Is It Time For A New Roof?

How do you know when it is time to replace your roof instead of just repairing it?  Below you will find common roofing issues and how to handle them.  A roof should last upwards of twenty years with proper care and maintenance.

Algae:  Algae is a nuisance.  It will discolor your shingle roof making it look dirty. Often times people mistake algae for dirt or tree droppings. Algae often occur in the southeast where temperatures are warm and humid.  It is best to purchase algae-resistant shingles to prevent issues from arising. The good thing to note is that an alga does not cause the service life of your shingle to decrease however it is an eye sore.

To get rid of algae it is best to hire a professional roofing contractor to treat the issue.  Using a gentle solution they will work to decrease the discoloration of the roofing while taking special care to not loosen or remove the granules covering the shingles.

Flashing:  Flashing on a roof can become damaged from improper installation or settling of the structure.  If you find this is the case with your roofs flashing it is good to know that this can be repaired.  The roof does not need to be replaced. The flashing can be removed and replaced only needing to repair the flashing and asphalt shingles that had become damaged.

Buckling: Roof buckling is a common issue with roofing.  It can be caused because of several different issues such as improperly laid felt, poor roofing ventilation or a wrinkled underlayment.  The process to fix the buckle is a bit more complex than fixing algae or flashing.

In order to correct the issue with your roof buckling it is best to call in a professional roofing contractor. You will need to allow the moisture that has built up in the roofing to escape and return to the proper moisture level. This should allow the roof to lay flat again.  Next the shingles and felt where the wrinkle has occurred will need to be cut out and replaced adding extra roof ventilation as well.  Roofing contractors will be able to properly vent the attic if it is not adequately done so to begin with.

Ceiling Spots:  When a leak occurs in your roof you can get occurrences of ceiling spots.  This is a roof repair issue in most cases although if the issue has gone unnoticed for some time you could be looking at issues with mold and mildew along with the ceiling spots.  If enough damage has been done and several spots of water entering have been noticed a new roof may be in order.

A professional will come in and determine if there is a leak in the attic, they will check the chimney and flashing for cracks, will look for a travel source for the leak from the original spot and will check the roof for shingle damage.

These are just a few issues that can occur with your roof. Other things to keep an eye out for are missing shingles.  If a shingle is missing the area underneath is not protected. Be sure to have this fixed ASAP. Roof blistering can occur when too much moisture is allowed to build up within the shingle area.  Missing granules can occur as the shingles age.  If you find many shingles are becoming bare or the granules thinning it may be time for a new roof.  Rotting as well is an issue that can lead to a new roof.  Consult a professional roofing contractor if you suspect any issue with your roofing material.

Popular Asphalt Shingling

Asphalt is a popular roofing material throughout Michigan.   The advantages of asphalt shingle roofing are plenty maintenance, installation, look, cost and weight.  Below you will find details regarding the ever popular asphalt shingle from the view point of a professional roofing contractor.
Let us begin with the ease of maintenance.  Several types of roofing materials require constant maintaining to keep up their attractive appearance.  This is not the case with asphalt shingles.  They are easy and hassle free to maintain and can be easily repaired if damage.

One benefit for roofing contractors is the ease at which asphalt shingles install onto a home’s roof.  They are without a doubt the easiest type of roofing material to install on the market today. They are easy to install because they are super flexible, sturdy and are compatible with many different roof shapes and designs.

The look of asphalt shingles is also one of the major advantages of that this roofing material possesses. They come in many different textures and colors it makes things look much more consistent when replacing them as they become damaged.

Of course the cost of shingles is a major advantage.  They are relatively inexpensive to purchase and have installed in comparison to metal roofing or a variety of other roofing materials. This is the case because it is an easy material for manufactures to produce.

One final advantage that many people find when considering asphalt shingles is the fact that they are lightweight. This is important because some structures are not meant to hold the weight of heavier roofing materials such as metal, slate or clay.

These are just a few of the many advantageous that come along with asphalt roofing.  If you have questions or are looking to replace your roof contact a local roofing professional. They will come out to your home, evaluate the current state of your roof, structure and material and give you an estimate on repairing your roof or replacing the entire roof.

Winter Roof Repairs: Problems To Look Out For

The time is upon on us when we start to think about how the snow, ice and winter winds affect the exterior of our homes, leaving a mess of roof repairs in our futures.  To avoid expensive roof damages to your home this winter it is important to be aware of common roof issues that arise in the winter. The sooner an issue is fixed after it arises the more money and time you will save yourself in expensive repairs.

