10 Best Roof Repair in Lake Villa, IL

What are common roofing issues?

Even properly maintained roofs inevitably run into problems after years of wear and tear. Spotting problems early with visual inspections can prevent costly repairs later.

A few common things to keep an eye out for during an inspection include the following.

Damaged shingles

A common roofing problem is cracked or broken shingles. While asphalt shingles typically last 20–30 years, exposure to extreme weather, wind, rain and ultraviolet radiation erodes them over time, leading to cracking or lifting. When shingles are broken or missing, moisture can seep into your roof, which can cause leaks, mold growth and deterioration in your home’s structure.

Flashing failures

Flashing is the metal sheets around the vents, chimneys, joints, dormers, skylights and valleys of a roof. Its primary function is to block rain and runoff from getting into the home by deflecting it away from vulnerable seams and transition points. Flashing failure is when water leaks into your home because of deterioration or improper installation. Check for flashing failure when you see drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams, peeling paint, moisture stains, sagging areas or leaks coming from joints.

Leaks

Roof leaks occur when sealed joints, such as seams and flashing, shift and open gaps for water intrusion. Early identification and repair stop mold and decay from happening.

Poor insulation

Attics with too little insulation lead to extreme temperatures in your home, which causes issues such as damaged rafters, mold, leaks, high energy bills and ice dams. Ensuring your attic insulation is appropriate for Lake Villa’s climate decreases energy use and bills.

Standing water

Standing water is common due to debris accumulation or dips in your roof’s decking. Your roof can start rotting if the water is left for more than 48 hours. Weight stress is another consequence. Standing water can point to a need to replace your roof surface to fix the drainage or slope. Ensure proper drainage and prevent the accumulation of debris on your roof to avoid these problems.

What are signs you need roof repair?

A qualified residential roofer can diagnose and repair your roof. The signs that indicate you may need to bring in a roof repair pro include the following:

• Water in your attic: Your attic’s insulation should be dry, and your roof shouldn’t have visible gaps. If you notice gaps, you have a problem and likely need repair services. If you live in a cold climate with ice and snow, you should check for ice dams along your eaves, which mean improper 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: Damaged shingles let moisture into your roof, which can cause structural issues through rotting in the decking and rafters.
• Discoloration: You probably have a leak if you spot moisture stains or dark discoloration on the undersides of your decking or rafters.
• Mildew or mold Powdery mildew and mold on your roof can damage your health and home. These can signal roof leaks, which need to be addressed quickly.
• Rust: Rust streaks from flashing or fasteners indicate deterioration, and rust and corrosion undermine weatherproofing and structural soundness.
• Visible sagging: Your roof visibly sagging is a warning sign that your roof may collapse. Reasons for sagging include excess insulation, overwhelmed drainage, concrete pavers, dense clay tiles or mechanical equipment. Standing water and warped sheathing can also exacerbate the problem by compromising your roof’s drainage.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

A roof’s life expectancy depends on roof material, climate, maintenance and installation quality, with proper installation being one of the most important factors.

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 generally last around 15–20 years. Well-maintained wood shingles or shake roofs can last about 20–25 years. However, they may be vulnerable to rot, mold and insect damage.

A metal roof’s life span is 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 100 years or more if properly maintained.

How can you save money on a Lake Villa roof repair?

Roof repairs will typically be expensive, 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 cause of damage, such as storms or fallen trees, your insurance may cover the repair cost.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Get quotes from at least three Lake Villa roofing contractors. Compare each one before deciding on a roofer.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance allow you to spot minor issues that can turn into more extensive and expensive ones.
• Invest in preventive measures: You can save on future repairs and energy costs by investing in preventive measures, such as installing more insulation or improving ventilation.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: For the best rates, book roof repairs during off-peak periods when contractors aren’t as busy. However, avoid the wet season because bad weather can raise the cost. Your best bet is to try and schedule repairs during a dry period in an off-peak season.

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. We review national roofing companies against our full roofing methodology. We score roofing companies based on service options, reputation, additional services and customer satisfaction.