Tag: roof repair - page 2

Common Shingle Roof Maintenance Increases Your Roofs Health

In construction on of the single most expensive elements is the roof.  When a roofing contractor is hired they are aware that it is their duty to protect the homeowner’s investment with proper installation as well as educating them on the basics of regular maintenance.  One of the biggest misconceptions is that once a new roof is installed you can be hands off as a homeowner.  Hiring a professional roofing contractor to do a thorough roof inspection and maintenance upkeep on the roof is vital for the longevity of your roof, at least once a year.

Asphalt is the most commonly used material in residential roofing.  In fact, not only is it the most common material for Michigan roofs, studies suggest that one in five homeowners throughout the United States.  Not only do asphalt shingles look nice when installed, they are easy to install on a number of different house styles and are durable throughout many different weather elements.

Even though asphalt roofs are known to take quite a bit of abuse damage can still occur.

Common damage to the roof includes:

  • Weather elements: sun, wind, hail, rain, and snow
  • Biological elements: algae, mold, leaves, twigs
  • Improper installation or faulty repairs

Even though your roof may look like it is in tip top shape there may be damage that that is unseen to the untrained eye.  Upkeep on the homes roof ensures that it is in proper condition to protect your home and family.  Inexpensive maintenance investments may keep expensive repairs down the road.  Once a year, twice preferred, it is important to have the shingle roof inspected and repaired as needed by a professional roofer.

Maintenance Of Your Roof

The first step in regular maintenance that needs to be done is general housekeeping, just as we would with the interior of our home.  Housekeeping on a roof includes cleaning the debris, leaves, and algae from the shingles.  As this process is done roofing contractors will pay special attention to the roofs skylights, vents, chimney flashing, ventilation, and more.  During this process it will be important to ensure that the debris is deposited appropriately and not left to enter the homes gutters.  Gutters must stay clear and free of debris to allow proper water flow away from the homes foundation.

After the roof has been cleared of debris it is time for the roofer to perform a detailed inspection of the roof.  They will be looking for issues that could spell trouble down the road.  Finding a roofer that will work with you year after year is important because they are familiar with your roof and will be able to catch differences faster than if switching contractors often.

Minor Repairs To Roof To Extend Life

After the roof has been cleaned and inspected it is time to repair any and all issues that have been found.  Common repairs include: replacing or repairing shingles, flashing, gutters, and downspouts.  The repairs done to keep up on your roof will help the longevity of your roof.  The money spent on roofing repairs is well spent.  Roof repairs are inexpensive in comparison to the installation of a new roof.

Last but not least is record keeping.  Homeowners and roofing professionals need to keep an updated log on maintenance and repairs on the roof.  These logs should include updated images of the roof in case there are questions during previous inspections.  It will be simpler to determine the amount of actual wear.

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.

Professional Roof Installation Increases Your Roofs Life Expectancy

Do it yourself home improvements are quite popular however, there are a few renovations around the house, such as a new roof, that are better left to the professionals.   Online instructions and YouTube videos may make it appear simpler than it really is.  Regarding new roof installation, replacement roofing, and roof repair an expert in roofing is more than worth their value.

Roofing contractors have years of experience in their field.  No video tutorial can provide the knowledge that comes from years of training and experience that professional roofers have.  Professional roofers are aware of how different materials will adhere to the homes roof and the different tools needed to do the job correctly.

Roofing is incredibly technical and if even one aspect is altered, or a step is missed problems can arise later down the road.  Skilled roofing contractors know what problems to look for, what triggers leaks, and what damage needs to be looked for in replacement roofing and roof repairs.  Roofing contractors are not only qualified they offer varying degrees of warranties while providing services that are insured.  Licensed roofers have experience that go a long way to increase the life expectancy of the roof.

Benefits to Professional Roof Installation

  • Increased home value: Replacing your homes roof can increase your homes value upwards of $15,000.
  • Improved Appearance: Quality roofing, installed properly will provide your homes roof a flawless looking surface. Choosing a complementary color of shingling can enhance the overall look of the home as well.  Shingle roofs can duplicate the look of several materials from slate to tile but with the increased lifespan of asphalt.
  • Greater Warranties and Roofing Guarantees: For roofs installed by professional roofers the standard material guarantee is anywhere between twelve to eighteen years. When using premium materials, a home’s roofs guarantees can be upwards of fifty years.
  • Roofing Technology: Contrary to popular belief, some types of asphalt roof shingles have a power star rating because they’re designed to reflect solar heat, therefore reducing cooling costs for a longer life span.
  • Prevention of Inspection Issues: Whenever a home is put up for sale, the roof is one of the very most visible features -not merely to prospective home buyers but also to building appraisers and inspectors. A roof in poor condition can stop a home deal. That is why it’s best if you get a professional roofing contractor to do the installation as they know what to go for.

Finding the Right Contractor

Your homes roof is a large investment.  It is important to take your time to find a professional, reliable roofing contractor to get the job done. Never allow yourself to compromise quality for price.

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.

5 Ways in Which Roofing Contractors Improve Your Roofs Longevity

Your home is one of the most important investments that you will make in your life and it only makes perfect sense to protect this investment by ensuring that you carry out regular maintenance and repairs to keep it in pristine conditions. Even though the roof is a fundamental element of a home, many homeowners are guilty of giving it little to no thought up until there is an issue or irreparable damage. Repairing a badly damaged roof is not only a costly undertaking, but it is also can be disrupting to everyday life.

