Quick Roof Assessment
Check for these critical signs:
Immediate Replacement Needed:
- ✗ Widespread shingle damage
- ✗ Sagging roof deck
- ✗ Daylight through roof boards
- ✗ Multiple active leaks
May Need Replacement Soon:
- ◯ Roof age 20+ years
- ◯ Extensive granule loss
- ◯ Curling/buckling shingles
- ◯ Interior water stains
1. Roof Age: The Most Important Factor
Expected Lifespan by Material
Fort Worth's extreme heat accelerates roof aging. Manufacturer ratings assume moderate climates—subtract 5-7 years for Texas conditions. If your roof is approaching these ages, schedule a professional inspection even without visible damage.
Pro Tip: Check your home inspection report or installation receipt for roof age. Can't find it? Look for original building permits at city hall or check when neighbors replaced their roofs—subdivisions often installed roofs simultaneously.
2. Excessive Granule Loss
What to Look For:
- ▸Granules accumulating in gutters and downspouts
- ▸Bare spots on shingles (asphalt exposed)
- ▸Uneven shingle color (fading/discoloration)
- ▸Granules washing down from roof onto sidewalks
Why It Matters:
Granules protect shingles from UV rays and weathering. Once lost, shingles deteriorate rapidly in Fort Worth's intense sun.
Normal vs. Concerning:
- ✓ Light granule shedding first 1-2 years = normal
- ✗ Heavy granule loss after 10+ years = replacement soon
3. Curling or Buckling Shingles
Two Types of Shingle Deformation:
Curling (Edges Lift Up)
Causes: Age, poor ventilation, UV exposure, moisture cycling
Severity: Allows wind to lift shingles off roof. High risk of blow-offs during storms.
Buckling (Center Humps Up)
Causes: Improper installation, wet underlayment, insufficient ventilation
Severity: Indicates underlying structural issues. Usually requires full replacement.
Inspection Method: Walk around your house and look at the roof from ground level. Use binoculars to inspect shingle edges. Curled or buckled shingles are visible from the street—if you see wavy or uneven lines, schedule an inspection immediately.
4. Missing or Broken Shingles
Simple repair. Replace individual shingles.
Extensive repair. May indicate broader issues.
Consider replacement. Roof integrity compromised.
After Fort Worth storms (especially hail and wind), inspect your roof for missing shingles. A few missing shingles can quickly cascade—once water penetrates underlayment, adjacent shingles weaken. Document damage with photos for insurance claims.
5. Water Stains on Ceilings or Walls
Common Water Stain Locations:
Attic Inspection:
- • Dark streaks on roof decking
- • Wet insulation (especially after rain)
- • Mold or mildew growth
- • Water pooling on attic floor
- • Musty odor
Interior Rooms:
- • Brown/yellow ceiling stains
- • Peeling paint near ceiling edges
- • Bubbling drywall texture
- • Stains on exterior walls (upper levels)
- • Drips during/after rain
Critical Warning: Water stains indicate active roof failure. Even small leaks cause exponential damage—wet insulation loses R-value, mold spreads, and wood rot begins within days in humid Texas summers.
Don't delay: Schedule emergency inspection immediately if you see new water stains.
6. Sagging or Drooping Roof Sections
STRUCTURAL EMERGENCY
A sagging roof indicates serious structural damage—often from prolonged water intrusion rotting roof decking and rafters.
Do not delay. Contact a structural engineer and roofing contractor immediately. Roof collapse risk increases with every rain.
How to Check: Stand at street level and look at your roofline. It should form straight lines. Any dips, waves, or sagging sections indicate structural failure.
From Inside: Look up at your attic ceiling. Sagging between rafters or visible bowing of roof boards requires immediate professional assessment.
7. Daylight Visible Through Roof Boards
Attic Test: On a sunny day, turn off attic lights and look up. Any visible daylight streaming through roof boards indicates holes, gaps, or severely deteriorated shingles.
What Daylight Penetration Means:
- ✗Pinhole light: Minor gaps in shingles (repair may suffice if isolated)
- ✗Multiple light spots: Widespread shingle failure (replacement likely)
- ✗Large gaps: Immediate emergency—roof integrity compromised
If daylight can get through, so can rain, snow, insects, and wildlife. This is a replacement-level issue in most cases.
8. Damaged or Missing Flashing
Critical Flashing Areas to Inspect:
Chimney Flashing
Most common leak source. Check for rust, gaps, or pulled-away sections.
Valley Flashing
Where two roof slopes meet. Heavy water flow area—damaged valleys leak badly.
