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The Roofing Dilemma: Decoding the ideal timing for roof replacement.

How often should you replace your roof? If you own a home, perhaps you’ve asked yourself this question once or twice. More likely, you’ve seriously considered replacing your roof when observing common problems with an aging or worn roof, such as curling or missing shingles, or sagging of the roof deck.

How Often Should You Replace Your Roof? Factors To Consider

Even a well-maintained roof reaches the end of its life at some point. Responsible homeowners should plan for a roof replacement at the end of its expected duration, if not sooner. For example, an asphalt shingle roof typically ages out at 25 years.

To an extent, this factor is outside the direct control of the homeowner. A roof subject to frequent adverse weather conditions due to its geographical location will deteriorate faster than a comparable roof in a region less susceptible to extreme weather.

The presence of unwelcome living organisms in a home or on the roof signifies a meaningful concern. Mold or mildew intrusion into the home’s interior may be linked to a problem with the roof. In other words, the roof has a leak or other unresolved issue that could be beyond repair.

When insects, rodents, or other pests make their home inside a roof, removing these uninvited guests could be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Often, pest infestation is a symptom of a much more significant issue requiring attention. The solution may demand a new roof.

If you have observed unexplained spikes in your home’s energy consumption, resulting in dramatic increases in your utility bills, consider your roof’s condition. A leaky or drafty roof may be the culprit. When a roof no longer performs optimally, a new roof could be in order.

Not all roofs are created equal. Naturally, a roof made of a highly durable substance like metal, steel, or slate will have an extended lifespan compared to an asphalt shingle roof. Homeowners with a robust roof should expect it to last a lifetime and beyond.

Missing, cracked, or loose shingles indicate a roof has issues necessitating repair or replacement. A high number of damaged shingles may tell the homeowner that a new roof is in order. The excess loss of granules also reveals a roof’s rapidly deteriorating condition.

Water intrusion comes in many forms and has many causes. One of the main contributors to water entering a home’s interior is a faulty roof. Pinpointing the sources of a leak may be challenging to ascertain. When the issue becomes too dire, a new roof becomes necessary.

Life Expectancy Of An Asphalt Shingle Roof

How often should you replace your roof? Generally, the lifespan of a new asphalt shingle roof is 20-30 years. Some roofs have a longer life expectancy; others shorter. To an extent, a roof’s longevity depends on its maintenance and upkeep. If a homeowner acts responsibly, an asphalt shingle roof should last around three decades before requiring replacement. Naturally, weather-related issues like hail, ice dams, excess snow accumulation, and powerful winds can impact a roof’s vitality.

Asphalt shingles separating from a roof.

How Does A Roof Warranty Work When Replacing A Residential Roof

Replacing a roof involves a significant amount of money. Often, homeowners delay installing a new roof because they lack access to sufficient funds to pay the roofing contractor in full. Some homeowners check the warranty on the existing roof to determine whether any financial relief is possible.

To understand whether a roof warranty covers the replacement cost, you should know about the three types of warranties. On average, warranties come in one of three varieties:

  • A manufacturer’s warranty
  • A labor/workmanship warranty
  • An extended manufacturer’s warranty, which often encompasses both the materials and installation labor

Whether a roof replacement is covered in part or total depends mainly on the type of warranty on the current roof. Assuming a warranty is valid, the cost of new roofing materials and/or the labor may be covered. To access coverage under these warranties, the homeowner may also need to be the original installer of the roof.

A man standing in a house with buckets and pans trying to catch incoming rain water while his wife and daughter sitting on the stairs watching.

When To Hire A Roofing Contractor For A Roof Replacement

If you own a home in the Kansas City area, or in Johnson County, Missouri, do yourself a favor. Make Bill West Roofing your first call for any residential or commercial roofing needs. Our specialized knowledge and experience surpass the competition. For nearly five decades, we have helped homeowners and businesses address roofing problems with common-sense solutions.

Whether your roof requires replacement or repair, or you need new gutters, we deliver efficient and affordable service. We also handle emergencies promptly and thoroughly. At Bill West Roofing, we guarantee our work with unmatched workmanship and warranties. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free consultation.

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