Need a new roof?  Just the thought can send homeowners into a cold sweat.  Nobody likes to consider the expense of having his or her roof rebuilt, but sometimes it just can’t be avoided.

Of course, having a licensed roofing specialist like DePalma Construction handle the work can help to make it a lot less painful, but it’s still something you‘ll likely have to face eventually.  There’s just no avoiding the regular wear and tear that a roof endures, particularly here in the Mechanicsburg, Dillsburg, Harrisburg and East Berlin area.

Fortunately, there are several key signs you can look for to help you determine if you need to replace your roof.

1. Your roof is getting old – In general, most asphalt shingle roofs last for between 20-30 years. If your roof is more than 30 years old chances are that it’s time to consider replacing it, even if it looks good from the ground.   It’s a matter of simple natural wear.   The longer you use anything, the more likely it is to break down and lose its effectiveness, and your roof is no exception.  This is particularly true if you’ve recently experienced harsh, stormy winter or summer weather.  The worse the weather conditions, the more likely they are to take a toll on your roof, and that will affect the ability of your roof to do its job, protecting your home and family.
2. Shingle damage – Not surprisingly, the most obvious indication that you need a new roof is shingle damage. Fortunately, it’s also one of the most visible signs.  If the edges of your shingles are curling or the center of the shingle is sticking up, that means that the possibility of leaking is much higher.  Cracks in the shingles are another type of damage that can prevent them from remaining watertight.  While you can certainly replace individual shingles, if you see consistent damage or large areas of damage then you might be better served by replacing the entire roof.
3. Shingles are missing – Again, this is easily noticed even from the ground. Shingles can be washed away by heavy rain or, more commonly, blown away by high winds.  Whatever the cause, if you notice areas on your roof where shingles are missing this is definitely something that should be addressed as quickly as possible.  As with damaged shingles, it is possible to replace missing shingles individually, but it may be difficult to properly match the color to your existing roof, as color can fade over time.  If you have many areas where shingles are missing, you might want to consider biting the bullet and just replacing the whole roof.
4. Granules accumulate in the gutter – Granules act as a protective covering for shingles, keeping the sun from baking the asphalt underneath. You may notice some granules in the gutter soon after having a new roof installed, and that’s normal, but if you’re finding granules in the gutter and you have a roof that is more than 10-15 years old, that’s a warning sign.  The more the granules wear off, the more the asphalt will be exposed to the elements, which can weaken your roof.
5. Moss or algae build up – Moss can often build up on roofs, especially if they are in areas with a cool, moist climate or they don’t get a lot of direct sun exposure. In most cases, this buildup is just an eyesore, causing unsightly dark streaks in your roof.  Over time, though, it can also cause moisture to accumulate against the roof surface.  When that moisture freezes and hardens, it can damage the shingles.  If you’re noticing a buildup of moss or algae, it may be time to consider having a professional cleaning or just opting to replace the entire roof.
6. You can see sunlight through your attic ceiling – When most people think about whether they need a new roof, the first thing that comes to mind is leaking. While that can be a huge red flag, you don’t have to get that far before you replace your roof.  If you can see sunlight filtering in through the ceiling boards in your attic, you’re already in jeopardy, whether you’ve experienced a leak or not.  If sunlight can get in so can rain, snow and cold and that’s not a good thing.
7. The roof is sagging – Another major indicator of trouble is a roof that is visibly sagging. This is a sign of trouble that goes far deeper than the shingles themselves.  Usually, sagging indicates damage or weakening in the support structure of the roof, so if you notice sagging, you should take immediate action to get your roof repaired and replaced.

While some roof issues can be handled with ordinary maintenance, if you’ve noticed any of the signs listed above, then chances are it’s time for you to consider getting a new roof.  It’s not a pleasant idea, but it doesn’t have to be a cause for panic either, particularly when you have the professionals at DePalma Construction to depend on.

We’ll install a top quality roof using only the most dependable roofing products, and we get almost every roof completed in one day.  We also offer 20-year warranties on all of our work as well as manufacturer’s warranties so that you can rest easy.  Don’t let roof damage catch you by surprise; look for the signs that your roof needs replacing and give us a call today.  We’ll take the headache out of getting that new roof! Contact us for a free roofing estimate today.