It can be hard to tell when to replace your entire roof sometimes. But there are some factors you must consider:
Where Do You Live?
The environment in which a house is placed is obviously a big part of how long a roof will last. For example, a house near the ocean is going to have substantially more wind, moisture, and salt build-up than a house in the mountains which will face its own set of unique issues. These factors play into the longevity of the roof… consider the overall weather patterns and how the environment might be adding wear and tear.
Type of Shingles
3 Tab shingles have a lifespan of about 15-20 years.
Architectural Grade shingles have a lifespan of around 25-30 year.
Harsh environments will be on the shorter end of the lifespan than mild environments. A home with high humidity and winds with Architectural Grade shingles will likely last 25-26 years.
Type of Roof
The ultimate goal of a roof is to protect the inside of the house from the harsh exterior weather, especially moisture. The flatter the roof, the less easily water will roll off of it. A steep roof will last longer. The more complex the roof is, with additional eaves and corners and bump outs, the more opportunities there are for moisture to settle or find its way in through seams and cracks. Essentially, your roof will last longer the simpler and steeper it is.
Previous Damages and Repairs
Any prior damage and patches to a roof can weaken it. Be sure to factor that into the life expectancy of the shingles.
When in doubt, go to the experts! If you haven’t had your home inspected in a while, maybe it’s time for a good checkup from a professional. Get in contact with Dave to schedule an inspection!