Your asphalt roof is about 20 years old The service life of a roof is the number of years you get out of it. A reputable roofing contractor will recommend that you replace your roof at around 80-85 years of the manufacturer's service life. For example, you should consider replacing a 25-year-old roof around the 20-year mark. Check your home renovation records to see how long ago the roof was replaced or the deck was replaced.
Knowing when a roof was installed (and what it is made of) lets you know how much life it has left. For example, a typical asphalt shingle roof lasts 20-25 years, while a roof installed over an existing layer of shingles needs to be replaced after 20 years. Under normal circumstances, three-tab asphalt shingle roofs should last between 15 and 20 years before needing replacement. However, architectural asphalt shingle roofs are slightly more resistant to the elements due to their design.
They can last up to 10 years longer than three-tab asphalt shingle roofs. As a rule of thumb, the 25 to 30 year benchmark works. If your roof is that old, it will probably need to be replaced soon. Some may even need a complete roof replacement sooner.
The material the roof is made of has a big influence on how long it lasts. Some materials are more durable than others, allowing them to better withstand the rigours of torrential downpours, debris from high winds and heat waves. They can also usually be loosened without removing the shingles, so there is no need to replace the roof. If you have reviewed the list and the signs point to the need for a new roof, a roofing company can assess your current situation and make recommendations for repair or replacement.
Large areas of cracked or loose shingles (or those that are clearly crumbling) indicate that your roof needs to be replaced. But if the base nails are missing or have come loose and the boot is in good condition, replace them with the rubber washer screws used on metal roofing systems. When examining the roof from your attic, look for any spots where the sun is filtering through the roof boards. You may want to invest in a slightly more expensive roofing material to avoid frequent roof repairs caused by unexpected weather conditions.
As a homeowner who has probably seen your fair share of homes in various stages of new and old, you probably already know whether or not your roof needs to be replaced. The most durable roofs are usually slate, shingles and any type of metal roofing, such as copper. Seeing curled shingles can mean a sign of major problems, such as leaks, which may mean a roof replacement. Depending on how many nails are exposed and how long they have been exposed, roof replacement may be required.
A shingle that has lifted due to winds may have loosened the sealant and possibly the nail, all of which means replacing the roof. By having your roof inspected, you will prolong its life and may be able to postpone its complete replacement for a while longer. Replacing your roof allows you to detect any problems hiding underneath the shingles and has a longer lifespan than siding. When it comes to replacing your roof with quality asphalt shingles, news about the most reliable contractors can be found at Roofers Daily News.
So if your roof is getting up there in age, it's probably time to call a local roofing company to get an estimate.
