10 Best Roof Repair in Thornton, IL

What are common roofing issues?

Your roofing system is going to have problems at some point. You can get ahead of serious repairs through proactive inspections and maintenance.

The most common roofing issues you may encounter while conducting your own visual inspection include the following.

Damaged shingles

Cracked, broken or worn shingles are some of the most frequent roofing problems. Exposure to harsh weather can damage your roofing material faster and crack or lift the shingles. When shingles become curled, broken or missing, moisture can seep into your roof, which can cause mold growth, leaks and decay within your home’s structure.

Flashing failures

Flashing is the metal sheets around the seams and transition points of your roof. Its primary function is to shield these areas of your roof from rainwater and runoff. However, if the flashing isn’t properly installed or has worn down over time, it can create a common entry point for water into your home. Check for flashing failure when you see signs of peeling paint, drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams, sagging areas, leaks coming from joints or moisture stains.

Leaks

Leaks may develop in areas such as protrusions, seams and flashing around skylights, vent pipes, valleys and chimneys where roof planes meet. These watertight joints may shift and open gaps for water intrusion due to expansion and contraction from temperature changes and shrinkage of building materials over time. Early detection and repair stop mold and decay from happening.

Poor insulation

Insufficient insulation in your attic can result in your heating and cold air seeping out through your roof. This leads to ice dams, higher energy costs, mold growth, damaged rafters and leaks. Proper insulation is boosts energy efficiency and can lead to significant energy savings year-round.

Standing water

Standing water occurs when water doesn’t drain from your roof properly due to debris buildup or low areas. Your roof can begin rotting if the water isn’t removed within 48 hours. It also applies major weight stress on your roof. Standing water can signal a need to replace the roof surface due to a slope or bad drainage. Routine roof cleaning and ensuring proper drainage helps prevent these issues.

What are signs you need roof repair?

Contact a roof repair contractor if you notice the following signs:

• Water in your attic: Water in your attic means there may be gaps in your roof. If you live in an icy climate, check the eaves for ice dams. This points to insufficient insulation and heat loss through your roof deck.
• Damaged shingles: Missing, curled or cracked shingles let moisture into your roof. Your decking and rafters can rot due to the moisture, leading to potential structural issues.
• Discoloration: Dark discoloration or moisture stains on the undersides of your rafters or decking indicate leaking, which will need to be repaired.
• Mold or mildew: Black mold or powdery mildew can indicate your roof is leaking, which can cause health issues and structural damage.
• Rust: Rust can compromise the weatherproofing and structural integrity of your property. Clean rust on your flashing and fasteners before it causes further deterioration.
• Visible sagging: A sagging roof indicates that your roof may collapse. Reasons for sagging can be dense clay tiles, mechanical equipment, concrete pavers, overwhelmed drainage or excess insulation. Ponding water and warped sheathing can also worsen the problem by reducing your roof’s drainage.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

Several factors, such as your climate, maintenance frequency, roof material and quality of installation affect your roof’s life span. Installation quality is the most important factor in determining how long a roof will last.

Asphalt shingles last 20–30 years on average, but the type of shingle will affect the life span. Architectural shingles can last up to 25–30 years, while traditional three-tab shingles generally last 15–20 years. Wood shingles, shake roofs and slate last 20–25 years on average, but they tend to be vulnerable to rot, mold and insect damage.

Most metal roofs last 40–70 years or more. Concrete roofs generally last 50 years or up to a century with proper maintenance. Slate is one of the most durable materials, with slate roofs lasting for over 100 years.

How can you save money on a Thornton roof repair?

Roof repairs will typically be expensive, but there are things that can help you save money on the service.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Review your homeowners insurance policy to determine what, if any, roof repair costs are covered. Depending on the reason for damage, such as storms or fallen trees, your insurance may help pay for the cost of the repairs.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Compare the prices and services offered by multiple roofing contractors in Thornton. This allows you to make an educated decision.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: After finishing your repairs, you should prioritize performing regular inspections and maintenance on your roof. The timely identification and fixing of minor issues can help prevent them from becoming extensive and expensive problems.
• Invest in preventive measures: Look into preventive measures such as adding insulation and improving ventilation. These help prevent moisture damage and future repair needs while also bringing down energy bills.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Roofing contractors may offer discounts or be more willing to negotiate prices during slower periods. Avoid booking repairs during the wet season as inclement weather may increase the cost.

Our methodology for selecting roof repair companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.