Asphalt roofs in our climate typically last 18-25 years. Snow load, ice dams, and freeze-thaw cycles age them faster than the same shingle in a milder region.
Signs it's time
Granules collecting in gutters, curled or cupped shingle edges, bald patches, nail pops, and daylight visible in the attic all point toward end of life.
Interior signs matter too: stains on upstairs ceilings, damp insulation, or a musty attic smell.
Ice dams are a ventilation problem
If you get ice dams every winter, the roof surface isn't the root cause. Warm air escaping into the attic melts snow that refreezes at the cold eave. Fixing it means air sealing, insulation, and balanced intake and exhaust ventilation — which we address during replacement.
Repair vs. replace
A localized leak on a roof under 12 years old is a repair. Widespread granule loss on a 20-year roof is a replacement — patching it just spends money on a surface that's failing everywhere at once.
Frequently asked questions
- Can you install a second layer over the old roof?
- Code allows it in some cases, but we don't recommend it. Tear-off lets us inspect the decking and install proper ice-and-water shield at the eaves.
- How long does a roof replacement take?
- Most Capital Region homes are done in 1-3 days.
