Michigan homeowners face unique challenges with their roofs due to the extreme temperature swings. The harsh winters, spring storms, and summer heat in Metro Detroit put tremendous stress on roofing materials. Knowing when to replace your roof rather than repair it can save you thousands in potential water damage and structural problems.
At Sargent Roofing, we’ve helped hundreds of Metro Detroit homeowners as a full roof replacement contractor. Here are the five most common signs we see throughout Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties.
1. Your Roof Is More Than 20 Years Old
Age is one of the most reliable indicators that you need a new roof. Most asphalt shingle roofs in Metro Detroit last between 15 – 25 years, depending on installation quality and maintenance history.
Metro Detroit’s freeze-thaw cycles are particularly tough on roofing materials. When winter temperatures swing from below freezing to above and back again, your roofing materials expand and contract repeatedly. This causes faster deterioration than in areas with more stable climates.
If your roof was installed more than two decades ago, it’s probably a good idea to have a professional roofing assessment, even if you don’t notice any obvious damage. Many local Michigan homeowners are surprised to learn their “perfectly good” older roof has hidden issues that could lead to serious problems.
2. Multiple Missing or Damaged Shingles
After those powerful Michigan windstorms that blow through Metro Detroit, you might notice shingles in your yard or visible patches on your roof where shingles once were. A few missing shingles after extreme weather might only require repairs. However, if you’re regularly finding shingles in your yard after moderate winds, or if large sections are damaged, these are signs that the overall integrity of your roof is compromised. Detroit-area homeowners should be especially vigilant about this issue following our notoriously intense spring and summer storms.
3. Granules in Your Gutters or Downspouts
Dark granules collecting in your gutters or at the base of your downspouts are a telltale sign of advanced shingle wear. These granules protect your shingles from UV rays and other weather elements.
In Metro Detroit’s climate, this problem becomes more common in spring when melting snow and rain wash away loosened granules. If you notice significant amounts of these granules when cleaning your gutters (which you should do regularly due to our abundant tree coverage), your roof is likely in the late stages of its life.
Local tip: Michigan’s dramatic seasonal temperature changes accelerate granule loss compared to more moderate climates. What might be normal wear in other parts of the country could indicate a serious issue for Detroit-area homes.
4. Visible Sagging or Dips in Your Roofline
A straight, horizontal roofline is essential. If you stand across the street and notice dips, curves, or sagging areas, this indicates structural problems beneath the shingles. This issue is particularly common in older Metro Detroit neighborhoods with homes built before 1980. Many of these beautiful homes have gone through multiple roof replacements, sometimes with new layers installed over old ones (a practice no longer permitted by Michigan building codes).
Sagging often results from long-term moisture exposure, which is a serious concern given the amount of precipitation we receive. The weight of our heavy winter snow can also reveal or worsen structural weaknesses in aging roofs.
5. Indoor Signs of Roof Failure
Sometimes, the most obvious signs of roof problems appear inside your home:
- Water stains on ceilings or walls, particularly after rain or snow melt
- Peeling paint near roof overhangs
- Damp spots in attic insulation
- Higher energy bills due to escaped air
- Visible light through roof boards when in your attic
These interior warning signs are especially important to watch for as winter turns to spring and the ice starts to melt. This freeze-thaw cycle creates the perfect conditions for ice dams, which force water under shingles and into your home.
Next Steps for Metro Detroit Homeowners
If you’ve noticed any of these five signs, it’s time to contact Sargent Roofing before the damage spreads. Don’t wait until water is actively leaking into your living spaces.
A professional roof inspection from a company like Sargent Roofing can help you determine whether repairs might extend your roof’s life or if replacement is the more cost-effective option.
Remember that in Michigan’s climate, putting off necessary roof replacement typically leads to more extensive (and expensive) damage. Furthermore, if the damage is slow or something that a reasonable homeowner could anticipate, insurance may not cover the damage if it occurs.
Contact our team of roofing specialists today for a free assessment of your roof’s condition and honest recommendations about repair or replacement options suited to your specific situation.
