Imagine this: You’re inside, enjoying a hot cup of cocoa when suddenly you hear plop! While enjoying your hot cocoa, you hear a loud plop. You’re sitting in your favorite chair when a drop of rain falls on it. It could be a leak, or it might just be a raindrop. It’s time to answer the age-old questions – do you need a new roof? Join us for a detailed discussion on when is a roof considered new? and learn from industry experts.
Let’s start with the age. The age of a roof is not like that of a vintage wine. Asphalt shingle roofing, which is quite popular, has a life expectancy of 20-25 years. Once you reach the age of 20, it is time to consider a roof replacement. Like that old shirt you have in your closet since high-school, eventually it has to be thrown out.
Not all roof materials are created equal. The sporty, new car of roofing is the metal roof. They can last up to fifty years and are almost as durable as the Energizer bunny. Wood shingles, on the other hand, may look rustic, but will only last 20-30 years. Slate is the most durable material, lasting up to 75 years.
The age isn’t alone in the game. The weather can also have a big impact. Your roof may need to be retired sooner if you live in an area where heavy snow or hurricanes are a regular occurrence. The wind can raise shingles enough to allow water in. Ice dams, those roof ninjas, cause the water to freeze and pool, slowly tearing shingles off.
There are also visual clues. Your roof is waving its white flag if it has curled or lost shingles. It’s time to look at your roof more closely if it looks like it has moguls rather than smooth slopes. Shingles must be flat. No rolling here!
Don’t forget the attic. Look in the attic with a torch. You can tell if your roof is screaming for help if you notice sunlight coming through. It’s not a normal emoji moment, but screams “fix me now before the next torrential rain!”
You may also find a farewell note in the shape of granules under your front door. You can think of it as your roof quitting passively-aggressively by leaving sand in the gutters. The granules are what protect the shingles against sunlight. Without them, they’re in retirement, even though it may not look that way.
Many of us own old homes with mysterious roofs, whose age is lost to the annals and past owners. If you are unsure, consult an expert. You can have them give you a roof inspection and provide advice without the roofing jargon.
Remember this: Safety comes first. The best roof inspectors are those who have handled more shingles in their careers than the number of episodes you may have watched on your favourite TV show. You won’t become a family legend as a roofer who is clumsy.
Roofs protect us from the elements. You can keep your house dry by understanding their lifespan and signs of ageing, as well as the effects of Mother Nature. When you do finally replace your roof, you should treat it like the new gadget that you are so careful about. After all, it’s a good investment for your peace of mind.