Home Pro Roofing

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Trends In Roofing For Spring of 2016

A trend is defines as a general direction in which something is developing or changing. In roofing we often see trends come and go right along with new the movement in home designs. If you are looking to replace your homes roof in 2016 roofing contractors suggest that you make the most out of your investment by looking at styles that are popular amongst homes currently being built. Leave the past in the past with home improvement on the interior and exterior of your home. As for a new roof take a look into the following fads that roofing contractors are seeing this spring.

Roofing that is Environmentally Friendly: It is very clear that eco friendly home improvements are selling homes. The more efficient and environmentally friendly your house is the more attractive it is to buyers. Environmentally friendly roofing reduces the carbon footprint you leave along with lowering utility bills. When replacing your roof look for an efficient design, using eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction practices.

Lighter Colors In Asphalt Shingle Roofing: Traditionally roofs have been designed using darker color shingling; this is all about to change. Lighter shades of roofing are popular options in 2016. Consider shades in white, gray, beige and light blue all of which are popular trends within the roofing industry. Lighter shades of shingling give a soft, warm look to the exterior of your home while also attracting less sunlight. This helps keep your home cooler during the heat of summer.

Reflective Roofing: Some homeowners still prefer the look achieved with darker roofing. If this is more your style consider reflective roofing. Darker roofs that use reflective materials help increase your homes efficiency. Consider coatings that make use of latex, silicone, acrylic or polyurethane which all work to keep the roof cooler.

Roofs That Are Flat: Another trend that is popular with roofs for 2016 is flat roofs. This was a popular option for homes during the midcentury, modern design era. Flat roofs offered clean lines which are once again becoming popular in modern home design. A flat roof offers a bit of nostalgia and a nod to current styles.

Sheet Metal Roofs: For both commercial and residential buildings sheet metal roofing is becoming more and more popular. Sheet metal roofs offer homeowners a roof that will last two times longer than that of traditional roofs. Sheet metal offers a low carbon footprint, the eco-friendliness that was mentioned earlier which will make your home popular when you go to sell it.

Contact local roofing contractors to determine the roofing trend that meets your needs and adds to the overall aesthetic value of the exterior of your home.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs. You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Simple Spring Maintenance For Your Roof

Excitement fills the air as we celebrate the first days of spring. For most people spring is a lot like New Years; a time to start fresh again. We say goodbye to the snow, ice and cold and welcome back to the sunshine, colorful landscape and warmth. Spring is the season of freshness. Trees are budding, flowers are blooming and spring rain is bringing life to the bugs, crickets and other sounds of the season. An unexpected result of long, harsh winters is spring roof leaks. When the spring rain starts in on a shingle roof that has seen an unkind winter many homeowners find themselves seeking the assistance of local roofing contractors.

Many leaks are found in the spring but tend to have begun being problematic long before they are spotted. This is why roof maintenance is the most crucial during the fall and spring seasons. Leaks within the roof can lead to a myriad of problems from structural damage to an invasion of mold. Anytime water is seeping in to an area without the ability to completely dry moisture builds up. This can lead to expensive repairs. It is best to catch issues quickly and treat them immediately. Roofing checkups performed by professional roofing contractors twice a year, in the spring and fall, can help to maintain your roof’s lifespan.

Roofing contractors are trained to spot small issues with your roof before they turn into larger problems. Roofing repairs are substantially less expensive then complete roof replacements. The old adage an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is sure true when it comes to home ownership.

One of the simplest ways homeowners can improve the likelihood of a perfect roof inspection is to make sure that the homes gutter and downspout systems maintain a constant flow. If at any point a clog is left within the system a buildup of water occurs. The water will eventually back up under the eaves of the home and damage will occur. Also, if gutters are left full they will begin to separate from the house which will only add to the issue. It may take a homeowner several months to detect a problem if regular checks of the system are not performed. This will lead to more damage and a greater expense for the homeowner.

Downspouts are important to more than your roofs safety. The purpose of a downspout is to move the water away from the homes foundation. A clog in the downspout could cause the water to begin flowing towards your homes foundation. Water will seep into even the tiniest of foundation cracks causing major issues for homeowners down the road. The gutter and downspout systems on your home are important in the protection of the roofs structure as well as the homes foundation.

