🚨 Top 10 Roofing Red Flags in Louisiana: What Homeowners Must Know

Your roof quietly protects your home day and night — but it also gives off warning signs when it needs help. If you’re living in the Gulf South, recognizing early red flags is vital to protect your investment. At Censtrux, we’re here to help you spot trouble before it turns into a major roofing disaster.

This blog breaks down 10 critical roofing red flags, what they mean, and when to act. If you notice any of these issues, it may be time to consider repairs or even a full roof replacement in Louisiana. 🏠⚠️

🧱 Roofing Red Flags & What They Mean

🚨 Red Flag ⚠️ What It Could Mean
🔄 Curling Shingles Moisture damage, age, or heat stress
⛔ Missing Shingles Wind damage or poor adhesive bond
💧 Leaks & Ceiling Stains Roof penetration, failed flashing, or broken seal
📉 Sagging Roof Sections Water intrusion, rot, or compromised structural decking
🟤 Granule Loss UV damage, hail impact, or aging shingles
💚 Moss/Algae Growth Moisture retention and poor drainage
🎯 Interior Spots on Ceiling Ongoing roof leak, may cause drywall damage
💡 Light in Attic Holes or cracks in roof decking or underlayment
📈 Energy Bill Spikes Lost insulation efficiency from hidden leaks
⌛ Roof Over 20 Years Old Materials at end of life cycle — time to replace

🔍 Detailed Breakdown of Roofing Red Flags

🔄 Curling Shingles

When the corners of shingles start lifting or warping, it often means they’ve dried out, aged, or absorbed moisture over time. In Louisiana’s humid climate, this is common — and it opens the door for wind-driven rain to enter.

⛔ Missing Shingles

Louisiana storms often bring high winds. If your roof has exposed underlayment or bare patches, water can seep into your roof deck — leading to rot and mold.

💧 Ceiling Leaks & Stains

Brown ceiling spots or slow drips after rain are a clear warning. This may be due to:

  • Damaged flashing
  • Cracked shingles
  • Roof penetrations (vents, skylights, etc.)

📉 Sagging Areas

If parts of your roof dip inward or appear uneven, it could be caused by:

  • Saturated insulation
  • Structural weakness in the decking
  • Excessive age or improper ventilation

🟤 Granule Loss

You may find shingle granules in gutters or around your foundation. Granule loss weakens your shingles’ UV protection, speeding up roof deterioration.

💚 Moss or Algae Growth

Moss traps moisture against the roof and lifts shingles over time. Algae leaves streaky black stains and thrives in Louisiana’s moist conditions.

🎯 Interior Ceiling Spots

Water doesn’t always drip — it can soak your attic insulation and form ceiling stains over time. Look up regularly!

💡 Light in the Attic

Daylight shining through means there’s an opening — and if light can get in, water definitely can.

📈 High Energy Bills

A compromised roof may allow hot air in or cool air out. If your bills are rising with no HVAC issue, the roof might be to blame.

⌛ Roof Over 20 Years Old

If your roof is nearing the two-decade mark, it’s likely due for replacement, especially if made from basic 3-tab asphalt shingles.

📊 When to Repair vs. Replace?

Condition Consider Repair Consider Replacement
1–2 Missing Shingles ✅ ❌
Curling in isolated area ✅ ❌
Roof > 20 years ❌ ✅
Leaks in multiple spots ❌ ✅
Structural sagging ❌ ✅

👷‍♂️ Censtrux Tip: If repairs cost more than 30–40% of a full roof replacement, replacement is the smarter investment.

🧾 Louisiana-Specific Roofing Considerations

  • ✅ Always follow the Louisiana State Uniform Construction Code (LSUCC)
  • 🏛️ Permit requirements vary by parish
  • 🔍 Many insurance providers offer discounts for compliant, updated roofs

🔗 Helpful Resources:

🛠️ What to Do if You Spot a Red Flag

  1. 📸 Take photos of damage
  2. ☎️ Call a licensed roofer like Censtrux
  3. 📅 Schedule an inspection
  4. 📋 Get a written repair/replacement estimate
  5. 🏛️ Check for permit or insurance requirements

💬 We offer free inspections to assess whether your home needs a repair or full roof replacement in Louisiana.

🗣️ Louisiana Homeowner Voices

“Our energy bills kept climbing — turned out we had two leaks in our roof. Censtrux found them and gave us a solid quote. Couldn’t be happier.” — Jamal W., Ville Platte

“We thought it was just ceiling stains — but it was structural sagging. Censtrux walked us through every step. Professional and honest.” — Lisa R., Simmesport

📣 Final Takeaway: Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

If your roof shows any red flags, act fast. Small problems quickly become major expenses. Let Censtrux help you extend your roof’s life or plan your next roofing upgrade.

📞 Call 318-613-0072 or Request Your Free Estimate