08/02/2026
〽️It’s only about 10 years old, so it’s fine.❗️
​That’s what a homeowner told me recently when I asked about inspecting the detached garage roof next to his house. He was hesitant at first because, at 10 years old, he assumed the roof had plenty of life left.
​I offered to take a quick, free look anyway just to give him peace of mind. Sure enough, during the inspection, I found a defect causing an active leak. We got it taken care of right away, and he was extremely grateful we caught it before it caused major structural damage.
​The Takeaway: Architectural shingles might be rated for 25 or 30 years, but a roof is an entire system. Most leaks don't start from the shingles themselves—they start around the flashings, pipe boots, vents, and chimneys. Even if your roof is relatively young, routine inspections are essential to catch small component failures before they turn into costly repairs.