The biggest sign you need a new roof is age. A roof 15 years old or more is worth a real look, even if it does not leak. Other signs are curling or cracked shingles, bare spots, missing shingles after wind, a sagging roof line, and water stains inside.
What are the signs you need a new roof?
You can spot most of these from the ground or the attic. Please stay off the roof. A roofer can check the rest.
1. The roof is 15 years old or more
On the InterNACHI life chart, a 3-tab roof lasts about 20 years and an architectural roof about 30. Our heat shortens that. At 15 years, get it checked. Read more in how long a roof lasts in North Carolina.
2. Shingles are curling or cupping
The edges lift up, or the middle sinks in. Curled shingles catch wind and let water in.
3. Shingles are cracked or blistered
Old shingles dry out and get brittle in the sun. Cracks and blisters are signs the shingle is wearing out.
4. Bare spots where the granules are gone
Granules are the little rocks on top of a shingle. They block the sun. As a roof ages, they loosen and wash off. Bare, dark spots on an older roof are a real warning.
5. Missing shingles after wind
If a storm took a few shingles, the ones around them may have lost their seal too. That is common on older roofs.
6. The roof line sags
Look at the ridge from the street. It should be straight. A dip or sag across the ridge or rafters can mean wet or weak wood underneath.
7. Leaks or stains on the ceiling
A brown stain on a ceiling means water got in. By the time it shows, it has often been getting in for a while. See our roof leak page for what to do first.
8. Daylight through the roof boards
Go in the attic with the lights off on a sunny day. If you see light coming through the roof boards, water can get in there too.
9. Soft spots
A roofer can feel a soft spot underfoot. It is wood that got wet and went bad. You may also notice damp or dark wood from the attic.
What signs look bad but usually are not?
| What you see | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Black streaks | Algae. It grows in humid weather. It is mostly a looks problem. |
| Granules in the gutters of a new roof | Normal. Extra granules wash off new shingles. |
| One leak by a pipe on a younger roof | May be just the rubber seal around the pipe, not the whole roof. |
If your roof is young and the problem is small, a new roof may not make sense. We will tell you straight. Our post on whether to fix or replace a roof goes deeper.
What does a free roof check look like?
A roofer gets on your roof and takes photos and video. We text them to you and tell you what we see. You see what the roofer sees.
If you do need a new roof, here is what that looks like on a real job of ours in Kings Mountain.
How do I know which signs matter most?
| Sign | How serious | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Roof 15+ years old | Plan ahead | Get a free roof check |
| Curling, cracking, bare spots | Wearing out | Get a free roof check soon |
| Missing shingles after wind | Check it now | Look at our storm damage page |
| Sagging or soft spots | Serious | Call or text us right away |
| Water stains or active leak | Serious | Bucket under the drip, then call or text |
Why not wait for a leak?
A leak shows up after water has already hit the wood. Wet wood and wet insulation make the job bigger. A roof replaced on your schedule is easier than one replaced in a hurry.
What happens next?
- Book a free roof inspection, or text us at (980) 888-8431.
- We text you photos and video of your roof.
- If it is time, you get an exact price for roof replacement. If it is not, we tell you that.
Common questions
How do I know if my roof needs to be replaced?
Age is the big one. If it is 15 years or older, get it checked. Other signs are curling or cracked shingles, bare spots, missing shingles, sagging, and leaks.
Are black streaks on my roof a sign of damage?
Usually not. Black streaks are mostly algae, which grows in humid weather. It is mostly a looks problem.
Is it normal to find granules in my gutters?
On a new roof, yes. Extra granules wash off. On an older roof, a lot of granules and bare spots can mean the shingles are wearing out.
Should I climb on my roof to check it?
No. Look from the ground and the attic. A roofer can get on the roof safely and send you photos and video.
Is the roof check free?
Yes. A roofer gets on your roof, takes photos and video, and texts them to you. You do not owe us anything for the check.
