When should I replace a roof in Durham, NC?
This depends on the type of roping material that you have installed on the home. If you have a metal roof for example that is 20 years old you shouldn't have to replace it for another 60 years. However if you have a 20 year shingle roof and it's been 18 years it may be time to look into getting a roof replacement. The simple answer to the question is you should replace a roof when it begins to look worn out, damaged, discolored or is starting to break into pieces with each windstorm that blows through town.
For most homeowners a typical roof’s lifespan is between 25-30 years if it is composed of quality materials and was installed correctly according to the manufacturer's guidelines. To understand when you should replace your roof you first need to know what kind of materials you have protecting you from the elements. Is your roof composite shingles, asphalt shingles, shakers, metal? Each material has a different lifespan and different signs that they need to be replaced. Here are some common signs that may indicate your roof needs to be replaced and installed with a new one
Broken or missing shingles
If you get on the roof and notice that there are sections of the roof where “squares” are missing then that is a definite sign your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Broken shingles signify that they are aging and have dried up from the sun, when these shingles become brittle they begin to break and fall from the roof in small pieces during wind and rain storms. You might have noticed pieces of roof in your gutter, driveway or yard.
Looking for light in the attic
If you go up into your attic and shine a flashlight up into different sections of the roof you will be able to see spots in an old roof where water has begun to seep in. Also in the attic you will be able to see small pin holes of light which means that the shingles have worn down in that spot as well as the underlayment and plywood. If you can see multiple rays of light in the attic then it is for sure time to replace your roof.
Inspect the roof for bows, dips or valleys
A roof is designed to allow water the ability to drain from the shingles, down the gutter and into the yard of flowerbed. When a roof becomes old and worn there will be areas called “valleys” these areas allow water to build and sit on top of the roof for days until the sun dries it up. In many cases a valley is the number one reason you might get a leaky roof. As water sits in the valley it works it’s way over time through the shingles and into the plywood. If you can visibly see dips or valleys in the roof then it is a good idea to call our roofing contractors in Durham to get an inspection and roof replacement if needed.
Worn flashing and sealants
Flashing is the water tight seal around things such as exhaust vents, chimneys and skylights. If this flashing gets damaged or has worn out overtime water can get under the shingles and begin to wreak havoc without you knowing. When you look at the roof be sure to inspect around all the pipes, vents and chimneys for the flashing. If you don't feel comfortable going onto the roof and doing an inspection our professionals are more than ready to help. Our local roofing company in Durham has helped provide roof inspections for many families and businesses. Call us today to get your roof inspection and an estimate if a roof replacement is advised.
Curled or bald shingles
One of the most obvious signs a shingle is nearing the end of its life is when it begins to curl or lose its grit. Most shingles are designed by using asphalt to secure tiny rock-like materials to the shingle, after years of weather and sunlight the asphalt begins to lose the tiny rocks (Called granules) little by little. This is why some of the shingles on the roof may appear to be “shiny” or bald. If other shingles on the roof are beginning to curl or lose their color this is another sign the roof is getting close to the end.
If you begin seeing dark streaks down the roof, have noticed a leak, have moss growing on the roof these are also all signs you may want to replace the roof.
For most homeowners a typical roof’s lifespan is between 25-30 years if it is composed of quality materials and was installed correctly according to the manufacturer's guidelines. To understand when you should replace your roof you first need to know what kind of materials you have protecting you from the elements. Is your roof composite shingles, asphalt shingles, shakers, metal? Each material has a different lifespan and different signs that they need to be replaced. Here are some common signs that may indicate your roof needs to be replaced and installed with a new one
Broken or missing shingles
If you get on the roof and notice that there are sections of the roof where “squares” are missing then that is a definite sign your roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Broken shingles signify that they are aging and have dried up from the sun, when these shingles become brittle they begin to break and fall from the roof in small pieces during wind and rain storms. You might have noticed pieces of roof in your gutter, driveway or yard.
Looking for light in the attic
If you go up into your attic and shine a flashlight up into different sections of the roof you will be able to see spots in an old roof where water has begun to seep in. Also in the attic you will be able to see small pin holes of light which means that the shingles have worn down in that spot as well as the underlayment and plywood. If you can see multiple rays of light in the attic then it is for sure time to replace your roof.
Inspect the roof for bows, dips or valleys
A roof is designed to allow water the ability to drain from the shingles, down the gutter and into the yard of flowerbed. When a roof becomes old and worn there will be areas called “valleys” these areas allow water to build and sit on top of the roof for days until the sun dries it up. In many cases a valley is the number one reason you might get a leaky roof. As water sits in the valley it works it’s way over time through the shingles and into the plywood. If you can visibly see dips or valleys in the roof then it is a good idea to call our roofing contractors in Durham to get an inspection and roof replacement if needed.
Worn flashing and sealants
Flashing is the water tight seal around things such as exhaust vents, chimneys and skylights. If this flashing gets damaged or has worn out overtime water can get under the shingles and begin to wreak havoc without you knowing. When you look at the roof be sure to inspect around all the pipes, vents and chimneys for the flashing. If you don't feel comfortable going onto the roof and doing an inspection our professionals are more than ready to help. Our local roofing company in Durham has helped provide roof inspections for many families and businesses. Call us today to get your roof inspection and an estimate if a roof replacement is advised.
Curled or bald shingles
One of the most obvious signs a shingle is nearing the end of its life is when it begins to curl or lose its grit. Most shingles are designed by using asphalt to secure tiny rock-like materials to the shingle, after years of weather and sunlight the asphalt begins to lose the tiny rocks (Called granules) little by little. This is why some of the shingles on the roof may appear to be “shiny” or bald. If other shingles on the roof are beginning to curl or lose their color this is another sign the roof is getting close to the end.
If you begin seeing dark streaks down the roof, have noticed a leak, have moss growing on the roof these are also all signs you may want to replace the roof.