Signs You Need a New Roof
Your roof is probably warning you before it fails. Here's what to watch for.
Most roofs don't just suddenly fail. They give you warnings — sometimes for months or even years before they actually start leaking.
The problem is, most homeowners in Boise don't know what they're looking at. A few missing shingles? Maybe it's fine. Some dark stains on the ceiling? Could be nothing. Until it's not nothing, and you're dealing with water damage and expensive repairs.
So let's talk about the actual signs that your roof needs to be replaced. Not "might need attention eventually" — we're talking about the clear indicators that you're on borrowed time.
Your Roof Is Getting Old
This one's simple. Most asphalt shingle roofs in Boise last 20-25 years if they were installed properly. Some premium shingles might make it to 30. But once you're past 20 years, you're living on borrowed time.
If you don't know how old your roof is, check your records. Look at when you bought the house. Ask your neighbors if they remember when it was done. Or call a roofing contractor to come take a look — they can usually tell you pretty quickly based on the shingle type and condition.
Age alone doesn't mean you need a new roof tomorrow. But if your roof is 20+ years old and you're seeing any of the other signs on this list, it's time to start planning.
Shingles Are Curling or Buckling
Walk outside and look at your roof. Are the edges of the shingles starting to curl upward? Are any of them buckling or warping in the middle?
This happens when shingles lose their protective granules and start breaking down from sun exposure and weather. Once they start curling, they're not keeping water out anymore. Wind can get under them, rain can blow underneath, and you're setting yourself up for leaks.
If you're seeing widespread curling across your roof — not just a couple random shingles — that's a clear sign it's time for a replacement. You can't repair your way out of this one.
You're Losing Granules (Check Your Gutters)
Here's an easy test: go look in your gutters after a rainstorm. If you're seeing a bunch of dark, sandy granules collected in there, your shingles are breaking down.
Those granules protect the asphalt underneath from UV rays and weather. When they start coming off, the shingles deteriorate fast. A little bit of granule loss is normal early in a roof's life, but if you're seeing heavy amounts — especially if your roof is more than 15 years old — that's a red flag.
Also, if you're seeing bald spots on your shingles where the granules are completely gone, that's another clear indicator. The underlying asphalt is now exposed and it won't last long.
Shingles Are Missing or Damaged
Did you notice a few shingles in your yard after that last windstorm? That's not great, but it happens. A roofer can replace a few individual shingles pretty easily.
But if you're consistently losing shingles, or if you're seeing cracked and broken shingles all over your roof, that's a different story. It means your roof is brittle and failing, and patching it is just buying time.
Here's the reality: if you're calling a roofer every year to replace shingles, you're spending more money on repairs than you should. At some point, it makes more sense to just replace the whole thing and stop the constant maintenance cycle.
You're Seeing Water Damage Inside
If you've got water stains on your ceiling or walls, your roof is already leaking. That's not a "maybe" — that's a confirmed problem.
Sometimes a leak can be traced to a specific damaged area and fixed with a repair. But if the leak is widespread, or if you're seeing multiple leak spots in different areas, your roof's waterproofing is compromised across the board.
Also, go up in your attic (if you have one) and look around with a flashlight. Are you seeing daylight through the roof boards? Dark stains or mold on the wood? Wet insulation? All of those are signs that water is getting through and your roof needs to be replaced.
Don't wait on this one. Water damage gets worse fast, and it's expensive to fix once it spreads to your walls, insulation, and structure.
Your Roof Is Sagging
If you look at your roofline and it's not straight — if there are dips, sags, or drooping areas — that's a serious structural issue.
A sagging roof usually means the decking underneath has been damaged by moisture and is rotting. It can also mean there's a problem with the roof structure itself. Either way, this is not something you ignore.
If your roof is sagging, call a roofing contractor ASAP. This is beyond a simple repair — you're likely looking at a full replacement along with decking and possibly structural work.
We'll Tell You What Your Roof Needs
Look, we replace roofs for a living. But we're not going to tell you that you need a new roof if you don't.
If you're seeing any of the signs above and you're not sure what to do, call us at (208) 505-9352. We'll come out, inspect your roof, and give you an honest assessment. If it needs to be replaced, we'll explain why and give you a quote. If it can be repaired, we'll tell you that too.
Don't Wait Until It's Leaking
Here's the thing about roofs: the longer you wait, the more expensive it gets. A leaking roof doesn't just damage shingles — it damages the decking, insulation, drywall, and structure underneath.
If you're seeing curling shingles, missing granules, or any of the other warning signs we've talked about, get it inspected. The sooner you address it, the less damage you're dealing with and the less it's going to cost.
And if you're in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, we'll come take a look for free. No pressure, no sales pitch — just a straight answer about what your roof needs.
Not Sure If Your Roof Needs Replacing?
We'll inspect it for free and give you an honest answer. No obligation, no pressure.