Curling tabs and heavy granule loss are the clearest signs it’s time for a roof replacement. A GAF Master Elite–certified contractor, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011 and serves 730+ towns across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine as a woman-owned exterior remodeling company that knows what worn shingles look like up close.
Warning Signs That Your Shingles Have Reached the End
- Age Crosses the Twenty-Year Mark: Any roof past 20 years showing extensive damage or repeat issues should be evaluated by a pro. Time alone weakens the seal between courses.
- Granules Collect in Your Gutters: Loose granules mean the weather-facing layer is wearing thin. That same layer is what algae feeds on over time.
- Curling, Cupping, or Missing Tabs: Shingles that lift at the edges have lost their grip on the deck. Wind-driven rain finds those openings during every winter storm.
- Daylight Visible From the Attic: Light coming through the roof deck means gaps have opened somewhere above. Treat this as urgent rather than cosmetic.
- Twice-Yearly Inspections Catch It Early: Check your roof each spring and fall. Small problems spotted on schedule rarely become the expensive kind.
- Replacement Returns Real Value: Asphalt roof replacement delivers a 68% ROI according to national Cost vs. Value data. Few exterior projects come close.
Your Next Move on Aging Shingles
Top Recommendation: Schedule a professional evaluation once your roof passes 20 years with recurring issues.
Best for Early Warning Signs: A free inspection to confirm whether targeted repair still makes sense this season.
Best for Long-Term Value: Full replacement with asphalt shingles rated for 50+ years of hard weather.
Ready to find out where your shingles really stand? Our certified team reads the whole system, not just the surface. Book a free estimate and get a straight answer.
Request a free roofing estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete roofing FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Explore the Coastal Windows & Exteriors Roofing Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.
Still have questions about how to know when shingles need replacing? See the areas we serve and talk to your local roofing contractor.
Last Updated: September 2026
Sources:
- Roofs more than 20 years old with extensive damage or recurring issues should be evaluated by a roofing professional. GAF Residential Roofing FAQs, GAF’s official guidance on replacement thresholds and aging shingle systems. (2025)
- Homeowners should inspect their roof at least twice a year, in spring and fall. GAF Residential Roofing FAQs, GAF’s official guidance on inspection frequency and seasonal maintenance. (2025)
- Asphalt roof replacement delivers a 68% ROI. JLC 2025 Cost vs. Value, national return-on-investment data for roofing replacement projects. (2026)
