One of the most important components of your home is the roof. After all, it’s what protects you from the environment. It can keep you dry when it rains, and warm when it snows. It also protects the entire house from environmental damage which can even affect the foundation.

If you feel it’s time to replace your roof, you need to hire a reputable, licensed roofing contractor. Says the pros at King Roofing Services, a Florida roofing contractor, it’s important to hire a roofing business known for their expertise and quality of work that’s performed by experienced workers and supervisors, but it’s important to provide the customer with a 5-year transferable workmanship warranty on every new roof that’s installed.

That said, how do you know when the time has come to replace your existing roof as opposed to simply repairing it? According to a recent report by HomeLight, replacing your roof when it needs replacing will save you on expensive home repairs in both the short and long term. There are said to be several indicators or signs that should tell you the roof needs replacing. It’s of vital importance to be on the lookout for them.

Your Old Roof is Leaking

The signs of a home roof that’s deteriorating are not always so obvious. They can be subtle but also severe at the same time. Water damage, visible leaks, missing shingles, and damaged or missing flashing are all said to be considered serious warning signs that the roof doesn’t require repair, but instead replacing. Keep in mind that serious storm damage will also play a major role in the need to replace your roof.

A home warranty can cover a portion of the cost of a new roof. However, if it doesn’t, take a deep breath and contact a licensed contractor who can provide your roof with a professional assessment. Only then will you have a real idea of the cost involved and the many affordable options available for choosing a new roof.

Cracking, Curling, and Missing Asphalt Shingles

If your roof is leaking, and it’s old enough to have outlived its warranty, there’s a good chance that many of the asphalt shingles are either curling or cracked or missing altogether. This means you need a new roof. If you can spot cracked and curled asphalt shingles from the ground, it’s a good sign the roof will require replacing as soon as possible.

Heavy storms and snow/ice buildup during the winter months can cause shingles to go missing. Some shingles simply weren’t installed properly during their initial installation. If this is the case, you need to contact your insurance company with a possible claim.

The Roof is Covered in Vegetation

Once you’ve determined that many of your asphalt shingles are missing, or curling and cracked, you need to check for vegetation growth. Lichens, moss, mold, and other varieties of vegetation are known to grow on roofing materials as they age. This is a prime indication of a roof that needs replacing, especially if it’s between 10 and 15 years old.

Algae can be a serious problem since it will leave unsightly black streaks on the roof and even the exterior walls. A licensed roofing company can repair this problem with a soft wash. But if the roof is deteriorating due to shingle damage, water, or storm damage, then you have no choice but to replace it.

Locating Asphalt Shingles on the Ground or in the Gutters

Once vegetation is found to be growing on your aging roof, you need to look for asphalt shingles that have either fallen to the ground or that have been caught in the gutters. Also look for loose asphalt shingle granules.

Granules are said to be of paramount importance to the life of the asphalt shingle. They provide longevity to your roof by protecting it from UV rays, fire, and more while providing the roof with a pleasing color. If the asphalt shingle granules are largely gone, it’s a sure sign your roof requires replacing.

Constant exposure to the elements, age, deterioration, and storm damage will all contribute greatly to granule loss. If you find these granules on the ground, contact a reputable roofing contractor who can assess the roof and inform you of your options when it comes to roof replacement.

One thing if for certain, if your aging roof needs to be replaced, don’t wait. The longevity of your entire home depends upon it.