When should I replace my roof?

Deciding when to replace the roof on your home is a tough call. Wait too long and you could develop leaks and structural water damage; too soon, you waste money. Dudley, MA-based LJ Construction recommends that you take a few factors under consideration when making this big decision.

First, how old is your existing roofing material? If your 20 year asphalt shingles have been exposed to 22 years of brutal Central Massachusetts weather, it is time to look at replacing your roof.

Second, what is the condition of your roof? Are there shingles missing? Do they have cracks, warps or curled, uplifted corners? Are there excessive amounts of granules from the shingles in your gutters? These could be signs of roofing material failure from the harsh Worcester area winters and summers.

Third, examine your attic and the underside of your roof. A roof which appears perfectly intact from outside could have evidence of leaks underneath. Are there water stains, mold or other signs of water infiltration in the roof sheathing? Can you see discoloration or wetness around vents, plumbing stacks, skylights or other penetrations?

In some cases, if your old roof is sufficiently intact, new shingles can be installed directly over the old. While this reduces expenses, keep in mind that it may reduce the lifespan of your new roofing material and can only be done over one existing layer. (If you already have two layers of roofing, both have to be completely removed.)

If you see signs of any of the above issues, contact LJ Construction for a thorough inspection of your Central Massachusetts roof. We can assess the health of your Worcester area roof and walk you through the options if you need to replace your roof.