Roof maintenance may not be the most glamorous of home renovation projects, but it is an important one. Properly functioning roof systems are vital to protect your home, family, and belongings, but looks can matter, too: as much as 40% of your home’s exterior shows up as roofing, so keeping it up to date is no small detail.

How can you know when it’s time for a new roof? Before you call in roofing contractors, you can do a simple self-inspection on the inside and outside of your home. Here a few key signs that it might be time for a roof replacement.

    • Leaks
      Water leaks are the most obvious sign that a roof isn’t doing its job, but they shouldn’t be the first. Still, if you notice a leak, look for other signs to determine whether you simply need a patch repair or whether it’s time to update the entire roof.
    • Missing, curling, or balding shingles

      If your house is equipped with asphalt shingles, take a look at their cosmetic state. If you notice some that are curling up at the bottom, losing their color or sheathing, or if there are a number of missing shingles that can’t be chalked up to recent weather conditions, you can bet that they’re probably at the end of their lifespan.

  • Sunlight shining through the attic
    You can assess the state of your roof without climbing up there. Take a look at your ceilings or attic to see if there’s any noticeable light shining through. That’s a definite sign that your shingles or tiles are wearing thin and may be in need of replacing. Where light pokes through, rain and air can too — some 40% of a home’s heat loss escapes through the attic because of improper roofing.
    If you’re unsure about the safety of your home, don’t hesitate to call in professional roofing contractors for an assessment. You should have your roof company over to inspect your home at least once or twice a year. Sometimes, an entirely new roof can be a more cost-efficient investment than making lots of small repairs.