There’s a difference between a damaged roof and an aged roof. Common roof damage can be the result of a hail occurrence, strong winds, tree branches rubbing against the shingles, etc. An aged roof is simply when the shingles have reached the end of their normal life expectancy.
Shingle Life Expectancy
Typically, standard 3-tab shingle roofs have an average life expectancy of 15+/- years, while architectural grade shingle roofs have an average life expectancy of 20+/- years. South and west facing roofs are more exposed to the sun, especially in the winter months and, therefore, will be prone to earlier deterioration. North facing roofs can accumulate organic growth, such as moss and/or algae.
Replacing an old roof is not a pleasant issue due to the cost involved; however, it is an opportunity to enhance the look of your home and prevent damage to the interior, which would result in additional costs that are typically not covered by homeowners’ insurance policies.