Time is precious and trackable but irreversible. For a residential homeowner or commercial property manager, the passage of time plays an integral role in deciding when to replace a roof. Even a well-maintained roofing system suffers wear, tear, and deterioration as time progresses. The aging process waits for no one or nothing. The question of when to replace your roof requires careful consideration. The roofing material utilized impacts a roof’s longevity. The quality of installation and depth of repair work affects the lifespan of a roofing system. Perhaps most importantly, weather and external forces influence a roof’s performance.
Knowing The Signs Of When To Replace Your Roof
As a homeowner, ask yourself the following valuable questions when evaluating your roof’s current performance and condition:
1. Are Pests, Including Insects, Birds, And Rodents, Nesting In Your Home?
Does your home host uninvited guests? Do birds nest in your attic? Are you hearing the pitter-patter of tiny feet in your ceiling at night? Have wasps discovered that the crawlspace is the perfect location for a hive? If the answer is yes to any of these questions, you have a roof problem.
2. Are Shingles Starting To Curl Or Crack, Or Do They Appear Brittle?
Shingles are the lifeblood of an asphalt roof. 4 out of 5 homeowners rely on asphalt shingle roofing to protect their houses. When shingles lose their elasticity, they become brittle and much more susceptible to curling or cracking. Badly curled shingles are of no use. In fact, they invite moisture into your home.
3. Did Your Home Suffer Damage Due To A Storm Or Other External Force?
Did your home’s siding, windows, or landscaping suffer damage in a destructive weather event, such as a violent thunderstorm, straight-line winds, or powerful hail? More likely than not, your roof also incurred tangible, sustained damage.
4. Do Local Building Codes Impact Whether A Roof Replacement Is Necessary?
Many states and local municipalities enact and enforce building codes that necessitate a homeowner to replace a roof if it has reached a certain threshold of disrepair. Don’t get caught in a situation where you have no recourse. Actively monitor your roof’s condition to stay in compliance with building codes.
5. Do Your Gutters And Downspouts Contain A Significant Volume Of Asphalt Granules?
As an asphalt shingle roof ages, it may begin shedding many granules. Unfortunately, your roof needs these granules to shield the home’s interior spaces from the damaging effects of the sun’s U/V rays. When the sun’s light penetrates through the roof’s layers, it superheats the attic spaces and the home’s interior.
6. Does Your Roof Appear To Be Sagging In The Middle?
As your roof ages, it may weaken structurally. The integrity of the roofing layers also may soften. Unfortunately, spotting a roof sag with the naked eye may be difficult. A knowledgeable roofing professional possesses the tools and experience to identify whether your roof needs reinforcement or replacement.
7. Have You Experienced Unexplained Signs Of Water Damage Inside Your Home?
When you relax in your living room at night, do you observe unexplained water stains along your ceiling? Is that water spot high on your bathroom wall expanding ever so gradually? Water damage often results from a leaky roof. Somewhere within your roofing system, moisture has penetrated and entered your home’s interior.
8. Have You Observed A Noticeable Increase In Home Energy Consumption?
Inflationary trends in our economy impact the price of everything, including heating and cooling bills. However, your roof could be at fault if you see a sudden jump in energy usage. Your roof may be allowing excess outside air into your home, or issues might exist with the insulation or ventilation systems.
9. Is Your Roof Missing Shingles Or Tiles, Or Are They Loose In Some Areas?
Loose or missing shingles are a primary culprit for roof leaks. The roof’s underlayment is not designed to be directly impacted by outside weather conditions. Missing shingles also indicate that the roof may need replacement since newer roofs don’t typically experience loose or missing shingles.
10. What Is The Expected Lifespan Of Your Roofing Product?
When should you Every roof has an expiration date. Some roofs may last longer than others. However, if you have a roof nearing the end of its life, you should expect to replace it sooner rather than later. An asphalt shingle roof typically lasts from 20 to 30 years. Some may have a slightly shorter life expectancy, while others will last somewhat longer.
Finding The Right Residential And Commercial Roofing Contractor
If you own a home or business, trust the premier roofing company in the Pacific Northwest to assist you with all your roofing needs. S&S Roofing offers unsurpassed roof replacement services for homeowners and businesses. To discover more about our roofing services, or to schedule a complimentary consultation and secure a free estimate, contact S&S Roofing today.
