Maintaining the Integrity Of Your Homes Roof

Many homeowners don’t understand how important their homes roof is to the structure of their home.  Not many of us take time to climb a ladder to inspect the roof.  That is our nature.  We have an out of sight, out of mind mentality.  If the problem is not obvious and we don’t see it from where we stand on the ground we don’t further inspect.  However, this is the wrong approach to have when it comes to your homes roof maintenance.  If homeowners took the time to evaluate their roofs or to hire a roofing contractor to come out and inspect the roof they would save thousands of dollars.  Roof maintenance verses a new roof equals a ton of cost savings and money in their pockets.  Here are some tips to prepare your homes roof for the long, cold winter that is right around the corner.

As with anything it is always recommended that you call in the professionals before you attempt any home repairs or maintenance on you own.  This is important when it comes to your roofs maintenance.  A roofing contractor is a professional and will know what to look for in regards to damage to your roof.  What looks like something major to us might be something very minor and easily fixed with help from a roofing contractor.  Also there is the safety factor to consider as well.

To begin maintaining your roof it is important to start at the outer most part and work upwards.   Roof maintenance starts with gutter maintenance.  Gutters should be cleaned twice a year at the end of fall and the end of spring.  This allows the water to remain free to flow through the gutters and into the downspouts without clogging.  If gutters are left filled with debris the water run-off has nowhere to go and can freeze causing damage to the gutter as well as to the shingles, overtime causing damage to the structure of your home as well.

As mentioned earlier most damage that occurs on your roof will go unseen from ground level.  You may never notice that you are having issues with your shingles or roof structure without climbing on a ladder to check it out up close.  Some common issues with shingle roofs are curling, buckling or blistering.  If any of these are seen it is time to begin considering a new roof.  These are all signs that your shingle roofing’s life expectancy is coming to an end.

There are other repairs to consider when you are examining your roof and shingles.  Take for instance the materials around your chimney.  If they are coming loose or show extensive wear it is time to replace them.  All the materials around your chimney, pipes and other vents into the home through the roof must be kept in place and free of wear.  Additional roofing tar or caulk can be applied, when needed.  This will help with water leaks and prevent water from freezing underneath the area and causing extensive damage to the roofs structure.

Check the shingles to ensure that they are not losing an excessive amount of granules.  The granules on the shingles protect the roof’s structure from ultraviolet rays as well as adding weight to the shingles.  If you notice an abundance of granule loss consider looking into replacing your roof soon.

A new roof can be installed on your home during any season.  Obviously the winter element of snow slows roofers down a bit but it can be done.  The best time to look into having your roof replaces is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is favorable.  There is less delay in scheduling during these nonpeak times as well.

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.

Fall Roofing Maintenance

Roofing inspections done twice a year can save homeowners a ton of money in the long run.  Preventative roofing maintenance can prevent homeowners from having to make costly repairs down the road.  Not only are exterior roof inspections important to maintain your roof it is important to safeguard against all leaks throughout the winter season.

When your roof leaks damage to the interior and exterior of your home can be quite extensive. Water that puddles up underneath your homes shingles can cause the underlayment to fail or warp.  Also, water and moisture that leaks into the home can cause issues with mold and alga growth in the attic and behind drywall.  When a leak occurs and damage is done to the interior of the home it is possible that everything down to the floor could need to be replaced.

In order to prevent this from occurring it is crucial that you maintain your roof.  Keep the following tips in mind when preparing your home for the winter.

Inspect your homes interior and exterior roof area.  It is important to do this twice a year during the fall and spring seasons.  Inspecting the roof on a rainy day can be helpful especially when you are doing it yourself.  This will enable you to see leaks as they are occurring.  If it is possible hire a roofing contractor to conduct the roof inspection.  They will know exactly what they are looking for.  If you choose to take this task on yourself here are some tell-tale signs that you are experiencing a leak in your roof.

Check the joints, seams and vents for mold or mildew.  It is also important to look at the wooden beams within the attic to see if any warped wood is present.  The last thing to look for in the attic is any presence of stained insulation.  If moisture has been prevalent in your attic it may not appear to the naked eye, you will need to know what you are looking for.  An obvious sign is water dripping in from the insulation, wood or vent areas after a rain has occurred.

If you find a potential leak, it is time to call in the roofing professionals.  They will advise on a plan of action to prevent any further leaks and to clean up the damage that has occurred from the original leak.  It is so important to find and stop leaks from occurring.  Leaks left untouched can cause bigger issues throughout the winter.

Ice dams are another issue that can occur during the winter season that are easy to prevent.  In order to keep ice dams from occurring it is important that your roof has adequate ventilation.  This allows the attic temperature to remain the same temperature as the exterior temperature.  Maintaining a constant temperature keeps the gables, soffits & roof ridges the same temperature as both the attic and outside temperature.

Proper care of your roof with help to increase its longevity.  With the cost of a new roof being well over a few thousand dollars it is crucial to expand the life expectancy of your roof with proper seasonal care.

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.

