When is it Time for Roof Replacement?

Posted on April 23, 2010 by Dana

Roof Replacement

Even when some homeowner’s roofs are evidently in horrible condition they refuse to replace their roof, mostly due to the high cost of doing it. Roofs are expensive, and unless you’re a roofing expert it’s usually hard to decide whether or not your roof really needs replacing.

If you read through the article you should have a basic idea on how to tell whether or not you really need to replace your roof.

The Roofs Age

If you bought your home from somebody else then this is something you should have asked about before purchasing the home. A brand new roof can really add value to a home, while an old tattered roof will decrease its value.

Here are some facts to consider:

- The average roof will last 12-20 years
- Roof companies will often say a roof is guaranteed to last 30 years, while this isn’t always true
- If weather where you live is sever ( severely hot or cold) the lifespan of your roof will be shortened by a considerable amount

Your Neighbor’s Roofs

If your neighbor is getting a new roof then it may be time for you to get one as well. There are two main reasons behind this; most neighborhoods were built at the same time, so if their roof is wearing down chances are yours is too, and in today’s highly competitive housing market you’ll need every bit of help you can get; a new roof being a huge help when selling your home. An old roof will make your home look much older than it really is and will decrease its value.

Recent Severe Weather

As listed above any kind of severe weather or temperature can really weaken a roof and shorten its lifespan. Any minor problems you had prior to the severe weather will likely worsen during the severe weather. Loose tiles may even fly off due to heavy winds, and your roof may leak due to excessive rain.

Even if you take these few things into consideration the only way to truly tell whether or not you need to replace your roof is by talking with a roofing expert.