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 maintaining this important feature isn't always simple. Doing regular maintenance on the roof of your West Donegal home can help prolong its lifespan and save you from expensive repairs.
For any problems, large or small, there's a local roofing contractor who can help. Our guide can help connect you with one of the top roofers in West Donegal.
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Transparent project updates
Customer education
Quality customer service
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Free inspections
Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Quality customer service
Preventive services
Customer education
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Customer education
Quality customer service
Free inspections
Services Offered
Free inspections
Customer education
Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Transparent project updates
Quality customer service
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Customer education
Services Offered
Free inspections
Quality customer service
Transparent project updates
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:
Budgeting is important when you need to tackle a project as big as replacing your roof. Below, we outline the average price range for replacing a roof on a 1,500 square foot home in West Donegal. We also highlight price differences between popular roof materials.
A new roof installation is a major home renovation that can run over twenty thousand dollars total. It's crucial to research and find a top-rated, trusted roofing company for the job. Here are some important considerations for choosing a roofer.
While most homeowners don't think about their roof every day, it plays a key role in protecting your home. Watch for these common signs that your roof may be in need of professional inspection and repair.
The age and material of your roof are important. Asphalt shingles, the most popular residential roofing material, typically last 20–25 years before needing replacement. If your roof is nearing or past this lifespan, have it evaluated to determine if full replacement is needed.
One of the clearest signs of roof trouble is water leaks. Stains on your ceilings, walls, or insulation, or in your attic likely indicate water seeping through damaged or worn shingles. Even small leaks can be an issue, as they can lead to mold growth and further deteriorate your roof.
Seeing roof deck boards or sheathing under your shingles is a sign 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 entering your home.
Carefully examine your shingles from the ground or a steady ladder. Look for any shingles that are cracked or have lost their protective granule coating. Over time, environmental factors like storms can cause surface damage. To keep your roof in good shape, you should replace any dislodged or gaping shingles.
Roof flashing creates a watertight seal around vents, valleys, chimneys, and other areas where water can leak into your home. Deteriorated, cracked, or peeling flashing can allow leaks. We recommend promptly resolving any flashing issues that come up.
If you notice your roofline showing signs of sagging or unevenness, 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 West Donegal 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.
Pennsylvania does not have any specific roofing contractor licensing requirements, but all contractors who complete over $5,000 worth of home improvements annually must register with the Attorney General's Office. Contractors must show proof of insurance when registering. Your municipality may also have its own local requirements.
The best time of year for a roof replacement is spring or fall. Otherwise, colder temperatures in the winter or hotter temperatures in the summer can get in the way of getting the job done.
Your roof can impact the energy efficiency of your home. For example, a good roof helps you spend less energy heating your home during the winter months. Certain materials (such as metal) are more energy-efficient than others.
How soiled your roof is, in addition to what it's made of, will determine how your contractor cleans it. Power washing can be used on some roofs, but it isn't recommended for materials like asphalt tiles. "Soft washing" is done with tools like brushes and brooms, and employs chemicals like bleach and detergent.
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, check that the flashing wasn't reused. Flashing is important to keep leaks and water damage at bay. Lastly, you'll want to see that your contractor placed an underlayment between the shingles and sheathing of your house. This helps prevent leaks and extends the life of your roof.
