Category: Home Pro Roofing MI - page 6

Winter is here; fortunately for homeowners here in the north it isn’t too late to protect their roofs against the damage the season can bring.  Below is a simple guide for homeowners to follow in order to protect their roofs from damage while helping to lower overall energy bills.

One of the most important things that you can do for your home during the spring and fall seasons is to clean out the gutters around the home.  The gutters will take a thorough beating throughout the winter if accumulated debris builds up.   Not only will the gutters crack, split and start to peel away from the roof the winter weather can wreak havoc on the trim and siding because of damage being done to the homes gutters.

Gutters that become clogged are not effective in letting water runoff drain from the roof.  The most often resulting in ice dams which if left untreated can turn into leaks within the interior of the home.  It is crucial during the winter season that the gutters stay free of debris to allow the water to flow and divert the water away from the home protecting the home inside and out.

Debris doesn’t only wreak havoc with the homes gutter it also can cause damage to shingling.  Extra fall leaves left building up on the roof retain moisture and then will freeze and thaw throughout the season.  This process will eventually lead to cracking and a reduced life expectancy to the asphalt shingling on the roof.  It is important to trim trees that hang over the homes roof. The constant back and forth of branches scraping on the homes roof can lead to wear thus wearing away the materials that the roof is composed of.  This can lead to roof damage and leaks.

It is important that homeowners take time to repair damage to a home’s roof before the winter weather strikes.  Small cracks in shingling will only become extreme issues if left to go through the freeze, thaw, and melt cycle that occurs throughout the winter.  These issues turn from small, minor repair issues into expensive full roof replacements depending on the strength of the winter storms that occur throughout the season.

Another aspect of maintenance to perform on roofing before the winter season is in full swing is to re-caulk joints and flashing that is showing signs of wear.  These areas on a roof are already highly susceptible to leaking.  The winter weather adds another element of wear to an already fragile point on the roof.

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.

It is important that homeowners don’t neglect the exterior of their homes during the winter season, especially the homes roof.  Winter weather is particularly hard on a home’s roof.  From heavy snow to ice dams there are many warning signs for homeowners to look for to prevent damage to the homes roof.  Small roofing problems can easily be repaired before they turn into an expensive new roof needing to be installed.  Continue reading for information on what you should be looking for to avoid winter roofing hassles.

Damage Ice Storms 

After your area has gone through the experience of an ice storm it important to have the homes roof inspected by a professional roofing contractor.  It is hard for the inexperienced eye to spot the damage that occurs from hail and ice but for a roofing contractor it is pretty evident.  Ice damage occurs in many forms including deep dimples in the roof surface, cracked shingles, loose asphalt granules and missing roofing aspects.

Ice Dams and Heavy Snow Buildup

Snow always appears so light and fluffy as it falls from the sky.  The reality however is that after snow has settled on your roof and had time to thaw from any temperature difference the melted snow is incredibly heavy.  This weight puts a great deal of pressure on the roof which can lead to pressure cracks and in turn leaks.  A similar concept occurs when snow melts and refreezes around the edge of the roof creating ice dams.  Water that would normally run off of the roof has nowhere to go and in turn continues to freeze along the edge.  This leads to weight damage on the roof or interior leaks.

Failing Flashing

Harsh winter weather is notorious for the damage that it does to the roofs flashing.  Flashing is the metal that is applied over the roof joints to help direct the flow of water.  It is also used around skylights, dormer windows, vents and such.  Although it is a durable material the winter weather can take a toll on it.  If flashing damage goes untreated homeowners can expect to experience leaks and interior water damage.

Winter weather varies a great deal from location to location.  Winters here in the north alone vary a great deal.  One day we are dealing with temperatures in the upper forties and the next we are experiencing two feet drifts of snow.  With this in mind it is important that homeowners get into a routine.  Roofing contractors can be hired to do bi-yearly screenings of your homes roof, during the spring and fall to pinpoint problem areas before they become bigger issues.  Homeowners should become familiar with their roofs as well in order to perform periodic checks for damage that is above and beyond normal wear and tear.

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.

A popular material to use in roofing here in the north is asphalt shingles.  In this installment on roofing our contractors will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using composite shingles for your new or replacement roof.

Two types of shingles are available on the market, organic and fiberglass.  Fiberglass shingles are created with a bottom layer mat that is created out of glass fiber.  The mat is then coated with a mixture containing asphalt and mineral fillers to create a waterproof barrier. Fiberglass is more widely used because they offer excellent protection against fire.  Organic shingles on the other hand use a mat created from recycled paper, covered with asphalt and a top layer of bonding salt and ceramic granules implanted on the top.  Organic shingles are incredibly durable however highly flammable.

