Your roof is one of the largest investments you’ll make in your home. And just like any other large purchase, you want to be confident of two things: 1) Your roof indeed needs replacing, and 2) You’re choosing a brand of shingles that will last.
To help you feel confident about your next steps, here are six signs it may be time for a new roof, followed by three shingle brands every homeowner should consider.
6 signs your roof may need replacing
With a sharp eye and a little bit of insider information, you can easily discern whether a new roof is on the horizon. Here are a few common indicators:
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Your roof is 20+ years old. Most experts agree that a typical roof will last between 20 and 25 years, so if your roof is close to that age, it’s more than likely time to replace it.
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Your current shingles are buckling or curling. Look closely at the shingles on your home that receive direct sunlight. If they’re curling upwards or missing granules, there’s a good chance they’ve exceeded their life expectancy.
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Your “valley” shingles are missing, buckling, or causing leaks. Since rain flows from your roof to the valleys and into the gutters, if the valley shingles are brittle or damaged, it’s time for a roof replacement.
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You observe daylight through the roof boards. If your attic is easily accessible, grab a flashlight and head on up. Before turning on your flashlight, look for sunlight streaming in through the roof boards. If light is getting through your roof, be assured water is too when it rains.
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You see dark streaks and stains. A buildup of algae, moss, and lichen on your roof can cause dark, unsightly lines. And while algae alone won’t affect your shingle’s service life, moss often causes shingle erosion, and lichen can lead to dark spots and pot marks. If this is the only sign you see, hire a professional to evaluate your roof’s condition. You may only need a professional roof cleaning instead of a complete roof replacement.
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You have flashing damage. Flashing is the protective layer around your chimney’s base, plumbing vents, or other objects on your roof. You can easily replace the flashing, but if you see flashing damage along with any of the above indications, there’s a good chance a new roof is the best choice.
If you have a hunch that it’s time to replace your roof, the good news is you’ll probably only need to do it once since asphalt shingles can last upwards of thirty years.
3 shingle brands to consider
Now that your roof needs replacing, you may be wondering what brand of roofing shingles is best. Since the most common residential roofing material in the U.S. is asphalt, let’s look at a few of its most popular manufacturers — even a brief familiarity with these brands will help you discuss your options with roofers.
1. CertainTeed
CertainTeed is known for manufacturing premium roofing materials with more than 300 roofing options to choose from and standards that lead the industry. Until recently, the company focused solely on top-of-the-line shingles. And while CertainTeed is still dominant in that category, they’re a relative newcomer in more cost-effective shingle lines.
2. IKO
IKO is another popular brand of roofing shingles that enjoys moderate popularity in the U.S. and is one of Canada’s top brands. IKO’s high-end options mimic the designer look and beauty of slate tiles or wood shakes.
One heads up about IKO: The company was recently the focus of several class-action lawsuits in the U.S and Canada. The defective shingle lines are no longer produced, and IKO has been working hard on improving formulations across the board.
3. GAF
GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. Founded in 1886, its success is driven by its commitment to three things: quality, expertise, and solutions. GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles in 2011, and, in 2012 GAF launched its GAF Lifetime Roofing System.
DMB Roofing is proud to be GAF Master Elite Certified. This award is given to roofing contractors who are properly licensed, insured, and committed to ongoing training. Only 3% of roofing contractors nationwide qualify for Master Elite status. We like to let homeowners know upfront they’ll receive a better warranty on GAF roofing products if a GAF-certified installer installs them.
A chance to earn your trust and business
If you’re in the market for a new roof, I’d love the opportunity to earn your trust and business — and install a roof that will safeguard your family and home for decades to come.
Give me, Brad, a call at (912) 454-1002 or send me an email at brad@dbmroofing.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
