When Is the Best Time to Replace My Roof?

Your roof plays a big role in maintaining the overall integrity of your home, keeping you protected from the elements and helping control your heating and cooling costs. But, like everything else in the world, a roof doesn’t last forever.

A typical roof with asphalt shingles will last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, but most homeowners will squeeze out a few extra before making the investment in a replacement.

So, when is the best time to replace your roof? Well, before you’re in dire need. Being able to plan for a replacement allows you to shop around, budget and eliminate having to make a rash decision out of necessity. So, if you’re at the point of squeezing out those extra years, you might want to think about putting a roof replacement plan together.

In terms of what time of year is the best time to replace your roof, we say April through October. But, we work on roofing projects all year because emergencies often happen.

Why do we say April through October? Well, traditional asphalt shingles need to undergo a thermal sealing process. In Pennsylvania, temperatures and the sun angle in these months makes this process happen much quicker. Also, shingles can become brittle and break in colder temperatures, so the warmer temps make installation go more smoothly.

Can you replace a roof in the winter? Absolutely. But we prefer not to replace roofs in weather below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. As mentioned above, the asphalt shingles need to go through a thermal sealing process, and colder weather makes this take much longer. But, sometimes working in temps below 40 degrees is unavoidable. Most shingle manufacturers call for a specialized adhesive to be applied to each shingle in temps below 40, which is something we certainly abide by.

You should be inspecting your home at least once a year to see if any issues are arising. If you notice missing or damaged shingles, mold or mildew growing, or you’ve noticed spots on your walls or ceiling inside your home, you could have a problem roof.

Your home is one of your largest investments and its roof should protect that investment. At Greenawalt Roofing Company, we ensure that protection by using only the highest-quality asphalt shingles and underlayment. Contact Greenawalt Roofing Company today at 717-898-6000 for your FREE estimate.

ROOF GUTTER INSTALLATION

GUTTER AND SPOUTING SYSTEMS FOR YOUR HOME

At Greenawalt Roofing Company, we know how important gutter systems are and we use the same care with our gutter and spouting installation as we do with our quality roofing services. If your gutters and downspouts aren’t performing properly, rainwater will run off the roof and pool near the foundation, potentially damaging the structural integrity of your home.

COMMON ISSUES WITH GUTTERS

Cracks in walls and floors can be indicators of water infiltration potentially caused by poorly performing gutters and spouting. Poor performance doesn’t always mean that the gutters need to be replaced. They could simply be clogged with leaves or other debris and would benefit from the addition of gutter guards.

Gutters work hard to protect your home but over time can wear out due to ice formation, damage from debris or wind and general aging and rusting that could lead to splitting seams. Most gutter systems today are fabricated from aluminum and feature a seamless design that will provide optimal protection for your home for years to come.  

THE GREENAWALT SOLUTION

Greenawalt Roofing Company offers a variety of gutter systems that have a wide color palette to complement the look of your home. We also offer highly durable, very attractive copper gutters that are fabricated on-site for a custom fit that eliminates seams and the possibility for leakage.

GUTTERS

An efficient, high-quality, and well-installed gutter system can protect your home from inclement weather alongside your roofing system. If impeded, water can pool and erode your foundation, causing severe damage to the overall structure. This is generally first noticed as cracking walls or floors, though more severe damage to the frame can occur and remain hidden within the walls. A properly installed gutter will divert water flow away from the home, and will help to keep it from entering windows, crawl spaces, or basements where it can cause mold and rot damage.

At Greenawalt Roofing Company, we know how important gutter systems are and we use the same care with our gutter & spouting installation as we do with our quality roofing services. We offer a variety of gutter systems in a variety of colors and materials to complement the look of your home.

All of our gutters and spouting systems are available in 35 different colors to perfectly match the existing theme of your home, or to add an element of bold decoration. We also offer highly durable, very attractive copper gutters that are fabricated on-site for a custom fit that eliminates seams and the possibility for leakage.

