Roofs rarely fail overnight — they broadcast warnings for years. Some signs mean a $600 repair; a cluster of them means it is replacement time. Here is how to read your roof from the ground and the attic, no ladder required.
1) Curling or cupping shingle edges — the mat is drying out; widespread curling means replacement within 1–3 years. 2) Bald patches where granules are gone (check gutters for granule buildup) — the shingles’ UV armor is spent. 3) Missing shingles after every wind event — adhesive strips have failed roof-wide. 4) Sagging ridge or plane — stop reading and call a pro; that is structural.
5) Daylight through the boards. 6) Water stains or streaks on decking after rain, especially around penetrations. 7) Moss/mold on the underside of decking — chronic moisture, often ventilation plus small leaks. An attic check after a hard rain tells you more than any drone photo.
8) Age: 3-tab asphalt lasts 15–20 years, architectural 22–28, metal 40–70. Past 80% of lifespan, put repair money toward replacement instead. 9) Your neighbors are all reroofing — same builder, same materials, same weather. When the street reroofs, your quote-gathering season has arrived.
Repairs run $400–$2,000 and make sense for isolated damage on a roof under ~15 years old. Replacement runs $6,000–$18,000 for most homes (see our roof replacement cost guide). If repairs would exceed ~25% of replacement cost, or the roof is past 80% of its lifespan, replacement wins. After storms, get an independent local bid before signing anything a door-knocker offers — and never sign an insurance assignment on day one.
Post your project once — verified, insured local pros send you free competing quotes, and escrow protects every payment.
Get 3 Free QuotesIsolated damage on a younger roof: repair. Widespread curling, granule loss, recurring leaks, or age past 80% of lifespan: replace. A cluster of two or more signs almost always means replacement.