Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Maintaining the health of your roof, although important, isn't always easy. Doing regular maintenance on the roof of your Salem home can prolong its life and reduce the need for expensive repairs.
One of your area's top roofing contractors can help alleviate any concerns you might have. Whether your roof needs repairs, a replacement, or cleaning, one of Salem's top roofers can help.
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Quality customer service
Free inspections
Preventive services
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Quality customer service
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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 is an important consideration when replacing your roof. Below you'll find the typical price range to replace a roof on a 1,500 square foot home in Salem. We also compare prices for popular roofing materials.
Installing a new roof is a big home renovation that might cost tens of thousands of dollars when finished. It's essential to research thoroughly to find a highly skilled and reputable roofing company for the job. Here are the main things to consider when hiring a roofer.
Though it likely doesn't cross homeowners' minds daily, your roof plays a key role in protecting your home. Look out for these common signs that your roof may be in need of professional inspection and repair.
Your roof's age and material are key factors. Asphalt shingles, the most popular residential roofing material, typically last 20–25 years before needing to be replaced. Schedule a professional inspection if your roof is approaching or past this lifespan to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Leaks are a definite sign that your roof requires repairs. Stains on ceilings, walls, or insulation, or in your attic often mean that water is getting through worn or damaged shingles. Even small leaks need to be taken care of right away, as they can result in mold and more damage over time.
Visible roof decking or sheathing under your shingles indicates that those shingles are severely curling or losing their seal. This means the shingles likely need replacement. Shingles need to lie flat to stop water from getting into your home.
Check your roof shingles from the ground or a steady ladder. Look for tears in the shingle surface or loss of protective granule coating. Storms that bring strong winds can cause surface damage over time. To maintain your roof, replace any shingles that have come loose or are openly gaping.
Metal flashing on your roof seals off chimneys, valleys, vents, and other areas where water can leak in. If the flashing is developing cracks, peeling away, or deteriorating over time, it may leak. Promptly take care of any flashing issues.
If you notice your roofline displaying signs of sagging or uneven slopes, it could indicate a problem with the structure that requires professional inspection. A sagging roof deck will worsen over time if not properly supported or replaced.
The best type of roofing material for your home in Salem will depend on factors such as your budget and how often you're willing to do maintenance.
Metal costs more 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 Illinois, roofing contractors must obtain a license from the Department of Professional Regulation. Contractors need to be both bonded and insured to apply. There are licenses for residential work, both residential and commercial/industrial work or for commercial and industrial work only.
Roof replacement typically takes around one to five days. This timeline may be affected by factors like the weather in Salem, the size of your roof, and how easy your roof is to access. .
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. Certain materials (such as metal) are more energy-efficient than others.
Some roof replacement costs may be covered by your home insurance if you use one of your insurance company's preferred contractors (if it has any). It might be easier to get costs covered if the damage was caused by a covered weather event like severe winter weather. You should contact your home insurance company to find out if either of these situations are applicable to you.
A professional might either pressure wash or "soft wash" your roof, depending on the material and the extent of the cleaning needed. Power washing is not recommended for certain roof types like asphalt shingles. To soft wash your roof, your contractor might use chemicals like bleach and detergent, and tools such as brooms and brushes.
