Missing Loose Or Cracked Shingles
The issue with most roofs is that theyre ignored and out of sight. You dont usually take a good look unless there is a stain or dark spot viewable from the street or yard.
Old or worn shingles are fairly easy to spot if you search for them. Missing shingles may be replaced individually, but its usually a sign of the bigger issue. Large areas of cracked or loose shingles indicate that your roof needs replacement.
Inspecting A Bad Roof
The best way to maintain your roof is to have it professionally inspected every six months or bi-annually. These inspections serve to catch minor problems before they turn into more significant issues, and they can extend the lifespan of your roof.
If you think youve got a bad roof, then there are some things youll want to look for. You can inspect your roof from the ground without having to get on the roof, but keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Curled, cracked, or broken shingles
- Missing shingles
- Missing shingle granules
Its best to address these signs as soon as possible, as they can quickly evolve into more severe damage.
When To Replace Your Roof Shingles
A roof is one of the most important elements of your home, yet for many, it is often an overlooked part. Unfortunately, even small roof problems that are not dealt with quickly and correctly can start to impact other areas of your home. So how do you know when it is time to replace your roof shingles? Below are some tell-tale signs that your roof shingles needs replacing.
Read Also: How To Keep A Metal Roof Straight
You Have Unwanted Animal Occupants In Your Home
Has a family of squirrels taken up residence in your attic? Its doubtful you let them in the front door, so its likely you have a missing or rotting section in the eaves or a hole in another part of your roof.
Animals like possums, raccoons, birds, and bats will look for any opportunity to nest in the comfort of your warm home and will take advantage of damage to your roof.
Hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect your roof to determine whether repairs or a total replacement are required.
How Long Do Architectural Shingles Or Dimensional Shingles Last
Architectural or dimensional asphalt shingles are thicker and more durable and therefore more suited to places with more extreme weather conditions.
That said, they are also more expensive but they do last between 15 to 25 years and can withstand wind uplift for up to 110 miles MPH, or even up to 130 MPH with specialized installation techniques and roof bracing.
Also Check: How Much Does It Cost To Raise A Garage Roof
First Step: Know Your Roofing Materials
The material that your roof is made of plays a large role in how long it will last. Some materials are more durable than others, allowing them to better withstand the rigors of torrential downpours, debris from high winds, and sizzling heatwaves.
Asphalt shingles and composite roofs are the most common materials and tend to also last the least amount of time before requiring a replacement. Fiber cement shingles will last a little longer at about 25 years. Wood shake roofs should last up to 30 years. The most durable roofs tend to be slate roofs, roof tiles, and any sort of metal roofing, like copper. These are estimated to last up to 50 years without requiring replacement.
This can be good to keep in mind when getting a new roof installed. You may want to invest in a slightly more expensive roofing material to forego frequent roofing repairs caused by unexpected weather conditions.
Is Your Roof Defective
And how can you tell if your roof might be defective?
If your roof is relatively new and you are seeing issues like shingles buckling and curling, granules coming off asphalt shingles, missing shingles, or other similar problems, then your roof might be defective and you should reach out to the roofers in your area or contractor who built or installed it, as well as your insurance company.
This goes doubly so if the insurance company paid for your roof due to damage from a weather event or disaster.
If your roof is only a few years old and you are noticing any of the aforementioned issues, then you might need to get your roof looked at by professionals because it could become a bigger problem, especially if you are considering selling your house in the near future.
Also keep in mind that the value of your house may increase or decrease depending on the age of your roof, so if you are planning on moving in the near future, you may want to get your roof assessed before you put the property on the market.
Moreover, if you are thinking of purchasing a new home or other property, then you should make sure that the roof is relatively new and in good repair if not, youll want to ensure that the property is priced accordingly and be aware that you may need to replace the roof soon.
Also Check: How Much Does 1 Bundle Of Roofing Shingles Cover
What To Consider When You Are Replacing A Roof
One important thing to consider when you are choosing a roofing system or purchasing a new property is the resistance of the roof to wind uplift, which is the suction effect created by wind forces as the air flows parallel to the surface of the roof.
When a gust of wind hits the side of a house or other building, some of that air moves upwards across the roof, creating a pressure differential that can blow off or damage shingles or tiles, or even entire sections of the roof altogether.
Roofing systems are rated based on the amount of wind uplift they can withstand measured in miles per hour.
If you live in a particularly windy area or one that is prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, youll want to ensure that you go for a higher rating for wind uplift to avoid a wind damage roof.
