Spring is almost here, just days away!  That means we are just days away from being able to start cleaning out our flower beads, scooping gutter gunk, and other rituals of spring cleaning.   The snow is starting to melt, and homeowners begin to consider how to prepare their homes for a summer of relaxation.  The more we accomplish in the spring, the less we must consider during the summer.  

It is a known secret, winter weather is our homes enemy, especially our roof.  Our roofs take a beating in every season, but it is especially rough in the winter, with the snow, melt, freeze, ice, melt repeat process. Homeowners should reach out to professional roofing contractors at least once a year for a spring cleaning and inspections.  Regular roofing maintenance helps to increase the longevity of your roofing materials and will improve the aesthetics of your home.  Below are some tips the professional roofers at Kearns Brothers recommend to all our clients.

• Trimming Tree Branches:  Any tree close to your home should have its branches trimmed on a regular basis.  Tree limbs should not be allowed to touch your roof as they will scrape the shingles and loosen the granules that are in place to protect it.  A decrease in asphalt granules on shingling which will decrease the longevity of your roof. 
• Pine Needles and Leaves:  A few pine needles and leaves on your roof are fine however, a collection of leaves and needles will cause damage as they hold on to excess moisture.  They need to be removed to prevent mold, mildew, and general issues.  A build up of pine needles and leaves can also block gutters.  To clear your homes roof it is important to be careful not to damage the roofing material.  A light air blower will gently remove the debris without damaging the asphalt shingling.
• Moss is one of the worst elements for asphalt shingles.  By cutting back tree limbs and removing leaves homeowners can reduce moss.  It is important that sunlight can hit the surface of the roof in order to dry up the moisture that the moss thrives on.  There are chemicals that can get rid of roofing moss however the run off can cause damage to the landscaping plants surrounding the home.  Zinc or copper trips lining the ridge of the home can also help create an environment where moss is unable to grow.
• If gutters are damaged during the winter, it is crucial that homeowners fix them before spring rains begin.  It is crucial that water can flow through the gutters and away from the home’s foundation. Loose gutters must be secured in order to function properly.
• A complete inspection of your shingles, chimney’s, and flashing should all be inspected and maintained yearly by a professional roofing contractor. While a contractor is performing a roof inspection, they will look for missing shingles, damage to your chimney, flashing, and vent issues.  Correcting these issues in a timely manner ensures your roof is good to go for many Michigan seasons.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

Let’s face it, your homes roof is not an everyday priority.  As homeowners we lose sight of the essential exterior elements that are important in safeguarding the interior of our homes.  It is crucial however, that we do take the maintenance and care of our homes roof serious. Asphalt shingle roofing is designed to protect your home. In order for it to perform its job regular roof inspections are needed to ensure it is functioning properly.  Inspections of your homes roof should be done twice a year.  Maintenance and repairs should follow when necessary.  This will allow your roof to remain at peak performance.

Professional roofing contractors are experts at identifying issues with your roof that will lead to interior issues with your home.  It is important to hire a professional contractor to inspect the exterior elements of your home at least once every few years. It is crucial that you as a homeowner take time during the spring and fall seasons to do your own roof and exterior home inspection.