The first issue that is prevalent in winter is developing a leak where the flashing or drains are located. If your roof is on a slop you may notice a leak at the flashing as well.  The best way to combat leaks is with maintenance and an inspection prior to the winter weather.  Homeowners can hire a roofing contractor to come out and do a maintenance check on the roof.  They will inspect flashing, drains and vents to ensure that the roofing is sealed down properly and nothing is loose or coming up that would allow water to seep underneath the shingles.

Another thing to look for when it comes to your roof is structural damage.  This can happen so gradually that you don’t even realize damage has been done until it is too late. That is why it is so important to inspect the roof regularly so that you are familiar with changes.  When ice or snow builds up on your roof it keeps the heat from efficiently heating your home this is why it is so important that a professional inspects the roof to ensure you have plenty of properly ventilation spots throughout the attic.  Proper roofing and attic ventilation can eliminate structural damage to the roofing structure of your home.

The last issue to address when it comes to winter roof repair is ice damming. Ice damming is the problem that exists when water freezes along the roof line and in the gutters.  The problem is when the ice starts to melt and the water is not able to properly drain.  This leaves the water searching for a place to go which inevitably is under the shingle roofing which causes major damage. Keeping the ice from occurring is the best way to stop this issue and can be done using a roof rake.

A regular inspection of your roof will have you avoiding major expenses and roof repairs down the road.  Becoming aware of common issues and consequence that arise with harsh winters can prevent minor inconveniences from turning into major catastrophes.

Bring Winter On With A Roof Free Of Damage

Michigan homeowners cannot anticipate what the winter weather will bring.  Some are predicting warm and mild while others are predicting we will pay for the warm and mild winter we had last year.  While we can’t predict the weather on thing we can do is prepare for it.

It is important to realize the importance of having roofing contractors come out to the home and inspect the roof.  The gutters should be checked for clogs as well as proper soffit ventilation to prevent ice from building up and freezing in the gutters as well as dagger icicles. This will prevent damage to your roof and gutters as well as improve the energy efficiency of your heating system.
Call us for a winter inspection today.  The temperatures keep dropping. We service and repair metal roofs as well as being expert shingle roofing contractors.

Okemos 517-349-3144
Brighton 810-225-9080
Rochester Hills 248-852-5170
Farmington Hills 248-324-5733

A Roofing Contractor Can Ensure You Have The Quality Roof You Need

Roofing is an important part of keeping up your home. Rain and snow storms can wreak havoc on the rooftops of your home, so it is a good idea to contact a Roofing Contractor when you want to shore it up or conduct maintenance and repair. Shingle Roofing Contractors can diagnose any problem you may have with your roofing, provide you with an immediate quote, and conduct the need work.

Roofs are designed to keep the elements out of your home. Over time, however, those same elements can eat away at the material structure of your roof and comprise it. To avoid the risks associated with this natural process it is a good idea to hire experts who can come in and do the work necessary to get your roof in good shape.

Of course, some people may think of doing the job themselves. But you already lead such a busy life, why add such maintenance to the list of things to do? Besides, in the case of roofing especially, safety is important. Not everyone is qualified to spend hours working on a roof; and you don't want to risk life and limb doing a job that can be done by qualified professionals.

Rather than trying to do it yourself or avoid it all together you should look for a roofing contractor who can come in and take of your roofing needs, and do so at a reasonable price. Using the services of a shingle roofing contractor is an effective way to restore your roof to an acceptable condition. Hiring a roofing contractor can help you get the service and results you need to keep your roof in top condition.

Fortunately, it is not difficult to find such vendors in the Michigan area. You can begin your search on the worldwide web. The web allows you to bring all of the vendors that do roofing to your computer screen. You will be able to browse through each firm and compare price and value. This is an important part in deciding which professional cleaning service you want to work with. The web also enables you to find out the reputation of the service you're think of using. Past performance is the best predictor of future performance. And the roofing contractor service that has a proven record of high customer satisfaction is the one most likely to meet your needs and expectations.

You can call a roofing contractor anytime to get the work you need done efficiently and effectively. Avoid the chance of your roof leaking from the fierce wind and rain storms of the fall and winter. Call the experts who can come out and ensure that you have the roofing that you need to be safe and secure in your own home. If you have not had roofing done in some time, you may want to think about doing it in the next few months. Delaying won't work. Get the work you need done now, and get it done at a price you can afford.

Choosing The Best Roofing Material For Your Climate

When it comes to replacing your homes roof the first decision usually is regarding the type of roofing material that will be used.  This article will give you tips on different materials you can choose from for your new roof to ensure you get something long lasting and durable that will stand the test of time.

