Missing shingles, granules in gutters, sagging, and light in the attic are warning signs you need a new roof. Learn all 10 signs and what to do next.
Your roof doesn't fail overnight — it gives you warnings. Here are the 10 signs that mean it's time to get a replacement quote.
| Sign | Urgency | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Shingles are 20+ years old | Plan ahead | Approaching end of design life |
| Granules in gutters | Medium | Shingles losing protective coating |
| Curling or cupping shingles | Medium-High | Heat/moisture damage, aging |
| Missing shingles | High | Exposed decking, leak risk |
| Sagging roof deck | Urgent | Structural/decking failure |
| Daylight in attic | Urgent | Holes in roof deck or shingles |
| Multiple leaks | High | Widespread failure |
| Moss/lichen growth | Medium | Moisture retention, root damage |
| Dark staining across sections | Medium | Algae, moisture damage |
| High energy bills | Low-Medium | Failed insulation/ventilation |
If your asphalt roof is 20+ years old, start planning for replacement even if it looks okay from the ground. Most architectural shingle warranties are for 25–30 years, but that's under ideal conditions. Real-world performance varies, and a proactive replacement on your schedule is far less disruptive than an emergency replacement after a bad storm.
Get a professional inspection. Many roofing companies offer free inspections — take advantage of them. Get 2–3 quotes and ask each contractor to specify exactly what they're seeing and why they're recommending repair vs. replacement.
If you're seeing signs 5 or 6 (sagging deck or daylight in attic), don't delay. These indicate structural issues that worsen rapidly and can become safety hazards. Call a contractor immediately.