How to Know When to Replace Your Roof: 5 Signs You Need a New Roof

Your roof protects your home from the elements. Unfortunately, roofs don’t last forever.

Is your roof ready to be replaced? If you fail to replace or repair your roof, then you could encounter homeowners insurance issues. Your insurer may deny your claim because you failed to maintain your roof, for example.

Today, we’re highlighting five signs you may need to replace your roof.

Consider the Age of your Roof

Roofs don’t last forever. Depending on the material of your roof, it may need to be replaced or repaired after just 5 to 15 years.

Experts may tell you that an average roof needs to be replaced every 20 years. This is only partially true: roof lifespans vary depending on the material used:

• Asphalt roll roofs: 5 to 10 years
• Composite shingle roofs: 15 years
• Wood shingle roofs: 25 years
• Standing seam metal roof: 30 to 50 years
• Wood shake shingle roof: 35 to 40 years
• Clay tile roof or Spanish tile roof: 40 to 100 years
• Sale roof: 100+ years

Check for Bucked, Curled, and Damaged Shingles

Your shingles only work when they lie flat against the roof. After 10, 15, or 20 years, your shingles may start to buck, curl, or become damaged. This is a significant sign of wear on your roof, and it could signal that it’s time for a new roof.

Look for Shingle Granules After a Storm

Your shingles are covered with granules to protect against the elements. As the shingle ages, however, it starts to lose its granules. Check your gutters after a storm. If you notice plenty of granules after a storm, then it may be a sign that you need a new roof.

Look for Missing Shingles or Tiles

A single bad storm might remove one or more shingles or tiles from your roof. However, if there are multiple missing shingles or tiles, then you may need to file a homeowners insurance claim – or replace your roof entirely. If only a handful of shingles or tiles are missing, then you can repair them on your own. Having missing tiles everywhere, however, could be an issue.

Check for Daylight through Roof Boards

Check your attic for any daylight shining through roof boards. Daylight shining through roof boards is a sign that water has entered your home – or could enter your home during the next storm. This is a serious roof problem that must be replaced.

More Tips On Roof Damage

Ultimately, the issues above may not require a homeowners insurance claim. In fact, homeowners insurance won’t cover many of the issues above. Homeowners insurance is designed to cover unexpected expenses – like a tree falling through your roof – not ordinary wear and tear or maintenance. For other tips on roof inspections and roof damage claims see our article here.