The Benefits Of Shingle Roofing

Shingles are one of the most common materials used in roofing today.  Meeting with a roofing contractor will help to determine is shingling is the best option for your home. The most important piece of the puzzle is that the roofing material you choose is the right style for your roof and roofing desires.  There are a number of options available to fit a variety of budgets and needs.  Shingles tend to be an option that is often more often chosen over other types of roofing materials.

One of the biggest advantages of asphalt shingling is that it tends to be one of the most inexpensive roofing materials to purchase and install.  Roofing contractors can often install a shingle roof at about half the costs involved with the installation of metal roofing.  Manufacturing asphalt shingles is relatively inexpensive when compare it to the cost of other available roofing material options.  Your roof is a large part of your homes curb appeal.  It is important to remember this especially when you’re considering selling your home soon after installing a new roof.  You are more apt to get the money that you put into a new shingle roof out of your homes resale values over that of a metal roof.

Another reason shingle roof tends to be purchased more often than any other material for roofing is the ease of installation.  Roofing contractors charge less to install shingle roofs because the process is simpler.  Shingles are extremely flexible and can be easily manipulated to fit most any homes structure.  Some homeowners with a lot of experience in construction even find that they can install a shingle roof without too many issues.  This is not recommended because even one shingle installed improperly could cause hundreds of dollars in damage to the roof’s structure.

When it comes to maintaining a shingle roof it is fairly simple and most homeowners can achieve a long lasting roof with minor yearly maintenance.  Shingles are lightweight and simple to replace.  For most shingle roofing repairs you will not have to involve a professional roofer.  Algae on shingles are also easy to maintain and prevent.  With the use of copper strips at the peak of your roof you can prevent the growth of algae and moss on your shingle roof.

Shingles add to the curb appeal of your home. Shingles come in several different styles as well as a variety of colors to fit your homes unique look.  Many professional roofers have software that allows them to take a picture of your home and change the look using different colors and styles of shingles before making any purchases.  This allows you the freedom see the change before committing to it which is so nice especially for homeowners looking to do something new with their homes exterior.

To reach your homes full potential when it comes to a new roof the best option is to start by contacting a local roofing contractor.  Most offer a free initial consultation where they can discuss different options in roofing materials as well as associated costs and the time frame for installation.

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.

Decisions To Be Made When Installing A New Roof

When I became a homeowner six years ago I could have never guessed the number of decisions that would need to be made. Every home improvement endeavor we venture to take on turns into fifty different decisions that need to be made before work is even started. The same can be said of exterior improvements on your home as well. Our homes new roof, for instance required a variety of decisions we weren’t even aware would need to be made. Not only are there a variety of shingles, there are choices within each shingle category including styles, colors and warranties. Who would have ever known there was so much to roofing? 

To narrow down the choices you will need to make when looking into a new roof start by determining a reasonable budget as well as a sensible time frame that you desire for the roof to last. If you are looking to live in your home for another thirty years and don’t want to have to deal with replacing the roof every again that will affect the choice you make when picking out a material for your roofing. 

Asphalt Shingles 

The most commonly used material in roofs today is asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive to manufacture therefore is a cheaper material to purchase when installing a new roof. The truth is that it is an easier material to work with when installing a new roof as well so hiring a roofing contractor will be less expensive when installing asphalt shingles. If considering asphalt you will also need to decide if you want to go with three tab shingles, laminated or architectural shingles. Shingles can be found in a variety of colors and often last anywhere from twenty to thirty years if installed and maintained correctly. 

Wood Shingles 

Wood shingles are super nice to use when looking for a natural appearance to your roof. The main disadvantage is that you pay extra for these aesthetically pleasing shingles. Wood is more expensive over the asphalt roofing counterpart. Consider though that wood shingles last anywhere from thirty to fifty years with proper upkeep. The longer lifespan and pleasing natural look may be worth the extra expense.

Metal Shingles

Metal roofs an option that is growing in popularity. Metal is a perfect material to use when looking to add to the longevity of your flat or extremely steep roofline. Metal roofs are not cheap but last up to fifty years. You can choose from solid metal or constructed metal shingles. Not only is metal roofing a material that is known for longevity it is incredibly durable and is reasonable priced when taking into consideration the length of time it will last you. There are also a variety of colors available in metal shingle roofing.

 Slate and Tile Shingles 

Both slate and tile shingling options are unique. They are not found on the majority of homes. Slate and tile are popular because they are incredibly durable and have a one of a kind appearance. If you are looking for something to allow your home to stand out from other homes in the area consider slate or tile. Your roofing contractor will check to ensure your roof’s structure is stable enough to support the extra weight.

 Your new roof is filled with important decisions that need to be made. It isn’t all about the style and color of the new roof. You will need to look at a variety of options in roofing materials as well as the longevity that you hope your roof installation results in. 

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.

“Why should we consider upgrading to a metal roof?”

• Metal roofs last a lifetime!
• Metal roofs are retrofitted for your home.
• Environmentally friendly, metal roofing is made from recycled steel.
• Metal roofing eliminates snow build up from ice dams in the winter.
• Metal roofs are more energy efficient than a standard asphalt shingle.
• American made and manufactured steel.
• Metal roofs are 100 MPH wind resistant.

