Do You Actually Need a New Roof? 2025
Introduction
Most homeowners wait until there's a visible leak or a roofing emergency to think about replacement, but by then, it's often too late to maximize their insurance benefits.
So, how do you know if your roof needs to be replaced?
And if it does, will your insurance pay for it?
This guide will walk you through:
Visible signs that you need a new roof
What insurance adjusters look for
How roof age and condition affect your claim
When to push for a full replacement (not just a repair)
1. Obvious Signs You Might Need a New Roof
Some red flags are easy to spot—and usually mean you’re overdue for full replacement:
Missing or curling shingles
Wind/storm damage or material breakdown
Granules are collecting in gutters
Asphalt shingle wear—often age-related
Roof sagging or soft spots
Structural compromise, often urgent
Interior leaks/stains on the ceiling
Water intrusion from underlayment failure
Flashing or valley damage
High-risk water entry zones, often neglected
Take photos of anything unusual. Visual evidence matters for both you and your insurer.
2. Less Obvious Indicators (That Still Matter)
Even if the roof looks okay, these subtle signs can still point toward replacement:
Age 15–20+ years for asphalt shingles
Discontinued shingles (can’t be repaired or matched)
Uneven shingle color (past patch jobs or UV wear)
Roofing material cracking under foot pressure
Mold or moss buildup (may indicate trapped moisture)
3. What Insurance Adjusters Look for
When assessing whether you qualify for repair or replacement, adjusters typically evaluate:
Extent of visible damage
Small area → repair
multiple slopes → replacement
Storm or wind history: Events tied to damage that cause the claim
Shingle availability: If they’re out of production, full replacement becomes likely.
Matching requirements: If repairs will not match the existing roof, full replacement may be required.
4. Roof Age & Insurance: What You Need to Know
Most homeowners don’t realize that roof age affects payout.
If your roof is under 10 years old, many policies cover replacement costs
If it’s over 15 years, you may only receive the depreciated value
Utah’s visual matching expectations may override age depreciation if repair isn’t feasible
5. When to Push for a Full Roof Replacement
Don’t settle for a patch job if:
Your roof has damage across multiple slopes
Your shingles are discontinued
You’ve already had previous spot repairs
Repairs would violate the manufacturer's warranty or code
The visible damage isn’t the whole story—water may be under the surface
* In these cases, insurance may owe for a complete system replacement, not a band-aid.
6. What to Do Next
If you're unsure whether your roof qualifies:
Step 1: Document What You See
Photos of shingle condition, granule loss, leaks, and overall wear help.
Step 2: Schedule a Professional Roof Evaluation
Don’t rely on insurance alone—get a second opinion from someone trained in claim inspections.
Step 3: Check Past Work & Age
Look into:
Installation year
Past repair records
Material type and current availability
Final Takeaway
Waiting for your roof to fail outright can cost you more, and may limit what insurance will cover.
If your roof is:
15+ years old
Visibly damaged
Made with discontinued shingles
Or compromised by wind or storm exposure...
…it’s worth getting a full inspection and discussing your insurance options before problems get worse.
Book a free roof inspection today
