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When is my shingled roof past the end of it's life?

Wondering how much longer you can hold out on getting your shingled roof replaced? Here at Radiant Roofing, we’re all about helping our clients extend the life of their current roof for as long as possible. But the fact is, there are some signs that will let you know that it’s time to replace instead of repair.

Whether you have slate, asphalt or metal shingles, here are 6 indications that it’s time to start thinking about a shingled roof replacement.

Age

When considering whether it’s time for a roof replacement, one of the first things an expert will ask you is how old your roof is. Now, different shingle materials come with a different expected lifespan. Asphalt roofs, for instance, are typically projected to last between 15 and 20 years. High end metal shingles, on the other hand, can last somewhere between 40 to 80 years, although some may outlast that estimate. So, it’s important to find out how old the current roof is.

That being said, age isn’t the be-all-end-all factor for knowing when it’s time for a replacement. In fact, the same roofing material can vary widely in terms of lifespan due to UV exposure, weather conditions, and even installation quality. So, let’s talk about some other signs to look out for besides the age of your roof.

Recurring leaks

Roof leaks can happen from time to time, and they don’t necessarily mean that your roof needs replacing. But, if you find yourself dealing with constant and recurring leaks and water damage issues in your attic or ceilings, it’s a sign that your roof is no longer able to maintain a reliable barrier.

Granule loss on asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are made with small particles of rock and other elements that serve as a barrier against water and plant growth. But over time, wind, changes in humidity, hail, and other factors can cause the granules to fall off. An asphalt shingle roof that is nearing the end of its lifespan will look patchy and worn, and you’ll see the granule residue in your gutters, downspouts, and on the ground around the base of your home.

Cracked, missing, or warped shingles

As with leaks, it’s normal for a small amount of shingles to break or fall off over the course of its lifetime. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance and repairs, these small issues aren’t a problem. 

But, if you see that many of your shingles are cracked, buckled, or missing completely, there’s a good chance that your shingled roof will need replacement.

Problems with energy loss

If you’ve noticed that your attic or upper levels of your home are prone to draughts or problems with temperature regulation, there could be problems with your roof that can’t be fixed with one-off repairs. To restore your roof’s insulation and make your home more energy efficient, you may need a roof replacement.

Roof sagging

Sagging is a sign that there’s an underlying problem with your roof’s infrastructure and almost always requires a full replacement. Of all of the signs that we’ve covered in this list, a sagging roof is one of the more urgent, as it suggests that there’s a potentially dangerous problem with the integrity of the roof underneath the shingles.

Should you opt for shingled roof replacement or overlay?

One question that we sometimes hear from clients is what to do when you’ve noticed one or more of the signs that it’s time for a replacement. Should you opt for a full replacement? Or would an overlay do the trick?

In a full replacement, all of the shingles and underlayment are removed and replaced, whereas an overlay is an additional layer of roofing material placed over the existing roof.

Ultimately, every case is different and each option has its pros and cons. But in general, we would recommend that if you’re noticing signs of wear, and especially in cases of a sagging roof, it’s in your best interest to opt for shingled roof replacement. That way, we can take a look at the structural integrity of your roof and avoid any problems with the additional weight of the overlay.

Call Radiant Roofing for questions about your shingled roof!

Radiant Roofing is here for repairs, replacements, and annual maintenance for your shingled roof here in Northeast Ohio! Our service area covers the entire Cleveland Metro Area, including Brook Park, Shaker Heights, Brecksville and beyond.

Call us to ask for a professional assessment of your shingled roof so that you can know for sure whether it’s got a few more years or needs to be replaced!

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