5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof (Not Just Repair It)

Not all roof issues can be patched. While roof repairs are great for isolated damage, there comes a point when repairing your roof is just throwing money at a sinking ship. The trick is knowing when to stop spending on band-aids and invest in a full roof replacement.

If you live in Dubuque, Iowa City, or Cedar Rapids, where storms, hail, and long winters hit hard, here are 5 red flags it might be time to stop patching and start planning.

1. Your Roof Is Over 20 Years Old

Most asphalt shingles—the most common roofing type in Iowa—are built to last 20 to 25 years. If your roof is creeping past that age and you’re already seeing wear, repairs will become more frequent, and less effective.

🔗 Learn about our full roof replacement process.

2. You Keep Finding Granules in the Gutters

Those gritty, sand-like granules on your shingles? They protect your roof from UV damage. Once they start shedding and collecting in your gutters, your shingles are exposed—and their lifespan shortens drastically.

3. You Have Multiple Leaks, Not Just One

One leak is often a repair job. Multiple leaks? That’s a sign of system-wide failure. Water infiltration in multiple spots indicates the underlayment may be deteriorating, meaning your entire roofing system is compromised.

🔗 Schedule a roof inspection before it gets worse.

4. The Shingles Are Curling, Cracking, or Bald

Shingles should lie flat against your roof. If you notice them curling at the edges, cracking, or losing color, they’re no longer protecting your home. This is especially common after years of Iowa's freeze-thaw cycles.

5. Your Energy Bills Are Creeping Up

Insulation and ventilation issues caused by an aging roof can make your home less efficient. A compromised roofing system allows heat to escape in winter and traps it in summer, leading to steadily rising utility costs.

Know When to Repair—and When to Replace

At Passion Exteriors, we don’t push full replacements unless they’re truly needed. We provide honest assessments, breakdown the long-term cost differences, and help you choose what’s best for your home, your budget, and your future.

Whether you're in Asbury, Peosta, or Epworth, our roofing team brings trusted craftsmanship to every job—repair or replace.

👉 Explore roof replacement options.
👉 Still not sure? Book a free inspection.

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