9 signs you need a New roof (and when a repair is enough)
Last updated
Short answer: The clearest signs are age (about 30 years for architectural shingles[1]), granules in the gutters, curling or missing shingles, water stains or daylight in the attic, a sagging roofline, and hail dents or bruises.[2] One or two signs on a younger roof often means a repair. Several usually means it's time to replace.
You can spot most of these from the ground or the attic. Please don't climb onto your roof. Falls are a leading cause of injury in roofing work, which is one reason roofing is among the most dangerous construction trades.[3]
- Age. Compare your roof's age with typical lifespans: about 30 years for architectural asphalt and 20 for 3-tab, and less in hot or storm-prone climates.[1]
- Granules in the gutters. Shingles shed granules as they age, and hail can knock them loose. IBHS counts granule loss as one of the main types of hail damage.[2]
- Curling, cupping, or cracked shingles, especially on south- and west-facing slopes.
- Missing shingles after wind events.
- Daylight or water stains in the attic.
- A sagging roofline, which can mean wet or rotted decking.
- Damaged flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights.
- Dents, bruises, or splatter marks after a hailstorm. IBHS testing evaluates shingles on dents, tears, and granule loss.[2]
- Rising energy bills or ice dams, which point to ventilation or insulation problems that often show up alongside an aging roof.
Repair or replace?
One or two of these signs on a younger roof usually means a repair. Several signs on a roof near the end of its expected life usually means it's time to budget for a replacement. See our repair vs replace guide.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my roof needs replacing?
Look at its age compared with typical lifespans, and check for granule loss, curling or missing shingles, attic leaks, and sagging. A free inspection will confirm it.
Can I inspect my own roof?
Check from the ground with binoculars and from the attic. Leave walking the roof to a professional, because roofing has a high rate of fall injuries.
See 2026 roof replacement cost in your city →
Sources
- InterNACHI, Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart. www.nachi.org/life-expectancy.htm
- IBHS, 2025 Impact-Resistant Shingle Ratings release (Nov 19, 2025). ibhs.org/ibhs-news-releases/ibhs-releases-its-most-expansive-impact-resistant-sh
- U.S. BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Roofers. www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/roofers.htm
Sources checked November 4, 2026. Estimates are not quotes. Roofing, insurance, and legal details vary. Confirm with your contractor, insurer, or attorney.