Your roof is one of the most critical — and most expensive — components of your home. Knowing when it needs attention can save you thousands of dollars and prevent damage to the rest of your property. Here are the key warning signs every New Hampshire homeowner should watch for.
1. Your Roof Is 20+ Years Old
Most asphalt shingle roofs in New Hampshire last between 20 and 30 years, depending on the quality of materials, installation, and exposure to our harsh weather. If your roof is approaching or past the 20-year mark, it’s time for a professional inspection — even if it looks fine from the ground.
2. Shingles Are Curling, Cracking, or Missing
Take a look at your roof from the yard. Do you see shingles that are curling at the edges, cracking, or missing entirely? These are signs that the shingles have reached the end of their useful life. Curling typically happens when shingles lose their ability to resist moisture and wind — a common issue after years of New England freeze-thaw cycles.
3. Granules in Your Gutters
Those tiny, sand-like granules on asphalt shingles protect them from UV damage. When shingles start aging, they shed granules — and those granules end up in your gutters. If you’re seeing excessive granules when cleaning your gutters, your shingles are deteriorating.
4. Daylight Through Your Roof Boards
Head up to your attic on a sunny day. If you can see streams of light coming through the roof boards, water can get through too. This is a serious sign that your roof deck or shingles have failed in spots.
5. Sagging Roof Deck
A sagging roof is a structural concern that requires immediate attention. It usually indicates moisture damage to the decking or, in severe cases, problems with the underlying support structure. Don’t wait on this one — a sagging roof can become a safety hazard.
6. Higher Energy Bills
A failing roof often means poor attic ventilation and insulation compromise. If your heating or cooling bills have been climbing without explanation, your roof’s ability to regulate your home’s temperature may be declining.
7. Ice Dams in Winter
Ice dams — those thick ridges of ice along your eaves — are a common New Hampshire problem. While they can happen on any roof, recurring ice dams often point to inadequate attic ventilation or insulation. A properly installed roof system includes ventilation strategies that minimize ice dam formation.
What to Do Next
If you’re seeing any of these signs, the best first step is a professional on-the-roof inspection. At Compass Exteriors, we climb up and assess your roof firsthand — no guesswork from the ground. We’ll give you an honest recommendation: if a repair will solve the problem, we’ll tell you. If replacement makes more sense, we’ll explain why.
As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we install roofing systems backed by up to 50-year manufacturer warranties plus our own 10-year workmanship warranty. Schedule your free inspection or call us at 603-219-1523.