When Should I Replace My Roof?

It’s a good question – and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Let’s go over some factors that can help you determine when it’s the right time to replace your roof.

How Long Should a Roof Last? 

The normal lifespan of a roof is approximately one to two decades. With good maintenance, your roof may last 15 to 20 years. But without routine maintenance, it may not last nearly as long – especially if it’s sustained damage during its lifetime. The bottom line is you should plan on replacing your roof approximately every 15 to 20 years, but it may be sooner than that, so you should know how to recognize the signs that it’s time to replace your roof.

Signs Your Roof May Need Replacement

• Roof leaks
• Dark streaks
• Blistering or peeling paint
• Ceiling and wall stains
• Sheathing decay
• Shingle damage

Should I Repair or Replace My Roof?

We get this question all the time – and it’s understandable why. If possible, you’d probably like to put off the major project and major household expense for as long as you can. Here’s the bottom line: sometimes it’s possible to squeeze a little more life out of your roof with repairs, and sometimes it’s not. 

For example, if your roof isn’t old but you spot a few loose or damaged shingles, you may be able to get by just replacing them. But if the loose or damaged shingles have been an issue for some time, there may be additional unseen damage that may necessitate a full roof replacement.

For more information, check out our full-length article on roof repairs versus roof replacements – or give us a call to schedule an inspection!

Regular Roof Inspections – The Best Way to Know When It’s Time to Replace

Yes! Regular roof inspections are the surest way to tell when it’s time to replace your roof. And by inspecting it often, you’ll be able to catch issues early before they turn into major problems. We recommend starting a regular roof inspection regimen that goes like this:

• Every one to two years: Get a professional roofing inspection. Even if your ground-level inspections have gone well and you detected no signs of damage, a professional inspection is still important because we can spot things that would easily go unnoticed by an untrained eye.
• Every six months: Do a quick ground-level inspection yourself. All you have to do is look up at your roof and see if you notice anything unusual. If there’s damage, get it taken care of as quickly as possible. And remember what your roof looks like so you can detect changes during your next inspection in another six months.

Tips to Maximize Your Roof’s Lifespan

• Find out how old your roof is: If you didn’t install it and you’re not sure, check the inspection report from when you purchased your home. You can also ask a roofing company or building inspector to look at the roof and estimate its age and condition.
• Watch the homes around you: They experience the same weather as yours and are likely built around the same time. If your neighbors are getting new roofs, do a roof inspection to see if your home needs one too.
• Check for exterior damage as soon as it’s safe: Especially after a significant weather event, like heavy winds or a hail storm.
• Spot-check your roof twice a year – once in spring and once in fall: Use a ladder to access it and look for trouble spots, but also check your attic for damage. Not feeling up to it? Reaching out to us at Dagmar Pros for help inspecting is always the best option.

How Do You Know It’s Time to Replace Your Roof?

Regular roof maintenance and inspections are worth it. They help extend your roof’s lifespan to its maximum, which saves you money in the long run. And simply by performing a quick check yourself twice a year, you’re doing your part. But ignoring roof damage or moss growth may leave you disappointed when leaks start and your roof needs early retirement.

The best way to know where you stand is calling us for a professional assessment. We’ll be able to tell you if there are any issues and estimate how much life is left.  Ready to schedule an appointment for a roof inspection, repair service, or replacement?

Call us today and speak with one of our friendly experts.