Tag: Asphalt Shingling - page 3

Hiring any contractor to do work around your home can be a challenging task.  When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor we have compiled a list of tips to make the selection process simpler.

Insurance: Contractors that do not come bearing insurance should not be allowed to do any work on or around your home.  Insurance is a must when hiring a professional.  Ask for proof of insurance from all contractors interested in being hired.  Professional contractors should have copies of both their worker’s compensation policy and liability insurance policies.  Part of the cost in hiring a professional to complete work on your home is the security of knowing that they are covered if an accident should occur while they are working around your home.

Local vs. National: When it comes to hiring a contractor it is always best to look to hire someone with a locally operated, established company with a reputable reputation within the community.  Hiring big chain contractors can end up disastrous.  You aren’t hiring an individual and their specific skill set you are hiring a crew that is contracted by the large chain.  This means that each time work is to be done around your home a new crew may be sent.  There is no continuity in the work that is performed.  Whereas using a local contractor you are dealing with one specific contact for projects throughout your home.  Another bonus is that local contractors also vouch for one another and are able to refer specialists when needed for different projects.

Price:  The cost should never be the driving factor on your decision to hire a roofing contractor.  A lot goes into creating a bid and each contractor may bid projects differently.  Some contractors bid the job low by leaving out incidentals like nails, caulking and roofing tar; items that are necessities for the project to be complete but add to the bid.  Look at the bid in its totality.  Ask questions when looking into exactly what is covered by the quote and what extra expenses you can expect to incur.

Everything in Writing:  You should be in control of the job from start to finish.  The home belongs to you, the money is coming out of your pocket and the end result is yours to live with.  Be sure that you never pay in full for a job that is not one hundred percent complete.  If you are unhappy with any aspect of the project you need to communicate in writing a clear and precise agreement with the roofing contractor to establish a procedure for the job to be completed to the specifications in the contract.

All communication between the two parties should be in written form to protect both of them from misunderstandings.  Don’t forget to ask for a detailed quote that includes specifics from materials to costs and quantity.  It is imperative to have details in your contract regarding the amount of time that the job is expected to be done in and the size of the crew that is intended to be on site each day.  Contracts should also detail the hours that work will be completed.

Hiring a roofing contractor, or any contractor, for that matter doesn’t have to be a hassle or a nightmare.  Be sure to follow the tips above to ensure you find a contractor that meets your needs now and in the future.

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 asphalt roofing are plentiful.  In this installment on shingle roofing we will look into the top five advantages of installing asphalt shingles over other roofing materials.

Adaptability:  Asphalt shingles are the best material for adapting to complex roofing structures.  If your homes roof has a steep slope or angles it is important to recognize how adaptable shingle roofing can be.  Oddly shaped roofs are often hard to conform to.  Roofing contractors use shingles to form to the most unique roofs.  Asphalt shingles allow solid coverage and can be formed to maximize coverage.  They can be manipulated into locations other materials would not be able to.

Assorted Design Options:  Homeowners often thing of flat, rectangular shingles when they think of asphalt.  Roofing contractors say this misconception is one of the biggest hurdles they have to contend with when talking to homeowners about the options available to them in 2016.  Shingles today come in a variety of patterns to compliment the architecture of any home.  There are shingles that replicate the look of wood shakes, hand cut slate, European clay and many other old world patterns.  The benefit of using a shingle replica is not only the decrease in cost but also the increase in longevity and reduced maintenance.

Highly Rated: Shingle roofing materials can withstand a variety of weather conditions.  Asphalt comes in a variety of class ratings the highest being class 4.  What this means is that it is resistant to a number of environmental aspects that other materials are not.   Asphalt shingles are popular in areas where the climate is ever changing.  When your home takes the beating that all four seasons hands out you need to know your choice can withstand whatever is thrown at it.  From ninety five degree, heat scorched sun filled days to thirty five below temperatures with freezing rain and ice shingles are created to endure.

