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The roof over your head is a critical part of your home. Roofs protect you from rain, wind, and snow, and it’s easy to take them for granted. But if a roof is outdated, it can lead to people or property damage. Most roofing materials have a life span of 20-25 years, including wood shake roofs and roofs with fiber cement shingles. If you have a slate or copper roof, it can last twice as long. Weather and climate conditions can also affect the life span of your roof. There are essentially five signs your roof needs replacement. 

It’s essential to know when it’s time to replace your roof to avoid potential damage. To do this, you can check the warranty documents that came with your home for the installation date or contact a professional to assess the condition of your roof. Here are five signs that indicate you need a new roof:

Damaged or Missing Shingles
If you can easily spot missing or damaged shingles by looking at your roof, call a professional to assess the situation. Shingles tend to wear out over time due to age, storm damage, and other factors. While a few damaged shingles are no big deal, if there are many torn, curled, or missing shingles, it’s a sign that your roof is deteriorating.

Cracked Caulk or Rust Spots on Flashing
Caulk is used to fill in gaps around your chimney and vents so water can’t get through, and flashing is a protective strip that covers joints in the roof structure. Cracked caulk and damaged flashing are obvious signs of water damage, which could lead to rot.

Leaks in the Attic During Rainstorms
If you’ve had leaks in your attic during a rainstorm, serious damage has occurred. Don’t wait until the next storm to act. Usually, a leak signifies the roof is old and has outlived its life expectancy. It might also mean there are areas of the roof that aren’t covered by shingles or sealed to ensure they’ll last through harsh weather.

Higher Than Usual Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, it might be because your roof isn’t properly insulated. No matter how hard your HVAC system works to keep the temperature of your home comfortable, a crack in the roof will let warm or cool air escape from your house. This means you’ll need to turn up the thermostat higher during cold months and blast the air conditioning longer in hot weather.

Moss or Algae Growth on the Roof
When you see moss or algae on your roof, it’s a sign that the shingles are worn and don’t shed water well. Moss and algae blow onto your roof from the wind or through spores from a nearby plant or tree. If allowed to grow, they can discolor your shingles and eat away at the material, causing more intensive repair work and mold growth inside your house.

As a homeowner, roof repairs are inevitable. Watch out for these signs of a damaged or outdated roof so you can keep up with repairs and replacements. A new roof might be pricey, but it can save you money in the long run by keeping your home protected.

Signs Roof Needs Replacement