Tag: asphalt shingles

Michigan Roofs: Coordinating The Color Of Your Roof To The Homes Exterior

A new roof for your home can be quite exciting.  It is one of the only times, besides replacing the siding or a new room addition, where the exterior of your home will be transformed.  It can be a bit scary for some homeowners as you will live with this decision for the length of time you own your home.  As a professional roofing contractor, it is important to ease homeowners concerns and present the options that are best suited for their home.  This helps to create a situation where homeowners can’t make the “wrong” decision.

Being a Michigan roofing contractor for over 20+ years means that I have had a lot of experience with the climate and understand how your roofing materials are affected by the drastic changes in temperature.  With the difference in temperature Michigan roofs are different than a lot of others; your roofing can be light or dark.  Where as homes in southern states would likely benefit from a lighter shingle that would help deflect sunlight.

Another element that is crucial is that the exterior colors of your home coordinate.  Homes with blue or gray tones would coordinate with a black roof where as cream or tan homes look better with brown toned roofs.  It is crucial to the overall look of your home to coordinate the shingle style and color with the exterior.  Take into consideration any future exterior siding or masonry work that you will be done.  It is also good to note that darker roofing makes homes appear smaller than they actually are whereas lighter roofing, gray or light brown shingles, tend to make home look bigger overall.

The neighborhood is another factor to consider when choosing roofing materials.  Have you investigated the regulations set forth by your homeowner’s association and local ordinances; especially important within city limits.  Certain colors, materials, and styles of shingling and metal are considered statement roofing which is a great way to distinguish your home but some HOA’s are looking to avoid any one home in the area from drawing attention.  It may also be important to you and your neighbors that your home not to stick out like a sore thumb and clash with neighboring houses.

To view samples of different roofing materials or to virtually view how the materials will look when placed on your home give Home Pro Roofing a call.  Our professional roofing contractors specialize in bringing professional roofing results to homeowners throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Preventing Future Problems with Proper Roofing Ventilation

Good roof ventilation is imperative, but many homeowners don’t understand why it’s so important.  When your roof is adequately ventilated, it lasts longer. In bad weather, the roof’s ventilation helps protect your roof from ice dam which occurs when the ice accumulated on the roof prematurely thaws. Ventilation also helps discharge heat that might build up beneath the roof and cause premature thawing of snow on the roof.

Release of Moisture

Other than conserving energy and protecting your roof from the effects of climatic changes, adequate ventilation protects all aspects of the roof’s structure by discharging moisture which could easily collect without proper ventilation.  During the summers or in extreme weather conditions, moisture is likely to get trapped beneath your roof. When moisture is trapped beneath the roof deck, it can cause all types of problems. Any metallic objects found in the roofing such as nails become vulnerable following exposure to moisture. Once these metallic elements are compromised your roof will start falling apart.

Complete Ventilation

Some ventilation techniques are better than others. When ventilation is poor, the sole purpose of having ventilation in the first place will be compromised. Part of your roofing structure with less ventilation will be more vulnerable to effects of climate change, moisture and other influences. Ensuring your roofing structure is ventilated in all the right places is the best way to protect your roofing and property from damage.

The ventilation on your roofing structure should help get rid of inconsistencies exhibited by methods designed to provide partial ventilation to your roofing structure.

Fixing problems that arise from poor roofing structures can be very costly and worse still, the damage already done might require that you replace your entire roofing structure. Ensuring that the roofing ventilation is adequate from the onset is the best way to safeguard your property and protect your roof.

Choosing A Certified Contractor

Ensure that you work with a certified contractor with experience when ventilating your roof. A good contractor will not just get the job done, but they will also do a superior job that will save you lots of money in the long term.

These are the key benefits of ensuring that your roof is well ventilated and staying safe from the drawbacks of a poorly ventilated roof. When the work is properly done, you will certainly enjoy your home for many years to come.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Extending the Lifespan of Your Home’s Roof

Many individuals discover their rooftops need repair or replacement.  This is usually caused by various reasons but improper care and maintenance is always on the top of the reasons list. One thing that you can do is to hire a professional roofing contractor who should be skilled enough to manage your labor work, buying the material in bulk, and most importantly experience always matters. If you wish to improve the life expectancy of your roof consult with a professional roofing company to discuss maintenance, repairs, and roof replacement.

