Most of us don’t think much about the roof over our heads until it starts leaking, creaking, or showing other signs that something’s not quite right. The truth is, your roof does a lot of heavy lifting. It takes the brunt of everything from rain and snow to blazing sun and high winds.

But how do you know when it’s time to stop patching things up yourself and bring in the experts?

1. There’s a Leak—and It’s Not Just a One-Time Thing

A small drip might not seem like a big deal at first. Maybe it’s just during heavy rain. Maybe it goes away. But if leaks are popping up again and again, that’s not a coincidence. It’s a red flag.

Even minor leaks can lead to:

• Mold and mildew – These love dark, damp areas like attic corners
• Insulation damage – Wet insulation stops working efficiently
• Structural issues – Over time, water can rot the wood in your roof and ceiling
• Ceiling stains – Yellow or brown patches inside your home usually mean there’s a leak above

If you’ve tried patching or sealing and the problem keeps coming back, that’s your sign. Bring in a professional roofing company in Murfreesboro to find the root cause, not just cover up the symptoms. You’ll thank yourself for it in the long run.

2. Shingles Are Curling, Cracking, or Missing

Take a look at your shingles. Are they lying flat and intact, or are they starting to curl up at the edges? Are there pieces missing altogether?

Shingles protect the roof underneath from the elements. Once they start breaking down, your roof becomes vulnerable. And it’s not just about appearance. Worn-out shingles can quickly lead to deeper problems inside the structure.

Curling and cracking often point to age, heat damage, or poor ventilation. Missing shingles might mean storm damage or simply that your roof has reached the end of its life. Either way, it’s time for a pro to take a closer look.

3. The Roof Is Over 20 Years Old

Not every old roof needs to be replaced, but if yours is over two decades old and you’re noticing signs of wear, it’s probably time for a full inspection.

Roofs aren’t built to last forever. Even with high-quality materials and good maintenance, most start to break down after 20–25 years.

Here’s what happens with age:

• Materials deteriorate – Shingles lose their flexibility and become brittle
• Sealants fail – Flashing around chimneys and vents may start to crack
• Weakened underlayment – The protective layer beneath your shingles can erode

A roofing company can evaluate the full system, not just the visible surface, and let you know if repairs will hold or if a replacement is on the horizon.

4. Your Energy Bills Are Creeping Up

Higher heating and cooling costs could be a sign that your roof is no longer insulating your home properly. This isn’t something many people connect to the roof right away, but it can absolutely be the cause.

As shingles wear out and insulation degrades, your roof starts to let hot or cold air escape. That means your HVAC system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable.

Before you start replacing windows or checking the ductwork, have a professional inspect the roof. It might be the missing piece of the puzzle.

5. You See Sagging or Drooping

This one’s serious. If you notice any part of your roof looks like it’s sagging or dipping inward, stop and get it checked out immediately.

A sagging roof usually means there’s a structural issue underneath. It could be:

• Water damage – Trapped moisture can weaken the wood over time
• Too much weight – Snow buildup or multiple roofing layers can strain the structure
• Rot or decay – A long-ignored leak might be eating away at the supports
• Improper installation – Sometimes, sagging starts early if the roof wasn’t installed correctly in the first place

Whatever the cause, sagging isn’t something to ignore or postpone. It can lead to total roof failure if not addressed quickly.

6. Granules in the Gutter

If your gutters are filling up with little shingle granules—those gritty particles that give asphalt shingles their texture—it means your roof is wearing out.

Granule loss is natural over time, but when it happens in large amounts, it’s usually a sign the shingles are deteriorating faster than they should. And once the granules are gone, the shingles are far more exposed to sun damage and water intrusion.

Keep an eye out for bare spots or dark patches where granules have already worn off. That’s a clear call for professional help.

7. There’s Moss or Algae Growth

Moss might give a cottage a storybook look, but on a roof, it’s bad news. Moss retains moisture, which can seep into your roofing materials and speed up decay. Algae, on the other hand, is more of a cosmetic issue, but it still signals that the roof surface is holding moisture longer than it should.

If you see green or dark streaks across your shingles, it’s worth having a roofing company inspect it. They’ll let you know whether it’s something that needs cleaning or a deeper issue that’s weakening your roof.

8. Flashing Looks Damaged or Loose

Flashing is the metal installed around roof features like chimneys, vents, and skylights. It’s what keeps water from sneaking into the little cracks and seams.

If your flashing is rusting, pulling away, or cracked, that creates an easy entry point for water. A good roofer will check not only the condition of the flashing but also whether it was installed properly in the first place. Poor workmanship is a common cause of flashing failure.

9. Recent Storms Have Rolled Through

Even if you can’t see visible damage from the ground, a major storm, especially one with high winds or hail, can cause harm you won’t notice until months later. Loose shingles, cracked tiles, and minor leaks can escalate into serious issues if they aren’t caught early.

If your area has been hit with rough weather recently, it’s smart to get a professional inspection. You might save yourself a lot of trouble down the road.

Don’t Wait for a Bigger Problem

It’s easy to put off calling a roofing company. Maybe it seems expensive. Maybe the issues don’t seem urgent. But the longer you wait, the worse things can get and the more it will cost in the end.

Whether it’s a small leak, aging shingles, or something more serious, catching it early makes all the difference. A professional roofer will know exactly what to look for and how to fix it the right way.

Sometimes a repair is enough. Sometimes replacement is the better option. But either way, waiting is rarely the right move.

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s time to make that call. Your roof might not be the most exciting part of your home, but it’s definitely one of the most important. Make sure it’s getting the attention it deserves.