Cost Effectiveness:  Asphalt is not only an affordable material to purchase it is also the most inexpensive material for roofing contractors to install.  Proper installation is crucial to ensure that you roof is going to stand up to the test of time.  Labor to install an asphalt roof is less expensive for a number of reasons.  It is a popular choice amongst homeowners and therefore the technique is one that professionals have mastered.  The average asphalt roof takes between one to three days to replace including the time it takes to strip old shingles and repair any areas that appear to be damaged.

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.

Once again severe weather time is here for those of us in the north.  From lightening strikes to thunderstorms, strong winds and sand storms it all takes its toll on the exterior of our homes especially the roof.  Many times homeowners are clueless that there has even been damage to their homes.  Some will only notice damage months after the storms have rolled through.  It is important to identify damage as soon as possible to avoid extensive damage to the structure or foundation of the home.

After a storm has hit homeowners should take time to inspect their roof and home’s exterior.  It is best if small issues are identified and repaired before they become larger and more expensive problems that require extensive repairs.  If you suspect any damage has occurred to the roof after a storm it is best to call in a professional roofing contractor to perform a full inspection of your homes roof.    Most roofing companies offer free inspections or inspections for a fee that comes off the cost of needed repairs.

To assist homeowners we are including signs of roof damage to be aware of after a storm.  If a homeowner can see any of these it is important that they call in a roofing expert for further examination of the damage.

• Shingling that is bent or folded
• Shingles or roofing materials that have become dislodged
• Any part of shingles or roofing materials within the homes yard
• Roof buckling
• Discoloration in the shingles
• Ceiling discoloration
• Light coming in from the attic space

Some of the damage, after a storm, can be difficult to see from street level.  Take a trip up onto the roof to look for shingling or other roofing materials that have dislodged.  If this is noticed it is important to have the roof inspected properly by a professional roofing contractor.  A contractor specializing in roofing can offer repair services or assist homeowners with insurance claims if a new roof is necessary.

Another common issue, buckling occurs in roofing when a roof is not properly ventilated or when shingles are laid one on top of another.  Noticing spots within the roof that are starting to buckle may indicate that you will need a new roof.

After an extreme wind storm it is possible to find dislodge roofing material in your yard.  One shingle may be easy to replace or repair however when multiple parts of shingling or other roofing materials are seen strewn about the yard it is a completely different issue.

Another sign of damage on a roof is discoloration.  Algae and moss can cause this discoloration and small leaks may occur.  A professional roofing contractor should be employed to restore the roof and treat the problem.

Discoloration on the outside isn’t the only issue that shows roofing damage.  If you see any signs of internal ceiling sagging or water spots it is time to inspect your homes attic.  Any light coming in from the attic space should be immediately repaired to prevent further issues.  This is especially true after heavy rains.

Roofs can be repaired if damage is caught early enough.  These repairs are far more inexpensive then completely replacing your roof which often occurs when homeowners let minor repairs stack up and don’t get properly fixed.  Proper roof care and maintenance will help maintain your roof, foundation and homes structural integrity.

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.

Your homes roof is in charge of shielding your family from the elements.  With your homes roof in constant defense mode it is important that it can continue to take a beating after years of wear and tear. In the northern climates the weather can go from below zero to seventy in less than a day or two.  We can experience wind and hail storms as severe as those living on the coast; it is inevitable that our roofs will be put to the test over and over again.  It is crucial that we continue to work and maintain the roofs structural integrity.

Roofing contractors are no strangers to the expense that is put on homeowners who need to replace their homes roof.  It is a costly procedure and when done incorrectly can jeopardize the entire foundation and structure of the home.  Most homeowners will only have to replace roofing once or twice in their lives.  It is not a process that most will need to become ultra familiar with.  To ensure that your roof has a long life and to minimize costly repairs, routine maintenance should be done on your homes roof.

Regularly Inspect Roofing Shingles

Shingles are the most visible aspect of your homes roof.  The shingles play a major part in keeping the barriers underneath dry.  If moisture is allowed to seep below the shingling the materials underneath may become moist and serious damage can occur. It may not seem like missing a shingle or to is that big of a deal however when left untreated a missing or damaged shingle can cause damage to the structure of the roof.