Youll also want to consider other factors before replacing your roof or purchasing a property the age of the roof, how many layers of shingles there are, and whether the roof is properly braced and ventilated.
A roof inspection performed by a professional can help you answer these questions and more, and you can also visually examine the roof yourself for curling or buckling shingles, missing shingles, damaged shingles, damage to the flashing or seals around the chimneys, skylights, or dormers, granules or debris in the gutters or around the ground near your home, and other signs of future problems.
How Often To Replace A Roof
The type of roofing material used will determine how often a roof needs to be replaced.
For example, the average lifespan of a cedar roof is roughly 20 years. However, in drier climates, a cedar roof is likely to need more frequent repair and replacement since it is prone to splitting.
A properly cared for tile roof can last up to 100 years, although individual tiles are likely to break. A concrete roof is highly durable and should not need replacing throughout its lifespan.
Read Also: How Often Should A Flat Roof Be Coated
Your Asphalt Roof Was Damaged From A Storm
The weather where you live and the kind of storms your roof faces factor into how much wear and tear it goes through. But that isnt the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to weather.
This may seem obvious, but heavy storm damage will also lead to a roof replacement. If high winds come through and rip up your shingles or a tree falls on your roof then clearly youre going to need a new one.
If you have a metal roof system, then hail damage to your metal panels will lead to a replacement if the integrity of the metal is compromised. But for an asphalt shingle roof to be replaced from hail it has to cause damage to the soft metals that are on your roof.
Whatever kind of storm damage your roof has, its important to know if your roof is covered. Read this article on replacing your roof through homeowners insurance.
Roof Repair Or Replace
Knowing when to replace your roof can sometimes be a conundrum. Should your roof be replaced after a certain amount of time? Or do you wait until there is a leak that comes through your ceiling? And if your roof is leaking can a repair suffice, or does it need to be replaced?
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association, homeowners should check and inspect their roof twice a year once in the spring and once in the fall. Do a visual check from the outside remove debris from the rooftop, drains, gutters and downspouts, as routine maintenance can extend the life of your roof. Check the flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights to ensure there are no cracks or breaks which can lead to leaks.
Go into your attic and check your roof from the inside. Check the sheathing and beams for stains or leaks which are signs of a leaky roof. Check to see if beams of light are coming through the rooftop a sign that shingles may be missing and the wood has rotted through.
When it comes to repairing your roof versus replacing your roof, it depends on several factors, including the type of damage and what percentage of the total roof surface is in need of repair.
Need a roof repaired or replaced?
Contact B& B Siding today for a quote.
You pay tomorrow what we quote you todayno surprises.
So how do you know when its time to replace your roof. The answer depends on a variety of factors.
At B& B Siding Contractors LLC, we give accurate estimates and stick to them.
Also Check: How Much To Have A Metal Roof Installed
Pricing: All About The Factors
The question that tends to follow how often do roofs need to be replaced? is almost always, how much does a roof replacement cost? Unfortunately, theres no one answer, as all houses are different and it does depend on where you live.
There are several factors that contribute to the price of a roof: Size of the roof, the pitch, how the roof is installed, products and supplies needed for the job, code requirements, layers, features of the roof that need to be worked aroundchimneys, skylights, etc.
Not to mention theres a cost to tear off and remove your current roof, the labor involved in the entire process, and the sheer cost of the materials used for the job. Cities will vary in their costs for roof replacements. Some cities will be cheaper than others, it all depends on the cost of living, access to materials, and the going rate for roofing companies in the area.
Asphalt is a popular choice when it comes down to the material for a roof. Asphalt is one of the cheaper options, but definitely, a durable material that has been used as a roofing material for decades.
How Do I Know If My Roofing Job Is Bad
When shelling out for a complete roof replacement, you simply must ensure that you enlist the services of a professional and reputable company. Unfortunately, there are cowboy builders & roofers out there who will happily complete a quick botch job and run away with your money. It is therefore important that you are able to spot a bad roofing job when you see one. Luckily, there are a number of signs to watch out for. Some of the tell-tale signs include: missing drip edge flashing, a lack of a uniform appearance, sheet joins, lack of proper roof nailing if shingle, reuse of old flashing material, unfixed flashing that make noise, irregularly fixed sheeting, missing shingles, stains, missing underlayment, and more.
Read Also: How Does The Tesla Solar Roof Work
Get A Professional Roof Inspection
With your amateur inspection complete, its time to phone the pros: roof inspectors.
