Many homeowners are hesitant to replace their roof even when the signs of problems are obvious. After all, roofs are expensive and without being a roofing specialist, it can be hard to know if it is time to replace your roof or if you are being taken for a ride by your local roofing contractor.
Asking yourself the following questions can help you get an idea of whether or not a roof replacement is in your immediate future.
How old is the roof?
If you bought your residence or the structure in question from someone else, this is something that you should have asked during the purchasing process. A new roof can raise the value of real estate while one that is over a decade old can detract from it.
A few good “rules of thumb”:
- The average life of a new roof is between 12 and 20 years
- Even if the roof was guaranteed for 20 or 30 years, if it is over 15, it may need to be replaced
- In areas with extreme weather, such as the heavy winter storms in the northeast, the lifespan of a roof is significantly shortened
Do your neighbors have new roofs? Although it is not a good idea to covet your neighbor’s possessions, roofing is one exception to your mother’s rules. If your neighbors are getting new roofs, this may be a sign that you should also replace your roof for two reasons: first, most neighborhoods are built around the same time, so if their roofs are wearing out yours may be close to this point as well; second, in a competitive housing market like the current one, you need every advantage you can get in case you decide to sell your home.
An old roof looks bad when positioned next to a street full of new ones, and it will decrease the value of your house.
Has there been severe weather?
As mentioned above, extreme temperatures and weather can shorten the lifespan of any roof. Another problem that occurs during severe weather can worsen any small problems that existed before the storm or heat. Loose or weakened tiles that are subjected to strong winds or heavy rain can lead to bigger problems, which may mean that your roof will need to be replaced.
Although these questions can provide an idea of whether or not it is time to replace your roof, the only way to know for sure is to consult a roofing professional.
Still not sure if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced? Get in touch with us.
