How can you know if your roof needs replacement without climbing on it?

Step 1: Know the age (2 minutes)

Pull the closing paperwork or permit history. A roof under about 12 years old with a problem is usually a repair or a storm claim. One past 20 years with a problem is usually a replacement conversation.

Step 2: Walk the yard with binoculars (8 minutes)

• Missing shingles or lighter rectangles where tabs blew off.
• Curled edges or shingles lifting in the middle.
• Dark, smooth patches where the granules are gone.
• A wavy ridge line or a dip in a slope.
• Rusted or bent flashing around the chimney and walls.

Step 3: Check the gutters (3 minutes)

Some granules are normal on a new roof. Piles of granules at downspout outlets on an older roof mean the shingles are shedding their protective layer.

Step 4: Go into the attic (5 minutes)

On a sunny afternoon, turn off the light and look for pinpoints of daylight. Check the underside of the decking around chimneys, vents and valleys for stains, and feel the insulation for dampness. Rusty nail tips can point to ventilation problems.

Step 5: Look at the ceilings (2 minutes)

Brownish rings, especially near exterior walls, often trace to roof edges or flashing.

What not to do

Skip climbing on the roof. Shingles scuff easily in Georgia heat, and a fall is not worth it. If your check turns up more than one warning sign, a professional inspection with photos is the next step. Here is what to expect from a roof inspection, and the yearly routine is in the Georgia roof maintenance checklist.