10 Best Roof Repair in Fort Collins, CO

What are common roofing issues?

Even properly maintained roofs eventually run into issues after years of wear. You can get ahead of expensive damage through regular inspections and maintenance.

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

Damaged shingles

A major roofing problem is cracked or broken shingles. The average life span of asphalt shingles is about 20–30 years. However, exposure to 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 cause leaks, mold growth and decay in your home’s structure.

Flashing failures

Flashing refers to the metal sheets around the chimneys, dormers, vents, valleys, skylights and joints of a roof. Its main function is to block rainwater, snowmelt and runoff from entering the home by redirecting it away from vulnerable seams and transition points. When flashing hasn’t been installed properly or has deteriorated over time, water can leak into your home. 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

Leaks commonly occur around joints and flashing around chimneys, roof penetrations and skylights. Weather and aging materials cause these joints to shift, allowing water in. Mending leaks early helps avoid more substantial damage down the line.

Poor insulation

Inadequate insulation in your attic can cause pricey roofing problems and uncomfortable temperatures in your home. Proper insulation is more energy efficient and can yield significant energy savings year-round.

Standing water

Standing water often happens when your roof’s decking has low spots and accumulated debris. 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 signal needing to replace your roof surface to correct the drainage or slope. Make sure your roof has proper drainage and clean debris regularly to avoid these issues.

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 notice the following:

• Water in your attic: Attic insulation should be dry, and you shouldn’t see any visible roof gaps. Gaps indicate an issue likely needing repairs. In snowy climates, check for ice dams along eaves, which is a sign there’s improper insulation or heat loss through the roof deck. Significant icicles or icy gutters in winter can also point to a problem.
• Damaged shingles: Damaged shingles, whether curled, missing or broken, can let moisture seep into your roof. This can cause the rafters and decking to rot, resulting in potential structural issues.
• Discoloration: Dark discoloration or moisture stains on the undersides of your rafters or decking means you probably have a leak and need repairs.
• Mold or mildew: Black mold or powdery mildew can mean roof leaks, which can cause health problems and structural damage.
• Rust: Rust can undermine the weatherproofing and structural soundness of your home. Clean rust on your flashing and fasteners before it causes further deterioration.
• Visible sagging: Your roof sagging indicates that your roof may collapse. Reasons for sagging include excess insulation, concrete pavers, overwhelmed drainage, mechanical equipment or dense clay tiles. Standing water and warped sheathing can also worsen the problem by compromising your roof’s drainage.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

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

General asphalt shingle roofs have an average life expectancy 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 wood shingles or shake roofs can last about 20–25 years. However, they may be vulnerable to insect damage, rot and mold.

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

How can you save money on a Fort Collins roof repair?

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

• Check your homeowners insurance: Homeowners insurance often covers roof repairs due to damage from storms, fallen trees, fires and certain other hazards. Check the exact coverage information and limits of your policy.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Compare the prices and services offered by several roofing companies in Fort Collins. This helps you make an educated decision.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: Once your roof repairs are finished, focus on regular inspections and maintenance. This will allow you to catch and prevent future issues. Ignoring a minor issue can escalate into larger, more expensive damage.
• Invest in preventive measures: You can invest in preventive measures such as installing extra insulation or improving ventilation to reduce future repair needs and energy costs.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Plan your roof repair work during the off-season or slower periods. Contractors may offer discounts during these periods. You should also avoid booking repairs during rain or snow, as bad weather may raise 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.