When to Replace a Roof: The Kelowna Roofing Company Guide.

There’s no denying the importance of keeping a roof over your head. But how do you know when to replace it? The wrong answer can place you and your home at risk for leaks, mold, and other health hazards. 

So, when is it time to hire a Kelowna roofing company?

Luckily, we have a handy guide right here to help you identify some common concerns.

Age

The first question to ask is, how old is your roof? The next step is to identify what kind of roof you have. Both age and type combined are key factors in deciding, especially if your roof is at the end of its life.

For example, asphalt shingles will typically last 15-25 years, and wood shingles around 30 years, whereas clay and cement tiles will last 50-100 years. Slate is the biggest winner in longevity and will last 75-200 years. Figuring out where your shingles sit in this spectrum is critical.

Algae & Moss

Do you have green fuzzy stuff blanketing your shingles? Don’t be too quick to reach for the power-washer, which can damage your shingles permanently. While you can brush away minor areas with a broom if there’s a large amount it is best to hire a pro.

Remember, algae and moss are super slippery. That can make for dangerous conditions if you decide to go up on the roof and clean it yourself. And you’ll want someone to assess if the damage from the algae or moss is cosmetic or more substantial.

Mold Growth

One of the signs that your roof needs to be replaced is the presence of mold in your attic, on the interior side of the roof. This can be toxic and cause serious health concerns. It might also mean that you need to tear off the roof completely. 

Seeing black? Those streaks might not be mold, but blue-green algae that have hardened. These bad boys speed up the aging of your shingles, so they need to be gotten rid of ASAP.

Cracks and Curls

If the shingles on your roof are curled up at the edges or are cracked, this is another sign that you might need your roof replaced. Once shingles are compromised like this, it can expose the roofing underlayment.

How long that will last depends on whether you have 15 or 30 lb underlayment.

Because the underlayment is the last line of defense between the elements and the wood underneath, you do not want to get to the stage where it is out in the open. This is especially true for felt that is not waterproof but only water-resistant.

High winds can peel back already fragile layers, too.

Missing or Loose Shingles

This may sound obvious, but if you’ve got multiple missing shingles on your roof, it’s time to fix it! Leaving the underlayment exposed to the elements is a time bomb. It can encourage the growth of mold (see above) and result in other issues, like trapped moisture. 

Even if you notice that there are only a few loose shingles, it’s still good to have a professional evaluation done. It could be the difference between a minor repair, and a costly total roof replacement.

Irregular Weathering

When asphalt shingles from separate batches or lots are installed, they can often deteriorate at different rates. Even though they may have looked similar at installation, a difference in shingle thickness and quality can affect how they wear.

When this happens, you may notice an area (or even pattern) on your roof that has worn out more rapidly. 

This can be accelerated by the direction in which the shingles are facing. If your house gets more wind or is more exposed to the elements on one side more than the other, it will age them more quickly. 

Over time, normal weathering can cause a granular loss in asphalt shingles. (Hint: you may have seen gritty run-off in your gutters from this.)

Sags and Bags

Finally, one of the most obvious answers to the question, “When should I replace my roof?” is if it has a big dip or other distortion–the time is now! When the roofline droops, it means that the wood underneath is most likely rotting.

Structural damage can go from bad to worse rapidly. Don’t delay in calling an expert to figure out if it an issue with the foundation, the attic, supports, or something else entirely.

Heat and Humidity

Pitchmasters Roofing is based in the beautiful and central area of the Okanagan. This location is known for its hot, dry temperatures in the summer and cool winters. Both these extremes can really wreak havoc on shingles. 

Constant exposure to UV rays during the warm months can cause them to melt and crack past the point of repair. And as the humidity fluctuates between dry weather and wet weather, shingles can feel the strain. Wear and tear from snow, hail, and rain can shorten the life of your shingles.

Kelowna Roofing Company Inspections

Still not sure? Have a roof inspection done to assess whether you simply need a repair, or a new roof entirely. If you do need to have work done, there are many benefits.

Not only will it avoid costly repairs down the road but fixing an existing problem can improve the efficiency of your home. Lower air conditioning and heating bills are a few perks. 

Our team of roofing professionals at our Kelowna roofing company can help get you started. Contact us here for assistance! 

If you have any questions about replacing your rood please contact Derrek at (250) 469-1022