other options. If you invest in more budget-friendly three-tab asphalt shingles, expect your roof to last around 20 years. Opting for architectural shingles can result in a longer lifespan. Architectural shingles may be able to last between 20 and 30 years.

Metal is a very durable material, and as such, it can be a smart choice as a roofing material. Many metal roofs last at least 40 years, and some could even remain functional for up to 80 years. Steel is a less expensive material, so it's commonly used in metal roofs. Copper can last longer, but it's more expensive, and the same can be said for zinc.

If you have a wood shingle or shake roof, you might need to replace it in 25 or 30 years, though it could stay in good shape for much longer if you regularly maintain it. You'll have to stain or repaint the wood several times within its life span and treat it to prevent the development of mold, mildew, and moss.

Clay and concrete tiles do a great job in warmer, arid climates. These tiles can withstand strong winds and high temperatures, and they can last between 50 and 100 years. 

Slate does very well as a roofing material. As a natural material, it's been designed to handle the elements. It requires little maintenance, and it could potentially last more than 150 years. As you might imagine, a material with this kind of longevity can be expensive to install.

As you can see, there's a wide range of lifespans for roofing materials. Typically, you get what you pay for. When installing roofs, people have to be realistic about their budget, and sometimes, it makes more sense to go with more budget-friendly options.

Workmanship can affect how long a roof can last. When preparing for an installation, be sure to use a reputable company with insurance and references. Also, the climate can significantly affect the longevity of a roof. Extreme weather conditions can be challenging for any type of roof to deal with. Further, ventilation has a key role in preventing moisture from building up. Roofs need to be properly vented so that they can breathe and moisture can escape. On that note, consider trimming trees near your home. This way, debris won't collect on your roof, and the shade provided by trees won't encourage the development of moss and algae. 

Keeping a roof maintained can help it stay intact for much longer. It could be a smart idea to enlist the assistance of a professional roofing company. That company can inspect and fix minor issues before they become more significant, and they can advise you as to whether you should repair or replace your roof at a certain point. If your roof is nearing the end of its anticipated lifespan, it's probably a better idea to replace it rather than repair it. If you simply repair it, you'll likely be faced with additional problems in the near future. Additionally, extensive damage to multiple areas of a roof could be cause for a replacement rather than a repair.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for Landmark Roofing