Watch for curling, cracking, missing shingles, and a roof age beyond 20 years.
Watch for curling, cracking, missing shingles, and a roof age beyond 20 years.
A roofing contractor can confirm the signs with a quick inspection. Catching them early keeps a small fix from becoming a major one.
What Homeowners Need to Know:
- Age signal: Once shingles pass the 20-year mark or show recurring damage, plan for replacement with a professional.
- Seasonal inspections: Check the roof in spring and fall, the cadence manufacturers recommend, to spot failing shingles early.
- Ice dam clues: After ice dams, removal alone can run up to $4,000, and lingering moisture often hides shingle damage beneath.
- Cost of delay: Emergency leak repair can cost up to twice as much as standard repair once shingles let water through.
- Visual cues: Bald spots, granule loss, and lifted edges all mean the shingle surface is breaking down.
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Last Updated: July 2026
- If a roof is more than 20 years old or has extensive or recurring damage, consult a roofing professional about replacing it. GAF Residential Roofing FAQs GAF’s guidance on roof age and shingle replacement. (2025)
- Ice dam removal can cost up to $4,000. Angi Ice Dam Removal Cost Guide Cost ranges for ice dam removal and related roof repairs. (2025)
- Emergency roof leak repair can cost up to twice as much as a standard roof repair. This Old House Emergency Roof Leak Repair Guidance on emergency leak repair costs versus standard repair. (2025)