How to Know if it is Time to Repair or Replace Your Roof

You may not give much thought to your roof unless some major problem, such as a leak, arises. But, just because there is no major damage does not mean that a roof is not beginning to wear out.

You may not give much thought to your roof unless some major problem, such as a leak, arises.  But, just because there is no major damage does not mean that a roof is not beginning to wear out.  Just like almost anything else with a house, a roof has a lifespan. Depending on the type of roof your home has, the lifespan can vary greatly.  A roof should not be neglected and should be repaired or replaced promptly because it is one of the most important protective parts of your home and its contents.

A shingle roof will typically last about 20-25 years and a tile roof will last as much as 50 years and sometimes even more.  If your roof has passed its age limit, it may automatically be time to update the roof.  But, there are also some telltale signs that the roof needs to be replaced and all homeowners should be on the lookout for any of these signs.  First, if you notice any roof deck sagging is an instant sign that you may have a problem.  Roof deck sagging is an indicator that your roof may have worn out and your home may have experience water damage.  If you notice this it is important to have a contractor look at it right away.  Another sign that the roof may have been compromised is if you notice any other signs of water damage such as cracked walls or ceilings.  If you think there may be water damage the first thing to do is get in the attic and see if you notice any moisture or dark spots. Moisture or dark spots on the surfaces of your attic could indicate leaks and potentially permanent damage to the structure of your home.  While in the attic it is also a good idea to look around and see if you notice any light shining through the roof.  If you do, this means that your roof is compromised and likely has damage.  Look around the perimeter of your home and in the gutters, if you notice a lot of shingles or tiles on the ground it may be a sign that your roof is experiencing advanced wear and tear.

So, if you notice damage, how do you determine that your roof needs to be replaced rather than repaired?  First thing is first, consult a professional contractor or roofer who can examine your roof and help you determine whether or not it needs to be replaced.  While Handyman Connection does not repair or replace roofs, there are many reputable contractors and roofers who do.  If it does need to be replaced, Consumer Affairs offers the following advice when choosing the right contractor and roof for you, “If you decide it’s time to replace your roof, get several estimates. Make sure the estimate includes removing the old shingles and disposing of the debris. In past years, it was common practice to simply nail the new shingles over the old ones. The industry has changed and reputable roofers won’t even offer this as an option. In fact, doing so will void many manufacturers’ warranties. What should you expect to pay for a new shingle roof? There are a lot of variables, including where you live, how many layers of shingles are currently on your roof, the square footage of the roof and the pitch. According to real estate site Zillow.com, a complete roofing system with tear off and disposal of all job-related debris could range from $6,500 to $15,000 on a 1,600-square-foot home.”