Tag: Roofing Contractors - page 7

Prevent Roof Damage With Regular Maintenance

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Maintenance is an important aspect in home ownership.  From your homes roof to the homes foundation it is important that your home is kept up on.  Often time’s homeowners overlook the maintenance that needs to be done on their roofs.  There are several steps to take in order to prevent the decay of your asphalt shingle roof.  Below you will find several tips on keeping your homes roof in tip top shape.

One of the first things that you will want to do when maintain your roof is to clear any and all debris.  Anything that has built up behind heating and cooling units, pipes or other parts protruding from the roof needs to be removed to prevent moisture build up and the growth of moss.  Debris soaks up water and water saturation is the leading cause of damage in asphalt shingling.  This process should be done in the spring and fall seasons.

Often times a shingle roof will quickly manifest moss and algae growth.  This can happen even when homeowners are closely monitoring the condition of their roofs.  If you notice this has occurred it is easily remedied by applying zinc or lead control strips at the peak.  After this is done check all flashing for holes and for algae and moss growth.  This should carefully be removed.  If you notice any shingle tabs that have loosened secure them by adding roofing cement.  Any shingle that is broken or damaged should be removed and replaced with a new one.  This will help prevent damage from occurring underneath the shingle and seeping into the structure underneath.

If your home has gutters it is important that they are kept clean and downspouts are clear.  This helps to ensure proper water flow control.  Tree branches that overhang the roof should be trimmed to help prevent branches and debris from falling into the gutters.  Gutter cleaning should be done at least two times a year.  Any time you visually see debris take the time to clean the gutters as improperly draining gutters can take years off of the lifetime of your shingle roofing.

Maintaining your homes roof is often simple and just a matter of knowing how your climate affects the shingles.  Asphalt shingles are meant to thrive in the northern climates.  They are resistant to heat, humidity, cold, ice and water.  With periodic checks and minor maintenance your shingle roof should have a solid lifetime.

Maintenance is the key to prevent major issues in and outside of your home.  Small activities to maintain your home are much simpler and less expensive than the more complicated costly repairs once something does fail.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Help In Choosing A Shingle Color For Your Homes Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When you are updating your homes roof you are not only making a large financial investment but also an extreme makeover on the overall look of your home.  The shelf life of your roof can be upwards of thirty years.  It is crucial you choose a color shingle that is not only strong and reliable but also pleasing to the overall look and style of your home.  Below are some tips to help you when choosing a color for the shingles for your homes new roof.

Don’t rush it

The shingle color of your new roof should not be rushed.  A new roof is something that takes serious consideration and considerable thought.  The color of the shingle is something you will have to live with for a substantial period of time.  It will also affect the value of your home in years to follow.   Don’t rush choosing a color of shingling for your new roof.

Talk with your roofing contractor

Ask for an opinion from roofing contractors that are estimating the cost of your new roof.  They have presumably seen a million different combinations of shingle colors and exteriors that work well with one another.  They can share colors that compliment your home’s exterior structure and current siding.  When choosing a shingle color choose one that does not clash with the trim and siding as these larger pieces have the biggest impact on your homes curb appeal.

Go over all of your options

Within the shingle market there are many different, unique options.  Consider your homes architecture to help guide your new shingle purchase.  Does your exterior mix better with a singular color shingle or a blend of multiple color shingles?

Use available technology

Technology is one of the greatest tools in home renovations of our generation.  Many shingle manufactures and roofing contractors have the ability to download a photo of your current home while uploading different color shingles and roofing combinations.  This can help you visualize the new roof with the current exterior or future updated exterior changes.

Examine the shingles in person

Look at the shingles in person.  The colors of the shingles will look different in person.  You should have your roofing contractor take the different color samples up on to the roof while you roof at them from below.  Something that is busy up close may be the perfect blend at a distance.

