8 Signs You Need Roof Repair (Before It's Too Late)
Your roof usually warns you before it fails. Here's what to watch for.
Roofs don't just collapse without warning. They give you signs—subtle at first, then increasingly obvious. The trick is paying attention before a small leak becomes a major repair bill.
Idaho weather is particularly hard on roofs. Winter snow loads, summer heat, spring windstorms—your roof handles it all. Any weakness in the system gets amplified over time.
Here are eight warning signs that your roof needs attention. Catch these early, and you're looking at a straightforward repair. Ignore them, and you might be dealing with interior water damage or a full replacement.
1. Missing or Damaged Shingles
This one's visible from the ground if you know where to look. Missing shingles leave your roof deck exposed to weather. Damaged shingles—cracked, curled, or with missing granules—can't protect properly.
Windstorms are usually the culprit in Boise. A strong gust catches the edge of a shingle that's already lifting, and suddenly you're down a few pieces. Sometimes you'll find them in your yard after a storm.
Check your roof after major weather events. Even a few missing shingles need replacement. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to develop leaks.
2. Water Stains on Your Ceiling
Water stains don't lie. If you see discoloration on your ceiling or walls, water's getting in somewhere. Maybe it's dripping during heavy rain. Maybe it's just seeping in slowly, soaking insulation.
Not all ceiling stains mean roof problems—could be plumbing or condensation. But if the stain appears on your top floor or follows rain patterns, your roof is the likely source.
Don't wait on this one. Water damage spreads. What starts as a small stain can turn into mold, rotted framing, and damaged drywall. Get it checked.
3. Granules in Your Gutters
Asphalt shingles are coated with granules that protect against UV rays and weather. As shingles age, they shed these granules. A little shedding is normal, especially on a newer roof. A lot is not.
Check your gutters and downspouts. If you're seeing heavy accumulation of sand-like material, your shingles are deteriorating. This accelerates as the protective layer wears away.
Heavy granule loss usually means your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Even if it's not leaking yet, you're on borrowed time.
4. Sagging Roof Deck
A roof should have clean, straight lines. If you notice sagging, dipping, or waviness, something's wrong with the structure underneath.
Common causes include water damage to the decking, inadequate support, or excessive weight from snow accumulation over years. Sometimes it's a sign that moisture has rotted the wood.
A sagging roof deck is serious. It indicates structural problems that won't fix themselves. This isn't a DIY situation—call a professional to assess the damage.
5. Daylight Through the Roof Boards
Go into your attic on a sunny day. Turn off the lights. If you can see daylight coming through the roof boards, you have gaps or holes.
Where light gets in, water gets in. And so does cold air in winter and hot air in summer, which affects your energy bills.
While you're up there, look for water stains on the underside of the roof deck or on the rafters. Dark streaks or discoloration indicate current or past leaks.
6. Damaged or Missing Flashing
Flashing seals the joints where your roof meets chimneys, vents, skylights, or walls. It's often metal or rubber. When it fails, water finds its way in.
Look for flashing that's cracked, rusted, lifted, or missing entirely. Sometimes caulk or sealant around flashing deteriorates, creating gaps.
Flashing problems are common and fixable, but they cause leaks fast. If you spot damaged flashing, get it addressed before the next rain.
7. Moss or Algae Growth
Moss, algae, and lichen aren't just cosmetic issues. They hold moisture against your shingles, which accelerates deterioration. Moss roots can work their way under shingles and lift them.
This is particularly common on north-facing slopes and shaded areas where moisture lingers. You'll see dark streaks (algae) or thick green growth (moss).
Professional cleaning can remove growth, but if it's extensive, you might have underlying damage. Don't power wash it yourself—high pressure can damage shingles.
8. Your Roof Is Over 20 Years Old
Age alone is a warning sign. Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20-25 years, depending on quality, installation, and weather exposure. If your roof is approaching or past that age, it's living on borrowed time.
Even without visible problems, older roofs are more prone to sudden failures. Materials become brittle. Seals weaken. Weather resistance declines.
If you don't know your roof's age, look for clues: check your home purchase records, ask neighbors if they know when it was done, or have a roofer inspect and estimate its age based on condition.
When to Call for Roof Repair in Boise
If you notice any of these signs, don't panic—but don't ignore them either. Most roof problems are easier and cheaper to fix when caught early.
We offer free inspections to assess the extent of damage and give you honest recommendations. Sometimes a small repair is all you need. Sometimes replacement makes more sense. We'll tell you which.
The Bottom Line
Your roof talks to you through warning signs. Missing shingles, water stains, granule loss, sagging, visible light from the attic, damaged flashing, growth, and age—all indicate problems that need attention.
A repair now is almost always cheaper than emergency fixes later or water damage to your home's interior. And it's definitely less stressful than dealing with a leak during a rainstorm.
Listen to what your roof is telling you. When it starts complaining, it's probably time to have someone take a look.
Notice Any of These Signs?
We'll inspect your roof and give you honest recommendations on what needs fixing.