SPONSORED CONTENT 5 ways to tell that your house needs a new roof Bella Construction & Development Inc. Roofing-Siding-Gutters One of the most important aspects of maintaining a safe and functional house is keep- ing the roof in good shape. The roof keeps the elements at bay, especially moisture from wet Western Pennsylva- nia weather. Whether rain, sleet, snow or hail, a leaky or nonfunctional roof will allow weather to threaten any property. Fortunately, Bella Construc- tion & Development has guid- ance for homeowners, and is here to help with roof issues. Keeping an eye out for a few telltale signs can help to save lots of stress and money. 1. Roof Shingles Are Cracked, Curling or Missing Cracked and curling shingles are a big indicator that a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Damaged shingles will appear to be curling at their ends, buckling in the middle, or cracking. It is also vital to check for possibly missing shingles on a regular basis. Broken or missing shingles could also be a sign of a larger problem, since those shingles are no longer effective and could be a sign of a leak. "That's a sign to be proac- tive," said Andrew Bell, vice president of Bella Construc- tion & Development. 2. Shingle Granules in Gutters Another sign of an aging roof is the appearance of shingle granules in gutters. This can look like coarse black sand or grit building up. "Shingles deteriorating will often wash away with water and be found in rain spouts," says Bell. It may also be visible in the appear- ance of the roof itself, where or light, can indicate missing discolored spots, either dark granules. This is caused by composite or asphalt shingles losing their granules as they get older, in much the same way they can begin to curl or crack. These granules can also be a sign of a manufacture defect. Either way, it's time to call in a professional. 3. Wet or Spongy Shingles If a roof feels wet or spongy when it's walked on, that's a telltale sign of what could already be a serious problem. Wet shingles or a spongy, soft roof can be signs of a highly problematic leak. "Signs of water damage in the attic, that means there's a sign of an active leak or there's mois ture coming in and rotting away the decking, an issue that needs to be addressed pretty much immediately," said Bell. Keep an eye out for any signs of moisture in and under a roof, and call in help at the first signs before it becomes a much more severe problem. 4. Sunlight in the Attic While wetter weather is the biggest threat to a healthy roof, but sunlight can hold the key to checking for leaks. Any light that's coming into an attic without its source found at a window is a sign of a leak or hole. Taking a walk around on a sunny day and checking no shafts of light are coming through can be a big money saver in the long run. 5. Age of the Roof Regardless of any other signs or problems, all roofs will eventually run their course. Making sure that even the most in-shape roof is replaced within 15 to 20 years of its installation will ensure no catastrophes. "The average homeowner replaces their roof about every 17 and a half years. Once they start get- ting over that 20-year mark, they're just more susceptible to damages and leaking. Our harsh winters are really hard on roofs," says Bell. Keeping good records of previous roof replacements can keep any roof from getting past its prime. While having issues with a leaking, damaged, or old roof can be overwhelming. there is a local, family-owned business here to help. "We offer full replacements. If you would notice any of these issues, give us a call for one of our trained inspectors to come out," says Bell. Bella Construction & De velopment has operated in the area since 1996 and they specialize in asphalt roofing, the region's wet weather. They which is particularly suited to are based in North Hunting- don and serve as much of the greater Pittsburgh area as possible with roofing as well as a range of exterior housing needs, such as storm damage and fixing sagging gutters. Bella Construction & Development, Inc. can be reached at 724-418-2511 or at their website, mybellaroof.com This has been a paid article submitted by our content partner. V SPONSORED CONTENT 5 ways to tell that your house needs a new roof Bella Construction & Development Inc. Roofing - Siding - Gutters One of the most important aspects of maintaining a safe and functional house is keep ing the roof in good shape . The roof keeps the elements at bay , especially moisture from wet Western Pennsylva nia weather . Whether rain , sleet , snow or hail , a leaky or nonfunctional roof will allow weather to threaten any property . Fortunately , Bella Construc tion & Development has guid ance for homeowners , and is here to help with roof issues . Keeping an eye out for a few telltale signs can help to save lots of stress and money . 1. Roof Shingles Are Cracked , Curling or Missing Cracked and curling shingles are a big indicator that a roof is nearing the end of its lifespan . Damaged shingles will appear to be curling at their ends , buckling in the middle , or cracking . It is also vital to check for possibly missing shingles on a regular basis . Broken or missing shingles could also be a sign of a larger problem , since those shingles are no longer effective and could be a sign of a leak . " That's a sign to be proac tive , " said Andrew Bell , vice president of Bella Construc tion & Development . 2. Shingle Granules in Gutters Another sign of an aging roof is the appearance of shingle granules in gutters . This can look like coarse black sand or grit building up . " Shingles deteriorating will often wash away with water and be found in rain spouts , " says Bell . It may also be visible in the appear ance of the roof itself , where or light , can indicate missing discolored spots , either dark granules . This is caused by composite or asphalt shingles losing their granules as they get older , in much the same way they can begin to curl or crack . These granules can also be a sign of a manufacture defect . Either way , it's time to call in a professional . 3. Wet or Spongy Shingles If a roof feels wet or spongy when it's walked on , that's a telltale sign of what could already be a serious problem . Wet shingles or a spongy , soft roof can be signs of a highly problematic leak . " Signs of water damage in the attic , that means there's a sign of an active leak or there's mois ture coming in and rotting away the decking , an issue that needs to be addressed pretty much immediately , " said Bell . Keep an eye out for any signs of moisture in and under a roof , and call in help at the first signs before it becomes a much more severe problem . 4. Sunlight in the Attic While wetter weather is the biggest threat to a healthy roof , but sunlight can hold the key to checking for leaks . Any light that's coming into an attic without its source found at a window is a sign of a leak or hole . Taking a walk around on a sunny day and checking no shafts of light are coming through can be a big money saver in the long run . 5. Age of the Roof Regardless of any other signs or problems , all roofs will eventually run their course . Making sure that even the most in - shape roof is replaced within 15 to 20 years of its installation will ensure no catastrophes . " The average homeowner replaces their roof about every 17 and a half years . Once they start get ting over that 20 - year mark , they're just more susceptible to damages and leaking . Our harsh winters are really hard on roofs , " says Bell . Keeping good records of previous roof replacements can keep any roof from getting past its prime . While having issues with a leaking , damaged , or old roof can be overwhelming . there is a local , family - owned business here to help . " We offer full replacements . If you would notice any of these issues , give us a call for one of our trained inspectors to come out , " says Bell . Bella Construction & De velopment has operated in the area since 1996 and they specialize in asphalt roofing , the region's wet weather . They which is particularly suited to are based in North Hunting don and serve as much of the greater Pittsburgh area as possible with roofing as well as a range of exterior housing needs , such as storm damage and fixing sagging gutters . Bella Construction & Development , Inc. can be reached at 724-418-2511 or at their website , mybellaroof.com This has been a paid article submitted by our content partner . V