Check out the roofs in your neighborhood

Don’t go radically different when choosing a color for your shingles than that of our neighbors especially within a neighborhood where homes are lumped closely together.  Your home will look out of place and will garner unwanted negative attention.  You don’t want your house to be known as the house that is totally out of place.

Understand your home’s unique style

Although you don’t want your home to stand out as radically different from the others you do want it to stick out.  Compliment your home’s unique style with shingles that are unique but flattering in a positive way.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Remember These Tips When Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Hiring anyone to work on or within your home can not only be confusing but challenging as well.  In order to find a contractor to install or repair your new roof, review the list of helpful tips below.

An insured roofing contractor is a must:  Before you sign on the dotted line or hire anyone to install your new roof or repair your old roof it is crucial to see paperwork to validate their workers’ compensation and liability insurance.  The liability of injury and damage should be on the roofing contractor and his company not on you as a homeowner.  Any roofing contractor unwilling to show proof of either document should not be considered.

Choose a local company with a proven reputation:  Hiring a local roofing company with an established reputation in the community is good for your local economy.  Hiring locally also allows you to hold the company responsible for the work they have done on your roof is something does come up and warranty work is needed.  Companies that don’t have a local state are often not as concerned with their reputation and therefore not as eager to complete repairs or warranty work that is their responsibility under your contract.

Don’t look only at the cost:   Don’t choose a roofing contractor based on price alone.  Roofing contractors that offer cheap bids often do so to run down the market.  In order to keep up with overhead costs and proper insurance low roofing bids are often unheard of.   Not only are you paying for the labor of having the new roof installed but the materials to be used on your roof as well.  Make sure that your roofing contractor is using quality materials with reputable warranties and that this is written directly into the contract itself.

Remember it is your time and money:  You should be in control of the work on your home.  Don’t pay the entire amount due ahead of time on any job done on your home including a new roof.  Reputable roofing contractors may ask for a deposit upfront to purchase materials and reserve a time for your roof to be installed; never will the full amount be asked for upfront to ensure complete client satisfaction before full payment is made.  The terms of your payment need to be discussed, agreed upon and written in a formal contract before work is begun on your home.

Communication is key to success:  When you were pursuing them for a quote were they prompt?  Did they return calls?  Was documentation sent when it was asked for?  Did the company follow through?  Don’t hire a roofing contractor that does not communicate with you.  Communication is a key element to working with a contractor on any job around your home especially your homes 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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Tips to Help Choose the Best Roofing Contractor For Your Roof

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

It is common knowledge that you lose heat through your head.  That is why we wear hats when it is cold out. Did you know the same thing is true when it comes to your home?  The roof of your home is its primary defense against the elements.  In order to protect the interior of your home, to keep the heat and cold in, your roofs “hat” needs to be kept in prime shape.  In order to achieve this it is important that you select the right roofing contractor to replace or repair your shingle roof.

Experience

Skill comes from experience, this is not a secret.  To become a better ball player you need to play ball, you need to practice.  The same is true when it comes to installing and repairing roofs.  When you are looking for a roofing contractor you must look into their experience.  When a roofer has worked for many years they will have seen and dealt with a variety of issues.  This will allow them to more effectively deal with the problem areas within your roof.  Find a skilled roofer that offers a proven track record when it comes to the installation and repair of your roof.

Licensed and Insured

This is true of any contractor working on your home, they need to be insured and be able to show proof of insurance.  Check within your state regarding specific licensing regulations to make sure that your preferred contractor meets these regulations.  You can also consult with the local Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs for information on the roofer’s background.  To avoid issues down the road ask for a copy of these requirements to keep along with any written estimates.

Detailed Estimates

Roofing contractors with experience, ones that are licensed and insured will always provide honest, detailed quotes and estimate to their clients.  All proposals should come in writing and should be signed by a representative of the roofing company that is estimating your job.  The estimate should come with defined beginning and ending dates along with specifics on materials, labor costs and precise payment procedures.

