How do you know when it’s time to replace your Northwest Indiana roof? There are three main reasons for replacing roof shingles: the age of the roof, weather damage, and previously improperly installed roofing.

Start by taking the life expectancy of the type of shingle you currently have then subtracting for age, weathering and weather related damage to see how many more years you may be able to get out of your roof before needing to replace it.

Roof shingles generally are supposed to last at least twenty years. Some shingle manufacturers have products that last twenty-five or more years. Take your standard twenty year product and subtract the age of your current roof . If you’re in a newer home, or you are the original owners of your home this is an easy number to get. If there have been previous owners, or you are otherwise unable to determine the age of the roof you will have to estimate.

Next, is there any physical evidence of damage? Do your shingles show curling, severe hail damage, cracked flashing or sealer around vents and fireplace flues? How about brittle shingles due to a southerly exposure? What about damaged or rotting eves? The condition of your current roof has a drastic impact on its remaining life expectancy.

Lastly, let’s not forget the obvious. If your roof is leaking you can skip the process above. A leak trumps everything else. You’re going to need some repairs at a minimum, potentially much more. Keep in mind even newer roofs if improperly installed can also leak or lose shingles in gusting wind. Have leaks checked out immediately.

Estimate how much time you have left with your current roof and if you are concerned you’re near the end of its life expectancy speak only with qualified, experienced, licensed contractors when considering having work done. You may even weigh the pros and cons of doing the job yourself. Whatever your decision, don’t wait until you have that first leak. At that point your repair bill is likely to go through the roof.