When does this roof need replacing?

Jazzonaut

It's a house built in the 1970, so the roof must be of original construction. From what I can see, the tiles are plain concrete type (?). After reading numerous websites, the apparent life span of those varies widely, from 25 to 60 plus years. Roofing companies usually give it just 25-30 years, for obvious reasons, other would say it could last over 50 years if looked after properly.
There are no visibly damaged or cracked tiles and no leaks/dampness/outside light visible in the loft.

So the question is, if cleaned of the moss and kept in good condition, will it last for another 10+ years? Any comments appreciated.

Here is the picture of the roof in question:
i.imgur.com/iV69DWC.jpg (please add http)

rob7475

A roof should last a lot longer than 50 years really. You may have the odd broken tile to replace now and again and the ridge tiles may need replacing or re-bedding at some point. Many victorian era houses still have their original roofs so your 70's roof should be fine for a good while yet.

Mojisola

Jazzonaut wrote: »

It's a house built in the 1970, so the roof must be of original construction.

There are no visibly damaged or cracked tiles and no leaks/dampness/outside light visible in the loft.

So the question is, if cleaned of the moss and kept in good condition, will it last for another 10+ years?

Why do anything to it? The moss won't be damaging it.

Jazzonaut

rob7475 wrote: »

A roof should last a lot longer than 50 years really. You may have the odd broken tile to replace now and again and the ridge tiles may need replacing or re-bedding at some point. Many victorian era houses still have their original roofs so your 70's roof should be fine for a good while yet.

Which was my original though, surely they should last longer than 50 years? Especially if there's no signs of any damage or leaks. But after a bit of googling, there seem to be a conclusion that at best they would last for 50-60 years, that's it. Could it be that the concrete tiles will start to perish after a while? Although they looks OK on that picture. Sorry, I'm just really confused by all these different opinions.

Jazzonaut

Mojisola wrote: »

Why do anything to it? The moss won't be damaging it.

Apparently moss is harmful for concrete tiles? Feel free to prove me wrong, that's just what I've read....

Mojisola

Jazzonaut wrote: »

Apparently moss is harmful for concrete tiles? Feel free to prove me wrong, that's just what I've read....

http://www.nfrc.co.uk/article/2012/09/07/moss-on-your-roof-advice
The reason being, in most instances, moss on roof tiles is rarely a problem and only needs to be removed if it is blocking gutters, outlets and other drainage points on the roof.

Jazzonaut

Mojisola wrote: »

http://www.nfrc.co.uk/article/2012/09/07/moss-on-your-roof-advice
The reason being, in most instances, moss on roof tiles is rarely a problem and only needs to be removed if it is blocking gutters, outlets and other drainage points on the roof.

Thanks, it's pretty clear conclusion from that article. I'll leave it alone!

Davesnave

My 1974 concrete roof tiles all came off this year, were cleaned and put back on new battens. Very little sign of deterioration. I'd expect them to do another 25 years at least.

Jazzonaut

Davesnave wrote: »

My 1974 concrete roof tiles all came off this year, were cleaned and put back on new battens. Very little sign of deterioration. I'd expect them to do another 25 years at least.

What was the reason for changing the battens and taking down the roof tiles?

thebaldwindowfitter

We do upvc roofline on all ages of houses removeing all the original timbers not covering over so take up a row of tiles at eves level and usually the tiles are good .
For the most part most roofs are fine ,sometimes as well as ridge tiles verges also need doing either repointing or dry verge if there are gables and lead flashings can deteriorate around chimneys soil stacks and valleys but these things are no need for a total re roof .
Sometimes moss can cause damage to concrete tiles if its in the joints when it get full of water after a downpoor and then it freezes it expands and blows the joints

stator

My house was built 1955 and I believe still has the original concrete tiles (90% of the other houses on the terrace/street look exactly the same).