There are a few serious signs that tell homeowners when it’s time for a new roof. According to Roofing Contractor, every year, there are more than five million roofs installed, so new roof installations may be more common than you’d think. Your roof provides valuable protection for your home, and it’s important to schedule an installation without delay when it’s time to replace your old roof. If you notice any of these seven indicators happening with your roof, it’s time to give your local roofing contractor a call.

1. Your Roof Is More Than 10 Years Old

As your roof ages, it starts to degrade. This means that as it gets closer to the end of its usable life, it will likely require more frequent repairs. When your roof is older than 20 years, it’s time to start thinking about a replacement, according to Bob Vila. Once you start noticing more things going wrong with your roof, it’s time to call your roofing contractor.

There’s no benefit that comes with delaying a new roof installation. You’ll end up having to spend money on repairs that could go to the cost of a new one. Don’t wait until your roof is so old you’re repairing it every month. A proactive approach is the right one. Once you have your new roof, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to get it!

2. Shingles Are Missing or Damaged

Another sign your roof needs some attention is missing or damaged shingles. If your roof was professionally installed, you shouldn’t have a problem with missing shingles. This is another sign your roof has gotten old. Storms and high winds can also cause these signs, which is another reason why it’s always important to inspect your roof after inclement weather.

Your roofing contractor will be able to conduct a comprehensive inspection of your roof to determine the extent of the damage. If you’re concerned about missing shingles, be sure to give them a call. They’ll be able to tell if it’s an isolated issue or if you’re in need of a new roof. When your contractor tells you a new roof is necessary following their inspection, it’s important to schedule your installation as soon as possible. Your new roof will look great and, depending on the material you choose, we’ve seen that it could last for decades or more.

3. There’s Sand or Granules Around Your House

If you have asphalt shingles on your roof, and you’re noticing sand or granules around your house or on your driveway, it’s time to give your roofing contractor a call. This is a sign that’s much easier to spot when you have gutters attached to your roof. The granules are signs that your shingles are degrading. They often collect in your gutters and become visible near your downspout on your driveway or in your yard.

Once your shingles have degraded to this point, it means it’s past the time for roof repairs and a new roof is necessary. You’ll want to schedule an installation right away because your roof is no longer able to give your house the protection it needs. The longer you wait to have your new roof installed, the higher the risk that your home sustains water damage or mold or mildew begins to develop in your attic or crawl space. Call your roofer right away!

4. You Have Water Damage in Your Attic or Crawl Space

Anytime you see water damage in your home, it’s important to find the source right away. In addition to a leaky roof being the focus point of the situation, there are other even more serious issues that could be causing this interior damage. When your roof gets old, the shingles, flashing, and underlayment can lose the ability to protect your home. This is a serious situation that should be addressed as soon as possible.

Your contractor will inspect your attic or other areas where the water damage has occurred. Once they discover the cause of the problem, they’ll be able to address the damage before the new roof is installed. No one wants to have to deal with remediating mold and mildew in their homes, which makes this sign one that should be fixed immediately to prevent future problems.

5. There’s Moss Growing on Your Roof

This might sound like a weird situation, but it’s surprisingly common. When your shingles are old and are beginning to fail, it’s easier for water to seep under them. Stagnant and pooled water are perfect conditions for the growth of moss and algae. You might begin to see dark areas on your roof and not know what they are. Anytime you notice any discoloration on your roof, it’s time to give your roofer a call ASAP.

Visible moss or algae on your roof is a sign of a serious problem. Depending on how far the moss has spread, you might be looking at a project that entails more than just a roof replacement. Hopefully, you’ll never have to experience this situation as it’s one that can take a lot of time and effort to repair.

6. You Can See Exposed Nail Heads

Unlike many other signs caused by an old roof that’s beginning to show signs of wear and tear, this sign reflects a problem that’s often caused by a less-than-ideal installation. Nails should remain firmly fixed in your roof, no matter how old it is. However, if your roof wasn’t professionally installed or the work wasn’t done properly, you’ll have a problem with your nails.

When the nails begin to pop out or become visible, it means there’s now a space for water and moisture to get under shingles and eventually into your home. If you ever see nail heads visible on your roof, you can have the situation repaired if it’s caught soon enough. Moving fast to get your roofer onto the scene can help prevent the need for a new roof. However, if the nails have been exposed for too long of a period, or the affected area is too large, you’ll need a replacement.

7. Heating and Cooling Costs Are Higher

A professionally installed roof does a great job of protecting your house from the elements. It can also help you keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. As your roof gets older, you might begin to notice your electricity bills are steadily increasing. This is often a sign it’s time for a new roof.

Whenever you see your electricity bill go up when you haven’t made any lifestyle changes, it could be a problem with your roof. If the seal protecting your home is broken, moisture can enter your home and create more space between your roof and the outdoors. This will allow more air to enter your home, making it more difficult to regulate the interior temperature. Your roofer can do an inspection to find out if your roof is the cause of your higher energy bills. If it is, they can install a new roof to resolve the issue.

All Star Contractor LLC is the local roofing contractor to call for all your roofing needs. Our team of experienced roofers will take care of your job in a professional and reliable way, so you can count on us! Contact us today to learn more about our services and get an estimate for your job.