Considerations with Your Roof

• Before you purchase a home, it is crucial to have the home inspected and a roof assessment performed.  A professional roofing contractor will inspect and report on the future of your roof.  This information gives you insight on repairs that are needed immediately, will be needed in the future, and how much longer you have before a full roof replacement is required.
• When looking at the exterior of your home and are considering renovations remember to take a look at the landscape. Trim branches and large trees that overhang your roof.  This will prevent the shingles form scratching and gouging roofing materials.  Trimming back trees and branches helps to prevent damaging and puncturing the materials used on your roof.
• Keep your homes gutters clear.  This is especially important during the winter season to help prevent roof damns from occurring during the thaw and freeze that occurs throughout the season.  If leaves and debris are allowed to build up, your gutters will no longer freely flow, and these backups will occur.
• Allow your roof to breathe by adding in proper ventilation if it is not already set up correctly.  Heat and moisture needs to be released from the roof to prevent the sheathing and rafting to breathe.  Without this in place the roof with buckle and the insulation will lose its effectiveness.  This causes the roof system to be ineffectual.
• Proper insulation protects the longevity of your homes roof.  Your home needs protection from heat gain and loss.  The most ideal situation is to include a gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor along with vapor retarder under the insulation next to the ceiling.  This will help stop the moisture from rising into the attic.  Properly placing vents in the roofing will allow air to pass freely which also helps to prevent issues with your roof.
• Roofing is prone to the build up of debris, streaks, mold, algae and fungus.  When left untreated this causes a great deal of deterioration in the materials on your roof which in turn shortens the roofs lifespan.  One method that is effective in preventing these issues is to install zinc strips along the roof ridge.  The zinc will protect against the growth of fungus, moss, mildew and algae. 

Your homes roof is the most important element in creating structural integrity of your home. Taking time to do bi-yearly inspections will help preserve and protect your home for years to come.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

Do you think you could tell if your roof only needed some repairs or if it was time to replace your homes roof?  There are quite a few flags to look for before calling in a professional roofing contractor. You don’t necessarily need a brand-new roof just because you have spotted a leak in the ceiling.   The leak could have occurred due to a number of different problems.  There are a number of factors to determine whether the problem with your roof requires repair or replacement which can be found below. 

The Age of Your Homes Roof

Consider the age of your existing roof.  Roof contractors estimate that asphalt shingle roofs can last upwards of twenty-five years especially when well maintained.  A properly ventilated roof is important in the roof’s longevity as well.  If a shingle roof was installed over another layer of shingle roofing and is over twenty years old, there are chances you will need a new roof sooner than later.

Curling and Buckling of Asphalt Shingles

If you notice the shingles on your roof are buckled or starting to curl it may be a sign that you need a new roof.  To get a good look take a look at the shingles in the direct sunlight.  If you notice they are curling, losing granules, or are buckling it often means that your shingles have exceeded their life expectancy.  When this occurs in older roofs it is a sure sign that you need to replace your roof. 

Missing Shingles

If your roof is falling apart or shingles are missing, there is a good chance you may be looking at a new roof.  It is important to keep an eye on the valleys of your roof.  Snow and rain need to flow freely through the valleys into the roof’s gutters.  If this valley area in your roof is compromised the roof will be susceptible to leaks. 

Granules in the Gutters

When cleaning out your gutters if you notice that are loaded with the granules that are on shingles you could be looking at replacing your roof within the coming months.  Shingles lose more granules when the life cycle of the shingle is near the end.  If you start to notice darker colored areas on the shingles or an inconsistent color on the roof that is most likely because the granules have worn away over time.  This is a sure sign that a new roof is needed soon. 

Sponge Like Roof Boards

If you are inspecting your homes roof from above and notice that it feels bouncy or spongy it means that the underlying decking has become weak from moisture.  If left untreated you will start to notice daylight shining through the roof boards and moisture in your insulation.  These are both sure signs that your home needs a new roof as soon as possible.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

Obviously, it is best to repair leaks in roofing during the spring, summer or fall however, if necessary, roof repair is possible during the winter.  Although there are limitations in roofing materials, winter roofing is ever bit as possible as it is in the spring, summer, and fall.  It is worth repairing or replacing a roof in the winter if damage to the home is occurring. 

If you notice a leak or damage to your roof during the winter months, it needs to be replaced or repaired to prevent damage.  The smallest of leaks can cause incredible damage to the structure of your home.  Roof leaks are worsened by the expansion and contraction of roofing materials during the constant freeze and thaw that occur during the winter months.  Small leaks turn into major leaks almost overnight. 

Winter Roofing

Yes, roofers work during the winter months.  Roofers are used to extreme weather whether in the sweltering heat of the summer sum or the freeze of the winter, roofers are hard at work.  There are pros and cons to working in both environments.   Roofing materials all react differently in conditions under forty degrees.   These materials should not be installed in the winter.  Instead, roofing contractors use materials that can be installed at any time of the year, no matter what the weather.        

