10 Best Roof Repair in Lowell, MA

What are common roofing issues?

Your roof is bound to experience problems at some point, even with sufficient maintenance. You can get ahead of expensive repairs through routine inspections and maintenance.

The most common roofing issues you may encounter while performing your own visual inspection include the following.

Damaged shingles

One of the most frequent roofing problems you may find is shingle damage or wear and tear. Exposure to harsh weather can damage your roofing material faster and crack or lift the shingles. When shingles become warped, broken or missing, moisture can seep into your roofing system, which can result in mold growth, leaks and decay within your home’s structure.

Flashing failures

Flashing—the metal sheets around a roof’s vents, joints and dormers—redirects snowmelt and runoff away from vulnerable seams and transition points. Flashing failure is when water leaks through your roof because of deterioration or improper installation. Signs of flashing failure include peeling paint, drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams, moisture stains, sagging areas or leaks coming from joints.

Leaks

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

Poor insulation

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

Standing water

Standing water usually happens because of accumulated debris or dips in your roof’s decking. This causes remaining water after storms. Your roof can get saturated and begin to rot if not cleared within 48 hours. It also applies major weight stress on your roof. Standing water can signal a need to replace the roof surface to fix the slope or drainage. Ensure proper drainage and prevent debris accumulation on your roof to avoid these issues.

What are signs you need roof repair?

You may need to contact a roofer if you notice the following signs:

• Water in your attic: Your attic’s insulation should be dry, and you shouldn’t see any roof gaps. Gaps indicate an issue likely needing repairs. In icy climates, check for ice dams along eaves, which is a sign there’s insufficient insulation or heat loss through the roof deck. Sizable icicles or icy gutters during winter can also point to a problem.
• Curled shingles: Damaged shingles, whether curled, missing or broken, can let moisture into your roof. This can cause the rafters and decking to rot, leading to potential structural problems.
• Discoloration: Dark discoloration or moisture stains on the undersides of your rafters or decking signal leaking, which will need to be repaired.
• Mildew or mold Powdery mildew and mold is never a good sign. These can indicate roof leaks and damage your health and home.
• Rust: Rust from flashing or fasteners indicate deterioration, and rust and corrosion undermine weatherproofing and structural soundness.
• Visible sagging: Excessive weight stress on roof rafters, sheathing and joists can cause visible sagging, a warning sign your roof may collapse. Reasons for extra weight can be excess insulation, mechanical equipment, overwhelmed drainage, concrete pavers or dense clay tiles. Warped sheathing can also exacerbate the problem by reducing your roof’s drainage and causing ponding, standing or pooling water.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

A roof’s life span depends on climate, maintenance, installation quality and roof material, with proper installation being the most important factor.

General asphalt shingle roofs have an average life expectancy of 20–30 years. Architectural shingles can last longer, up to 25–30 years, compared to traditional three-tab shingles, which typically last around 15–20 years. Well-maintained shake roofs or wood shingles last around 20–25 years, but they can be prone to mold, rot 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 roofs can last for 100 years or more.

How can you save money on a Lowell roof repair?

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

• Check your homeowners insurance: Review your homeowners insurance policy to find out what, if any, roof repair costs are covered. Depending on the reason for damage, such as storms or fallen trees, your insurance policy may help pay for the cost of the repairs.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Carefully compare factors like rates, services, availability, qualifications and materials before settling on a roofing contractor in Lowell.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: After completing your repairs, you should focus on performing regular inspections and maintenance on your roof. The prompt detection and fixing of minor issues can help prevent them from escalating into extensive and pricey problems.
• Invest in preventive measures: Preventative measures, such as installing extra insulation or optimizing ventilation, lower 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. Inclement weather may delay work and drive up costs. Roofers also tend to offer better pricing and discounts during off-peak 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.