How do you know when you need a new roof? That’s one of the most common questions we get. And getting a new roof is a big investment, so it makes sense that you’d want to wait until roof replacement is truly necessary.
Of course, your best-laid plans can be derailed by one of Texas’ spring storms dumping a load of hail on your house! In that case, we hope you’ll get a free professional roof inspection right away to assess the damage. Wind gusts of over 60mph are no joke!
But in the meantime, these 4 steps can help you decide whether you need a new roof this year, or you can hold off on that particular project for a few years longer.
1. Check The Calendar
How old is your roof? A composition roof typically lasts 15 to 25 years, and sometimes less in Texas’ scorching summers. This is true even for the premium architectural shingles that come with a 30-year warranty.
If your roof has made it to 20 years or more, then you’ll definitely want to schedule an inspection so a professional roofer can assess it. Even without obvious visible damage, a roof that old may not be protecting your home. It may be costing you money in your air conditioning bill or even letting in water, leading to costly repairs down the road.
(By the way, if you’re tired of replacing your roof every 20 years, you may want to look into top-quality metal roofing that can last 50 years or more!)
2. Check The Outside
Composition roofing deteriorates over time. As the layers of asphalt degrade, the shingles begin to shrink, crack, and curl.
The protective granules in the shingle’s top layer start to fall off, the asphalt deteriorates even more in direct sunlight, and eventually you have a roof that no longer protects your home.
Look at the sides of your roof that get the most direct sunlight. If your shingles are starting to show wear and tear, then it’s definitely time for an inspection to ensure that your roof is still watertight.
3. Check The Inside
What’s the condition of the underside of your roof, in the attic?
You’ll want to check this on a sunny day, to look for any bright spots of sunlight peeping through. Also check for signs of water damage on the sheathing, vertical wooden supports, and in the eaves and corners. That can look like discolored streaks, soft or spongy wood, or any sign of rot, mold, and mildew.
All this will give you an insight into your roof’s condition. Is it doing its job and keeping heat and rain out of your home?
4. Check Your Plans
How long do you plan to stay in your home? If this is the home you want to grow old in, and pass down to your family, then it’s worth being vigilant about the roof’s long-term structural integrity.
If you have any remodeling plans in the future – maybe you’ve been wanting to add another bedroom or a big front porch – it’s a great idea to do a re-roof at the same time. It means you won’t have to live with two separate construction projects, and avoids any mis-match between an old roof and a new one.
If your roof is getting older and you plan to sell the house in the next year or two, it’s worth considering a re-roof just to make the house more attractive to your buyers. It adds to the value of the home, increases its curb appeal, and gives potential buyers peace of mind.
Without a hail storm knocking a tree into your roof, it can be hard to tell when you truly need a new roof. If you’re concerned about any of the factors we talked about, then just reach out to us for a free roof inspection from one of our experienced roofers. We’re always happy to come out and give you our honest opinion.