10 signs you need a new roof — not just a repair

The ten signs

1. 1
   Missing or cracked shingles

   Individual shingles that have blown off, cracked down the middle, or broken at the nail line are the most visible sign. A few missing shingles after a single storm event is a repair. Missing shingles across multiple slopes, or shingles that break when you touch them, means the material has reached end of life.

2. 2
   Granule loss in the gutters

   Asphalt shingles shed granules as they age. A thin layer in the gutters after a heavy rain is normal for a new roof (factory excess). Heavy granule buildup in gutters on a roof that is 10+ years old means the protective coating is wearing off, and the underlying asphalt mat is exposed to UV. Once the mat is exposed, deterioration accelerates. Common in hail-belt states like Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska.

3. 3
   Curling or buckling shingles

   Shingles that curl upward at the edges or buckle in the middle have lost their seal. Curling is caused by moisture from below (poor attic ventilation) or UV degradation from above. Buckled shingles are vulnerable to wind uplift and water intrusion. If more than 20% of the shingles are curling, repair is no longer practical.

4. 4
   Dark streaks on the roof surface

   Black or dark-green streaks are usually Gloeocapsa magma, an algae that feeds on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. Algae does not destroy the roof, but it is unsightly and can accelerate granule loss over time. Algae-resistant shingles (AR-rated, copper-infused granules) are the permanent fix. Cleaning with a low-pressure bleach solution is the short-term option. Do not pressure-wash an asphalt roof.

5. 5
   A sagging roofline

   A visible sag or dip in the roofline — especially along the ridge or between trusses — is a structural concern, not just a cosmetic one. Sagging can mean the decking (plywood or OSB) has absorbed moisture and delaminated, or that the framing is undersized for the load. This requires a structural assessment by a licensed contractor or engineer before any re-roofing work. Do not ignore a sag.

6. 6
   Daylight visible through the attic

   Go into the attic on a sunny day with the lights off. If you can see pinpoints of daylight through the roof deck, water can get in the same way. Common around penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights) and at the ridge. Daylight through the deck itself — not just at gaps — means the decking has holes, which is a replacement indicator.

7. 7
   Interior water stains or active leaks

   Brown or yellow stains on ceilings or walls, peeling paint, or damp drywall are signs that water is getting past the roof system. A single stain from a known ice-dam event or a flashing failure is a targeted repair. Multiple stains across different rooms, or stains that reappear after repair, usually mean the roof membrane itself is compromised.

8. 8
   Shingles in the yard after a wind event

   If you find whole shingles (not just tabs) in the yard after a moderate wind event (40–60 mph), the sealant strip has failed. Modern architectural shingles are rated for 110–130 mph winds when properly sealed. Finding them on the ground at 50 mph means the bond was already broken by age, poor installation, or prior storm damage.

9. 9
   The roof is 20+ years old

   Age alone does not require replacement — a well-ventilated, well-maintained 25-year-old architectural roof can still be functional. But age is the strongest predictor. If your roof is 20+ years old and you are seeing any of the other signs on this list, the probability of a full replacement being the right call is high. After 25 years on a 3-tab roof, replacement is almost always the answer regardless of visible condition.

10. 10
    Your neighbors just replaced theirs after a storm

    Roofs in the same neighborhood, built at the same time, with the same exposure, age at the same rate. If multiple neighbors on your block have replaced their roofs after a hail or wind event, your roof took the same hits. This is especially true in storm-corridor states. Get an inspection even if you do not see obvious damage from the ground — hail damage is often invisible without a ladder.

Frequently asked questions

• Do I need to replace the whole roof or just repair it?
  It depends on the extent of damage, the age of the roof, and whether you can match existing shingles. If damage is confined to one slope and the roof is under 15 years old, a repair may be appropriate. If multiple slopes are affected, the roof is 20+ years old, or matching shingles are discontinued, full replacement is usually the better investment. A licensed local roofer can assess this on-site.
• How long do most roofs last?
  Three-tab asphalt shingles last 15–20 years. Architectural (dimensional) asphalt lasts 25–30 years. Metal roofing lasts 40–70 years. Clay and concrete tile last 50–75 years. Natural slate can exceed 100 years. Actual lifespan depends on installation quality, ventilation, climate, and maintenance. These are manufacturer estimates under normal conditions, not guarantees.
• What if my insurance won’t cover replacement?
  If the damage is from a covered peril (hail, wind, named storm) and the carrier denies or underpays the claim, you have escalation options: request reinspection, invoke the appraisal clause in your policy, hire a licensed public adjuster, or consult a first-party insurance attorney. For storm-related claims, see our roof insurance claim process guide for the full step-by-step.