Many homeowners put off replacing their roofs due to the cost, but roof replacement will save money in the long run.
Your home is one of the most significant financial investments you will make in your lifetime. Whether you live there for five years or a lifetime, your home is an asset that will grow, especially if it is well maintained.
To protect your investment, you should proactively maintain and replace your roof before major issues develop. To avoid costly damage and possible illness or injury to persons occupying the home, you want to replace your roof before you start having problems. But sometimes problems are the first sign that your roof needs to be replaced.
What are the signs a roof needs repair or replacement?
- Age of the Roof – Roofs do not last forever. A roof’s lifespan is contingent on the roofing material and the climate. Examples of how long a roof should last are:
- Composition shingles: 12-20 years
- Asphalt shingles: 15-30 years
- Wood shingles: 30-40 years
- Rubber roofs: 30-50 years
- Metal roofs: 40-70 years
- Clay tile roofs: 50-100 years
- Slate tile roof: 75-200 years 1
- Water Marks or Damage to Walls, Ceilings, or Flooring – If you notice stains or peeling paint on your ceilings, walls, or the attic, this could indicate damage from a leak in your roof. Water travels the path of least resistance, so it would be wise to have a professional roofer do an inspection.
- Cupping or Curling Shingles – Cupping shingles are concave, and their edges curl downward. Curling shingles have turned up edges. These warped shingles are no longer properly attached to the roof, allowing water and other elements to penetrate underneath the shingle. Windy conditions can cause further damage and breakage to these shingles.
- Damaged Shingles – Shingles that have dried out due to the sun or are damaged from falling debris, hail, or ice damming are no longer properly protecting your home. Depending on the area affected, a repair may be a viable option versus a complete roof replacement.
- Missing Shingles or Granules – High winds can cause some shingles to lift and fly off. Excessive heat, wind, and age can cause granules to come off. If granules are found in the gutter, this could be a sign that a roof needs replacement.
- Missing Flashing, Fascia, or Gutters – If a roof’s supporting structures are damaged or missing, it’s a sign of a problem. Proper roofing material support is needed to ensure a roof is structurally secure and sound.
- Sagging Roofline – A sag in a roofline could mean rot or damage to the roof’s support structure. This could be due to an ongoing moisture problem or insect infestation. A professional roof inspection would help determine the cause of the sag.
- Growth Layering the Roof – The growth of moss, mold, algae, or fungi on the roof can indicate a moisture problem. Cleaning the roof can remove the growth, but If it returns, further inspection is needed as this growth keeps the shingle’s surface damp, causing damage over time.
- High Cooling or Heating Bills – If you are experiencing higher than normal heating or cooling costs, it could mean your home is leaking air. If natural light in your attic doesn’t come from a soffit or ridge vent, your roof could need repair. A roof inspection would determine the source of the leakage, whether it is coming from damaged shingles, improperly installed material, or damaged roofing structures.
- Roofing Inspection Failure – A roofing inspection will determine if patchwork or minor repairs will resolve a problem. If there are multiple or systemic issues, replacing the roof may be more cost-effective than paying piecemeal.
Not only is it important to proactively maintain, repair, and replace your roof for your well-being and the preservation of both the exterior and interior of your home, your insurance company may even apply a discount to your Homeowners premium for your new roof.2
As a homeowner, take the necessary steps to protect one of your most valuable assets. Start by getting your roof inspected by a reputable roofer to see if roof repair or replacement is the next step in safeguarding your investment.
1 https://blog.nationwide.com/home/home-maintenance/when-to-replace-your-roof/
2 https://www.insurance.com/homeowners-insurance-discounts.html