The average lifespan of a home roof is somewhere between 30 and 50 years. Wood shingle and asphalt roofs tend to have the shortest lifespan, and some of the latest forms with cement tile tend to have the longest. That said, nothing is guaranteed, and any roof material can have a short lifespan thanks to external conditions beyond just the roofing material itself. Storms, for example, do a serious number on roofs, and year after year of such beatings are going to create excessive wear and tear.
Signs That Signal a Serious Decision
If you’re looking at your roof and some tiles are missing, that’s a very common sign that the roof needs repair or is starting to fall apart. There are other signs too, and knowing what to look for helps significantly in planning for a roof replacement. New Jersey roofers will typically look for the following as well:
- Signs of crumbling – asphalt and cement or clay tiles don’t typically crack. Instead, they powderize and dissolve. Trails of the material starts to show, and when considerable amounts are washing down the rain gutters, it’s a good question about what’s happening up above and needing a closer look.
- Warping of roof tiles – Clearly any kind of mis-shaping is a sign of damage as well as failing integrity. When too much warping happens, the sub-roof gets exposed and water penetration can be a real problem.
- Seams and section edges show damage Joints, seams, lucky wedges and similar are all areas to worry about. These are typically where different parts joint and damage allow water to penetrate as it concentrates in these areas before going to the gutters.
- Internal leaks – If there is a leak in the house coming from the ceiling, that’s clearly a flag that the roof seal has been broken. Ignored, the same leak will get worse and increase in damage.
With the above issues spotted, an inspection will involve an in-person technical review of the roof up close. It may also involve an internal look in the the attic. Frequently, with old roofs, additional damage becomes visible and has been hidden under the tiles, festering like an infection.
Options and Considerations
- Cracks in walls and ceilings – can indicate settling issues or moisture problems.
- Doors and windows that stick or don’t open properly – can indicate settling or foundation issues.
- Crumbling plaster or drywall – moisture issues, leaks, poor insulation.
- Peeling paint – moisture getting behind paint.
- Mold or mildew growth – moisture issue, poor ventilation.
- Musty smells – moisture buildup, leaks.
- Stains on walls or ceilings – leaks, condensation.
- warped floorboards – moisture issues, structural problems.
- Sagging floors – structural issues, weakened supports.
- Creaking, banging, or popping noises – structural movement/instability.
- Plumbing leaks – old pipes, shifted pipes, corrosion.
- Low water pressure – buildup in pipes, failing water heater.
- Dripping faucets – worn washers/gaskets.
- Running toilets – failing flappers, fill valves.
- Strange electrical issues – faulty wiring, overloads.
- Faulty outlets/lights – wiring issues.
- Sparks from outlets – faulty wiring.
- Buzzing electrical panels – faulty breaker/wire.
- Blown fuses – overloads, faulty wiring.
- Rodents or pests – entry points in need of sealing.
- Weak wifi signals – poor insulation, modern building materials blocking signals.
- Spots of mold/mildew – excess moisture.
- Evidence of rotting wood – moisture damage.
- Damaged shingles/roof tiles – storm/aging damage.
- Gutters pulling away – improperly installed.
- Yard drainage issues – negative grading, clogged drains.
- Cracks in foundation – settling, soil shrinkage.
- Cracks in sidewalks/driveways – tree roots, settling.
- Leaning/cracked chimney – foundation issues, age, improper construction.
If a roof can’t be saved, and it is time for a replacement, a homeowner shouldn’t jump on the first offer made. Rubber-4-roofs still have a bit of life and don’t usually fail the next day after an assessment. So, it’s a smart move to do some homework on the types of roofing available, how they compare, and the different costs vendors will provide for the project. This competition puts everyone on notice that they are bidding against each other, and it provides better value for the homeowner.
Roofers in Bergen County are quite familiar with the regional needs, so looking for vendors with both experience and a good track record are ideal choices to consider on a short list. A roof replacement is a big re-investment in a home. More than likely, it will last longer than the homeowner in the home for years forward. So, it’s really a one-time decision with significant value. Use research, experience and homework to find the best roofing replacement. It will pay dividends for years to come.
