Should I Replace My Roof?

When you buy a home, you can only see its surface. But over time, things hidden away from view — like the roof — reveal their true condition. Even if your roof doesn’t give you any indication that it needs to be replaced soon, there may come a time when you need to invest in a new one. When that time comes for you and your home, it’s important to know when to replace your roof. If you own a home with an old roof, there are many indicators that point toward the need for new one. We’ll take a look at some of the most common signs that indicate it’s time for a new roof. Once you read through this list, you may feel confident about investing in a brand-new roof or scared about the potential costs. However, these are all warning signs that indicate it’s time for a new one!

You Have Dark or Discolored Roof Tiles

Discoloration on your roof tiles is a sign that your roof is getting old. After a certain amount of time, shingles will begin to break down and turn from a dark green or black color to a pale brown or even a rusty red. Discoloration is a warning sign that you should begin to look into roof replacements. A roof that’s turning dark or rusty red is an indication that its shingles are beginning to degrade. The shingles will eventually crumble and fall off the roof entirely, exposing your home to all types of weather damage. At that point, you’ll need to replace the roof before you’re hit with other costly repairs, like water damage in the home.

There’s Excessive Rot or Corrosion

Another sign that your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan is rot or corrosion. Rot or corrosion may be found on parts of the roof, including wood rafters, wood fascia, metal flashing, and metal edges. While some of these parts are replaceable, others are permanent fixtures of a roof, meaning they must be replaced entirely when they’re beyond repair. As a roof ages, it’s exposed to extreme elements that cause it to deteriorate. What was once a sturdy roof designed to last decades may start to rot away in just a few years. If you notice signs of rot on your roof, you’ll likely need to replace it before it becomes a major problem. If your roof is made of metal, you may notice corrosion. This happens when water seeps into the metal and causes it to rust. As with other forms of damage, corrosion is a sign that your roof needs to be replaced.

The Roof Is Older Than 20 Years

As a rule of thumb for when to replace your roof, experts say you should start considering new options when your roof reaches the age of 20 years. If you have an asphalt shingle or fiberglass shingle roof, it may last longer than 20 years. However, wood shingles may need replacement sooner. As a roof ages, it will begin to show signs of wear. Eventually, it will start to break down completely, leaving you and your family vulnerable to the elements. Replacing your roof when it’s 20 years old is a good idea because it will extend the life of your home. If you wait too long to replace your roof, you may end up needing to replace sections of your home to avoid water damage. This can be costly, as you may need to replace the siding, windows, or even parts of the foundation.

The Roof Has Already Been Repaired Once

There’s a big difference between replacing sections of your roof and replacing your entire roof. If you’ve already had to make repairs to your roof, you may have gotten lucky that they didn’t cause more damage. However, you’re likely to need a full roof replacement sooner than someone who has never had to make repairs. When you’ve had to make repairs to your roof, you’ve already started to exhaust its lifespan. While you may be able to get away with another repair or two, you’ll likely need to replace your roof after three repairs. You may be able to extend the lifespan of your roof if you make the repairs correctly. However, a roof with patches won’t be able to protect your family and home from the elements as well as a new roof would.

Your Roof Has Numerous Cracks and Holes

If your roof has a lot of visible cracks and holes, it’s likely past its lifespan. Roofs experience normal wear and tear that leads to these cracks and holes, but frequent repairs can exhaust them before the end of their lifespan. Cracks and holes on your roof indicate that it’s starting to break down. They can be fixed and ignored for a few years, but you’ll eventually need a full replacement. Cracks and holes are also a safety risk. If you leave them unrepaired, they can grow and lead to a serious collapse of the roof. Cracks and holes in your roof are also an entry point for damaging pests and rodents.

Your Roof May Be a Safety Risk

Old roofs are not only unattractive and prone to water damage — they can also be dangerous! When you’ve reached the point where your roof is so damaged that it’s a safety risk, you may want to consider a roof replacement. If your roof is so damaged that it might collapse at any time, you have to replace it before it happens. This can be a sign that it’s time to replace your roof. If your roof is so damaged that it leaks, it’s sending water into your home. This can lead to costly water damage repairs and a lot of stress for you and your family.

There Are Signs of Dilapidation in Other Areas of the House

While your roof is the part of the house that you see first, it isn’t the only thing that needs to be maintained. If you notice other parts of your house deteriorating, it’s possible that your roof is causing the issue. Roofs collect debris and break down, causing other parts of the house to deteriorate. When your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it will eventually begin to break down. This can cause water damage to other parts of your house, like walls and windows. Dilapidation in other parts of your house can be a sign that you need a new roof. Your roof is an important part of your home — arguably the most important part — that needs to be maintained. When it’s time for a new roof, it’s important to consider your options before investing in a new roof.

Water Continues to Leak Into Your Home Regardless of Repairs

If your roof is old, you’re likely to experience some leaks in the short term. However, if your roof continues to leak even after you’ve repaired the damage, it may be a sign that it’s time for a roof replacement. A roof that’s past its lifespan will often be too damaged to effectively protect your home from the elements. If water is seeping in through your roof, you may need a new one before you’re hit with more costly water damage repairs. If your roof continues to leak, you may need to replace it regardless of how much it costs. You’re better off replacing an old roof than having to make repairs or even potential major repairs.

Summing up

If any of these signs seem to apply to your roof, you may want to consider making a replacement. Roofs last for a long time, but they do eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Replacing your roof before it’s too late can save you money because you won’t have to deal with expensive repairs or water damage. If you are ready to replace your roof and are unsure which one is right for you, consider contacting a roofing contractor. Roofing contractors often have a variety of roofing types and products to choose from, and they can help you determine what type is best for your home.

‍