(A big “thank you” to our friends at Long Roofing for sponsoring this post!)

When all is going well, you don’t pay much attention to your roof. As long as it keeps protecting you from storms, and it looks great on top of your home, you don’t give it too much thought. However, there’s likely going to come a time when you need to get a new roof. By knowing what signs to look for you can take care of your roof before any major problems arise. Here are the signs you should be on the lookout for.

Water Leaks Inside Your Home

This first one is obvious but critical. Make sure you keep an eye out for any signs of water damage or leaks within your home. Specifically, you’ll want to look on the ceiling or upper portions of your walls that are directly below the roof. Look for signs of discoloration, puddles, or moisture. If you spot any of us these, there’s likely a leak in your roof that you’ll want to take care of. If you don’t, you could find that the leak only gets worse and results in a lot more damage—including destroyed drywall and the development of mold inside your home.

If the leak isn’t too bad, you may be able to repair it easily enough. But in some cases, the leak will be beyond repair, in which case it’s likely time for a new roof. When you find yourself repairing a lot of leaks, it’s time to get a replacement roof.

Dark Streaks in Your Roof

Now it’s time to go outside and inspect your roof from out there. The first thing you should look for on the outside of your roof is dark streaks. If there are dark streaks within your roof, this likely means there is some water damage underneath. Water damage can weaken the integrity of your roof, and even if you didn’t find leaks inside your home, it might be only a matter of time until you do. Sometimes repairing the broken section of the roof is possible, but in many cases, you’ll need a new roof altogether.

Cracked or Bent Shingles

Next, you’ll want to more closely examine the shingles. This likely means that you’ll need to get up on a ladder so that you can have a better look. Inspect as many shingles as you can safely. Look to see whether they are cracked, bent, or broken. If you’re lucky you’ll only need to replace a few shingles, but sometimes this won’t be enough, and an entire roof replacement is the better way to go.

There’s Moss Growing on Your Roof

When you inspect your roof, do you notice moss growing through the tiles or shingles? If so, this is something you’ll want to get taken care of. Moss grows in damp spots that don’t receive much sunlight. If there’s moss in your roof, that means there is water underneath your shingles. If left untreated, the moss will continue to grow and damage your roof. Not only that, but you won’t address the underlying problem of moisture, which could seep into your home.

Your Roof is Old

Finally, even if you’re not experiencing any problems with your roof, it might be time for a roof replacement. Roofs only last about 25 years, and after that it’s recommended that you get a new one. If it’s been that long since your home has gotten a new roof, you’ll want to look into getting a replacement soon. Doing so will help to protect your home and can even help with your energy costs. Also, if you’re thinking about selling your home, a new roof will likely help convince buyers that taking on your older home will be a safe bet.

Staying Safe

If you are experiencing problems with your roof, in most cases this is a job better left to a professional. Don’t risk injury to yourself trying to work on steep slopes on your roof. This is dangerous, especially if you don’t have experience doing this type of work.

Chances are there are plenty of roofing experts in your area that can help. Find some possibilities, then compare their prices and online reviews. This will help you to find a good roofing expert and ensure that the job gets done right. A good roofing professional can also help you decide if you need an entirely new roof, or if you can get by with a repair.

Don’t Ignore Roof Problems

When you suspect a problem with your roof, don’t ignore it. Roof problems have a way of getting worse, and if you leave them alone for too long, you could find yourself dealing with a large amount of damage to your home. So, keep on the lookout for signs that you may have an issue with your roof, and when you suspect a problem, set up an appointment.