Does your roof need to be replaced? If so, there will be signs. It can be difficult for you to identify the signs you need a new roof, but knowing what to look for in an aging roof can help you decide when it's time to look into roof replacement. Here is an assortment of common problems for roofs to have that may mean you need a new roof and when to replace roofing.

Curling and Cracked Shingles

Shingles will begin to curl at the edges or crack when they are nearing the end of their service life. When this happens, water can more easily intrude beneath the shingle, leading to water intrusion over time. In addition to old age, shingle curing and cracking can be caused by strong winds, extreme temperatures, or animals trying to get beneath them.

Missing Shingles

One of the more noticeable damage to spot on a roof is missing shingles as there will be obvious gaps where they should be. Shingles may be blown off during big storms, and if this happens, homeowners may spot the shingles elsewhere in their yard. If shingles come off a roof, it may be a sign that the roof is aging, and that’s when it’s getting close to when to replace the roof shingles. However, if the roof is still new and shingles have come off, this likely means that the shingles weren’t attached to the roof correctly, and the homeowner should call their roofing contractor to come and repair or replace any poor workmanship.

Sagging Spots In the Roof

Walking around the outside of your home, the structure should appear to be straight and solid. Sagging spots in the roof are an indication of serious water damage under the shingles or roof panels, and it means the roof is starting to collapse in on itself. The biggest cause of a sagging roof is water damage caused by a lack of drainage. The lack of drainage may be because something is wrong with the gutter system that is keeping it from performing properly, or it may also be because water has gotten into the attic through gaps from missing or broken shingles.

Asphalt Granule Loss

Old shingles lose asphalt granules easily. These granules protect the shingles, so when they fall off this can cause the material underneath to deteriorate quickly. If you're not sure whether or not your asphalt shingles are losing their granules, check in your gutters. If your shingles are in good shape, you may see a few granules, but not a lot. Aging shingles will leave large deposits of granules in the gutters and at the outlet of the downspout.

Leaks In the Attic

If you have an unfinished attic, you should be able to see the underside of the roof from the attic. Look for dark spots, mold, mildew and water stains. These are all signs of a roof leak. Keep in mind that stains on dry wood could be leftover from an old roof leak. To get a good sense of what's happening under your current roof, check in your attic either during or after a rain storm. Even hot communities like City Centre are not immune to roofing issues.

Wet Spots in the House

A leaking roof may cause wet spots on the ceiling, on the walls or even on the floors. Water that runs down the inside of the walls can pool at the floor level, leading to mysterious puddles and damage to baseboards. Keep in mind that strange wet spots can be symptoms of a variety of problems, not just a leaking roof. A leaking pipe, sweating pipe or even condensation in the home can all lead to moisture problems that closely resemble a roof leak.

Roofs Regularly Needs Repair

If you find yourself repairing your roof every two or three years, this is one of the biggest signs that your roof needs to be replaced. A roof that has a history of leaking is unreliable. If you've had your roof repaired more than once, talk to a roofing contractor for information about repair and ensure that all work done is done with the necessary permits.

Roof Is Nearing End of Expected Service Life

Assuming that you know how old your roof is and what materials the roof is made from, you should have a good idea of when the roof will need to be replaced. Many roofing materials have an expected service life that will vary widely from one to the next. Below is the expected service life of some of the different roofing materials:

• Slate and clay tiles: 50 years
• Asphalt: 20 years
• Wood shake: 30 years
• Metal: 40-80 years
• Copper: 70 years
• Architectural asphalt: 30 years
• Concrete: 100
• Simulated slate: 10-35

Contact A Roofing Contractor

If your roof is failing, don't wait to contact a roofing contractor. Old roofing material can lead to serious water damage. Work with a legitimate roofing contractor to replace your roof. Working with a professional will help ensure that your roof is properly installed, and can ultimately improve the value of your home.

It’s important for homeowners to always keep an eye on the condition of their roof. Not only does a good roof protect the home, but when it comes to selling, having a roof in good condition can add value to your home as well. Keep these things in mind when taking care of your roof can help you get the most out of it one way or another.