Roofing contractors also state that homeowners should evaluate the condition of the asphalt shingling.  If the granules that make up the shingle are starting to wear away the roof’s underlayment will quickly deteriorate due to the exposure to the hot sun.  If you start to notice a great deal of asphalt granules in the homes gutters it may be time to consider complete roof replacement. If you notice only a few bare shingles you may get by with replacing just those few.

Look For Leaks In The Attic

Checking for leaks is something that can be done inside of the home as well as outside.  The first place to look is the ceilings within the interior of the home.   If you can see any areas of discoloration or difference in the texture of the roofing it’s time to move to the attic.  Enter the attic on a super sunny day and look for any sun that shines through.  If you can see the light that means you have found the point of entrance for water.

Leaks are easier to repair when they are small and manageable.  Checking the homes attic for holes of light and repairing the issue is a more reasonable repair then when the damage is visible on the ceiling of the rooms within your home.  Take time to inspect the attic twice a year.  A quick peek can save you from having to replace the homes roof and ceilings.

Regular, simple roofing maintenance checks can save homeowners from costly roof repairs or replacements. Maintain your roof to allow it to continue to do the job it is meant to do.  A homes roof should last between twenty and thirty years when preventive maintenance checks are done and minor repairs are completed.

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 essential that your home have a structurally sound roof.  Your homes roof offers the first line of defense against the elements.  In order prevent minor issues from turning into something major it is vital to recognize potential problems and handle them as they arise.  Below you will find information to consider in determining if it is time to replace your roof.

The Age of Your Roof

Most roofing contractors agree that shingle roofs only last about twenty to thirty years.  Shingle roofing over thirty years old may look good from the ground but be suffering from a myriad of complex issues. Even if your homes roof looks great from the ground be sure to have a roofing contractor inspect the overall well-being of the structure to assess the overall condition of the roof.

Curling Shingles

There are two ways in which shingles can curl on a roof.  Cupping is when the edges of the shingles start to turn upwards.  Clawing is when the shingle edges are flat but the middle of the shingle starts to come up.  No matter which way your shingles are curling the indication is the same.  The shingles are weathered and are at risk for leaking.  Roofing contractors suggest that roofs showing signs of curling should be replaced within the next year to retain the integrity of the roofs structure.

Missing Shingling

As far as the function of your roof is concerned replacing a few shingles that come loose or that are missing.  It may difficult to find replacement shingles that match your current roof.  If you start to notice the shingles being bare of granules or your roof turning into a checker board then it may be time to replace the roof instead of trying to keep replacing the missing shingles.

Cracked Shingles

When a shingle becomes cracked or damaged it is most often because of wind damage.  If just a few of the shingles are cracked you are probably okay to just replace them.  If you or your roofing contractor notice that the cracked shingles are located sporadically throughout the roof it may be time to start thinking about replacing your entire roof.  When you see cracked shingles the roof has about two to three years left before it becomes an absolute necessity to be replaced.

 Gutter Granules

Loose granules located in gutters are a familiar site after a roof has been replaced however if you begin to see these granules emerge after the roof has been in place for a few years it is a sure sign the roof is going to need to be replaced.  The granules on asphalt shingles is in place to keep the sun off of the asphalt.  When the granules start to fall off of the shingles the roof will begin to “bake” leading to quicker deterioration.

Other issues that roofing contractors say to look for is shingles covered in moss or algae, if you see sunlight from anywhere in your attic or if you notice that the roof is beginning to sag.  As stated earlier, the homes roof is its first defense against the elements.  It is crucial in providing protection for the structural integrity 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.

Dabbling in home improvement is something all new homeowners try.  DIY renovations are popular but really need to be considered before engaging in them.  There are many risks in taking on a project of any magnitude especially something as large as replacing a roof.  Below you will find 5 reasons it is best to leave replacing your roof to the pros.

