5 Signs It’s Time for a New Roof
Keeping your roof in good shape isn’t just about curb appeal – it’s about protecting your home’s structure and everything inside. In the Midwest, our roofs take a beating from heavy snow, hail, humidity and blazing summers. Waiting too long to replace a failing roof can lead to bigger problems like rot, mold and structural damage. To help you decide when it’s time to call in the pros, here are five clear warning signs you shouldn’t ignore.
1 – Shingle edges are curled or cupped
Asphalt shingles are designed to lie flat and create a watertight barrier. Over time, sun exposure and poor attic ventilation can cause them to deform. According to roofing manufacturer Owens Corning, one of the first warning signs of a failing roof is when the shingle edges start to curl or “cup”. Another variation is “clawing,” where the edges stay flat but the middle lifts up. In both cases, the deformed shingle cannot properly channel water off the roof. Once water gets beneath the shingle layer, the underlying decking and insulation are vulnerable to rot and leaks. Curling shingles can also indicate poor ventilation in the attic. If you notice curling or cupping, it’s a sign your roof may have reached the end of its useful life.
2 – Missing, cracked or damaged shingles
High winds, hail and years of thermal expansion can tear shingles loose or crack them. Damaged or missing shingles expose the underlayment and wood deck directly to the elements, creating an obvious weak point for water infiltration. In fact, missing shingles often appear as dark patches from ground level. Any cracks, splits or punctures in shingles are also cause for concern because they allow water to penetrate and may point to more widespread degradation. These problems are especially common after severe storms; hail bruises the shingle, and high winds lift or remove entire tabs. When you see multiple damaged or missing shingles, it’s usually more economical to replace the whole roof rather than patch it piecemeal.
3 – Bald spots, granule loss and dark streaks
Those tiny granules embedded in asphalt shingles aren’t just decorative – they protect the asphalt from ultraviolet light and add fire resistance. When shingles are new, granules cling tightly to the surface. As they age, granules loosen and end up in your gutters or on the ground. Bald spots where granules are missing and dark streaks running down the roof are signs that the shingles’ protective layer is wearing away. Roofing experts warn that granule loss can accelerate quickly once it starts and can shorten the life of the roof. If you see lots of granules in the gutters or notice your roof looks spotty or streaked, it may be time for a replacement.
4 – Leaks, water stains or sagging roof deck
Water stains on your ceilings, damp patches on attic insulation or sunlight visible through your roof boards are clear signs of a roof failure. Interior leaks and stains mean water has already made its way through multiple layers of roofing material and may have been doing so for some time. In worse cases, prolonged moisture can cause the wood decking to sag or rot, which you might see as a dip in the roofline. While a single isolated leak might be repairable, widespread leaking or sagging usually indicates it’s time for a new roof. Don’t wait until you’re setting buckets under every drip – water damage can lead to mold growth and costly structural repairs.
5 – Your roof is 20+ years old or your neighbors are re‑roofing
Roofs don’t last forever. In the Midwest, asphalt shingles generally last 15–20 years depending on the quality of materials and installation. Owens Corning notes that if your roof is at least 20 years old, looks worn out or has outlived its warranty, it might be near the end of its service life. Another clue is when neighbors with homes built around the same time are replacing their roofs; houses in the same neighborhood experience similar weather conditions, so your roof may be on a similar timeline. Even if you don’t see obvious damage yet, the hidden components (underlayment, flashing and fasteners) may be deteriorating. If your roof is approaching the two‑decade mark, schedule an inspection to plan for replacement before problems surface.
DIY roof check you can do safely (no ladder required)
Between professional inspections, a quick self‑assessment can alert you to trouble spots. You don’t need to climb on the roof – binoculars and a phone camera can show you a lot from the ground. Here’s a simple checklist to follow:
Gather some tools. A pair of binoculars or a smartphone with a zoom camera, a notepad to record what you see and good midday lighting will help you inspect your roof from the ground.
Walk around your home. Slowly circle the house looking for missing, cracked or curling shingles; piles of granules at the downspouts; and dips or sagging areas along the roofline. Freeze‑thaw cycles can cause shingles to warp or split. Granules in your gutters or at the base of downspouts also signal shingle wear.
Check flashing and chimneys. Use your binoculars to examine metal flashing around chimneys, vents and skylights. Warped, rusting or separated flashing and cracked mortar joints on brick chimneys are red flags that water could be infiltrating.
Inspect gutters and downspouts. From ground level, look for gutters pulling away from the house, sagging or rusting sections, blocked downspouts and overflowing water after rainstorms. Granules or shingle debris in gutters often accompany other roof problems.
Look at valleys and roof intersections. Valleys where two roof slopes meet collect debris and moisture; use binoculars to see if there are leaves, twigs, missing shingles or discoloration that could indicate water pooling.
Check for moss or algae. While walking the perimeter, look for green or dark growth on shingles or along eaves. Moss and algae can trap moisture and damage shingles.
Inspect inside. Visit your attic or upper floor and look for water stains, damp insulation, mold growth or light peeking through the roof boards. These interior clues often appear before leaks become obvious.
Mind the ventilation. Note whether your roof has ridge vents or soffit vents; inadequate ventilation shortens a roof’s life and can lead to mold or high energy bills.
Record and schedule. Note any issues and perform this check at least twice a year—early spring and fall—to catch seasonal damage. Always schedule a professional inspection after major storms or if your roof is 15 years or older.
Never climb onto the roof yourself— professionals use safety harnesses and equipment to avoid injury. A ground‑level check keeps you safe and still lets you spot obvious problems. If your self‑assessment turns up any of the signs above, contact SB Roofing Solutions for a free, no‑pressure inspection. We can verify what you’ve found and recommend the right course of action.
Don’t wait – prevention saves money
Neglecting early warning signs can turn a simple roof replacement into a major structural repair. As Iowa roofing experts point out, minor issues like missing shingles or granule loss can quickly lead to leaks and structural damage if ignored. A professional inspection can identify issues you might not see from ground level and help you decide whether repairs or full replacement make more sense. At SB Roofing Solutions, we offer free roof inspections and provide straightforward, no‑pressure advice. If your shingles are curling, granules are shedding or your roof is pushing 20, call us to schedule your free assessment. We’ll give you the information you need to protect your home and avoid unpleasant surprises down the road.
