Is your roof leaking? Did the roofing company you called for an inspection tell you that you need a new roof? If so, you probably aren’t questioning it.
But you should know, just because your roof is leaking doesn’t mean you need a new one. So, how do you know if you actually need a full roof replacement? We’re here to help.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been replacing roofs in the Nashville area since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get the most life out of your roof. That’s why we offer a lifetime warranty.
By the end of this article, you'll learn if you really need a roof replacement, why a contractor would sell you one when you don’t need it, and the signs that it’s the right time for a new roof.
Do you really need a new roof?
So, a contractor came out to inspect your roof and said you need a new one. But remember, just because your roof is leaking doesn’t always mean you need a full roof replacement. So, do you really need a new roof?
As long your roof is properly installed and properly ventilated, then your roof is going to get as close as possible to the manufacturer’s specified life span. For example, if you have a dimensional asphalt shingle roof that’s only 10 years old, then you shouldn’t need a replacement for at least another 17 years.
Unless your roof is hit by a strong storm or your roofing materials fail prematurely because of poor workmanship, you should only need repairs until it’s actually time to replace it. But at the end of the day, it’ll be up to what your local roofing contractor finds during their inspection if you need a roof replacement.
That makes finding a reputable contractor you trust crucial to your roof investment. But how do you do that?
That all boils down to asking the right questions. To help you weed out the bad roofing companies and find the right one for you, read this article on the top 8 questions to ask a roofing contractor.
Why would a contractor sell you a new roof when you don’t need one?
So, a contractor came out to your home and said you need a new roof when you really don’t need one. But why would a contractor immediately say you need a replacement just because your roof is leaking?
That’s because a lot of roofing companies care more about their bottom line instead of your best interest. Some roofing companies will send out a salesperson where their main goal is to leave your home with your signature on a contract.
If you get an inspection from only one roofing company then you have to take their word on what your roof needs. That’s why you should always get multiple quotes when you have a roof leak.
When you get multiple contractors to check out your roof, you’ll learn if you actually need a full replacement. If one contractor tries to sell you a roof, but the other two only recommend repairs, then it’s a good chance you don’t need a full replacement.
Even if you trust the contractor and they come highly recommended, it’s still important to get a second opinion to make sure you get the roof services you actually need.
3 signs that it’s the right time for a roof replacement
You just learned if you really need a roof replacement and that getting multiple quotes help you determine what your roof actually needs. But how do you know it’s the right time for a new roof?
Continue reading to learn the 3 signs that it’s time for a roof replacement.
1. Your roof is nearing the end of its life
The life of a roof is how many years you get out of it. For a dimensional asphalt shingle roof, that’s 30-years.
As long as your roof has been properly ventilated and installed, you should get pretty close to that 30 years of roof life. So obviously, you want to replace your roof before it starts leaking or fails completely.
A reputable roofing contractor will recommend that you replace your roof somewhere around 80-85% of the manufacturer’s life of the roof. For example, you should consider replacing a 30-year roof around the 27-year mark.
Don’t wait until it’s too late, get ahead of any potential problems and replace your roof before the end of its life. To learn the lifespan of your new roof, read this article on how long your new asphalt roof should last.
2. Your roofing materials fail prematurely
Your roofing materials should live as long as the manufacturer specifies. However, there are cases when your roof fails prematurely and leads to a roof replacement well before you should need one.
Two of the common causes of premature roof failure are improper roof installation and inadequate attic ventilation.
If your roof wasn’t installed using correct roofing techniques, you’re going to find shingles in your yard or even full sections sliding off your roof. If your attic wasn’t properly ventilated, then the damage from the trapped heat and cold will drastically shorten your roof’s life.
Be aware, when your roof isn’t properly ventilated or properly installed the manufacturer’s warranty on your roofing materials will be voided. This leaves you with only your contractor’s workmanship warranty to fall back on to replace your prematurely failed roof.
3. Your roof is hit by a strong storm
The weather where you live and the kind of storms your roof faces factor into how much wear and tear it goes through. But that isn’t the only thing you have to worry about when it comes to weather.
Heavy storm damage (tornado, wind, hail) can lead to a roof replacement. If high winds come through and rip up your shingles or a tree falls on your roof, then clearly, you’re going to need a new one.
If you have a metal roof system, then hail damage to your metal panels will lead to a replacement if the integrity of the metal is compromised. But for an asphalt shingle roof to be replaced from hail, it has to cause damage to the soft metals (downspouts, gutters, vents, or flashing) that are on your roof.
Whatever kind of storm damage your roof has, it’s important to know if your roof is covered. Read this article on replacing your roof through homeowner’s insurance.
5 things to consider before replacing your roof
Now you know why you would need a roof replacement and that you should get multiple quotes for your roof to figure out what work it actually needs done. You also learned the 3 signs that it’s the right time to replace your roof.
After reading this, do you think it’s the right time to replace your roof? If so, there are some things you need to consider before reaching out to a local roofing contractor.
Because we want you to have all the crucial information you need on such a big purchase, we wrote another article breaking down the 5 things you need to consider before replacing your roof.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided the residents of Nashville with high-quality roof replacements since 1990. We don’t rely on shady tactics to sell you a roof you don’t need. Whether you need repairs or a full roof replacement, you’ll never worry about your roof again when you work with us.
Check out 5 Things You Need to Consider Before You Replace Your Roof before picking up the phone to call a local roofing contractor.
