Category: Roofing

How to Know When It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

If you’ve ever stood outside and stared up at your roof wondering whether it’s still doing its job, you’re not alone. Our roofs work hard—taking on heavy rain, hot sun, falling leaves, and even the odd stray football. But just like everything else in our homes, they don’t last forever. So how do we know when it’s time to replace your roof before leaks or damage catch us off guard?

Here’s what to look for and how you can stay ahead of the game, without needing a ladder or a toolbox.

Spot the Signs: Time to Replace Your Roof

Roofs have a way of telling us when they’re tired. But not everyone knows what to listen for. Think of your roof like an old pair of shoes—when the soles start to crack or let in water, it’s probably time to swap them out. The same idea applies here.

Some of the most common warning signs include:

  • Missing or curled shingles – If pieces are missing or edges are turning up, that’s your roof shouting for help.
  • Dark patches or sagging spots – These could mean moisture has already gotten in, which can cause deeper damage over time.
  • Frequent leaks – If you’re grabbing a bucket every time it rains, it’s a big clue it’s time to replace your roof.
  • Sunlight in the attic – Light coming through means water can get in too.

Each of these signs might seem small, but together, they’re a loud warning that it’s time to replace your roof. Waiting too long can lead to worse damage—not just to the roof, but also to your ceilings, walls, and even your belongings.

How Long Should a Roof Last? Time to Replace Your Roof

Not all roofs are made the same. Some last longer than others depending on the material, weather, and maintenance. Here’s a quick table to help you understand how long your roof might hold up before it’s time to replace your roof:

Roofing MaterialAverage Lifespan
Asphalt Shingles15–25 years
Metal Roofs30–50 years
Tile or Slate50–100 years
Wood Shakes20–40 years
Flat Rubber Roofs10–20 years

If your roof is close to or over its lifespan, even without major visible damage, it’s likely time to replace your roof soon. It’s like a car—just because it’s still running doesn’t mean it won’t suddenly break down on the freeway. A new roof can save you the stress (and cost) of dealing with big repairs later.

Common Causes That Speed Things Up

Sometimes roofs wear out earlier than expected. This often happens because of:

  • Severe weather – Heavy storms, hail, or strong winds can tear and damage roofing materials.
  • Poor installation – If your roof wasn’t put on properly the first time, it may not last as long.
  • Lack of ventilation – Hot air trapped inside the attic can damage the roof from underneath.
  • Neglected maintenance – Small issues like clogged gutters or broken flashing can turn into big problems fast.

Even if your roof is fairly new, these things can push it toward needing early replacement. Paying attention now can help you avoid future headaches.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Delaying when it’s time to replace your roof can create serious risks:

  1. Water damage: Once water gets past your roof, it seeps into ceilings, insulation, and walls. That’s when mould, rot, and stains show up.
  2. Increased energy bills: A worn-out roof lets hot or cold air escape, making it harder to keep your home comfy.
  3. Decreased property value: Buyers notice a damaged roof—and it’s one of the first things inspectors check.
  4. Expensive repairs: A full roof replacement costs less than trying to fix damage to your whole home.

This is why many homeowners rely on trusted professionals like Smile Roofing to inspect and replace their roof before things get worse. Acting early helps you stay in control and avoid the stress of last-minute fixes.

How Often Should You Check Your Roof?

Here’s a good rule: Inspect your roof at least twice a year—once in the spring and again before winter. Use binoculars from the ground or get help from an expert if needed.

What to look for:

  • Cracks, curls, or splits in shingles
  • Moss or algae growth
  • Loose flashing around vents and chimneys
  • Rusted roof valleys
  • Signs of animals or nests

If you notice two or more of these issues, it may be time to replace your roof even if you haven’t had leaks yet.

Is Repair Ever Enough?

Sometimes a simple repair is all you need. Other times, it’s just putting a band-aid on a deeper problem.

Here’s when a repair might be enough:

  • Only one or two shingles are missing
  • Flashing is loose or cracked
  • There’s a small leak in a known spot

But if these problems keep coming back—or you’re constantly patching things up—it’s probably time to replace your roof. A full replacement gives your home a fresh start, and you’ll stop spending money on short-term fixes.

