Roofs don’t fail all at once. They fatigue in small ways first, with a missing tab after a thunderstorm, a blister that opens under summer heat, a flashing nail that backs out just enough to let December rain wick underneath. A good roofing partner sees those early signs, solves what’s urgent, and advises you on the long game so you don’t pay twice for the same roof. That mindset sits at the heart of Aldridge Roofing & Restoration’s work across Greenville and the Upstate — a focus on detail, durability, and honest guidance, whether that means a quick repair on Thursday or a full restoration later in the season.
I’ve walked more roofs than I can count, from bungalow ridgelines with a decade of pine needles in the valleys to standing-seam metal systems stretched across low-slope additions. The common thread is that no two roofs need the same solution. What they do need are clear eyes, steady hands, and a company that understands how structure, materials, and weather interact over years, not just weekends. That’s where Aldridge has built its reputation: comprehensive services executed with practical judgment.
Where repairs make sense — and when they don’t
Homeowners often call after spotting a stain on the ceiling or finding shingle grit piled in the gutters. The instinct is to ask for a patch. Sometimes that’s exactly right. If a wind event peeled back a few tabs on a relatively young architectural shingle roof, a surgical repair is efficient and effective. Match the profile and color, resecure the course with proper nailing, seal under the tab with polyurethane or asphalt mastic if appropriate, and check the nearest penetration for lifted flashing. That fix can buy you many more years.
But I’ve also climbed onto roofs that told a different story. Granule loss across the south-facing slope, cupping at the edges, exposed fiberglass mat along a ridge — those conditions suggest the shingles are at or near the end of their service life. You can replace the “worst” five shingles every year, but you’re just moving the bullseye. The better investment is a planned restoration or replacement.
An experienced estimator separates those paths quickly. Aldridge’s team has a habit I appreciate: they bring data. Moisture readings around suspect decking, photos of nail pattern anomalies, and notes about ventilation balance go into the decision. It’s not just “this looks old.” It’s “the roof is under-ventilated, which is accelerating shingle aging, and the decking shows repeated wetting under the north valley.” That difference between opinion and evidence dictates whether a repair is a bridge or a dead end.
Leaks rarely start where you see them
There’s a common misconception that water is polite — that it enters straight down through a hole and leaves a stain directly below. In reality, water rides the path of least resistance along rafters, underlayment, and fasteners. I once traced a bathroom leak to a tiny puncture in the underlayment eighteen feet upslope, where a satellite mount had been removed and the holes weren’t properly sealed. The ceiling stain sat over the vanity; the failure was patiently working under a ridge vent.
Aldridge’s diagnostic process reflects that reality. They lift the first course near suspect areas, check for capillary action along underlayment laps, and test the integrity of step flashing piece by piece rather than smearing sealant across the entire joint. Tar can be a comfort blanket, but it’s not a fix for a misaligned counterflashing or a missing kickout. The right repair restores the water-shedding geometry that the roof relies on — water wants a simple path off your home. The technician’s job is to give it one.
Chimneys, skylights, and wall intersections generate most leak calls. In Greenville’s climate, where summer storms hit hard and fast, kickout flashings at wall-to-roof transitions are nonnegotiable. Miss that little diverter, and you’ll see siding rot at the bottom of the wall within a season or two. Aldridge fabricates and installs properly sized kickouts rather than trimming a stock piece to make it look close. That small act saves siding, sheathing, and frustration.
The anatomy of a solid repair
A repair isn’t just new material in an old hole. It’s a sequence that prevents tomorrow’s problems.
On asphalt shingle roofs, the crew starts by isolating the damaged area, lifting the course above without tearing adhesives or breaking tabs. Fasteners get removed, not yanked through the shingle. If the decking is suspect — soft underfoot, stained, or moldy — they cut back to sound wood and patch with same-thickness sheathing, gluing and screwing to eliminate movement that telegraphs through the roof. Underlayment comes next, tucked and lapped to shed water toward the eave, not into the cavity.
Matching shingles matters, but so does the nailing pattern. Overdriven nails cut the mat; underdriven nails hold the shingle high and invite wind uplift. Aldridge trains for flush, four-to-six nail patterns depending on the product, placed in the manufacturer’s reinforced zone. It’s mundane craftsmanship that carries the warranty.
