10 Best Roof Repair in Chesapeake, VA

What are common roofing issues?

Your home’s roofing system will inevitably experience issues at some point. You can get ahead of expensive damage through proactive inspections and maintenance.

During your visual inspection, look out for the following common problems.

Damaged shingles

Damaged shingles is one of the most prevalent roofing problems. Exposure to harsh weather can damage your roofing material faster and crack or lift the shingles. Curled, broken or missing shingles let in moisture that can lead to leaks, mold and structural decay.

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 rainwater and runoff. However, if the flashing isn’t properly installed or has deteriorated over time, it can create a common pathway for water to enter your home. Signs of flashing failure include moisture stains, leaks coming from joints, peeling paint, sagging areas or drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams.

Leaks

Roof leaks develop when sealed joints, such as seams and flashing, shift and allow water in. Early identification and repair stop mold growth and decay from happening.

Poor insulation

Poor insulation in your attic can cause costly roofing issues and uncomfortable temperatures in your home. Ensuring your attic has proper insulation for the local climate can yield substantial energy savings year-round, especially in Chesapeake with higher energy costs on average.

Standing water

Pooling water usually happens when your roof’s decking has low areas and accumulated debris. This can result in standing water after storms, which can be problematic. If present for more than 48 hours, your roof components can get saturated and rot. It also puts major weight stress on your roof. Standing water can indicate a need to replace the roof surface due to a slope or bad drainage. Clear away debris regularly and ensure proper drainage to prevent these problems.

What are signs you need roof repair?

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

• Water in your attic: Your attic’s insulation should be dry, and there shouldn’t be visible gaps in your roof. If there are gaps, you have a problem and likely need repairs.
• Damaged shingles: Missing, curled or cracked shingles let moisture into your roof. Your decking and rafters can rot due to the moisture, resulting in potential structural problems.
• Discoloration: Moisture stains or dark discoloration on the undersides of your rafters or decking indicate leaking, which will need to be repaired.
• Mold or mildew Black mold and powdery mildew is never a good sign. These can signify roof leaks and damage your health and home.
• Rust: Rust can compromise the weatherproofing and structural soundness of your property. Clean rust on your flashing and fasteners before it leads to further deterioration.
• Visible sagging: Roof joists, rafters and sheathing can sag due to dense clay tiles, concrete pavers, mechanical equipment, overwhelmed drainage or excess insulation. Visible sagging is a warning that your roof could collapse, so get a roof inspection as soon as possible to find the issue.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

Several factors, such as your maintenance frequency, quality of installation, climate and roof material impact your roof’s life span. Installation quality plays the biggest role in determining how long your roof will last.

Most asphalt shingle roofs have an average life span of 20–30 years. Architectural shingles can last longer, up to 25–30 years, compared to traditional three-tab shingles, which generally last around 15–20 years. Wood shingles, shake roofs and slate last 20–25 years on average, but they tend to be susceptible to rot, mold and insect damage.

The life expectancy of metal roofs depends on the metal used, but most can last for 40–70 years or more. Concrete roofs can last 50 years or more and sometimes last over a century with proper maintenance. A slate roof can last for more than a century if properly maintained.

How can you save money on a Chesapeake roof repair?

There are several things you can try to save money on your roof repair.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Read over your home insurance policy to determine whether it will cover the repairs. Depending on the cause of damage, such as storms or fallen trees, your insurance may cover the cost of the repairs.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Get quotes from at least three highly-rated roofing contractors in Chesapeake. Review their rates, services and materials they use to ensure you get the best repairs.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance allow you to catch minor problems that can turn into more extensive and expensive ones.
• Invest in preventive measures: Consider investing in preventive measures such as installing extra insulation or improving ventilation to decrease future repair needs and energy costs.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Contractors may be more willing to negotiate prices during off-peak periods. Avoid booking repairs during the rainy season as bad 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.