How to Choose the Right Roofer

Choosing the right roofing company matters just as much as knowing it’s time to replace your roof. A good roofer should:

  • Be licensed and insured
  • Offer free inspections and quotes
  • Explain things clearly and honestly
  • Use quality materials with good warranties
  • Show you past work and customer reviews

You can check out our roofing services here to see exactly what we offer and how we help families protect their homes. We’re proud to stand behind our work and keep your roof strong for years to come.

If you’re not sure where to start, visit us directly through Google Maps for easy directions and contact options.

Arnulfo Dicks

Today’s Roof Options – What’s New and What’s In

Roof covering is among one of the most crucial elements of house and building construction as a lot of structures would certainly need something to function as shelter. It is not unexpected just how roof covering has actually established throughout history and however just over the past two decades. As even more homes are being developed, much more choices of roof covering have actually sprouted too. This loads the several requirements, not only of function, yet likewise of aesthetics. It is outstanding to observe the amount of options a house owner can make when it pertains to roof.

The Built-up Roof

If there is one roofing option that is thought about a classic, it would certainly most certainly be the built-up roof covering system. Established for over a century ago, this sort of roofing has a reliable credibility that makes it nearly an automated option for a great deal of house building contractors. Obviously, this is not a perfect roof covering option as it can position some considerable limitations, however a lot of those who picked this type have seen it function rather well.

The built-up roof covering is usually favored instead of high web traffic and when there is a possibility for the roof covering to be subjected to mechanical misuse. The built-up roofing’s membrane layer is normally thicker and stronger compared to most other roofing options with its several layers and crushed rock appearing. Because this is a prominent option, it is usually very easy to locate a contractor who can handle both installation and repair service of this roofing system type in most places.

The major drawback with built-up roofings is inflexibility. The roofing system might be subject to damage because of structural or thermal movement. A lengthy structure would certainly require extra roof covering assistance to prevent the roof from damages because of contraction. The compression as a result of cold temperatures or stretching due to hot temperature levels might also take a toll on built-up roofing systems. Much care is required if these elements are pronounced in a certain location.

Modified-Bitumen Roof

Modified-bitumen roofing systems have comparable benefits and disadvantages as built-up roofing systems. Nevertheless, one great advantage of this roof covering option is that it carries out considerably far better throughout winter. This sort of roofing has actually been established to come to be flexible when the temperature level is reduced. They can adapt to temperature adjustments far better than the built-up roof.

There are 2 kind of modified-bitumen roofs – the plastic-based ones (APP) and the rubber-based ones (SEBS and SBS). The plastic-based membranes are usually set up using lanterns while the rubber-based membrane layers are installed using cold adhesives or hot asphalt. The majority of modified-bitumen roofings currently have granulated surfaces so they are lighter than built-up roofs that have gravel surface areas. Modified-bitumen roofs may also be included as cap sheets on top of existing built-up roofings. This adds redundancy to the roof covering along with some versatility.

Single-Ply Roof

Singly-ply roof covering, as its name recommends, is included a solitary layer construct from plastic or elastic product. Because there is just one layer, this sort of roofing is thick. There are 2 types of single-ply roofings, initially, thermoset membranes whose seams are secured using adhesives and 2nd, polycarbonate membranes whose seams are bonded utilizing warm or a solvent. There are 3 types of attachment for single-plys – ballasted, loose-laid and completely adhered. As a result of its light weight, the single-ply is typically made use of for re-covering. They are also rather cost-effective.

Single-ply roofing systems may be sensitive to certain substances and wonderful care ought to be taken when selecting from different sort of single-plys. EPDM and PVC-based products can be harmed when exposed to oil, jet fuel, and cooking grease. When there are such emissions in the location, the chemical make-up of the single-ply membrane layer must be inspected very carefully.

Steel Roof Covering

Steel roofing is no longer restricted to those dripping gliding panels connected together rather insecurely and after that screwed or nailed to a frame. Today, there are steel roofs that have much more protected hidden clips that can be expanded or gotten. Perhaps one of the most important element for selecting metal roof covering is its life expectancy: metal does not decay or break down despite exposure to extremes in weather. Some steel roof covering may have warranties of approximately 50 years. The drawback with steel nevertheless is the greater possibility of leaks compared to various other roof choices. If metal is not mounted correctly, leaks are likely to happen.

There are numerous various other roofing alternatives these days. It is just essential to choose the appropriate type for the best framework. Whether it is brand-new or a traditional, good roofing ought to serve its function of supplying great coverage.

Arnulfo Dicks