By 
Ohio roofs take a beating. Freeze-thaw cycles, spring hail, summer heat and lake-effect snow in the north all shorten the life of asphalt shingles. Most shingle roofs here last 18 to 25 years, but storms can end that early.
Here are the signs roofers look for, from “keep an eye on it” to “start getting quotes.”
1. Your roof is 20 years old or more
Age is the single best predictor. If your roof was installed before about 2006, plan for a replacement in the next few years even if it looks fine from the street.
2. Curling, cupping or cracked shingles
Shingles that curl at the edges or cup in the middle have lost their flexibility. They lift in the wind and let water underneath.
3. Missing shingles
A few missing shingles after a windstorm is usually a repair. Shingles missing across several slopes, or going missing again and again, means the sealant strips have failed.
4. Granules in your gutters
Those sand-like grains protect shingles from UV light. Heavy granule loss, especially on a roof over 15 years old, means the shingles are near the end of their life.
5. Daylight or water stains in the attic
Go up on a sunny day. If you can see light through the boards, or find dark stains on the decking or rafters, water is getting in.
6. Sagging or soft spots
A roof that dips between rafters, or feels spongy, may have rotted decking. This needs a professional look soon, because it can be a structural issue.
7. Moss, algae or dark streaks
Black streaks are usually algae and mostly cosmetic. Thick moss holds moisture against the shingles. Have it cleaned gently and never pressure-wash a shingle roof.
8. Recent hail or high winds
Hail bruises can be invisible from the ground. If a storm hit your area, a free inspection is worth it, and most insurance policies set deadlines for filing a claim. See our storm damage claim guide.
9. Rising energy bills
Poor ventilation and failing shingles let heat build up in the attic in summer and escape in winter.
Repair or replace?
A repair usually makes sense when the roof is under about 15 years old and the damage is limited to one area. A replacement usually makes sense when the roof is 20+ years old, problems show up on several slopes, or repairs keep adding up.
Not sure where your roof falls? Take our free Roof Health Assessment for a score and next steps, or estimate the budget with the roof replacement cost calculator.
When you’re ready, compare local roofers and get at least three written quotes.
