---
title: 6 Signs Your Roof Needs to be Replaced
description: Unsure if it's time for a roof replacement? If so, you need to know the signs that your roof needs to be replaced. In this article, you'll learn the 6 signs that it times for a roof replacement to ensure you get a new roof at the right time before extensive damage is done to your home.
image: https://www.billraganroofing.com/hubfs/Featured%20Images%20%2851%29.jpg
---

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[Roof Replacement](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/topic/roof-replacement)

# 6 Signs Your Roof Needs to be Replaced

July 14th, 2023 | 7 min. read

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![6 Signs Your Roof Needs to be Replaced](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hubfs/Featured%20Images%20%2851%29.jpg)

<https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/author/bill-ragan> ![Bill Ragan](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hubfs/Bill%20on%20hiking%20trail.png "Bill Ragan")

[Bill Ragan](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/author/bill-ragan)

** Print/Save as PDF

Replacing your roof at the right time saves you from costly home repairs. Unfortunately, your roof doesn’t hold up a sign saying, “It’s time to replace me!”. 

So, how are you supposed to know when your roof needs to be replaced? That comes down to knowing what signs to be on the lookout for. 

**For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand what their roof is trying to tell them.** Because of this, I’ll break down the 6 signs that your roof needs to be replaced. 

This article covers the following signs that time it’s time for a new roof:

- You have an older roof that’s leaking
- Cracked, curling, or missing asphalt shingles
- Vegetation growing on your roof
- Finding asphalt shingle granules on the ground or gutters
- Noticing rot or discoloration on the decking in your attic
- Other houses in your neighborhood are getting new roofs

## 1. You have an older roof that’s leaking

**The first sign that your roof needs to be replaced is if it’s older than 15 years and it’s leaking.** However, an older roof doesn’t need to be replaced just because there’s an active leak. 

You don’t need a roof replacement for leaks caused by something as simple as [nail pops or a cracked pipe boot](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/most-common-roof-leaks). On the other hand, you‘ll need a roof replacement if the leak is caused by [improper roof installation](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/proper-roof-installation-important) or the roofing materials have [reached their maximum lifespan](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/how-long-does-a-roof-last).

Unfortunately, you won’t know if your roof leak requires[ repairs or a replacement](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/should-i-repair-my-roof-or-replace-it) until after [a roof inspection](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/roofing-contractor-look-roof-inspection). You should also [get multiple opinions](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/quotes-roof-replacement) on a roof leak, especially on a roof that’s at least 10 years old. 

Doing this ensures you’ll learn if the roof leak is really a sign that it’s time for a roof replacement or if you simply need repairs.

## 2. Cracked, curling, or missing asphalt shingles

**The next sign your roof needs to be replaced is if your shingles are cracked, curling, or missing altogether.** Curling and cracked shingles are a clear sign that your roof has reached the end of its lifespan.

![cracked asphalt shingles ](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CrackedShingles.jpg?width=600&height=484&name=CrackedShingles.jpg)

When a roof shows signs that it has reached the end of its life, there’s nothing left to do but replace it. Unfortunately, you may not be able to spot this sign without getting on your roof. 

![missing asphalt shingles](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ShinglesMissing.jpg?width=600&height=338&name=ShinglesMissing.jpg)

On the other hand, missing asphalt shingles are more obvious and easier to spot. Depending on how many shingles are ripped off, it could lead to a roof replacement. 

Just know you have a viable insurance claim if wind damage caused the missing shingles. However, improper installation is also a big cause of missing shingles, which leaves you with no recourse unless your workmanship warranty is in effect.

## 3. Vegetation growing on your roof

**The next sign that your roof needs to be replaced is when you see vegetation growing on it.** [Moss or other vegetation growing on your roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/does-moss-roof-mean-needs-replaced) is a sign it’s time to start considering a replacement, especially if you have an older roof.

![BlogPictures (1)](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogPictures%20(1).png?width=600&height=338&name=BlogPictures%20(1).png)

(Left: algae streaks; right: moss growth)

You may also have some black streaks on your roof caused by algae. While algae will grow on a 10 to 15-year-old roof, it doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to be replaced.

In fact, you can clean algae off your roof. But do your research and hire a professional roof cleaning company that knows how to soft wash.

## 4. Finding asphalt shingle granules on the ground or gutters

Granules are crucial to the longevity of an asphalt roof. They are pieces of asphalt embedded in shingles for fire resistance, color, and UV ray protection. 

![loose asphalt granules in gutter](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GranulesinGutter.jpg?width=530&height=395&name=GranulesinGutter.jpg)(Loose granules in gutter)

**Because of this, losing them is a huge sign that it’s time to replace your roof. **You’ll notice this sign when you find loose granules in gutters or on the ground around downspouts. 

