Know the Signs
of Roof Damage
& How You Can
Protect Your Family
GET YOUR
FREE ESTIMATE TODAY
As a home owner, I'm sure you've asked yourself...when should I replace my roof? If you've owned your home for a significant length of time, you may be wondering the basics of getting your roof replaced. Now, I'm sure you've heard stories of horror or delight from neighbors, co-workers, friends and family regarding their roof replacement. And with those stories, you are either taking action to see how to get in front of it....or you may be the type to not worry about it until... you guessed it... you get a leak. No matter what category you fall under, we're here to give you some answers to the "when, what, why and how" of getting your roof replaced.
WHEN DO I GET MY ROOF REPLACED
Besides the obligatory roof leak being your obvious answer that you may have a roof problem... there are other factors that go into knowing when it's time to get your roof replaced.
Age of Your Roof:
20 - 25 years. According to experts, that's the average length of time a typical roof will last. If you've lived in your house, whether as the original owner or as the second owner, and if you haven't replaced the roof, now may be the time. In addition, to the age, needing a new roof also depends on whether the old roof was removed and you only have one layer of shingles, and if it is properly ventilated. If the roof was installed over the first layer or several layers and it is older than 20 years, chances are you need a new roof.
The following visual signs may also help you know if you need a new roof:
CURLING & BUCKLING SHINGLES: Look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight and if you notice the shingles are curling and losing granules, it could mean the shingles are past their life expectancy.
VALLEYS: Snow and rain flow through valleys and into gutters. If your shingles are falling apart or missing in this area, you could be susceptible to roof leaks.
CHIMNEY FLASHING: Flashing acts as a sealer between the joints in the roof, which helps to keep water out. If that flashing consists of roof cement or tar, it may need to be replaced with a metal flashing system.
SHINGLE GRANULES IN THE GUTTERS: You should already be on a schedule to clean your gutters once a year. If so, be sure to see whether they are holding shingle granules. Roofs at the end of their life cycle tend to shed more granules. Also, lighter patches on some parts of the roof is another sign that granules have worn away.
DAYLIGHT THROUGH THE ROOF BOARDS: If you're brave enough to get on top of the roof
(which we don't recommend)...but maybe you're putting decorations on the roof for the
holidays and you notice a spongy feel (or trampoline bounce) when walking on the roof, it
means the underlying decking/roof boards are weakened from moisture. Check your attic to
verify any daylight coming through the boards. You may also want to check for moisture in the insulation.
A STORM CAME THROUGH YOUR AREA: Along with storms come high winds, hail and debris. Unfortunately, storms may also advance the aging of your roof.