Replacing a roof is never an easy decision for homeowners to come to because of the high cost. It’s hard to tell if a complete roof tear-off is necessary or if the roofing contractor you hired is just trying to rip you off. This is why it’s important to learn as much as you can before getting an estimate. The more informed you are, the harder it is for a company to take advantage of you. So, how do you know if you need a whole new roof or some minor repairs?
Know the Age of Your Roof
Most experts agree that a typical roof lasts between 20 and 25 years. Knowing the age of your roof is an important step in determining if you need a new one. In addition to finding out the age of your roof, you’ll want to know whether or not the old roof was removed or if they just added new layers on top of it. It’s likely that if your roof is 20 years or older and was installed on top of an old roof, that you’ll need to redo your whole roof. Of course, there are still other factors to consider.
Inspect Your Shingles’ Condition
The state of your shingles is a big factor in whether or not you need to replace the whole roof. If you notice that many shingles or missing and even more are curling and buckling, you’re looking at a new roof. You’ll also want to check the gutter for granules. Roofs lose more granules at the end of their life.
Inspect Your Valleys
Valleys are an integral part of the roof as snow and rain flow through them on their way to the gutter. If your shingles here are falling apart or gone, you’ll definitely need a new roof. If you choose not to replace it, you’re looking at the potential for some serious leaks.
Don’t Forget to Check the Attic
Go into your attic during the day and look to see if there’s any light coming through. If there is, you’re roof is not properly protecting your home and making it susceptible to leaks. You’ll also want to check the insulation for moisture. If you’re having problems in all these areas, you’ll definitely need to redo your roof. If you’re only seeing a couple problems, it’s worth it to bring a professional roofer in to inspect your roof.
