Roof basics
11 Signs You Need a New Roof
How to tell a roof that needs a repair from one that needs replacing, and how to check safely from the ground.
The short answer: If your roof has years left and the damage is in one area, repair it. If shingles are failing across the roof or the same leaks keep returning, a replacement saves money over time. We tell you which one applies, with photos.
The short version
Most roofs give warning before they fail. Curling or missing shingles, granules in the gutters, daylight in the attic, stains on ceilings and a roof near the end of its expected life are the main signs. One sign alone may mean a repair. Several together, or widespread damage on an older roof, usually point to replacement.
The clearest signs you need a new roof are shingles that are curling, cracking or missing across large areas, heavy granule loss, repeated leaks, sagging, and age near the end of the material’s expected life. A professional inspection can tell you whether repair will do or replacement makes more sense.
Sign 1: The roof’s age
Asphalt shingles are commonly expected to last roughly 15 to 30 years depending on the product, installation, ventilation and weather. Indiana’s freeze-thaw cycles, summer heat and hail can shorten that. If your roof is in the upper end of its range, plan ahead even if it still looks acceptable. For a deeper breakdown, read how long a roof lasts in Indiana.
Sign 2: Curling, cupping or cracked shingles
Shingles that curl at the edges or cup in the middle have lost the flexibility and bond they need to shed water. Cracked shingles let water reach the underlayment. A few damaged shingles can be repaired, but widespread curling is usually a sign of aging or poor ventilation.
Sign 3: Missing shingles or bare spots
Wind can lift and tear shingles. Missing shingles expose the underlayment and the roof deck. Isolated losses after a storm may be a repair job. Repeated loss across slopes suggests the sealant strips have failed.
Sign 4: Granules in the gutters
Granules protect asphalt from the sun. Heavy granule loss shows up as grit in gutters or at downspouts and as dark, bare patches on shingles. Some loss is normal on a new roof, but a lot on an older roof is a wear sign. Hail can also knock granules off.
Sign 5: Leaks and water stains
Stains on ceilings, damp attic insulation or drips during storms mean water is getting past the roof. A single leak can come from flashing or one penetration and be repaired. Leaks in several areas suggest the roof system as a whole is failing. See roof leak repair.
Sign 6: Daylight or moisture in the attic
Go into the attic on a bright day with the lights off. Pinpoints of light mean holes. Dark stains, damp wood, mold or musty smells on the underside of the deck point to moisture problems from leaks or poor ventilation.
Sign 7: Sagging or soft areas
A sagging ridge or a soft, spongy feel points to a structural problem such as rot or a damaged deck. Treat this as urgent and have it inspected.
Sign 8: Moss, algae and trapped debris
Dark streaks from algae are mostly cosmetic, but moss holds moisture against shingles and can lift them. Debris in valleys can cause water to back up.
Sign 9: Damaged flashing
Rusted, lifted or cracked flashing around chimneys, skylights, walls and vents is a common leak source. It can often be repaired, but old flashing on an old roof is usually replaced during a roof replacement. See chimney flashing repair.
Sign 10: Storm damage
Hail, wind and fallen limbs can damage a roof of any age. If you suspect storm damage, document it and read our hail damage insurance claim guide before making permanent repairs.
Sign 11: Rising energy bills and uneven temperatures
Poor ventilation and failing insulation can raise energy bills and cause hot or cold rooms. This is a weaker sign on its own, but combined with other signs it supports an inspection.
Repair or replace? A quick guide
- Repair is often right when the roof is fairly young and the damage is limited to a small area.
- Replacement is often right when the roof is old, damage is widespread, or leaks keep returning.
- A professional inspection should state which and why, with photos.
- Get the findings in writing so you can compare quotes.
For the full decision framework, read our guide on roof repair vs replacement if available on the site, or see roof replacement in Indianapolis.
How to check your own roof safely
You do not need to climb up. From the ground, use binoculars to look for curling, missing shingles, sagging and damaged flashing. Check gutters for granules. Check the attic for light, stains and dampness. Take dated photos. Do not walk on a steep, wet or icy roof.
What an inspection should include
A good inspection covers shingles, flashing, penetrations, gutters, ventilation, the underside of the deck from the attic and photo documentation. See roof inspection in Indianapolis.
Beware of pressure to replace
Be cautious of anyone who tells you that you need a new roof without showing evidence, or who pressures you to sign on the spot. Read storm chaser roofing scams in Indiana and get a written contract. The Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act requires a written contract for residential work over $150.
What replacement costs
Costs vary by size, pitch, materials and tear-off. This Old House reported in May 2026 an average asphalt roof cost of about $4.40 per square foot with an average total of about $5,621, and metal about $8.53 per square foot with an average total near $10,901. Your quote will depend on your roof, so get it in writing after an inspection.
Sources
Cost figures come from This Old House, May 2026. The written-contract requirement comes from the Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act. Lifespan ranges are general industry estimates and vary by product and conditions. This guide is general information, not a substitute for an inspection.
Questions about replacing a roof
How do I know if I need a new roof?
Look for widespread curling or missing shingles, heavy granule loss, repeated leaks, sagging and a roof near the end of its expected life. An inspection confirms it.
How old is too old for an asphalt roof?
Asphalt shingles are commonly expected to last about 15 to 30 years depending on product, installation and conditions. Older roofs deserve regular inspection.
Can I check my roof myself?
Yes, from the ground with binoculars and from the attic. Do not walk on a steep, wet or icy roof.
Are granules in the gutters a problem?
Some are normal on a new roof. Heavy loss on an older roof means the shingles are wearing out.
Does one leak mean I need a new roof?
Not always. A single leak can come from flashing or a penetration and be repaired. Several leaks suggest wider failure.
What does a sagging roof mean?
It can mean a damaged or rotted deck or a structural problem. Treat it as urgent and have it inspected.
Is moss on my roof serious?
Algae streaks are mostly cosmetic. Moss holds moisture and can lift shingles, so it should be addressed.
Should I replace after hail?
Only if inspection shows damage that repair cannot fix. Document it and read your policy before permanent work.
How much does a new roof cost in Indianapolis?
This Old House reported May 2026 averages of about $5,621 for asphalt and $10,901 for metal. Your quote depends on your roof.
Is a written contract required?
The Indiana Home Improvement Contracts Act requires a written contract for residential work over $150.
Related:
Roof trouble in Indianapolis? Get a written estimate.
Serving homeowners across Marion County and the suburbs since 2019. No contracts, no pressure.
R&R Roofing
Roofing contractor serving Indianapolis, Indiana and the surrounding suburbs.
(317) 555-0142
123 Main Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204
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