Metal roof repairs require a different mindset. Panel damage is rarely local in the way shingles are. Oil canning and fastener back-out can telegraph across runs. A seasoned tech assesses clip condition, sealant fatigue at laps, and whether the wrong fastener was used — a common sin on exposed-fastener systems, where cheap screws with failing washers become a sprinkler array after ten years. Proper repairs often include replacing entire rows of fasteners with the right diameter and washer profile, then bringing joints back into spec with a compatible butyl sealant. If a prior contractor mixed sealant chemistries, that contamination has to be addressed, not covered.
Flat and low-slope roofs fail differently again. Ponding near scuppers, alligatoring in aged modified bitumen, and blisters in single-ply Aldridge roofing services membranes typically point to bigger systemic issues. You can patch a puncture, but if the insulation is wet or the slope is wrong, you’re postponing the inevitable. Aldridge walks these roofs with an eye for drainage — is the water leaving within 24 to 48 hours of a rain? If not, they’ll recommend adding tapered insulation or correcting scupper heights during restoration.
The restoration mindset: beyond shingles and paint
The word “restoration” gets thrown around, sometimes as a euphemism for replacement. In the roofing trade, it should mean restoring performance, not just swapping materials. That often includes improving the assembly below the visible layer.
Ventilation is a prime example. I’ve seen attic temperatures approach 140 degrees on July afternoons. Shingles bake under that load, adhesives soften, and the roof ages years in a single summer. Balancing intake and exhaust is not a guesswork exercise. Aldridge calculates net free vent area, looks at soffit blockage from paint or insulation, and selects ridge or box vents accordingly. Occasionally, the right move is abandoning a poorly performing ridge vent on a complicated roofline and switching to strategically placed box vents paired with clear soffits. Not glamorous, but effective.
Underlayment selection also changes outcomes. A basic 15-pound felt underlayment can work in mild climates on simple roofs. The Upstate’s storm cycles and temperature swings justify upgrading to synthetic underlayments with higher tear resistance and better walkability. In valleys and along eaves, self-adhered membrane is mandatory, not optional. I’ve worked on houses where ice damming is rare but wind-driven rain is not. In those cases, extended eave coverage and valley protection save interiors during sideways storms.
Flashing upgrades are unsexy and invaluable. Factory-bent step flashing in proper sizes, new counterflashing cut and regletted into brick instead of face-sealed, and real cricket construction behind wide chimneys translate to fewer callbacks and longer service life. Aldridge invests time here. The best day to fix flashing is the day the roof is open and accessible.
Materials matter, but so do hands and habits
Homeowners often ask about brand. It’s not an idle question, but it’s not the whole answer. Between major shingle manufacturers, performance tiers look similar: a three-tab line, mid-tier architectural, and premium impact-rated or designer profiles. The spread in durability often has more to do with installation quality and ventilation than the logo on the wrapper.
That said, material selection can be strategic. In hail-prone pockets of Greenville County, stepping up to a Class 4 impact-resistant shingle can reduce future damage and may even earn a small break on insurance premiums. On steep-slope homes shaded by hardwoods, algae resistance matters. If your ridge rides above tall pines, a factory algae-resistant shingle pays dividends in a few seasons. A good contractor, Aldridge included, will talk you through those trade-offs and present total cost of ownership, not just the install price.
On metal, alloy and finish determine longevity. Galvalume performs well in our region, but coastal or chemical exposures change that calculus. Factory finishes with robust warranties resist chalking and fading. The crew’s habits finish the job: handling panels without scratching the finish, cutting with the right tools to avoid burning the coating, and isolating dissimilar metals so you don’t build a battery on your roof. Those are the small choices that separate a clean install from one that looks tired after five years.
Storm response and the difference between urgent and important
When a storm rolls through and shingles scatter across the yard, two clocks start ticking. The first is urgent: stop the water. The second is important: document damage, coordinate with insurance if applicable, and make the right repair or replacement decision.
Aldridge handles both windows. Tarping, when done correctly, is an art. Tarps need solid anchor points that don’t create new leaks. Furring strips, not just nails through the fabric, distribute load and protect the roof. Edges must be tucked and secured so a gust doesn’t turn a tarp into a sail. I’ve seen hasty tarp jobs cause more damage than the storm. A professional tarp buys you time without sacrificing the roof deck.
