Although roofs are designed to last for decades, they do not last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. In our experience here at Gonzalez Roofing- A Division of Gonzalez Painters and Contractors, most homeowners want to put off roof replacement for as long as possible, as it does represent a significant expense. While we understand this desire, we also urge you not to wait too long, as an old or damaged roof will leave your home vulnerable to water damage and worse. In this article, we will go over a few things to look at in order to determine whether you need a roof replacement or whether you can afford to wait another year or two.

• Leaks. One sign that you probably need roof replacement sooner rather than later is leaks–after all, if your roof is letting water into your home, then it’s clearly not doing its job. In order to check for leaks, you should go into your attic regularly, particularly after it rains, and look for signs of water intrusion.
• Moss, Mold, Mildew, or Algae. Another sign that you probably need roof replacement is the presence of moss, mold, mildew, or algae growing on your shingles. All of these organisms thrive in moist environments and can set into damp shingles, where they will then eat away at the surface and weaken them significantly over time.
• Age. Even if nothing appears to be wrong with your roof, if it is over 20 years old, it’s best to replace it. Most shingle roofs have a maximum lifespan of 25 years under ideal conditions, but few of them actually remain sound that long. If you want to make sure that your home is protected, the wisest choice is to invest in a roof replacement every two decades.