10 Best Roof Repair in Manhattan, NY

What are common roofing issues?

Your roof will inevitably experience problems at some point, even with sufficient maintenance. Carrying out routine inspections helps catch problems before your roof needs serious repairs.

A few common roofing issues to keep an eye out for during an inspection include the following.

Damaged shingles

One of the most common roofing problems you may find is damaged or worn shingles. Exposure to harsh weather can damage your roofing material faster and crack or lift the shingles. When shingles are curled, broken or missing, moisture can seep into your roof, which can cause mold growth, leaks and deterioration within your home’s structure.

Flashing failures

Flashing is the metal sheets around the seams and transition points of your roof. Its purpose is to protect these areas of your roof from rain, snowmelt and runoff. However, if the flashing isn’t properly installed or has deteriorated over time, it can become a common pathway for water to get into your home. Warning signs of flashing failure include peeling paint, moisture stains, leaks coming from joints, drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams or sagging areas.

Leaks

Your home may develop leaks in areas such as seams, protrusions and flashing around valleys, vent pipes, skylights and chimneys where roof planes meet. These watertight joints may shift and allow water in due to expansion and contraction from temperature changes and shrinkage of building materials over time. Early detection and repair prevent mold and decay.

Poor insulation

Insufficient attic insulation can lead to pricey roofing issues and uncomfortable temperatures in your home. Installing proper insulation suitable for the local climate can yield substantial energy savings.

Standing water

Standing water occurs when water doesn’t drain from your roof properly due to debris accumulation or low areas. This can result in pooled water after storms, which can cause damage. If present for 48 hours or more, your roof components can get saturated and rot. It also places major weight stress on your roof. Standing water can point to a need to replace the roof surface to fix the slope or drainage. Make sure your roof has proper drainage and remove debris regularly to avoid these issues.

What are signs you need roof repair?

A certified roofer can examine and repair your roof. You may need to contact an expert if you spot the following:

• Water in your attic: The insulation in your attic should be dry, and you shouldn’t see any visible roof gaps. Gaps indicate an issue likely needing repairs. In icy climates, check your eaves for ice dams, which is a sign there’s poor insulation or heat loss through the roof deck. A lot of icicles or icy gutters during winter can also point to a problem.
• Damaged shingles: Missing, curled or broken shingles allow moisture into the roof, which can cause the rafters and decking to rot.
• Discoloration: If you see dark discoloration or moisture stains on the undersides of your decking or rafters, you probably have a leak and need repairs.
• Mold or mildew Powdery mildew and mold on your roof can cause health issues and structural damage. These can indicate roof leaks, which need to be fixed as soon as possible.
• Rust: Rust can weaken the weatherproofing and structural integrity of your roof. Remove rust on your flashing and fasteners before it leads to further deterioration.
• Visible sagging: Your roof sagging is a sign that your roof may collapse. Reasons for sagging include overwhelmed drainage, dense clay tiles, mechanical equipment, concrete pavers or excess insulation. Moisture and severely warped sheathing can also reduce your roof’s effectiveness at draining precipitation, leading to ponding water, which exacerbates the problem.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

Installation quality influences how long your roof will last the most, but other factors such as your maintenance frequency, climate and roof material will also play a role.

The average life span of asphalt shingles is 20–30 years. Architectural shingles are on the higher end at 25–30 years, and traditional three-tab shingles usually last 15–20 years. Properly maintained shake roofs or wood shingles can last about 20–25 years. However, they may be vulnerable to insect damage, rot and mold.

A metal roof’s life span is 40–70 years or more. Concrete roofs last around 50 years, but sometimes last over a century with proper maintenance. A slate roof can last for 100 years or more if properly maintained.

How can you save money on a Manhattan roof repair?

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

• Check your homeowners insurance: Consult your home insurance policy to determine whether it will help pay for the repairs. Depending on the cause of damage, such as storms or fallen branches, insurance may cover the repair cost.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Obtain estimates from at least three Manhattan roofing contractors. Compare each one before selecting a roofer.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: Perform routine roof inspections and maintenance after getting your roof repaired. Catching minor problems early prevents more extensive damage requiring costly repairs later on.
• Invest in preventive measures: You can save on energy costs and future repairs by investing in preventive measures, such as installing extra insulation or improving ventilation.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Plan your roof repairs during the milder seasons. Bad weather may impede work and increase costs. Roofers also tend to offer better pricing and discounts during off-season periods. Scheduling repairs during dry weather in an off-peak season can save you money.

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.