Replacing Your Roof, 5 Signs That It’s Time

No roofing material lasts forever. Deciding when to replace your roof is an important consideration. Replacing it too soon will mean you don’t get the full value from your investment.

Waiting too long can lead to costly repairs of the underlying roof deck or even the interior of your home. The price you have to pay for a new roof is expensive, so you have to keep on top of this.

Here are 5 signs that it’s time to replace your roof.

1. Significant Repairs are Needed

Roof inspections will show how much work needs to be done. You can do the inspection yourself if you know what to look for – things like material that is cracked, warped or missing, loose or missing roof flashing or gaps around chimneys and vents. While you’re doing the roof inspection, keep an eye out for needed gutter repairs too. Bad gutters often lead to water in your home’s foundation.

Keep roof safety in mind anytime you go on your roof. Take precautions and get help if you have any concerns for your safety.

2. The Roof Leaks Repeatedly

A single leak might mean that a boot around a flue failed or a storm blew off a few shingles or cracked a few clay tiles. The roof leaking repeatedly means that it is deteriorating and should be replaced before major damage to your home results.

3. You’re Tired of the Way it Looks

This is a reason many homeowners choose to replace their roof before they might otherwise need to. Many are investing in their current home rather than moving, waiting out a poor housing market. Do you have very plain, 3-tab asphalt roof shingles and want something peppier?  Maybe a laminate layered shingle that gives your roof the look of stone slate or wood shakes?  Maybe something with some color in it?

If you want a major change, consider a metal roof with great durability and longevity in a color and style your love, or actual wood shakes, concrete tiles or clay tiles. There have never been more options for roofing material. A new roof will give your home a dramatically different look, one you’ll enjoy coming home to every day.

4. You Want an Energy-Efficient, Green Roof

Most asphalt roofing soaks up the sun, heats up the house and causes the air conditioner to work overtime, using energy and raising utility costs. Energy-efficient options include metal roofing, white-coated asphalt shingles, and clay tile and concrete tiles with special UV-reflective coating. These products can lower the temperature of your roof on a sunny day by as much as 100 degrees Fahrenheit. That will translate into a significant reduction in energy use and cost.

5. You Plan to Sell Your Home

A new roof is very attractive to potential home buyers. It will boost the curb appeal of the house. It tells the buyer that the home has been well-maintained. They will realize that they won’t have to face the hassle and expense of installing a new roof for decades.

Keep in mind that you won’t get all your money back from a new roof when you sell. The national average is about 75%. However, and this is why it might be a good idea, a new roof might be the difference between your home selling and it being passed over in favor of another that has a new roof or other appealing feature.

Is it time for a new roof?  If one or more of these factors ring true, consider making the investment in your home of replacing the roof and enjoying the benefits.

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