A roof that’s properly installed and well-maintained will give you many years of useful life. But all roofs deteriorate with age, and you’ll eventually have to decide whether continued repairs or a full replacement is in order.
The question is, how do you decide? When do you know when it’s time for a replacement, or if you can get by with repair work?
1. The age of your roof
Your roof’s age is one of the most important considerations when deciding whether it’s time for a replacement. Most asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, and if a roof is nearing the end of its expected lifespan, a replacement may be in order.
2. Repairs become cost prohibitive
The older the roof, the less efficient and more cost prohibitive repair work becomes. If you’re consistently spending a lot of money on repair work, it probably makes sense to invest in a new roof.
Also, if the damage to the roof becomes extensive, it may start to affect the structural integrity of your home.
3. The condition of your shingles
Your roof’s shingles provide plenty of clues when deciding whether it’s time to repair or replace. An abundance of curled, buckled, or cracked shingles is a warning sign, as are missing shingles.
Also, look for dark spots or uneven coloring – it can indicate your roof’s age and its overall condition.
4. Granules in the gutters
As shingles age, their protective granules begin to wear off when they become hardened by heat, sun exposure, and other factors. An abundance of shingle granules in your gutter is a tell-tale sign of a roof nearing the end of its lifespan.
5. Attic issues
The presence of moisture in your attic’s insulation, or daylight coming through the roof boards, are other signs of a roof that may need replacing.
6. Extensive damage
Damage caused by severe weather or other factors may be so extensive that repair work won’t be enough to fix the problem.
7. Leakage
A leaking roof doesn’t always mean that you need to replace it. However, if the leaks are extensive and causing damage to the interior and exterior of your home, you should give serious consideration to replacing your roof.
Call Straight Line Construction when your Sacramento area home’s roof is in need or repair or a possible replacement.