As your roof ages it is important that a professional takes time to inspect the roof, repairing minor issues and preventing them from turning into expensive nightmares. Water damage of any kind, anywhere within your home is dangerous and costly. It is important to eliminate areas of concern the minute they arise. This will allow your homes roof a longer than average lifespan, saving you time, money and headaches.

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Spring Roofing Maintenance

As the snow begins to melt and the weather becomes warmer the list of things homeowners need to accomplish before the heat of the summer returns continues to grow. When it comes to home improvements spring is the perfect time to get things done. Now is the perfect time to start planning!

When it comes to spring cleaning one area that is often forgotten about is your roof. This is a mistake that many homeowners make. Your roof is your homes first defense when it comes to protecting your home from the elements. Homeowners should be sure to check their roofs for broken or loose asphalt shingles. Shingles that are broken or loose will create issues for the structure of the roof. The water that puddles or leaks because of faulty shingling can cause more than issues with your roofing. The homes structure relies on the overall effectiveness of the roof.

While homeowners are on the roof they should also review the homes gutters. Snow and ice throughout the winter can lead to additional deposits of leaves, twigs and pine needles within the gutters. To prevent clogging within the downspouts, homeowners should create an environment that allows water to flow through without any clogging to the home downspouts. Roofing contractors recommend thorough roof inspections throughout the spring to prevent major damage that can occur when roofing issues are left untreated.

Spring is the perfect time to think about painting your home. The weather is finally warm enough that homeowners can open their windows, paint and enjoy the fresh color on your walls. Pick at least one room each spring and give the space a facelift.

Now is also the time to start planning for a facelift on the exterior of your home as well. Your homes landscape makes or breaks the curb appeal of your home. A little sweat equity goes a long way when it comes to improving the first impression people have of your home. Clean up your landscaping, add some color and reinvent the exterior of your home. Grab some pruning shears and get busy. A bit of elbow grease goes a long way in your homes curb appeal.

Spring cleaning often brings on a bit of cabin fever when this occur start by decreasing the clutter in your home. Look around your home, open your windows, shake some rugs and start to go through the clutter that has become your home.

In short when considering spring maintenance around your home begin by considering the effects the winter weather has had on your roof. It is important you or a professionalroofing contractor looks at your roof and considers the shape your gutters are in. From there consider a new coat of paint on the interior walls, declutter closets and knick knacks and tidy up the exterior of your home. This will ensure you and your home are ready to recover from the enclosed feeling of winter and move into the freedom summer brings us.

The Attention Your Roof Need After A Long Winter

Finally the snow is starting to melt. The cold temperatures and winter precipitation are giving way to the sounds of spring. Now is the time that homeowners should start to reach out to contractors to help them get ready for spring time maintenance. Roofing contractors are especially busy with roof inspections and spring cleaning.

Yep, even your roof needs attention after a long winter. This is especially true in areas where fall leaves fell late and the snow covered piles of rotting leaves. Underneath this mess is for sure to be the start of moss and algae growth. Spring cleaning and maintenance will ensure your roof is in top condition and left looking brand new. Here are some tips to take into account when it comes to spring maintenance for your roof.

When you live in an area where tree growth is heavy it is crucial that all the tree limbs that are close to the roof are cut back. This helps allow the sun to shine on the roof to help dry out left over moisture and prevents tree limbs from rubbing over the shingles and loosening the protective granules.

When leaves and one needles fall and are left to collect on your shingles they will hold in moisture causing mildew to build up, gutters to become blocked and extra weight on the roof. A low intensity leaf blower should be used to clear the roof. Never use a high powered blower or rake to clear the roof as this can cause damage to the shingle roof.

Although trimming back trees and clearing leaves will help reduce moss growth on your roof it can still form in pockets that do not have enough access to sunlight. Moss thrives on moisture and therefore unless the roof can thoroughly dry it will continue to grow and thrive. One way to rid your roof of moss is to use a chemical solution that is available on the market today although the chemicals can cause damage to plants and other landscaping in the area. Another solution is to install a zinc or copper strip to the ridge line of the roof. As rain washes across the area it will help to create an environment where moss can no longer grow.

