Roof replacement and repair is very critical to the value and upkeep of your home. A solid roof above your head is pretty crucial if you've become accustomed to having a warm, cozy, and leak-free home. Here are 8 sure fire signs you need a new roof:

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1. Your roof's 25th Birthday is approaching - How much time you've got left: Five to ten years, depending on your roof's condition. If you live in a development and your neighbors are all starting to replace their roofing, that's a good sign that you should be preparing to do the same.

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2. The shingles are curling - How much time you've got left: "Depending on the extent of the curling, it could be anywhere from a year to five years before you need a new roof.

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3. Entire shingles are missing - How much time you've got left: You can keep patching until a bigger issue presents itself, but if a roof starts to look like a checkerboard, people often opt to replace the whole thing. Remember it's almost impossible to match new shingles with old ones due to weatherization over time. 

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4. The shingles are cracked - How much time you've got left: You may need to replace the whole thing within three to five years. Cracked shingles are typically a result of wind damage. If just a few shingles are cracked, you can certainly replace them. If the cracking isn't isolated to one particular area and it's random throughout the roof, that's a telltale sign that you should start thinking about a new roof.

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5. You're finding granules in your gutters - How much time you've got left: If you don't have a new roof and you just started to notice the granules in the gutter, the shingles are probably halfway through their lifespan. Granules help keep the sun off the asphalt; therefore, once the granules fall off and the shingles start to bake, the quality will deteriorate in a hurry.

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6. The shingles are covered with moss or algae - How much time you've got left: As long as you can stand the look. Consider a wash that's one part bleach and one part water to remove algae or moss. Or look into zinc strips that can be installed at roof peaks and will eventually eliminate the problem. If you do decide to replace your roof, consider tiles that are algae-resistant.

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7. You can see sunlight from your attic - How much time you've got left: It depends on the extent of the damage, so call a pro. Small leaks can be patched, but larger ones, structural damage, and the age factor might make it wise (and cost efficient) to replace your roof sooner rather than later. If light can get in, so can rain, cold air, and snow. Check for light and also look for water stains. If you find any, watch them over a few rainfalls and if they change shape or size, that means you've got an active leak.

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8. The entire roof is sagging - How much time you've got left: Not much, if you do nothing. If you see a depression or a droop, call in an expert as soon as you can. This is when you should panic. A sagging roof is typically an indication of a structural issue. There could be a problem with the decking in the attic or, worse, with the supports in the foundation. You're not necessarily in imminent danger, but this is the kind of thing that's a lot easier to take care of when it's small and localized, than when it has progressed.