When Is it Time to Replace a Roof?

Age

• Most roofs have a lifespan of about 10 to 20 years. When you have a roof 20 years old or older with worn shingles, then it's definitely time for a new roof. You can't know in advance exactly how long your roof will last. For asphalt shingles, getting an inspection once the roof is 10 years old can help spot potentially serious problems in advance. Wood shakes typically last longer than asphalt with proper care, but homeowners often fail to maintain wood roofs regularly.

Moisture

• Moisture spots in your home's interior can indicate that it's time to replace your existing roof. Check your ceilings carefully for any sign of wet spots. If you find any, go to your attic and examine the rafters for leaks. Hire a professional to check important areas of the roof, such as the flashing around the chimney and vents, and have him look for damaged shingles as well.

Cracking and Curling

• Cracking, tears in the shingles and curling, which is when the tip of the shingle turns up, can signal that your roof needs replacing. Perform a visual inspection by putting a ladder next your house and climbing up to the roof level. Look over the roof with a pair of binoculars for any signs of cracking and curling. If you find only a few shingles with these problems, you can probably just replace them. A large number of cracked or curled shingles might indicate the entire roof warrants replacing.

Granules

• Asphalt shingles contain of layer of granules, which are small particles of crushed granite that help protect the shingle from the sun's harsh ultraviolet radiation. When these granules detach from the shingle, it's vulnerable to damage. Some granules might detach from a new roof without posing a significant problem, but areas of missing granules on older shingles can mean that it's time for a new roof.