If your home needs a new roof, you don't want to put off this work. Your home's roof keeps your interior space insulated and when there are holes or gaps in the roof, not only are you letting out your heat or air conditioning but you're also letting in moisture from the elements. In turn, your home is at increased risk for mold and mildew buildup and other such damage. While some signs of a needed roof are obvious, you shouldn't wait until there is a hole in the roof or half the tiles have blown away before you have a new roof installed. Note a few signs that your home may be ready for a new roof, and then discuss these with a roofing contractor as needed.

Your neighbors are getting new roofs

Chances are that the homes in your suburb were all built around the same time, so the roofs on all those homes may need replacing at about the same time. If this is true in your neighborhood and you see other people getting new roofs, it may be that they are more quick to look for signs of water damage or missing tiles and shingles than you. They may also simply be more aware of a roof's expected lifespan and are getting new roofs before the old ones suffered too much wear and tear. 

If you see a lot of roofing jobs going on in your neighborhood, check your homeowner's paperwork for when the roof of your home was installed and its expected lifespan. You might then note if it's time for your home to get a new roof as well.

Cracks

Shingles and tiles don't need to actually blow away or split in two to need replacing; if they're cracked, this means that they've become brittle and cannot hold their shape and are more likely to break away. Those cracks are also typically allowing in moisture from the elements, so your home's building materials are not protected from water damage. 

You can replace one cracked shingle and typically be fine, but note that if one cracks, chances are the rest are becoming brittle and may need replacing as well. At the very least, have your roof inspected regularly once you notice a cracked shingle so you can ensure you get a new roof before many of those tiles crack and potentially fall away or allow for roof leaks.