Three Signs Your Roof Is Getting Old

May 24, 2022

It’s hard to gauge the life expectancy of a roof. The best estimates put the lifespan of the average roof at between 20 and 30 years for standard asphalt shingles. Other materials, like clay and concrete, can last up to 100 years. Aside from materials, lots of factors play a role in aging or preserving a roof: temperature, exposure to elements (like wind and hail), and maintenance history. But no matter what kind of roof you have, it pays to know what the early signs of age and degradation are so that when you see them, you can act before your roof becomes compromised and begins to leak, which can cause thousands of dollars of damage, or otherwise fail. Let’s take a look at three warning signs that your roof is getting up there (pun intended). 

It Looks Bad

It may seem like a no-brainer, but the appearance of your shingles is probably the first clue that your roof is aging; besides leaving you vulnerable to leaks, outdated and aging roofs also seriously affect your home’s curb appeal and perceived value. For asphalt shingles, that means cracked, loose, curling, or distorted shingles. For less common kinds of shingles, the same rule holds up. Metal shingles show rust, wood shingles rot and grow mildew (which can later affect other parts of the house, contributing to the nearly 70% of homes with mold problems), clay/concrete shingles chip, and slate shingles crack. Additionally, places on your roof that appear to be sagging or drooping could mean that your roof has been damaged by moisture and needs to be replaced. 

It Has New Life

Notice that your attic is starting to look like a bit of a greenhouse? Your first instinct was probably right: that means something from the outside has made its way into your attic; chances are that it is thriving on the moisture that exists in your attic already. As we mentioned in December’s post, the existence of moisture in your attic is generally a bad sign — and often one that can be remedied with proper roof ventilation. But if it’s the case that the moisture is caused by faulty or leaky tiles, roof ventilation is only part of the solution; the rest is to repair or replace the faulty roofing at fault. If you observe high moisture or plant growth, we advise a complete roofing inspection to paint the most accurate picture of your roof’s problems and possible solutions.

It Lets In Sunlight

When you step into your attic, can you see sunlight pouring in from a non-window light source? If you guessed that you shouldn't be able to see sunlight, you guessed correctly: it almost certainly means that your roof is compromised in one way or another. As mentioned above, a gap between shingles could spell water damage over time if left neglected. So what’s the best course of action? Get an inspection. A+ BBB-rated RRSA is happy to offer free inspections, even within 24 hours if your case is an emergency; and we can recommend solutions (plus financing offers) so that you can achieve peace of mind without going broke in the process.

The Hidden Cost of Drafty Windows: How Air Leaks Drain Your Energy Bills

October 28, 2025
You may not see it, but those tiny drafts sneaking through your old windows could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year. Many St. Louis homeowners underestimate how much air leakage affects comfort and energy efficiency. The truth is, drafty windows don’t just make your home chilly in the winter and stuffy in the summer — they make your HVAC system work harder, driving your utility bills up month after month. Here’s how to spot the signs of drafty windows, understand their real costs, and fix the problem for good. 

Vinyl vs Fiberglass vs Wood Windows: Which Material Makes Sense for Missouri Weather?

October 28, 2025
When it’s time to replace your windows, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is what material to choose for your window frames. Each type - vinyl, fiberglass, and wood - offers its own mix of looks, performance, and price.  For St. Louis homeowners, where summers are humid and winters can be bitterly cold, the right window material makes all the difference in comfort and energy efficiency. Here’s how to decide which is best for your home.

How to Know It's Time to Replace Your Windows - A Pre-Winter Checklist for St. Louis Homes

October 28, 2025
As temperatures drop and the Midwest winter approaches, St. Louis homeowners start preparing for the cold. But while you’re checking your furnace and sealing up doors, don’t overlook one of the biggest sources of heat loss in your home: your windows.  Old or inefficient windows can make your heating system work overtime, drive up energy bills, and leave your home feeling drafty. Before winter hits, use this checklist to find out if it’s time to replace your windows.

How New Entry & Patio Doors Boost Curb Appeal and Energy Efficiency

October 28, 2025
Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. It sets the tone for your curb appeal, influences your home’s value, and plays a big role in keeping your home comfortable and efficient.  If your entry or patio doors are old, drafty, or outdated, upgrading them can make a dramatic difference in both appearance and performance. Here’s how new doors can enhance your St. Louis home inside and out.

Is It Time to Replace Your Windows? 6 Warning Signs to Check Before Winter

September 29, 2025
As summer fades, St. Louis homeowners start thinking about cooler weather—and higher heating bills. Old or failing windows can let in drafts, drive up energy costs, and make your home less comfortable. Here are six signs it’s time to consider replacement windows before winter arrives.

Decoding Window Ratings: How U-Factor, SHGC, and Visible Transmittance Affect Your Home

September 24, 2025
Understanding Window Ratings: U-Factor, SHGC, and Visible Transmittance Explained

3 Ways To Prep Your Roof For Fall

September 29, 2022
We hope your end-of-summer BBQ was legendary. We hope you enjoyed your pool parties and porch-sitting. But time marches on and autumn is here. Before the cold weather hits, there’s a few things we think you should know about your roof – and steps you can take to make sure it stays functional and damage-free through the harsh winter months. As you might know, it costs an average of $7,200 to replace a roof in Missouri. Unfortunately, homes don’t really come with how-to manuals to protect roofs and avoid repairs, but RRSA has you covered. Let’s take a look at three ways you can prep your roof for fall and winter.

Three Reasons A GAF Certification is Important

April 28, 2022
Did you know that only 2% of roofers in the U.S. qualify to be recognized as GAF Master Elite™ Contractors? That figure may seem small, but taken together with the fact that the roofing industry has a failure rate more than 50% — and much of that failure attributed to lack of knowledge — it starts to make a little more sense. If you’ve owned a home for more than a few years, you’ve likely heard stories (or had your own experiences) with bad roofers. When trying to avoid the shoddy workmanship, subpar product, and un-warrantied work, three letters are going to change the way you think about roofs and roofers: GAF. Let’s look at three reasons this particular certification ensures you get the most for your money.

Three Reasons To Consider Roof Ventilation

December 1, 2021
How often do you think about your roof? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably not a lot — after all, we’ve got plenty to think about without worrying about the condition of our houses. But a roof is one of those things that you really don’t want to fail on you when you need it most. On top of being a fairly expensive thing to fix, it’s also incredibly stressful to deal with when inclement weather is approaching. To this end, one of the best things you can do for the long-term health of your roof (and of your savings account) is to be proactive and consider roof ventilation. Let’s take a look at three reasons it’s a smart investment.