On the important side, the estimator’s notes and photos matter. Insurance adjusters appreciate clarity: slope-by-slope assessments, hail impact counts where appropriate, and clear differentiation between preexisting wear and fresh damage. Aldridge provides that documentation without inflating claims or promising the moon. That honesty keeps projects on track and relationships with carriers functional, which benefits the homeowner.
The hidden structure: decking, fasteners, and the bones of a roof
Most people focus on the surface — the shingle color, the profile of a standing seam. Underneath, the deck tells a quiet but critical story. Older homes with plank decking can hold nails beautifully if the wood is sound, but gaps and varying widths demand careful layout. Plywood and OSB carry load differently and respond to moisture differently. If a section has swelled and delaminated from repeated wetting, the only wise choice is replacement.
Fasteners are the handshake between surface and structure. The wrong length blows through, giving false confidence until the wind test arrives. The wrong coating rusts and stains the roof. A good crew feels for bite as they set nails, and supervisors spot-check pattern and depth. I worked a job years ago where a nail gun’s depth adjustment slipped halfway through a day. The foreman caught it because he runs his hand along random courses to feel for flush heads. That habit saved a comeback that would have cost a Saturday.
Energy, comfort, and what the roof can do beyond keeping rain out
Roofs affect more than leaks. They can lower attic temperatures, damp road noise, and improve curb appeal in ways that change daily life. Cool roof options for low-slope areas reflect more sunlight and reduce heat gain. In a bonus room over a garage, that can be the difference between using the space in August or avoiding it.
On steep-slope roofs, lighter colors and high-reflectance shingles help, though the impact is smaller than ventilation and attic insulation. Still, every degree counts. Aldridge discusses these variables openly. They don’t claim a roof replacement is an HVAC upgrade, but they’ll show where better attic airflow and insulated ductwork complement a new roof. A well-coordinated project gets you the most value from the disruption of replacement.
Sound is another often overlooked part of the conversation. Metal roofs have a reputation for being loud in the rain. With modern assemblies over solid decking and underlayment, that’s more myth than reality. What does help is decoupling layers and using appropriate underlayments that dampen vibration. Aldridge specifies these details rather than leaving them to chance.
Warranties that actually mean something
A warranty reads like a safety net, but only if you understand its edges. Manufacturer warranties protect against defects in the product under specific conditions, often requiring certified installation and proper ventilation. Workmanship warranties cover the labor and details the manufacturer doesn’t see. You want both to be real, not just words on a brochure.
Aldridge explains how their workmanship warranty interacts with the manufacturer’s coverage. They’ll register the product warranty where applicable, provide documentation of vent area calculations, and keep records of the jobsite photos that demonstrate compliance. That paper trail matters if you ever need to make a claim. More importantly, a company that intends to be around in ten years writes warranties they can honor.
Common pitfalls homeowners can avoid with the right partner
You can save yourself headaches by avoiding a few traps that surface during roof work. The first is layering new shingles over old. It’s legal in some jurisdictions and cheaper in the moment, but it hides deck issues, adds weight, and compromises the thermal profile that shingles expect. Tear-off reveals truth, and truth prevents surprise rot later.
The second is treating caulk as a solution instead of a seal-of-last-resort. If a flashing detail is wrong, the fix is a new detail, not a tube of goop. Similarly, paint is not a flashing. I’ve seen painted counterflashing that looked clean for a season before pulling away and funneling water right into the wall cavity.
The third is chasing the lowest bid without comparing scope. Good estimates spell out underlayment type, flashing plan, ventilation approach, and contingencies for rotten decking. Aldridge’s proposals are explicit on these points. When you compare bids, match line items, not just totals.
What comprehensive service feels like on a real project
Picture a 1998 two-story in Greenville with an L-shaped footprint, a small front porch, and a rear gable over the family room. The roof has 25-year architectural shingles at year 24. There’s a leak showing above the kitchen sink after a squall line pushed through.
Aldridge schedules a site visit within a day. The technician finds lifted shingles along the rear valley Aldridge Roofing & Restoration and a missing kickout where the second-story wall meets the lower roof over the porch. Moisture readings on the kitchen ceiling are elevated, but the decking feels sound. The homeowner has two decisions: a targeted repair to stop the leak now, and a larger replacement plan within the next six months.
The crew executes the repair the same week. They replace the damaged shingles, add a properly sized kickout flashing, and seal the siding where water had been driven behind it. While on site, they inspect the rest of the roof and take photos to show granule loss and edge wear.
