10 Best Roof Repair in Buffalo, NY

What are common roofing issues?

Your roof will eventually have problems at some point, even with sufficient maintenance. You can get ahead of expensive repairs through regular inspections and maintenance.

Keep an eye out for the following issues during your visual inspection.

Damaged shingles

Damaged or worn shingles are some of the most prevalent roofing problems. The usual life span of asphalt shingles is 20–30 years. However, extreme weather, wind, rain and ultraviolet radiation over time can lead to erosion and cracking or lifting. Curled, cracked 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 primary function is to protect these parts of your roof from rain, snowmelt and runoff. Flashing failure is when water leaks through your roof because of improper installation or deterioration. Warning signs of flashing failure include drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams, sagging areas, moisture stains, leaks coming from joints or peeling paint.

Leaks

Leaks may develop in areas such as seams, protrusions and flashing around skylights, valleys, chimneys and vent pipes where roof planes intersect. These watertight joints may shift and open gaps for water intrusion due to expansion and contraction from temperature changes. Early detection and repair stop mold and decay from happening.

Poor insulation

Poor attic insulation can cause extreme temperatures in your home, resulting in damaged rafters, higher energy costs, leaks, ice dams and mold growth. Proper insulation is boosts energy efficiency and can yield substantial energy savings.

Standing water

Pooling water usually happens when your roof’s decking has low spots and debris buildup. This causes standing water after storms. Your roof can get saturated and begin to rot if not removed within 48 hours. The added weight stress on the roof is another consequence. Standing water can point to needing to redo your roof surface to fix the drainage or slope. Make sure your roof has proper drainage and remove debris regularly to avoid these problems.

What are signs you need roof repair?

Contact a roofer if you see the following signs:

• Water in your attic: The insulation in your attic should be dry, and you shouldn’t see any roof gaps. Gaps indicate an issue that likely needs repairs. In snowy climates, check for ice dams along eaves, which is a sign there’s poor insulation or heat loss through the roof deck. Sizable icicles or icy gutters during winter also indicate a problem.
• Curled shingles: Damaged shingles allow moisture into your roof, which can cause structural issues through rotting in the rafters and decking.
• Discoloration: If you find moisture stains or dark discoloration on the undersides of your rafters or decking, you likely have a leak and need repairs.
• Mold or mildew Black mold and powdery mildew is never a good sign. These can signify roof leaks, cause health problems and damage your house’s structure.
• Rust: Rust can undermine the weatherproofing and structural soundness of your house. Clear rust on your flashing and fasteners before it causes further deterioration.
• Visible sagging: Excessive weight stress on roof sheathing, rafters and joists can cause visible sagging, a warning sign of a potential collapse. Reasons for extra weight can be dense clay tiles, mechanical equipment, concrete pavers, excess insulation or overwhelmed drainage. Warped sheathing can also make the problem worse by reducing your roof’s drainage and causing pooling, ponding or standing water.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

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

General asphalt roofs have an average life span of 20–30 years. Architectural shingles can last longer, up to 25–30 years, in comparison with 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 rot, mold and insect damage.

Most metal roofs last 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 over a century.

How can you save money on a Buffalo roof repair?

Roof repairs can be very expensive. Here’s how you can cut down on the cost.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Review your home insurance policy to determine whether it will cover the repairs. Depending on the cause of damage, such as fallen branches or storms, insurance may cover the cost of the repairs.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Carefully consider factors like rates, qualifications, availability, services and materials before settling on a roofer in Buffalo.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: After completing your repairs, you should prioritize performing regular inspections and maintenance on your roof. The timely identification and fixing of minor issues can help prevent them from escalating into extensive and costly problems.
• Invest in preventive measures: Consider preventive measures such as increased insulation and improved ventilation. These help prevent moisture damage and future repair needs while also lowering energy bills.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Roofing contractors may be more willing to negotiate prices during off-season periods. Avoid scheduling work during rainy or snowy seasons as inclement weather may drive up 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.