Following are some of the tips to improve the lifespan of your home’s roof:

Initial Rooftop Checkup

The primary essential tip to enhance the life expectancy of a rooftop is to have an extensive review of your current roof.  There are a lot of things to check in a rooftop that may diminish the rooftop’s life expectancy if left untreated.

For example, to expand the life expectancy of a rooftop is the use of skylights. Sometimes dust and debris get stuck into the seals around the skylights. It loosens the seal and ultimately water can go into these free seals and add dampness to the rooftop.

Likewise, the used roofing material should also be checked. A property holder should ensure that the shingles, shakes on their house are not harmed. Watermarks on the wood in an upper room may imply that the rooftop is spilling. This also indicates where the leak is occurring so a repair can easily be made without much hassle.

Cleaning of Roof is Must

The next thing which is most important to be considered is the cleanliness of the roof. Standard cleaning of the top roof of a home unquestionably pays its profits. An unclean rooftop is more inclined to cause harm and damage.

The first and most basic thing that should be cleaned from rooftops is trash. There is a considerable measure of reasons why debris should be cleaned from a rooftop. Moisture really causes harm to the rooftop. Stale water on a rooftop can turn into a reproducing ground for bugs and infections.

One of the most ignored parts of the roof is the gutter. It is very important to clean out the gutters. Debris in gutters can cause blockages. If water can’t pass through these difficult blockages, there is a chance that water will not get through and cause moisture damage to the roof. Sometimes, these blocked gutters become a cause of increased water flow which ultimately shows leakages and cracks with time.

Removing Moisture and its Signs Completely from the Roof

The most vital and most basic thing to expel from rooftops is water and consequent moisture. Property holders should search for indications of dampness on their rooftop and after that dispose of the source from where the water is coming. Stale water is one of the most common causes of harming rooftops.

 

With these basic steps and a proper consultancy from a local roofing company, you can easily prevent all those causes which causes serious damage to the rooftop. It is anything but difficult to anticipate harm to a rooftop and doing as such will save the homeowner from sending costly repairing costs to the skilled roofing contractor.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors, call 810.225.9080 today.

 

Why Roof Replacement May Be Your Best Home Improvement

Roof repair and replacement is not a fun project and considered a hassle. Especially because its not just a quick DIY project to fix something up.  Finding a roofing contractor can be a daunting task but is necessary when your roof needs maintenance, repair, or replacement. Although there may be a lot of things you need to fix at home, the roof is your primary defense against the weather; hence, it should be a priority whenever you consider your options for home improvement. Here are a few reasons that would help you consider the importance of prioritizing roof replacement during your home repairs and improvement projects.

Cost Effective

Even if you are considering moving into a new home in the future, putting off roof repairs for too long could be catastrophic. Over time, little cracks can turn into big disasters in the near future if they are not taken care of. When you call a roofing contractor for the repairs, you would be fixing the issues at minor costs and save a whole lot in the long run.

Roofs Affect Property Value

If you are considering selling off your property in the near future, investing your time, effort, and some money into roof repairs and replacement is a great idea. No buyer will show interest in an apartment that would demand big roof repairs immediately they move in and it is easy to discover a neglected roof.  It is obvious from the inside and outside of the home. On the other hand, a roof that requires little to no repairs would allow you demand for your desired asking price.

Insurance

Fixing your roof on time is also cost effective for your insurance in the long run as your insurance adjuster will be able to tell if you took a lot of time before calling a professional. If you request the services of a roofing contractor as soon as you notice any damage, it is very likely that your insurance will cover most of the costs involved. However, if you delay in fixing an issue, you would likely only be compensated for the costs involved in a simple repair job. This will cost you a lot in the long run. A simple fix for your roof, a simple cost you incur.

Although roof repair may not be an exciting project, it is very important. No one wants to be involved in the major costs involved in a total replacement.  In fact, you would hardly engage in a roof replacement more than once or twice with proper maintenance. If you continuously put off roof repairs, you would soon be forced into a replacement which will be a lot more expensive and a lot more “no fun”. As soon as you notice an issue, go on to call a specialist and get your roof fixed immediately.  It should indeed be top of your home improvement considerations.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, shingle roof repair, and new shingle roof installation at http://homeproroofingmi.com/residential-roofing-services-shingle-roofs.php.  To contact one of our roofing contractors, call 810.225.9080 today.

