10 Best Roof Repair in New Bern, NC

What are common roofing issues?

Your roof is bound to experience issues at some point, even with proper maintenance. Proactive visual inspections and roof maintenance are vital in spotting issues before they worsen into expensive repairs.

During your inspection, keep an eye out for the following common roofing problems.

Damaged shingles

One of the most common roofing issues you may find is shingle damage or wear and tear. The usual life span of asphalt shingles is 20–30 years. However, exposure to extreme weather, wind, rain and ultraviolet radiation over time can cause the erosion of the mineral granules and the cracking or lifting of the shingles. When shingles become 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 rainwater, snowmelt and runoff. Improperly fitted or worn flashing can become a common pathway for water to get into your home. Check for flashing failure when you see moisture stains, leaks coming from joints, peeling paint, drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams or sagging areas.

Leaks

Leaks commonly occur around joints and flashing around skylights, chimneys and roof penetrations. Temperature changes and aging materials cause these joints to open gaps, allowing water intrusion. Fixing leaks as soon as possible helps avoid more expensive damage down the line.

Poor insulation

Poor insulation in your attic can result in your heating and cold air seeping out through your roof. This leads to higher energy costs, damaged rafters, ice dams, mold growth and leaks. Ensuring your attic is properly insulated for the local temperatures is a must for energy efficiency.

Standing water

Pooling water occurs when water doesn’t drain from your roof properly due to accumulated debris or low spots. Your roof can begin rotting due to moisture saturation if the water isn’t removed within 48 hours. Weight stress is another consequence. Standing water can indicate the need to redo your roof surface to fix the drainage or slope. Clean debris regularly and ensure proper drainage to prevent these problems.

What are signs you need roof repair?

Get in touch with a roofer if you see the following signs:

• Water in your attic: Water in your attic means there may be gaps in your roof. This points to insufficient insulation and heat loss through your roof deck.
• Damaged shingles: Broken, missing or curled shingles let moisture seep into your roof. Your decking and rafters can rot due to the moisture, leading to potential structural issues.
• Discoloration: Dark discoloration on the undersides of your decking or rafters means your roof probably has a leak and needs repairs.
• Mildew or mold: Visible black mold or powdery mildew can indicate roof leaks, which can cause health issues and structural damage.
• Rust: Rust streaks from flashing or fasteners indicate deterioration, and rust and corrosion undermine weatherproofing and structural soundness.
• Visible sagging: A sagging roof is a warning sign that your roof could collapse. Reasons for sagging can be concrete pavers, excess insulation, dense clay tiles, overwhelmed drainage or mechanical equipment. Moisture and severely warped sheathing can also compromise your roof’s effectiveness at draining precipitation, leading to pooling water, which exacerbates the problem.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

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

The typical 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. Well-maintained shake roofs or wood shingles can last approximately 20–25 years. However, they are susceptible to rot, insect damage and mold.

The life expectancy of metal roofs varies based on the metal used, but most can last for 40–70 years or more. Concrete roofs last around 50 years, but sometimes last over a century with proper maintenance. Slate roofs can last for more than a century.

How can you save money on a New Bern roof repair?

Roof repairs are expensive, but the following measures can help you reduce costs.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Homeowners insurance usually covers roof repairs caused by damage from fires, fallen trees, storms and certain other hazards. Check the exact coverage details and limits of your policy.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Compare the rates and services offered by several roofing companies in New Bern. This allows you to make an educated decision.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: Once your roof repairs are finished, prioritize regular inspections and maintenance. This will allow you to catch and prevent future issues. Ignoring a minor issue can worsen into more serious and expensive damage.
• Invest in preventive measures: Preventative measures, such as adding extra insulation or improving ventilation, reduce energy costs and the need for future repairs.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Book your roof repairs during dry seasons with mild temperatures. Bad weather may delay work and drive up costs. Contractors also tend to offer discounts during slower 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. We review national roofing companies against our full roofing methodology. We score roofing companies based on service options, reputation, additional services and customer satisfaction.