7 signs you need a new roof (and when a repair is enough)
By the FixedPad team · Updated
Short answer: The clearest signs you need a new roof are widespread curled, cracked, or missing shingles, heavy granule loss, a sagging roofline, daylight through the attic boards, and an asphalt roof older than about 20 to 25 years. A single leak or a small damaged area on a younger roof can usually be repaired.
1. Your roof is past its expected lifespan
Find out when the roof was installed (home inspection reports and permits often say). An asphalt roof approaching 20 to 25 years deserves a professional inspection even if it looks fine from the ground.
2. Shingles are curling, cracking, or missing
Curling (edges turning up) or clawing (edges turning down) means shingles are drying out. A few missing shingles after a storm can be replaced, but widespread damage points to the end of the roof’s life.
3. Granules in the gutters
Asphalt shingles are coated in granules that protect them from UV light. Large amounts collecting in gutters or at downspouts mean the shingles are wearing out.
4. Daylight in the attic
On a sunny day, look up from the attic with the lights off. Light coming through the roof boards means water can get in too.
5. Water stains and leaks
Stains on ceilings, peeling paint near the roofline, or damp insulation in the attic are signs of a leak. One leak is often fixable; several leaks in different spots suggest a bigger problem.
6. A sagging roofline
A roof that dips or sags can mean structural damage to the decking or rafters. Call a pro promptly; this is not a wait-and-see issue.
7. Moss, algae, and rot
Dark streaks are usually algae and mostly cosmetic. Thick moss traps moisture and can lift shingles, and soft or spongy decking means rot.
Repair or replace?
| Situation | Usually |
|---|---|
| Single leak, roof under 15 years old | Repair |
| Storm damage to one section | Repair (check insurance) |
| Widespread curling or granule loss | Replace |
| Multiple leaks, roof over 20 years | Replace |
| Sagging or soft decking | Replace (and repair decking) |
Before you hire
Get a written estimate that includes tear-off, disposal, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and permits. Ask about both the manufacturer warranty and the roofer’s workmanship warranty, and be wary of door-to-door contractors after storms.
This guide is general information only. Codes, permits, and licensing rules vary by location; for safety-related work, consult a licensed professional.