Four Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

Is it time to replace you roof? Most modern rooves today have a very short shelf-life. Ancient options, like slate, can last over a hundred years, to the point where there are still some buildings out there with the original rooves. These rooves, however, would be very costly to today’s standards, and not just during installation. 

Modern rooves are quieter, great at insulating, and relatively budget-friendly to install and even maintain. They also unfortunately have a fairly short shelf life of around twenty years. This means you can do it once and, for most, never need to get it done while living at that property. You may even not have to touch your roof at all! 

If you buy an older property, however, know that there’s a good chance that roof will need to be replaced. Unless the previous owners recently did it up, check your roof for signs of age, and replace it if necessary by using this guide: 

Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Roof

• It’s Getting Old

It’s always a great idea to keep track of how old the roof is. Ask for this information when you hunt for houses, and try to keep track of the date. This way you can start to inspect your roof more closely once it starts nearing the end of its average life expectance. Good maintenance and upkeep can prolong its life, so visual and professional inspections are a must. 

• Shingles are Missing Left, Right and Center

If your home is missing shingles all over the place, and it seems that more just drop a little every day, then there’s a good chance you need your roof replaced. Eventually, the repair and maintenance is just not going to add up, and you’ll want the benefit of a new roof over your head. 

• Roof Leaks

If your roof is leaking, then you need to replace it ASAP. That leak is only going to get worse and it can lead to things like black mold and wood rot, two things that are very dangerous for you and your family’s health. 

• Your Roof is Sagging

If your roof is visibly sagging, then it cannot be repaired and needs to be outright replaced. You will also need to check for water damage, wood rot, and mold, as those are often comorbid symptoms when a roof finally starts to sag. 

How to Choose Your Next Roof

If it is time to change out your roof, take a second to understand your options. There are various roofing options out there for you to choose from, and that includes both style and material. Understand which roofing type is best for your individual style and needs. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty roof that can take a beating without needing a lot of upkeep (which is ideal for secondary properties like a shed, barn, or even a cottage), then you may want to look into metal. A metal roof installation can last between 50 and 100 years. It’s durable, strong, and easy to maintain. 

For your primary property, you may want to just swap out your roof for the same one you’ve had along. Or you may want to look into slate or terracotta shingles instead. Each has its own pros and cons. 

When choosing which is the best option for you, consider the cost, the longevity of the option, how much it will need to be maintained, what kind of soundproofing or insulation you’ll need to add to the mix, and so on. This will help you understand the complete picture. 

Photo by Austin Walker on Unsplash