What You Need To Know About Your Shingle Roof

When it comes to creating an environment that is most conducive to the elements and to your roofs well-being you can add a few simple things to your roofing maintenance to help.  Cleaning eaves and trimming tree branches that come in contact with your roof are just two ways to help.  It also helps to keep areas free of leaves and debris that could potentially produce blockage and rot.  These areas include your homes dormers, chimneys, vents and plumbing stacks. At least two times a year hire a roofing contractor or get on your roof clear debris, maintain and reseal areas that are in need and repair your roof in all areas that need to be touched up.

There are several things you should know about the shingle roofing process.  When you are getting your new roof it is important to consider that your yard and home will be turned into a construction site.  As far as waste goes replacing your existing roof with a new roof will generate anywhere between five thousand and ten thousand pounds of waste. Roofing contractors take between one and three days to thoroughly remove and replace your homes roof.  Throughout the process your home till maintain a crew of men.  This means that you will need extreme patients throughout the new roof process to handle the vibrations, noise and roofing crew.

One question that every roofing contractor is asked during the installation of their roof is about the rain and if occurs during the installation of their new roof.  When it comes to rain and your new roof you should note that all contractors do their best to protect your home from the rain and in fact all weather elements.   When it is overcast or a chance of rain exists experienced roofing contractors will only open and work on a section of the roof that is easily closed off if the rain does come.  Experienced roofing contractors always check weather radars and keep track of patterns that exist as they are working on installing any new roof.

It is important to note that with any work being done on your home that the contractors should not only be licensed but also insured.  The roofing contractor that is installing your new roof should offer workers compensation for their employees.  If an employee is injured while installing your new roof they will be covered under their employer’s workman’s compensation policy as long as the roofing contractor is insured.  This is one reason it is so incredibly important that your roofing contractor is insured.

Your new roof and roofing shingles are incredibly important when it comes to the integrity of your home.  To protect your home be sure to look for roofing contractors that offer experience, insurance and workmanship warranties.

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.

The Importance Of Roofing Ventilation

When you are getting a new shingle roof one of the most important things to remember is the roofs ventilation.  It is super crucial to the life span of your roofing shingles.  With the weather that we experience here in the north we need roofing that withstands the heat of summer and the cold build-up of the winter season with accelerating the aging process of your asphalt shingling.

With proper air circulation and installation it will not matter what the weather outside of your home is the smaller the chance that your shingles will leak, blister, curl or rot.  With a licensed roofing contractor installing your shingle roof, on top of proper installation and air circulation you greatly increase the validation on your shingle manufactures warranty.

Using a roofing contractor to install your new roof is beneficial for a number of reasons.  One of the most important is that the workmanship warranty is more likely to cover a defect in your new shingle roof from poor workmanship.  If you feel the workmanship on your roof lead to any of the following first contact your contractor to make sure that they have a chance to rectify the issues you are having; from there you will be able to recoup money spent to redo the roof from: insufficient nail usage to secure shingling, poor shingle alignment, or improper vent and flashing installation.  This is very rare and when using licensed, reputable roofing contractors is often unheard of.

Workmanship warranties don’t cover pre-existing conditions or problems that occur that are not directly related to poor workmanship.  This would be the case with weather related conditions such as wind and hail, condensation, ice dams, defects from the materials used or structural problems from sagging overhangs and trusses that dip.

One defect that is not covered under a workmanship warranty is ice dams.  Ice damns come about from the continual cycle we experience in the north of freezing, thawing and re-freezing.  Ice develops on the peak of the roof and then melts during the thaw only to re-freeze at the edge of the roofing shingles.  Eventually this additional ice and snow builds up creating a dam affect under your shingles with leads to leaking.  Ice dams are produced from many different causes including improper vapor barrier which in turn does not allow excess heat to escape into the attic, air leakage through plumbing, lights and more, inadequate attic ventilation.

You can avoid ice dams by eliminating excess air leakage with the installation of vapor barrier and sealing air leaks that are visible.  When you improve the insulation in your attic you also improve upon the chance you will experience an ice damn.   Proper insulation keeps the attic cool which lowers the chance of melting snow that occurs with warm air leaking.  Another key aspect in avoiding ice dams and roofing issues is to reduce the humidity in the living space with your home.

Solutions to ice dams can often be expensive.  To ensure proper care and that your roofing issues are being properly handled it is important to call upon a local roofing contractor.  With the experience of a roofing contractor along with their knowledge of different roofing issues they are more equipped to tackle your roofing challenges especially if you experience ice dams.

When it comes to shingle roofing, metal roofing or in fact any type of roofing maintenance is involved in prolonging the roofs life expectancy. Your roof is one part of your home that is exposed to the elements and all weather conditions non-stop. Twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and three hundred sixty five days a year the climate affects your roof as it is exposed during each and every season: summer, fall winter, and spring.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of shingle 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.