How to Know You Need a New Roof

No roof will last forever. It’s sad, but it’s reality. Replacing your roof as soon as it’s time can save you from dealing with structural issues and complication. Knowing when your roof has met its maker isn’t as hard as most people think. There are four main red flags to look for.

Valleys

A roof valley is the part of the roof where two different angles meet to form a channel that directs water to the gutters. Valleys are high traffic areas during storms and can take a beating. That means the valleys are typically the first to show signs of failure.

If the shingles around the valleys are missing or cracking it can cause leaks and spread damage to other parts of the roof.

Flashing

Roof flashing is the metal piece that connects the roof shingles to the chimney, vents, and other joints in the roof. The flashing keeps water from creeping in through weak points where the shingles can’t cover by themselves.

You can tell flashing is damaged when it peels, rusts, or chips. Damaged flashing doesn’t always mean the entire roof is toast, but it’s not a problem that should be ignored.

Shingles

Ideally every shingle will be flatter than Kansas and perfectly aligned with each other. When shingles are chipped, curled, or cattywampus it’s not a good sign. Shingles in direct sunlight are typically the first to go, so check on those first.

Age

Depending on what shingles you go with, your roof will last between 20-50 years.

  • Asphalt and composition shingles- 20 years
  • Fiber cement shingles- 25 years
  • Wood shake shingles- 30 years
  • Copper or slate- 50 years

These time frames are assuming that a storm doesn’t damage it. Most roofs in Oklahoma will only last 7 years because of our severe storms.

Ignoring the signs of an aging roof can cost you big time. As a homeowner, it’s important to know the signs of a damaged roof and when it’s time to replace. If you’re unsure of the extent of the damage, contact us and we’ll give you a free estimate.