7 Signs You Need a New Roof (2026 Homeowner Guide)

TL;DR: The 7 key signs you need a new roof are: (1) roof is 20+ years old, (2) multiple missing or damaged shingles, (3) excessive granules in gutters, (4) visible sagging, (5) daylight visible through attic boards, (6) water stains or mold inside, and (7) unexplained rising energy bills. If your roof shows 2+ of these signs, schedule a professional inspection.

Your roof protects everything underneath it--your family, your belongings, and your home's structure. But unlike a leaky faucet or squeaky door, roof problems often develop invisibly until they become expensive emergencies.

This guide covers the seven warning signs that indicate your roof may need replacement. Some you can spot yourself; others require professional assessment. Knowing what to look for helps you plan ahead rather than react to a crisis.

1. Your Roof Has Reached Its Expected Lifespan

Every roofing material has an expected service life. Once your roof approaches these thresholds, problems become increasingly likely:

Texas and Louisiana factor: Harsh sun, extreme heat, humidity, hail, and hurricanes shorten roof lifespans. A roof rated for 25 years in Minnesota may only last 18-20 years in Austin or New Orleans. Our climate is particularly hard on asphalt shingles.

How to check your roof's age:

• Check your home purchase records or closing documents
• Contact previous owners if possible
• Look for building permits (available from your city/county)
• Ask a roofing professional to estimate based on material condition

2. Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles

Shingle damage is often the most visible sign of roof problems. Walk around your property and look up at each roof section:

Missing Shingles

Wind can lift and remove shingles, especially at edges and corners. A few missing shingles after a major storm can usually be repaired. But if shingles are falling off regularly or you see large bare patches, the roof system is failing.

Cracked Shingles

UV exposure and temperature cycling cause shingles to become brittle over time. Cracked shingles no longer seal properly and allow water underneath. Widespread cracking means the material has reached the end of its useful life.

Curling Shingles

Shingles can curl upward at the edges (cupping) or downward in the middle (clawing). Both patterns indicate advanced aging. Curled shingles are vulnerable to wind uplift and no longer shed water effectively.

Quick test: Can you see issues from the ground with binoculars? If shingle damage is visible from street level, the problem is significant enough to warrant professional inspection.

3. Excessive Granule Loss in Gutters

Those colored granules on asphalt shingles protect the underlying material from UV degradation. As shingles age, they shed granules--and the process accelerates near end of life.

What to Look For

• Check gutters and downspouts: Excessive sandy, gritty accumulation indicates granule loss
• Look at splash blocks: Granules accumulate where downspouts discharge
• Inspect the roof itself: Bare, dark patches where granules have worn away

Normal vs. Concerning

Some granule loss is normal, especially on new roofs (manufacturing residue). Concerning granule loss creates:

• Consistent sandy buildup in gutters (not just after storms)
• Visible bald spots on shingles
• Inconsistent color where some areas appear darker than others

Once significant granule loss occurs, shingles degrade rapidly. The exposed asphalt bakes in the sun, becomes brittle, and cracks.

4. Visible Sagging in the Roof Deck

A sagging roof is a serious structural concern requiring immediate professional evaluation. Sagging indicates one of several problems:

• Water damage: Prolonged moisture has rotted the decking or rafters
• Structural overload: The roof was not designed for the weight it's carrying (often from multiple re-roofs)
• Foundation issues: Settling can transfer stress to the roof structure
• Failed framing: Rafters or trusses have cracked or separated

How to Check

Stand at the end of your house and look along the roofline. It should appear straight and level. Any dips, waves, or curves indicate structural problems.

Warning: A sagging roof can collapse. If you notice significant sagging, do not enter the attic and call a professional immediately. This is one sign that cannot wait.

5. Daylight Visible Through Attic Boards

If you can access your attic, turn off the lights and look for any daylight coming through the roof boards. Visible light means there are holes or gaps that allow:

• Water infiltration during rain
• Air leakage (reducing energy efficiency)
• Pest entry points
• Heat gain in summer

What to Look For

Visit your attic on a sunny day. Look for:

• Pinpoints of light through the roof deck
• Larger bright spots around vents, chimneys, or skylights
• Light along the ridge or eaves

Even small light penetrations indicate failed seals or damaged materials. Where light enters, water follows.

6. Water Damage or Mold Inside Your Home

Interior damage is often the first sign homeowners notice--but by the time water reaches your ceiling or walls, damage has been occurring for some time.

