Your roof and gutters serve important functions that help protect your Austin, TX home’s structural components and contents from the elements. Regardless of how well you maintain these critical exterior features, however, there will come a time when repairs are no longer economical or even possible. The question that many homeowners have is how to know when it is time to replace a roof or gutter system.
Roofing & Gutters – Replacement Time? – When to Replace Your Roof
Replacing your roof simply because you do not like it is always an option. Perhaps you choose a specific style and color to make your home unique, but all of the neighbors have copied your choice. Maybe you chose a white roof for energy savings, but you now want something with a little more pizazz.
However, although it is certainly acceptable to replace a roof for aesthetic reasons, most people wait until the roof is approaching the end of its life. The roof’s life may be cut short by storm damage, tree limbs that have fallen on it or hidden deficiencies. Most of the time, though, the roof covering has simply worn out. Knowing whether your roof is reaching the end of its life requires knowing the type of material used. Three-tab asphalt shingles, for example, are often referred to as 20-year shingles, but in Central Texas, the average life is around 16 years. Architectural asphalt shingles typically last between 24 and 30 years. Metal roofing systems and some heavyweight asphalt shingles can last four or five decades. Naturally, if maintenance and repairs have been neglected, the roof will have a shorter life.
Fortunately, most roofing materials give you adequate warning that they are about to fail. Leaks can be a sign, but many leaks can be repaired economically and effectively. For asphalt shingles, better warning signs include bald spots where the shingles have lost their granules, finding pieces of shingles in your yard, shingles that are curled at the edges, missing shingles or shingles that are cracked. Excessive granules around your foundation, in your gutters or around your downspouts can also indicate that your shingles are about to fail.
Roofing & Gutters – Replacement Time? – When to Replace Your Gutters
If your gutters are old or damaged, having them replaced at the same time as your roof can often save you money. However, you can replace your gutters at any time. Therefore, if your roof is not yet in need of replacement, you might want to go ahead and replace your gutter system if you have gutters and downspouts that are rusted through, bent, cracked or missing.
Without functioning gutters, your roof, siding and foundation are at greater risk. Water can be forced under the edge of the roof, flow behind your siding or contribute to foundation destabilization.
Roofing & Gutters – Replacement Time? – The Order of Work
The precise order of work will depend on your situation, so you should rely on your contractor’s recommendations. However, your roof is so critical to the protection of your home that it is usually best to replace it first and the gutters second. If you are also having your siding replaced, the typical order of work would be the roof, the siding and then the gutters.
Contact Alpha Roofing for Help
Alpha Roofing is an Austin residential roofing contractor that installs gutters, asphalt shingles, siding, skylights, metal roofs and attic insulation. We also offer roof repair, roof inspections, preventive maintenance programs and many other rooftop services. We deliver exceptional results and award-winning customer service at affordable prices. You can request a free quote by calling 512-777-1086 or completing the online form.