Roof Warning Signs

Ariel Flores • November 18, 2025

5 Warning Signs Your Roof May Not Survive Another Rainy Season

When you live in the Seattle–Tacoma area, you already know how much your roof is tested every fall and winter. Between steady rain, wind, and the occasional storm, a small issue can quickly become a big problem. The question is — will your roof make it through another rainy season?

Here are five warning signs that it might be time to call Team Roofing NW for a professional roof inspection before the next downpour hits.

1. Missing, Cracked, or Curling Shingles

If you can see bare spots, lifted corners, or missing shingles, your roof’s protective layer has already been compromised.

Cracked or curling shingles often mean your roof is drying out and losing flexibility.
Missing shingles expose your underlayment and decking to direct rainwater.

When moisture finds its way beneath your shingles, it can lead to rot, mold, and interior leaks — especially during Washington’s wettest months.

2. Granules in the Gutters or Around Downspouts

Those little black or sandy particles you see washing out of your gutters aren’t dirt — they’re shingle granules. Granules protect your roof from UV damage and water intrusion.

Once they start to shed, it’s a clear sign that your roof’s surface is breaking down.

If you see granules collecting around your foundation, it’s time for a professional roof inspection before heavy rain speeds up the deterioration.

3. Water Stains or Spots on Ceilings and Walls

A roof should always look straight and solid. If you notice dips, sagging areas, or a wavy roofline, this can signal water damage beneath the shingles.

Sometimes, this damage goes beyond the surface — affecting the decking and support structure below.

This type of issue won’t fix itself, and it often worsens quickly in wet weather.

A full roof replacement may be the only safe option if the structure has been compromised.

4. Sagging Rooflines or Soft Spots

Replacing your roof before visible issues appear can actually save money in the long run:

Hidden leaks can slowly cause thousands in damage before you notice them.
Roofing material costs increase every year, meaning a roof replaced this year may cost significantly less than waiting one or two years.
Unexpected structural repairs discovered later add to your total cost.

In short: replacing an aging roof early prevents surprise expenses and protects your home’s long-term value.

5. Your Roof Is 20+ Years Old

Even the best-installed roofs have a lifespan.

If your roof was installed around 2005 or earlier, it’s reaching the end of its service life.

Older roofs were built with different materials and ventilation standards than we use today, and once shingles lose flexibility and seal strength, leaks become inevitable.

Replacing an aging roof before major damage occurs will:

Prevent structural rot and costly emergency repairs
Protect your home through Washington’s harshest weather
Save money before annual material price increases

Why Waiting Can Cost More Later

Roofing materials and labor costs rise every year. A replacement this season often costs thousands less than waiting one or two years — especially if you add in the cost of water damage or repeated repairs.

Even a slow, unnoticed leak can create serious damage to your roof decking, trusses, and attic insulation before you ever see a ceiling stain.

Schedule Your Free Roof Inspection Before the Rain Starts

If you’ve noticed any of these warning signs, don’t wait for a leak to appear.

At Team Roofing NW, we offer free roof inspections throughout the Puget Sound area, including Kent, Tacoma, Puyallup, Renton, Bonney Lake, and Seattle.