Flat Roofing

Two types of flat roofing systems can be properly installed in the winter, PVC and TPO.  Instead of adhesives, thermoplastic single ply flat roof products are mechanically installed, and the seams are hot air welded.  Rubber roofing, an alternative to thermoplastic, are not a good option during the winter months when temperatures are below forty degrees because the adhesive used to install them will not seal.  The adhesive will end up freezing and not bond.  It is important to use the proper material for the season in which you are having a new roof, replacement roof, or roof repair completed. 

Sloped Roofing

The most common material that roofing contractors use on sloped roofs is asphalt shingling.  It is possible for asphalt shingles to be installed during the winter months however they must be careful not to bend the shingles. Asphalt shingles require a proper seal between the overlapping shingles.  In order to bond the shingling needs heat from the sun.  When asphalt shingles are installed in the winter they will not properly seal until warmer weather sets in. 

Asphalt shingling is susceptible to ice dams.  Ice dams are large ice buildups that form at the eaves of the roof.  They are caused from improper attic insulation and poor attic ventilation.  Installing an ice and water shield membrane helps alleviate ice dam leaks.  The sun’s heat is also needed to adhere the material to the roof decking. 

Metal Roofing

Metal is one roofing material that can be installed in the winter, no matter what the temperature, without compromising quality.   Metal roofing materials do not crack and allows for expansion and contraction even in cold temperatures.  Roofing contractors use premium, breathable, synthetic underlayment to contend with moisture from improper ventilation.  Modifications to ventilation should be done when a roof is replaced to prevent damage from ice build up no matter what material is used.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

Your homes roof is one of the largest and most important exterior features of your home.  It is easy to forget about because it is not an element of your home that is in your face screaming for attention.  It is important that homeowners do not neglect their roofs. Issues with your roof are easily masked, they are not easy to spot especially from the ground.

It is important to catch issues with your roof before they turn catastrophic.  Roofing contractors have years of experience and industry knowledge that allows them to have a better grasp at what they are looking for when they are inspecting a homeowner’s roof.  This is not to say that you as a homeowner shouldn’t take time to inspect your homes roof bi-yearly as you clean out the gutters, it just means that a professional should also be involved in the inspection process at least once a year.  They will be able to detect issues earlier than any DIY homeowner thus saving the structural integrity of your roof from severe damage.

Roofing Contractors Share the Most Common Problems They See in Roofing

Lack of General Maintenance and Upkeep

The ideal maintenance schedule for your homes roof consists of bi-yearly inspections from the homeowners and an annual inspection from a professional roofing contractor.  Another inspection is needed if your home has been involved in a severe storm.  There are many things that can go wrong with your roof however, regular repairs and keeping up on normal care your roof can out last, it’s warranty.  Check for mildew, mold, peeling caulk, holes, sagging, or missing shingles.  These are all obvious issues that there is a problem that needs to be fixed.

Improper Repairs

This is the most common problem that our roofing contractors report, improperly executed roofing repairs.  Homeowners like to believe they can save a ton of money by fixing issues on their own.  This is however not always the truth.  Yes, homeowners are highly capable of attending to many maintenance issues that pop up around their homes.  Roofing however is not one of those areas where we believe a homeowner should take repairs into their own hands.  Your homes roof is what keeps the structural integrity of your home safe from the outside elements.  Without a roof, well you can just imagine what the interior of our homes would look like.

Storm Damage

No matter what the season, Michigan homeowners are familiar with inclement weather issues.  Spring brings heavy rain, winter brings heavy ice and snow, with fall comes rotting leaves and debris and then there is summer where we can go from 100 degrees and 100 percent humidity to thunderstorms with winds that can be greater than 60 miles an hour.  If your area experiences a substantial storm it is important to clean off the debris and call in a professional for an inspection.

