10 Best Roof Repair in Grand Rapids, MI

What are common roofing issues?

Even properly maintained roofs eventually run into issues after years of wear and tear. Performing routine inspections allows you to identify issues before your roof needs serious repairs.

A few frequent roofing issues you may encounter while conducting your own inspection include the following.

Damaged shingles

One of the most frequent roofing problems you may find is shingle damage or wear and tear. The average life span of asphalt shingles is about 20–30 years. However, exposure to extreme weather, wind, rain and ultraviolet radiation over time can lead to the erosion of the mineral granules and the cracking or lifting of the shingles. When shingles become broken or missing, moisture can seep into your roof, which can cause leaks, mold growth and decay in your home’s structure.

Flashing failures

Flashing—the metal sheets around a roof’s vents, joints and dormers—deflects water runoff away from vulnerable seams and transition points. When flashing hasn’t been installed properly or has worn down over time, water can leak into your home. Check for flashing failure when you notice sagging areas, moisture stains, peeling paint, leaks coming from joints or drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams.

Leaks

Your home may develop leaks in areas such as seams, protrusions and flashing around chimneys, valleys, skylights and vent pipes where roof planes meet. These sealed joints may shift and allow water in due to expansion and contraction from temperature changes and shrinkage of building materials over time. Early detection and repair prevent mold growth and decay.

Poor insulation

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

Standing water

Standing water often happens when your roof’s decking has low areas and accumulated debris. Your roof can begin rotting due to moisture saturation if the water doesn’t drain within 48 hours. The added weight stress on the roof is another consequence. Standing water can indicate a need to redo your roof surface to correct the drainage or slope. Routine roof cleaning and ensuring proper drainage helps prevent these issues.

What are signs you need roof repair?

Call in a roofer if you see the following signs:

• Water in your attic: Wet insulation means there may be gaps in your roof. If you live in an icy climate, check the eaves for ice dams. This indicates insufficient insulation and heat loss through your roof deck.
• Damaged shingles: Cracked, missing or curled shingles let moisture saturate your roof. Your rafters and decking can rot due to the moisture, resulting in potential structural problems.
• Discoloration: Dark discoloration or moisture stains on the undersides of your decking or rafters signals your roof likely has a leak and needs repairs.
• Mold or mildew Black mold and powdery mildew is never a good sign. These can signify roof leaks and damage your health and home.
• Rust: Rust on your flashing or fasteners can harm weatherproofing and structural soundness.
• Visible sagging: A visibly sagging roof is a warning sign that your roof may collapse. Reasons for sagging can be mechanical equipment, dense clay tiles, concrete pavers, overwhelmed drainage or excess insulation. Moisture and severely warped sheathing can also reduce your roof’s effectiveness at draining and shedding precipitation, leading to standing water, which exacerbates the problem.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

Your maintenance frequency, quality of installation, climate and roofing material impact your roof’s life span. Installation quality is the most important factor. A poorly installed roof may have gaps or other flaws that shorten 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, while traditional three-tab shingles generally last 15–20 years. Well-maintained shake roofs or wood shingles can last about 20–25 years. However, they are susceptible to rot, mold and insect damage.

metal, slate and Concrete are some of the most durable roofing materials. Metal generally lasts 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 more than a century if properly maintained.

How can you save money on a Grand Rapids roof repair?

There are several things you can try to save money on your roof repair.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Read through your homeowners insurance policy to determine what, if any, roof repair costs are covered. Depending on the cause of damage, such as fallen trees or storms, your insurance policy may cover the cost of the repairs.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Obtain estimates from at least three Grand Rapids roofing contractors. Compare each one before deciding on a roofer.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: Perform routine roof inspections and maintenance after repairing your roof. Identifying minor problems early prevents severe damage requiring pricey repairs later on.
• Invest in preventive measures: You can invest in preventive measures such as adding extra insulation or improving ventilation to decrease future repair needs and energy bills.
• Schedule repair services during good weather if possible: Roofing contractors may offer discounts during slower periods. Avoid booking repairs 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.