Your roof protects so many of your precious assets, including the people who sleep under it! So it’s important to take care of your roof and replace it when necessary . Whether you live in a small apartment or an independent unit, you need absolute surety about the quality of your house’s construction. If it’s been many years in the same place and you want to know when you should call a roofing contractor for repairs or roof replacement, we have a few important signs to help you decide.

There Is Granule loss and Missing shingles on your roof

Shingles are not just cosmetic; they help create a watertight and wind-resistant seal that protects the rest of the roof from damage. They are durable and can survive for up to twenty-five years. If maintained appropriately, asphalt shingles can last even longer. However, poor installation of shingles can lead to early deterioration.

If you can see small piles of black or gray granules in your gutters or collected in your downspouts, it's a sign your roof's shingles have failed. The same goes if you spot some missing shingles or even a shingle’s broken loose and tumbled onto your lawn.

Shingles that appear to rise above the flat surface of the rest of the roof can indicate impact damage from hail, but they may also indicate inadequate attic ventilation. 

If attic temperatures rise above 120 degrees Fahrenheit, shingles can blister or pop. A qualified contractor will also check out your attic for airflow and tell you what caused your shingle damage.

Your Roof Has Water Stains and Leaks

One of the common problems most households face is water leakage and stains. The penetrating water can damage your place’s pitch structure and walls. Signs of water stains indicate a leaky roof, which can lead to some serious damage. You should also pay attention to any water that pools up in unusual locations during or after a stormIn that case, you may want to contact your roof repair company to thoroughly evaluate the concrete structure’s condition.

Roof Rot

A rotting roof can lead to serious structural issues in your house. Wood will rot when it's exposed to moisture for prolonged periods of time, allowing the growth of fungus, which can deteriorate a structure. It's essential to be able to identify a rotting roof quickly so the damage can be minimized. 

The following situations may be signs of roof rot:

• Torn flashing or missing shingles: Water is a roof's biggest enemy, and if your roof has a breach in its moisture protection system, it's only a matter of time before it starts to rot. From the ground, take a close look at your roof with binoculars and see if there are any gaps in the shingles or tears in the flashing. If so, this means that the underlying roof deck is vulnerable to the harsh elements and may start to rot, if it hasn't already. If this happens, immediately call a professional to have the problem fixed.
• Water damage on the ceiling: In most cases, water coming into your home is a result of a breakdown of your roof system. If there are water stains on your ceiling, this could be the result of a roof leak.
• Growth of mold in your attic: Check your attic routinely for any signs of roof rot. See if the insulation is soggy, if you can smell mold and if you see any fungal growth on the studs or the insulation. A moldy attic can only be caused by water, which could be the result of either a roofing leak or improper ventilation. In either case, the damage will get worse if you wait for rot to occur.
• Excessive growth of algae or moss: If you notice green and gray moss and algae on the outside of your shingles, this means moisture is present. While it may appear harmless, algae and moss can both cause your shingles to deteriorate, make their way to the roof deck underneath and do even more damage. Regardless of whether the growth occurs from a ventilation issue or a blocked drainage system, you should have a professional check it out right away.
• Sunken roof deck: The ridge of your roof should be completely straight, so if you notice a sag or saddleback in the middle, call a roofer immediately. This can be a sign of a serious issue with the roof support beams and studs, which may already be experiencing rot. Roof sagging can also be caused by poor roofing materials, incorrect installations or too much weight from ice and snow.

 You Have an Old Roof

You may not notice any obvious issues, but an older roof should receive more maintenance checks and inspections than a newer roof. 

Along with the conditions listed above, knowing your roof's age is critical for determining whether or not you should invest in repairs or a roof replacement. Most roofs last about 25 years, depending on the material. So if your roof is approaching its 20th birthday, keep a close eye on its condition.