7 Signs You Need a New Roof

Perhaps some of your neighbors are having their roof replaced and you are curious if your own residential roof is nearing its expiration date.  There are some key signs to look for, including the age of your roof, condition of the roofing materials and the durability of the roof decking. 

Residential roof replacement is something Best Contracting, located in Lancaster County, PA takes seriously. 

If you suspect any of the following seven things, give us a call today for a free estimate. 

Roof Age

If your roof is at least twenty years old, it is most likely time for a new roof.  Experts agree that typical asphalt shingle roofs’ life expectancy is about 20-25 years before needing to be replaced.  Keep in mind if your old roof shingles were completely removed before your current roof was installed or if there are layers of shingles lining your roof.  This and proper ventilation can impact the timing of replacing your roof. 

Curling or Buckling Shingles

If you notice any of your shingles are curled or buckled at all, you may be in need of a new roof.  When you look at the slopes of your roof in direct sunlight, look for missing granules or bald spots on the shingles.  This is another sign that the shingles are past their life expectancy and you may need a roof replacement. 

Damaged Roof Valley Shingles

A roof valley is where two roof slopes meet, allowing rain and snow to flow through the valleys and into your gutters.  If roof shingles are damaged or missing in these important areas of your roof, you could be susceptible to roof leaks.  You do not want to mess around if you suspect your roof valleys are damaged in any way.  Replacing a roof AND repairing leak damage can be very costly – so don’t delay, contact Best Contracting today!

Missing Shingles

After a bad storm, it is important to do a quick survey of the outside of your home.  Check your windows, siding and roof for any potential damage.  If you notice any missing shingles, it would be wise to contact a licensed roofing contractor right away to have your roof professionally assessed. 

Chimney Flashing

Chimney flashing is the sheet metal that is installed where the base of your chimney meets your roof shingles.  When installed properly, it will ensure the connection between your chimney and roof is watertight.  If your current chimney flashing is made of roof cement or tar, it is time to replace it with a long-term, water resistant metal flashing system.  Just as roof shingles have an average expiration date of 20-25 years, the effectiveness of chimney flashes usually expires when your roof does.

Shingle Granules in the Gutters

If your home is surrounded by trees, it is recommended to clean out your gutters 3-4 times a year.  While doing so, see if you notice an abundance of shingle granules collected in the gutters.  Roofing granules are made up of crushed stone and minerals, which are adhered to a backing material covered in asphalt to create roofing shingles in a variety of shapes, colors and sizes.  Roofs tend to lose more granules towards the end of their lifespan, so a collection of granules in your gutters could be a sign of needing a roof replacement.

Daylight Through Roof Boards

If you are ever on your roof and notice a spongey feeling or even a small bounce as you walk, the underlying decking may have moisture damage.  You should check in your attic to see if you notice any daylight between the roof boards.  If you see daylight or feel any moisture in the installation, it would be wise to contact a certified roofing contractor. 

Best Contracting is based in Lancaster County, PA and are known for their quality workmanship and dedication to their customers.  They take pride in delivering superior results to your home in a timely and neat fashion. 

Best Contracting uses a “New Roof, No Mess” process, which ensures the tidy removal of your old roof while the replacement roof is being installed.  Many former clients rave about this hassle and mess-free process.  Best Contracting is a fully insured contractor that holds several trusted roofing industry certifications to prove their expertise in the residential roofing world. 

Best Contracting offers a variety of residential services, including roofing, siding and gutters.  If you feel a new residential roof is in your near future, contact the best contractors of Lancaster County at (717) 283-4524 or via our website today.  We look forward to working with you soon!