The roof protects your home from the elements. High-grade roofing materials help extend its lifespan, boost energy efficiency, and increase your home’s value. While a quality roof can last 25 or more years, depending on the type of shingles, eventually you will need a roof replacement. Here are some signs it’s time to replace your roof.
What is the age of your roof?
Every type of roofing material has its own manufacturer’s lifespan specific to each product.
Asphalt roofs last 20 to 25 years, depending on the amount of annual rainfall and other climate and regional conditions. Metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years, while flat roofs start to age anywhere from 15 to 45 years, depending on the kind of roofing material (EPDM, TPO, or PVC) that has been used. Natural slate and clay tile roofs are very durable with a typical lifetime of 50 to 75 years.
If your roof is within the age range of the manufacturer’s suggested product lifespan – for example an asphalt roof that’s been around for over two decades and is showing wear and tear – it might be time for a roof replacement.
Are there visible signs of damage?
Whether you inspect the roof from a ladder or from the ground, use binoculars to avoid walking on the roof. Visible signs of damage to look for include:
- Missing, cracked or curling shingles
- Dents (metal roofs)
- Water stains
- Ponding water that hangs around 24-48 hours after there has been no rain
- Blistering or peeling (flat roofs)
Are you finding granules inside the gutters?
Asphalt shingles (asphalt roof) have a top embedded layer of crushed minerals designed to protect them from drying out, cracking, and UV rays. A red flag warning sign that it’s time to replace your asphalt roof is when you find a significant amount of shingle sediment in the gutters while gutter cleaning.
Are there water stains on interior walls or ceilings?
A damp attic or water stains on interior walls and ceilings are signs of a leaky roof. The source of a leak as a result of roof failure can be deceptive. To prevent mold growth, wood rot, and damp insulation rendering it ineffective, leaks should be tracked down to their source and repaired. If leaks are too numerous or one leak affected a large area, consider investing in a new roof.
Are you paying more to heat your home?
If functionality has been compromised by moss growing on the roof, missing shingles, or a significant number of damaged roof tiles, spikes in your energy bills could be an indication of roof failure that needs further investigation.
Has the roof started to sag in places?
A roof that has begun to sag in places along the roofline is an indication of structural problems. Structural issues typically develop over a long period of time due to undetected water damage. By the time sagging is visible, it’s time to call a roofing contractor to prevent further damage to your home.
