How Do I Know When My Roof Has to Be Replaced?

Your roof isn’t going to last forever. Sometimes a serious leak or storm damage makes it pretty clear when it’s time to replace your roof, but it will be a safer and more cost-effective project if you know when your roof’s lifespan is up before a major leak.

Shingles

You shingles will often show significant wear when they are worn out. Look for curling edges or bald spots where the shingle texture is gone. Time will wear the granules from the surface of your roof, but as your roof nears the end of its life this process will accelerate quickly. A tell-tale sign is when you start to find the granules accumulating in your gutters. You might also start to see cracking, peeling, or other obvious decay. Once shingles start to deteriorate, they will only continue to get worse.

Seams

The seams, peaks, and flashings on your roof will start to show obvious deterioration when they are near the end of their useful life. This makes your roof much more susceptible to wind and weather, and you are at much greater risk of moisture penetrating your home as things begin to come loose.

Water damage

If your roof is starting to go, you might start noticing evidence of moisture getting into your walls or ceiling. Cracking or discoloring drywall, peeling paint, or stains on the ceiling are indicators that some water is getting through. Sometimes a leak can be fixed, but as a roof gets older it becomes more difficult to prevent future leaks. In this case, it might be time to invest in a new roof.

It can be hard to know what the right decision is. Fixing isolated problems can buy you some time, but ultimately roof replacement will be necessary. If this is the case, it is best to get the roof replaced before leaks cause more significant damage to your home.

If you are concerned your roof might be nearing the end of its life, speak to the trusted professionals at Horn Brothers Roofing in Denver, Cherry Hills Village, and Highlands Ranch.