Signs It’s Time for a New Roof


Putting a new roof on your home is a major expense, so it’s not an investment that you want to make unless it’s really necessary. On the other hand, you don’t want to risk costly damage to your home’s structure and interior by waiting until your roof eventually fails.

How Long Will Your Roof Last?

Exactly how long a roof lasts is difficult to predict, but it’s directly related to material and installation quality.

For example, if you have high-grade laminate shingles that were installed by certified Owens Corning roofing contractors in Minneapolis, you can expect that they’ll last longer than basic three-tab shingles installed by a general handyman.

According to industry-leading Owens Corning, there are also certain warning signs that indicate a roof is at the end of its useful lifespan.

  • Advanced age. Roofing materials deteriorate over time due to temperature changes, harsh UV radiation, and extreme weather. Since roofs here in Minnesota endure a battering from the elements year-round, yours might need replacement after just 15 years, or it may still be in good shape after 30 years, depending on the material grade, installation quality and whether the attic is well ventilated.
  • Obvious wear and damage. Can you see areas of curled, buckled, cracked, broken or missing shingles when you look up at your roof from ground level? If so, it needs immediate attention because all of these issues make it particularly vulnerable to further damage and extensive leaks during a wind and rain storm.
  • Exposed substrate. Shingle roofing has a coating of embedded granules to shield the substrate layer from degradation caused by exposure to the elements and UV radiation. Over time, these granules loosen and fall off, and get carried away by rain and melting snow/ice. If you can see dark patches on your roof, you’re looking at areas of bare substrate that can quickly deteriorate and fail.
  • Extensive moss growth. Significant moss growth on the shaded side(s) of your roof can point to hidden damage and a premature failure. Moisture-loving moss draws and retains water against the roof surface, but because it’s covered by green, you won’t see the harm done to your roof’s shingles, decking, and structural components until it’s too late.

If you’re concerned about any of the above issues and want to learn if your roof needs replacement, contact us at Midwest Roofing, Siding & Windows, the trusted Owens Corning roofing contractors in Minneapolis.

Learn more about your roof here:

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