Most New Jersey homeowners don’t climb on their roof every week, so it’s easy to miss early warning signs. By the time you see a ceiling stain, the damage has usually been building for months.
This checklist walks through seven clear signs that your roof may be at the end of its life — and when it makes sense to call a professional for an inspection.

1. Curling, Cracked, or Missing Shingles

Walk around your home and look up at the roof from the ground.

Shingles that are curling at the edges
Cracks or splits running through the shingle surface
Entire shingles missing after wind or storms
These are strong signs the shingle mat has dried out and lost flexibility. In New Jersey’s hot summers and freezing winters, this usually means the roof is getting close to the end of its service life.

2. Granules in Your Gutters or at Downspouts

As asphalt shingles age, they shed the protective granules that give them color and UV resistance.

Check your gutters and downspout areas for piles of small, sandy granules
Bald or shiny spots on shingles are another clue
Once a roof loses too many granules, it heats up faster, wears faster, and becomes far more vulnerable to leaks.

3. Dark Streaks, Moss, or Algae Growth

Black streaks, moss, or green growth across the roof don’t just look bad — they can also signal trapped moisture.

Algae streaks show prolonged moisture on the surface
Moss can push up shingles and break the seal between courses
In shady areas, this often hides early shingle failure
A professional cleaning may help, but heavy growth is often a sign that the roof is aging out.

4. Sagging Areas or Uneven Roof Lines

Stand back and look at the roof ridge and main planes.

Any visible sagging, dips, or uneven lines need immediate attention
This can indicate damaged decking, long-term water intrusion, or structural issues
Sagging doesn’t always mean total replacement, but it always deserves a fast inspection.

5. Interior Signs: Stains, Peeling Paint, or Musty Smells

Sometimes the first sign of a failing roof is inside the home.

Yellow or brown spots on ceilings or upper walls
Peeling paint around skylights or chimneys
Musty odors in upstairs rooms or attic
These signs usually mean water is getting past the roofing system and into the structure — even if you don’t see active dripping yet.

6. Your Roof Is 20+ Years Old

Most architectural asphalt roofs in New Jersey last around 20–25 years when installed correctly and ventilated well.
Ask yourself:

Do you know the age of your roof?
Has it already been repaired multiple times?
If the roof is over 20 years old and showing ANY of the warning signs on this list, it’s smart to start planning for a replacement instead of patching forever.

7. Rising Energy Bills and Poor Ventilation

A failing roof system and poor attic ventilation can trap heat and moisture.

Summer cooling bills creep up every year
Upstairs rooms feel hot even with AC running
In winter, you see heavy icicles or ice dams along the eaves
Upgrading the roof with proper intake and exhaust ventilation helps protect shingles, improve comfort, and stabilize energy costs.

When to Call a Professional in New Jersey

You don’t need to diagnose every problem yourself. But if you’ve checked this list and recognize more than one warning sign, it’s time to bring in a trusted roofing contractor.
A good roofer will:

Inspect the entire roofing system, not just the obvious leak
Take photos so you can see exactly what they see
Explain your options honestly: repair vs. full replacement

Why Homeowners Choose Sweet Home Construction

Sweet Home Construction focuses on long-term, worry-free roofs for New Jersey families:

Full tear-off of old roofing for a clean, solid base
High-quality architectural shingles designed for NJ weather
Proper underlayment, ice & water shield, and flashing
Clean job sites with magnet sweep and respectful crews
Clear communication from estimate to final walkthrough
We treat your home like our own — no shortcuts, no surprise add-ons, and no high-pressure sales.

Ready for a No-Pressure Roof Inspection?

If you’re seeing any of these warning signs on your roof, don’t wait for the next heavy storm.
Sweet Home Construction offers honest, detailed roof inspections and replacement estimates across New Jersey — with zero pressure and clear pricing.

7 Warning Signs You Need a New Roof in New Jersey (Homeowner Checklist)