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Unfortunately, there’s no definitive answer to this question, but the wind rating of your shingles will give you a good idea of what wind speeds can damage your roof. If you’re concerned about damage, inspect your roof following windy conditions to look for signs of wind damage to your shingles. When in doubt, consider hiring a professional who fixes roofs to carry out an expert inspection. Remember that hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes are likely to cause the most damage, but even severe thunderstorms can bring winds that compromise your roofing system.

When installed and maintained properly, a cedar shake roof should last up to 60 years. Severe weather and high winds will damage your roof, reducing its life span. Expect a shorter life span if the roofer didn't use top-grade material, didn’t have cedar shake expertise, didn’t create the proper ventilation, or didn’t use the correct fasteners. Keeping up with maintenance will help it last longer. It’s also a good idea to get roof inspections on a regular basis to help spot repairs before they become major issues.

Thatched roofs last for between 30 and 50 years in most cases, which is longer than most asphalt roofs. However, getting that life span from your thatched roof requires more maintenance than you’d need for most other materials, including fireproofing, brushing, cleaning, and rethatching as the material gets worn down. You’ll also need routine inspections to ensure you’re not at risk of leaks.

The most obvious and severe sign of a roof leak is the presence of wet spots on your ceilings, specifically on the top floor of your home. You can also identify a roof leak from your attic if you see sagging insulation or if you notice mold growth or water stains on the rafters or the underside of the roof deck. From the street, look for cracked or missing shingles, moss growth, and shingles that are curling upward, all of which can suggest a leak.