How to Decide When to Replace the Roof on Your Home

Whether your roof needs extensive storm damage repair work or is about to enter its second decade of service, roof replacement can be a necessary solution for a variety of roofing issues. While replacing a roof can be a lengthy and expensive investment, the fact of the matter is that knowing when it’s officially time for roof replacement can save you plenty of money in repair costs and maintenance further down the road.

This is why understanding what signs and areas of concern should warrant a full-on roof replacement or only require specific roof repair service, so you can make the most return out of your roofing investment. When the condition of your roof seems to be somewhere in the middle between extensive repair work and a full-on replacement, here are a few tips to help you know when it’s officially time to replace the roof on your home.

Shingles Condition

The general condition of your shingles can be a tell-all sign as to whether or not it’s time to replace your roof. If your roof has significant amounts of shingles that are curled, buckled, cracked, or cupped, it’s highly likely that your shingles have reached the peak of their longevity, and all the other shingles that are still lying flat against your roof can be assumed to be close to their expiration date as well.

The more shingle damage your roof has endured, the higher the probability you’ll experience severe leakage, insufficient insulation, and other exterior maintenance mishaps that will only add up in repair costs over time.

Droopy or Sagging

A drooping or sagging roof is a significant sign that your roof needs replacing as soon as possible. Aside from the fact that it could collapse at any moment, especially in extreme Southern weather climates, sagging roofs are a primary cause of an overwhelming amount of roofing nuisances.

For starters, it can lead to extreme water damage, ruining your gutters’ ability to sufficiently drain water, potentially leading to critical leaking or flooding. Scheduling a roofing inspection should be the first step upon noticing drooping or sagging of any size or severity.

Age Expectancy 

While roofing installation continues to advance in terms of longevity and durability, the general rule of thumb as to how many years it takes before replacing your roof remains at twenty years. In fact, here’s an overall guide to the expected lifespan of various roofing materials:

●        Composition Shingles: 12-20 Years

●        Asphalt Shingles: 15-30 Years

●        Wood Shingles: 20-25 Years

●        Rubber Roofs: 30-50 Years

●        Metal Roofs: 50-75 Years

Whenever your roof is approaching its estimated expiration date, the least you can do is allow a roofing inspector to assess whether scheduling a roofing replacement is just around the corner.

Rotting & Fungus

Any indications of rotting, mold, algae, or moss are a surefire sign that there will be plenty of other roofing complications that can instantly emerge. While dark streaks or fungi patches might seem like something that can easily be reduced or eliminated, it’s an indication of worser issues to come, such as excessive moisture causing leakage or damaging your shingles over time. This is why it’s important to remember to inspect the ceiling of your attic as well, to detect any significant condensation or mold growth, which can signal rotting progression.

Interior Temperature Issues

One of the more overlooked, yet essential qualities of your roof should be its insulation capabilities and energy efficiency. If your attic is significantly hotter or colder than the rest of your home, that inadequate temperature distribution can contribute to everything from higher energy bills, to paint peeling, to moisture buildup. All of those symptoms can prove just as expensive as a roof replacement over time, if untreated.

Professional Roof Replacement Services for Your South Carolina Home

Roofing damage or inefficiency of any capacity should be addressed sooner rather than later. If you’re on the fence about whether or not your roof needs to be replaced, contact Sea Island Residential today to get a free quote on roof replacement work, or give us a call at 843-593-3049 to schedule an inspection appointment.