It’s easy to forget about your roof. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Living in Wisconsin means your roof faces some pretty tough conditions: heavy snow, freezing temperatures, ice dams, and high winds. Over time, this can all add up, causing wear and tear that may not always be obvious from the ground.
As a homeowner in the Fox Cities, the last thing you want is to wait until you’re dealing with major damage to realize it’s time for a new roof. So, how do you know when your roof is no longer doing its job?
Let’s walk through some of the key warning signs that signal you need a new roof. From curling shingles to rising energy bills, understanding what to look for can help you make an informed decision, plan ahead, and avoid big problems down the road.
- Age of Your Roof
- Curling, Cracked, or Missing Shingles
- Granule Loss & Bald Spots on Shingles
- Leaks, Water Damage, and Mold
- Sagging Roof or Structural Issues
- Increased Energy Bills
- Roof Flashing Damage
- Your Neighbors Are Replacing Their Roofs
1. Age of Your Roof
One of the biggest indicators that it’s time for a new roof is simply its age. Every roof has an expiration date. Most asphalt shingle roofs, which are common here in Wisconsin, last 20 to 25 years under normal conditions. Other materials, like metal or rubber, may last longer.
If your roof is older, it’s a good idea to start planning for a replacement—even if you don’t see obvious signs of damage. Older roofs are prone to leaks and structural issues, which can potentially become major, expensive issues that put your family at risk.
What to do if you’re not sure how old your roof is:
- Check your home records, like past purchase documents, listings, or building permits.
- Ask previous owners or your realtor if they know when the roof was last replaced.
- Get a professional inspection to estimate your roof’s age based on condition.
Knowledge is power. By knowing your home’s age, you can better plan and budget for a new roof and avoid costly damage.
2. Curling, Cracked, or Missing Shingles
Exposure to heavy snow, ice, rain, and wind here in Northeast Wisconsin can cause your shingles to wear down over time. If you notice curling, cracking, or missing shingles, your roof is likely not protecting your home the way it should.
Curled or buckling shingles, cracked shingles, or gaps where shingles used to be leave your roof vulnerable to damage from water, wind, pests, and more. With seasonal shifts and major temperature fluctuations here in the Fox Cities, you don’t want to wait until a leak appears to address these issues.
If you’re experiencing these issues, a professional inspection can determine if a roof repair is enough or if it’s time for a full replacement.
3. Granule Loss & Bald Spots on Shingles
Your roof’s shingles are coated with tiny granules that protect your home from UV rays, weather, and moisture damage. Over time, these granules start to wear off, which leaves your shingles exposed and less effective at protecting your home.
If you notice granule loss, it’s a sign your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. While minor loss is normal as roofs age, excessive granule loss means your roof may need replacing soon.
Without these granules, your shingles begin to dry out and become brittle. This leaves your home at risk for leaks, interior damage, and higher heating and cooling costs.
Signs of granule loss:
While this issue can be harder to spot from the ground, look for:
- A sand-like buildup in your gutters or downspouts
- Bald spots on shingles or areas where the black asphalt underneath is showing through
- Discoloration, fading, or uneven patches
4. Leaks, Water Damage, and Mold
A leaky roof is one of the most obvious warning signs you need a new roof. Over time, even small drips and leaks can lead to rotting wood, weakened structural integrity, mold and mildew problems, insulation damage, and more.
Leaks are an especially big deal in Wisconsin, where heavy rain, snow, and ice put stress on your roof. In the winter months, Wisconsin homeowners need to watch for leaks caused by ice dams. Ice dams form when warm air from your home melts snow on the roof, which then refreezes at the edges and blocks drainage. This trapped water can force its way under shingles and into your home, causing major leaks.
Signs of a roof leak:
- Brown or yellowish water stains on ceilings or walls
- Mold or mildew growth in your attic, ceilings, or walls
- A persistent musty or damp smell (especially after rain or snow)
- Dripping water or unexpected wet spots
If you notice any signs of a leak, don’t wait—water damage can escalate quickly.
