Deciding when the best time to replace your roof isn’t always easy. A roof can need to be replaced for many reasons, some of which are not easy to spot from looking at it.
Age of the Roof
The largest factor in determining this is the age of the roof. Every roof has a lifespan that needs to be recorded. Roofs usually last for around 25 to more than 30 years before they need to be replaced. It is important that despite their relatively long lifespan, that they get inspected regularly for potential maintenance. That doesn’t mean they don’t need to be maintained or inspected more regularly.
The following should be considered when deciding how long your roof has left and whether or not it may be time to replace.
Previous Installation
How it was installed is a good way to tell if it needs to be redone. You need to know what to look for, but can easily be done by just looking at it. Once you are on the roof look for the joins. For example, where the chimney meets the slope.
Is there flashing that extends up the chimney? Checking to make sure that it is present and not cracked is important as this is what weatherproofs your chimney and provides watertight seals.
If it is under the 20 year mark but shingles are falling off or you notice leaks, it is recommended to get your roof inspected by a professional. Oftentimes this may be covered by your warranty.
Roof Condition
Just looking at the overall shape is another great way to tell. The most obvious things to look for are moss growing or any discoloration. This is not a good sign.
If there is moss growing on your roof it usually means that water is not draining and instead pooling which creates an ideal spot for nature to take over. This can cause significant damage to not only the shingles and sheathing, but also the frame of the roof. Catching this early on is crucial.
Inspect the Shingles
There are many ways to tell if you need to consider replacing your roof just by looking at the shingles. Obviously if some are missing you will have to investigate and remedy it. But also if they are curling or buckling. This is one of the signs that your shingles are past their life expectancy.
Another warning sign is sand in your eaves. Shingles that start to lose their effectiveness start to shed causing what seems to be a sand build up in your eaves.
If you are experiencing any of these it is time to have your roof inspected by a professional. We recommend you doing a visual inspection of your roof about twice a year to maintain its integrity.
This way you can catch a potential problem early and are more likely to get it covered by your warranty. This is especially true in colder climates where harsh weather and heavy snowfall can do potential damage.
Have you recently had to replace your roof? Talk to us about how you found the process in the comment section below.