It is difficult for most homeowners to decide just when exactly they need to replace their roof. Often times a leak will start the entire process of evaluating whether or not it is time to replace your roof. A leak could indicate that it is time to replace your roof; however, it might be a good time to implement a different solution as well. This is exactly why it is so important that we educate our customers as to when you can really expect to replace your current roof.

How old is your current roof?

The very first thing to consider is going to be the age of your current roof. Not only is age a big factor, but so is the roofing system. Meaning that an asphalt roof will have a shorter life than a tile roof for example.

Regardless, it is common knowledge among the roofing community that a typical asphalt shingle roof will have a life of 20 to 25 years. So if you roofing is aging and has already had a layer of shingles installed (meaning that there are now two layers of shingles on the existing roof), it would more than likely be a good time to consider replacing your roof.

Shingles are buckling, damaged or curling

When you look at your roof from the street, you can see physical damage to the shingles. It will be apparent, and regardless of what you identify, your roofing professional will be able to identify damage that you may not see yourself; however, it is important that you become accustomed with your roofing project anyway. This is a good time to really identify any visible damage or possible problem areas.

(above) This roof has curled ashpalt shingles. This is a good up close look at what curled shingles would look like.

You will want to start looking for curled shingles in those areas of the roof that get direct sunlight. This is where damaged shingles will be most obvious. Curling shingles are definitely easier to identify as the shingles that are damaged will interrupt the "uniform" look of the roof.

Curling shingles can be caused from normal wear and tear or possibly if it is a newer roof it would have been improper storage of shingles prior to installing. Improper installation is another cause for curled asphalt shingles as well as dry ashpalt base.

The big problem with curling shingles is that they will leave the underside of the shingle exposed to the elements causing the roof to be susceptible to leaking and water damage.

Blistering Shingles

(above)This roof is starting to blister and with so many shingles affected, a new roof should be considered.

Blistering shingles are usually a symptom of moisture that has built up inside the shingle which show up as a "bubble" or "blister" look on the surface of the shingle. A better look at the roof would be necessary in order to identify this symptom. In cases of major damage, this might be visible from the street.

This is a natural symptom of a roof that has gone through it's natural life and is considered typical wear and tear. Although it could also be an indication that the attic is not ventilated correctly or that debris has built up on the roof. It is also common where exposure to the sun is high.