Project Quality and Supervision

When talking with roofing contractors you can get a feel about their professionalism based on how the talk to you and treat their work as well as their employees.  Quality projects come from people that value their work.  Pay attention to the way the contractor addresses your concerns, look for both verbal and nonverbal clues to check for trustworthiness.

Choosing an experienced, trusted roofing contractor that comes highly recommended and loves what they do will ensure you unyielding results and the customer service you desire.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Keeping Your Roof In Shape Before, During and After the Storm

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The one thing we are familiar with in the northeast is the fact that storms are going to be a part of our lives and our homes.  After a storm has passed you may think you are in the clear.  This however is not the case.  We know another storm will come and because of that we need to ensure that we maintain and prepare ourselves and our homes for the next one.  To ensure our homes are protected from passing storms we need to do a thorough check to make sure our homes roof and windows are ready.

Before the Storm

The first thing that you should do is to hire a professional roof contractor to establish a norm for your homes roof.  It is better to begin the storm season with a roof that is in top shape.  A roofing contractor can access your homes roof and repair areas of weakness before the storm.  Repairing areas that are weak will help prevent damage from occurring; if damage occurs during a storm it will less likely be severe because of the preventative maintenance that took place.

After the Storm

Preventing major damage is key when maintaining your homes roof.  This is true even after a storm has passed.  It is important that you continue to protect and safeguard the roof after each storm has come and gone.  The first thing that needs to be done after you are sure that the risk of danger is gone is assess any current damage.  See how much damage was done during the storm, if any.  If any shingles have been damaged or torn off it is important that roof repairs are performed by a professional roofing contractor.  Repairs need to occur before the next storm; it is vital to prevent major damage during the next storm.

If the storm was substantial it is important to look for hidden damage.  If you are unable to assess the top of the roof it is crucial to have a roofing contractor out to review the roof for cracks and hidden faults.  Immediate action is needed to ensure that the damage doesn’t cause further issues especially for the interior of your home.

Before the Next Storm

Depending on the condition of your roof, the number of patches and repairs that have been done over the years, you may start to consider a full replacement.  Shingle roofs last anywhere from fifteen to twenty five years, you can continue to repair a shingle roof but it is crucial to weigh your options.  How long will the repairs last verse the expense of a whole new roof?   Often times the choice is clear; a new roof is the better option than continuing to spend time and money repairing an old one.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Outdoor Spring Cleaning

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When the winter season is upon us we find ourselves hibernating in the house.  As the winter season comes to an end the springtime itch starts to take hold and we realize that there is a lot to do around the homestead to get clean and organize.  The minute the weather lets up and the spring arrives it is time to ditch the winter blues and start to take advantage of the fresh, warm weather and start to freshen up your home.

Below are a few simple tips to perform to ensure your home is in tip top shape for spring:

Roof Maintenance

The spring season is the perfect time to hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof.  The winter season is harsh on shingle roofs. The snow and ice can lead to many cracked and missing shingles that you will want repaired or replaces before the springtime rain appears.  Be sure the roofing contractor thoroughly inspects the flashing, especially around the chimney.  The flashing will need to be caulked every few years to keep the seal from leaking.  The trees around the roof line should be trimmed and the debris removed to ensure your shingles stay in great shape for the season ahead.

Gutter Cleaning

Gutters that are cluttered with debris can cause rain water to build up along the roof.  In time this can cause leaks and cracks throughout the roof line which can lead to issues with the homes structure.   Leaves, debris and fallen tree branches should be removed from the gutter.  Mud can settle at the bottom of the gutters throughout the winter.  It is pertinent that the gutters run clear to avoid any backups that can come with the spring time rains.

Fence Preservation

Spring is the perfect time to perform maintenance on your homes fence.   Water saturates the ground and the fence can become loose.  To avoid issues, walk around the fences perimeter checking for loose sections and dry rot, fix or replace all areas affected by the winter weather.  Regular maintenance and updates will help to ensure the fence is in tip top shape for years to come.

