The majority of homeowners wait until the very last minute when deciding to replace their roof.  They notice leaking or other damage that has taken place and take the appropriate steps to ensure that these problems are fixed. Waiting until this point in the roof’s lifetime, can cause other significant damage on the structure of the house. Following these tips from Buildpro will help determine when the appropriate time is to replace your roof, and save you thousands in the future.

  1. The age of your roof

stock image of a magnifying glass over a scale model of a traditional house

How old is the current roof? The majority of roofing experts agree that the typical lifespan of a roof is 20 to 25 years. Calculating how long the current roof has been on the house will help better determine if it’s time for a replacement. There are other factors that will cause these numbers to vary. Factors like was the previous roof replaced? Or were additional shingles added and whether if it was properly ventilated will impact the lifetime of the current roof.

 

  1. Shingles that are missing or curling

Close up of old shingles showing the degrading quality of an old roof.

Do your roof shingles look like they are curling back? Stand directly in line with the slope of the roof and determine if the shingles appear to be curling away from the base of the roof. Shingles that are curling may be a good sign that it is time for the roof to be replaced. In some cases, you may see that the shingles are missing all together. Missing shingles could cause extensive damage and leaking to the property.

  1. Granules in the gutters

 

shingle roof granules in gutter

If the roof is brand new, ignore this issue. New roofs will have excess granules that are loose and fall off. If your roof is closer to the end of its life, then the beginning, this issue may be more concerning. Once granules fall off your shingles, the shingles will start to deteriorate at a much faster rate. The granules are there to help protect the shingle from the rays of the sun.

  1. Energy bills are rising

A great roof will act as an insulator to the home. If the roof is getting near the end of its life, it will begin to allow both cold and warm to enter and exit more frequently. This will cause the homes ventilation system to have to work harder to keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Rising energy bills may be a good indicator it is time for your roof to be replaced.

  1. Sunlight is shining through

If sunlight can get through, so can rain, snow, cold and hot air. Check to see if any sunlight is able to shine through your roof. If so, it is time for a roof replacement!

If any of these issues are arising on your roof, it is a good indication that your roof may need to be repaired or replaced. Getting a professional’s opinion will allow you to make a much more informed decision. Buildpro offers free roof replacement estimates and will help determine if it is time to replace your roof.