Maintenance and improvement projects are the norm when it comes to owning a home. Some things are routine and easy DIY chores, but larger tasks, like roofing, can be challenging.
We don’t always look closely at our roofs, and even when we do, it can be hard to determine whether they need maintenance. Let’s go over some warning signs and how to tell if you need a new roof.
Signs You Need a New Roof
The usual signs that it’s time for a roof replacement include:
- Cracked, damaged or curled shingles
- Missing granules
- Damage around chimneys or skylights
- Water damage, leaks and spotting (This one isn’t always obvious from the inside of the house–you won’t always see spots on the upper floor ceilings.It could be that moisture is gathering in the sheathing on the underside of the roof in the attic.)
If you notice the following signs, it could be an indication of bigger problems, and the roof might need more urgent attention:
- Dips in the roof
- Loose shingles or loose shakes
- Rusted and/or loose flashings
- Exposed fasteners
- Curling, cracked or missing shingles that are sliding out
In addition, certain styles of roofing have their own unique warning signs. If your roof is made of cedar, it could suffer burns from the sun’s UV rays making the shakes thinner over time. Some cedar roofs also experience dips and thin spots as a result of poor maintenance or aggressive washing.
Tile roofing generally has a glaze or protective coating. Over time this coating softens and wears away, which will lead to cracking. The way to check your tile roof for this problem is to scratch your fingernail against it and check for residue. If any residue is on your fingers, it’s a clear sign that the roof is too old and needs to be replaced.
Roof Longevity Based on Age and Materials
Age does play a role in whether or not you need a roof replacement. For example, if your roof is made of contemporary composition shingles, it should last at least 25 years and will need to be replaced no later than 30 years after installation.
But sometimes roofs can last much longer depending on what they’re made of. Here are a few types of longer-lasting roofs:
- Tile: 40-50 years
- Cedar: 30-50 years depending on the thickness grade (medium-grade lasts 30, heavy/jumbo shakes can last much longer)
- Presidential, heavily-laminated roofs: 40-50 years
If you’re not currently seeing any damage or warning signs, you may be unsure of the status of your roof. But if your neighborhood has homes that were built at the same time and at least 50% of the roofs have been replaced, you’re probably due for a replacement in the next five years.
One important factor to keep in mind is the quality of the installation. The lifespans indicated above can be much shorter if the roof is installed poorly or if it has ventilation issues.
Time for a New Roof? Schedule Your Free Estimate Today
You want to preserve your home, save time and money and maintain peace of mind. You’ll get all that value–along with the certainty that your roof is installed correctly – by working with All Surface Roofing and Construction.
We provide award-winning roofing services and have given the best customer experience to thousands of homeowners in Portland and surrounding areas.
Contact us today! Call 503-570-7663 or send us a message to schedule your free estimate with our roofing team.
