How Often Should A Roof Be Replaced?

Your roof is like a sturdy shield for your home or business. It stands guard against rain, snow, and scorching sun, while also making your building look great from the street. However, just like most things around the home, roofs do not last forever. Knowing how often you should replace a roof depends on the roofing material used, the weather, and, of course, how well it was installed in the first place. Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are created equal. Poor installation of the roofing and other components that make up the roof can cause it to fail faster than expected.

Here are the factors to consider when trying to determine if your roof needs to be replaced before it is due.

The Lifespan of a Roof

Most roofs are designed to last between 20 and 30 years, depending on the materials used. Under average conditions, a roof typically lasts: 

However, other factors can affect a roof’s lifespan. For instance, extreme weather events or ongoing harsh weather can age a roof faster. In addition to strong winds during major storms, things like intense sun, extreme temperature changes, heavy rain, ice, and hail can damage a roof over time. 

Maintenance is important for ensuring you get the most time out of your roof. Taking good care of the roof by cleaning gutters regularly and performing required repairs after a storm can help the roof last longer. 

One factor that is often overlooked when determining a roof’s longevity is the quality of the installation. For instance, if an attic is not well ventilated during the roof installation, heat and moisture can build up and damage the roof from the inside. A well-installed roof will last longer than one that was not put on correctly. 

Home and business owners should be sure to check references and contract with a reputable, fully licensed roofing contractor with a proven record to ensure that every aspect of the roof installation is performed to the highest standards.

Signs It Is Time to Replace a Roof

Even if your roof has not reached its expected lifespan, there are signs that it might need replacing. These can be due to the factors described above, including weather events and poor workmanship. Signs of a failing roof include:

• Curling or missing shingles: If your shingles are curling at the edges or missing altogether, it may be time to think about a new roof.
• Daylight through the roof boards: Go up to your attic on a sunny day. If you can see light coming through the roof boards, your roof might have holes.
• Mold, mildew, or water damage inside: If you notice mold, mildew, or yellow/brown water stains in the attic or on the interior walls, the roof is likely leaking.
• Sagging roof: A roof that is drooping or sagging is a big red flag. This could mean there is moisture damage or that the roof structure is weakening.
• Granules in the gutters or on the ground: If you have an asphalt roof and find a lot of sandy granules displaced from the shingles, your roof might be nearing the end of its life.
• Unexplained increases in heating or cooling costs: An increase in energy use can indicate that the roof is not insulating the dwelling properly. 
• Your neighbors are getting new roofs:  If houses in your area were built around the same time by the same builder, and your neighbors are replacing their roofs, yours might need attention too.

A roofing contractor like Honest Abe Roofing can help you assess the state of your roof and evaluate your options for repairing or replacing it. Typically, if a roof hasn’t neared the end of its estimated lifespan and damage affects less than 30% of its area, repairs may be the way to go. However, roofing contractors may recommend replacing the roof when the damage is more extensive. 

Warning Signs of a Bad Roof Replacement

Sometimes, a roof might need replacing sooner than expected because of poor installation or workmanship. Red flags that your roofing contractor may have cut corners include:

• Uneven or wavy appearance: A good roof should look flat and even. If you notice waves or bumps, it could mean the roof wasn't installed properly.
• Different colored shingles: Unless it's part of a design, your roof should be one consistent color. Patches of different colored shingles might mean cheap materials were used or repairs were done poorly.
• Nails sticking out: You shouldn't be able to see nails on your roof. If you can, it means they weren't hammered in correctly, which can lead to leaks.
• Messy edges: The edges of your roof should be straight and neat. Messy or uneven edges could mean the roofer didn't take enough care to install it properly.
• Water stains on ceilings: If you start seeing water stains on your ceilings soon after getting a new roof, it's a sign that something went wrong with the installation.
• Water damage on wood shingles or decks: If areas below the roof show signs of water damage, this could be a sign that the drip edge was installed incorrectly (or not at all). When installed properly, the drip edge directs water away from the home as it runs off the roof.
• Shingles falling off: New shingles shouldn't fall off easily. If they do, it might mean they weren't attached properly.

What to Do If You Suspect Problems

If you think your roof might need replacing or that your last roofing job wasn't done well, here's what you can do:

1. Get a professional inspection: A qualified roofing contractor can check your roof and tell you if there are any problems. Issues may be able to be repaired to slow the damage. 
2. Look for a second opinion: If you're not sure about what one roofer tells you, it's okay to ask for an additional inspection. Look for a contractor with a proven, multi-step roof inspection checklist and good references.
3. Check your warranty: If your roof is fairly new and having problems, you might be covered by a warranty. A reputable roofing company will warranty their work with an invest-once guarantee. 
4. Keep records: Save all paperwork related to your roof, including receipts and warranties. This can be helpful if you need to make a claim.
5. Keep up with maintenance: Even if your roof is okay now, regular check-ups and maintenance can help catch small problems before they become big ones.

Trust America’s Most Reliable Roofer

Most roofs last 20-30 years or more, depending on the materials used, the weather, and how well they are maintained. But if you notice signs of damage or suspect poor installation, it's better to address the problem sooner rather than later. 

Reach out to Honest Abe Roofing for a free, 16-point roof inspection to assess the state of your roof and help you choose the best path forward.