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 performs a number of essential jobs, from keeping your heat in to keeping water out. However, maintaining your roof isn't always simple. It's important that the roof on your Bellingham home can withstand all kinds of weather without failing.
For all issues, large or small, there's a local roofing contractor who can help. Use our guide to connect with one of the best roofers in Bellingham.
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Quality customer service
Free inspections
Customer education
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Customer education
Services Offered
Transparent pricing
Customer education
Quality customer service
Free inspections
Services Offered
Preventive services
Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
Services Offered
Free inspections
Customer education
Transparent pricing
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Quality customer service
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Quality customer service
Customer education
Locally owned
Services Offered
Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
Transparent project updates
Free inspections
Services Offered
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Quality customer service
Transparent pricing
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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 a major consideration when replacing something as big as your roof. Below, see the average price range for roof replacement on a 1,500 square foot home in Bellingham, as well as price differences between various popular roofing materials.
Roof installation is a large home improvement project that can cost tens of thousands of dollars. It’s crucial to do your research and find the top-rated company for the job. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting a roofer.
You may not think about your roof every single day, but it plays a vital role protecting your home. Be aware of these common signals that your roof needs to be inspected and repaired by a professional roofer.
Your roof's age and material are key factors. Asphalt shingles, the most common residential roofing material, typically last around 20–25 years before needing to be replaced. Have your roof evaluated if it’s nearing or past this lifespan to determine if it needs to be replaced.
Leaks are a clear sign that your roof needs repair. Stains on walls, insulation, or ceilings, or in your attic often signal that water is getting through damaged or worn shingles. Even small leaks need to be taken care of right away, as they can result in mold and more harm over time.
If you can see your roof decking or sheathing material underneath your shingles, it means those shingles are severely curling or losing their seal and need replacement. Shingles should lie flat to keep 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 no longer have their protective granule layer. Storms can cause exterior damage over time. To keep your roof in good condition, replace any missing shingles, or ones that have gaping holes.
Roof flashing provides a weatherproof seal around chimneys, valleys, vents, and other areas that penetrate the roof. If this metal flashing is coming loose, cracked open, or worn down, it can allow leaks. Problems with roof flashing should be addressed promptly.
If you notice your roofline sagging or sloping unevenly, it could indicate a problem with the structure that requires professional inspection. A sagging roof deck will worsen over time if not reinforced or replaced.
The best type of roofing material for your home in Bellingham will depend on factors such as your budget and how often 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.
In Washington state, all contractors are required to register with the Department of Labor & Industries. Roofing contractors are not required to hold any additional state-level licensure unless they work with asbestos. Be sure to check with your municipal government to determine if there are any local requirements.
Roof replacement generally takes around one to five days. This timeline may be affected by factors like the weather in Bellingham, the accessibility of your roof, and its size. Be prepared for Bellingham's rainy weather to delay work.
Generally, spring or autumn is the best time of year to have your roof replaced. In Bellingham, 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.
The best color for your roof depends on a few factors like the color and style of your house and the local climate. For instance, if you have a Spanish style home, then you'll probably want a terracotta roof to match the style. Also, if you live in a hot climate, you may want to avoid darker colors because they absorb heat, which makes cooling your home more difficult.
After your roof has been installed, check the roof's appearance. If parts are sagging or the roof isn't uniform, this is a sign that the roof was not installed well. Also, check that the flashing wasn't reused. Flashing is important to prevent leaks and water damage to your home. Lastly, you'll want to check that your contractor placed an underlayment between the shingles and sheathing of your house. This helps prevent leaks and extends your roof's lifespan.