 

Winter Upgrades for Your Michigan Home

The worst thing to happen to your roof is for the structure to fail during the worst months of the year. Wind, rain, and snow can cause deterioration to that leads to roof repairs or a new roof installation. The last thing you want to do is call a roofing contractor in the middle of the winter but sometimes it is necessary. Don’t leave your winter upgrades to the last minute in Michigan. Now that spring is on the way, it’s time to consider winter upgrades for your Michigan home.

First Step To Prep For Winter

Your roofing contractor will help you to get your roof ready for winter. This begins by booking an appointment for them to come by and do a visual inspection of your house. They will do an exterior inspection of your roofing system first.

 

A visual inspection can help to prevent smaller problems from turning into larger ones—in this case bad roof leaks that can damage your house. Even having clogged gutters or loose shingles can cause problems.

 

During a visual inspection, your roofing contractor will look for missing, loose, or damaged shingles. You may be able to see some problems from the ground, but they’ll be able to climb up to the roof and have a closer look.

Taking Care of Any Roof Repairs

If there are any roof repairs required, they should be fixed right away. Even if you plan on having a new roof installation done over the summer, get these little things fixed now. Shingles and shakes can be replaced, as long as the original ones can be matched.

 

Resealing may also need to be done. Expert roofers will be able to caulk around flashings, vents, chimney stacks, etc. Even though shingles may have a lifetime warranty, you’ll still have to do the maintenance to keep them lasting.

 

Tree branches can also affect the lifetime of a roof. It may be recommended that trees be cut back from your roof or house during the warmer months. It’s recommended that they are cut at least two feet from your roof and gutters. Trimming will also prevent an excess of debris falling on the building.

Cleaning Your Gutters

Cleaning is also an important part of your roof’s winter upgrade. These should include cleaning out all gutters and downspouts. This task should be done once per season. When preparing for winter, have it done in late November. Downpipes should be inspected. They should be directed at five feet from the foundation. This is the new requirement to keep water from getting into your house.

 

It’s also important to check the ventilation of your attic to the outside. An overheated attic could cause excess moisture inside. Your attic should also have the right amount of insulation.  Many roofing contractors will offer you a free housing inspection that covers all these structures within your home and more. Hopefully you only need roof repairs, but it could also be time for a new roof installation. By the time next winter arrives, you’ll be relieved that all the hard tasks of winterizing your home have been done. Now you can enjoy a warm and comfy home!

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors, call 810.225.9080 today.

Support Local Roofing Contractors With Your Business

One of the best ways of supporting your local economy is by supporting local, independent businesses. This not only ensures that more money stays within your community, but also local businesses are more accountable to their local communities and in one way or another, they create employment opportunities and are invested in the well-being of the community and its future.

Choosing A Local Roofing Company

Can you say the same about your local roofing company? Are they knowledgeable about your home’s specific requirements? Do you trust them to undertake a major roofing project and deliver on time and in a professional manner? The main advantage of using your local roofing company, as opposed to a nationally owned business, is that your local contractor needs your business and wants to earn your trust and will provide you with local references so that you can see for yourself the nature of their workmanship and how well they relate to other customers.

A local roofing company with bad credibility will give you the run around until the soles of your feet are sore. A proactive local roofing contractor will always be looking around the neighborhood to assess damages or roofs that need repairs and will offer sound advice to the local community on popular architectural styles, color schemes, affordable yet durable roofing materials and much more, whether or not he or she gets the roofing job.

Proper Licensing

Contrary to popular belief, not all local roofing contractors are ‘cowboy builders’ who are only after your hard earned money and end up doing a substandard job and taking off on you. In fact, most of make it a point to get a certified roofing license. This means that they have taken the time and money to undergo industry-specific training and meet safety standards just to prove to their clients that they are experienced and knowledgeable in their field.

Depending on the state, local roofing contractors are required to submit various documents such as proof of identity, background and credit checks, education, experience, test results, etc. They also must pay a licensing fee to the state licensing board to prove that they indeed have an actual job experience; they are safe and financially responsible.

Things To Look For When Interviewing

With this in mind, it is, however, important to become a discerning customer before hiring a local roofing company because failure to do so, a poor job can mean costly roof repairs and leaks in the future. Move on to the next roofing company if the one you are interviewing does not address the following concerns:

  • It is a definite cause for concern if they do not provide their company’s full name, contacts, and address
  • They do not have a workman’s compensation and liability insurance to protect you in the event of an accident
  • Your local council does not recognize their license
  • They do not have references from other homeowners that you can visit and check their previous work
  • They do not have a valid roofing company warranty that guarantees their work

 

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors, call 810.225.9080 today.

