When you’ve spent the money and made the effort to purchase a home, you want it to be a safe environment that lasts as long as possible. That includes taking care of any roofing problems before they become too serious. Over time, roofs deteriorate due to wind, rain, sun damage, and more. Knowing how often to replace your roof is a must for any homeowner.
There are several steps homeowners can take to make sure their roofs stay in top condition, but often one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks is roof replacement. When to replace your roof depends on several factors, including how old it is, its current condition, and whether or not there are any visible signs of damage.
How Often to Replace Your Roof
The first step in knowing when to replace your roof is determining how old it is. Generally speaking, a new roof should last between 20 and 30 years. Asphalt shingles will only last between 15 and 25 years, and metal roofs are reliable for at least 30 years. It’s also important to keep an eye out for visible signs of wear like cracks or shingles curling at the edges.
If you’re not sure when to replace your roof, contact a professional for help. Your contractor will be able to inspect the current shape of your roof and let you know what kind of wear it has experienced over time.
The lifespan of a roof depends heavily on the quality of the materials, weather and climate conditions, and how well it has been maintained. If your roof is looking noticeably tired and old, you’re probably in danger of serious damage. Replace it before you end up with water damage or an expensive repair bill.
Warning Signs You Need to Replace Your Roof
If you notice any of these warning signs on your roof, it may need to be replaced soon:
- Missing or cracked shingles
- Curling or blistering shingles
- An accumulation of granules in the surface grooves
- Exposed nail heads
- Dark staining or streaking in the shingles
- Missing, loose or curled flashing around chimneys, skylights and vents
An experienced roofing company can inspect your roof to determine if it needs to be replaced. Look for a reputable contractor who offers expert work at competitive rates.
Consequences of an Old Roof
As your roof gets older, it becomes less capable of protecting you from the elements. Old roofs can also cause problems with leaks, mold, energy bills, pests and more.
If a roof is leaking in multiple places, you can expect to see water damage on the ceiling and possibly the walls inside your house. If a roof has been without proper repairs for several years, and water has infiltrated, you may have a costly mold problem.
Homes that do not have proper insulation can experience problems with high energy bills. As roofs age, they lose a lot of their ability to deflect the sun’s rays and insulate the house below from heat loss. You will be paying more for your monthly utility costs during extreme hot and cold weather when you try to keep your home’s temperature moderate.
Pests often hide in the roofs of homes, so if your roof is old and unkempt, they may use it as a place to breed. Termites, for example, need moist conditions in order to survive, so they frequently build nests in older roofs with cracks or tears.
If you fail to replace your roof when it is needed, the lifespan of your home will be extremely limited. An old roof is not only unattractive but it is also dangerous. Taking the time to inspect your roof annually will help ensure that you are not left with expensive problems in the future.
Expert Roof Replacement
Contact Mynt Solar today to schedule a free roof replacement consultation for your home. Speak with one of our friendly roofing experts to learn how we can fill your roofing needs.
