How to Determine When It’s Time to Get a New Roof

By Anna Lockhart.  

Learn how to identify the signs of an aging or damaged roof and ways to determine if it is time to replace or repair.  

The roof is perhaps one of the most important parts of a building, and it is incredibly important to make sure that the roof of your home or building is in good condition. Learning the signs of when a roof may need maintenance or a complete replacement can be valuable for homeowners and businessowners alike. This guide, inspired by the advice from the experts at McElroy Metal, goes over the most important factors building owners should know when it comes to identifying and determining if their roofs need attention.  

The age of a roof 

The most determinant factor of whether a roof should be replaced is its age. When was the roof installed or last replaced? The average lifecycle of a shingle roof is anywhere from 15 to 25 years, while tile and metal roofs are in the 40–60-year range. Slate roofs, on the other hand, can last over a hundred years in good conditions. Finding out what material your roof is made of and how long ago it was installed should be heavily considered.  

Current condition of the roof  

After taking the age of a roof into consideration, building owners should then look at the current state of the roof. Is any portion of the roof showing signs of sagging or rotting? Owners should check for any missing shingles, venting or flashings as well as check for any damage to shingles. Damage can also form from water damage that can be seen inside the home such as water stains on ceilings or walls, indicating that the roof itself has a damaged spot. Too much exposure to water can cause algae or moss growth on shingles, so any signs of these growths should be a warning as well.  

While these signs are not the only indicators of a roof needing to be replaced or repaired, they are a good starting point and easily determinable for building owners to spot on their own. If you suspect there may be damage or the lifetime of your roof is coming up or has already passed, it may be a good time to contact a professional roofer to take a look and help certify what the next steps should be.  

Visit the McElroy Metals blog to learn more about signs of roofing age and damage and possible solutions. 

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