9 signs you need a new roof.

Updated July 2026 · Zenith Construction

If you're seeing several of these at once, it's probably replacement time. One in isolation? That may just be a repair.

The nine signs

• 1. Your roof is 20+ years old. Most asphalt roofs in our climate are near the end by then.
• 2. Shingles are curling or cupping. Edges lifting or centers rising means the shingles are past their prime.
• 3. Cracked or brittle shingles across the roof, not just one spot.
• 4. Missing shingles after windstorms — especially if it keeps happening.
• 5. Granules in the gutters. Piles of sandy granules mean the shingle surface is wearing away.
• 6. Bald spots where the granules are gone and the mat shows through.
• 7. Heavy moss or algae lifting shingles and holding moisture.
• 8. Daylight or stains in the attic — light through the deck, or water stains on the sheathing.
• 9. Sagging or repeated leaks. A dip in the roofline or leaks in multiple places point to bigger problems below.

Repair or replace?

One isolated issue on an otherwise-young roof is usually a repair. Several of these together, or a roof past 20 years, and replacement is the smarter spend — patching a worn-out roof is throwing good money after bad. Our repair vs. replace guide breaks it down.