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10 Signs You Need a New Roof

Catching roof failure early saves you from interior damage and bigger bills. Watch for these signs:

The clearest warning signs

The single most obvious sign is a leak inside the house, often showing as water stains on ceilings or walls. By the time you see this, water has already gotten past the roof, so act fast.

Missing, cracked or curling shingles are the next red flag. When shingles curl at the edges or crack, they can no longer shed water, and missing shingles leave open paths for water to get in.

Granule loss shows up as bald spots on shingles or as sand-like grit collecting in your gutters and at the bottom of downspouts after rain. Granules protect shingles from UV, so losing them means the shingles are wearing out.

Other signs to check

A sagging roof line, daylight visible through the attic boards, a spongy feel underfoot, rising energy bills from poor attic sealing, and widespread moss or algae that traps moisture all point toward replacement. Flashing that is rusted or pulling away around chimneys and vents is another common leak source.

How old is too old?

Most homes have architectural asphalt shingles that last 25 to 30 years, while basic 3-tab lasts 15 to 20 years. If your roof is past 20 years and showing several signs above, get it inspected. Many insurers also scrutinize roofs older than 20 years.

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