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Homeowners insurance sometimes covers roof decking, but it depends on the cause of damage and whether the decking was properly installed. If the roof decking was damaged by a severe storm, then it will likely be covered. Insurance may also pay for roof decking work if building codes require it. However, insurance won’t cover damage caused by normal wear and tear or poor maintenance practices.

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.

Whether a metal or shingle roof is better for you depends on your preferences. Standing seam metal roofs require little to no maintenance, but if you install a screw-down metal roof where the fasteners are exposed, the gaskets on the fasteners will dry rot and need to be replaced. Generally, screw-down metal roofs need to be re-screwed every 15 to 20 years.

Metal roofs are energy-efficient and have extended warranties, while asphalt shingles are less durable than most. They tend to lose color and get damaged over time, and absorb heat from the sun.

A roof replacement can take anywhere from one to 14 days. For most homes, a full replacement that includes tearing off old materials takes about one to two days, though the average project can last up to 12 days. The exact timeline depends on several factors, including the roof's size and complexity, the type of roofing material, the crew size, and weather conditions. Certain materials take longer to install; for example, metal roofs can take seven to 14 days because the material is more difficult to work with than asphalt shingles, wood, or tile. A re-roofing project, where new shingles are installed over old ones, can take half the time or less. It's also important to factor in the time needed to obtain necessary permits. A professional roofing contractor will typically complete the job faster than a DIY approach.