10 Best Roof Repair in Reading, PA

What are common roofing issues?

Even well-maintained roofs inevitably run into issues after years of wear. You can get ahead of serious repairs through proactive inspections and maintenance.

Look out for the following issues during your visual inspection.

Damaged shingles

One of the most common roofing issues you may encounter is shingle damage or wear and tear. Asphalt shingles, a popular roofing material, generally last about 20–30 years, but exposure to harsh weather can lead to cracking or lifting. Curled, broken or missing shingles can lead to leaks, mold and structural decay by letting in moisture.

Flashing failures

Flashing is the metal sheets around the seams and transition points of your roof. Its purpose is to protect these parts of your roof from rain and runoff. Improperly fitted or damage flashing can create a common pathway for water to leak into your home. Signs of flashing failure include peeling paint, drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams, moisture stains, leaks coming from joints or sagging areas.

Leaks

Leaks commonly develop in seams and flashing around roof penetrations, skylights and chimneys. Temperature and aging materials cause these joints to shift, allowing water in. Repairing leaks as soon as possible helps avoid more substantial damage down the line.

Poor insulation

Inadequate insulation in your attic can result in your heating and cold air seeping out through your roof. This leads to leaks, higher energy costs, damaged rafters, mold growth and ice dams. Upgrading your attic insulation so it’s appropriate for Reading’s climate decreases energy use and utility bills.

Standing water

Standing water frequently happens when your roof’s decking has low areas and debris buildup. This can result in standing water after storms, which can cause damage. If present for 48 hours or more, it can result in moisture saturation and rot in roof components. It also adds major weight stress on your roof. Standing water can indicate a need to replace the roof surface to correct the slope or drainage. Ensure proper drainage and prevent the accumulation of debris on your roof to avoid these issues.

What are signs you need roof repair?

You may need to bring in a roofer if you spot the following signs:

• 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 that likely needs repairs.
• Curled shingles: Shingles that are broken, missing or curled allow moisture into your roof, which can cause structural problems through rotting in the decking and rafters.
• Discoloration: If you find dark discoloration on the undersides of your decking or rafters, you likely have a leak and need repairs.
• Mold or mildew: Powdery mildew and mold indicate roof leaks. These can damage your health and the structure of your home, so you should address them as soon as possible.
• Rust: Rust can compromise the weatherproofing and structural integrity of your property. Clean rust on your flashing and fasteners before it leads to further deterioration.
• Visible sagging: Roof sheathing, rafters and joists can sag due to dense clay tiles, overwhelmed drainage, mechanical equipment, concrete pavers or excess insulation. Visible sagging is a warning sign of potential collapse, so get a roof inspection as soon as you can to find the issue.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

Your maintenance frequency, quality of installation, roofing material and climate influence your roof’s life span. Installation quality is one of the most important factors. A poorly installed roof may have gaps or other flaws that lower its life span.

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

metal, Concrete and slate are some of the most durable roofing materials. Metal typically lasts 40–70 years or more. Concrete roofs can last 50 years or more and sometimes last over a century with proper maintenance. Slate roofs can last for more than a century.

How can you save money on a Reading roof repair?

There are several things you can do to save money on roof repairs.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Review your homeowners insurance policy to figure out what, if any, roof repair costs are covered. Depending on the cause of damage, such as storms or fallen trees, your insurance policy may cover a portion of the repair cost.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Carefully consider factors like rates, availability, materials, qualifications and services before deciding on a roofing contractor in Reading.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: After completing your repairs, you should focus on performing regular inspections and maintenance on your roof. The timely identification and repair of minor issues can help prevent them from escalating into extensive and pricey problems.
• Invest in preventive measures: Preventative measures, such as adding extra insulation or improving ventilation, decrease energy costs and the need for future repairs.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Plan your roof repairs during the milder seasons. Inclement weather may delay work and increase costs. Roofers also tend to offer discounts during off-season periods. Do your best to schedule repairs for a period of dry weather during an off-peak season.

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.