The nine signs, in order of urgency
One: sagging decking. Two: daylight visible in the attic. Three: leaks appearing in new places after each storm. Four: widespread granule loss filling your gutters. Five: curling or clawing shingle edges. Six: cracked or missing shingles across multiple slopes. Seven: flashing rust and failure at chimneys and valleys. Eight: moss and moisture retention. Nine: age past the material design life — around 20-25 years for common shingles in Texas heat.
Repair or replace? The honest math
If damage is confined to one slope or one event and the roof is under 15 years old, repair is usually right. Once repairs recur annually or damage spans slopes, you are paying twice: for patches now and the inevitable replacement later. An honest contractor shows you photos and lets the roof make the argument.
Storm damage changes the equation
A roof with hail or wind damage can qualify for insurance-funded replacement regardless of age. Before paying cash for repairs on an older roof, get a free storm inspection — the damage that qualifies is often invisible from the ground.
Frequently asked questions
How long do roofs last in Texas?
Three-tab shingles 12-18 years, architectural 22-30, metal 40-60, tile 50+. Texas heat and hail push every material toward the low end without good ventilation.
Can I replace half a roof?
It is rarely wise — mismatched aging, warranty gaps, and flashing transitions create leak points. Insurers and manufacturers both favor full replacement.
What month is best to replace a roof?
In Texas: late fall through winter offers mild temps and faster scheduling, before spring hail season arrives.
Need a straight answer about your roof?
Free inspections, honest estimates, and a local team that answers the phone.
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