Having a roof over your head is something that many of us take for granted. Whether you’re renting an apartment or own your home, the roof is something that most people don’t pay attention to, unless, of course, there’s a problem. However, you don’t want to wait until leaks start appearing to call a roofer. By then, the issue could be well past a simple repair. Replacing your entire roof can be an expensive and time-consuming process, so it’s best to find and fix any problems before they worsen. Here are the top 5 ways to identify if your roof is starting to show its age.

Damaged Tiles

Most roofs are made of a series of interlocking tiles. Most of the time, these roofs can last up to 25 years in relatively mild climates. If you live in an area with extreme weather, then the lifespan of your roof is significantly reduced. Check your tiles to see if any of them are cracked or damaged. Fortunately, due to the way they are constructed, you may only have to repair the affected areas, but it could be signs of a larger issue.

Missing Shingles

A quick glance at your roof can tell you a lot of things; mainly, however, whether or not you are missing any shingles. If so, you need to act fast, as the missing spots can allow water to seep into the roof, causing water damage.

Moss

For many homeowners, moss is the bane of their existence. The effects of this pesky pest can be devastating, which is made all the worse by the fact that it’s almost impossible to remove completely. That being said, if you notice moss growing on your shingles, it could lead to bigger issues down the road. Most notably, the moss can help collect moisture, which can cause water damage to an otherwise pristine roof. Getting rid of the moss can be difficult, but you want to try to keep it from growing as much as possible.

Granules in Gutter

For most roofs, the shingles have granules that are placed on the outer part of the tile. These granules help protect the roof itself as well as shed excess water, so they are an important part of your roof’s health. Thus, if you start to notice these granules in your gutter, it could be signs of damage. Do a spot check of your roof and see if there are any areas that are starting to bald. Catching this early saves a lot of money in the long term.

Increase in Utility Bills

While checking your roof for damage is the quickest and easiest way to determine whether or not it needs repair, sometimes just checking your utility bills can be a warning indicator of roof problems. If you have noticed an increase in your heating and cooling costs, a damaged roof could be to blame. While this isn’t as precise as other methods, it could be an early indicator that something is amiss.

If your roof needs repair or replacing, it’s best to use a licensed roofing contractor. If you’re not sure the extent of the damage or if you need to start over, contact a specialist who can come out and inspect your roof to provide an estimate. If your roof is young, then it may just need spot repairs. However, if it’s older than 20 years, then it may be time to replace the whole thing.