Damage to your roof is inevitable, however, if it does occur and left untreated, several things can go wrong due to the insufficient care of shingles, which in turn, will shorten the life of your roof significantly. Your roof also serves as a great selling point and if it is well-maintained it will increase the resale value, therefore, hiring the professional services of roofing contractors for periodic inspections and installation will ensure your roof is free of insidious damages that may be occurring without your knowledge.

The most important part of the check-up is to follow through with repairs to the roofing problems. Consider the following ways which roofing contractors can improve your roofs longevity.

  • Uncover hidden damages

Preventative maintenance conducted by roofing contractors can expose small leaks and remedy them before they became major problems. The slightest leak that goes unattended can cause damage to the framing of the house and cause structural damage and can also compromise insulation and promote old growth that can lead to health problems. Additionally, leaks can contact electrical wiring and can create an open circuit that could lead to a fire if there is any break in the insulation.

  • Debris removal

The roof collects a lot of debris that can cause major damage to shingles and the roof structure. Before attending to any damages, shingle roofers will address the underlying problem, which is to clear the roof of debris that may block water flow in the gutters. Doing this beforehand will maintain the longevity of your roof because it’s free of fungal and algae growth that weaken the roofing structure.

  • Saves heating and cooling costs

Hiring roofing contractors will help in keeping the roof vents well ventilated because when heat and humidity become trapped, they cause damage to underpinnings and wood rafters in the attic of your home. Keeping a well-ventilated roof is a sure-fire way to save money on heating and cooling.

  • Climatic knowledge

Roofing contractors are the best people to seek advice from about the most climate-suitable roofing product for your region to prevent inclement weather from causing irreparable damage to your roof.

  • Building code familiarity

Hiring roofing contractors who are well-versed in the building codes in your area will ensure your home complies with the latest requirements, thus keeping your roof protected from the elements in the future.

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.

Pros and Cons of Reroofing vs Repair

Does your home need to be reroofed or repaired? Signs that it might time to consider roof maintenance include bald spots, cracked shingles, shingle edges that are curled, shingle tabs that are cupped or if your roof is at least 20 years old. If any of these apply, it may be time to think about investing in roof repair or reroofing. But you might be asking yourself if you can simply repair the existing one, hopefully saving you money instead of shelling out major bucks for an entirely new roof. Here’s some useful information on how to decide which one is better for your roof, home and wallet:

Reroofing

The process of reroofing is simply layering new shingles over the existing ones. This saves you time and money for roofing repairs since the roofing company simply needs to place new ones on top of the old ones instead of tearing it all off to start fresh. The general rule when it comes to roofing is that if you have already two layers of roofing material in place on top of your home, you have to start new and replace everything.

Roof Replacement

A new roof replacement is tearing off everything on your roof so that only the deck is left. Roofers will then place new material down and new shingles, resulting in a brand-new roof. You can opt to completely replace your roof no matter how many layers of shingles your home has. Since roof replacement requires more work and time, it’s often costlier than simply reroofing.

When You Can Go with Reroofing

Your home might be a good candidate for reroofing if it’s nearing the end of its lifespan, but still not in great shape. This type of roof can have minor issues like leaks, and cracks, but it should not have major water damage, missing shingles or have lots of mildew or moss growth on it. If this is the case, you’re going to need a total roof replacement.

When You Shouldn’t Go with Reroofing

Although it might seem like a good and cost-effective way to repair your roof, reroofing isn’t a good idea all the time since you’re not lifting up existing shingles, so you don’t know what the actual roof deck looks like. Although some problems can be spotted before the shingles come off, most of the time the problem lies beneath the deck like rot or sagging. When you simply add a new layer of shingles on top, you’re not fixing any problems that may exist underneath the shingling.

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.

 

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.

Qualities to Look for In a Roofer

It doesn’t matter if you are having a house built, a new building, a shop, or a plaza you will need to find a roofing contractor.   No matter what type of structure is being constructed a roof is a vital part of the building.  From residential homes to massive malls, a roof is needed to protect the structural integrity of the space and the contents within.

A roofing contractor will critically analyze the architecture of the building and present the acceptable options in different roofing materials that would be acceptable to use the project at hand.  It is vital that when choosing a contractor to install your new roof that you choose the best possible roofer available.  To do this, you will need to do some leg work.  It is imperative to work with a roofer that not only has a solid reputation in the industry but is also licensed and insured.   Below you will find several qualities to look for when hiring a roofer.

Licensed and Insured

The roofing company that you hire for any new roof or roof repair should be both licensed and insured.  Look for a roofing contractor with a stellar reputation within the community.  When a roofer is insured you have assurance that you will not be help responsible for any damages that occur on or to your property while you new roof is being installed.  It is a safety net that needs to be in place to avoid liability.  When a roofer is licensed it means that the contractor has a license issued by the state which certifies the individual as a roofer.

Understand Your Vision

With any contractor it is important that they work with you and not against you.  You are looking for an individual that considers your worries and queries throughout the process.  It is crucial that you are satisfied with the physical labor as well as the roofing contractors understanding of your project while treating you, the client, with the utmost care.

Consistency

An important aspect to keep in mind is that many roofing contractors initially charge you less but as the work comes in mid-process, they demand more and more additional charges. This not only counts as fraud conducted by the roofers from backing off their initial agreement but also serves as a reason of great agitation and frustration for the one in hiring position. Make sure that you make clear terms prior to the beginning of the work with an agreement signed on agreeable terms of both parties.  Reputable roofing contractors will lay out terms in clear, concise terms.

The right roofer for building the roof is as vital as building any other part of the house. A roof is characterized by being light enough to remain steady on the walls and providing protection. Hence, a roofer should be able enough to comprehend your desires and execute them in physical form with utmost responsibility and accurate precision.

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.