How to Know When It’s Time for a New Roof: 7 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Let’s be honest—nobody gets excited about replacing a roof. It’s not like upgrading your kitchen or buying a new truck. But when your roof is trying to tell you it’s time to retire, ignoring the signs can lead to leaks, mold, and costly damage faster than you can say, “What’s that spot on the ceiling?”

So, how do you know when it’s really time to swap out your shingles for something new? We’ve got you covered—literally. Here are 7 signs it’s time for a new roof, and why pretending not to notice won’t do you (or your wallet) any favors.

1. Your Shingles Are Looking... Rough

If your shingles are curling, cracking, balding (losing granules), or just generally looking like they’ve been through a bar fight—take it as a red flag. Shingles are the outer armor of your roof. Once they start to fail, water intrusion isn’t far behind.

Pro Tip: Check your gutters for granules. If they’re full of roofing grit, your shingles are aging out—kind of like your dad’s favorite high school jacket.

2. There’s a Sag in Your Step (or Your Roof)

A sagging roofline is more than just an eyesore—it’s a structural warning. This can indicate rotting decking or underlying water damage, and it’s definitely not a DIY situation.

Translation: If your roof looks like it’s frowning at you, it probably is.

3. Your Neighbors Are All Getting New Roofs

Hear us out—this isn’t about keeping up with the Joneses. Most homes in a neighborhood were likely built around the same time, which means if your neighbors are replacing their roofs, yours might not be far behind.

Bonus: A new roof boosts curb appeal, which is helpful whether you’re selling your house or just trying to win “Best-Looking Bungalow on the Block.”

4. The 20-Year Mark is in the Rearview Mirror

Roofs don’t last forever. Most asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 20–25 years. If yours is creeping past the two-decade mark and hasn’t had a spa day (a.k.a. major repairs or inspection), it may be living on borrowed time.

Rule of Thumb: If your roof was installed when flip phones were cool, it’s probably time for a replacement.

5. Daylight in the Attic = Not a Vibe

Head up to the attic and look around. If you can see sunlight streaming through the roof boards, that’s not natural ambiance—it’s a sign your roof may have holes or compromised areas. And if light can get in, so can water, insects, and all the bad stuff.

6. Stains, Streaks, and Moss… Oh My

Dark streaks on your roof can be caused by airborne algae. Moss may look charming in a woodland kind of way, but it traps moisture, which can cause rot. If your roof looks like it belongs in a fairytale, it might be time to bring it back to reality.

Also: Interior water stains on ceilings or walls? That’s your roof’s not-so-subtle cry for help.

7. You’re Playing Whack-a-Mole With Roof Repairs

If you’ve had multiple leaks patched, shingles replaced, or flashing repaired—and the problems just keep coming—it might be more cost-effective to replace the roof entirely rather than throwing money at temporary fixes.

Truth bomb: At some point, repairs become band-aids on a sinking ship.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until You’re Bailing Buckets

A new roof may not be as exciting as a hot tub or fancy new kitchen countertops, but it’s one of the most important investments you can make in your home. Ignoring the signs now can lead to bigger, more expensive problems later.

If you’re seeing one (or several) of these red flags, give Pinpoint Roofing LLC a call. We’ll come out, take a look, and give you a straight answer—no pressure, no gimmicks, just honest roofing advice from folks who’ve been doing this for over 37 years.

📍 Proudly serving Knoxville, Maryville, Sevier County, and all of East Tennessee.

📞 Call or text us for a free roof inspection and quote. We’ll have it ready in 24–72 hours.