Vent Pipe Boots
Rubber boots crack in Texas heat. Check all plumbing vents for dried/cracked seals.
Skylights
Flashing deteriorates around edges. Water stains near skylights = flashing failure.
Repair vs. Replace Decision: Isolated flashing damage can be repaired if roof is otherwise healthy. However, if your roof is 15+ years old and needs flashing work, consider full replacement—you'll avoid patching an aging roof repeatedly.
9. Unexplained Spike in Energy Bills
How Roof Damage Affects Energy Costs:
Poor Ventilation from Damaged Vents
Attic temperatures reach 150°F+ in summer. Blocked/damaged vents trap heat, increasing AC load by 25-40%.
Wet Insulation Loses Effectiveness
Water-soaked insulation loses 50-90% of R-value. Your AC works overtime to compensate.
Air Leaks Through Deteriorated Roof
Gaps in roof structure allow conditioned air to escape—same as leaving windows open.
Quick Test: Compare your electric bills year-over-year for same months (adjust for rate changes). A 20%+ increase without usage changes may indicate roof/insulation problems. New roof with proper ventilation can reduce cooling costs by 15-25%.
10. Moss, Algae, or Fungus Growth
🟢 Cosmetic Only (Usually):
Algae Stains (Dark Streaks)
Common in humid climates. Looks bad but doesn't damage shingles. Can be cleaned or prevented with algae-resistant shingles.
Action: Clean or wait until replacement
🔴 Structural Concern:
Moss Growth (Green/Thick)
Moss retains moisture and roots lift shingles. Indicates excessive shade/moisture—suggests poor drainage or ventilation.
Action: Remove moss, improve drainage, inspect for damage
Fort Worth Climate Note: Our hot, dry summers reduce moss risk versus humid climates, but north-facing/shaded roof sections can develop growth. If moss appears suddenly after years without it, investigate drainage changes (clogged gutters, tree overgrowth).
Repair vs. Replace: Decision Guide
When to Choose Each Option
Repair if:
- ✓Roof is less than 15 years old
- ✓Damage is isolated (one section)
- ✓Fewer than 10 damaged shingles
- ✓No interior water damage
- ✓Flashing is the only issue
- ✓Repair cost under $1,500
Replace if:
- ✗Roof is 20+ years old
- ✗Damage covers 25%+ of roof
- ✗Multiple previous repair patches
- ✗Structural issues (sagging/decking rot)
- ✗Widespread granule loss/curling
- ✓You're selling home within 2 years
Rule of Thumb: If repair costs exceed 25% of replacement cost, replace the roof.
Financial Consideration: A $2,000 repair on a 22-year-old roof may seem economical, but that roof will likely need replacement within 3-5 years anyway. Factor in total cost over next 5 years—replacement now often saves money long-term.
2025 Fort Worth Roof Replacement Costs
| Roof Size | Standard Shingles | Premium Shingles | Metal Roofing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | $5,250-$8,250 | $6,750-$9,750 | $12,000-$18,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $7,000-$11,000 | $9,000-$13,000 | $16,000-$24,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft | $8,750-$13,750 | $11,250-$16,250 | $20,000-$30,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $10,500-$16,500 | $13,500-$19,500 | $24,000-$36,000 |
Prices include tear-off, disposal, underlayment, materials, labor, and basic warranty. Add 10-20% for complex roofs (multiple valleys, steep pitch, 3+ stories).
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I inspect my Fort Worth roof?
Inspect twice yearly (spring and fall) and after major storms. Fort Worth's severe weather (hail, wind, heat) accelerates damage. Annual professional inspections recommended for roofs 15+ years old.
Will insurance cover roof replacement?
Storm damage (hail, wind) is typically covered minus deductible. Age-related wear is not covered. Document damage immediately after storms, file claims within policy deadlines (often 1 year in Texas), and get professional damage assessments.
Can I replace just half my roof to save money?
Not recommended. Partial replacements create mismatched appearance, void warranties, and leave old sections vulnerable. If one side needs replacement, the other side (same age, same exposure) will fail soon. Replace the entire roof for longevity and warranty coverage.
What's the best time of year to replace a roof in Fort Worth?
Fall (September-November) and spring (March-May) offer ideal conditions—moderate temperatures and lower storm risk. Avoid peak summer heat (reduces installer productivity and material adhesion quality). Book 2-3 months ahead during busy seasons.
Concerned About Your Roof?
Get a free professional roof inspection. We'll assess damage, provide honest recommendations, and help you make the right repair vs. replace decision.