The changing seasons are an ideal time to think about home maintenance projects, and there are certain seasons for certain projects. If you want to plan ahead to repair your roof, this is a project that is ideal for the fall. That’s because you want the work to happen before winter storms come into full force and while the weather is mild enough so that roofers can get their jobs done with materials that are cooperating (not overheating or freezing).
If you are thinking about selling your home, most top real estate agents will tell you that making roof repairs is a must. You’ll also want a home that you are buying to have a roof that’s in shape. But how do you know when the time has come to give a roof some extra attention?
Get To Know Your Roof’s Age
The first piece of information that can help you determine if you need a new roof can come even without taking a look at the roof. You’ll want to find out just how old your roof is to see if the expiration date is coming up on certain features. If you already have this information from when you moved into your house, then you are all set. If you aren’t sure, then you can ask the previous owners of your home, seek out building permit records, or contact the company that installed the roof. Having a warranty on hand for shingles (which can typically last 20-50 years) and workmanship, can also help in your detective work. Some other general expiration dates for various roof features are:
- Asphalt shingles: 15 to 30 years
- Architectural shingles: 25 to 30 years
- Wood shingles: 30 years with regular maintenance
- Clay tiles: 50 years or more
- Metal roofing: Up to 70 years
- Slate tile: 50 to 100+ years
Keep in mind that the climate you live in can cut down the lifespan of your roof; such as if you live in a place like the Pacific Northwest with abundant rainfall. If you’re buying a home consider where you are moving to when you ask about the lifespan of a roof.
Assess wear and tear
Even when you know the age of your roof and its materials, nothing can take the place of getting a closer look at your roof to really see what’s going on up there. Some telltale signs that it might be time to hire a roof inspector are:
- Curling or missing shingles
- Shingle materials falling off into your storm gutters
- Decay where your roof meets the exterior walls of your home
- Leaks inside your home or a sagging ceiling
Hire A Professional
If the timeline of your roof and the signs we mentioned above point to problems, then it’s time to have a professional come out to take a look — ideally long before fall. A professional roof inspection may cost a few hundred dollars depending on where you live and the size of your home. These professionals will get up on your roof and let you know what needs to be repaired or if you need to replace your roof altogether. The sooner you address issues, the more likely you’ll have a repair instead of an entire roof replacement to deal with.
A roof is one of the most crucial parts of your home to maintain as it can affect the structural integrity of your entire home. Having a realistic picture of when it’s time to make repairs can give you peace of mind when winter storms come around.