Two weeks later, the homeowner greenlights a full roof replacement. Aldridge stages the job for a two-day window with clear weather. Day one, they tear off, replace three sheets of OSB with swelling near the rear eave, and install synthetic underlayment with ice and water shield in valleys and along eaves. They correct the soffit blockages where insulation had been shoved tight to the edge, then add ridge venting sized to the home’s intake. Day two, shingles go on with the specified nail pattern, new step and counterflashing are set along the front-facing wall, and a cricket is built behind the broader chimney that had always looked a little suspect. The crew does a magnet sweep of the yard and leaves the site cleaner than they found it.
Three rains later, the kitchen ceiling is still dry. The attic temperature drops notably in the afternoon, and the homeowner notices the HVAC cycles less. That’s comprehensive service — solving the leak, addressing the causes, and returning the roof to a durable state.
Craft, communication, and why local matters
Roofs fail loudly in storms, but they succeed quietly every day. Consistency lives in the habits of a crew that shows up, works safely, and communicates. Aldridge invests in those basics. The project manager returns calls. The foreman knocks on the door in the morning and explains what will happen that day. If weather forces a schedule change, you hear it from them first, not from the radar app at 7 a.m.
Local knowledge has its place too. Greenville’s oak and pine mix means debris loads change seasonally, so valleys and gutters take a beating in the fall. Afternoon thunderstorms track differently across the foothills than over the lake, bringing wind from angles that punish certain roof planes. A contractor who works these patterns knows which details deserve extra attention — longer valley protection, additional fasteners near windward rakes, and algae resistance for shaded north slopes. It’s small, cumulative wisdom that you can’t buy in a catalog.
When restoration includes more than the roof
Storm damage and long-term leaks don’t respect boundaries. Sometimes the water stains the ceiling, swells the trim, or darkens the hardwood at a threshold. A company that handles restoration as part of its core work can coordinate trades so the roof fix and interior remediation happen in sequence, not conflict. Drying comes first, then roof work, then interior finishes. Aldridge manages those transitions, which reduces the downtime in rooms your family uses daily.
Insurance navigation is part of that package when a storm is involved. The goal isn’t to chase a payout; it’s to return the home to pre-loss condition without surprise invoices or scope gaps. Clear, factual documentation and steady communication with the adjuster keep everyone aligned.
What homeowners can do between service visits
While the heavy lifting belongs to professionals, a homeowner can extend roof life with a light touch. Keep gutters flowing so water doesn’t back up under the eave. Trim branches that rub against shingles in a breeze; abrasion shortens life fast. After a notable wind event, walk the property and look for shingle tabs in the yard, metal fragments near vent stacks, or granule piles at downspouts. Those clues help you call for service before a drip becomes a stain.
If you’re comfortable and it can be done safely from the ground or a short ladder, a visual check of roof edges and penetrations twice a year is sensible. Don’t walk the roof unless you’re trained and properly equipped. Roofs are unforgiving to missteps, and a small savings isn’t worth a fall or damage to the system you’re trying to protect.
A word on estimates, transparency, and value
The best estimate is a map: it tells you where you are, where you’re going, and what detours might appear. Aldridge’s proposals break down materials, methods, and contingencies. They’ll price per sheet for potential decking replacement and define allowances for flashings that are often hidden until tear-off. That transparency is not just ethical; it prevents mid-project friction.
Value isn’t the cheapest number. It’s the quiet roof during a 2 a.m. storm, the straight lines you never notice, and the phone that gets answered if something feels off a year later. That value is built from dozens of decisions made correctly by people who plan to be in business when your roof hits middle age.
Ready to talk through your roof’s next chapter
A durable roof comes from discipline as much as materials. Whether you need a single repair or it’s time to restore the whole system, it helps to work with a team that treats your home like its own.
Contact Us
Aldridge Roofing & Restoration
Address: 31 Boland Ct suite 166, Greenville, SC 29615, United States
Phone: (864) 774-1670
Website: https://aldridgeroofing.com/roofer-greenville-sc/
If you’re unsure whether your situation calls for a repair or a full restoration, start with a conversation. A careful inspection, clear options, and a plan calibrated to your home’s age and exposure make all the difference. Aldridge Roofing & Restoration stands ready to help you make those decisions with confidence.