When Should a Roof Be Replaced? 6 Signs to Look Out For

The global roofing market reached a value of $102.4 billion in 2020.

A roof is always built to stand the tests of time, but nothing lasts forever. Various factors can affect the lifespan of a roof, and knowing when should a roof be replaced is very important. Leaving a damaged roof for too long can result in a range of other problems, so you should get any maintenance done as soon as you notice any issues.

For 6 signs that a roof is at the end of its useful life, read through this roof replacement guide.

Table of Contents

1. 20 Year Old Asphalt

If you’ve been living in your house for a number of years and you’re wondering “what is roof replacement?” then it is something you should look into. Asphalt shingles wear down with time, and a standard roof should get up to 25 years of life.

Our roof replacement advice is to start thinking about a new roof around the 20-year mark. It’s far better to replace your roof a bit too early than a bit too late, as a worn-down roof can lead to a range of other problems.

2. Premature Failure

You should get a lot of years out of your roof, but sometimes the materials will start to fail faster than expected. This means you’ll need a roof replacement before the damage gets too extensive.

The two main causes of this are poor attic ventilation and inadequate roof installation.

3. Storm Damage

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent bad weather. Severe storms can cause significant damage, and roofs are very exposed.

Rain, wind, hail, and other elements can damage and rip up shingles, and sometimes other debris may impact your roof. Metal roofs are more durable, but could still suffer damage if the conditions are bad enough.

4. Curling Shingles

If you notice the shingles on your roof curling it usually means there’s another issue. Curling is often caused by things like a leak, improper installation, age, and poor ventilation.

You should get a professional to take a look so they can determine the cause and suggest the best course of action.

5. Exposed Nails

Exposed nails will get wet whenever it rains, making them rust. This can lead to leaks, and will only get worse with time. If you notice any exposed nails having them taken care of as soon as possible will help prevent further damage.

6. Roof Cement

Metal flashings are used on roofs to prevent leaks, but some roofers will use cement instead. It will work as well for a short time, but after a while, it will crack and let in moisture.

A professional roofing company that is committed to high-quality work will use proper flashings, as well as provide these benefits for any job they take on.