First, it’s important to understand the average lifespan of a roof. A lot of it depends on the materials it’s made from, along with other factors like weather. Composition shingles usually last anywhere from 12-20 years, while a metal roof can last up to 50 to 70 years!

Whether you’re moving into a new house or you’ve lived in your current home for years, roof repair and maintenance is one of the last things people think about - until there’s a problem.

When it comes to common home repairs, the roof isn’t something you’ll probably find yourself worrying about each day. But, if you’re experiencing regular problems with your roof or certain things happening in your home that could be linked to it, it’s time to take a closer look.

First, it’s important to understand the average lifespan of a roof. A lot of it depends on the materials it’s made from, along with other factors like weather. Composition shingles usually last anywhere from 12-20 years, while a metal roof can last up to 50!

Once you know the material your roof is made from, you can decide whether it’s time to make some repairs or whether it’s time to consider a completely new roof.

With that in mind, let’s cover a few signs that it might be time to spring for a new one, rather than repairing old problems.

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1. Check the Attic

Most people make the mistake of looking at the exterior of their roof in order to determine if there’s a problem, but that actually isn’t the best place to start. Your roof might still look great on the outside while causing problems on the inside of your house.

So, the best place to determine if there are any issues is the attic or uppermost area of your home.

What should you look for? The easiest way to determine if there are problems is to look for any beams of light coming through. This indicates that there are gaps in the roof and it could be leaking. If you’ve had leaks for a while without knowing, you might also see water damage. If you notice water damage like warping or rotting in your attic, it’s only a matter of time before it affects other areas in your home, too.

2. Check the Shingles

Once you’ve looked inside your home for signs of a faulty roof, it’s time to go outside. If you know you’ve got a leak, it’s important to determine why that leak is occurring.

So, what should you look for?

First, your shingles should be laying flat against your roof. If they appear to be pushing up or “loose”, they might risk falling off. Other problems to look for on the shingles include buckling or cracks. A roof should be secure. If yours is showing signs of breaking down, especially after inclement weather, it could be time to replace it.

3. Look Out for Rot

One of the most obvious signs that you should get your roof replaced as soon as possible is rot. If you notice that your roof is sagging or sinking anywhere, the structure beneath the shingles could be giving out. In those cases, it’s only a matter of time before that material gives way completely, and it could cause the roof to collapse.

So, while a new roof might be an investment, it will cost much more than having to repair a giant hole and any damage caused inside your home by a collapse.

Rot is often caused by too much moisture. If you live in a humid area or a place that is prone to rain, your roof might be at a greater risk of rotting, especially if it’s older and made from wood. In addition to sinking, a sign that the roof is taking on moisture is plants growing from your roof. If you see things like moss, mold, or fungi, it’s a good sign that the structure of your roof is holding onto moisture and could collapse.

In some cases, you might be able to scrape off the moss and mold with a stiff brush. But, that should only be done if the roof is otherwise in good shape. If any of these other signs are starting to show up, it’s best to avoid quick fixes and think about getting a new one.

If you’re still not sure whether your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, the best thing you can do is to contact a reputable local roofer. They should be able to give you an estimate on the age of your roof and any problems they see, so you can get it taken care of as quickly as possible. Don’t wait to decide what to do with your roof. The longer you do, the worse it could get, and the higher your risk of damage occurring to your home.