7 Signs You Need a New Roof
The clearest signs you need a new roof are curling or missing shingles, granules collecting in the gutters, daylight or water stains in the attic, moss holding moisture on the shingles, sagging areas, and repeated leaks in more than one spot. One sign may only call for a repair. Several together usually mean the roof is worn out and due for replacement.
The seven signs
Roofs give warning before they fail. Watch for these.
- Curling, cupping, or cracked shingles across the roof
- Granules in the gutters and bald, shiny shingle spots
- Daylight, water stains, or a musty smell in the attic
- Moss and dark streaking that hold moisture on shaded slopes
- Sagging areas or a soft, spongy feel underfoot
- Flashing that is lifted, rusted, or pulling away from chimneys and walls
- Repeated leaks, or leaks in more than one place at once
Repair or replace
A single issue, like one lifted piece of flashing or a few blown off shingles after a windstorm, is usually a repair. When several signs show up together, or the roof is already near the end of its expected life, patching becomes throwing money at a roof that needs replacing. A roof inspection is the fastest way to know which situation you are in before you spend.
Why valley roofs show these signs sooner
In the Willamette Valley, moss and constant moisture speed up wear, so a roof here can show these signs earlier than the same roof in a dry climate. Shaded north facing slopes tend to go first. Catching the signs early, especially failing flashing, keeps a roof problem from becoming a ceiling, insulation, and mold problem inside the home.
Frequently asked questions
What are the signs you need a new roof?
Curling or missing shingles, granules in the gutters, attic leaks or daylight, moss on the shingles, sagging areas, failing flashing, and repeated leaks. Several of these together usually mean replacement.
Should a 20 year old roof be replaced?
In Oregon, a 20 year old asphalt roof is near the end of its life and worth inspecting. If it shows granule loss, curling, or leaks, plan to replace it.
Can I just repair my roof instead of replacing it?
If the damage is limited to one area and the roof is otherwise sound, a repair is fine. Widespread wear or an old roof usually calls for replacement.
How do I know if my roof is leaking?
Look for water stains on ceilings, a musty attic smell, or daylight through the roof boards. A roof inspection confirms the source and whether it is the field or the flashing.