Roofs rarely fail overnight. They give signs for years — most of them visible from the ground, a few only from the attic. Here are seven worth knowing, and what each one tells you.
1. The roof is near the end of its expected life.
Age alone doesn’t mean replacement, but it changes the question. Owens Corning suggests a closer look once a shingle roof is 20 years old or looks old and worn. Compare your roof’s age with the expected lifespan of its material.
2. Granules in the gutters, bald spots on the shingles.
The mineral granules on asphalt shingles shield them from sun and weather. A little loss is normal on a new roof; bald patches and gutters full of granules on an older roof mean the shingles are wearing through.
3. Curled edges or cupped tabs.
Shingles that curl up at the edges or cup in the middle no longer lie flat. Wind lifts them more easily and rain finds its way underneath.
4. Cracked, loose or missing shingles.
A few lost in a windstorm can often be replaced. Cracks and gaps spread across several roof planes point to shingles that have lost their flexibility with age.
5. Water stains, drips or a damp attic.
A ceiling stain that grows after rain needs a quick response. In the attic, look for damp insulation, darkened sheathing, or spots of daylight where the roof should be solid.
6. A sagging ridge or roof deck.
A ridge line that dips, or decking that sags between the rafters, can mean trapped moisture or a structural problem. Have it inspected soon rather than waiting for the next storm.
7. Moss that keeps coming back in the same place.
Around the Sound, a patch of moss that returns after cleaning marks a part of the roof that never dries — often under trees or at a valley. Moss holds water against the roof; read more in moss, rain and ventilation.
Repair or replace?
One or two signs on a younger roof usually mean a repair. Several signs on a roof near the end of its life usually mean replacement will cost less over time than repeated fixes.
What to do next.
- Look from the ground or through binoculars — never from a wet roof.
- Take dated photos, so you can see whether things are getting worse.
- Get a planning range for a replacement, so an inspection starts from real numbers.
- Ask a registered contractor for an on-site inspection, with these questions to ask.