When Is It Time to Replace My Roof?

Whether you just bought a previously loved house or you’ve built your dream home, there will come a day when you need to replace the roof. If you’ve already lived in your home for many years, that day may be here sooner than later. And while you may wish that you could opt for a small roof repair instead of a full roof replacement, it’s usually not that cut and dry. So let’s get into just what you need to know if you’re thinking about replacing your roof. We’ll cover signs to look for and plenty of vital information so that when you start looking for a reliable roofing company to do the work, you can make the best decision.

Why Roof Replacement Matters

Unless we’re buying or selling a home, most of us aren’t regularly thinking about the roof over our heads. But that roof is doing a lot, pulling its weight every day of the year. When storms whip rain, hail, snow and ice, the roof keeps us warm and dry. When the summer sun heats up, a well-insulated roof keeps us cool and allows our HVAC system to work more efficiently. We obviously know that a strong, properly installed roof is vital to any structure, but unless we’re having issues or need to prove that it’s sound, our home’s roof doesn’t really get much thought. 

 Even though it’s often taken for granted that it will be there for us, our roof won’t last forever. It will eventually require at least roof repair, if not a total roof replacement. But rather than waiting for leaks or visible signs of damage, it pays to be able to recognize early warning signs that can prevent costly damage. Knowing what to look for can help you to maintain long-term structural integrity and give you time to plan for the investment. 

How Long Does a Typical Roof Last?

Estimates vary, and each home or building could be exposed to different risk factors and environmental stressors that will impact the roof’s lifespan. That said, in general, you can expect roughly these average lifespans from some of the most common roofing materials:

• Asphalt shingles: 20–30 years
• Architectural shingles: 25–35 years
• Metal roofs: 40–70 years
• Tile roofs: 50+ years
• Wood shingles/shakes: 20–30 years

Now, it needs to be emphasized that some of these materials are not practical in Northeast Ohio, and so you aren’t likely to find them readily used. Others require regular maintenance to keep them looking and functioning their best. More often than not, traditional asphalt shingles and architectural asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing materials in our area, followed by a growing use of metal roofs. Modern asphalt shingles are engineered to hold up to the wind, rain, snow, and summer heat that we experience in Northeast Ohio and the product that we stand behind when we install new roofs for our customers.

Visible Signs Your Roof May Need Replacement

If you’re unsure of how old your roof is, or you know that it’s reaching its projected lifespan but aren’t sure of its condition, then understanding what to look for will go far to clue you in to the true state of things. 

Missing, Cracked, Or Curling Shingles

Even in strong winds, asphalt shingles should be able to withstand the force and stay put. If you’re seeing gaps, or if shingles are missing chunks or deformed, it’s clear that their strength is sapped and the materials are compromised. Old, weak, or water damaged asphalt shingles can no longer protect your home from the elements, and leave the roof deck exposed to water, making leaks more likely.

Bald Spots Or Granule Loss On Shingles

The tiny granules on asphalt shingles are made using crushed stone minerals that are coated in ceramic to add color and durability. These granules do make asphalt shingles more visually appealing but they are not just decorative—they protect the base of the shingles from UV damage, improve weather and fire resistance, add durability, and contribute to the overall color and appearance. Over time and exposure to the elements, these tiny granules can weaken and fall off. A few isn’t terrible, but if your gutters are filling up with this "roof sand" that is a sure sign that the shingles are starting to wear thin and will soon need to be replaced.

Sagging Roof Areas

The lines of your roof are determined by the frame beneath the decking and shingles. An intact roof should look crisp and sharp. If you’re seeing wavy lines, dips, or unevenness, this is a clear sign that there is a very serious structural issue at play. Not putting too fine of a point on it–this is an emergency. Regardless of the state of the shingles, a sagging roof needs to be addressed right away. Typically a full roof replacement and some structural repair is what’s needed to avoid roof collapse.

Damaged Flashing Around Chimneys Or Vents

Flashing is the flat or bent metal sheeting that you will find anywhere that two planes meet, such as at joints, edges and transitions, where water is most likely to penetrate. You’ll typically find flashing used alongside chimneys, skylights, vents, pipes, roof edges, dormers and roof valleys. Flashing helps to direct water away from vulnerable areas and toward the guttering system. If it is damaged, flashing can no longer do its vital job and water can end up infiltrating your roof’s structural elements. 

