If you're wondering whether or not your home's roof needs to be replaced, it can be hard to determine sometimes. Obviously, when there are major damage signs, it's much easier for you to determine if your roof needs to be replaced. However, there are other considerations to think about when it comes to deciding whether or not you need a roof replacement. Here are a few of the things to look at.
How Old Is The Roof?
One of the first things to consider is the age of the roof. Every roofing material has an expected usable life, a period before which the roofing material starts to deteriorate. For example, metal roofing will last longer than asphalt shingles, but both will reach a point where they need to be replaced solely due to age.
If you don't know how old the roof is, the best thing that you can do is to reach out to a roof replacement contractor to have the roof inspected. They will look for signs of aging, weathering, and other potential indicators that your roof is reaching the end of its useful life.
What Kind Of Damage Can You See?
Another key consideration when deciding if you need roof replacement is the type of damage that may be visible on the roof. For example, if you have missing shingles, shingles that are curled, or visible granules coming off the shingles on the roof, those are key indications that your roof is in need of replacement.
Additionally, the flashing on your roof will wear and deteriorate over time. When the flashing starts to deteriorate, it puts your roof at risk of water damage and leaks. If you can see cracking, missing pieces, or other visible damage to your flashing, you should reach out to a roof replacement contractor for help.
What Kind Of Work Has Already Been Done?
If you have already had repair work done on the roof over the years, that work can be a factor in whether or not your roof needs to be replaced. For example, if new shingles or roofing material has been installed over the existing roof, that's a sign that you probably need to start thinking about replacement.
When roofing materials are installed directly over existing material, it can hide underlying damage and deterioration. Your roof may actually be in far worse shape than it appears because the surface is newer while the substructure is aging and deteriorating.
If you're considering a roof replacement, talk to a roofer soon. You'll be glad you did!
