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Roof Replacement: 5 Warning Signs

roof shingles are curling

Your roof is your home’s first point of contact with Mother Nature’s angriest elements. The sun, rain, and wind wear heavily on even the hardiest of structures. Water intrusion, blown debris, and ice meter out their own kinds of destruction.

Roofs don’t last forever. A new installation might withstand Old Man Winter like a pro, but as it ages, its capacity to survive diminishes. Tiles begin cracking. Shingles start pitting. High-speed winds push your roofing upward, placing you at risk of catastrophe. How do you know it’s time for a replacement? Let’s find out.

Breaking it down to numbers

Roofs last between 25 and 50 years, but some materials last longer than others. Slate, tile, and copper roofs offer half a century of protection, but more delicate materials only offer two decades of service life.

  • Asphalt shingles last between 15 and 30 years.
  • Concrete and metal roofs usually last 50 years or more.
  • Slate can rack up an impressive lifespan of over a century.
  • Wood shingles and shakes will give you 30 to 50 years.
  • Copper roofing can last 70 years or more.

Numbers aren’t enough, though. Other factors have an impact, too:

Roofs hate chilly weather

If you live in sunny California, the weather is on your side. Your roof won’t have to battle humidity, driving winds, or monthly showers, so it might outlive its estimated lifespan. If you live in Alaska or Louisiana, every winter will cut another year off your roof. Californian asphalt roofs last 20 to 30 years. The same roofing will last only 12 to 20 years in Alaska.

Maintenance matters

Roofing forms a weather-resistant membrane that keeps the weather at bay. Even the slightest cracks can allow ice and water to penetrate. If you’re a conscientious homeowner who’s done regular maintenance and inspections to repair damage as it happens, your roof will reward you with additional years. Conscientious maintenance can double your roof’s lifespan.

Installation quality is a gift that keeps on giving

Your roofer is your roof’s best friend, and that makes him your best friend, too. A precise and careful installation will have a dramatic effect on your roof’s longevity. Correct flashing details, ventilation, and shingle placement will keep the weather out and prevent moisture build-up.

things to look for when inspecting your roof

Signs your roof has reached the end of its life

Do those curling shingles need a temporary cure or is a repair merely going to delay the inevitable in the most expensive way possible? Consider a replacement if:

1: Your old roof’s repair costs 50% of the price of a new installation

Once your roof reaches the end of its lifespan, it will break down in a long series of small catastrophes. Trying to fight the signs of impending death is an expensive pursuit. It’s also a pointless one, so if your next roof repair costs 50% of the price of a new roof, an old roofers’ rule of thumb suggests that it’s time for some sparkling new shingles.

2: Your damage is widespread

It’s easy enough to repair a few shifting shingles and blame the damage on a wayward branch. If the damage is visible across the entire roof, however, that means the roof itself is failing and you can’t blame it on anything but time. Significant granule loss and multiple missing shingles aren’t as easy to budget for. If your roof inspector thinks the damage is due to the ravages of time, and not a single unfortunate event, they’ll probably suggest a more drastic solution.

3: You have recurring leaks

Don’t be too quick to blame a recurring problem on your repair team. It’s often a sign of a more inherent problem. Repeated leaks could mean your roof seams are no longer sealed and your gutters are clogged. In the worst-case scenario, your shingles are curling and cracked beyond repair. An unethical roofer might attempt a repair anyway, but sometimes, declaring failure and replacing your roof are the cheapest solutions.

4: Your roof is failing

Failing roofs demonstrate their demise through missing shingles, ceiling water stains, sagging rooflines, and damaged flashing. If you spot several symptoms of an inherent breakdown, the roof itself might be telling you it’s resigning the job and you need a replacement.

5: Your ceilings are stained

Ceiling stains are a dire sign of severe water intrusion. A tiny stain might indicate one easily-repaired shingle, but widespread watermarks are a sure sign that your roof has run out of time.

A severe roofing failure is the perfect opportunity to invest in a safer, more energy efficient and beautiful roof. A replacement might even save you money through energy savings and an improved property value. Nothing lasts forever, but sometimes an ending is just a doorway to a new and better beginning.

At 1-800-HANSONS we pride ourselves on presenting the best roofing. If you suspect that you need a roof replacement, we’ll be happy to inspect it.

We’ve been able to pioneer the industry’s ONLY lifetime “No Leak Guarantee” – ensuring that a roof from us will be the last roof you will ever buy. Click here for a free roofing estimate.

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65% off installation. Special financing available.

Labor Only. Roofing and siding priced by the square. Not combinable with other offers/promotions. Offer may be withdrawn without notice. Prior sales excluded. Must purchase by 2/28/25 to qualify for special offer. Lifetime Guarantee is for roofing, siding, windows,and gutters. Bathtubs and showers offer a no-leak guarantee. Visit www.hansons.com/licenses/ for current contractor license information. Other restrictions may apply.

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