When should I replace my roof?
1. WHEN THE ROOF LIFESPAN IS OVER.
Years ago, a 3-Tab Roof was marketed for a life span of 20 to 25 years. In reality, these 3-Tab shingles will protect your home adequately for 13 to 16 years. I have seen some last 20 years under near perfect conditions, but it is rare. Architectural shingles are currently marketed as a Lifetime shingle but used to be sold as 30 to 40-year shingles. Many companies claim to add benefits and improvements, but in my experience, architectural or lifetime shingles last anywhere from 20 to 25 years. I have seen many last only about 15 years.
Many factors contribute to an asphalt shingle roof's shortened life span, and one of the most common is inadequate ventilation. When replacing your asphalt shingle roof, be sure to ask your contractor if your home has sufficient ventilation. Roofs with less than ideal ventilation tend to have a significantly reduced life expectancy.
Another common reason a roof may have a shortened life expectancy is using shingles on a low roof slope area. You do not want to install shingles with a roof pitch less than 3 on 12. In these areas, it is better to use another roofing material like standing seam metal roof panels, especially when transitioning from a higher pitch to a lower pitch roof.
2. AFTER SEVERE WEATHER
It amazes me when someone chooses not to replace their roof after an insurance company has determined that a full roof replacement is necessary. A great time to replace your roof is after it has been damaged by severe weather. Roofs are expensive, and if the roof is only going to cost you the deductible amount you agreed on, Why not?
Hail damage is very common in some areas. Even a small hail storm will decrease the lifespan of your roof because of granule loss. A shingle with granule loss will not last very long because the granules protect the asphalt from deteriorating quickly.
Wind Damage often results in an insurance claim being approved for full roof replacement. Strong winds lift the shingles, breaking the tar seals that hold them together. Once that seal has been compromised, the shingles will not seal again.
Tropical Storms can devastate your roof and the rest of your home. Unfortunately, after a tropical storm, many unqualified people will also claim to be able to replace your roof. Be careful. If possible, have a reputable roofing company tarp your roof until they can come out and replace it properly. It's amazing how many terrible roof jobs I have seen after Katrina.
Brittleness Test
A Brittleness Test is a small test to see if a repair can be done without further damaging the roof. If the roof crumbles, cracks, or breaks when a small piece of shingle is removed, then a repair cannot be adequately performed.
3. WHEN THE ROOF FAILS A "BRITTLENESS TEST"
One of the first things I do when performing a roof inspection is a “Brittleness Test.” A Brittleness Test is a small test to see if I can perform a repair without further damaging the roof. If the roof crumbles, cracks, or breaks when I remove a small piece of shingle, then a repair cannot be adequately performed. In these cases, it's always best to replace the entire roof because it will likely continue to leak, and rather than fix the problem, you will create an even larger one.
Sometimes, a Brittleness Test is unnecessary because the roof shows signs of deterioration. If you notice any of these signs, it's time for a full roof replacement.
---Heavy granule loss
---Cracked Shingles
---Blistering Shingles
---Missing shingles and broken seals on shingles
---Buckling shingles
---Several roof leaks
If you have other questions or are unsure whether your roof needs replacement, contact us. You can email us at ruben@rbjroofing.com or call us, and we can give you a FREE, NO-OBLIGATION Estimate!
