When your roof is damaged or leaking, making the decision between a roof repair and a roof replacement can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to start. We get asked about this a lot, and we’re here to help. You obviously want to make the best choice to protect your home and make wise decisions regarding the financial investment in your home. So, how do you decide? What are some important things to ask yourself and to keep in mind as you consider replacing your roof?
How Old is the Roof?
A roof has a life expectancy of about 20 years. If you have a roof with asphalt shingles and it is older than two decades – particularly if it has multiple layers of shingles – it is likely reaching the end of its lifespan. Any visible damage on a roof this old is a sure sign that it’s time to go for a full roof replacement, rather than just patching up a roof that has already been hard at work for longer than intended. And it’s no guarantee that your roof will last 20 years – if there were any issues during installation, or if it was damaged previously and not properly repaired or maintained, your roof might need to be replaced sooner than you were expecting. (If your roof is 20 years old, or older, it’s time to start planning for a roof replacement, even if you don’t see any signs of wear or damage.)
Are Any Shingles Missing?
When a roof is new and in good repair, even storms with strong winds and heavy rains shouldn’t be enough to shift or dislodge your roofing shingles (although it can happen from time to time). If any of your shingle “tabs” are absent from your roof (you can tell this by looking at your roof from the ground, or by inspecting any shingles littering your lawn after a big storm), this can be a sign of a roof that needs serious work, and likely a full replacement. Shingles should be secure in their attachment to the roof for 15-20 years after installation, and when you have shingles that have come loose with any sort of regular frequency, that’s usually a sign of a roof that has reached the end of its useful lifespan. If you notice more than one or two random shingles missing, it’s time to call in a professional roofing contractor to have them take a look.
Are Any Shingles Broken… Especially in the Valleys?
Places where the roof dips – called valleys – are particularly crucial parts of your roof. This is where snow and rain collect and then flow into your gutters. If the shingles in these dips and valleys are broken, it’s more likely that moisture could be leaking through your roof. These areas deserve particular care and attention, and if you’re noticing issues in these areas, it’s especially important to have a roof replacement professional come out and take a look to see if there’s damage being done behind (or below) the scenes.
Do the Shingles Look Buckled or Curled?
If your shingles are curling up at the edges, it is a strong indication that your shingles are not doing their job properly anymore. As shingles age and are exposed to the elements, they can become loose, allowing moisture to get in underneath them. Because this is a likely sign that moisture is getting in underneath your shingles, it’s possible that your roof has sustained structural damage where you can’t see it. (If this is the case for your roof, and it’s been less than 15-20 years since you had your roof installed, you may be eligible for reimbursement from the previous installation.) This cupping, curling and buckling of shingle edges happens most often on the parts of your roof that get direct sunlight, and it’s a definite sign that it’s time for a professional assessment.
Are the Shingles Worn or Damaged?
The granules on asphalt shingles will eventually wear away. When you see bald spots on the shingles, or a significant amount of shingle granules in your gutters, this means that the shingles need to be replaced. In your gutters, these shingle granules will collect, and they will look like sand – black, coarse sand. You may notice them in your gutters, at the end of your downspouts, or sprinkled throughout your yard after a big storm or strong winds. A few lost granules are nothing to worry about, but if it’s persistent or a significant amount, it probably means that your shingles are coming to the end of their useful life.
Cracked shingles are a sign of either impact damage or material degradation; at a minimum, the cracked or broken shingles need to be replaced. A roof that isn’t properly ventilated can age prematurely, causing cracked shingles.
Do You See Dark Streaks or Damp Spots on the Roof?
Dark streaks on the roof can be caused by algae. Algae growth can be treated with a mix of water and bleach. But it’s not the algae itself that’s alarming from the structural perspective of your roof: algae can only grow where there’s moisture, and your roof shouldn’t be holding onto enough moisture to allow algae to flourish. Your shingles are supposed to be shedding water, sending it downward, away from the roof and into the gutters, not holding onto it. If they are trapping moisture, something is not right. Algae or moss growth may mean you have water damage under your roof shingles.
Note that if the dark streaks on the roof are mirrored by dark stains on your ceiling or walls, there may be a serious water leak and the roof may need to be replaced. Dark streaks in the wood supports in the attic are a sign of rot, and the roof certainly needs to be replaced in this case. Consult a roofing professional immediately for confirmation and the best next steps.
Are Your Neighbors Replacing Their Roofs?
This isn’t about peer pressure, or keeping up with the Joneses — the houses in your neighborhood were likely built around the same time as each other. If your neighbors are getting new roofs, then it is a potential sign that your roof is also due for replacement.
Cincinnati Roof Replacement Estimates
When it’s truly time for a roof replacement, you won’t do yourself any favors by continuing to repair a roof at the end of its lifespan. If you are in the Cincinnati area and have concerns about your roof, call us here at Harper — we can come out, look at your roof, and give you an assessment of any issues and estimate the cost of any repairs. Our hassle-free roofing estimates are a centerpiece of Harper Siding and Roofing’s approach to Cincinnati roof maintenance, and they’re an important first step in providing you the very best in clear, up-front customer service. Call us at 513-444-6098 or use our contact form reach us. We look forward to helping you take care of your roof.