You’ve noticed grit in the gutters, a few shingle corners curling up on the south side and some black streaks that weren’t there five years ago. The roof isn’t leaking, at least not yet. Asphalt shingle roofing in Deltona covers most of the houses on your street, and it’s hard to tell from the driveway whether yours is aging normally or close to done.
Nobody wants to replace a roof too early, and nobody wants to wait until water is coming through the ceiling either. What you need is someone to get up there, look closely and give you an honest read.
APC Roofing is GAF Certified, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured, and we’ve been working on shingle roofs since 2017. Your inspection is free, and you’ll get photos of what we see. Call 386-259-8425.
The kinds of asphalt shingles on Deltona homes
Asphalt shingles are a fiberglass mat soaked in asphalt and topped with ceramic-coated granules. The granules color the roof and shield the asphalt from the sun. There are three main types:
3-tab shingles are a single flat layer cut to look like three tabs. They were standard for decades, and many older Deltona homes still have them. They’re lighter and have lower wind ratings than heavier shingles.
Architectural shingles are two layers laminated together for a thicker, dimensional look and better wind resistance. They’re what most homeowners choose for a new shingle roof today. Our architectural shingle roofing page goes into them.
Premium or designer shingles are heavier still and made to look like slate or shake. They cost more and are less common.
How Florida ages a shingle roof
Shingles in Central Florida face sun and heat every month of the year, not just in summer. UV slowly breaks down the asphalt, and the daily swing from a hot afternoon to a cooler night makes the shingles expand and contract. Over time they lose flexibility.
Then there’s the water. Summer storms bring heavy, wind-driven rain, and hurricane season brings gusts that can break the seal strip that holds each shingle down. Once a shingle’s seal breaks, the next storm can lift it, crease it or tear it off.
Humidity adds the algae streaks. They’re mostly a looks problem, though they can hold moisture on shaded slopes.
Reading the signs on your roof
Some changes are normal aging. Others mean the roof needs attention soon. Here’s how they usually sort out.
Granules in the gutters. A little after a new roof is installed is normal. A steady amount on an older roof, along with bare or dark patches on the shingles, means the asphalt is exposed to the sun and wearing faster.
Curling or cupping. Edges that turn up or centers that sink usually point to an older roof that’s drying out. Curled shingles catch wind and let water in.
Cracks. A few cracked shingles can be replaced. Cracking across many slopes means the shingles have gone brittle.
Creased or lifted tabs. These are often wind damage, even if the shingle is still on the roof. A creased shingle has usually lost its seal.
Black streaks. Usually algae. Unsightly, but on their own not a reason to replace a roof.
Leaks and stains inside. These can come from a single failed detail, like a pipe boot or wall flashing, even on a roof that’s otherwise fine. See our roof leak repair page for Deltona for how we trace them.
Repair or replace an asphalt shingle roof?
A repair makes sense when the damage is limited: a few missing or creased shingles after a storm, one leak at a pipe boot, a bit of failed flashing. Replacement shingles can usually be matched closely enough to blend in, though an older roof may have faded a shade.
Replacement makes more sense when the problems are everywhere. Widespread granule loss, brittle and cracking shingles, curling across several slopes, or leaks that keep popping up in new places all tell you the roof is near the end. At that point, repairs keep costing money without buying much time.
You may hear about putting new shingles over the old ones. Going over an old roof hides any soft decking underneath and adds weight, so a full tear-off is usually the better choice. Our roof replacement page for Deltona walks through a full replacement, and many residential shingle replacements are finished in a single day.
Storm damage and your insurance
If a storm damaged your shingles, you file the claim with your insurance company and pay your own deductible. We inspect the roof, document the damage with photos, write the estimate and work with your adjuster. Be wary of anyone who offers to waive or cover your deductible.
Asphalt shingle roofing questions from Deltona homeowners
Are asphalt shingles a good choice for a Florida home?
For many homes, yes. They’re the most common roof in the area, they’re easy to repair and modern architectural shingles handle wind much better than older 3-tab.
Can you replace just a few shingles?
Usually. If the rest of the roof is in decent shape, replacing damaged shingles is a normal repair.
Should I clean the black streaks off my roof?
Be careful with pressure washing, which can strip granules off the shingles. If the streaks bother you, ask about gentler cleaning methods or algae-resistant shingles on your next roof.
How do I know how old my roof is?
Check your home purchase paperwork, permit records or ask a roofer to estimate it during an inspection. Many insurance companies ask, so it’s worth knowing.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free inspection. Call 386-259-8425 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. Photos of your shingles, a plain read on repair versus replacement and a written estimate. Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
- Get the work done and the site cleaned up. The crew handles the job and leaves your yard clean.
An aging shingle roof often looks fine right up until a storm finds the weak spots. Knowing where yours stands lets you plan the work on your schedule.
Then you can stop guessing every time a storm is in the forecast and know your roof will keep the house dry. Call 386-259-8425 to book your free inspection. Your satisfaction is our reputation.
