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 provides many important protections, from keeping your heat in to keeping water out. However, caring for your roof isn't always simple. Snowfall in Durham can create hazardous conditions and damage your roof.
No matter the problem, there's a roofing pro near you who can help solve it. Check out our list of Durham's top roofers to find the best one for your job.
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Reputation for timeliness
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Quality customer service
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Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
Transparent project updates
Customer education
Free inspections
Services Offered
Transparent project updates
Free inspections
Quality customer service
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Preventive services
Services Offered
Customer education
Transparent pricing
Free inspections
Quality customer service
Preventive services
Transparent project updates
Services Offered
Customer education
Transparent pricing
Transparent project updates
Free inspections
Quality customer service
Services Offered
Free inspections
Quality customer service
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
Free inspections
Services Offered
Quality customer service
Customer education
Transparent project updates
Free inspections
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
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:
Cost is an important consideration when replacing your roof. Below is the typical price range to replace a roof on a 1,500 square foot home in Durham. We also highlight prices for common roofing materials.
Roof installation is a big home improvement project that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It's crucial to research and find a top quality and trusted local roofing contractor for the job. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing a roofing contractor.
While most homeowners don't think about their roof every day, it 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. The most common residential roofing material is asphalt shingles, which normally last 20–25 years before requiring replacement. Schedule an inspection if your roof is reaching this age to determine if a full replacement is needed.
One of the clearest signs of a roof issue is leaking. Stains on insulation, ceilings, and walls — or in your attic — usually mean that water is seeping through worn or damaged shingles. Don't ignore small leaks, because even these can lead to mold growth and roof damage.
If you can see roof sheathing or decking under shingles, it means that those shingles are curling or losing their seal. This means it's time for replacement. Shingles need to lie flat to stop water from entering your home.
Examine your shingles closely from a sturdy ladder or while on the ground. Look for shingles that show cracks or are missing granules. Storms can cause exterior damage over time. To keep your roof in working order, replace any shingles that are no longer attached or are openly gaping.
Roof flashing seals off valleys, chimneys, vents, and other areas that pass through the roof. If the metal flashing is damaged, coming loose, or deteriorated, it can leak. Have any flashing problems fixed right away.
A structural problem can lead to roof sagging or uneven slopes. If you notice signs of the roof sagging, get a roofing company to inspect it. An improperly supported roof deck will continue to deteriorate over time.
The best type of roofing material for your home in Durham will depend on factors such as your budget and how frequently 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.
New Hampshire is among the few states that does not have state-level licensing requirements for contractors. You can check with your municipal government to see if there are any local requirements.
There is one exception: contractors who work with asbestos must be licensed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services.
Generally, it takes around one to five days to replace a roof. Factors that could influence this timeline include the accessibility of your roof, its size, and the weather in Durham during the process. Durham tends to see a lot of rain, which might extend the timeline.
Your roof can impact how energy-efficient your home is. For example, a good roof helps you spend less energy heating your home during the winter months. Some materials (like metal) are more energy-efficient than others.
The best roofing color for you depends on a few factors like the style and color of your house and the local climate. For instance, if you have a Spanish style home, then you'll most likely want a terracotta roof to match the style. Also, if you live in a hot climate, you may want to avoid darker colors since they absorb heat, which makes your home harder to keep cool.
Depending on which contractor you use, some roof replacement costs may be covered by your home insurance. Some insurance companies might have preferred contractors. It may also be easier to get assistance for roof work if the damage was due to a covered weather event, such as an ice storm. Speak with your home insurance company to find out if they have preferred contractors, and what costs may be covered.
