Time's Up? How to Know When You Need A New Roof - Part 1

Roof replacement is something many Florida homeowners are all too familiar with. Because of frequent severe weather (like hurricanes), harsh UV rays, extreme heat, and strict insurance policies, almost all homeowners will face replacing a roof at one point or another. Knowing when to replace a roof though is often debated, and opinions vary wildly.

While there's no specific date when your roof "expires" there are some general guidelines to follow when it comes to aging your roof. In this two-part series, EZ Roofing Systems is sharing signs and symptoms that your roof could be coming to the end of its lifespan. Some of these signs are due to wear and tear, while others are due to unforeseen
circumstances or "elective" reasons for replacing your roof, but all of them indicate it might be time for a change.

So, if you're wondering about the right time to replace your roof, keep reading!


Your Roof's Age

As mentioned above, there's no set "expiration" date on your roof. However, with insurance policies paying closer attention to the age of your roof, and with the average lifespan of various materials, it's safe to say that the age of your roof does matter when it comes to replacement.

Generally, as roofing professionals, we recommend having your roof replaced based on the following ranges:

• Asphalt shingles: Replace after 20-25 years


• Metal Roof: Last up to 70 years, but can need replacing in as little as 40 depending on conditions


• Tile/Slate Roof: These can last over 100 years

If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it's wise to prepare for a roof replacement, and be ready in case your insurance, or your roofing company, tells you it's time to take the leap.

What It Looks Like on the Surface

Thanks to Central Florida's harsh conditions, even a newer roof can show a lot of wear and tear in a short time. This wear and tear is accentuated if the roofing materials were installed incorrectly, or if you've experienced damage (more info coming below) that left you with compromised areas. Paying attention to what your roof looks like on the surface is a good way to catch problems early. Things like missing or curling shingles are an indicator that something is wrong. If you notice lots of granule loss in your downspouts or your gutters, your shingles are deteriorating quickly and this needs to be addressed. Algae and moss growth are common in Florida because of our humidity, but if you notice it in a specific spot, or if the growth seems uneven, it can indicate moisture issues in your roofing materials. Finally, watch for wood rot around the edges of your roof as this can indicate problems higher up.

What It Looks Like from Inside

Not all warning signs are seen from the outside when it comes to your roof. Interior signs are also important and are sometimes spotted by homeowners first since they rarely go up onto the roof to notice exterior issues. If you notice signs of water in your attic or see daylight peeking through between boards in the attic's ceiling, you need to call in the pros right away. Additionally, water staining, peeling paint, or bubbling wallpaper on the inside of your home can indicate a roof leak coming down through the walls. Again, this requires immediate attention from a roofing contractor.

Sagging and Damage

A sagging roof is a dangerous one. Sagging indicates something is structurally compromised and your roof needs to be addressed as quickly as possible by a roofing team. Sagging can be a sign of water damage, poor building quality, excessive settling, or damage following a major weather event. Regardless of the reason, a sagging roof should be taken very seriously.

Other damage, like missing shingles, damaged roof vents, missing flashing, etc. can be caused by severe storms or flying debris, and need to be taken care of quickly to prevent further damage due to leaking and exposure to the elements. After any major storm, calling in a roofing contractor is the best way to protect your home and extend the life of your roof.

All of these warning signs are indicators that your roof likely needs to be replaced in short order, and you don't really get much choice in the matter. Damaged or compromised roofing material is not only aesthetically unappealing, but it can lead to dangerous consequences for your family, like structural damage, mold, and more.

The team at EZ Roofing Systems is skilled and experienced in evaluating roofs of all kinds. We work closely with homeowners to develop a plan of action that meets their needs (and their insurance company's requirements) while avoiding excessive charges that might not be necessary. We run our business on honesty, integrity, and quality work. That's why we are Polk County's top choice when it's time for someone to go up on the roof.

Are you ready for a new roof? We'll help you find out.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this series coming in October!