How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects your family and the contents of your home from the elements, storms, pests, and more. Today’s roofing materials are made to last a lot longer than ever before, but they still don’t last forever. If your roof is starting to age, it might be time to consider a replacement. How do you know whether it’s time to replace your roof? Although everyone’s situation is different, here are some things to keep in mind.

Age
The first sign that it’s time to replace your roof is if it’s reached its lifespan (or managed to survive past the projected one). For example, if your home’s asphalt shingle roof was installed 28 years ago, it’s probably time to have a replacement installed since its average lifespan is 15-30 years.

Damage or Wear Present
Another obvious factor in whether you should replace your roof is what kind of damage is present. If you have excessive missing shingles, a lot of flashing that is damaged or missing, or holes in the roof from storm damage, it could end up costing more to fix than to replace (more on that next). If shingles are curling or the roof is sagging, for example, you may need to replace the shingles and/or decking because repairs aren’t really possible.

Repair Cost vs. Replacement Cost
If your roof has sustained significant damage, the cost of repairs could easily get close to the cost of replacement. In some cases, it could be even more expensive to make repairs than to replace the entire roof. This is where it helps to have a dedicated roofing contractor who can provide you with transparent information to make the right decision.

Moss, Fungi, or Mold
Your roof can be prone to growing moss and fungi, depending on what kind of climate you live in and whether there are any trees overhead. Roofs in wooded areas tend to have this issue more often, but if your roof doesn’t drain well, it could be an inviting space for all three of these elements. And if mold is present, the roof usually needs to be replaced because mold remediation would cost a small fortune.

Soaring Energy Bills
Even if your roof looks like it’s physically in good condition, it could still be costing you a lot more than you realize. Older roofing materials are not as energy-efficient as newer ones, and as they age, that only continues to decline. If you’re tired of astronomical heating and cooling bills, consider having an energy audit done on your home. If it’s determined that the air loss is coming from the attic, crawl space, or roof, it might be time for a replacement.

The Final Call
There are several instances where replacing your roof might be better than repairing it, including those listed here. As mentioned, work with a reliable roofing contractor to determine what’s best for your home.

Resources
https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/tools/do-i-need-a-new-roof
https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-signs-you-need-a-new-roof-48751