Most homeowners don’t really think of their house as the sum of its parts; they think of it as a singular unit. In fact, 88% of people see the outside of their homes as a singular entity rather than seeing the individual parts of it. This is one of the reasons that some homes go so long in need of roof repair. Every homeowner should be able to identify red flags that a roof needs repair, and there are a few common tell-tale signs. 1. Age

One of the signs that a roof is in need of replacing is its age. Roofs don’t last forever, and though there are a number of different factors that can have an effect on how long a roof will last, any roof over 20 years old is probably going to need to be replaced. If you don’t know how old your roof is, it’s worth calling a professional inspector to evaluate things.

2. Cracked or curling shingles

A common tell-tale sign of a roof that needs repair is cracked or curling shingles. The best way to check is actually from the ground — you don’t need to actually get on your roof or use a ladder to check for this. Get a pair of binoculars and look for shingles with lifted edges, curling shingles, and any shingles that have cracks in them.

3. Shingles missing granules or missing shingles

It’s also important to look for missing shingles or shingles that are missing granules. The easiest way to check for missing shingles is to walk around the perimeter of your house and look for them, and then check the roof itself for bare areas. Do a gutter inspection and look for deposits of the protective granules that cover shingles.

When it comes to residential roofing repair, most homeowners (88%) say that they want a durable new roof, and 83% say that they want one that will endure. Though a roof repair costs can be pricey, it’s important to remember that homeowners spend an average of 1% to 4% of a home’s value on repairs. Because repairs factor into home value, they tend to be well worth it in the long run.