When Should You Change Your Roofing?

By Léa Plourde-Archer

Updated on November 3, 2025

Is your roof in bad shape? Do you think it might be time to repair it? RenoQuotes outlines the key indicators that can help you determine if your roof is in dire need of repair!

Chances are that your house was the biggest investment you'll ever make. Therefore, knowing when and how to maintain and renovate it is crucial for it to retain its value. Concerning your roof, there are a few clear signs that indicate a need for rooftop renovations.

Roof Renovation: 4 Factors to Consider

Asphalt shingle roof renovation work on a brick semi-detached house, with workers installing the new covering on the exposed framework, surrounded by several outbuildings and gardens in a residential yard.

Source : Toiture Gladu inc

1) Age of roof

Depending on the age of the roof, you'll eventually have to look into renovating either the whole thing or certain sections of it. On average, professional roofers agree that most roofs last between 20 and 25 years.

Of course, if your roof has been well maintained and renovated in the past, it'll withstand the test of time. It should also be noted that not all roofing materials are subject to the same requirements. In all cases, if your roof is approximately twenty years old, you should contact a roofing expert for an inspection.

To learn more about the lifespans of roofs, check out the following article: Comparing Different Roofing Materials

2) Damaged or missing roof shingles

If you've noticed missing shingles, ask a contractor to assess the situation. They'll be able to share the best solutions for your specific case. And, if you spot damaged shingles, you need to act quickly.

In either case, this type of deterioration could stem from different things such as wear from time, weather, etc. Contact a roofing professional to get to the bottom of it.

For more information, read this article: Wind-Damaged Roof: Replacing or Repairing

3) Stained ceilings inside the home

In the event that you notice brown stains on your ceiling, this could mean that it’s already too late. However, the consequence of this situation is that it'll be a good indication that your roof isn’t fulfilling its purpose anymore. Chances are that water has started seeping through the cracks in the roof, which should be seen as a true warning sign. Contact a roofing specialist as soon as possible to figure out what are the best solutions.

For more info about water damage, consult our article: How to Prevent or Fix Roof Water Damage

4) Debris-filled gutters

You should look in your gutters! If you find pieces of broken shingles, something is wrong. Toward to end of their service life, much like humans who lose their teeth and hair, shingles start crumbling. When you find small shingle pieces in your gutters, this is a major sign that indicates that you should renovate your roof. Don’t wait too long, the damage will get worse!

Why hire a professional roofer for a roof renovation project?

Roof renovation work on a two-story house, with workers installing new plywood panels, surrounded by scaffolding in a wooded residential setting on a sunny day.

Source : Entrepreneur général F.T.S.C construction inc

Have you spotted any of the above factors indicating that your roof needs to be renovated? Some might want to try to carry out the renovations themselves to save money and time. However, this type of DIY project isn't recommended.

In fact, this kind of project is too risky, too complex and has a lot of potential consequences.

Using a professional roofer has several advantages. Here are a few:

- Experience: Over time, an expert roofer will have worked on several roofs and encountered all kinds of problems. The roofer (and their team) will know what techniques to use to perform repairs efficiently and sustainably.

- Warranty and durability: Some roofers offer short or long-term work warranties. Moreover, as these contractors seek to satisfy their customers, it's in their best interest that the work is done well!

- Access to protections: Did any problems occur following a roof renovation project? If you're dealing with a certified contractor, you'll potentially have access to compensation (licence caution, insurance), which you won't have access to if you do the work yourself.

Don't forget to check our article Roof Renovation Guide: Checklist of Steps to Follow.


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