When Should You Replace Your Roof?

The roof is one of the most important parts of any home. It keeps everything inside safe from all forms of weather and is built to take a beating from the elements. But how do homeowners determine when it’s time to replace their home’s roof? Here are 7 signs that it’s time to think about repairing or replacing the roof.

The Roof is More Than 20 Years Old

On average, a roof lasts about 20–25 years. However, other factors, such as ventilation and the style of roof, also play into how long a roof will last—there is some wiggle room. But from 20 years and beyond, the homeowner should be looking for signs that it’s time to find a replacement.

Shingles are Curled or Misshapen

In order to do their job, shingles should be flat and straight. Curled shingles can be caused by poor ventilation or improper installation, but if the roof is older, it’s likely that it’s just a natural part of the shingles’ lifespan. When curled shingles are seen, it’s time to start looking into a replacement roof or other roof repair.

Cracked Shingles

If the roof’s shingles are cracked, it’s typically a sign of wind damage or cold weather. Just a few cracked shingles can be replaced, but if there’s cracking all over the roof, the homeowner should start planning to replace it.

The Neighbors are Getting New Roofs

A telltale sign that a home’s roof needs to be replaced is if all the neighbors are getting their roofs replaced. Homes in neighborhoods like Surfside Beach are typically all a similar age and made by the same building companies, which means they’ll more than likely use the same roofing material. When the neighbors start replacing their roofs, take it as a sign to check it out for definite signs that it should be replaced. 

Missing Shingles

Sometimes heavy storms or strong winds can cause singles to fall off of a roof, but this shouldn’t be the case. Shingles coming apart from a roof can be a sign that the shingles weren’t properly installed, and the missing shingles can lead to leaks inside the home. If only a few shingles are gone, they can be replaced, but for large damage, it’s more likely that the entire roof should be replaced.

Shingle Granules are Falling Off

While cleaning out the home’s gutters, homeowners may find granules from the shingles collecting there with dead leaves. If the roof is new and granules have come off, this is likely due to the shingles being new and the extra ones that weren’t well secured falling off. However, if the roof is 10 years or older, this is another sign that the shingles are deteriorating. 

Sunlight is Seen From the Attic

For most people, this should be obvious. If a homeowner goes into their attic and sees sunlight, that means wind, rain, and snow can all come into the home. Some gaps are able to be patched if they’re small enough, but holes caused by structural damage could mean the entire roof needs to be replaced.

False Alarm: Algae Growth

Depending on where the home is, homeowners may notice that their roof has gotten stained over the years, and this could be caused by algae growth. Fortunately, algae is not a cause to have a roof replaced, and it can easily be cleaned off, either by a professional or with a DIY cleaner so the roof looks good as new.

Keeping an eye out for these warning signs can be a good way to tell when a roof should be replaced. Many roof problems are able to be fixed without a complete replacement, so be sure to have an expert look at the roof in order to get the best opinion possible.