Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Keeping your roof in good shape is critical to protecting you and your home, but isn't always a simple job. Keeping the roof on your Altoona home well-maintained can help prolong its lifespan and save you from expensive repairs.
For all issues, big or small, there's a local roofing contractor who can help. Use our guide to connect with one of the top roofers in Altoona.
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Locally owned
Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
Free inspections
Customer education
Services Offered
Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
Customer education
Free inspections
Preventive services
Services Offered
Free inspections
Customer education
Quality customer service
Transparent project updates
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Quality customer service
Preventive services
Free inspections
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Customer education
Transparent project updates
Free inspections
Transparent pricing
Locally owned
Quality customer service
Preventive services
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
Free inspections
Services Offered
Free inspections
Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
Customer education
Honors appointment windows
Services Offered
Customer education
Free inspections
Transparent pricing
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Services Offered
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:
For a project as big as roof replacement, price is important. Below is the usual price range to replace a roof on a 1,500 square foot home in Altoona. We also compare costs for common roofing materials.
Roof installation is a big home improvement project that can cost tens of thousands of dollars in the end. It's essential to research and find a top quality and trusted local roofing contractor for the job. Here are some important considerations when choosing a roofing contractor.
You may not think about your roof every single day, but it protects your home in important ways. Be aware of these common signals that your roof needs to be evaluated and repaired by a professional roofer.
Your roof's age and material are key factors. Asphalt shingles, the most common residential roofing material, generally last about 20 to 25 years before needing replacement. Have your roof evaluated if it’s approaching or past this lifespan to determine if it needs to be replaced.
One of the most obvious signs of a roof problem is leaking. Stains on insulation, ceilings, and walls — or in your attic — usually mean that water is seeping through damaged or worn shingles. Don't ignore small leaks, because even these can encourage mold growth and roof deterioration.
Seeing roof deck boards or sheathing under your shingles indicates that those shingles are severely curling or losing their seal. This means it's time for replacement. Shingles should lie flat to stop water from leaking into your home.
Inspect your shingles thoroughly from ground level or a sturdy ladder. Look for ones that are cracked or that are missing granules. Over time, storms can cause surface damage. To keep your roof in good condition, replace any shingles that detach or have gaping holes.
Roof flashing protects valleys, vents, chimneys, and other areas that pass through the roof. If the metal flashing is damaged, coming loose, or deteriorated, it can leak. Have any issues with roof flashing fixed right away.
A structural problem can cause your roof to exhibit noticeable sagging or unevenness in slope. If you notice sagging or an uneven slope, get a roofing company to inspect it. An unsupported roof deck will get worse over time.
The best type of roofing material for your home in Altoona will depend on several factors, including your budget and how often you want to do maintenance.
Asphalt is more budget-friendly, while materials like metal are more expensive but last longer. You also might choose a material like wood for its environmentally friendly nature.
Contractors are required to register with the Iowa Division of Labor if they earn more than $2,000 a year working in their trade. All contractors must show proof of insurance, and contractors whose primary location is outside of the state must be bonded.
Generally, spring or fall 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 does impact how energy-efficient your home is. For example, in the winter a good roof allows you to spend less energy heating your home. Certain roofing materials, like metal, provide superior insulation compared to other types.
Your home insurance may cover some roof replacement costs if you use one of your insurance company's preferred contractors (if it has any). It might be easier to get replacement or repair costs covered if the damage was caused by a covered weather event like a severe windstorm. You should reach out to your home insurance company to learn whether either of these situations apply to you.
The extent of the cleaning needed, as well as the material of your roof, will decide how your contractor cleans it. Some roofs benefit from power washing, but this is not recommended for materials like asphalt tiles. "Soft washing" is done with tools like brooms and brushes, and employs chemicals like detergent and bleach.
