Just because you have a few damaged shingles or a small leak, don't automatically assume you need a whole new roof. If your roof has been properly installed and is less than 15 or 20 years old, it may be fixed with repairs rather than a complete replacement. If in doubt, contact a licensed roofing contractor for a professional opinion.
Cracks
in the shingles will have to be replaced if they are present.The extent of replacement depends on how soon the problem is detected, so vigilance remains important. Learn more about a leaking roof and what to do. In our experience, most old-style asphalt roofs start to fail after 14 years. If your roof is between 18 and 20 years old, then you have achieved a good service life outside of it.
It's probably time to replace it. Under normal circumstances, 3-tab asphalt tile roofs should last 15 to 20 years before needing replacement. However, architectural asphalt tile roofs are a bit more resistant to the elements due to their design. These can last up to 10 years longer than 3-tab asphalt tile roofs.
How old is your current roof? Depending on the material, the lifespan of a roof can be between 20 and 50 years, but it varies depending on the material of the roof. You need to know when your roof was installed so you can estimate the lifespan of your roof. If you're not sure when exactly your roof was installed, you can check the home improvement logs to find out. It also depends on whether the old roof was removed and if it has only one layer of tiles and if it is well ventilated.
If the roof was installed over another layer or several layers and is more than 20 years old, you will likely need a new roof. One of the first things you should consider before you start inspecting your roof for cracks, breaks, and other issues is its age. A roof 25 to 30 years old or older may require a complete replacement, even if the roof itself appears to be in good condition to the naked eye. Often, there is old, hardened putty where the two pieces overlap on the inner corner, but this fixing of the ceiling does not mean a complete replacement of the roof, perhaps a point solution at best.
When inspecting your roof and any new growths you have seen, be sure to do so by inspecting both the inside and outside of your roof. Common metal roofing materials, such as steel and aluminum, must last 50 years before needing to be replaced. Inspecting your roof tiles is another way to determine if your roof requires additional attention or a complete replacement. So, if you see a heavy “tar” tile on your roof, fix it just before it leaks and causes damage to the interior, but don't replace the entire roof.
Shingles that are curled, cracked, or deformed may require additional inspection to determine if they can be replaced individually or if it is better to invest in an entirely new roof. Although the process is simple, IKO recommends that only properly trained professional roofing contractors engage in shingle laying or repairing roofs. Before proceeding with the decision to completely replace your roof, there are a few signs you should look out for to determine if the time is right for you and your home. We know what it takes to replace a roof that will give you years of peace of mind.
Please note that if your roof is not well ventilated or properly installed, the manufacturer's warranty on roofing materials will void. If you have a metal roof system, hail damage to your metal panels will result in a replacement if the integrity of the metal is compromised. In some cases, a qualified roof repair company may replace specific shingles, but the problem may indicate a larger problem. But if the nails in the base are missing or released and the cover is in good condition, replace them with the rubber washer screws used for metal roofing systems.
The problem with a wind-damaged roof is that exposed spots on the roof can be difficult to detect, especially if the shingles have been lifted.
