Signs You Need a New Roof

Your roof provides important protection for your home, providing the first line of defense against wind, rain, and other inclement weather. Given its role and location, your roofing system will undergo a lot of wear and tear over the years. As standard home maintenance, you will eventually need to have your roof replaced. Fortunately, roofing systems are designed to last for decades or more, so it’s not something you’ll need to do all that frequently. However, knowing what to look for so that you know when it is time for a roof replacement can help ensure you’re maintaining your home and keeping your property protected. Here are some of the key signs you need a new roof.

Understanding Roof Lifespan

If you know when your roof was installed, you can get an idea of how much longer you can expect it to last based on how old it is. Every roofing system has an average lifespan. However, this lifespan can vary quite a bit based on the type of roof you have and the general climate and weather conditions it’s experienced over the years. While a standard asphalt shingle roof may last from 15 to 25 years, architectural shingle roofs may last up to 50 years. Similarly, metal roofing may last around 50 years, and tile roofing can last up to 100 years.

It’s important to note that these average lifespans are based on ideal weather conditions and assume proper maintenance over the years. Here in Florida, with the harsh sunlight, hurricanes, tropical storms, and other inclement weather, the lifespan of your roof can be significantly shorter. Therefore, it’s important to look for signs of an aging roof and roof damage in addition to accounting for the roof’s age.

Signs of an Aging Roof

An older roof will likely show signs of its age. For asphalt shingle roofing, this can appear in a variety of ways, including:

• Asphalt granules collecting in your gutter system
• Brittle roofing shingles
• Black streak marks on the roof
• Bare shingles that have few granules left

Warning Signs of Roof Damage

In addition to a roof that is approaching the end of its functional lifespan, roof damage is something that can affect roofs of any age. A roof leak is the most obvious sign of roof damage, but other signs include missing or torn roofing shingles, dents or pockmarks on your roof from hail impact, and roofing shingles that are curled, torn, or missing altogether following a storm.

Get a Professional Roof Inspection

When you’re aware of the signs of an aging or damaged roof, you’ll be better equipped to address roofing issues sooner – before they turn into bigger and more costly problems. However, you can always get a professional roof inspection as well. A local roofing company can perform a more thorough roof inspection that can give you more detailed information on the condition of your roof, how much life it may have left, and any damage that needs to be addressed.

Learn More with Florida Roofing and Gutters

If you’d like to learn more about the signs of needing a new roof or you’d like to request a professional roof inspection for your Florida home, turn to the professionals at Florida Roofing and Gutters. Contact us today to get started.