When to Replace Roofing: How To Know When It’s Time for a New Roof

Every type of roofing material out there has a different lifespan. Whether it lasts for 15 years or endures for 55, consistent maintenance is an important part of keeping it in good condition. But no matter how well it’s maintained, even the best materials can’t hold out forever. Fortunately, there are ways you can tell if your roof material is approaching the end of its life. If you’ve noticed any of the following signs, it may be time to start searching for a contractor.

Moss Growth

 The appearance of algae, lichens or moss on your roof doesn’t necessarily mean that your roof is at its end. If it’s only showing up in one area, it can be a sign that you need to give it a good clean. However, how to tell when to replace the roof is if these growths have been present for a while and are appearing all over. If this is the case, it means they’ve permeated the top layer of your roof, which will hamper its ability to drain properly. In the event that water has been pooling, especially in the case of a torch down roof, this can lead to cracks that will shorten your roof’s lifespan.

Missing Granules

 A few missing granules aren’t likely to lead to water leaks when you’re dealing with asphalt shingles. However, this roof ailment means that your shingle roof installation isn’t going to offer the same protection from the sun, which leads to deterioration. Luckily, it’s easy to determine if you’re dealing with this roofing issue from the ground. Light patches on your dark shingles or dark patches on your light shingles point to granule loss. If you’re wondering when to replace a shingle roof, granules showing up in the gutter is a sign of shingles that are really wearing away.

Cracks & Tears

 When doing an inspection on the inside and outside of your roof, the presence of cracks and breaks can mean a roof replacement is right around the corner. Any splits may mean that your roof is absorbing water which will seriously compromise the life of your roof, no matter the material. It’s best to determine the cause of the crack so that you can figure out the right course of action. You’ll know when to replace torch down roofing if you notice scratches or tears that have compromised the roof’s structure. If you come across these issues, contact a roofing professional to get their opinion.

Underlayment Issues

Changes in temperatures can cause roofing materials to expand or contract where asphalt shingles and flats roofs are concerned. This means that flashing will pull away from the roof overtime, which can lead to leaks in the ceiling. If you’ve noticed dark spots or water stains on the underside of your roof, it’s a sign that your roof’s underlay has been compromised. A tile roof installation is pretty durable, but the underlayment is the weakest part of the roof. You’ll know when to replace roof tiles once the underlayment has become dried out with age, making room for water to get in.

Its Age

Different roofing materials have a different number of years in them right off the bat. A torch-down roof will last for approximately 15 years and may require repair during this duration. When to replace roofing shingles will be determined by maintenance, but you may want to start thinking about a new roof around the 20-year mark. While clay tiles have the ability to last for as long as 50-100 years, the underlayment can begin to deteriorate much sooner and may shorten the roof’s lifespan.

You can learn How to Care for Your Roof, to reach its optimal lifespan before replacement by checking our blog. Each season comes with different maintenance tips. This summer, you can find all the information you need in our article Roof Maintenance to Get Ready for the Summer.

Roof maintenance is a top factor to increase your roof’s lifespan. However, no matter how durable the material or how effective the maintenance, your roof will need to be upgraded at some point. That’s why it’s important to watch out for the signs to replace roofing so you’ll be ready when the time comes. Whether it’s aging underlay or an unidentified leak, a professional can help to determine your roofing requirements.

If you’re in the market for roof replacement, contact the professionals at Dr. Roof today to get your free estimate!

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