Is It Time to Replace Your Roof? 7 Signs Every Homeowner Should Know

Your roof quietly protects your home—day in and day out. But even the toughest roofing systems don’t last forever. So when is it time to stop repairing and start planning for a replacement?

At Family First Exteriors, we help homeowners make smart, informed decisions before small problems turn into big expenses. Here are 7 telltale signs your roof may need replacing.

1. It’s more than 15–20 years old

If your roof is pushing two decades, it’s living on borrowed time. Asphalt shingles typically last 15–25 years depending on material, ventilation, and climate. Older roofs are more vulnerable to storms and leaks.

2. Shingles are curling, cracking, or missing

Visible damage like curling edges or broken tabs means the shingles are past their prime. A few missing shingles can often be repaired, but widespread damage is usually a signal to replace the whole roof.

3. Granules are collecting in your gutters

If you’re seeing black, sand-like granules washing out into your gutters or around downspouts, your shingles are deteriorating. Granules help protect against UV and water damage—without them, your roof won’t last long.

4. You’re seeing dark spots, stains, or sagging

Water stains in the attic or ceiling are red flags. Even if you don’t see active leaks, moisture trapped under the roof deck can rot wood and cause structural damage. A sagging roofline is especially serious.

5. Your roof looks patchy or uneven

Uneven coloring, mismatched repairs, or “bald” shingles can mean a lot more than just cosmetic wear. These signs point to potential underlying issues like poor ventilation or hail damage.

6. You’ve experienced recent storm or hail damage

Even if there’s no visible leak, hail hits, high winds, or fallen debris can compromise the roof’s integrity. Insurance often covers replacements if the damage is documented early—don’t wait too long to check.

7. Your energy bills are creeping up

A worn-out roof may be letting in more heat and cold than you realize. If your HVAC system is working overtime and your bills keep rising, poor insulation or ventilation from an aging roof could be the cause.

🧰 What Should You Do Next?

If you’ve noticed one or more of these signs, don’t panic—but don’t wait either.

At Family First Exteriors, we offer:

✅ Free, no-pressure roof inspections
✅ Storm damage evaluations
✅ Expert guidance on insurance claims
✅ Full roof replacements using top-tier GAF materials