As a homeowner or business owner, you’ve learned by now that quality is everything – unless you want to be constantly repairing and replacing things. Good quality roof tiles are one of those things that should last you a long, long time. But even still, there comes a day when your roof might need replacing. In this post, we’ll go through how long your roof should last and some signs that yours might need attention.

Concrete roofs

Concrete is a strong and durable material but it’s also affordable and accessible, leading many home builders to choose concrete as their roof tile material. With the proper maintenance and care, concrete roof tiles can last upwards of 50 years. Here are some signs that your concrete roof might need replacing:

  • Dried out, brittle underlayment
  • Water stains on ceiling or eaves, indicating leaking
  • High number of cracked and broken tiles

Terracotta roofs

Not only are terracotta tiles a strong and durable option for roofing, they’re also beautiful in their rich red colour. Depending on maintenance and the conditions of your environment, terracotta roof tiles have an average lifespan of around 70 years. Indicators for replacement are very similar to concrete roofs. Some signs include:

  • Dried out, brittle underlayment
  • Water stains on ceiling or eaves, indicating leaking
  • High number of cracked and broken tiles

Metal roofs

Colourbond steel can last between 30 and 50 years, whereas zinc is super durable, lasting between 80 and 100 years on average. It’s also an environmentally friendly option for roofing as it can be recycled. Metal roofs start showing signs that they need replacing when:

  • There are many areas of rust
  • There are noticeable leaks

Slate

Slate is the most durable roof material. As a natural stone, slate is much more resistant to deterioration, corrosion and the extreme weather conditions that are ever present in Australia. Its durability also means that it will require little maintenance in the long run. Slate roof tiles are able to last 100 years or more. Signs that your slate roof needs replacing include:

  • Flaking of your tiles which indicates extreme weathering
  • Delamination, in which layers of your slate tiles seem to be peeling off
  • Dried out, brittle underlayment
  • A number of sliding or displaced slate tiles

Organise an inspection

Think you might need an extra pair of eyes from a professional? Get in touch with Royce Roofing. They’re Melbourne’s specialists in roof repairs, replacements and restorations, working on a range of different roofs to ensure the structural security of your home. Organise an inspection with the experts at Royce Roofing today.