10 Best Roof Repair in Joliet, IL

What are common roofing issues?

Wear and tear will eventually take a toll on your roof. Conducting routine inspections helps identify problems before your roof needs expensive repairs.

Some common issues to keep an eye out for during an inspection include the following.

Damaged shingles

One of the most frequent roofing problems you may encounter is shingle damage or wear and tear. The typical life span of asphalt shingles is about 20–30 years. However, harsh weather, wind, rain and ultraviolet radiation over time can cause erosion and cracking or lifting. When shingles become warped, broken or missing, moisture can seep into your roofing system, which can result in leaks, mold growth and decay within your home’s structure.

Flashing failures

Flashing is the metal sheets around the chimneys, joints, valleys, dormers, skylights and vents of a roof. Its main function is to block rainwater and runoff from getting into the home by redirecting it away from vulnerable seams and transition points. However, if the flashing isn’t properly installed or has deteriorated over time, it can become a common entry point for water into your home. Signs of flashing failure include moisture stains, leaks coming from joints, peeling paint, drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams or sagging areas.

Leaks

Common leak sites are joints and flashing around roof penetrations, chimneys and skylights. Temperature and aging materials cause these joints to open gaps, allowing water intrusion. Repairing leaks early helps avoid more costly damage down the line.

Poor insulation

Insufficient attic insulation can cause extreme hot and cold temperatures in your home, resulting in higher energy costs, damaged rafters, mold growth, leaks and ice dams. Proper insulation is boosts energy efficiency and can yield significant energy savings year-round.

Standing water

Standing water usually happens because of debris accumulation or dips in your roof’s decking. This causes standing water after storms. Moisture saturation and roof rotting can occur if not cleared within 48 hours. It also adds significant weight stress and could indicate a need to replace your roof surface due to improper slope or drainage. Routine roof cleaning and ensuring proper drainage helps prevent these issues.

What are signs you need roof repair?

Contact a roofer if you notice the following signs:

• Water in your attic: Your attic’s insulation should be dry, and your roof shouldn’t have visible gaps. If there are gaps, you have an issue and likely need repair services. If you live in a cold climate that gets ice and snow, make sure you check your eaves for ice dames, which indicate poor insulation or heat loss through the roof deck. If you see a lot of icicles or icing in your gutters during winter, it’s a sign you may need a roof inspection.
• Damaged shingles: Missing, curled or broken shingles let moisture saturate your roof. Your rafters and decking can rot due to the moisture, leading to potential structural problems.
• Discoloration: If you see moisture stains or dark discoloration on the undersides of your rafters or decking, you probably have a leak and need repairs.
• Mildew or mold: Visible black mold or powdery mildew can indicate your roof is leaking, which can cause health issues and structural damage.
• Rust: Rust from flashing or fasteners indicate deterioration, and rust and corrosion undermine weatherproofing and the integrity of your home.
• Visible sagging: Your roof sagging is a warning sign that your roof may collapse. Reasons for sagging include concrete pavers, dense clay tiles, mechanical equipment, excess insulation or overwhelmed drainage. Moisture and severely warped sheathing can also compromise your roof’s ability to drain precipitation, leading to ponding water, which makes the problem worse.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

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

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 generally last 15–20 years. Well-maintained shake roofs or wood shingles last around 20–25 years, but they can be vulnerable to rot, mold and insects.

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. Slate is one of the most durable materials, with slate roofs lasting for over 100 years.

How can you save money on a Joliet roof repair?

There are several ways you can save money on roof repairs.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Your homeowners insurance may help pay for roof repairs, depending on the reason for the damage. Damage from fires, fallen trees, storms, and certain other hazards may be included, depending on your coverage details and limits.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Request estimates from at least three Joliet roofing companies. Compare each one before picking a roofer.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: Carry out routine roof inspections and maintenance after getting your roof fixed. Catching minor issues early prevents more serious damage requiring costly repairs later on.
• Invest in preventive measures: Consider preventive measures such as increased insulation and improved attic ventilation. These help reduce moisture damage and future repair needs while also lowering energy bills.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Book repair work for your roof during the off-season or less busy times. Contractors may be more willing to negotiate prices during these periods. You should also avoid scheduling work during the rainy season, as inclement weather may drive up the overall 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.