10 Signs You Need a New Roof

The single most important factor is age. Every roofing material has a predictable lifespan:

• 3-tab asphalt shingles: 15-20 years
• Architectural shingles: 25-30 years
• Metal roofing: 40-70 years
• Wood shakes: 25-40 years
• Tile: 50-100 years
• Slate: 75-200 years

If your asphalt shingle roof is 20+ years old, start planning for replacement even if it looks acceptable from the ground. The protective granules have worn significantly, and the asphalt is becoming brittle. See our roofing materials comparison for detailed lifespan data on every material.

Shingles curl in two ways: cupping (edges turn upward) and clawing (middle rises while edges stay flat). Both indicate the shingle has lost its flexibility and waterproofing ability. Causes include age, poor ventilation (excessive attic heat), and defective materials.

If curling is limited to a small area, repair may be possible. Widespread curling across multiple roof planes means the entire roof is failing and replacement is needed.

A few missing shingles after a storm can be repaired individually. However, if shingles are regularly blowing off during moderate winds, the adhesive seal strip has failed across the roof. This typically happens when shingles are 15-20+ years old and the adhesive has dried out.

Check after every windstorm. If you are finding shingles in your yard more than once per year, replacement should be on your radar.

Those colored granules on shingle surfaces are not decorative - they protect the asphalt from UV degradation. When granules wear off, the exposed asphalt deteriorates rapidly. Check your gutters and downspout discharge areas for granule accumulation.

Some granule loss on new shingles (first year) is normal - these are loose factory granules. On roofs older than 10 years, heavy granule loss means the shingles are approaching end of life. Look for dark or bare patches on the shingles themselves.

Water stains on ceilings or walls, peeling paint near rooflines, or dripping in the attic during rain are obvious signs of roof failure. However, by the time you see water inside your home, the damage has been developing for a while.

A single leak from a damaged flashing or cracked vent boot can be repaired. Multiple leaks in different locations, or persistent leaks that return after repair, indicate systemic roof failure. Read our storm damage guide for what to do when you discover a leak.

Go into your attic on a sunny day and look up at the underside of the roof deck. If you can see pinpoints of daylight, moisture can get through those same openings. This indicates missing or displaced shingles, failed flashing, or deteriorated decking.

A failing roof often means failing insulation and ventilation. If your heating and cooling bills are climbing despite no change in usage, your roof may no longer be providing adequate thermal protection. Poor ventilation forces your HVAC system to work harder, and deteriorated insulation allows conditioned air to escape.

Moss growing on your roof is more than a cosmetic issue. Moss roots penetrate shingle surfaces, lifting edges and creating pathways for water. Algae (black streaks) is primarily cosmetic but indicates moisture retention. While both can be treated, extensive moss growth on an older roof often accelerates the need for replacement.

Homes in the same neighborhood are usually built around the same time with similar materials. If neighbors' roofs are failing, yours is likely on a similar timeline. This is not definitive on its own, but combined with other signs, it is a useful indicator.

Ready to estimate costs? Use our roof replacement cost calculator. For a complete walkthrough of the replacement process, see our roof replacement guide.