CALL GREENAWALT ROOFING COMPANY AT 717-898-6000 FOR FREE ESTIMATE!

Serving Lancaster, York, Dauphin and Berks Counties.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STORM DAMAGE AND INSURANCE CLAIMS

STEP 1

BEFORE YOU FILE A CLAIM

If you think your roof or property has been damaged by a storm, contact a reputable company, like Greenawalt Roofing Company, to come out and provide an inspection of the roof. Greenawalt Roofing Company will come out and check for damage and let you know our findings. Using a reputable contractor will ensure that any work done is the highest quality with the best warranties.

STEP 2

MEET WITH YOUR CONTRACTOR

Next, schedule an inspection with the selected roofing contractor. You want to do this before an actual claim is filed. The damage may not be as great as you think. If it is less than, or close to, your insurance deductible, filing a claim may not be in your best interest. Filing unnecessary claims may cause your insurance company to raise your rates or even drop your policy.

STEP 3

FILE YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM

If the contractor’s estimate warrants filing a claim, do so now. Your insurance company will most likely schedule an adjuster to inspect your roof to approve and process your claim. Schedule a time when your contractor can also attend this inspection. It is very important that a contractor is present with the insurance adjuster. The claims specialists at Greenawalt Roofing Company are your advocates during the insurance inspection.

STEP 4

MEET WITH YOUR ADJUSTER

Insurance adjusters have a home inspection checklist they will follow when determining the damage done to your home. Your roofing contractor will be able to represent your needs and make sure that the adjuster is aware of all damaged areas. Having an experienced and professional company represent you during the inspection will increase your claim value and avoid any negative interactions.

STEP 5

CLAIM APPROVAL

Once your insurance claim is approved, go over the details of the insurance coverage with Greenawalt Roofing Company. This will allow you to ask any questions you need regarding the work and the warranty the roofing contractor will provide. This is where the claims specialists at Greenawalt Roofing Company can help you understand everything the insurance company is covering.

STEP 6

TIME FOR YOUR PROJECT TO BEGIN

When you have received the answers to your questions, sign the contract with Greenawalt Roofing Company and get your roof replacement scheduled. Your insurance company will provide payment directly to you. You will be responsible for paying the insurance check, depreciation and deductible to the Greenawalt Roofing Company. Greenawalt Roofing Company will supply any necessary information for you.

SIGNS YOU NEED A NEW ROOF

When it is time for a new roof, trust the experts at Greenawalt Roofing Company. Most homeowners notice a leak in their ceiling and decide that they need a new roof. However, a leak could be a result of many different factors. Fortunately, there are distinct signs that indicate the need for a roof replacement.

Signs Indicating the Need for a New Roof

As a homeowner, all maintenance costs are your responsibility. The roof is a significant feature of your home that may require replacement. This can be costly, so it is essential to understand how to determine if you need a new roof or if minor repairs will suffice.

1. Bald spots where granules are missing

2. Roof is 20 years old or more

3. Shingles buckling and curling

4. Dark streaks and moss

5. Neighbors are getting new roofs

6. Cracked or missing shingles

7. Chimney flashing

8. Daylight showing through roof boards

9. Shingle granules in gutters

10. Water damage or leaking areas

11. Recent storms in your area

It is important to know the materials used for replacement roofs and roof repairs affect how long those roofs normally last.

Benefits of a Roof Inspection

You should perform a visual inspection of the exterior of your home’s roof a few times a year, particularly looking for include cracked, missing, loose or torn shingles around chimneys or vents. You should also look for signs of wear on your shingles. Best practices for residential roofing include looking for signs of mold, rot or moisture. Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent water from backing up and affecting the foundation.

Contact Us Today

Your home is one of your largest investments and its roof should protect that investment. By choosing Greenawalt Roofing Company, homeowners can be confident that their job is in good hands. Our installation crews are all committed to performing quality installations. Contact us today at 717-898-6000 for a FREE roof inspection.