You’re staring at stains on the ceiling or shingles in the yard and wondering, “Do I need a new roof?” It’s a stressful question because your roof protects everything under it. Let’s make this simple and clear so you can decide with confidence.
- If damage is widespread, leaks keep returning, or the roof is sagging, it’s time to plan a replacement.
- Heavy granule loss, curling shingles, or bald spots mean the roof is near the end.
- Repeated storm fixes that don’t last are a red flag.
- A roof at or past its expected lifespan is due for change.
- Daylight or soft spots in the attic signal structural concerns.
Below, we’ll break down the six biggest signs, show quick checks you can do, share trusted resources, and help you decide when repair is fine and when replacement is smarter. There’s also a handy table to compare repair vs. replace for common issues.
1) Widespread Shingle Damage or Curling
When shingles curl, crack, or lay flat with broken corners, they can’t shed water well. If this is scattered across large sections, repairs won’t hold for long.
Look at the roof slopes that get the most sun. If many shingles are curling like potato chips, the roof is aging out. Spot fixes on a few shingles are fine—but patching dozens is throwing good money after bad.
Quick Tip: Stand back from the street and use your phone’s zoom to scan for many curled tabs or missing pieces. If you see patterns across whole sections, think replacement, not patching.
2) Granules Clogging Gutters and Bald Spots
Asphalt shingles use mineral granules to protect from the sun and weather. When you find heavy granules in gutters or see dark “bald” patches on shingles, UV damage speeds up.
This loss is normal as roofs age, but large amounts mean the protective layer is gone in those areas. Water and sun will break the shingle fast from here.
Fact: Granules are like sunscreen for your shingles. No granules = faster wear. See the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association for care tips and FAQs.
3) Frequent Leaks or Daylight in the Attic
If you’ve fixed the same leak more than once, the system may be failing. Water can travel, so stains may show up far from the source.
Go into the attic on a bright day. If you see daylight through the roof boards or around penetrations, that’s a serious sign. Moist wood, moldy smells, or damp insulation also point to ongoing water entry.
Danger: Never walk on wet decking or questionable areas. If the attic floor feels spongy or you see sagging, call a pro. For moisture and mold basics, check the EPA’s guide.
4) Sagging Roof Deck or Soft Spots
A dip along the ridge or between rafters means the structure is stressed. Causes include long-term leaks, poor ventilation, or loading from ice and snow.
Tap suspect areas with a broom handle from the attic. Soft spots suggest rot. You can repair isolated framing issues, but when sagging is wide, a full roof job is often the safer, long-term fix.
Warning: Structural issues don’t fix themselves. If you see sagging lines from the street or feel soft decking underfoot, avoid walking on it and get an inspection soon.
5) Roof Age Near or Past Its Lifespan
Every roof has an expected service life. If yours is at or past it, plan ahead—before leaks start.
Climate and ventilation matter a lot. Hot sun, high winds, and poor attic airflow shorten life. Use this as a guide, not a promise.
Info: Typical lifespans vary. Always check your specific product’s warranty.
Repair or Replace? Quick Comparison
| Sign/Condition | Repair is OK if… | Replacement likely if… |
| Curling or cracked shingles | It’s small and isolated to one area | It’s widespread across multiple slopes |
| Granules in gutters | Light, after a storm | Heavy, with bald patches on many shingles |
| Repeated leaks | First-time leak at a single flashing point | Same area leaks again after a proper repair |
| Daylight in attic | Tiny pinholes around one nail | Visible light through boards or multiple areas |
| Sagging deck | Small, localized and cause is clear | Wide dip or soft decking in several spots |
| Roof age | Under expected life with minor wear | At/over life with several issues above |
Suggestion: Not sure how old your roof is? Check home records and past permits, or ask neighbors with similar homes. A roofer can often date shingles by product line.
6) Storm Damage That Keeps Coming Back
Hail, wind, and flying debris can bruise shingles, break seals, and lift edges. If storms keep reopening past repairs, the system may be too tired to hold.
Look for peppered dents on soft metals (vents, gutters). If those are dented, shingles likely took hits too. After major weather, get a documented inspection.
Info: For storm-risk guidance and hail basics, see the NOAA Storm Events database and your local weather office pages. After wind or hail, take photos right away.
How to Confirm It’s Time to Replace the Roof (Simple Checklist)
Start with a ground scan. Note missing, curled, or torn shingles across large areas.
Check the attic on a sunny day. Look for daylight, damp spots, or moldy smells.
Review your repair history. If the same spot leaks twice, plan for deeper work.
If two or more big signs show up (widespread damage, heavy granule loss, repeat leaks, sagging), you’re likely beyond a patch.
Summary
If you see large areas of curling shingles, heavy granule loss, leaks that return, daylight in the attic, sagging, or storm damage that won’t quit, it’s likely time for a new roof. One or two small issues can be repaired, but multiple major signs mean replacement is the smart, safer path.
Need help from a team that treats the whole roof system—shingles, flashing, and ventilation? Contact Versa-Build Construxtion for a clear inspection and a plan that fits your home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a roof replacement take?
Most single-family homes take 1–3 days once work starts. Complex roofs or weather delays can add time.
Can I install new shingles over old ones?
Sometimes, but it often traps heat and hides deck problems. A full tear-off lets you fix wood, flashing, and ventilation the right way.
Will insurance cover a new roof after a storm?
If damage is sudden and caused by a covered event (like wind or hail), many policies help. File a claim quickly and document everything.
What season is best for replacement?
Mild, dry weather is ideal. Contractors can work most of the year, but extreme cold or heat can slow things down.