Leaks

No matter if you have a shingle roof or a metal roof, if you are experiencing a leak, you have a major problem.  Your homes roof is its lid.  It is meant to keep the elements out.  When this is compromised it is crucial, to minimize damage, that your roof is fixed properly and FAST!  Moisture that is allowed to build up also can prevent problems such as mold and wood rot.  It is not only important to fix the roof but also to perform proper drying and clean up to prevent further issues.

In order to truly make sure you are hiring a reputable roofing contractor always make sure to work with someone that comes recommended from a friend, neighbor, family member, or co-worker.  Word of mouth referrals are the best way to hire professionals as they have previously done work and are being recommended.  It is important as well to perform a little background research on your own as well.  Be sure to check Google reviews, contractor licenses/insurance, and their standing with the BBB.

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.

One of the most neglected areas on the exterior of a home is the roof.  Many homeowners don’t notice problems with their roofing until it has turned into a real issue.  Maintenance, although important, is not often done yearly, leaving small roof repairs to become major issues.  Homeowners often have a lot of questions by the time they are reaching out to the roofing contractors of Kearns Brothers.  Compiled below is a list of questions and answers to the top roofing questions we are regularly asked when seeking roof repair or roof replacement services. 

How Will I Know It Is Time to Replace My Homes Roof?

The age of your shingle roofing is one of the most tell tale signs your home needs a new roof.  Most shingle roofs have a lifespan of between twenty to thirty years without issue.  Regular roofing maintenance can help increase the longevity of shingles and underlayment.  Older roofs often have visual signs that it is time to consider replacement.  If you notice curling or buckling shingles, missing shingles, leaking, or sunlight coming through attic boards it is time to call the roofing experts at Kearns Brothers roofing experts.

Is a Shingle Roof Something I Can Install on My Own?

Many homeowners think that they can save money by replacing their homes roof.  Although it is possible for homeowners to replace their own roofs, we don’t recommend it.  The process to remove and replace shingles is time consuming.  If roofing materials are left without shingle protection for too long the underlayment will take on moisture which can lead to problems.  Also, let’s face it, homeowners are notorious for getting in over their heads when it comes to DIY projects, especially large scaled ones such as replacing a roof. 

While some home improvement projects can be done in time and are completely possible for DIY homeowners, roofing is not one we would recommend tackling.  Proper roofing is done through years of experience and decades of knowledge, both which the roofing experts at Kearns Brothers offer to homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost?

There is a lot that goes into determining how much a roofing expert charge to replace a homes roof.  An accurate estimate will be given once roofers are able to determine the square footage of your home, the type of roofing material that will be used, the number of stories and pitch, accessibility to the roof, time frame for job to be completed/labor, and such all need to be considered.

What Is the Time Frame When Getting Your Roof Replaced?

The same factors that go into determining the cost of a new roof are used in calculating the time frame for installation.  The extent of roof damage and the climate where your home is located also can affect the time frame for having a roof replaced.  Expect a new roof to be installed over the course of a few days.  Some roofs can take a couple of weeks to install but this is rare.

What Type of Material Is Best When Roofing My Home?

Asphalt shingling is the most popular option for homes here in Michigan however there are a number of materials in roofing that homeowners can choose including: asphalt shingles, cedar shingles, metal, tile, clay, slate, and more.  To determine what material is the best for your home talk with the roofing contractors at Kearns Brothers.  Here are a few things to consider:

• How much will each type of roofing cost to install?
• How long can I expect my roof to last?
• Does the roofing material hold up under the most extreme weather conditions in the area?
• What roofing material will compliment my home best?

No matter whether you are building a new house, having your roof repaired, or replacing an existing roof the experts at Kearns Brothers have you covered.  Not only do we offer a wide selection of roofing accessories, we also offer gutter installation, and offer professional chimney repair, rebuilding, and installation. 

As a full-service home improvement contractor servicing all Southeast Michigan, Kearns Brothers, Inc. offers clients a wide range of services to meet their construction needs including: roofing, siding, window, masonry, chimneys, gutters, and insulation services.  More information can be found at www.kearnsbrothers.com.