Signs of Roof-Related Water Damage

• Ceiling stains: Brown or yellow discoloration, often in circular patterns
• Peeling paint: Bubbling or flaking on ceilings or upper walls
• Mold or mildew: Especially in corners or along ceiling lines
• Musty smell: Particularly in upper floors or attic
• Warped or bulging drywall: Indicates moisture absorption

Where Leaks Originate

Water damage on ceilings often comes from:

• Failed flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights
• Ice dams (in rare Texas/Louisiana freezes)
• Damaged or missing shingles
• Clogged gutters causing backup
• Valley deterioration where roof sections meet

Water travels along rafters and sheathing before dropping through the ceiling. The visible stain may be several feet from the actual leak source.

7. Unexplained Rising Energy Bills

Your roof plays a major role in your home's thermal envelope. A failing roof compromises energy efficiency in several ways:

• Ventilation failure: Clogged or damaged vents trap hot air in the attic
• Insulation damage: Water infiltration compresses or ruins attic insulation
• Air leakage: Gaps and holes allow conditioned air to escape
• Heat absorption: Damaged or missing shingles reduce reflectivity

The Texas Summer Test

In Texas and Louisiana, summer cooling costs reveal roof problems quickly. If your energy bills have increased 15-25% without explanation, check:

• Attic temperature (should not exceed 20-30 degrees above outside temp with proper ventilation)
• Insulation condition (should be dry and fluffy, not compressed or wet)
• Upper floor comfort (rooms directly under the roof should cool normally)

When Repair Might Still Be an Option

Not every problem requires full replacement. Repair may be appropriate when:

• Roof is under 15 years old and damage is localized
• Storm damage affects a specific area but the rest is sound
• Flashing failure around a single penetration
• A few missing shingles with matching materials available
• Minor leaks with an identifiable, fixable source

Replacement Is Usually Better When:

• Roof is within 5 years of expected lifespan
• Damage covers more than 25-30% of the roof area
• Multiple warning signs are present simultaneously
• Previous repairs haven't held or keep recurring
• Insurance is covering storm damage and upgrade is possible

Repeatedly repairing an aging roof often costs more than replacement over time, while leaving you vulnerable to future problems.

Getting a Professional Inspection

Self-assessment has limits. Professional inspectors can identify problems invisible from the ground and provide accurate remaining lifespan estimates.

What a Professional Inspection Includes

• Complete exterior roof inspection (walking the roof if safe)
• Interior attic inspection for moisture, ventilation, and structural issues
• Flashing and penetration assessment
• Gutter and drainage evaluation
• Written report with findings and recommendations
• Photo documentation of any concerns

Cost and Timing

Professional roof inspections typically cost $150-$400 depending on roof size and complexity. Schedule inspections:

• Before buying or selling a home
• After any significant storm
• When your roof reaches 15 years of age
• Annually once it enters the "replacement zone"
• Before hurricane season (for Gulf Coast homes)

Lapeyre Roofing provides free inspections throughout Austin, Houston, and New Orleans. We'll document our findings with photos and provide honest recommendations--whether that's repair, monitoring, or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a new roof or just repairs?

If your roof is under 15 years old and damage is localized to a small area, repair is usually appropriate. If your roof shows multiple warning signs, is approaching its expected lifespan, or has damage covering more than 25% of the surface, replacement is typically more cost-effective long-term.

How long can I wait once I notice warning signs?

It depends on the sign. Sagging or active leaks require immediate attention. Age-related wear like granule loss or minor curling can often be monitored for months while you plan and budget. Get a professional assessment to understand your specific timeline.

Can I just replace part of my roof?

Partial replacement is possible but often not recommended. New and old sections age differently, creating future problems at the junction. Color matching is also difficult. For roofs nearing end of life, full replacement usually makes more sense.

How much does a roof replacement cost in Texas?

In 2026, Texas roof replacement typically costs $8,000-$25,000 for a standard home, depending on size, material, and complexity. Insurance often covers storm damage replacement after your deductible. We provide free estimates for all replacement projects.

Will homeowners insurance pay for a new roof?

Insurance covers roof damage from covered events (storms, hail, wind, fire) but not normal wear and aging. If your roof needs replacement due to storm damage, most policies cover it minus your deductible. Age-related replacement is a homeowner expense.

What's the best time of year to replace a roof in Texas?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the best weather conditions for roofing work in Texas. Summer is possible but harder on crews due to heat. Avoid scheduling during peak hurricane season (August-October) if possible, as weather delays are more likely.

How long does roof replacement take?

Most residential roof replacements complete in 1-3 days, depending on size and complexity. Large or steep roofs may take longer. Weather can cause delays. We provide timeline estimates during your free inspection.

Should I get multiple estimates?

Yes. We recommend getting 2-3 written estimates from licensed, insured contractors. Compare not just price but scope of work, materials specified, warranty terms, and timeline. The lowest price isn't always the best value.