You may think your roof is in perfect shape because you don’t see any signs of damage or disrepair. Or you may think a leak in your roof is a sign that it needs to be replaced.
The truth is neither statement is correct. Just because you don’t see any problems doesn’t mean they aren’t there. And a leaky roof may not need to be replaced.
That’s why it’s important to turn to a trusted roofer to inspect the condition of your roof. There are individual contractors who offer those services and companies like Bearanteed Roofing Denver that specialize in roof repair and replacement.
There are certain times, however, that as a homeowner you should be aware that your roof may need to be repaired.
Your roof is old enough to go to college
Most roofs have a limited lifespan. An asphalt roof with shingles may last 25 years. A clay tile roof could last 40 years. Because most homes have asphalt roofs, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected when it is about 20 years old. Because most people wait until their roof is already damaged, roof replacement can be a hassle. But with proper inspection, you can get a jump on a replacement and plan it at your convenience with the help of a good inspection.
Most roofing contractors recommend replacing a roof at around 80 percent to 85 percent of the manufacturer’s life of the roof. That means you should consider replacing a 25-year roof around the 20-year mark. If you wait until it’s too late, you could face water damage problems and other problems when water leaks into your home’s interior.
Signs that your roof is failing
Another time to seriously consider roof replacement is when you see signs of deterioration. When you find shingles blown into your yard, that’s a sign that your roof is experiencing problems that is causing it to prematurely fail. This is likely due to improper installation or poor attic ventilation. Your roofing contractor who is experienced in residential roof repair should be able to identify those issues for you.
You should know if your roof isn’t properly ventilated or properly installed, the manufacturer’s warranty on your roofing materials will be voided. You could try to recover the cost from the contractor who did the shoddy work, but that may prove more difficult than you think.
Big storm took a toll on your roof
The most obvious time most homeowners think about replacing their roofs is after a big storm. In Florida, hurricanes trigger a flurry of insurance claims for houses needing new roofs. This is a good time to have your roof inspected by a reputable contractor. Just because your house survived a hurricane, doesn’t mean you need to replace your entire roof. But it’s one of those times when many homeowner’s insurance policies will cover the replacement if it’s necessary.