5. Sagging Roof or Structural Issues
A sagging roof is one of the most serious warning signs you need a new roof for your Fox Cities home. Unlike missing shingles or small leaks, a sagging roof generally means there is structural damage beneath the surface.
A sagging roof won’t get better on its own. The longer you delay, the higher the risk of expensive structural repairs, water infiltration, mold growth, and even a roof collapse that can put your loved ones in danger.
Fox Cities homeowners should pay extra attention to sagging during winter, especially after a heavy snowfall. All that extra weight from snow and ice can strain your roof, which stresses weak areas over time.
How to spot a sagging roof:
- Stand back and look for dips or low spots on your roofline
- Inspect interior ceilings for sagging or warping
- Watch for cracks in your walls or ceilings
6. Increased Energy Bills
If you’ve noticed your heating bills skyrocketing in the winter or your AC struggling to keep up in the summer, your roof could be part of the problem. With Wisconsin’s constantly fluctuating temperatures, your roof plays a major role in your home’s energy efficiency. If your roof is deteriorating, it could be costing you more money every month.
A worn-out roof with damaged shingles, gaps, or poor insulation allows warm air to leak out during the winter, forcing your furnace to work harder. Similarly, if the roof doesn’t reflect heat properly, it can trap warm air and make your air conditioner run longer.
One of the benefits of a new roof is lower energy costs. Energy-efficient roofing materials and better insulation and ventilation can significantly reduce your energy bills.
Signs your roof is affecting your energy bills:
- Sudden spikes in heating and cooling costs with no changes to your normal routine or energy use
- Uneven temperatures throughout your home
- The formation of ice dams in the winter due to heat escaping from your attic
7. Roof Flashing Damage
Roof flashing is an important but often overlooked part of your roof. Flashing is the thin metal material that seals the areas where your roof meets chimneys, vents, skylights, and other structures. It prevents water from seeping into your home. When it’s damaged or missing, leaks can quickly follow—especially with the heavy rains and snow we get here in the Appleton area.
Water near key areas like your chimney or skylights can compromise your roof’s integrity. Even a small leak from faulty flashing can lead to rotting wood, mold, and interior repairs.
Older roofs often have cement or tar flashing. Check your roof for these materials, as they tend to degrade more quickly than modern metal flashing (such as aluminum or steel). Metal flashing also provides better protection against Wisconsin’s harsh weather.
Signs of roof flashing damage:
- Water stains, moisture, or discoloration near chimneys, skylights, or vents
- Cracked, corroded, or rusted flashing
- Loose or missing flashing
8. Your Neighbors Are Replacing Their Roofs
If you’ve noticed roofing crews working on homes in your neighborhood, it might be time to start thinking about your roof.
In many neighborhoods throughout the Fox Cities, homes were built around the same time. Similarly, homes in the nearby area are likely to experience the same wind, weather, and temperature fluctuations. That means that if your neighbors’ roofs are damaged or reaching the end of their lifespan, yours could be too.
Preventive action is better than emergency repairs. If you notice several neighbors replacing their roofs, take it as a sign to schedule a professional inspection.
Protect Your Fox Cities Home Before the Damage Is Done
If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs we’ve discussed, it’s a good idea to take action sooner rather than later. Don’t wait until leaks or structural damage force your hand—being proactive will save you money and keep your home safe.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your roof, reach out to our team of experienced Wisconsin roofers today. We’ll help you assess the situation and plan for the future—whether it’s repairs or investing in a new roof that is durable, safe, and energy-efficient.
Schabel Exteriors is an Appleton roofing company serving Northeast Wisconsin, including Oshkosh, Neenah, Menansha, Fond du Lac, Winnecone, Kimberly, and more. If you need an experienced roofing expert you can trust, we’re here to help.
Contact UsSchabel Exteriors is a wonderful company to work with and they did a great job on my roof. They were knowledgeable, explained everything to me about the process, extremely nice, and their crew worked fast and hard to finish my roof in the cold weather.
— Amy from Waupun, WI