Do you need a roof replacement? Roof replacements are an essential part of homeownership, so it’s crucial to know the signs that a roof has reached the end of its life. Shingles that are damaged or past their functional lifespan are more prone to leaks, potentially leaving you with mold, interior damage, and a costly repair bill. Semi-annual roof maintenance can help keep your roof in good condition for as long as possible, but eventually, it will be time to look for a new roof, and you’ll want to make sure you know when it’s the right time.
How Long Does a Roof Last?
How often should a roof be replaced? How long a roof lasts depends on its material, environment, and level of physical damage. Slate, copper, and tile roofs don’t need to be replaced for 50+ years unless damaged. Wood shake or wood tile roofs regularly need replacement every 30+ years, while asphalt shingle roofs need replacement every 15-50 years.
Before you consider replacing your roof, learn about the lifespan of your roof shingles and what a replacement might cost. We put together another guide on common shingle types, the typical replacement cost, and when to expect to replace them.
Check that link out!
Additional significant factors in how long a roof lasts before it needs replacement are the weather conditions and climate around the home. Severe weather can damage your roof and necessitate shingle replacement earlier than expected. Below, we’ve listed some common signs that you need a roof replacement.
5 Signs You Need a New Roof
Your roof might need replacement if it’s reached the end of its useful lifespan, looks old and worn, or if you are experiencing consistent roof leaks. Fortunately, if you notice any of these signs on your roof, they may be fixable by a minor roof repair, too! If you see any of these indicators you need a new roof, call a local roofing contractor to inspect and evaluate.
Consider the age of the roof.
We mentioned earlier that you should learn about the lifespan of your existing roof material before considering a roof replacement. The lifespan is one of the most important factors to consider. Most residential homes have asphalt shingles with an expected 15-50 year lifespan, depending on the type. If your roof is between 15-20 years old, consider hiring a roofing company to evaluate your roofing system and give you a realistic estimate on how much time you have left before replacement is required. As an asphalt shingle roof ages, the granules loosen on the shingle, and as a result, walking the roof becomes significantly more dangerous. That is why we recommend having an experienced company out to evaluate at that time.
Shingles with Missing Granules
Shingles’ first line of defense from the sun’s UV rays is their granules. Granules are small pieces of colored rock that coat the outside surface of asphalt shingles. If you’re looking at your roof from the ground and you notice what seem like “bald spots” on your shingles where the texture, pattern, and depth are not as defined as other shingles in the area, those areas may have lost their granules. You may also see the granules collecting in your gutters or where your downspouts drain. Granule loss on shingles is a sign they are old, weathered, or may have storm damage. Fortunately, in some cases, homeowners can opt for a minor roof repair to replace the few worn-out shingles rather than a complete roof replacement. To determine whether or not repairs are an option for you, we recommend you consult with a local roofing contractor.
Missing Shingles
This one may seem obvious, but we speak with homeowners all the time who either didn’t notice they were missing shingles or didn’t think missing a few shingles warranted any repair or replacement. Missing shingles are a red flag sign that you need a roof replacement or a repair, as missing shingles make your roof extremely prone to leaking. You may be able to replace the few missing shingles as a minor roof repair. However, you should still evaluate your home for any water damage that may have occurred without shingle coverage before you make that decision. If water seeped through the areas on your roof without shingles, it could lead to water-damaged roof decking and mold growth inside your living space.
Curling Shingles
When you start to see your shingles curling, that may be a sign that UV radiation damage is causing shrinkage in the asphalt binder of the shingle. This shrinkage and other effects of UV radiation cause shingles to become too brittle to function correctly. This brittleness will make your roof vulnerable to high winds, as the wind will start to catch underneath the shingle and begin lifting it, resulting in the shingle curl and eventually detaching altogether. While repairs are likely possible in the case of a few curled shingles, if this is a widespread problem, you will probably need a full roof replacement.
Roof Leaks
If you spot any signs of a roof leak, whether it be wet wood in your attic, dark spots visible on your walls or ceilings, or a sagging ceiling, it may be time for a roof replacement. While not all leaks are due to your roof, you will want to have a professional roofing company come out and perform a thorough inspection of your roof’s exterior, your attic, and the area inside that has interior damage. They should provide you with a detailed explanation of what is causing the leak and if it is related to your roof and help you decide whether or not to repair the area or have a full roof replacement.
Check out our other guide on how to find and fix a roof leak!
How Much Do New Roofs Cost?
The cost of a new roof can intimidate homeowners, and we understand why. Your roof is one of the more costly areas of your home to maintain, and it plays a significant role in real estate transactions for buyers and sellers. According to the national average, the cost to replace your roof and get a new one can range between $5,000-$30,000. The cost of a new roof depends on the size of your home, the style of your roof, and the roofing material you use.
There are tools online, such as this roof cost calculator, that can help you predict the amount you’ll need to spend to replace your roof. However, our advice is to utilize a local roofing company and request a free inspection and estimate instead. Having a professional confirm exact measurements and perform a comprehensive evaluation will help you estimate more accurately.
Does Insurance Cover Roof Replacements?
Most homeowners insurance policies cover the cost of replacement when wind, hail, lightning, or act of god events are the source of the damage to the roof. If you think your roof has storm damage and want to see if it would be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, ask a roofing company in your area to evaluate your roof. A qualified contractor can assist you with the entire insurance claim process, which includes: filing a claim, meeting with your insurance adjuster to review the damages and make sure the inspection is thorough, developing the appropriate scope of roof repair, and ensuring that the carrier is allowing for all the proper items to bring your property to a pre-loss condition.
Do You Need a Roof Replacement in Charlotte?
If you see any of the signs we mentioned above, it’s a good time to call a roofing contractor to find out if you need a roof repair or roof replacement and how much it will cost. If you’re a Charlotte-area homeowner, reach out to Signature Exteriors today, and we’ll be happy to perform a free roof inspection that includes an estimate for any needed repairs or replacement you may need. Give us a call at (704) 729-4898.
