Published August 28, 2026
You do not need to get on the roof to know it is failing. Most of the reliable signals are visible from the ground, from a window, or from inside the attic with a flashlight.
From the ground
- Granules in the gutters or at the downspout. A handful after a new install is normal. Ongoing accumulation is not.
- Curling or cupping shingles. Edges lifting means the mat has dried out.
- Dark or shiny patches. Bare asphalt with the granules gone.
- Missing tabs after wind. One or two is a repair. A scattered pattern means the seal strips have failed roof-wide.
- A sagging ridge or dip between rafters. Structural — get eyes on it now.
- Rusted or lifting flashing at chimneys, walls, and valleys. Most leaks start here, not in the field.
From inside the attic
- Daylight through the deck.
- Dark staining on the underside of the sheathing — old or active moisture.
- Damp or compressed insulation along the eaves, a classic ice dam signature.
- Frost on the nails in winter, which means warm moist air is leaking into the attic.
From your paperwork
- Age. Pull the closing documents or a permit record. Past 18 years on asphalt, you are on borrowed time.
- A storm date. If a documented hail or wind event hit your ZIP within the last year, an inspection is free and the clock on filing is not unlimited.
Priority triage
- Call today: sagging, active leak, daylight through the deck, storm damage inside the claim window.
- Schedule this season: widespread curling, granule loss, failed flashing, repeat ice dams.
- Monitor: isolated missing tabs, minor algae streaking (cosmetic).
What an honest inspection includes
Photos of your actual roof — eaves, valleys, penetrations, and the attic — plus a written condition summary and a repair-versus-replace recommendation with numbers on both. If a contractor will not put the repair option in writing, that tells you what you need to know.
Want an exact number for your project?
Free on-site estimate across the Twin Cities metro — no pressure, no obligation.
Instant ballpark
Roof replacement cost estimator
Estimated project range
$11,000 – $22,000
Twin Cities 2026 pricing. A ballpark only — access, soil, permits, and condition move the real number. Send it over and we'll price your actual project for free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most reliable sign a roof needs replacing?
Widespread granule loss combined with age past 18 years. Isolated missing shingles are a repair; granule loss across the whole roof means the shingle mat is spent.
Can I tell if my roof is bad without climbing on it?
Yes. Gutter granules, curling edges, dark patches, and attic staining or damp insulation give you a reliable picture from the ground and the attic.
Is roof algae staining a reason to replace?
No. Black streaking is cosmetic and can usually be treated. It does not shorten roof life on its own.