Common Roofing Issues in Altoona, PA, and How to Fix Them

Living in Altoona means your roof has to stand up to a lot. Between snowy winters, heavy spring rain, and the occasional windstorm, it’s no surprise that roofing issues pop up a lot more often than we’d like.

The key is catching problems early. Most roofing problems start small, but if they go unnoticed, they can lead to much bigger repairs down the road.

Here’s a look at the roofing problems we see most often in Altoona, along with practical advice on how to fix them:

Leaks and Water Damage

Leaks are one of the most common reasons Altoona homeowners call us. They can happen for lots of reasons, like missing shingles, cracked flashing, or improperly sealed valleys. Over time, water intrusion can lead to stained ceilings, mold growth, or even structural damage.

How to Deal with Leaks and Water Damage

The first step is a thorough roof inspection to locate the source of the leak. Once identified, the damaged material should be replaced. For more widespread water damage, sections of the roof decking may need repair. Prompt attention is key to keeping costs low.

Damaged or Missing Shingles

Altoona’s strong winds and harsh winters can cause shingles to crack, curl, or blow off entirely. This then leaves the exposed roof decking vulnerable to moisture, UV rays, and pests.

How to Deal with Damaged or Missing Shingles

If just a few shingles are missing or cracked, a simple patch or replacement is usually enough. But if the damage covers a larger area or the shingles are showing signs of age, it might be time to consider a full replacement. 

Our Altoona roofing team can assess the damage and help you decide what makes the most sense for your home and budget.

Ice Dams

When snow on your roof melts and refreezes at the edges, it will form ice dams, which will block water from draining and cause it to back up under your shingles. Those water backups can then lead to leaks, moisture buildup, and sometimes major interior damage.

How to Deal with Ice Dams

Proper attic insulation and ventilation are your best defenses. In the short term, removing snow from the roof with a roof rake (not a shovel) can help. 

For a long-term solution, our skilled Altoona roofers can perform an inspection and recommend upgrades if needed.

Clogged or Damaged Gutters

When gutters are clogged with leaves or debris, water can’t flow off the roof properly. Instead, it backs up, overflows, and can damage your fascia, siding, and even your foundation.

How to Deal with Clogged and Damaged Gutters

We recommend cleaning your gutters at least once or twice a year. If you have mobility issues that prevent you from doing so, you may want to consider installing gutter guards instead. 

If your gutters are sagging or pulling away from your roof, it might be time for a more extensive repair or even a full replacement. Our Altoona gutter installers can help with that. Just give us a call to get started!

Flashing Failures

Flashing is the thin metal material installed around chimneys, vents, and skylights to seal gaps. Over time, flashing can crack, rust, or pull away, especially after freeze-thaw cycles. When it does, it can quickly lead to leaks and significant damage to your Altoona home.

How to Deal with Flashing Failures

Damaged flashing should be replaced and resealed with roofing-grade materials. If it is caught early, this is usually a quick, affordable fix. Routine roof inspections can help you catch flashing issues before they lead to leaks.

Recurring Issues? Contact Our Altoona Roofing Team

No roof is built to last forever. If you’ve been dealing with ongoing roofing problems year after year, it might be time to stop patching and start planning for a full roof replacement. Our Altoona roofing experts offer free asphalt shingle and metal roofing consultations and honest advice to help you make the right call for your home. Contact us today to get started!