 

The Most Common Problems in Roofing

Some home DIY ventures such as painting the deck, fixing a broken shutter, or crown molding can be quite enjoyable not mention such DYI projects can also improve the look and function of any home without breaking the bank. However, taking on a time-consuming and rigorous job such as the installation of a new rood often can prove to be very challenging even for an expert in DIY.

The roof is an important structure of your home that protects the rest of the structure along with your family and valuables. While a completed DIY roofing job can bring an immense sense of achievement and gratification, some repairs should be taken more seriously because it wouldn’t come as a surprise if you miss elusive signs of damage that a local roofer would otherwise not.

Consider the following pesky problems a local roofing company can help with:

Lack of Roof Maintenance

Having a local roofer to inspect your home can enable you to catch a problem in time before it turns problematic. Some roof problem can stem from the lack of cleaning backed up gutters or trimming overhanging tree branches that place unwanted pressure on your roof. Healthy trees can add charm and curb appeal, but if left unchecked, they can cause damage to your roof.

Weather Damage

Most commonly from high winds, falling debris, after a storm comes through, or from wear and tear from age can result to the cracking of roof shingles or lead to some of them being torn off completely. Cracks in the roof are often hard to see unless you call a local roofing contractor.

Faulty Installation

Improperly installed shingles will result in sliding shingles are brought on when roofing nails are not properly placed on the nail line, and the shingles are only held in place by the tar strip. Come the warmer months, the tar strips heat up, and the shingle begins to separate.

Inadequate Roof Ventilation

A local roofing company can help alleviate ventilation issues, particularly with asphalt shingle roof systems in order to allow warm air to leave through the top and cool air from the bottom through the ridge cap at the peak of your roof. Lack of proper ventilation can have a serious impact on your energy bills not to mention your roof’s lifespan.

Leaks and Moisture

From either wind, rain, snow, and a build-up of debris can lead to moisture build-up and seepage under the layers of roof, and in order to avert further damage from these leaks that will cause rot and mold, you should have them repaired straight away by your local roofer.

Animal Damage

Raccoons and squirrels may seem adorable until they wreak havoc on your roof and cause significant damage to your home. They can dig holes through your roofing materials, including removing shingles and desecrating the sheathing. Trimming over hanged tree branches, cleaning gutters where birds can build their nest, checking signs of animal damage and keeping the roof well maintained is a job for a professional local roofing company.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors call 810.225.9080 today.

Warning Signs That You May Need a New Roof

Your homes roof might not always have one big fail before it needs to be replaced.  Homeowners should not wait until the roof has started to leak, become weak, or start to visually deteriorate.  A roof will naturally reach the end of its life even if homeowners are keeping up on preventative maintenance at some point the roof will begin to show its age.  Delaying roof replacement too long may actually cause bigger issues for homeowners in the long run.  It is important that you look out for the signs that mean you need a new roof. Here we have some of the basic warning signs that are easy to identify.

Dark Roofing Streaks

With the passage of time, the airborne algae will stick to the roof that will cause the production of the dark streaks. The streaks might not harm the life and longevity of the roof but they will surely damage the appearance and will never look good. Apply a mixture of bleach and water in the affected area and wash it with water.

Moss Appearance

The biggest enemy of the roof is moss and if there are signs of fungal growth you will immediately need the roof repair services. Moss will not only damage the roof but in case if it spreads in the house you might have to leave your home. The spores of moss will lead to many health issues.

The Roofs Age

Considering the roof repair, age is a very important factor. A roof can generally last for 20 to 80 years and it depends on the material that you have used. The asphalt shingles will only last 20 years. It is important that you check your previous reports to know the life of your roof.

Roof Leakage

One of the most important factors is leakage. If after the rainfall you notice that the ceiling is getting wet of the roof is leaking from any point you must have a new roof. When homeowners do not replace the old roof on time, leakage will damage the interior of the house as well. You can also pinpoint the areas that are causing the leakage and replace them if you do not have the budget for a new roof.

Failed Roof Inspection

After few years it is important that you get your roof inspected. You will need a new roof if there are following points in the report.

