04 Aug 3 Ways to Tell It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

When you look up, what do you see?

More specifically, when you stop to raise your gaze to your roof, how does it look? And if you’re not sure how to respond, you’re not alone. Many homeowners have difficulty determining the current state of their roof, which can often prompt an entirely different question:

How do I know if it’s time to replace my roof?

#1 — The Age Old Question

One of the easiest ways to determine whether or not it’s time to replace your roof is to simply consider its overall lifespan.

“Age matters when considering a roof replacement. A roof can last anywhere from 20 to 80 years, depending on its material,” as explained by Consumer Affairs. “Asphalt shingles last around 20 years, at which point they start to curl if your roof is not properly ventilated.”

That being said, you’ll need to take your roofing material into consideration. After all, different types of roofs will have different periods of longevity.

And last but not least, if you’re not sure how old your roof is, you should be able to find some answers by digging up previous home inspection reports from when you initially purchased the property.

#2 — Dealing with Damage

Here in Florida, our roofs are likely to take a beating. Be it a result of constant sun exposure or a battering of debris during a storm, even what appears to be minor punctures or shingle slips can lead to larger, more costly damage over time.

For example, “storms that produce hailstones the size of dimes or larger can result in … damage to roofs,” according to the National Weather Service.

What’s more, Florida’s hurricane season can easily wreck your roof depending on the strength of the most recent system.

All of this is to say, if your roof has extensive damage and/or damage that has gone unrepaired for a prolonged period of time, you may be facing the necessity of an overall replacement.

#3 — When Your Roof Looks Rough

Last but not least, all you have to do is look at your roof.

Does it have dark algae streaks? Is it rusted or corroded from the salty sea air? Are the asphalt shingles sun-bleached and thinned from the relentless summer seasons? Or does the overall aesthetic of your roof just… not work for you anymore?

Then it’s probably time for a replacement.

And remember, “if replacing an old roof is delayed … it could result in bigger problems down the road,” Owens Corning warns. “So, watch for the warning signs to be sure to give yourself plenty of time to add the project to your to-do list.”

But don’t worry, if you’re not sure if you need a replacement — or if you do need one but don’t know where to start — Universal Roof & Contracting can help!

After more than 28 years of serving both Jacksonville and Central Florida, we know what it takes to help homeowners find and maintain their forever roofs. To learn more or schedule your FREE inspection, reach out to our team today by calling 855-ROOF-HELP!

With our team, you’ll find the difference is universal!