The roof on your home is only good for so many years, and if you have an older home, you may find that the lifespan of the shingle roof is starting to near its end. Often the roofing material will begin to deteriorate and let you know it is nearly time for a roof replacement, and a roofing contractor can inspect and confirm it for you.
Roof Age
One of the most significant factors in determining when it is time for a roof replacement is the roof's age. If the shingle roof is more than twenty-five years old, it may be starting to wear enough that you see signs of damage.
Most asphalt shingles are rated for between twenty and thirty years of protection, and the weather in your area can alter that time. A hot climate with a lot of sun throughout the year may do more damage to the shingles than if you live in a more moderate climate, and areas with harsh winters can see harm related to ice and cold.
The rating on the roofing material is an average, so the best way to know if you need a roof replacement is to look at the shingles. If they are curling on the edges, they may be drying out. Small pieces of shingle on the ground near your home is often a sign that they are cracking and breaking off, and missing shingles from small patches indicate brittle shingles that are pulling off the nails securing them.
Roof Inspections
If you are concerned that the roof on your home is getting old, you can hire a roofing company to inspect it and determine if a roof replacement is necessary or if they can repair it. Older roofs are less likely to be candidates for repair, but the inspection can tell you a lot about the condition.
The roofer will check the shingles on the roof carefully and look for any loose or missing shingles. The contractor should also check the ridge cap carefully. Missing cap shingles can allow water to run down behind the main shingles, cause leaks inside the home, and promote rot and mold growth on the wood under the roofing material.
Often the inspection will extend inside the home to the attic space to look for damage or leaks that are not obvious from outside the home. If the roofing contractor finds damage that requires a roof replacement, they will let you know and give you a price for the work.
A roof replacement using the same asphalt shingles that you have already may take a week or two to complete, and you can work with the contractor to select shingles that meet your needs. Once complete, the roof will often last another twenty-five years, and for many people, they will have sold the home and moved before the roof needs any attention again.
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