When Should I Replace My Roof?

Photo by boris misevic

Originally Posted On: http://www.richardhealycontracting.com/when-replace-roof/

Knowing when to replace your roof is not rocket science.

In fact, it’s more like knowing when to replace your tennis shoes. Everything eventually wears out or gets damaged, that’s when you know it’s time to replace them. When your tennis shoes begin to show wear you evaluate whether or not replace them. The same is true with your roof. When your roof begins to show signs of wear it probably won’t be long before you start having problems with roof leaks when it rains. And that’s something you don’t want to have to deal with.

The best way to know if your roof needs to be replaced is by inspecting it. You can’t get a realistic evaluation of your roof by looking at it from the ground, you’ll have to get on your roof. If you have a fear of getting on your roof then by all means have a reputable roofing company come out and do the inspection for you. Most roofing companies will do the inspection for you without charge in hopes of getting to replace your roof. If you are going to do the inspection yourself then take time to do it safely using a sturdy ladder securing it to the house or gutters. Always safety first.

Roofing Life Expectancy

First of all look for general wear. Most roofs have a life expectancy, usually between 25 to 30 years. Some more expensive roofs have a life expectancy from 40 to 50 years. Look for missing granules on your shingles. If the granules are beginning to let the mat show through your shingles it is time to replace your roof. You can tell visually by the appearance of your shingles. You can also tell by finding granules in your gutters.

Also look for missing shingles. Having to replace a shingle or two here and there is not unusual, but if you are continually having to replace missing shingles it is a good sign the shingles are beginning to wear and your roof needs to be replaced.

When you are inspecting your roof look for shingles that may be cracked or broken. If it is only on a shingle or two then there’s no need for concern, but if it is wide spread over the entire roof you should begin thinking about replacing the roof before you start to have leaks when it rains.

Another way to tell if it is time to replace your roof is to go into your attic and check for water stains on the underside of the decking. This is a sign that water is penetrating the shingles and underlayment and the roof most likely needs to be replaced. Also look for daylight peeking through the roof from inside the attic. Look for areas where the decking is sagging these are all signs that your roof is most likely ready to be replaced.

Remember, it’s not rocket science. It’s like knowing when to replace your sneakers.

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