  • Curling or buckling shingles on the roof
  • Bald spots on asphalt shingles
  • Loss of material around pipes and the chimney
  • Granule build up in the gutters
  • Soft spots on the roof that indicate rotting plywood underneath the shingling
Final Work on Roofing

Once you have planned that you want to repair or replace the roof you will get two options. You can do the task of repairing the roof yourself if you have the skills and the tools. However, if the damage has been done and you need the replacement you will have to hire the roofing contractor.

There are many professionals in the market and they will provide you the best possible services. Different services have different rates so select the one that meets your requirements. Make sure that your new roof is strong and sturdy.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors call 810.225.9080 today.

 

How to Find a Reputable Roofing Contractor to Perform Shingle Roofing

These days, you can’t just pick the first name you see in the yellow pages or anywhere online. That may work for ordering a pizza but it won’t work when looking to find a professional roofing contractor to install or repair a homes roof.   Homeowners will need to qualify the roofer in question to make sure they are the right person for the job.

It is important that the person you hire to install or repair your shingle roof is a legitimate licensed and insured roofing contractor.  This will help to prevent issues that are common with shingle roofing that is improperly installed such as leaks, flashing failures or other roofing related issues.  Consider the following aspects when it comes to hiring a professional shingle roofing contractor to install the homes new roof or repair issues with an existing shingle roof.

Consider the Following When Hiring a Professional Roofing Contractor

  • The Roofer’s Name: When you are looking into hiring a professional shingle roofing contractor it is important to get the roofer’s full name, contact number, license number, and full company name.  This allows you to know exactly who to get a hold of and how to touch base with them before, during, and after the job is done.
  • Proper Insurance: The roofing contractor that is hired should be properly insured meaning that they have both liability insurance and workers compensation policies intact. Don’t ever take the roofing contractors word on this matter; always ask for proper documentation.  This is not rude; it is part of the roofing contractor’s job to supply proper documentation.
  • Free Consultations and Estimates: Roofing contractors should offer homeowners a free estimate and roofing consultation.  During which they evaluate the current state of the roof and the costs associated with repairing or replacing it.  This estimate and consultation should never cost a homeowner a dime.
  • Experience: A roofing contractor that has been providing shingle roofs for some time are likely to be more knowledgeable than one that is new to the industry.  An experienced roofing contractor is a necessity for the homeowner’s peace of mind.
  • Promptness: Whether it is with providing phone calls in return to yours or showing up to your house on time to bid the job it is important that the contractor shows up on time and does what they tell you they are going to do.
  • Professionalism: Consider how the contractor treats you when talking to you over the phone or in person.  Is the roofing contractor dressed professionally when he meets with homeowners?  Would you invite this person into your home with their current appearance?  Are they dirty or are the pulled together in a professional manner?  If this is a person that does not care about their appearance when representing their business than they are probably not someone that should be working to replace or repair the homes roof.

In conclusion, a home’s roof is an important investment.  The tips above help homeowners to select the right roofer for the job.  Remember to be choosy about who is hired, as it is important to getting a high quality long-lasting asphalt shingle roof.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors call 810.225.9080 today.

 

Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

When it comes to your home and finances there is no such thing as being overprotective and this includes those times when you need to find reliable roofing contractors. Take these simple to steps to protect your home and avoid costly mistakes.

The roofing industry is the number one source of claims for fraud and abuse so never assume that the roofing contractor you are interviewing has a current roofing license. Always ask to see the paperwork so you can be confident they are suitably qualified. Businesses without licenses can and do disappear and if there is a problem with your roof you will be out of pocket for the repair expenses.  Any roofing contractor worth working with will be licensed and insured.

While you are checking the licenses, you should also verify that the contractor is certified to install the material you are using for your roof. For example, in the state of Utah, a roofing company requires a shingle license to install a pitched roof.  This is not the case for all states however it is important that if it is required in your state that your contractor is properly licensed.

Roof repair can be a dangerous business so liability insurance is a must if you want to ensure that accidents caused by the roofing contractor and their staff cannot come back and hurt you financially. Check that the contractor has a current insurance policy as well as what it covers and for how much. It is also a good idea to check the contractors’ workers’ compensation coverage.

Ensure a lien waiver is in place before work starts. Once the work is complete and you have paid the contractor the lien waiver protects you against suppliers requesting payment out of your pocket because the roofing contractor failed to pay them.

Even though it may make you a little uncomfortable to get all the above documents signed, sealed and verified the peace of mind is worth it as it can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors call 810.225.9080 today.