Shingles have many advantages over other materials used in roofing.  Shingle roofing is incredibly affordable.  It is comparatively inexpensive upfront and is the most affordable option in the short term.  When properly installed a shingle roof can offer a solid level of protection against a wide range of climates for at least twelve to fifteen years.

Even though shingle roofing is inexpensive does not mean that it lacks in variety.  The most common and cost effective is the three tab shingle followed by architectural and premium.  No matter what style your home is there is a shingle roofing option to complement and enhance the exterior.  Another benefit is the vast number of colors and patterns to choose from.  Shingle roofs can be used to create an alluring custom look that can greatly enhance the overall appeal of your home’s exterior.

Professional roof contractors appreciate the next benefit, ease of installation and repair.  Asphalt shingles are light weight and can be easily installed without requiring any added structural supports, special tools or without any major prep.

This isn’t to say that asphalt shingles are without fault.  Some disadvantages of having roofing contractors install asphalt roofing are:

• If the roof needs to be installed and temperatures fall below freezing shingles are more apt to be damaged.
• Asphalt damage can occur without proper attic ventilation.
• Extreme heat causes cracking and color loss in shingles.
• Bi-yearly maintenance and regular repairs are essential to ensure shingle roofing keeps its integrity.
• Asphalt shingles, for the most part, are not environmentally friendly.

Overall however shingle roofing is the most preferred material by roofing contractors to install on home in areas where the climate varies substantially between seasons.

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.

Residential roofing contractors are encouraging more and more homeowners to consider metal roofing over other options in roofing such as asphalt shingles, clay tiles, slate, wood shingles and more.  Why you ask?

Advantages of Metal Roofing

• Durability – A metal roof can last upwards of forty to fifty years whereas homeowners can only get about twelve to fifteen years out of asphalt shingles. Metal roofing lasts. It maintains its integrity in aspects of both strength and appearance.
• Eco-Friendly – Metal roofing is the king of recycled roofing materials. At least twenty five percent of the contents in metal roofing come from recycled materials.   Metal roofing itself is one hundred percent recyclable when it is time for your homes roof to be replaced.
• Impact Resistance – Roofing needs to protect homes from damage that can occur due to weather. Metal roofing does just that.  In climates where the weather doesn’t only change between seasons, but also from day to day, can benefit from metal roofing.
• Fire Resistant – Metal roofing has a higher fireproof rating than any other material in roofing. Let’s face it metal is near impossible to set on fire.
• Energy Conservation – Reflective materials such as metal aid homeowners in helping to keep their homes interior cool when the air is running throughout the summer. Metal roofing will help you save on air conditioning bills.
• Steep Pitch –Metal roofing is ideal for all pitches and slopes that can be found on homes. From the steepest roof to the flattest roof metal roofing is ideal.  During the winter months snow easily glides off.

With all the benefits of metal roofing it is hard to imagine that all homeowners living where the climate changes don’t install metal roofs.  However, there are some drawbacks to purchasing metal roofing over other traditional materials available in roofing.

Drawbacks of Metal Roofing

• Cost – One major disadvantage of metal roofing is the cost. Up-front metal roofing is tremendously expensive in comparison to composite asphalt shingles.  Metal is a long lasting, heavy duty roofing solution however the initial investment could end up lasting longer than most homeowner’s desire.
• Noise – Many homeowners enjoy the pit-pat of rain on metal roofing but consider hearing it day after day. It is true that the peaceful sound or rain or hail can get a bit tiring after awhile especially for homeowners with sensitivity to sound.

When deciding between metal roofing and other options consider the above while also taking a long hard look at the exterior of your home.   Metal roofing enhances the exterior of almost all homes but perhaps to you aesthetically it just isn’t what you are looking for.  Only you as the homeowners will truly know if a metal roof is ideal for 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.

• What type of weight can your existing roof framing hold? Are you prepared to add special framing if the material you want to use outweighs the existing frame source?
• Is the material you are considering available in multiple colors and style that will ultimately compliment your home?
• Do the materials meet local area fire specifications?
• Are there special requirements in maintenance or installation to consider?
• Is the material good for the climate that the home is located in? Will it offer peak performance for the weather?  If you have changing seasons will it adjust to each?
• Also compare the material cost, life span, warranty, and labor expense; is one roofing material clearly better than all the rest?

