When you’re installing a new roof, the length of the warranty offered by the manufacturer gives you some indication of how long that roof is expected to last.
Proper installation of any substrate, underlayment, or flashing also affects the service life of a roof, especially with asphalt shingle roofs. [7] X Research source
If your home sits at a higher elevation, your roof gets more exposure to UV radiation, which can also decrease your roof’s overall service life. Lighter-colored roofs help because they absorb less solar light and heat.
If you live in a hot area, a light-colored roof will last longer than a dark-colored roof because it won’t get as hot.
Any angled areas that allow water or debris to pool up can also cause roof damage that ultimately shortens the overall lifespan of your roof.
Check regularly for damage (especially after big storms) so you can fix small problems before they get bigger.
If going up on the roof yourself is difficult, you can hire professionals to do it or install gutter guards that will block debris from your gutters so they don’t get clogged. If you had a lot of debris on your roof, you’ll likely want to clean the shingles as well.
Spring: growing tree branches scraping the roof; storm damage Summer: warping and other heat damage; water damage; insect infestation Winter: debris; water damage from snow accumulation Fall: leaves and other debris; possible wind damage
A professional roof inspection also gives you peace of mind knowing that your roof is in good shape and you’re doing everything you can to keep it in top condition.
You’ll save money when you have time to shop for materials and schedule your replacement. Many contractors charge a premium for last-minute appointments. This is especially important if you’re thinking about selling your house within the next 5 years. You’ll likely need to replace an older roof before you put your house on the market, so you might as well do it now and get some benefit from your investment.
Talk to your insurance agent to file your claim as soon as you can after the storm rolls through and things have settled down. The sooner you get an inspection and a claim filed, the sooner you can get your roof replaced. Your insurance company won’t replace your roof just because it’s old. Even if a storm rolled through your area, the inspector will have to determine that the damage to your roof was caused directly by that storm.
A small leak can usually be patched, and won’t typically mean that you need to replace your whole roof right away. But once you’ve patched it, start planning to replace it within the next couple of years.
If you see this kind of damage, have a professional come out and look at your roof immediately. It might be the kind of thing that can be patched if someone gets to it quickly before the damage spreads further.