Mold is another issue that needs to be addressed in the spring when maintaining your roof. Mold, algae and fungi all eat away at your roofing which eventually will cause a leak in the roofs foundation. In order to treat your shingles roofing contractors suggest a solution of chlorine bleach or copper sulfate be sprayed on the area. Never power wash a roof to get rid of mold or growths as this can dislodge the granules on the asphalt shingles and cause failure to the roof.

A final step in spring roofing maintenance has to do with your gutters. Leftover fall leaves and debris can fall into the homes gutters and cause them to clog. This can cause damage along the roof line. Before the springtime rain comes clear the debris from the gutters and ensure that water can flow through without any issue. Fix loose nails that prevent the gutters from sitting flush along the roof line.

Handling potential issues with your roof during spring maintenance prevents serious problems later on down the road.

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Stay Ahead Of Major Roofing Concerns With Regular Maintenance

Preventative maintenance is crucial when it comes to staying ahead of major problems that can arise around your home. It is easy to overlook simple safeguards when your home is functioning properly. An easy way to ensure that your home is cared for on a regular basis is to create a weekly, monthly, seasonal and yearly plan of action to anticipate problems before they occur. A roof inspection is one of the most important yearly inspections that you can do for your homes well being.

Three quarters of inspecting your homes roof can be done from the ground. In fact the less you walk around on the shingles the better for your roof and the safer you will be. Work around the home from the ground; grab a pair of binoculars to help view potential problems without ever getting on a ladder.

Here is what to look for:

– Worn caulking that appears to be cracking

– Rust build up or spots starting to show on flashing

– Buckling, curling, cracking or blistered asphalt shingle materials

– Shingles that are missing or broken

– Rubber boots around vent pipes that are worn or cracking

– Damage to the chimney cap

– A build up of moss, algae or lichen as this can signal roof decay (It is important to note that black algae is cosmetic)

At any point if you see asphalt grit in the gutters it is a bad sign. The granules from the asphalt protect the roofing shingles from the ultraviolet rays that can cause extreme damage. If you begin to see your shingles are losing granolas it is a sure signal that you roof is aging and is close to the end of its life cycle.

Not all roofing problems require a professional roofing contractor to fix them. However, if the homeowner is unsure of heights or has an issue with getting on the roof it is advisable that a roofing contractor is called in to repair even the most minor of issues.

Most homeowners can fix loose, damaged or missing shingles or replace cracked caulking around flashing. Nails on the roof that have popped out of place can easily be tapped back into place by even novice do it yourselfers. Simple roofing repairs require about half a day and can be done for around thirty dollars. A bundle of asphalt shingles is about twenty four dollars and roofing caulk and tar costs around six dollars per tube.

If you notice that the caulk around the metal or vinyl flashing, chimneys, sky lights or attic vents is separating the old caulk should be removed, the area cleaned and new caulk installed. If the vent boot or flashing itself has begun to visually deteriorate it is important that the piece itself is replaced.

When repairs are beyond what homeowners feel comfortable tackling on their own a professional should be called in. When hiring a professional roofing contractor it is best to seek bids from at least two roofing companies. Minor repairs can be done by most handymen inexpensively if you are in a hurry. It is best however to establish a relationship with a roofing contractor as you never know when an emergency is going to strike and you will need more than just an ordinary, everyday handyman.

Monday, January 25, 2016

Home Trends In 2016

Home trends change with the tides; from one year to another what is popular in home improvements evolve. In 2016 trends for the home improvement industry look to include smaller homes with the addition of tech savvy features; homes that appeal to younger families who live the on the go life style. Home purchasers are more intuitive than ever before. They know exactly what they are looking for n a home. Whether the homes on the market are move in ready or ready for renovation eager first time home buyers are ready to change the direction of home improvements.

One trend in home improvements that is changing the way homeowners manage their homes revolves around smartphones. Homeowners are eager to take advantage of the easy to use apps now available to manage their homes. With the possibility of home management being at their finger tips homebuyers are looking to upgrade their homes for convenience. Smart apps make daily household chores less time-consuming while also creating an environment that reduces energy consumption and allows homeowners to live green.

