5 Warning Signs Your Asphalt Shingle Roof Needs Replacement

Is your roof trying to tell you something?

Ideally, we don’t think about our roofs until there is a problem. But waiting for a major leak during a rainstorm or heavy snowfall is the most expensive way to handle roof maintenance.

Most asphalt shingle roofs in Utah last between 20 and 25 years. However, our unique climate—blazing high-altitude sun in the summer and heavy snow loads in the winter—can sometimes accelerate that timeline.

At Insight Roofing, we recommend homeowners in Elsinore and Richfield perform a quick visual inspection of their roof twice a year. If you spot any of these 5 warning signs, it might be time to start planning for a replacement.

1. Curling and Buckling Shingles

Take a look at the slopes of your roof that get the most direct sunlight. Do the shingles lie flat against the roof deck, or are the edges starting to lift?

• Cupping: This happens when the edges of the shingles turn upward.
• Clawing: This is when the edges stay flat but the middle starts to come up.

This is a sign that the asphalt has dried out and lost its flexibility. Once shingles curl, they become brittle and can easily break off in high winds, leaving your home exposed to water damage.

2. Granules in the Gutters

Asphalt shingles are covered in tiny rock granules. These aren’t just for color—they protect the asphalt from the sun’s UV rays.

When a roof is new, losing a little excess “sand” is normal. But if your roof is 15+ years old and you find piles of dark granules in your gutters (resembling black sand), it’s a bad sign.

It means your shingles are “balding.” Without those granules, the sun will bake the asphalt layer, causing it to crack and fail rapidly.

3. Cracked or Missing Shingles

This is the most obvious sign of damage.

• Cracked Shingles: Often caused by thermal shock (expanding and contracting in Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles).
• Missing Shingles: Usually a result of wind damage or the adhesive seal failing due to age.

While a few missing shingles can be patched, if the damage is widespread or occurring in different areas of the roof, a patch job is only a temporary bandage on a failing system.

4. Daylight in Your Attic

Go into your attic on a sunny day and turn off the lights. Look up at the underside of the roof decking. Do you see pinpricks of light shining through?

If light can get in, so can water.

While you are up there, check for signs of moisture in the insulation or dark streaks on the wood decking. This indicates that your shingles are no longer watertight and a replacement is urgent.

5. Your Neighbors Are Getting New Roofs

This might sound strange, but it is one of the most reliable indicators. Neighborhoods in Elsinore and surrounding areas were often built in phases.

If your home was built around the same time as your neighbors’, and you see roofing trucks parked in their driveways, your roof is likely nearing the end of its life, too. It is better to be proactive and schedule an inspection than to wait for the inevitable leak.

Repair vs. Replace: Which Do You Need?

Not every problem requires a full roof replacement. Sometimes, a simple repair can extend the life of your roof for several years.

• Repair: Best for isolated damage (like one missing shingle from a windstorm) on a relatively new roof.
• Replace: Best if the roof is over 20 years old, or if more than 30% of the roof is showing signs of wear.

Get an Honest Assessment

If you are unsure about the condition of your roof, don’t guess.

At Insight Roofing, we specialize in honest assessments. We will never sell you a new roof if a repair will do the job. If you live in Sevier County, contact us today to schedule a free inspection. We’ll help you keep your home safe and dry for years to come.

---