Experts from the top roofing company WV know when it's the best time to replace your roof. In this article you can find a checklist that shows you it's time to change your roof.

Your roof provides much-needed protection for both you and the people living inside, but its lifespan cannot last forever. Many homeowners experience damage or issues with their roof that indicate it needs replacement.

Signs of roof degradation include tar streaking, algae growth and loss of shingle granules. A professional can conduct an inspection to ascertain whether repair or replacement would be best suited to your roof's current state.

1. Curled or Buckled Shingles

Curled or buckled shingles are an telltale sign that it's time for roof replacement. Curling occurs as a result of poor ventilation, which allows moisture to buildup without an outlet, leading to curling along their edges or at their center (clawing).

Curled roof shingles may be widespread and localized. Replacing only certain sections could save costs, while potentially decreasing your home's resale value in the future.

Keep an eye out for tar streaking or algae growth on shingles as these could be telltale signs that their weatherproofing properties have begun deteriorating, which you can do by inspecting gutters or yards for your shingles.

2. Missing Shingles

Like a missing piece in a jigsaw puzzle, roof shingles that have come loose can leave an open hole which exposes your home to moisture and pests. Unfortunately, this issue cannot simply be repaired, so if there are multiple missing shingles it might be time for replacements to happen.

Often times when shingles go missing from roofs, it leaves seams or low areas vulnerable. Left unattended, these spots could leak water damage into your home as well as cause structural issues to develop further.

Loose granules found around your house or gutters should also be monitored closely, as these could indicate wear on your asphalt coating and require replacement in due time.

3. Water Leaks

Leaky roofs can be an enormous source of leakage, allowing moisture to seep into attics or top floors and cause severe damage to walls, ceilings and even lead to mold growth.

If water stains appear on walls or ceilings, it could be an indicator of roof leakage, broken plumbing pipes or caulking failure - or all three! Call your roofing contractor immediately if this is the case for you.

A new roof will seal your home from the elements and reduce energy bills, so if your energy costs have been increasing it is wise to have a roofing inspection conducted to see if your roof could be the cause. Insulation and ventilation are critical components for healthy roofs; you can add ice dam barriers or chimney flashing as needed to stop water and ice entering into your home.

4. Damaged Flashing

Roofs are an integral component of home ownership, providing shelter from weather elements while safeguarding its structure. When your roof begins to fail, however, replacement should become a top priority.

Flashing is a thin sheet of metal designed to protect areas of your roof that are vulnerable to leakage, such as chimneys, vents and skylights. This material seals joints and seams while redirecting rainwater away from these locations to the gutters.

Flashing should always be in top condition on any roof and when damaged it must be promptly replaced. Flashing can become damaged from corrosion or rust build-up as well as extreme weather events like high winds or heavy rainfall; missing pieces must also be immediately replaced to maintain leak-free roof conditions; experienced roofing contractors can quickly repair this damage before it becomes an even greater concern.

5. Mold

When your building begins to emit an unpleasant musty odor, this could be a telltale sign that mold has begun to take hold inside its walls. As soon as this begins to occur it's best to contact a professional commercial roofer immediately for inspection and mitigation services.

Leaks create the ideal conditions for mildew and mold growths to develop on roofs, creating an environment full of spores which can cause respiratory illnesses, allergies and worsen existing medical issues.

Streaks of black, white or green indicate it may be time for a roof replacement. While some fading due to sun exposure is acceptable, excessive streaking indicates your roofing materials have reached the end of their lifespan and need replacement to protect the interior of your home and prevent future mold outbreaks. A new roof will save both money and stress in the form of protection from further interior damage as well as future mold outbreaks.