The first consideration to make when choosing a material to use for your roof is the temperature and climate that you live in.  If you live in a place where the climate is mostly hot asphalt shingles will not hold up well whereas a variable climate with four seasons they are one of the most durable options.  The other nice thing is that asphalt shingling comes are offered in a variety of grades that also come with warranties to back them.  This is something you will want to look into with the roofing contractor that you hire to install the new roof.

Another thing to consider when choosing material for your roof is how you might make your home more energy efficient and eco friendly.  One option that lends itself to energy efficiency and eco friendly is wood shakes.  Wood shakes are a material that will help hold the heat in your home.  While this feature is attractive one con to consider is the durability and fact you will do much maintenance and have more roofs replaced when using this material.  No matter what material you use make sure that you examine the how environmentally friendly the material used is along with the roofing contractor.  

If you live in an area where heat is extreme and insects are an issue a good choice in roofing material for your home is clay tile.  Tile roofing is often a pricier option and can be difficult to install because the tiles break easily.  Clay tiles though are considered environmentally friendly and are otherwise an incredibly durable option for homes where freezing temperatures are not an issue.  

If you are looking for a low maintenance, easy to maintain, long lasting option in roofing consider a metal roof.  This option is costly however the benefit is that your roof is basically maintenance free and last two times longer than traditional asphalt shingling.  Once metal roofing is installed it will be a long time before you need to worry about it again. This material also holds up well in a mixed climate and can handle drastic changes in temperature. 

Make sure you take into consideration the look and style of the home when choosing roofing material options as well.  Color is another thing to consider with the style of your home and roofing material choice you make.  Shingles come in a variety of colors as well as architecturally deep textures and layered looks.  Metal roofing comes in a few colors and the selection is growing as the popularity of the product continues to grow.  The main goal is to make sure you are informed about the materials being installed on your roof in regards to maintenance, upkeep and long term product and labor warranties.  An informed consumer is the best kind of consumer.

Hiring A Professional Saves Time and Money In The Long Run

When it comes to building a new home or having home improvements done on your home it is important to research before you jump into the project.  This also refers to project on the exterior of the home such as the roof.  Whether you are putting on the homes first roof or replacing an existing roof you will want to educate yourself fully on the process.  This way if you realize that there is much more involved than you thought, you can save time and money and hire a professional roofing contractor.  

You may ask why it is important to have a well-constructed roof installed.  Is it really that important to the home?  Yes, the roof is the most important component of your home.  Without care and proper installation homes can experience water damage or a variety of other issues.  A new shingle roof, installed by a professional will cost you more than doing it yourself however without proper knowledge homeowners can easily forget valuable steps in installing the roof in order to save some money upfront.  Consider that if an error is made to have it fixed is sometimes more costly than having it done by a professional from the start. However if you are set on going it alone here are some steps to follow.

·         If you are replacing an old roof remove the asphalt shingles.  Much has been written about leaving the old shingles on the roof and applying the new roof on top of it.  This is not necessarily the best option.  When you strip away the layer of shingles you are able to assess the condition of the current foundation before adding on shingles. 

·         When looking at the roof foundation check the plywood out and look specifically for any water damage that may have occurred.  Any damage should be repaired by replacing the affected boards and applying all new materials for the damaged section of roof.

·         Examine the drip edges that are in place on the current roof.  If there aren’t any to be found install them, if the ones installed are in rough shape replace them.  They need to be place all along the roof line including on the bottom and sides of the roof.  They can easily be kept in place with roofing nails.

·         The next step is to install a felt paper to the plywood foundation of the roof.  A fifteen pound felt paper can be put in place using a simple staple gun.  This helps to protect the roof from building up moisture.

·         The first step when it comes to the actual asphalt shingles is to place a starter strip of shingles in place.  This will be unseen and provides a strip to prevent water from seeping in between the notches in the shingles.

·         The installation should begin in a bottom corner of your roof moving to the right and then up.  Each shingle should be put into place with a roofing nail just below the tar strip.  You will want to stagger the shingles not allowing them to line up perfectly. If they line up they will leak damaging the roofing below.  

·         Any obstructions should have the roofing tiles cut around them and then tar will need to be used to seal them.  

·         Shingles should be nailed in until you reach the top.  A ridge cap will be applied to the top. Tar needs to be applied to the corners of all of the ridge cap shingles to hold them in place properly.

As you can see there is a lot to installing an asphalt shingle roof.  Consider the pros and cons of any home improvement project before you embark on the adventure.  There are times when doing it yourself makes sense.  Other times though you will find in the long run you could have saved time and money hiring a professional. Installing a new roof might just be one of those times when hiring a professional is cheaper in the long run.