Five signs say your roof is near the end: age, damaged shingles, daylight or stains in the attic, a sagging roofline and rising energy bills. One sign means get an inspection. A sag or an active leak means call the same day.
Where to look: a 10-minute roof check
You can spot all five signs without leaving the ground floor, a ladder or the attic hatch. Tap a number to jump to that sign.
Your roof is near the end of its range
Plan ahead- What you see
- Install date past 15 to 20 years for entry-grade shingles, or 25 to 30 for architectural shingles. Many homeowners do not know the date.
- What it means
- Shingles dry out with age and lose the ability to shed water. Metal and tile last longer, but their flashing and fasteners still age. See the roof lifespan guide.
- Do this
- Look for permits, old inspection reports or closing papers. No records? An inspection can estimate age from shingle wear. Then budget and pick your timing before a leak picks it for you.
Shingles curl, crack, go missing or shed granules
Book an inspection- What you see
- Edges that curl up or down, cracked or brittle shingles, bare gaps, and sand-like granules piling in the gutters or at the downspout.
- What it means
- Each damaged shingle is a hole in your weather barrier. Granule loss means the sun shield is wearing off, and the shingle underneath ages fast.
- Do this
- Photograph what you see from the ground
- Check gutters after rain for granules
- Book an inspection. A few damaged spots can mean a repair. Damage across the whole roof points to replacement.
Daylight, stains or mold in the attic
Book soon- What you see
- Light through the roof boards, dark streaks or rings on the decking (often near chimneys and vents), a musty smell, or fuzzy gray or black growth on wood.
- What it means
- Water is getting in or moisture has no way out. Wet insulation stops working, and wood left damp for long enough rots.
- Do this
- Photograph and date each spot, put a bucket under any drip, and call us. Active leaks get a temporary fix the same day through our leak repair service, open 24/7.
The roofline sags, dips or bows
Call today- What you see
- A ridge that dips in the middle, a roof plane that bulges or looks wavy, or a straight edge that is no longer straight.
- What it means
- Decking or framing may be soaked, rotted or overloaded. In bad cases a sag can lead to a collapse, so treat it as a structural problem.
- Do this
- Have a professional look the same day. Keep people out of the room under the sag if the ceiling shows new cracks or bulges. Do not wait for the next storm.
Energy bills climb for no clear reason
Investigate- What you see
- Heating or cooling costs rise while your habits stay the same. Rooms feel drafty, or the top floor is hot in summer and cold in winter.
- What it means
- Wet or thin insulation, air leaks and poor attic ventilation all waste energy. A tired roof is often one cause among several.
- Do this
- Mention it at your inspection. We check the attic for damp insulation and ventilation problems, and tell you what belongs to the roof and what does not.
See one of these signs? Send us a photo or book a visit. We tell you what is going on, repair or replacement, and put any price in writing.
Book my inspectionCount your signs
Tally what you found. This gives you a starting point, and an inspection gives the answer.
What happens at an inspection
- 1We look at the whole roofSurface, flashing, gutters, vents and the attic if it is safe to enter, with photos.
- 2We explain what we foundYou see the photos and hear which items are urgent and which can wait.
- 3You get the options in writingRepair, replace or monitor, each with a clear price. No pressure to sign that day.
Weighing a replacement? Our roofing costs guide shows typical prices: about $5,000 to $15,000+ for asphalt shingles. If you want to time the job, see the best time to replace a roof in NYC.
Questions we hear
Can I just repair a few shingles?
If the damage is local and the rest of the roof is sound, yes. If shingles are brittle, curled or losing granules across the roof, repairs only delay the bill.
How fast does a small leak get worse?
It varies, and a slow leak can run for months before a stain shows. Water travels along framing, so the stain is often far from the entry point. Fix leaks early.
Does storm damage count as a sign?
Yes. After a major storm, check for missing shingles and new stains, and ask for an inspection. Photos help if you file an insurance claim, and your insurer decides what your policy covers.
How long does a replacement take?
Most asphalt shingle roofs take one to two days once work starts. Large or complex roofs and bad weather add time.
Is the inspection free?
Yes, with a free estimate. We photograph the roof and give a written report.
Not sure what you are seeing? Ask us.
Send a photo or book a visit. We tell you straight whether your roof needs work now, later or not at all.
