Wouldn’t it be nice if you never had to replace your roof? How lovely would it be if it was a one-and-done type of deal? Sounds amazing right? Well… unfortunately this isn’t the case. So how do you know when it’s the right time to replace your roof? We all know that it can be quite an expense that no one wants to take head-on unless, of course, they have to. But as your friendly roofers, let us remind you that waiting until the last second could cost you more in the long run.

Many roofing issues can cause more expensive repairs later on unless they are dealt with sooner rather than later. Water can invade the attic space and damage the decking, insulation, and rafters. And if left even longer it can damage the ceilings inside the home, which can then lead to the birth and growth of mold, and it will just keep getting worse.

So when should you replace your roofing exactly? Let’s dive in, shall we?

Let’s dive into a few signs that could indicate that it’s time for a replacement.

Attic exposure:

Have a look inside your attic. Your attic should be sealed with no light piercing through; if you notice a light source, it could be a sign that the structure is shifting. Also, if you notice any stains or streaks then it could be an indication of water leaks.

Missing shingles:

For older roofing, missing shingles are a common sign, and, over time, the UV rays from the sun and the cycle from hot to cold then back to hot again can wear away the shingles. With the temperature fluctuating and dropping the asphalt can become brittle, and break or crack. Some might even blow clean off due to high winds.

Chimney flashing and flashing in the valleys are two areas that will need repair as soon as possible to prevent damage or leaks.

The purpose of flashing is to keep water from seeping into areas where it tends to collect or where the roofing is more vulnerable. Not attending to your flashing will leave the vulnerable areas unprotected.

Problems with flashing are usually due to age. Gradually, metal flashing can rust and will also need to be replaced. If you live in an area with frigid winters, the freeze and thawing cycle can loosen the flashing slowly over time.

Damaged flashing does not necessarily indicate that you need an entire replacement. In many scenarios, it’s possible to simply replenish the damaged flashing and keep the roofing intact.

Patchy granules on shingles:

Shingles are covered with small granules, these granules usually consist of mineral fibers and minerals, and in some cases, the metal granules manufacturers will mix metal granules to minimize algae growth.

Patchy granules can also be a problem for new roofing as well. If there is nearby a tree or a hanging branch that scrapes against the roofing the granules can be patchy and the asphalt below can be left vulnerable.

If your roofing is approaching 20 years old then it’s beginning to cross the threshold of replacement.

It’s advised that most roofs need to be replaced within 20-30 years. A single roof can last from 10 to 50 years, and how well it’s maintained plays a huge factor in its lifespan, however, most average asphalt roofs begin to deteriorate around 20 to 25 years.

If you have questions about what replacing or repairing your roofing might cost you, here are a few terms you can search to discover what that’ll be for you. You can search terms like “flat roof replacement cost average” “repair roof leak”, “cost to replace roof shingles”, “repair roof leakage”, “roof repair leak”, “commercial roof replacement near me” or even “roof replacement near me” to discover what your roof type may cost you for a replacement. A new shingle roof cost may vary from a metal roof replacement cost.

You can predict the lifespan of your roof based on the material it consists of.

A few ways to extend the life of your roofing are to take exceptional care of and maintenance of your roofing.

The length of time it takes to replace roofing varies from house to house and depends on the size and style of the roofing as well as the materials used. For instance, a flat roof replacement will take a shorter time than a pitched roof replacement, especially if the materials used are easier to work with. Moreover, the time it takes for shingle replacement will differ from fascia and soffit replacement.

The average roofing replacement for a roofing of 3,000 square feet or less can be replaced in a day. Depending on how complex and the accessibility of your home it could take up to three wakes.

The length of time also depends on how much damage has to be repaired. If the gutters are damaged then that could affect the length of time as well as a flashing replacement.

Also, some homes feature skylights and homeowners may have to replace the skylight.

In our opinion, synthetic roofing is the best option to get. They come in a variety of styles and profiles and they’re engineered for a level of endurance that most other types don’t offer. Synthetic roofing is resistant to impact and UV rays (which can help during a hail storm).

They’re also resistant to wind, fire, fading, and cracking. Not to mention that they also resemble the look of the more common option, asphalt shingles.

Deciding whether or not it’s the right time to replace your roofing can be a tricky decision especially when you can’t see any damage from where you’re standing. The roofing material you have has an estimate on the lifespan of your roof. If it’s approaching or extends past the expiration then it’s definitely time to replace your roofing, even though it’s not leaking today, you don’t want your roofing to cave in on you tomorrow.

A leak is not the only determinant of a roof replacement. Your roofing can have other damages, for instance, if your shingles are lifting the underbelly could be exposed to water damage. If you don’t have adequate insulation and ventilation this could also lead to damages that you may not see until you’re intentionally inspecting.

Insurance policies vary but most homeowners insurance covers the structure of the home, and this includes the cost of a replacement or repairs if abruptly damaged. ‘Acts of God’ like a fire, heavy winds, severe storms, hail, or any other roof repair emergency covered by your policy will likely be reimbursed. A new shingle roof cost may vary from a metal roof replacement cost.

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