Your roof is one of the most important elements of your home.  It is crucial that it remains on the top of the list of items that need to be regularly maintained.  Your roof helps to protect your home from the elements. It keeps the warm heat in during the cold winter months and the brisk air in during the hot months of summer.  Damage to the homes roof should immediately be repaired to avoid having to later replace the entire roof or worse yet damage to the structural integrity of the home itself.

When a home experiences a leak in the roof the root of the issue isn’t always easily narrowed in on.  There are a few common problems to look for if you notice a leak in your homes roof.

Missing Shingles

No matter what material your roof is made from it is susceptible to damage during inclement weather.  Shingling that blows off your homes roof leaves underlayment exposed.  If left exposed to the elements the underlayment material will quickly deteriorate and cause water leakage.

Issues with Pipe Flashing

There are several vent pipes that sit directly underneath your roof material.  Most often these vents are sealed well but occasionally corrosion occurs or the sealant is damaged and allows for a leak to occur.

Skylight and Chimney Flashing

The flashing around your chimney can leak if it becomes pulled away from the roof or if perhaps the sealant becomes worn.  Skylight leaks require a bit more troubleshooting as sometimes the leaks that occur are because of condensation.  Other times however, a leak may occur because of a crack in the skylight or worn out seal.

Valleys

The little gutters that run down the interior angles of your roof line are known as valleys. When the little gutter flashings are damaged by weather, fungus or are improperly maintained they can lift away from the roofing and allow water to seep through the channel and into the home.  It is crucial to make sure that these valleys are properly cared for and kept intact to avoid leaks.

Ice Dams

During the winter months it is common to have snow melt and refreeze on the roof.  When this happens and ice dam occurs that does not allow the water to runoff into the gutter.  The water is then left backing up under the shingles and the process of freezing and refreezing is allowed to continue causing damage to the underlayment of the roofing.

If at any time you notice the above damage occurring within your homes roof it is time to call in a professional roof contractor to repair the damaged area.  The cost of repairing a roof is significantly lower than the cost of replacing a roof hence it is far more cost effective to preserve the roofs integrity for as long as possible.

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.

When you are looking to find where a leak is coming from on your homes roof you may be overwhelmed at first.  Although know two roofs are alike there are still some commonalities when it comes to leakage issues.  There are a few common places that roofing contractor’s checkout first when homeowners mention that their roofs are leaking.  Below we will discuss what to look for if you should experience a leak in your roof.

Flashing

Flashing is an essential element in roofing.  It is the metal piece that is used to attach vents and other ducting on the surface of the roof.  The metal flashing will most likely need to be replaced before the homes roof because as it ages it can crack and corrode.  Roof flashing is the number one point of failure on a roof and therefore should be the first place you inspect you suspect your roof is leaking.  Normal repair costs for flashing repairs on your homes roof usually range between ten and twenty dollars.

Vertical Slits

Another common place to look when you are experiencing a leak in your homes roof is the vertical slit between the shingles.  Water freely flows between the vertical slits in the shingles and thus causes corrosion.  This in turn can lead to a leak in the roof.

Missing Granules

All shingling is covered with an exterior stony coating.  This extra layer of coating on the shingle adds protection against ultra-violet rays.  When the stony coating starts to wear off the asphalt shingle it becomes exposed to the elements.  If you begin to notice bare spots in the shingling it is important to replace them before it becomes a problem.  If the bare spots in the shingling are left untreated water can start to cause water to pool and a leak to occur.

Skylights

Skylights are a great way to let in the natural daylight however they are also a major contributor to leaks.  Water is allowed to run down the slop of the roof hitting the flat upper edge of the skylight getting trapped in there.  Another thing that can occur is cracking in the skylight.    Sealant to correct the issue costs about five dollars.  If the flashing is the cause of the leak it can cost anywhere between twenty five to eight dollars to replace.

If there is a leak it is important to address the cause of the problem before fixing the effects of the leak.    Chimneys are also another source of where leaks occur as well as the valleys in the roof.  If you are unable to locate the leak on your own call in a professional roofer to assist you evaluate the problem before the roof repair turns into roof replacement.

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.

Let’s face it there are certain jobs that homeowners should feel confident about tackling on their own and others that should be left to the professionals.  New roof installation is one of those home improvements that even the most experienced DIY homeowner shouldn’t tackle on their own.  No matter how many YouTube videos you watch or books you read there are more benefits to hiring a professional then trying to do it yourself.

