The Old Roof Needs to Be Replaced
Naturally, the most common reason to replace a roof is because the exisyting roof reached its inevitable end. Asphalt, the most common type of shingle, lasts between 15 and 30 years. Over that time, the shingles grow soft and drop the UV-resistant granules that coat them. When this happens, shingles are easier to blow away in bad weather or soften until leaks get into the house. If your current roof is older than 15 years, it's time to get an idea of when you'll need to schedule the next roof replacement. That might be this year or several years in the future.
Hurricane Damage to a Majority of Your Roof
Storm damage is the second most common cause for roof replacement calls. Most of the time, storms bent, break, or steal a few shingles per blow-up. High-speed winds and the occasional dropped tree branch cause regular lightweight damage to the roof. But sometimes, a storm tears with unusual ferocity and destroys a section of home or roof complete. If an excessive number of shingles are damaged or missing, you may want to call for roof replacement in the damaged areas, not just light repairs.
Remodeling Home and New Additions
Interestingly, remodeling is another common reason to upgrade your roof. Homeowners who are building an addition or turning their porch into a home extension may need to re-roof sections to allow for the new areas of the house. You can also reinstall your roof entirely or in parts just for style, choosing a new color and shingle type to boost the curb appeal and total home value.
The Previous Roof was Incorrectly Installed
A tragic yet common reason for roof replacement is poor previous installation. This can happen both with inexperienced roofers and those unfortunately well-known scam artists who prey on storm-damage victims. Shoddy previous roofing can lead to reinstalling your roof earlier than should be necessary. If your roof is in poor condition despite recent work, roof replacement is often your best bet for quickly repairing the quality of your home.
Extensive Roof Damage from Neglect
Every home has a roof, but not all homes have an active homeowner. Some homes sit vacant and untended for years, some homeowners simply forget to maintain the roof until there are critical leaks or visibly obvious damage. When this happens, often the shingle-damaging weather conditions have worna way the roof to an unusually low quality. Valleys, piled leaves, and broken roof features can all inspire a shingle roof replacement instead of attempting spot-repairs after a home has been neglected.
Replacing a Shake Roof with Shingles
The final option for a roof replacement is if you want to change your current roof material, usually to asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common and affordable option on the market, with a respectable lifespan and sturdiness against the elements. If you have a high-maintenance tile roof with too many broken tiles, or a shake roof that's looking shabby, you can replace it with a low-maintenance shingle roof instead.
