Your roof is constantly protecting your home from the elements, which can cause damage over time. But just what are the signs you need a new roof?
Knowing just when to replace your roof can seem daunting, especially if you don’t know the warning signs. That’s why our team at Rusco is here to walk you through all of the warning signs you need a new roof, ensuring you know how to protect your home for decades to come.
With over 87 years of experience, trust the experts at Rusco for all your roofing needs.
How To Know When to Replace Your Roof?
While there are some obvious signs that you need to replace your roof – such as winter wreaking havoc on your shingles – others often aren’t as noticeable. It’s imperative to be able to answer the question “when should you replace a roof?” so that you can act early and avoid costly roof repairs or even further damage down the line.
Some signs your roof needs to be replaced include:
1. Passed Roof Life Expectancy
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One of the most telling signs that it may be time to invest in a new roof is if it’s past its life expectancy. Most roofs last anywhere from 15-30 years, depending on where you live, what the climate is like, and other factors. Make sure you look at your house’s maintenance records or inspect your roof for obvious signs of damage to help determine how old it is. Even if your roof is just a few years past its roof lifespan, this can quickly lead to significant risks.
Average Roof Life (20-30 yrs)
The typical lifespan for a roof is anywhere from 20-30 years, especially if it is made out of asphalt, slate, tile, or other similar materials. However, if you bought your home with a roof that is already nearing the end of its life, it’s important to take a look at this soon. The older roofs get, the more they are susceptible to issues.
Midwest Roof Life (10-15 yrs)
Climate also plays a big part in the longevity of your roof. For example, the Midwest, with its harsh winters and ever-changing weather conditions, often causes homeowners in this area to have to replace their roofs every 10-15 years instead.
Our team at Rusco will help you determine how to tell if you need a new roof.
2. Cupped or Curling Shingles
Curling or cupped shingles are often an early sign of wear due to:
- Moisture
- Aging
- Improper installation
- Poor ventilation
- Extreme temperatures
Curling or cupped shingles can quickly lead to risks such as leaks or structural damage. Issues with your shingles can help you learn how to tell if a roof is bad.
3. Damaged or Cracked Shingles
Damaged, missing, or cracked shingles are among some easy-to-see signs you need a new roof. These can be caused from storm damage, intense temperature changes, or heavy winds, especially if you live in an area like the Midwest.
4. Worn Down Roof Granules
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Roof granules that have been worn down from age are another sign of a bad roof. These granules are supposed to protect your roof’s shingles, and when they’ve been worn down or damaged, this can point to an older roof that isn’t doing its job properly anymore.
If you notice your gutters start to have small shingle granules in them – or if you notice obvious bare spots on the roof itself – it may be time to reach out to a skilled roofing company.
5. Damaged or Leaking Roof Flashing
Your roof’s flashing has the important job of sealing vulnerable areas of your roof, such as chimneys, vents, skylights, and more. If the flashing is damaged, this can quickly lead to leaks, mold, and other structural problems.
6. Sagging Roof
How can you tell if you need a new roof? If your roof is sagging or looks like a ‘wavy roof’, this is a structural red flag that should point you toward immediate action. This issue is often caused by water damage, broken rafters, poor installation, and more.
7. Roof Leaks & Water Damage
One of the most telltale signs of roof failure is if it’s leaking or has obvious water damage. This can quickly spread from your roof to other areas of the home as well, such as the attic, walls, or insulation, leading to even more issues that can quickly snowball into a very costly repair.
If you start to notice water leaking from the ceiling, attic, or roof, make sure you look into repairing or replacing your roof as soon as possible.
8. Gutter or Siding Damage
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Roof problems, as mentioned above, often lead to issues in other areas of your home, such as the gutters or siding. This means you may need to get a gutter or siding replacement on top of your roof if you don’t act quickly.
If you notice issues in these areas, make sure you check on the roof as well to ensure there aren’t larger problems at hand.
9. Algae, Mold, or Moss on Roof
Moss, mold, or algae on your roof doesn’t often point toward needing to replace your roof right away, but it’s important to keep an eye on these issues. These are all caused by long-term moisture, which can affect your roof’s health.
Roof Moss
Moss will tend to look green, fuzzy, and textured, appearing in smaller mounds across the roof. Moss often means that there has been moisture on your roof for quite some time, meaning you may need to replace your roof soon.
Roof Algae
Algae, while still appearing green like moss, often shows up in flat, dark stains instead of fuzzy mounds. Algae mainly just affects your roof’s aesthetics and doesn’t often point toward structural damage.
Roof Mold
Mold can vary in color, ranging from white to green to even brown or black, and it is almost a surefire sign that you’ll need to invest in new roofs soon.
10. Increased Energy Bills
Roof damage can lead to poor insulation down the line. In turn, this may easily drive up heating or cooling costs as your home works hard to combat the insulation issues. If you start to notice increased energy bills and can’t pinpoint why, it may be time to take a look at your roof.
Explore Your Options With a Free Roof Inspection from Rusco
Are you struggling with knowing when to replace or repair your roof? The above tips can help you stay on track and keep your home protected for years to come.
Our team at Rusco can provide you with a free roof inspection to help explore your options for what roof repairs you might need. We have proudly served the Chicago area since 1937, and our commitment to exceptional customer service is unwavering. Get in touch with us today to learn more.
Roofing FAQs
How Long Does a Roof Last?
This answer can depend on the material your roof is made of and the climate of where you live, but most roofs need to be replaced every 20-30 years.
What is the Average Cost of a New Roof?
A new roof often costs anywhere from $6,000 – $11,000, depending on the size of the roof, what the surface area is like (for example, a roof with multiple slopes requires more labor compared to a flat roof), and what material the roof is made of.
If you’re worried about price, Rusco can provide a roof financing plan that works for your needs and budget.
How Long Does It Take To Replace a Roof?
Most often, the average timeline for a residential roof replacement is anywhere from 1-3 days. Different materials, such as concrete tiles or metal roofing, may take longer. Rusco can give you a timeline of what to expect when replacing your roof so you’re prepared every step of the way.
Can I Get a Roof Warranty?
Roofing warranties often come in two different forms – either from the manufacturer or the replacement team. Luckily, all of Rusco’s materials and labor are covered by warranty, and we are licensed, insured, and bonded as well. We can guarantee you’ll love your roof and it’ll stay safe for decades to come.