Consider the benefits you receive when you hire a professional roofing contractor:

• Experience
• Safety
• Time

Let’s look into each one of these separately to fully understand why hiring a roofing contractor is better than installing or repairing a roof on your own.

Experience: Most homeowners don’t specialize in roof installation or roof repair.  Most of us don’t have the expertise it takes to properly install a new roof.  Roofing contractors are like all other professionals, they spend hour upon hour on roofs perfecting their techniques.  In fact many professional roofers have spent a majority of their time before starting their own business working under roofing contractors with years of experience.  Contractors, no matter what their specialty, are required to become licensed to work in their area of expertise.

Roofing contractors are also knowledgeable on the materials it will take to cover a variety of different roofs.  Whereas many do it yourselfers tend to overestimate or underestimate just how much they will need in materials.  It won’t matter how much preplanning or research that is done installing a new roof on your home for the first time is an experiment.  Do you want that for your home?

Safety:   When working on a ladder or roof there is always a certain aspect of risk involved.  A number of accidents occur each year that are related to well meaning DIY homeowners that have fallen off their roofs resulting in injury or death. Consider the last time you took on a new skill.  It is almost guaranteed that the all of your concentration went into completing the task at hand verse your surroundings.  In certain situations this may be just fine but in roofing it could be incredibly dangerous.

Professional roofing contractors have the tools to get the job done while having the tools to keep them safe doing it.  Changes occur within every specialty in construction, the same is true of roofing.  Let the professionals who are skilled in their job, using their tools and techniques take on the job of replacing or repairing your homes shingle roof.  It will keep you safe on the ground where you belong.

Time: Most homeowners don’t have the time it takes to spend replacing their homes roof.  A full crew of skilled contractors can take up to a week to strip off old roofing shingles, replace worn out roofing and install the new roofing.  A lot of things factor into this: the weather, the number of crew members and the type of roofing material being applied.  The time you estimate that it will take you to complete your roof will be added to if the weather doesn’t cooperate, more materials are needed or any other number of factors.

Before you commit all of your free time to installing a new roof to your home really consider all of the benefits found with hiring a professional roofing contractor to do it for you.

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.

Let’s face it shingle roofing, especially that installed on homes in the northern, humid states will develop some sort of unsightly dark staining or streaking from an accumulation of dirt, defective shingling, mold growth, mildew or the most common culprit algae.  Algae are easily spread because it is spread via airborne spores.  Little harm is actually done to roofing from algae however the stains are unsightly and decrease the value of your home.

There is a method that can be used to avoid algae stains or various inexpensive techniques to clean them from roofing once they have occurred.   Metal flashing can be utilized to prevent algae growth from occurring.  This occurs because the copper and zinc coating on the galvanized sheet metal is toxic to algae.  When it rains small amounts of metal get washed down the roof preventing the algae from growing.

Another way to prevent algae from growing on shingles is by installing shingling that is resistant to the growth of algae.  Many roofing material manufacturers have started offering shingles that have copper granules mixed into their product.  This development in roofing technology is something that homeowners should request when meeting with their new roof contractor.

Most important though, what do homeowners with algae growth already present on the roof do to clean their roofs?  As suggested with any home improvement project requiring a ladder or being up on the roof the first suggestion is to hire a professional roofer.  Professionals have the knowledge, time and tools available to remove the algae from your roof in a safe manner.

When using chemical cleaners to remove the built up algae from shingling the following items come in handy:

Roof Cleaner

Pump Sprayer

Garden Hose

Hose Nozzle

Safety Glasses

Rubber Gloves

Ladder

If you do decide to clean the algae off of your roof on your own it is important to take safety precautions to ensure your safety.  Shingles that are wet even more dangerous so make sure to wear slip resistance footwear and a safety harness.  Be sure to also protect your eyes and skin when working with chemicals.  Another thing to consider is the vegetation beneath to avoid damage to landscaping.  Try to pick a cloudy day to work on to prevent the cleaner from evaporating before it has time to set into the shingle.

The basic recipe for the cleaning solutions is a quart of bleach, a gallon of water and a quarter cup of TSP.  Pour the ingredients together and transfer the solution into a sprayer.  After applying the cleaning solution to the shingles rinse them using a garden hose.

If you wish to prevent the algae from growing but aren’t ready for a roof replacement with the newer algae resistant shingling try installing a small strip of copper or zinc coated sheet metal along the side of the roof ridge.  This will offer those same benefits without having to replace your home roofing.

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.