Roof Replacement: Weighing Whether It’s Time
As a Florida homeowner, you are well aware that one of the most crucial components of your home lies directly above your head – the roofing. Without a fully functional roof, everything else in your building is exposed to water and weather damage. And Florida has plenty of inclement weather to put your home at risk all year round.
But how do you know when it’s time for roof replacement? There are a number of key factors to take into account and several important risks and rewards to weigh and compare in making that decision. Here are the top 5 factors to weigh:
1. How Old Is Your Current Roofing?
One easy, straightforward way to gauge when it’s time to install new roofing on your home is simply by life-span. How long have those shingles been up there? If you don’t know because the previous owner did the last re-roofing job, investigate public records and find out!
Most asphalt roofing shingles last from 20 to 30 years on average, but the exact life expectancy varies based on shingle grade and manufacturer. Normally, if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired on your roofing, it is also past its normal life span.
2. Are There Obvious Signs Of Roof Malfunction?
Sometimes, it is obvious that you need a new roof. For example, if a hurricane or major storm did horrendous damage to your roofing, roof replacement is probably the only viable option.
Or, if your shingles are badly (and visibly) worn down, with few granules left on top; OR if your shingles are brittle, bubbled, and easily break; OR if hail has dimpled and destroyed the integrity of much of your roofing – these are also obvious reasons to opt for full roof replacement.
3. How Frequently Do You Need Roof Repairs?
Another question to consider is how frequently you are having to have roof repair jobs done on your roofing and how much it is costing you. When you need 2 to 4 (or more) repairs done every single year, that’s a sign your roofing is rapidly deteriorating.
You may perhaps be able to stretch it a little longer, but you are going to have to get some re-roofing done soon anyway. And in the meantime, your home is at greater risk of a roof leak that could cost you a lot in interior water damage.
4. Are You Thinking About Switching Roofing Materials?
If you are in the midst of a major home renovation project and re-roofing is a part of it, an already on the edge of its useful life roof can be safely disposed of a tad bit early.
If you want to change the color, texture, grade, or type of roofing material on your home – to better fit a desired ambiance, all the more reason get roof replacement done as soon as possible.
5. Are You Thinking Of Listing Your Home?
If you are planning on listing your home or other property soon, then the last thing you want is to wait too long for a buyer because that old roofing is scaring away your prospects!
Brand new roofing is like a magnet when it comes to closing the deal with a buyer. The very first question people often ask someone selling their home is “How old is the roof?” or “Does it have new roofing?”
To learn more on how to make wise decisions about roof replacement VS roof repair, contact Sheegog Contracting today!
