The Clock is Ticking: 7 Signs You Need A Roof Replacement

1. Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles

Walk around your property and look up. Missing shingles create obvious gaps in your roof’s protective barrier, allowing water to reach the underlayment and decking. Cracked shingles indicate impact damage or age-related brittleness, while curling edges suggest heat damage or poor ventilation. After a storm, you might notice granule loss in gutters or downspouts—these granules protect shingles from UV rays, and their absence speeds up deterioration. A few damaged shingles might warrant repairs, but widespread issues across multiple roof sections signal that replacement is needed. Storm damage often creates patterns of damage that only become visible during professional inspection.

2. Leaks and Water Stains Inside Your Home

Water stains on ceilings or walls tell you moisture has already penetrated your roof’s defenses. Brown rings, peeling paint, or bubbling drywall indicate active leaks that need immediate attention. Look for discoloration around light fixtures, in corners where walls meet ceilings, or along chimney lines where flashing may have failed. Water damage spreads quickly once it starts, potentially causing mold growth, wood rot, and structural issues that cost far more than roof replacement. If you’re seeing interior water damage, the problem has likely existed longer than you realize, making quick action necessary. Even small stains suggest larger hidden problems that warrant professional inspection.

3. Sagging Roof Deck

A sagging roofline indicates serious structural problems that require immediate professional evaluation. This symptom suggests water has compromised the decking or support structure underneath your shingles. Stand back from your home and look for dips, waves, or uneven lines along the roof’s surface. These issues rarely improve on their own and typically worsen rapidly. Sagging roofs can collapse under the weight of snow or during the next storm, creating dangerous situations for your family. When structural integrity is compromised, repair isn’t an option—full replacement becomes necessary to restore safety.

4. Age and Lifespan Considerations

Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20-30 years under normal conditions, but Colorado’s weather rarely qualifies as normal. If your roof approaches 15-20 years old, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to storm damage. Older shingles become brittle and less flexible, making them crack more easily during hailstorms or high winds. Poor attic ventilation accelerates aging by trapping heat and moisture, causing shingles to deteriorate from underneath. Regular maintenance can extend lifespan, but even well-maintained roofs eventually reach the point where replacement makes more financial sense than ongoing repairs. Insurance companies often consider roof age when evaluating claims, making documentation important.

5. Granules in Gutters

Asphalt shingles shed some granules over their lifetime, but excessive loss signals trouble. These ceramic-coated granules protect shingles from UV damage and fire. Look over your gutters and downspouts after a storm for any gritty buildup that looks like coarse sand. Widespread granule loss leaves shingles vulnerable to rapid deterioration and reduces their fire resistance. While some shedding is normal for new roofs during the first year, consistent granule loss on an older roof means the protective layer has worn away. Once granules disappear, shingles quickly fail, especially under Colorado’s intense sun exposure.

6. Daylight Through Roof Boards

Grab a flashlight and inspect your attic during daytime hours. Any spots where you can see daylight coming through the roof decking indicate holes or gaps in your roof’s structure. These openings allow rain, snow, and pests to enter your home, causing damage that extends beyond roofing materials. Small openings can develop into major problems during Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles, where trapped moisture expands and contracts, widening gaps over time. If daylight is visible, water has likely already found its way in during storms, even if you haven’t noticed interior leaks yet.

7. Storm Damage Documentation

After any significant hail or wind event in your area, document visible damage with photos and contact a professional inspector. Hail creates circular bruises on shingles that may not be obvious from ground level. Wind damage often tears shingles or lifts edges, breaking the seal that keeps water out. Many homeowners don’t realize they have storm damage until the next rain reveals leaks. Red Diamond Roofing offers free inspections to assess storm damage and help homeowners navigate insurance claims. Most insurance policies cover storm-related roof damage, making professional documentation critical for securing coverage. Acting quickly after storms helps protect your claim rights and prevents additional damage.