Has your roof begun to look unkempt compared to the rest of your home? Do you feel a draft coming from above, but you know your windows and doors are closed? You may be experiencing signs that your roof is no longer up to par. Timely roof repairs can save you from a more expensive installation and damage to your home. Here are five telltale signs you need roof repairs.

1. Leaks

Your roof protects your home from the elements and can withstand a great deal. However, roofs aren't completely impenetrable. They may develop cracks or holes over time. Even the smallest crack in your roof can be the beginning of a damaging leak. Roof leaks may happen by way of water or air. A water leak often starts with prolonged exposure to precipitation like rain or snow. If these leaks aren't discovered quickly, they'll continue to damage the roof, harming your home's interior as well. Unaddressed roof leaks often lead to damage to the foundation and drywall. The first sign you'll notice will often be dark stains on your ceilings or upper walls.

When it comes to air leaks, you may notice drafts throughout your home or problems with heating and cooling your space. After all, regardless of how new or efficient your HVAC system is, it won't be able to efficiently keep your home at a comfortable temperature when air is constantly escaping. If you have to blast your HVAC unit when you didn't have to previously, that's a sign of heat loss. You should consider investing in a roof inspection to patch up leaks ASAP.

2. Algae and Moss Growth

When your roof becomes soaked with wet weather, the moisture will evaporate from the surface. However, when you see biological growth like algae and moss, it means your roof is in a consistently wet environment. Moss and algae may be beautiful to look at and may be reminiscent of an old storybook, but there is nothing fantastical about all the damage this growth is doing to your roof material. Due to the presence of algae or moss, moisture that would normally escape from your roof surface isn't allowed to do so. It's trapped underneath the growth, often resulting in rotten shingles underneath. The longer this growth remains on your roof, the more damage it’ll cause, potentially leading to a shorter roof lifespan.

3. Age

Like anything else in your home, your roof has a particular lifespan. However, just how long your roof will last depends on the materials. According to The Spruce, a popular home improvement publication, asphalt shingle roofs, lasting about 20 to 25 years, are the most popular type of roofing in America. On the other hand, metal and slate can last as long as 40 to 70 years, according to Bob Vila. With age, your chosen material may become more susceptible to damage, meaning you may need to do more repairs than before. However, even if your roof material is in good condition near the end of its life span, you may need a full replacement to stay in compliance with your housing insurance.

4. Missing Shingles, Sections, or Tiles

You should never ignore missing parts from your roofing. Whether you have ceramic tiles or asphalt shingles, if you notice missing parts, you need professional roof repairs done immediately. After all, those missing sections aren't just unsightly. They also make the roof's underlining more vulnerable to damage from the weather. It also can make it easier for pests to chew into the roof and get into your attic.

5. Rising Bills

Your electrical bill is likely the most expensive one in your home. Imagine the shock when you see it constantly rising every month without you increasing your usage! While there can be many reasons for this issue, in many cases, it could be vulnerabilities from your roof. After all, these vulnerabilities create air loss, which makes your HVAC system work overtime. The more energy your unit has to burn, the more money it burns with it.

As you can see, there are several warning signs to inform you that it's time to get professional roof repairs. Pay attention to your energy bills, look at your roof from the outside, and be very cautious of any stains showing up on your ceiling or walls. Timely roofing repairs can prevent a premature replacement and save you money in the process. For roofing work you can trust from a reputable local professional, contact Elieff Brothers Roofing today for a consultation.