Learn How to Determine If It’s Time For A New Roof

"When is it time to replace our roof?" is a popular question. Getting the right roofing contractor to be honest with this question can be like asking, "Hey Alexa, who makes the best shingles?" She will overheat and start to smoke! Many factors play into this question: weather, improper installation, or shingle failure. I've seen so many failures over the years, but the most common is installation, and it occurs 90% of the time. People often need a new roof because Minnesota tends to punish shingles, and installers accelerate the process by doing something wrong. Inadequate nailing is the number one installer reason for needing a new roof. The nails are enough but just not placed correctly, or even overdriven. An overdriven nail often paper punches the shingle leaving no holding power. Nails that are set too high will allow wind to leverage the shingle, and any sort of seal failure will cause catastrophic failure.

The Life Span Of New Roof Shingles

• A price-point shingle will last up to 15 years.

• A mid-range shingle will last 15-25 years.

• Premium heavier shingles will last 25-30 years.

• Steel roofing can last 25-40 years.

Roof Shingle Failure

A good gauge of the different types of roof failure is the set of photographs below. There are varying degrees of shingle damage. It could be poor installation, hail damage, general wear and tear, granule loss, cracking, or even curling. On many occasions, I stop out and give an update of the current condition of roofs and advise on a replacement time frame. I see wear and tear the most, which are mostly granule loss. The granules are the UV protector or sunscreen of a roof. Without granules, the asphalt and fiberglass base of the shingle takes the brunt of the sun and will degrade quickly.

Roof Shingle Storm Damage

Storm damage is another hot topic and puts roofing companies or storm chasing companies in a terrible light. Visions of roofing salesman slithering through the grass are not far off. Yes, I too pound the payment when storms come through my area. The whole key is being upfront regarding storm or hail damage and not waste anyone's time just to try and sell a new roof. Hail damage is the least noticeable to the average homeowner and really takes the life out of a roof. Smaller pea-sized hail can "sandblast" whereas larger wind-driven hail can destroy the integrity of the shingle. To receive a hail claim on a roof every insurance company has different requirements. Some insurance adjusters view the roof as a whole. Some will use a 10'x10' test square and count "hits" Remember there are good and bad insurance adjusters and roofing contractors just like any industry. Some adjusters deny coverage even when it's there and some roofers say there's damage when there isn't. Having the knowledge to ask the right questions is a step towards protecting your home and your wallet from falling victim to dishonest actors.