It’s a question homeowners ask with some trepidation: Is it time to replace my roof? While it’s certainly a big expense, it’s also one of the most critical investments you’ll make in your home. Avoiding a replacement by patching on repairs or by waiting until the roof begins to leak—the likes of which can cause damage costing well into the thousands–isn’t the best strategy. So it’s important to understand just what signs warrant a roof replacement.
Read on for five telltale clues:
- Cracked, curling, or discolored shingles: Visibly damaged shingles have reached the end of their useful life. They are liable to allow water to leach in between the cracks, and are more susceptible to blow-off. Discolored shingles often mean that the granules on areas of your roof have been stripped away, meaning your roof has lost its protection from UV rays. If your shingles are showing these signs of age and wear, it’s time to get a new roof.
- Missing shingles: when shingles go missing, it’s a sign that they are becoming weak due to wear and tear from UV rays and harsh weather. Essentially, it means the shingles can no longer do their job properly. While you can try to replace a shingle or two blown off by a severe storm, you don’t want to make a habit of regularly replacing missing shingles. If you’re slow to make a repair, or if a patch is torn away in a bad storm, you’ll likely end up with serious water damage inside your home…and still need a new roof when all that water’s been cleaned up.
- Water damage: signs of leaks or damp areas in your attic are a sure sign that there are issues with your roof. In the case of a small leak with a clear culprit, a temporary repair may stave off of a roof replacement for a bit. However, in general, if water’s getting into your home, your roof will need to be replaced to ensure it is adequately protecting your home from wind, rain, and extreme temps.
- Large-scale damage/disrepair: if your roof is sagging, has a big hole in it, or is missing a lot of shingles, these are clear signs it’s time to replace your roof. Your roof is compromised, meaning that your family, along with the interior of your home and its contents, are all at risk. Protect your loved ones and your valued possessions by installing a new roof ASAP.
- Age: another obvious indication that it’s time to get a new roof? Its age. Most roofs last about 20 years, and this assumes that no other issues exist and that your roof was installed and maintained properly. In any case, if your roof is nearing 20, it’s time to start roof shopping.
Recognize one of these issues in your own roof? Don’t worry! Deciding to replace your roof—and who to hire to do the work—is a huge decision. We’ll remove your uncertainty and allay your fears with a safe, efficient installation process and state-of-the art roofing materials made by top manufacturers such as GAF. We are the area’s foremost roofing experts, and we’ve been in the business for over 35 years. Give G.J. Keller and Sons a call today at 973-927-0963 for your free estimate!