The roof is an important part of any home. It's what protects you from rain, hail, snow, and wind. When it starts to leak, a roofing contractor service can be the solution. They will go over your roof with you to identify which repairs need to be made before they make them happen for you.

So when should you start to worry about roof repairs? Here are signs that indicate it may be time for you to call a local roofing contractor:

1. You Have Roof Algae

If you see roof algae, it's probably time to have your roof inspected by a roofing contractor. It may be nothing serious; however, roof algae can indicate that water is entering the roof deck and causing rot from above, which can compromise the structural integrity of your roof.

2. You Have a Leaking Roof

If you notice roof leaks, repairs should be performed as soon as possible. If the roof's underlayment isn't water-tight or if the roof is damaged in any way, moisture will begin to seep through and leak into your home or business. This can cause extensive damage that insurance may not cover, so it's important to call a roofing contractor service immediately.

3. Your Roof is Over 25-Years Old

Your roof's age should be a major consideration in roof repair decision-making for many reasons. First, roof decks made from asphalt shingles tend to begin showing signs of roof leaks after about 35 years or so, so if your roof looks like it has seen better days and you're approaching this kind of age, it may be time to start thinking about roof repairs.

4. Your Roof is Tilted or Sloped in One Direction

Your roof's slope and roof rafters should be completely parallel (though roofing contractors can fix roof rafters that are out of alignment with each other). If you notice that your roof varies its pitch from one portion to the next, roof rafter replacement may be necessary. A similar issue arises if your roof is so slanted that water runs off into a particular area instead of running evenly throughout. This creates weak points in your roof where leaks are more likely to occur, so make sure to have frequent inspections performed by roofers after you identify these issues.

5. You Have Blisters Under an Asphalt Shingle Roof

Blisters on roof asphalt shingles are usually the result of heat or moisture. This is either from roofing repairs that were not performed correctly or from roof systems that weren't properly ventilated in the first place. Blisters are a sign of roofing problems, and you should call a roofing contractor service before they cause further damage to your roof system.

6. You Have Issues with Your Shingles

Over time, roof shingles wear down and become brittle. Review the roof's warranty to see if you can extend its life; otherwise, your roof will need roofing services. If any of the roof's shingles are cracked or broken, or if they look curled at the edges (known as curling), it's a sign that they've reached their useful service life and should be replaced.

7. Your Gutters Are Damaged, Clogged, or Missing

When gutters become clogged with leaves and debris, water will begin to accumulate around roof vents, chimneys, skylights, and roof edges. This increases the risk of roof leaks at these points. If gutters are badly damaged or missing altogether, roofing services should be performed as soon as possible to prevent further roofing problems from occurring.

8. You Have Curling and Cracking on Your Roof's Surface

If your roof's surface is curling or cracking in any way, that usually means there's a leak inside or behind the material used to create your roof system. These signs indicate it's time for roof repairs because, without them, moisture will continue to enter your home or business through the roof system and cause more damage than just interior wood rot.

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it's time to call a roofing contractor service. They can help deal with the problem once and for all.