Your home is your castle, and as such, you want it to feel snug and cozy. Roofs are designed to insulate and protect that castle, and when yours heads south, it is best to make sure you spot it early to minimize damage and expense.

The roofing contractors at Superior Products Exteriors in Cincinnati, OH, have a few simple tips for determining when you may be in need of a new roof.

From the inside:
Climbing into the attic is the easiest way to figure out if the time has come for a new roof. Make sure you are armed with a strong flashlight and a healthy love of mothballs before ascending through the trapdoor to look for these problems

• Sagging: This is the biggest problem you can encounter, since it is a clear sign of structural issues. This could be a result of exterior pressure from a tree limb or hurricane-force winds, but it will almost definitely lead to one outcome: a new roof.
• Light: If you can see even the tiniest stream of sunlight from anything other than a window, you could be in for some serious trouble.
• Spots: Dark areas are signs that moisture (and likely mold) has taken up residence in your roof.

From the outside:
Never walk on a pitched or wet roof—that’s just asking for trouble. If you can safely get on top of your roof without harming either the surface or yourself, this is what you should look for:

• Damage: Tiles often break and metal can dent during hail storms, and shingles can warp with age. Use a sharp eye to determine if these symptoms are sparse, or if they are visible to the naked eye down below.
• Moisture: Mold can cause a lot of headaches. Start at the top of your roof to find the source of the problem before tracking the water flow down through the gutters.
• Wear and tear: Chimneys, vents, and holiday decor can put a strain on surrounding areas. Get up close and investigate to determine if it is time to call the roofers.

Many of these issues are not necessarily guarantees that you need a new roof—think of them as early warning signs. If you think you may have a problem, call in Superior Products Exteriors at (513) 231-1168 or visit them online.