Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Your roof protects you from the elements and insulates your home, but caring for it isn't always easy. Doing regular maintenance on the roof of your Dover home can prolong its life and reduce the need for expensive repairs.
One of your area's top roofing contractors can help with any concerns you may have. No matter if your roof needs repairs, a replacement, or cleaning, one of Dover's top roofers can help.
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Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on roofers to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Cost planning is important when tackling a project as big as replacing your roof. Below, we provide the average price range for replacing a roof on a 1,500 square foot home in Dover. We also highlight price differences between popular roof materials.
A new roof installation is a large home renovation that can run over twenty thousand dollars total. It's crucial to research and find a highly reviewed and recommended roofing company for the job. Here are the top things to evaluate when hiring a roofer.
While the average homeowner may not spend a lot of time thinking about their roof, a roof plays an important role in keeping a home safe and secure. Keep alert for these signs that your roof might need professional attention.
The age and material of your roof play a big role. Asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material for homes, typically last about 20 to 25 years. If your roof is approaching or past this lifespan, schedule an inspection to see if complete replacement is necessary.
One of the clearest signs of a roof issue is leaking. Stains on insulation, walls, and ceilings — or in your attic — usually indicate that water is seeping through damaged or worn shingles. Don't ignore small leaks, because even these can encourage mold growth and roof deterioration.
If you can see roof sheathing or decking under shingles, it indicates that those shingles are curling or losing their seal. This means the shingles likely need replacement. Shingles should lie flat to prevent water from getting into your home.
Examine your shingles thoroughly from ground level or a safe ladder. Look for ones that have cracks or that are missing granules. Over time, storms can cause surface damage. To keep your roof in repair, replace any shingles that are no longer attached properly or are openly gaping.
Roof flashing seals off vents, valleys, chimneys, and other areas that penetrate your roofing system. If the metal flashing is cracked, peeling away, or completely worn out, it can leak. Have any issues with roof flashing fixed right away.
An uneven roofline may indicate a structural issue that requires professional attention. Without fixing or replacing it, a sagging roof will continue to worsen.
The best type of roofing material for your home in Dover will depend on factors such as your budget and how often you want to do maintenance.
Metal is more expensive but is more durable, while asphalt will be cheaper up front but will require more maintenance. Wood roofs have better insulation than many other materials, which can be very beneficial in the winter.
In Delaware, resident contractor licenses are handled through the Delaware Division of Revenue. Any contractor working on jobs worth over $50,000 is required to be licensed this way. You can verify a company's license through the division's website.
Generally, spring or autumn is the best time of year to have your roof replaced. Having work done in the summer or winter runs the risk of hot or cold weather getting in the way.
Your roof can impact how energy-efficient your home is. For example, a good roof allows you to use less energy to cool your home during the summer. Some materials (like metal) are more energy-efficient than others.
After your roof has been installed, check the roof's appearance. If it looks uneven or not uniform, this is a sign that the roof was not installed well. Also, make sure the flashing wasn't reused. Properly installed flashing is important to keep leaks and water damage away. Finally, you'll want to check that your contractor placed an underlayment between the shingles and sheathing of your house. This helps prevent leaks and extends your roof's lifespan.
