How do you know when you need a new roof?

Just because you have no visible leaks (on the ceiling) that does not mean that it is not leaking... yet. HomeAdvisor.com and Angieslist.com are free referral services that verify all the reviews for the companies they recommend... have several roofing companies come out and inspect your roof... or you could have one or more home inspectors come out and have a look at it.... if all or most of them tell you that you need a new roof... then you probably do.

Hi Linda,

Roofs can last between 20 & 50 years, but should be inspected twice a year. That is unless you have any flat roof areas. We raised our roof to have more room inside and that part is considered flat (even though it does have some angle). They last between 10 & 20 years I think a roof inspection would be your first step. If it's still good, the inspector will know, if it has problem areas, it might be able to be fixed. I hope that helps. Wishing you the best.

When it leaks

What type of roof do you have? One way is to have it inspected. Be careful, some roofers will tell you all kinds of things are wrong when in reality nothing is wrong or are minor concerns. See if these links help.

https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/7-signs-you-need-a-new-roof-48751

https://www.owenscorning.com/roofing/tools/do-i-need-a-new-roof/

http://time.com/money/4281302/replace-roof-need-to-know/

Here is how to hire a contractor.

https://www.bbb.org/abilene/news-events/news-releases/2014/07/tips-on-hiring-roofing-contractors/

https://myroofhub.com/hiring-contractors/questions-to-ask-roofing-contractors-over-phone/

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0242-hiring-contractor

HIre someone to go in the attic and take a look. After 20 years, there is usually some issues.

When the asphalt shingles have a gap between them big enough to be 1 to 2 fingers wide, start to curl, or drop off the roof. There are codes for shingles some permit up to 3 layers, if a forth layer is needed the old shingles may have to be stripped back to bare wood roof and start fresh. Re shingle was the first project here in house 3, and it was a tear off.