If you are a homeowner or a landlord who has experienced roof leaks and other roof-related issues in the past, you know the kind of trouble these problems can cause. Not only can roofing issues cause serious damage to your property (usually from water damage), but it can also be extremely costly. If you are currently experiencing roofing complications, it’s time to weigh your options before the damage gets out of control.
In this blog post, we’ll provide you with information about two options you need to consider if you’re experiencing roofing issues. These two options are a lift and relay and a roof replacement. We will cover both of these options in great detail so that you can make an informed decision on how to proceed with fixing your roofing problems.
Understand Your Roof’s Potential Lifespan
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that every roof is different depending on the roofing material type, building design, and other key variables. Generally, most roofs will last between 25 and 30 years. However, it’s again important to mention the possibility that your roof could need a roof replacement or a lift and relay sooner, depending on other factors that we will cover in the next section.
Here are the lifespans of some of the most common roof types:
- Asphalt Shingle (3-tab): 20 to 30 years
- Architectural Asphalt: 25 to 30 years
- Composition Shingle: 15 to 20 years
- Wood Shingle: 20 to 25 years
- Sheet Metal: 50 to 75 years
What Deteriorates Roofs?
Let’s take a look at some of the main issues that tend to deteriorate roofs over time. Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before one of these problems begins to cause trouble for your roof.
- Damage from weather
- Debris accumulation
- The quality of the roofing materials
- Rodents and pests
- High heat (UV light takes a toll on a roof)
- No routine inspections and a lack of ongoing roof maintenance
Roof Replacement
A roof replacement is the process of tearing off your old roof all the way down to the deck and replacing it with a completely new roof. In some cases, even the decking will need to be replaced if there is extreme damage (usually caused by water or pests). It’s never good to find out the hard way that you need a new roof. For that reason, it’s important for homeowners and landlords to monitor their roofs and work closely with a roofing repair company to know when it may be time for a roof replacement.
Signs My Roof Needs to be Replaced
Now that we went over some of the factors that cause roof damage, let’s take a look at some of the signs of a damaged roof that will usually lead to a full roof replacement.
- The roof is sagging
- Water damage (look for large stained areas)
- Your energy costs have been increasing
- Holes or sunlight come through the beams
- Dark spots, mold, rot, moss, or algae
- Shingles or tiles are missing or coming loose
- Damaged, curling, or cupped shingles
Lift-N-Lay (Also Known as Lift and Relay)
Before we get into the details of a Lift-N-Lay, it’s important to note that when we refer to a “Lift-N-Lay,” this is just another term for lift and relay. A Lift-N-Lay is the process of lifting the existing roof tiles, replacing the underlayment and battens, and then reinstalling those existing tiles. A Lift-N-Lay is typically 30 to 35 percent cheaper than a full roof replacement.
Not only does a Lift-N-Lay have a faster installation than a full roof replacement, but it also prevents you from wasting perfectly good tiles. That means you won’t be paying for quality materials that you already own on your current roof. For this reason, this option is also the most environmentally-friendly approach to fixing your roof.
Signs My Roof Needs a Lift-N-Lay
Let’s take a look at the signs of roof damage that will usually lead to a Lift-N-Lay.
- Your roof is leaking, but the tiles are in good condition
- A roof inspection shows that your underlayment system is failing
- There is no visible damage from the ground (this means your tiles are in good shape)
What is Roofing Underlayment?
We mentioned the term “roofing underlayment” in the above-mentioned section, because it is the key component of a Lift-N-Lay. Roofing underlayment is what lies between the shingles/tiles and the roof deck. In most cases, this layer is made of plywood and it’s installed directly onto the roof deck. The underlayment is an important secondary layer of protection from weather elements.
With regular inspections from licensed roofing contractors approximately every five years, an underlayment typically lasts somewhere between 20 and 30 years. Please keep in mind, factors such as extreme heat and pests can significantly decrease the lifespan of an underlayment.
What are Roofing Battens?
Roofing battens help to elevate roof tiles above the roofing deck. In most cases, a batten is a thin strip of wood. These can run horizontal or perpendicular to the slope of a roof. Battens help ensure that water properly drains off the roof.
Battens are important to replace over time, especially if they were rotted or damaged due to water damage. For those of us who live here in Las Vegas, battens are excellent for reducing heat gain in the attic. Having battens in place on your roof can equate to major energy cost savings.
Lift-N-Lay vs Roof Replacement
Should you get a Lift-n-Lay or a roof replacement? Find out the pros and cons of each.
Lift-N-LayHere is a quick recap of the pros and cons of a Lift-N-Lay: |
Roof ReplacementHere is a quick recap of the pros and cons of a roof replacement: |
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Contact the Leading Las Vegas Roofing Experts for Lift and Relay or Roof Replacement
It’s easy to see that both the Lift-N-Lay and a roof replacement come with different benefits and drawbacks. Deciding which option to choose will depend solely on the current status of your roof. If your tiles are in great shape, a Lift-N-Lay is a potential option that will save you a lot of money. If there is extensive damage to your roof, a full replacement may be the better choice. To help you better evaluate the condition of your roof, please contact us today for a free estimate. With over 50 years of experience, our team of roofing experts will assess your situation to see if you qualify for a Lift-N-Lay, a roof replacement, or another roofing repair service that will meet your needs.
