When it comes to the big ticket repair and replacement jobs in your home, few compete with that of a new roof. Getting a new roof isn’t some DIY job that you can just tackle yourself, instead it’s a very involved job that needs to be done by professionals.

It’s also not the kind of thing you want to put off for too long though, as a damaged roof can lead to leaks that will end up causing all kinds of issues inside the home.

So how exactly can you tell it’s time for a new roof? What are the warning signs you should be watching for so that you can catch things before they get too bad? Here are the top five signs that may indicate it’s time for a new roof. If any of these signs are present it may be a good idea to have a professional come out and take a look.

1. A Sharp Rise in Your Energy Bills

For most homeowners who have been in the same house for years they can pretty much anticipate what their monthly energy bills will be. If you suddenly see a sharp rise in the bills, it could be that your roof is the culprit. Heat and cool air can escape from your roof, which means your furnace or a/c unit will have to work that much harder to keep the house comfortable.

2. Shingles are Buckled, Curled, or Missing

Shingle damage is another big indicator. Typically they start to curl or buckle, and then may blow or fall off completely. The state of your shingles is actually a good first indicator if you will. Once you start to see wear and tear on them, you know it’s only a matter of time before the roof needs to be done.

Shingle damage is normal over the years, but it can also be a sign that moisture is getting into the attic space. If this happens it can actually push up the nails holding the shingles in place. It also leaves them weakened which means wind and heavy rain can blow them right off.

3. You Notice the Granules are Coming Off

When you look at a brand new shingle you will notice it isn’t flat, rather it is rough when you touch it and has all kinds of tiny granules on it. This is part of the weatherproofing properties of the shingles, so it is of vital importance.

Over time these granules start to wear off. You may notice them on your driveway, pathway, garden, and in the downspout. Over time the amount coming off will continue to increase. You don’t want to leave it to the point where the shingle is stripped bare as this means it won’t be doing a good job at keeping your home waterproof.

4. The Age of the Roof

Then there is the fact that all roofs have a lifespan, and sometimes age alone can be the reason it’s time for a new roof. Depending on the quality of the roof that was installed, typically 20 years is about the average lifespan of a roof. Some may last much less time and others may last longer. If you have hit the 20 year mark though, there’s a good chance it is almost time for a new one.

5. Leaks in the Home

When it comes to a huge red flag, water leaking into your home is definitely that sign. If you are seeing dark stains on your ceiling, or worse yet, drips and water actually coming into the house, then you’ll want to have the roof looked at immediately by some qualified roofers.