Signs you need a new roof, at a glance
The clearest signs a St. Louis roof needs replacement are shingles that curl or crack, widespread granule loss, leaks that keep showing up in new places, and a roofline that sags. Age matters, but condition matters more. A free inspection with photos will tell you where yours stands. Call (314) 429-6000.
What you can see from the ground
Stand across the street with a pair of binoculars and look for these.
- Shingle edges curling up or corners cupping, usually worst on the south and west slopes.
- Cracked or missing shingles in more than one area.
- Dark, smooth patches where the granules have worn off.
- Uneven or wavy rows, which can mean the decking underneath has softened.
- A ridge or roofline that dips in the middle.
- Flashing around chimneys and walls that has lifted or rusted.
What to check in the attic
On a sunny day, go up with a flashlight and turn it off once you're in. Pinpoints of daylight through the roof boards mean openings water can use. Dark stains on the underside of the decking, damp or matted insulation, and a musty smell all point to water getting in.
In winter, frost on the nail tips or on the underside of the decking points to a ventilation problem. Poor ventilation cooks shingles from below in summer and shortens their life, which is part of why some roofs wear out years early.
Take a few phone photos of anything that worries you. When you call, those pictures help us tell you whether it sounds urgent or can wait for a scheduled inspection. Don't walk on the roof yourself to look; worn shingles are slick, and a fall costs far more than an inspection, which is free anyway.
Signs that are easy to misread
Black streaks
Usually algae. It looks bad but is mostly cosmetic and alone doesn't mean replacement.
One leak in one spot
Often a flashing or pipe boot problem that a repair can fix on a roof that is otherwise sound.
Granules in the gutters
Some after a new install is normal. Heavy, steady loss on an older roof is a real warning.
Age alone
A roof past its expected age might still have years left. Condition decides, not the calendar.
After a storm
Hail and high wind can take years off a roof in an afternoon, and the damage often stays hidden until the shingles start to fail. If a storm has come through your part of St. Louis and your roof is more than a few years old, an inspection is worth it even if nothing leaks. If the damage is storm-related, insurance may cover part or all of the replacement.
Signs you need a new roof questions
How old is too old for a roof?
Can I replace just one side of my roof?
Is it normal to find granules in my gutters?
Will you tell me if I don't need a new roof?
What does an inspection cost?
Find out where your roof stands
Fill this out and we'll call you back. If water is coming in right now, phone us instead so we can move faster.
Related reading
More on repair and replacement decisions:
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