Although there are several telltale signs that a roof replacement is imminent, some of these signs may only point to the need for a quick, inexpensive repair. Knowing when it is time to replace your roof and when you can simply opt for a quick fix may help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.

If You Have a Shingled Roof

Most residential homes have shingled roofs, and these are made of individual asphalt or fiberglass shingles that fit together in such a way that rainwater and debris sloughs off rather than seeps into the home. Although these roofs are among some of the most affordable, they come in different grades. As such, the guarantee may last only 10 to 30 years. Learning about the grade of shingle, the installation date, and the guarantee may help you save money in time.

Signs You Should Replace a Shingled Roof

There are several signs that you may need to replace your shingled roof. These include:

• Missing shingles. This is a telltale sign that a serious issue is at hand. A storm may have damaged the roof at some point.
• Dull shingles. Shiny, water-repellant granules coat most shingles. If you do not see a distinct shine, then the shingles are likely old and are no longer protecting your home as they should.
• Curling at the edges. When shingles start to curl up at the edges, it indicates that the shingle base has dried out or that there is not enough ventilation. This usually requires a completely new roof since it is impossible to reverse this process.
• Cracking and bubbling. If a spot on the roof appears to be cracked and bubbled, this indicates that the shingles are very old. If one spot looks rough, then chances are good that the rest of the shingles will start to bubble, crack, and break away in time.

Signs You Should Fix a Shingled Roof

If one or two shingles are damaged or missing, then this may not indicate that you have to replace your entire roof. In fact, it could just be that something damaged that one particular area. If this is the case, it is feasible to simply replace the damaged shingles, but do so as quickly as possible. Even just a few missing shingles can damage the integrity of the roof as a whole, leading to significant problems later on.

Is Metal a Good Replacement Choice?

Often, if you install a metal roof, it will not need replacement in your lifetime as long as you maintain it. Metal roofs can leak just like shingled roofs, and storms can cause significant amounts of damage. However, under normal conditions, metal roofs may last 50 or even 100 years without replacement. More and more people in Canada and other regions in North America choose metal roofs when they need a replacement.

There are plenty of places to find metal roofs in Edmonton, so if you are in the market for a roof replacement but you don’t want to worry about shingles, their grade, and their overall lifespan, consider metal. It lasts longer when properly maintained, and it is incredibly durable, too.