10 Best Roofing Companies in Ithaca, NY (2024) - USA Today (2024)

The extreme temperatures in Ithaca, New York can wear down your roof. A roofing company can help you repair roofing materials, patch leaks, reinforce your roof, or install a new roof. Some roofing companies also tackle gutter installation, siding replacement and similar projects.

Roofing contractors usually need a license for roofing work, but the state of New York doesn't require one. Check with your city or county for local regulations.

Find the best roofing company for you in Ithaca

When comparing new roof installation companies, check their ratings before settling on one. Choose a roofing company with 3.5 out of 5 stars or higher on customer review platforms, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews.

What is the cost of installing a new roof in Ithaca?

If you need to install a new roof, carefully weigh your material choices. Each option has a different cost, life span and sturdiness. Some of the most durable roofing materials are metal, slate and concrete.

In Ithaca, installing a slate roof runs $28,882, on average, for a 2,000-square-foot home. Across the country, slate roofing costs fall around $29,563 for a 2,000-square-foot house*.

*Local costs were determined using RSMeans project estimates combined with local labor costs from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and cost data from home improvement stores. We also interviewed homeowners from around the country to validate local costs.

How to save money on roof installation in Ithaca

Roof replacement will typically be expensive, but there are things that can help you save money on the service.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Review your home insurance policy to see whether it will cover the roofers work. Depending on the reason for the damage, such as storms or fallen branches, insurance may cover the cost.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Carefully weigh factors like rates, materials, services, qualifications and availability before picking a roofing company in Ithaca.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance allow you to identify minor problems that can turn into larger, more expensive ones.
• Invest in preventive measures: You can save on future repairs and energy costs by investing in preventive measures, such as installing extra insulation or improving ventilation.
• Schedule roofing services during good weather if possible: For the best rates, book roof repairs during off-season periods when contractors aren't as busy. However, avoid rainy or snowy seasons because bad weather can raise the cost. Your best bet is to try and schedule repairs during a dry period in an off-peak season.

What are the signs that you need a new roof?

Call in a roof repair contractor if you notice the following signs:

• Water in your attic: Your attic's insulation should be dry, and your roof shouldn't have visible gaps. If you see gaps, you have a problem and likely need repairs. If you live in a climate that gets ice and snow, make sure you check for ice dams along your eaves, which indicate poor insulation or heat loss through the roof deck. If you see significant icicles or icing in your gutters during winter, it’s a sign that something is wrong.
• Curled shingles: Shingles that are curled, missing or broken let moisture into your roof, which can cause structural problems through rotting in the rafters and decking.
• Discoloration: Dark discoloration on the undersides of your rafters or decking indicates your roof likely has a leak and needs to be replaced.
• Mildew or mold: Visible black mold or powdery mildew can indicate your roof has a leak, which can cause health problems and structural damage.
• Rust: Rust streaks on your flashing or fasteners weaken your home's weatherproofing and structural soundness.
• Visible sagging: Your roof sagging is a warning sign that your roof could collapse. Reasons for sagging can be excess insulation, overwhelmed drainage, mechanical equipment, concrete pavers or dense clay tiles. Pooling water and warped sheathing can also exacerbate the problem by reducing your roof's drainage.

What are common roofing issues?

Even well-maintained roofs eventually run into issues after years of wear and tear. Proactive visual inspections and roof maintenance are essential in catching problems before they worsen and lead to expensive repairs.

Some common things to look for during a visual inspection include the following.

Damaged shingles

One of the most frequent roofing issues you may face is shingle damage or wear and tear. Asphalt shingles, a popular roofing material, generally last about 20–30 years, but exposure to extreme weather can lead to cracking or lifting. Cracked or broken shingles let in moisture, potentially causing mold, leaks and structural decay.

Flashing failures

Flashing is the metal sheets around the seams and transition points of your roof. Its primary function is to protect these areas of your roof from rainwater and runoff. Flashing failure is when water leaks through your roof because of improper installation or deterioration. Warning signs of flashing failure include leaks coming from joints, drips from ceilings that align with flashing seams, sagging areas, peeling paint, or moisture stains.

Leaks

Leaks commonly occur around joints and flashing around skylights, roof penetrations and chimneys. Temperature and aging materials cause these joints to open gaps, allowing water intrusion. Early detection and repair prevent mold growth and decay.

Poor insulation

Inadequate insulation in your attic can result in your heating and cold air seeping out through your roof. This leads to mold growth, higher energy costs, ice dams, damaged rafters and leaks. Installing proper insulation for the local climate can yield substantial energy savings year-round.

Standing water

Pooling water usually happens when your roof's decking has low spots and accumulated debris. This causes long-lasting water after storms. Moisture saturation and roof rotting can occur if not removed within 48 hours. Additionally, it adds significant weight stress and could indicate a need to replace your roof surface due to improper slope or drainage. Routine roof cleaning and ensuring proper drainage helps stop these issues from happening.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

A roof's life span depends on roof material, maintenance, climate and installation quality, with proper installation being most important.

The typical life span of asphalt shingles is 20–30 years. Architectural shingles are on the higher end at 25–30 years, and traditional three-tab shingles usually last 15–20 years. Properly maintained shake roofs or wood shingles can last about 20–25 years. However, they may be vulnerable to rot, mold and insect damage.

The life expectancy of metal roofs varies based on the type of metal used, but most can last for 40–70 years or more. Concrete roofs last around 50 years, but sometimes last over a century with proper maintenance. Slate is one of the most durable materials, with slate roofs lasting for over 100 years.

How long are roofs supposed to last?

A roof's life span depends on roof material, maintenance, climate and installation quality, with proper installation being most important.

The typical life span of asphalt shingles is 20–30 years. Architectural shingles are on the higher end at 25–30 years, and traditional three-tab shingles usually last 15–20 years. Properly maintained shake roofs or wood shingles can last about 20–25 years. However, they may be vulnerable to rot, mold and insect damage.

The life expectancy of metal roofs varies based on the type of metal used, but most can last for 40–70 years or more. Concrete roofs last around 50 years, but sometimes last over a century with proper maintenance. Slate is one of the most durable materials, with slate roofs lasting for over 100 years.

How to save money on roof installation in Ithaca

Roof replacement will typically be expensive, but there are things that can help you save money on the service.

• Check your homeowners insurance: Review your home insurance policy to see whether it will cover the roofers work. Depending on the reason for the damage, such as storms or fallen branches, insurance may cover the cost.
• Compare quotes from multiple sources: Carefully weigh factors like rates, materials, services, qualifications and availability before picking a roofing company in Ithaca.
• Conduct routine roof maintenance: Regular inspections and maintenance allow you to identify minor problems that can turn into larger, more expensive ones.
• Invest in preventive measures: You can save on future repairs and energy costs by investing in preventive measures, such as installing extra insulation or improving ventilation.
• Schedule roofing services during good weather if possible: For the best rates, book roof repairs during off-season periods when contractors aren't as busy. However, avoid rainy or snowy seasons because bad weather can raise the cost. Your best bet is to try and schedule repairs during a dry period in an off-peak season.

Our methodology for selecting roof repair companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score. We review national roofing companies against our full roofing methodology. We score roofing companies based on service options, reputation, additional services and customer satisfaction.