We encourage all sellers to go out and get a report because then you can properly disclose to your would-be buyers the condition of the roof and what it takes to fix the roof, Andrew Oldham emphasizes. And theyre going to give us a bid basically on what they think needs to be done and how much life it has left.
With a detailed analysis, a professional roof inspector can even evaluate damage hidden underneath the shingles using an infrared scanner. With your inspection report in hand, you can move forward confidently knowing if its time to replace or repair your roof.
According to HomeAdvisor, a roof inspection costs between $119 to $303, though those utilizing infrared technology bump up to $400 to $600. The Oldhams recommend reaching out to your real estate agent to find a dependable, fairly priced roof inspector.
Our favorite inspector does home and termite, as well, so you can get three done at once. And sometimes the roof will be free if youre also getting the home and termite, Jennifer Oldham adds.
Asphalt Roof Shingles Are Buckling
Seeing asphalt roof shingles buckling is the final reason why shingle should be replaced. A multitude of factors can cause this to occur such as old roof felt, bad roof ventilation, and improperly laid shingles. Furthermore, buckling can eventually lead to further leakage and rot.
Knowing the signs of shingle damage is sure to give you a heads-up on when it is time to replace your roof shingles. You can also read this article if youre curious as to how often you should be replacing your roof shingles in Ontario.
Also Check: How To Install Solar Panels On Tile Roof
What Are The Symptoms Of Shingles
People with shingles often experience pain, tingling or itching and then a painful rash. The rash can occur anywhere on the body, although it is usually in one strip on the right or left side of the body. The rash consists of groups of small, fluid-filled blisters that dry, scab over, and heal in a few weeks. Healing is usually complete, but some people may be left with scars.
Does A New Roof Increase Home Value
A new roof on your home can increase the value by an average of $17,000. Similarly, a house with a roof in dire need of repair can see the price drop significantly. Roof replacements are necessary after a certain period of time, therefore it is only logical that the newer the roof, the better the house value.
You May Like: What Is Under Roof Shingles
Know When Its Time To Contact A Roofing Contractor
Professional roofing contractors are experienced with different types of roof damage and signs of an aging roof. They know where to look and can safely traverse roofs of various slopes. They can also tell you if you need a roof repair or a complete roof replacement.
Schedule an inspection with a roofing contractor as soon as possible if your roof is showing signs of aging, storm damage, or if you have signs of leaks or water damage in your home. If you need a new roof or roof repair, then its better to get the work done sooner than later to help prevent further deterioration and/or damage to your home.
Your Roof’s 25th Birthday Is Approaching
“An asphalt shingle roof should last between 20 and 30 years,” says Claude McGavic, executive director of The National Association of Home Inspectors. “If you have a 40-year-old roof,there could be a problem even if it looks good from the ground.”
How much time you’ve got left: Five to 10 years, depending on your roof’s condition. If you live in a development and your neighbors are all starting to replace their roofing, that could be a sign that you should do the same.
Also Check: How Much Is Roofing Labor Per Square
Gauge Material Life Expectancy
Build date in hand, compare your roofs age to these average material life expectancies:
- Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years
- Architectural shingles: 25 to 30 years
- Wood shingles: 30 years with regular maintenance
- Clay tiles: 50 years or more
- Metal roofing: Up to 70 years
- Slate tile: 50 to 100+ years
How long your roofing material lasts largely depends on the climate you live in. For instance, a 30-year roof composed of asphalt shingles may live up to its life expectancy in Oregon, thanks to the cooler climate. In a climate like Florida, on the other hand, the same 30-year roof may only last 10 to 12 years under the stress of humidity, heat, and turbulent tropical storms.
The Value Of A Long Lasting Roof
Another reason to consider replacing your roof is the value that it adds to your house if you are planning on selling it in the near future and your roof is nearing 15 to 20 years old, depending on the type of material used, the quality of the build, and any damage that may have occurred.
Getting a roof inspection, fixing any problems before they start, and potentially replacing your roof can make a significant difference in the selling price.
In fact, a house with a new roof sells for an average of $12,000 more than a house with an older roof, which means that you may recover the costs of the roof replacement when you sell.
Regardless of whether or not you are planning on selling your property any time soon, the condition and the longevity of the roof over your head is of utmost importance.
While the length of time that your particular roof lasts depends on the type of materials used, the installation techniques involved, and any damage that may need to be fixed during its lifespan, all the aforementioned guidelines can help you determine when to replace your roof as well as to understand the potential lifetime value of your investment in a new roof.
You May Like: Is Roof Covered By Home Warranty
