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 insulates your home and protects you from the elements, but caring for it isn't always simple. The snow in Elmira can sit heavily on a roof and lead to water damage.
One of the top roofing contractors in your area can help alleviate any concerns you might have. No matter if your roof needs repairs, a replacement, or cleaning, one of Elmira's top roofers can help.
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Customer education
Transparent pricing
Free inspections
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Transparent pricing
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Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Customer education
Services Offered
Free inspections
Preventive services
Customer education
Transparent pricing
Quality customer service
Services Offered
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
Free inspections
Services Offered
Transparent project updates
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Customer education
Services Offered
Customer education
Transparent project updates
Free inspections
Reputation for timeliness
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Transparent project updates
Quality customer service
Customer education
Free inspections
Transparent pricing
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:
Price 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 Elmira. We also highlight prices for common roofing materials.
Installing a new roof is a large home improvement project that can cost an amount in the tens of thousands range. It's essential to research and find a top quality and trusted local roofing contractor for the job. Here are some key considerations 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 need an inspection and repairs from a professional roofer.
Your roof's age and material are both important. The most popular residential roofing material is asphalt shingles, which typically last about 20 to 25 years before requiring replacement. Have your roof evaluated if it’s approaching this age to determine if a full replacement is needed.
Leaks are a common sign of roof issues. Water leaking through damaged or worn shingles often leads to water stains on ceilings, walls, and insulation, or in your attic. Don't ignore even small leaks, as leaks of any size can lead to mold and other issues.
If you can see roof sheathing or decking under shingles, it shows that those shingles are curling or losing their seal. This means the shingles likely need replacement. Shingles should lie flat to stop water from leaking into your home.
Examine your roof shingles from the ground or a steady ladder. Look for tears in the shingle surface or missing granules. Storms that bring strong winds can cause surface damage over time. To maintain your roof, replace any shingles that are missing or are openly gaping.
Roof flashing creates a barrier against the elements around chimneys, valleys, vents, and other areas that penetrate the roof. If this metal flashing is cracked, peeling away from the surface, or otherwise deteriorated, it can allow leaks. Any issues with flashing should be addressed promptly.
A structural problem can lead to noticeable roof sagging or unevenness. If you notice unevenness, get a roofing company to inspect it. An improperly supported roof deck will only get worse without proper support.
The best type of roofing material for your home in Elmira will depend on things like your budget and how frequently you want to do maintenance.
Metal costs more but is more durable, while asphalt will be cheaper up front but won't last as long. Wood has better insulation than many other roofing types, which can save you money during colder months.
New York does not require roofing contractors to hold a state-level license, however there may be local requirements. You should verify that your contractor meets any local licensing requirements before signing a contract.
Generally, the fall or the spring is the best time of year to have your roof replaced. In Elmira, we highly recommend avoiding the wintertime if you can, as cold temperatures can negatively affect the project's timeline – not to mention you may be cold while contractors are working.
Your roof absolutely impacts the energy efficiency of your home. For example, in the winter a good roof allows you to spend less energy heating your home. Some roofing materials, such as metal, provide better insulation than other types.
Generally, your roof needs to be cleaned about once a year. You might need to do an extra cleaning if you notice buildup of mold, mildew, leaves, or moss.
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 have costs covered if the damage was caused by a covered weather event, such as a tornado. You can talk to your home insurance company to learn whether they have any preferred contractors, and what costs may be covered.
