Signs your Shingle Roof Needs Replacing

An asphalt roof typically needs to be replaced every 12 to 20 years, which means many homeowners have to replace their roofs multiple times. It can sometimes be difficult to determine when the roof was last replaced if the home’s previous owner didn’t maintain accurate records. However, there are ways to examine the health of the roof, which can tell you if you should start preparing for this expense.

1. Can the Age of the Roof be Determined?

Assuming the previous homeowner did maintain accurate records, you should look for documents indicating the most recent replacement job. Most roofs will last 20 years and some may even last longer, depending on the quality of work. Even if the roof is just over a decade old, you should begin preparing to have it replaced. It may last another decade, or it may begin to degrade early.

2. Visually Check the Inside of the Home

You should begin your roof inspection by taking a tour of the home and looking for water stains on the ceilings. Additionally, inspect the attic space on a bright, sunny day. If you see the light shining through small spaces or crevices, this is another indication that the roof needs replacing. Even if you haven’t noticed water stains on the ceilings of the lower level of the house, you may still identify water stains and mold in the attic. Be watchful for these symptoms of an eroding roof.

3. Exterior Signs that Indicate a Problem

Finally, take a tour of the outside of your home. If you see shingles that are curling or flaking, your roof may be beyond repair. Additionally, discolored shingles indicate a loss of granules, which may also indicate a severe roofing problem. If you can find granules in the gutters, or in puddles around the home, this can confirm that it’s time for a new roof. Once the shingles begin to erode and lose granules, repairing a specific area may no longer be an option. Replacing the entire roof is often the best choice in these circumstances.