Yard Clean Up

Get rid of all the saturated wet debris around the yard and within the landscaping.  Mold can be found under wet leaves, dead plants, and fallen limbs throughout the yard.  The mold is incredibly unhealthy and once it attaches to your home’s structure you can be in for bigger troubles.  Clean up the space and allow the landscape and yard to completely dry before moving forward in landscape mode.

These are just a few tips to help get your home ready for the spring season.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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The Start Of Spring Cleaning

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Once spring arrives after the long winter freeze homeowners become anxious to get their spring cleaning on.  There are a million things to get done before summer. Below you will find a list of things to accomplish during your spring cleaning.

1)      Roof Maintenance:  In order to keep your homes structure strong it is crucial that you keep water from building up and entering your home through damaged or missing shingles.  Water also can enter the home when gutters are backed up and back up under shingles on to the roofs foundation.  It is important to eliminate issues that can arise with your roof before they begin to show signs of damage.  A roofing contractor is really the best way to go when it comes to looking for issues on your roof.  A roofer knows what they are looking for and can easily spot issues in need of repair before you find yourself replacing the entire roof.

2)      Tree Trimming: Walk around your entire yard and check to ensure that all of your trees are in good shape.  Trim branches that are weak or dying.  If you notice any large cracks in any of the trees trunks or any root damage it is crucial that you work to secure and repair the damage.

3)      Carpet Cleaning: The winter season brings with it a lot of slush and mud into your home leaving carpets and rugs dirty.  Vacuuming throughout the season can help but to avoid the dirt from setting in you will want to deep clean your carpets and rugs.  Hot water and shampoo will help make the carpets clean and looking their best while sanitizing them.

4)      Washing Walls: If you don’t keep up on cleaning the walls in your home at least once a year you will find that there is a buildup of dirt behind wall hangings and fixtures.  The best time to wash walls is the spring.  There is little to know humidity which will help allow the walls to dry quickly.  Pay special attention to the areas behind your appliances.  The stove, dryer and refrigerator will have more built up dirt than other spaces so pay special attention to those areas and use a more stringent disinfectant.

5)      Power Washing/Window Washing:  Take time at the beginning of the spring season to power wash your home and deck.  This process removes the buildup of mildew and mold that occurs when the space stays moist and is not allowed to thoroughly dry as happens during the winter. After you are done washing your house take time to clean both the inside and outside of the windows.  This will make the view ten times better.

Take on one project at a time when spring cleaning.  The whole concept is to make your home clean and free of clutter so that you can enjoy the beauty that comes with spring.  Give yourself a space inside and out to enjoy the fresh smell of spring and the beautiful landscaping that is blooming around 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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Roofing Contractors Recommend Proper Roof Ventilation

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

One of the most important things when it comes to your shingle roof is the ventilation.  Nothing ages your shingles more than extra heat buildup in the summer and cold winter weather.  No matter what the weather is outside, with proper ventilation and air circulation you can prevent many problems that can occur with shingle roofs.  If you see any leaking, blistering, distortion, curling, rotting or wetness contact a roofing contractor for a detailed inspection of your homes roof and ventilation systems.  Installing a new roof without proper ventilation in place voids any manufactures warranties.  Be sure the problems with ventilation are fully taken care of before repairing or replacing your homes shingling.

Speaking of warranties it is important that homeowners understand what is and is not covered under workmanship guarantees.  A workmanship guarantee covers problems that are a direct result of poor workmanship.  This is issues that arise due to insufficient nails used to secure the shingles, poor shingle alignment, overexposed shingles and improperly installed vents and flashing.   The workmanship guarantee does not cover issues that come from condensation, wind or hail damage, ice dams, defects in materials, issues with the roof structure or interior cracks or damage that occurs with the installation of the new shingle roof.