![loose granules in driveway by downspout](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GranulesonGround.jpg?width=600&height=511&name=GranulesonGround.jpg)(Loose granules in a driveway by downspout)

Just know losing granules is natural as your roof goes through wear and tear. However, a strong [hail storm or a lot of little hail](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-size-hail-damage-roof) also leads to granule loss. 

So, you might actually have an insurance claim if you notice loose granules after a big storm. But no matter the situation, finding loose granules is a huge sign that it’s time to start [budgeting for a new roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/new-roof-cost). 

## 5. Noticing rot or discoloration on the decking in your attic

[Roof decking](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/what-roof-decking) is the wooden foundation that makes up your roof system. Your roof needs a solid deck so the roofing material and other roofing components can be installed properly. 

When your roof decking’s integrity is compromised, it can lead to mildew, mold, and structural damage from the weight of your roof. Unfortunately, it's almost impossible to spot compromised decking without [tearing off your old roof first](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/roof-tear-off-roofing-contractor). 

![rotten roof decking from the attic](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DiscoloredRoofDecking-1.jpg?width=600&height=450&name=DiscoloredRoofDecking-1.jpg)

**However, seeing rotten or discolored decking in your attic is a sign you need a new roof or, at the very least, extensive and expensive repairs.** If you notice rotting or discoloration, water got underneath your roofing materials and soaked all the way through the wood. 

This could be from water getting underneath something, improper installation, or the roofing materials have maxed out to the point they aren’t functioning correctly. If it’s widespread and left to sit, you could have your roof cave in when the weight gets to be too much.

## 6. Other houses in your neighborhood are getting new roofs

**The last sign that your roof needs to be replaced is when other houses in your neighborhood are getting new roofs.** This is especially true if the homes in your neighborhood were all built around the same time. 

This obviously won’t apply to you if your neighborhood is much older or the houses were built at different times. However, potential [storm damage is another reason](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/will-insurance-pay-new-roof) you should pay attention to if other homes in your neighborhood are getting a new roof. 

![HailWindCombo](https://www.billraganroofing.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HailWindCombo.jpg?width=600&height=338&name=HailWindCombo.jpg)(Left: hail damage; right: wind damage)

If your neighbors are getting their roofs replaced after a strong thunderstorm with hail or straight-line winds, they [had a viable insurance claim](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/steps-file-roof-damage-insurance-claim). While there’s no guarantee that your roof specifically has damage too, you should contact a roofer and your insurance company for an assessment. 

## What do you need to consider when replacing your roof?

Now you know 6 common signs that your roof needs to be replaced. If you have any of the signs (or even multiple), you’re ready to reach out to a local roofing contractor for a roof inspection to start the process.

But before picking up the phone or hitting that “Request an Estimate” button, there are things you need to consider when getting a new roof. These considerations help you make the right decisions, avoid being taken advantage of, and prepare you to meet with a roofing contractor before they set foot on your property. 

Check out [The 5 Things to Consider When Replacing Your Roof](https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/things-consider-when-replacing-roof) to ensure you’re starting the roof replacement process with confidence.

[![roof cost calculator](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3406853/4d52a9e1-8d53-4d87-a88c-0dd2314fbb15.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3406853/4d52a9e1-8d53-4d87-a88c-0dd2314fbb15)

#### Table Of Contents

## Related Articles

[### Can You Use Multiple Types of Roofing Materials on a Roof?

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[### How Often Does a Roof Need to be Replaced?

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[### Does a New Roof Increase Your Home’s Value?

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[### Does a New Roof Increase Your Home’s Curb Appeal?

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[### What’s the Average Cost to Replace a Roof? (2026 Update)

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[### Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which is Right for You?

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[### 4 Options to Consider If You Can’t Afford a New Roof

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[### What are the Signs of a Bad Roofing Job?

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[### 7 Things to Consider Before a Roof Replacement

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[### 7 Things to Know Before Replacing Your Roof in Nashville, TN (2026)

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[### 9 Ways to Prepare for a Roof Replacement in Nashville, TN

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[### 10 Frequently Asked Questions Before Getting a New Roof

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[### How Much Does a New Roof Cost in 2026? (Update)

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[### 8 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof

 March 27th, 2026|8 min read 

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[### How Long Does a New Roof Last?

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[### When Is the Best Time to Replace a Roof in Nashville, TN?

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[### How Do You Pay for a New Roof?

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[### How Long Does It Take to Replace Your Asphalt Roof?

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[### What is Roof Underlayment?

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[### How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof in Nashville, TN?

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[### What are the Signs that a Nashville Roof is Failing?

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[### What is Roof Decking?

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[### Why Does a New Roof Cost So Much? (2026 Update)

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[### What Should My Roof Estimate Include?

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