If you’re not a roofing professional, it can be really hard to determine whether your roof needs replacing. After all, the damage that may seem irreparable to you can be easily repaired by a roofing contractor. However, there are certain warning signs you can look out for to determine whether you need a new roof.
What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Roof?
Before we delve into the many ways to tell that your roofing system has come to the end of its service, let’s first talk about the life expectancy of the average roof.
The average lifespan is 25 to 50 years, and this great variation is because there are a number of factors in play. The roofing materials that were used to construct the roof, for example, will play an essential role in determining the longevity of the overall structure.
Here’s a summary of the typical lifespan of a roof based on its roofing material:
- Slate – 60 – 175 years
- Asphalt shingles – 20 – 50 years
- Clay tile – 50 – 100 years
- Wood shingles and shakes – 25 to 30 years
- Metal roofs – 40 to 80 years
Another essential factor to consider is the quality of the installation. Poorly installed roof flashing or shingles, for example, could reduce the life expectancy of a roof. Maintenance also plays an important role.
When you notice missing shingles or a leaky roof, it’s important to act fast, as prolonged exposure to water could lead to further damage and lower the number of years of faithful service your roofing structure provides.
What Are the Signs You Need a New Roof? | Six Tell-tale Signs That Your Roof Is Failing
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What Are The Signs That A Roof Needs To Be Replaced?
Now that you understand how long a roof should typically last, it’s time to talk about the signs that there is a problem great enough to warrant a roof replacement. Here are six signs you need a new roof:
1. You Notice Visible Damage
It’s important to do a regular inspection of your roof to determine whether there is a problem. If you have a metal roof, make sure you’re looking for weak spots, corrosion, or dents. Missing shingles, buckling, or curling shingles may all be signs that your wooden or asphalt shingle roof is deteriorating.
Another sign of damage is mold formation and visible water damage. If you notice considerable water damage on the inside of your roof, then your roofing structure isn’t functioning correctly and is allowing moisture to seep in.
Excess moisture leads to mold formation, which can damage the wood and various other elements of the roofing structure over time, so if you notice this problem, it’s best to contact a roofing contractor.
2. There’s a Gaping Hole
Nothing screams, “Replace your roof!” like a hole in the structure. Unfortunately, if roofing damage is not addressed timeously, it can cause areas of the roof to break down. If you can see the sky from your attic, it may just be time to replace your roof.
3. You Notice Changes to Your Roofline
An additional indicator that you require a new roof is a change in the shape of your roofline. Your roofline ought to be solid and symmetrical. You should take urgent action if the roof deck of your home starts to sag or droop because this could indicate structural problems.
Common changes that warrant urgent action are dipping, curving, or drooping. A water-soaked roof deck might also be the reason for a drooping roofline, in addition to issues with the frame. If this is the case, installing a new roof might be necessary to address the issue.
4. A Leaky Roof
Leaky roofs are one of the most obvious clues that your roof needs replacement. It’s important to remember that just because a roof is leaking, it doesn’t mean that it needs to be replaced.
Suppose your roof leaks due to something minor, and you notice a small trickle of water. In that case, you can probably just repair it. However, if the leak was brought on by storm or weather damage, poor roof installation, or the wear and tear of the roofing materials, you’ll likely need a new roof.
Sadly, until your roof has been inspected, you won’t know whether the leak can be fixed with simple repairs or whether you’ll need to invest in a complete replacement.
5. Your Roof Is Old
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, it’s important to think about the age of your roof in light of its life expectancy. If your roof is very old and has gone past its recommended lifespan, it is probably time to replace it.
Although your roof is built to last for decades, it will not last forever. Over time, you may notice serious damage to the roof shingles that cannot be fixed with a simple roof repair. Before the unthinkable happens, it’s important to get your roof replaced, as the consequences of waiting until you start to see damage could have devastating consequences for you and your family.
6. A Recent Storm Has Caused Significant Damage
Unfortunately, storm damage is one of the leading reasons for a roof replacement. That’s because strong winds, hail, and heavy rain can put a roof under tremendous strain. Couple that with the age of your roof, and you will likely need a new roof.
Need A Roof Replacement? We Are Here To Help!
When it’s time to install a new roof, you need a reliable service provider that will work with you every step of the way to produce the desired effect. When you work with Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR, you’ll have the assurance that you have someone on your team who is working in your best interest.
We will offer sound advice on the best way forward and never tell you to replace your old roof unless we are certain that there is no possible way to save it.
To learn more about our services or book a free consultation, contact Austin Roofing & Water Damage | WDR today!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you notice visible damage, a sagging roof, missing shingles, a roof leak, or other such issues, it’s time to replace your roof. You should also check the average lifespan of your roof, and if your roofing structure is nearing the end of its anticipated life expectancy, contact us.
Although you could technically replace your own roof, we NEVER recommend doing this. Without the proper know-how, even removing your old roof can turn into a dangerous undertaking. Whether you have a leaking roof or your existing shingles are damaged, it’s best to contact us, and we will offer expert guidance on the best way forward.
Gaping holes, damaged shingles, significant roof damage caused by water, and changes in the shape of your roofline are all signs that your roof is in bad shape and needs to be replaced.