How to Tell If Your Roof Needs Replacing
Your roof protects everything you own, but most homeowners don't think about it until something goes wrong. Here in the Lehigh Valley, our roofs take a beating from heavy snow, ice storms, summer hail, and wind-driven rain. Knowing the warning signs can save you thousands in water damage repairs.
1. Your Roof Is Over 20 Years Old
Most asphalt shingle roofs in Pennsylvania last 20-30 years. If your roof was installed before 2005, it's worth getting a professional inspection — even if it looks fine from the ground. Many issues aren't visible without a close-up examination.
2. Shingles Are Curling or Buckling
When shingles start curling at the edges or buckling in the middle, they've lost their ability to shed water effectively. This is often caused by:
- ■Poor attic ventilation trapping heat and moisture
- ■Age-related deterioration of the asphalt
- ■Manufacturing defects in the shingle batch
3. Granules in Your Gutters
Those tiny colored granules on your shingles protect them from UV damage. When you start finding piles of granules in your gutters or at the bottom of your downspouts, your shingles are losing their protective coating and nearing the end of their life.
4. Daylight Through the Roof Boards
Go into your attic on a sunny day and look up. If you can see pinpoints of light coming through the roof boards, water can get through too. This is an urgent sign that your roof needs immediate attention.
5. Sagging Roof Deck
A sagging roofline is a serious structural concern. It usually means the decking underneath has been compromised by moisture. This requires immediate professional assessment — a sagging roof can eventually collapse.
6. Rising Energy Bills
If your heating or cooling costs have increased without explanation, your roof may be the culprit. A deteriorating roof allows conditioned air to escape and outside air to enter, making your HVAC system work harder.
7. Neighbors Are Replacing Their Roofs
If homes in your neighborhood that were built around the same time are getting new roofs, yours is likely due as well. Homes in the same development typically have similar roofing materials installed at the same time.
What to Do If You Spot These Signs
Don't panic — but don't wait either. Water damage from a failing roof compounds quickly. Here's what we recommend:
- 01Schedule a free inspection — Contact RoofOps for a no-obligation assessment
- 02Document any damage — Take photos from the ground if you notice missing shingles or visible damage
- 03Check your insurance — If storm damage is involved, your homeowner's insurance may cover the replacement
- 04Get an estimate — Use our instant estimator for a quick price range
RoofOps provides free roof inspections for homeowners throughout the Lehigh Valley. We'll give you an honest assessment — if your roof has years of life left, we'll tell you.