Signs You Need a New Roof in Central Arkansas

The clearest signs you need a new roof are age and spread. An asphalt shingle roof past 15 to 20 years old in Arkansas, with worn, curled or missing shingles across several slopes, leaks in more than one place, or a sagging roofline, is usually ready for replacement. One damaged spot on a younger roof is usually a repair.

Most of the signs below can be checked from the ground or the attic. If you see one or more, a roof inspection tells you for sure. Leak and repair visits are a $79.99 diagnostic.

How old is too old for a roof in Arkansas?

Asphalt shingles realistically last 15 to 20 years in Arkansas. Manufacturer ratings often assume milder climates than our heat, humidity and storms. If your roof is in that range or older, have it inspected even if nothing is leaking yet.

Not sure how old your roof is? Check your closing papers or ask the seller. If the house is about 15 years old or more and still has its first roof, it is time to look.

What do worn-out shingles look like?

• Curling or cupping: edges that turn up or middles that dip.
• Cracking: splits across the shingle.
• Missing shingles: gaps that show the layer underneath.
• Bare spots: dark patches where the granules are gone.

A few damaged shingles can be replaced. The same wear across several slopes usually means the whole roof is wearing out at once.

Are granules in my gutters a bad sign?

Some granule loss is normal on a new roof. Heavy granule loss on an older roof, with bare spots on the shingles, means the shingles are losing their protection from the sun. That is a sign of a roof near the end of its life.

Does a leak mean I need a new roof?

Not always. One leak at a pipe boot, chimney or valley is often a repair. Leaks in different rooms, or new leaks after each repair, point to a roof that is failing in more than one spot. Look in the attic for water stains on the roof boards and wet insulation.

What does a sagging roof mean?

A roofline that dips, soft spots, or daylight through the roof boards in the attic can mean damaged decking. Water may have been getting in for a while. Have it looked at soon. When we replace a roof, we tear off to the deck so we can find and fix rotted decking.

Can storm damage mean a new roof?

Yes. Hail or wind damage across the roof can mean replacement, and it may be covered by your homeowners insurance. We document the damage with photos and work with your insurance company. Read more about our storm damage repair.

Should I repair or replace my roof?

Age is the biggest factor. Our repair or replace tool gives you a quick read from your roof's age and any repair quote you have.

• Under 15 years: a repair is usually the right call.
• 15 to 20 years: a small repair can buy time, but get a replacement price before spending heavily.
• 20 years or more: replacement usually makes more sense than another repair.

If repair makes sense, our roof repair cost page lists every price. If replacement makes sense, our roof prices page shows what most homes run and compares our four packages.

What happens at a Patriot roof inspection?

Our roof inspection uses the same 21-point method every time. We walk the roof, check the shingles, flashing, valleys, ridge and vents, then go into the attic to check ventilation and decking from the inside. You get the 21-Point Roof Inspection Report with photos, with findings sorted into Need To Do, Should Do and Could Do.

It is free for hail, wind and storm damage and for full replacement estimates. A leak or repair visit is a $79.99 diagnostic, with no fee for Patriot Care Club members.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if I need a new roof or just a repair?

Look at age and spread. A roof under 15 years old with damage in one spot usually needs a repair. A roof at 15 to 20 years or older, with wear or leaks in several places, usually needs replacing. A roof inspection with photos tells you which one you have. Leak and repair visits are a $79.99 diagnostic.

How long does a shingle roof last in Arkansas?

Plan on 15 to 20 years for asphalt shingles in Arkansas. Manufacturer ratings assume milder climates than our heat, humidity and storms. Class 4 impact-rated shingles commonly last 25 years or more, and metal roofs 40 to 70 years.

Can I check my roof from the ground?

Yes, for many signs. Use binoculars to look for missing, curled or cracked shingles and bare spots. Check the gutters for granules and the attic for stains or daylight. Please do not climb on the roof.

Is there a charge for the replacement inspection?

No. There is no charge for the inspection for hail, wind and storm damage and for full replacement estimates. A leak or repair visit is the $79.99 diagnostic, with no fee for Patriot Care Club members.

Will you tell me if I do not need a new roof?

Yes. If the roof has years left and only needs a repair, that is what we will recommend.

Want a second set of eyes on your roof?

Book a roof inspection. You get our 21-Point Roof Inspection Report with photos, so you can see your own roof and decide for yourself.