Guide: repair or replace
Ten signs your roof needs replacing, and when a repair will do.
Most of these you can check from the yard or the attic without a ladder. One sign on its own usually means a repair. Several together usually mean it is time to plan a replacement.
Updated
From the ground
What you can see from the yard
Curling or cupped shingles
Edges turning up or centers sinking are signs of heat aging, often from poor attic ventilation.
Bald spots and heavy granule loss
Dark patches on the roof and granules piling up at downspouts mean the shingles' protective layer is wearing away.
Missing or creased shingles
A few after a windstorm is a repair. Many across several slopes suggests the sealant has failed roof-wide.
Sagging rooflines
A dip between rafters can mean wet or failing decking. Call promptly.
Dark streaks or moss
Algae streaks are mostly cosmetic, but moss and heavy growth hold moisture against the roof.
Inside the house
What the attic and ceilings tell you
Daylight through the decking
If you can see light from the attic, water can get in too.
Water stains or damp insulation
Stains on ceilings or wet insulation near walls, chimneys or vents point to leaks at flashing details.
Leaks in more than one place
One leak is usually a repair. Leaks appearing in different rooms over time suggest the whole roof is failing.
Higher cooling bills
A hot, poorly ventilated attic ages shingles and makes the AC work harder.
Age plus any of the above
An architectural shingle roof past about 15 years with several of these signs is usually a replacement conversation.
Repair or replace
When a repair is the honest answer
If the damage is limited to one area, the surrounding shingles are still flexible and well sealed, and the roof is not near the end of its life, a targeted repair is usually the better value. A good roofer should tell you that, even when it means a smaller job.
Common questions
Repair-or-replace questions
Can I put new shingles over my old roof?
Sometimes, where code allows a second layer, but we generally recommend a full tear-off. Overlaying hides decking problems, adds weight, and can shorten the new roof's life and affect warranties.
Is it cheaper to repair now and replace later?
It can be, when the roof has useful life left. Repeated repairs on a worn-out roof usually cost more over time than planning the replacement.
How much does a new roof cost?
Most local single-family shingle replacements land in the low five figures. Our cost guide shows 2026 ranges by home size.
Start with a clear conversation
Tell us what decision you are trying to make.
Share the property, what you noticed, and the decision you need to make. We’ll confirm fit and explain the clearest next step.