I've owned my home for nearly 20 years, and while I've done a lot of renovations, I haven't replaced the roof yet. It's a large side-by-side stucco building built around 1920, with three layers of asphalt shingles on top of the original wood. The roof has a steep pitch, which seems to have kept it from leaking and reduced ice buildup issues—I'm located in the upper mid-Atlantic. Some folks say that as long as it's not leaking, I shouldn't rush to replace it. Others argue it's better to do it now since costs will only rise and this might be my last opportunity to get it done. What do you all think?
3 Answers
There are a ton of factors at play here. I've seen roofs last way longer than expected, and other times new roofs can be a disaster. Getting a professional evaluation would be a smart move. You can plan appropriately for the replacement if you know what you're dealing with.
Honestly, when it comes to roofs, it's really hard to say without a good look at it. I think your best bet is to get three quotes from roofing companies and have them evaluate the situation. You might find that replacing it now could save you more hassle, like avoiding water damage or the need for pricey interior repairs. Just make sure to go with a company that has a solid reputation for honesty.
I’d be cautious with a triple-layer roof like yours; that doesn’t seem like a great situation. Even if it’s holding up now, it might be worth considering replacement sooner rather than later. You don’t want to be stuck with unexpected issues down the line!
Exactly! Addressing it before it becomes a problem makes a lot of sense.

Absolutely! It's better to be proactive. I learned that the hard way when I waited too long to replace mine.