Should I Replace a 20-Year-Old Roof?
Your 20-year-old roof on Long Island should be replaced if it shows signs of wear, including brittle shingles, granule loss, or persistent leaks. While some shingle roofing installations will last longer than 20 years, Long Island’s climate can limit the lifespan of older materials or budget-oriented materials.
Here’s what you should look for before you talk to a roofing contractor in Suffolk or Nassau County.
The Average Lifespan of a Shingle Roof
On Long Island, a standard asphalt shingle roof typically lasts between 20 and 25 years. Some premium shingles, like those from Owens Corning®, can last at least 25 years and sometimes up to 30 years with regular maintenance.
Long Island’s harsh climate, including high humidity, salt air, and extreme temperature swings, hastens the breakdown of roofing materials. If your roof is 20 years old today, then it’s already in its “senior years”. At the very least, it will need an inspection with a licensed roofing contractor.
Look for the Warning Signs That You Need a New Roof
The signs of an aging or failing roof are easy to spot when you know what to look for. You can book a roofing inspection when you see:
- Curling Shingle Edges: Look for shingles that turn up at the edges or appear indented in the middle. These have reached the end of their life.
- Bald Spots with Missing Granules: The sand-like granules on shingle roofing are designed to protect the asphalt and fiberglass underneath. As granules are lost, the shingles can suffer from intense moisture or UV damage.
- Cracked Surfaces: Cracked or brittle surfaces (usually on shingles that are missing granules) indicate that shingles are ready to be replaced. Cracked shingles are more likely to allow water into your home.
There may also be signs in your home, like persistent leaks or water marks in the attic or down interior walls. If leak repairs have been more common in the last five years, that’s already a sign that your asphalt roof is near the end of its service life. Repairing an old roof is only a temporary fix, and the longer you delay, the more risk there is of a catastrophic failure.
Should I Wait for a Leak Before Replacing My Roof?
No, you shouldn’t wait for a big leak before you replace a 20-year-old roof. This is an expensive strategy that could cost you more in water damage remediation. Leaks aren’t just frustrating. They can cause mold and may damage the roof deck, adding to the cost of a roof replacement. Severe leaks can compromise your home’s framing and foundations.
While your roof might still have life in it, a detailed inspection is your next step. Proactively monitoring your roof with the help of a local roofing contractor can protect your home and give you peace of mind.
Talk to Renew Roofing Solutions if Your Roof is 20 Years Old
Don’t guess about the condition of your roof. Book an inspection with Renew Roofing Solutions, and we will check your shingles for wear and damage. We can recommend a new roof replacement, repairs, or maintenance to extend the life of your roof. Our advice is always transparent, and we take care to balance cost-efficient solutions with long-term protection for your home.
Talk to a Long Island roofing contractor for a detailed roof inspection by calling us at 516-212-0307 or 914-415-7702 today.