Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Roof

Wouldn’t it be nice if you never had to replace your roof? How lovely would it be if it was a one-and-done type of deal? Sounds amazing right? Well… unfortunately this isn’t the case. So how do you know when it’s the right time to replace your roof? We all know that it can be quite an expense that no one wants to take head-on unless, of course, they have to. But as your friendly roofers, let us remind you that waiting until the last second could cost you more in the long run.


Many roofing issues can cause more expensive repairs later on unless they are dealt with sooner rather than later. Water can invade the attic space and damage the decking, insulation, and rafters. And if left even longer it can damage the ceilings inside the home, which can then lead to the birth and growth of mold, and it will just keep getting worse.

So when should you replace your roofing exactly? Let’s dive in, shall we?

Is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

Let’s dive into a few signs that could indicate that it’s time for a replacement.

Attic exposure:

Have a look inside your attic. Your attic should be sealed with no light piercing through; if you notice a light source, it could be a sign that the structure is shifting. Also, if you notice any stains or streaks then it could be an indication of water leaks.

Missing shingles:

For older roofing, missing shingles are a common sign, and, over time, the UV rays from the sun and the cycle from hot to cold then back to hot again can wear away the shingles. With the temperature fluctuating and dropping the asphalt can become brittle, and break or crack. Some might even blow clean off due to high winds.

Chimney flashing and flashing in the valleys are two areas that will need repair as soon as possible to prevent damage or leaks.

The purpose of flashing is to keep water from seeping into areas where it tends to collect or where the roofing is more vulnerable. Not attending to your flashing will leave the vulnerable areas unprotected.

Problems with flashing are usually due to age. Gradually, metal flashing can rust and will also need to be replaced. If you live in an area with frigid winters, the freeze and thawing cycle can loosen the flashing slowly over time.

Damaged flashing does not necessarily indicate that you need an entire replacement. In many scenarios, it’s possible to simply replenish the damaged flashing and keep the roofing intact.

Patchy granules on shingles:

Shingles are covered with small granules, these granules usually consist of mineral fibers and minerals, and in some cases, the metal granules manufacturers will mix metal granules to minimize algae growth.

Patchy granules can also be a problem for new roofing as well. If there is nearby a tree or a hanging branch that scrapes against the roofing the granules can be patchy and the asphalt below can be left vulnerable.

If your roofing is approaching 20 years old then it’s beginning to cross the threshold of replacement.

At what age should you replace a roof?

It’s advised that most roofs need to be replaced within 20-30 years. A single roof can last from 10 to 50 years, and how well it’s maintained plays a huge factor in its lifespan, however, most average asphalt roofs begin to deteriorate around 20 to 25 years.

If you have questions about what replacing or repairing your roofing might cost you, here are a few terms you can search to discover what that’ll be for you. You can search terms like “flat roof replacement cost average” “repair roof leak”, “cost to replace roof shingles”, “repair roof leakage”, “roof repair leak”, “commercial roof replacement near me” or even “roof replacement near me” to discover what your roof type may cost you for a replacement. A new shingle roof cost may vary from a metal roof replacement cost.

The lifespan of different roofing types

You can predict the lifespan of your roof based on the material it consists of.

Asphalt roofing

Asphalt roofing is among the most common roof types chosen by homeowners. In fact, four out of 5 homes today are using asphalt shingles. This material usually lasts between 12-20 years on average.

Synthetic roofing materials

Synthetic roofing materials aren’t all that common but they’re engineered for better endurance, they’re impact and UV resistant. In most scenarios, a synthetic roof could last between 30-50 years.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing isn’t very popular for residential properties, however, people will opt for this option because it lasts quite a while. The average life span for a metal roof ranges from 40-70 years.

How to extend the life of your roof?

A few ways to extend the life of your roofing are to take exceptional care of and maintenance of your roofing.

How long does roof replacement take?

The length of time it takes to replace roofing varies from house to house and depends on the size and style of the roofing as well as the materials used. For instance, a flat roof replacement will take a shorter time than a pitched roof replacement, especially if the materials used are easier to work with. Moreover, the time it takes for shingle replacement will differ from fascia and soffit replacement.

The average roofing replacement for a roofing of 3,000 square feet or less can be replaced in a day. Depending on how complex and the accessibility of your home it could take up to three wakes.

The length of time also depends on how much damage has to be repaired. If the gutters are damaged then that could affect the length of time as well as a flashing replacement.

Also, some homes feature skylights and homeowners may have to replace the skylight.

What is the best roof to get?

In our opinion, synthetic roofing is the best option to get. They come in a variety of styles and profiles and they’re engineered for a level of endurance that most other types don’t offer. Synthetic roofing is resistant to impact and UV rays (which can help during a hail storm).

They’re also resistant to wind, fire, fading, and cracking. Not to mention that they also resemble the look of the more common option, asphalt shingles.

Can you replace part of the roof?

While it’s usually not advised to partially replace a roof, there are some instances where replacing segments of the roofing system is necessary or acceptable.

If only portions of your roofing are damaged, then it’s possible to replace only the affected portions, but this isn’t always recommended. You should get counsel from an experienced, licensed roofing contractor who can inspect your roofing thoroughly and confirm that there’s no unseen damage.

This may be easier for some flat roof replacement options.

Should I replace my roof if it’s not leaking?

Deciding whether or not it’s the right time to replace your roofing can be a tricky decision especially when you can’t see any damage from where you’re standing. The roofing material you have has an estimate on the lifespan of your roof. If it’s approaching or extends past the expiration then it’s definitely time to replace your roofing, even though it’s not leaking today, you don’t want your roofing to cave in on you tomorrow.

A leak is not the only determinant of a roof replacement. Your roofing can have other damages, for instance, if your shingles are lifting the underbelly could be exposed to water damage. If you don’t have adequate insulation and ventilation this could also lead to damages that you may not see until you’re intentionally inspecting.

How do you tell if you have bad shingles?

If you have missing shingles or if the majority of your shingles are patchy with granules missing then you have bad shingles. Also, if the edges of your shingles are lifting and exposing the underneath then this is also a sign that you have bad shingles.

If this describes your shingles then it might be time for a new shingle roof.

Does insurance cover roof replacement?

Insurance policies vary but most homeowners insurance covers the structure of the home, and this includes the cost of a replacement or repairs if abruptly damaged. ‘Acts of God’ like a fire, heavy winds, severe storms, hail, or any other roof repair emergency covered by your policy will likely be reimbursed. A new shingle roof cost may vary from a metal roof replacement cost.

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