Another popular trend in home improvement include open floor plans that allow the kitchen, dining and living room areas to flow into one another without the distraction of walls and barriers. What occurs when homes are renovated in this fashion is an area that creates a large gathering space. IT is no secret that the kitchen space is the gathering hot spot in most homes. While the homeowner/hostess is busy in the kitchen space they can continue to enjoy the presence of their other guests. Open floor plans are the must have renovation of 2016.

An exterior trend in roofing that is sure to top the most popular home improvement projects of 2016 is incorporating solar energy. Roofing contractors believe that this is the year that homeowners embrace the trend of harnessing the power of the sun to use that energy to run their homes. This would reduce the cost of utilities while decreasing the negative effects on the environment. Roofing contractor’s suggesting that the future of roofing is all about longevity, recyclability and what the roofing offers to the homeowner.

2016 is the year for homeowners to not only consider the environment in their home improvement projects but also themselves. The get-away-room is a popular concept with the arrival of the open floor plan. Everyone needs a minute alone. Some homeowners choose a spa like bathroom for their retreat but this is not always optimal. A space that is created to invite homeowners to relax and enjoy their homes alone is a popular home renovation in 2016; this includes small cozy reading nooks to recreation spaces. Whatever space is assured to offer the homeowner peace and tranquility is a popular home improvement option in 2016.

Monday, December 28, 2015

The Pros and Cons of Metal Roofing

When it comes to any home improvement project around your home you must consider all of the pros and cons of the different options each variable offers. This is especially true when you are looking into roofing materials. When it comes to roofing and roofing contractors there are a variety of differences between materials that can be used. Each material has a unique installation process which is why it is also important to choose the right contractor to install the different types of roofing.

Metal roofing contractors specialize in the installation of metal roofs; asphalt shingles are installed best by roofing contractors that specialize in shingling and so on and so forth with wood, tile, clay and slate. In this article we will focus on the pros and cons of different types of metal roofing including steel, aluminum and other metal roofing materials.

The Benefits of Metal Roofing

Life Expectancy: Roofing contractors that properly install a metal roof will tell you that when properly installed the roof can be expected to last for up to fifty years. The roof should last as long as the house or at least the time period in which you live within it.
Weight: Metal roofing is the lightest of all roofing materials. Per square metal roofing runs between fifty to one hundred and fifty pounds where as tile or concrete runs between seven hundred to nine hundred pounds per square. Sheet metal roofing is my far the lightest of all metal roofing options.
Quick and Easy Installation: There is no need to remove the under layering of shingle roofing in order to install a metal roof which makes it quicker and easier to install then most roofing materials. Another reason metal roofs are faster to install then shingling and such is because the metal shingles come in panel sections which are anywhere between twelve to thirty six inches wide.
Resistant to Fire: Metal is noncombustible and therefore is given a Class A fire resistant rating which means it is the most fire resistant material that can be used.
Conductor of Heat & Cool: A metal roof is a fabulous reflector of heat from the sun thus saving on air conditioning costs. The metal material is low in insulation R-value and utilizes the space between the metal and roof deck to increase energy efficiency.
Roof Pitch: Low pitch roofs are notorious for their potential leaks. When a low pitched roof has metal roofing installed leaks are not as prevalent as they are with shingles. The minimum roof pitch that metal is used on is three in twelve. This means that the roof rises three inches for each horizontal foot of the roof.
Maximum Run for Snow & Rain: The interlocking design of the roof panels make metal it impermeable against snow and rain. The surface is hard and slippery as well making it an obvious choice in climates known for being cold and wet.

The Drawbacks of Metal Roofing:

Expense: One major disadvantage of metal roofing is that it is quite expensive. This is offset however by the longevity and low maintenance involved in keeping a metal roof looking as good as the day it was installed twenty years later.
Noise: This too isn’t anything major and in fact many homeowners find it comforting and relaxing. Others however hear the ping, ping, ping of the rain and say it is an intense sound like that of a beating drum.

Consider what you desire in a roof before choosing a metal roof over other types of roofing materials. It is also important to think about and research the contractors available in your area that specialize in metal roof installation. Good metal roofing materials are only as good as the contractor that installs them. Low quality installation can make even the highest quality of metal roofs falter.