How old should a roof be before you replace it?
No birthday settles it. Replace a roof when the roof itself says it is done.
Architectural shingles in the DC climate usually give a couple of decades of service, and less when the attic is poorly ventilated, because trapped heat bakes the shingles and the deck from underneath.
Signs a roof is done: granules washing into the gutters, shingles that curl or cup, bare patches, a sagging deck, and a string of patches over a short time.
An old roof with one bad detail can still be a repair. We photograph it and, when the decision is close, give you both prices.
Age still matters for planning. If your roof is past twenty years and showing the early signs, start collecting prices before it fails, so the replacement happens when you choose.
Not sure how old your roof is? A visit can usually tell you how much life it has left, and repair and replacement estimates are free.