Your home’s roof plays a critical role in keeping you safe, dry, and comfortable. Without it, you’d be exposed to the weather and potentially harsh elements that your roof takes a beating with on your behalf. As such, roofs need to be replaced (about every 20 years or so) to ensure they remain strong to withstand the toughest weather and conditions that comes its way.
But how can you tell if your roof needs replacing? The answer really depends on what your roof – and your local weather – is made of. Read on to learn the leading indicators that your roof needs replacing to help avoid costly repairs and further damage down the road.
How Often a Roof Needs Replacing
As a general rule, roofs need replacing every 20 – 25 years, but a number of factors can ultimately determine that exact frequency – one being the type of material used. For shingled roofs, composition shingles need to be replaced every 12-20 years, asphalt shingles every 15-30 years, and wood shingles every 20-25 years. Metal roofs, on the other hand, last a lot longer, with an average lifespan of 50 – 75 years!
Another factor that determines the overhaul lifespan of your roof is the climate and weather conditions in your area. More extreme weather, like heavy winds and thunderstorms, hail, snow, and tornadoes, increases the likelihood of your roof’s shingles wearing down faster than the roofs of homes in areas less exposed to harsh elements.
Keep in mind that sun and extreme heat shouldn’t be discredited as non-extreme weather, since it can have an equal, if not more, negative impact on the lifespan of your roof. Your roof’s shingles can become brittle and crack with prolonged exposure to the sun, while extreme heat and high temperatures can cause materials that hold your roof together to expand and shrink, leading to damage.
What Happens if You Don’t Replace Your Roof?
Replacing your roof isn’t just something to do to maintain your home’s overall aesthetic (although it does help). By ignoring the signs that it’s time to give your roof some love, you can expose your home to a great possibility of water and structural damage, which can also lead to health risks due to the increased likelihood of mold. Not to mention, not repairing your roof puts it at greater risk of collapse, which not only puts you in danger, but also decreases the overall value of your home.
How to Tell if it’s Time for a New Roof
By taking just a few minutes every season to check your roof, you can avoid these risks while maintaining your home’s value and safety for your family and loved ones.
Look at Your Shingles
It may sound simple, but if you’re wondering if your roof needs replacing, start by looking at the shingles. Shingles with curled or cupped edges, cracked shingles, or areas on your roof with no shingles at all, are all leading indicators that your roof has endured enough wear and tear and is ready for replacing.
Check the Attic
If you’re looking for hints that your roof is on the fritz, your attic could be a telltale sign. Grab a flashlight and head to the attic to look for beams of light coming through the top of the roof, stains, and streaks, which, as Bob Villa suggests, signal a leaky roof.
Watch for Moss
Moss can enhance the design and curb appeal of your garden, but your roof? Not so much. Moss is a type of mold, and can be an indication of trapped moisture in your roof. If you notice moss growing in your shingles, it’s time to call in a roofing pro to help you determine if you have a mild mold problem you can scrape away, or if it’s time for a new roof.
If you’ve determined that it’s time to give your roof a refresh, the next step is calling in the help of a professional. Carefully research the contractors in your area and gather a few estimates to learn your options in giving your roof the attention it deserves.
