How often should I inspect my roof?

Inspect your roof at least twice a year-once in spring and once in fall. Also check it after severe storms, heavy snow, or high winds. You can look from the ground with binoculars or climb safely into your attic to check for water stains and damage.

Can a roofer repair my roof instead of replacing it?

Small problems like a few missing shingles or a single leak can often be repaired. However, if multiple signs of damage are present, widespread deterioration, or your roof is near the end of its lifespan, full replacement is usually the better choice in the long run.

Is it dangerous to climb on my roof to inspect it?

Roof work is dangerous and falls cause serious injuries. If you're not comfortable or experienced, use binoculars to inspect from the ground, check your attic from inside, or hire a professional roofer to do a safe inspection for you.

What should I do if I find a leak?

Identify where the water is entering from inside your home, then trace it upward into your attic if possible. Mark the area so a roofer can inspect it. In the meantime, use a bucket to catch water and prevent damage to insulation and framing.

Roofing guides › Signs you need a new roof

Signs you need a new roof

Updated 2026-07-02

Your roof protects your home from weather and keeps your family safe, but it won't last forever. Most roofs last 20 to 25 years, but damage, wear, and weather can shorten that lifespan. Knowing the warning signs helps you catch problems early and avoid costly damage to your home's interior.

Here are the most common indicators that your roof needs replacement.

In short: Watch for missing shingles, water stains, sagging, granule loss, mold, or age to catch roof problems early and avoid expensive home damage.

Missing, cracked, or curling shingles

Shingles protect your roof from rain and wind. When shingles go missing, crack, or curl at the edges, they no longer shield the wood underneath. Curled or cupped shingles are often a sign of age and moisture damage. Missing shingles expose your roof deck to the elements and lead to leaks.

Check your roof after storms or high winds, since these often tear shingles loose. A few missing shingles in one spot might be repairable, but widespread damage across multiple areas usually means you need a full replacement.

Water stains and leaks inside your home

Water stains on your ceiling or walls are a clear sign that water is getting through your roof. Leaks often start small and appear during heavy rain or snowmelt. You might notice brown or yellow patches on your attic insulation, drywall, or rafters.

Don't ignore interior leaks. Water damage spreads quickly and can cause mold growth, rotted wood, and structural problems. If you see signs of leaking, get on your roof to inspect it (safely) or contact a professional. By the time you notice stains inside, the damage has already started.

Sagging roof or soft spots

A sagging roof is a serious issue. It means the wood structure underneath is weakened, usually from long-term water damage or age. You might notice dips or valleys running along the roofline when you look at your home from the street or yard.

Soft or spongy spots are also warning signs-they indicate the wood decking is rotting underneath the shingles. If you can safely get into your attic, look for sagging rafters or decking. A sagging roof is not safe and requires immediate replacement.

Excessive granule loss

Asphalt shingles are coated with granules that protect them from UV damage and help them shed water. As shingles age, these granules wear away naturally. You might see them in your gutters or scattered in your yard after heavy rain or wind.

A few granules in the gutter are normal, but if you see clumps of granules or bare spots on the shingles themselves, your roof is aging quickly. Losing granules speeds up deterioration and reduces your roof's ability to protect your home.

Roof age and wear

If your roof is 20 years old or more, it's nearing the end of its useful life. Even if it doesn't have obvious damage, an older roof is more vulnerable to leaks and weather damage. Severe weather, temperature swings, and sun exposure all wear down roofing materials over time.

Check your home's records or ask a neighbor if you're unsure how old your roof is. If you recently bought your home, the seller should have documentation. Use the free roof cost calculator to get an idea of what replacement might cost and plan ahead.

Mold, moss, or algae growth

Dark streaks, green moss, or algae on your roof usually grow in damp, shaded areas where moisture builds up. While these often start as a cosmetic problem, they indicate that your roof is retaining moisture, which weakens shingles over time.

Moss and algae can also trap moisture against the wood underneath, speeding up rot and decay. If you see growth, it's a sign that your roof is aging or not shedding water properly. Heavy growth combined with other signs of damage means replacement is likely needed soon.

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Frequently asked questions

How often should I inspect my roof?: Inspect your roof at least twice a year-once in spring and once in fall. Also check it after severe storms, heavy snow, or high winds. You can look from the ground with binoculars or climb safely into your attic to check for water stains and damage.
Can a roofer repair my roof instead of replacing it?: Small problems like a few missing shingles or a single leak can often be repaired. However, if multiple signs of damage are present, widespread deterioration, or your roof is near the end of its lifespan, full replacement is usually the better choice in the long run.
Is it dangerous to climb on my roof to inspect it?: Roof work is dangerous and falls cause serious injuries. If you're not comfortable or experienced, use binoculars to inspect from the ground, check your attic from inside, or hire a professional roofer to do a safe inspection for you.
What should I do if I find a leak?: Identify where the water is entering from inside your home, then trace it upward into your attic if possible. Mark the area so a roofer can inspect it. In the meantime, use a bucket to catch water and prevent damage to insulation and framing.