Get matched with top roofers in Paramus, NJ

A roof's lifespan can range from 15 to 200 years, with an average of 25 to 50 years, depending heavily on the material, quality of installation, maintenance, and local climate. Asphalt shingle roofs are common and typically last 15 to 30 years; three-tab shingles have a lifespan of about 20 years, while architectural shingles can last up to 30. More durable materials have longer lifespans: metal roofs last 30 to 100 years, clay and concrete can last 50 to 100 years, and slate roofs can last up to 200 years with proper care. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and replacing damaged shingles, is crucial for extending the life of any roof.

Thatched roofs are expensive for two main reasons: high labor costs and low supply of available roofers. The labor is more intensive for a thatched roof than other roof materials, so your contractor will work longer and charge more for the installation. There are also few professionals with the specialized skills and experience to install thatched roofs. Since the supply of available professionals is low, the cost of compensation is high.

There should be small gaps between your roof and the walls of your home, and other buildings. These small gaps let building materials shift, expand, and contract with weather and other outside forces, and they prevent moisture from wicking down walls from roofing and gutter systems. Without these strategic gaps, your home’s exterior and its finishes can sustain water damage, decay, peel, delaminate, and crack. However, there is a fine line between a smart gap and a problematic gap—all  gaps should be small, intentional, and covered or filled in with foam insulation to prevent pests from using them as access points.

Depending on the type of damage your roof shingles have, you may be able to simply repair them without having to replace them. However, if there are more than a few to repair, replacement is likely the easier option. You may only need to replace a few of them. Repair shingles by applying roofing sealant directly under the shingle's damage and then directly over it.