If your roof is more than 20 years old or showing signs of wear, you may be wondering if it's time for full replacement. Identifying when an aging roof has reached the end of its lifespan is key to avoiding damage from leaks and moisture intrusion. Learn what signs indicate you likely need a new roof.

Roof Age Typical Lifespans of Roofing Materials

The age of your roof is one of the first considerations when assessing replacement needs. Different materials have different typical lifespans:

• Asphalt Shingles - 20-25 years

• Metal Roofing - 40-70+ years

• Flat Roofing - 10-25 years

• Tile Roofing - 50+ years

• Slate Roofing - 30-100+ years

Roof age alone doesn't necessarily mean replacement is needed, but once a roof nears or exceeds the typical lifespan, inspect closely for other indicators of wear.

Signs of Roof Weathering

Lifting edges, curling corners, and cracked or broken shingles are red flags. As the roofing material deteriorates, loss of mineral granule coating leads to further degradation. Even a few problem shingles can spread over time.

Also look for signs of aging like excessive surface debris, compromised underlayment, and loss of plasticizer oils that make shingles pliable. Brittle and stiff shingles have reached the end of their lifespan.

Leaks: Evidence of Water Intrusion

Stains, dripping water, damp attic insulation, and moisture on the underside of roof sheathing all indicate leaks. Even a single small leak signifies extensive damage once water works past surface roofing materials into the home. Don't ignore any evidence of leakage.

Exposed Nail Heads

Fastener heads exposed due to lost surrounding shingle granules will eventually cause leaks. The deterioration often spreads to affect surrounding areas as more granules wash away. Prompt sealing helps but widespread exposure needs full replacement.

Major Damage: Storms, Falling Limbs, Etc.

Severe damage from storms, falling trees/limbs, or animals walking across the roof necessitates full replacement, especially if shingles are cracked or missing. Repairing a few shingles is only a temporary fix. Extensive damage compromises the entire roof's integrity.

Roof Slope Indications of Structural Shifting

Subtle changes in your roof slope or layout over time may indicate structural shifting and instability in the roof deck. This requires urgent full replacement to prevent collapse.

Skylight And Flashing Leaks Difficult to Patch Without Full Replacement

Unlike a single shingle, leaks at penetrations like skylights involve the surrounding flashing and underlayment. Attempting a patch repair often fails quickly since the underlying problems with deteriorated materials persist.

Roof Replacement Cost Factors

For a typical 2500 square foot single-family home, a new asphalt shingle roof costs $6,000-$12,000 on average. Factors impacting total replacement costs include:

• Roof pitch, height, and accessibility

• Number of layers being removed

• Additional repairs needed like decking or vent replacements

• Roofing material and shingle quality/type

• Contractor experience and overhead

Assess your specific roof, gather quotes, and consult with qualified roofers like Infinity Roofing Contractors to determine your actual replacement costs.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

If your aging roof is showing multiple signs of wear, the time for replacement is likely approaching fast. Contact Infinity Roofing Contractors for an expert assessment. Waiting until leaks cause interior damage can multiply your repair costs. Renew your roof before problems escalate. Let our experienced roofers protect your most valuable asset.