Moss, Mold, Or Algae Growth

Especially in a humid area like Northeast Ohio, some dark streaks or stains are natural and harmless. But if you’re seeing moss, mold, and algae colonizing your roof, they can trap moisture, causing damage to the shingles and the underlayment. Regular cleaning can help, but if the situation is past the point of easy removal, it might be time to look into roof replacement.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against rain, wind, and pests. That’s what to look for from the outside to know if your roof is rounding the bend toward replacement. Now let’s cast a light from the building’s interior and see what signs you might notice indoors.

Signs of Roof Problems Inside the Home

When it comes to indoor signs of roof damage, the symptoms all boil down to some form of water damage. Old, damaged, or compromised roofing materials have allowed water to infiltrate, causing the following interior symptoms:

• Water stains on ceilings or walls
• Mold or mildew growth
• Peeling paint near rooflines
• Leaks during rainstorms
• Increased humidity in attic spaces
• Visible daylight through roof boards + water damage

Apart from frequent leaks, water stains, or interior damage, clearly damp insulation and musty odors near these areas are positive signs that water is getting inside the home and your roof is no longer doing its job. Some minor leaks can be repaired, but for more widespread issues, or if you already have an older roof, then replacement is your best bet to ensure that your living or working spaces are protected.

Frequent Repairs Could Mean It’s Time for Roof Replacement

At Reliable Roofing we’re always happy to help repair a homeowner or business owner’s roof. But it’s important to know that sometimes a roof is past the point of repair. Or, if multiple repairs are needed within a short time period, that could be a clear sign pointing to the fact that the roof has reached its lifespan and roof replacement is in order. Even if you can make several small repairs, those costs can quickly add up. If you’ll also have to replace your roof in the near future anyway, due to age, then it’s worth it to bite the bullet and trade in repair for replacement, getting ahead of will eventually become a bigger problem. After a certain point, patching becomes inefficient and it’s time to buy in to replacement.

Storm or Weather Damage

Regardless of the age of your roof, severe weather can serve to quickly accelerate roof deterioration. Whether you experienced a singular weather event or just common seasonal hail, high winds, heavy snow loads and falling branches or debris, there are plenty of ways that storms and severe weather can make roof replacement necessary. This is why it is vital to regularly inspect your roof, both before and after storms and seasonally. If a weather event causes damage that may be covered by your home insurance policy, the professional team at Reliable Roofing can help you to assess the state of your roof and navigate a roof insurance claim, whether you require a roof repair or a roof replacement.

Age Of the Roof

Sometimes, age alone can justify roof replacement. This is especially true if you’re purchasing an older home and the seller is not aware of when the previous roof was installed. Your insurance company may also require roof replacement in order to continue to provide coverage, due to its advanced age and the likelihood that it will soon fail. If you have the budget for it, roof replacement is best done before you discover water damage and leaks or before it is compromised and the situation becomes an emergency.

Rising Energy Bills

There are many reasons that your energy bills may be rising, seemingly without cause, but did you know that your roof could be part of the explanation? An aging roof is no longer doing as great of a job at blocking UV rays and protecting your home from the worst seasonal heat and cold. An old roof paired with poor attic ventilation can lead to heat escaping during winter and cooling loss during summer. Taken together, these factors can end up increasing overall energy costs. If you’ve ruled out all other causes and your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan, rising energy costs could be your clue to know that your roof is no longer serving its purpose and that it’s time for roof replacement.

Professional Roof Inspection

While we will always encourage homeowners to do regular inspections of their roofs, sometimes this is impractical, unsafe, or just plain impossible. If you can’t get your own eyes on your roof then you want to have regular roof inspections from a trusted professional. This maintenance task will ensure that hidden damage is identified and caught before it becomes problematic. It will also help you to get a better handle on just how old your home’s roof is, if you were unsure. A reliable roofing company will also be able to make solid recommendations for roof repair or replacement.

Roof Replacement from A Reliable Roofing Company

Reliable Roofing Inc. is your go-to source for roof repair and roof replacement in Columbia Station, Strongsville, and surrounding communities. We are an established local company offering top quality work and a variety of roofing services–whatever your asphalt shingle roofing needs, we can help. We’ll help you gauge the remaining lifespan of your roof and provide expert advice and recommendations.

If your roof is no longer serving you, it’s time for roof replacement. A new roof is a vital way that you can protect your entire building along with the people who work or live inside. If you need a commercial or residential roofer with experience, you can count on Reliable Roofing Inc. We are family-owned and -operated and our dedicated and dependable team aims for complete customer satisfaction. We use only the best, highest quality materials for roof repairs, roof replacements, insurance claims and all of our roofing services. Contact us today to learn more and get started.