Most homeowners don’t think about having their roof shingles replaced until they experience a leak. When rainwater starts to pour in from the ceiling, homeowners readily call in a contractor to have the roof replaced immediately. Sadly, such types of roof repair can cost much more than regular maintenance costs put all together.

Are you suspecting a leak from the roof? The first place you have to check is not the exterior part of the house, but the attic. Look for the first sign of holes on the roof. That little beam of light that comes through the roof, whether it is streaks or stains could signal a leak on the roof. Then, you should look into your home record. When was the last time you had home exterior experts check the roof? Have you had the shingles replaced recently?

Knowing the type of roof that you have and the material it is made of allows you to see how much life is left of it. The type of material used in your roof helps determine whether it is time to have them replaced or not. Typically, an asphalt shingle will last for about 20 to 25 years. While a roof that is installed over an existing roof can last you about 20 years, they still need to be checked for repairs. When it feels like you had the roof inspected and repaired a long time ago, it probably was. That’s one of the clear indications that you need to call roof experts in and have it checked and replaced when necessary.

The shingles should be flat against the roof. If you find patches of it misplaced after the storm, roof repairs should be in order. While the experts are up there, have them check the gutter and downspouts as well. When they see shingle granules, it means that a shingle or more could be losing its pellets. This means that the shingle may be nearing its end use of life. A replacement needs to be put in before another storm hits or when winter sets in.

Did you notice the sagging of your roof from a distance? This is a clear indicator that the roof shingles need to be replaced before the entire roof falls on the house, causing more trouble than you could imagine. Check for moisture, sagging spots or rotting boards. The lowest parts of the roof should mean that the center of the damage.

A few damaged roof shingles or a sagging roof should not be a cause for alarm. All you need is to talk to a home exterior expert, and they will do the job. When you get the repairs and replacement done, it will make your home more energy-efficient, not to mention safer from risks of having the entire roof falling on the ground.