This depends on the type of roof you have. Flat roofs are different than pitched roofs; metal roofs are different than shake, tile, or composite roofs. You may be referring to asphalt composition roofs, as those are the most common type. These roofs can fail due to wear or structural damage.

If the roof is sagging between joists, then it should be inspected for integrity. It might need replacing since the roof deck might be compromised. If it is leaking, it may be due to issues with seams and seals. If your shingles are cracked, brittle, and fraying on the edges, then they are probably nearing the end of their lifespan. Even if the roof is not currently leaking, it may very well start to leak in the near future. Sometimes roofs like this may last several more years if left undisturbed. Unfortunately, once they do start leaking, they will need to be replaced right away.

A more proactive approach is to get replacements early so you know you have a safe and secure home. A leak that goes undetected can cause serious structural damage to your home and cost many thousands of dollars in repair that could have been avoided. For more information about our roofing and siding contractors, contact Emerald State Windows & Siding today.

Generally, in our experience, the minimum slope allowed for composition shingles is 2/12. This represents the "rise over run" for the roof's slant.

For such a low-slope roof, you need to apply water and ice sheathing in addition to felt. Check the shingle manufacturer's specifications before choosing a shingle, since not all shingles are alike. If you have additional questions about these specifications, contact our roof and window company today.

We've found that the average composite roof lasts about 30 years. According to our team, top-of-the-line composite materials like the triple-layer Presidential Shake TL come with a 50-year warranty as well. As a CertainTeed Certified Select ShingleMaster, we are able to offer the SureStart PLUS 5-Star warranty. This type of warranty covers all labor costs for repair or replacement. Call our roofing and siding contractors today to learn more.