Reasons to Hire a Professional Roofer Verse DIY

Risk of Falling Off:  When homeowners choose to repair or replace the roof of your home it is important to acknowledge the risk involved with falling off.  Falling from the roof, falling from a ladder both are realistic accidents that occur frequently when it comes to homeowners working on their roofs.  Balance and agility is needed in roofing that only experience can give.

Grueling Labor: Replacing a roof is a very time-consuming, exhausting job.  Most homeowners do not have enough time in their schedules to accommodate a job of this size.  Think about the last time a light bulb burned out in the bathroom light fixture.  Remember how it took two weeks to remember to purchase and install a new one?  Roofing needs to be taken off and put back on in a timely fashion to avoid damage to the roof’s underlayment that can occur when it is left uncovered for any amount of time.  A professional roofer has a team of experts to assist with the repair or replacement of the roof.  Many roofs can be removed and replaced within the same day.

Insurance Coverage: If the roof has been damaged in a storm or by natural cause’s homeowners insurance will most often cover the materials and labor needed to repair or replace the roof.  Many roofing companies will even help you throughout the insurance claim process.

Missing a Step: Homeowners that are not familiar with roofing may miss a step when replacing their homes roof.  There is a lot to remember when repairing or replacing a roof.  Professional roofers have experience in installing new roofs.  With experience comes developing a process which helps prevent missing any crucial steps in the replacement process.

No Warranty: Professional roofers most often offer a warranty on the work that they do.  This is not something that DIY get when they replace their own roofs.  If a mistake is made DIY homeowners are left on their own to cover the expenses occurred.

Roofing is one home improvement that is best kept to the professionals.  A homes roof protects the house on a whole from the foundation to the structural integrity.  Any missed step along the way could be detrimental to the roofs integrity leading homeowners to larger issues then they had before.

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 material of choice for most northern roofs is asphalt.  Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material in a majority of homes for many reasons including cost, ease of installation and its longevity.  Asphalt roofs, when installed properly, are known to last on average for twenty plus years.  Is the lifespan of your asphalt roof reaching its peak? Maybe now is the perfect time to start considering your roof replacement options.  Most homeowners want to complete home improvements when the time is right.  When is the best time to install a new roof?  It just may not be what you expect.

Winter Roof Replacement

Everyone that is familiar with northern winters understands that roofing isn’t really a great option.  The snow, ice and colder temperatures make roofing materials such as asphalt difficult to work with.  The asphalt shingles become brittle and hard.  Professional roofing contractors will tell you that these are not the ideal conditions in which to install a new roof.  The cold is not ideal for roofers, roofing tools, sealants or much else that the northern climates offer during the winter season.  New roofs in northern climates are better installed during another season.

Spring Roof Replacement

Spring roof replacement tends to be one of the least expensive times of the year to install your homes new roof.  Spring is a great time to replace ones roof if the issues your roof has had are not worsened by waiting through the winter.  Roofing contractors are not as busy as they will be in the upcoming seasons and roofing materials can often be found at a discount.  Most manufacturers are offering discounts on materials from last season to clear the inventory for new arriving roofing supplies.  This allows roofing contractors to bid lower on residential roofing projects than they normally could during the summer and fall seasons.  If money is an object and you are working within a budget consider spring roof replacement.

Summer Roof Replacement

There is no denying that summer has become the best known time for home improvements for homeowners in the north.  One thing to remember is that the heat of northern summers is never a joke.  Northern summers can reach unbearable temperatures and out of control humidity levels.  This can make roofing unpleasant for both roofing contractors and the materials they use.  When installing roofs it is best to avoid the extremes within any season.

Fall Roof Replacement

The best time of the year to install a new roof for homes in the northern regions is the fall.  The temperatures are perfect; not too hot and not too cold.  Roofing contractors and their crews can work without the worry of heat exhaustion or hypothermia.  With mild temperatures also comes easier installation.  Roofing materials are easier to work with and the elements are not such a huge factor. It may also be the busiest time for roofers!  To be sure you get an appointment when the timing is most convenient for both homeowner and contractor schedule your roof replacement now instead of waiting until roofing contractors are well on their way managing through their busy 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 professional roofing 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.

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.