Shingle roofs, if taken care of and well maintained can last anywhere from ten to twenty plus years.  They do however need to be cared for.  When homeowners notice something that looks unfamiliar they need to call in a roofing contractor to evaluate the issue.  The winter season can bring issues that need to be evaluated such as ice dams.  Ice dams are a huge issue that comes from the thawing and freezing of snow.  As the snow melts the water runs down the shingles often refreezing at the edge of the roof.  This process repeats itself over time eventually building up substantial ice dams.  When the water freezes and water continues to run down it causes backups underneath the shingles.  This then creates an ice dam which can eventually lead to interior leaking.

Ice dams can be avoided with proper ventilation and maintenance.  If however you do notice that your roof has ice dams it is time to call in a roofing expert to evaluate the situation.  The first thing they will do is to look into what is causing the ice damns to form in the first place.  Is there leakage in the attic?  If so they will look into installing a vapor barrier and sealing air leaks throughout the attic.  Another thing to consider is the amount of insulation in the attic.  If the attic is not kept cool enough the snow will melt.  Proper ventilation will allow cool air into the space reducing the effects of melting snow, therefore decreasing the likelihood of ice dams forming.  Once ice dams occur it is difficult to remove them.  A licensed roofing contractor may attempt to manually remove the ice buildup after the issues are resolved.  This process requires detailed care in order to avoid shingle damage.

A properly installed shingle roof with adequate ventilation is something all homeowners can have by hiring a qualified roofing contractor to inspect their current roof.  Once your inspection has happened be sure to fix and repair areas that were not up to par before a new roof is installed.  This will ensure that with regular maintenance your new roof will live up to the expected lifespan of the shingles.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Tips To Help You Hire An Experienced Roofing Contractor

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A professional roofing contractor is the individual you need to call when looking for advice on your home’s roof. In many situations it is advisable that homeowners don’t think about doing roof repairs, roofing maintenance or new roof installation on their own. Doing work on the roof can put the owners of the home in an unsafe predicament. Experts in roofing have the expertise, the tools and everything to make the job safe and predictable.

As you consider a roofing contractor it is wise to take into account all of the services that they can provide. Consider asking if they can be hired for the installation of gutters, added insulation, waterproofing, chimney stacks and other roof maintenance when repairing your roof or putting a new roof on your home.

As you are looking to hire a roofing contractor for your roof repair or new roof installation here are some things to keep in mind. Experience is the number one thing you need to consider. The contractor and company’s experience should be looked at as this is what helps to ensure your job requirements are fulfilled. The more experience in a variety of scenarios that your roofing contractor has the better prepared they will be to handle whatever your roofing situation throws at them.

Next check out their portfolio and see what their work looks like. Call on their referrals and ask questions. Find out what they liked about his work, what they didn’t like, figure out what the role of the homeowner plays in the process and find out if they would hire them again. Having a solid idea of what working with this individual roofing contractor is like will help ease your mind as you make decisions on who you hire.

Compare the quotes that you have been given from several contractors that you have contacted. The cost of the work and materials is not the only thing that is important. Check the company’s warranties and workmanship guarantees as this also will help play a role in deciding upon a roofing company to work with. If you are undecided between two individuals these things will come into play. If the cost is equivalent, the workmanship similar and your feel for working with both is the same then a deciding factor can be based on what they offer to clients after the roof is installed. A roofing contractor that stands behind his craftsmanship and the materials he works with is one that you can trust to provide you with quality roof repairs or a perfectly installed new 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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Is Your Homes Roof Ready For Winter

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The snow is here and the temperatures are blistering throughout the north which has left us ready for some sunshine.  In order to ensure your home is prepared for these events it is important to have your homes roof inspected twice a year.  Below we will go through a few helpful tips to ensure your home is safe and prepared for sun, snow, rain and ice.

Tips To Ensure Your Homes Roof Is Ready For Winter

1)      When you own or rent a home it is crucial to look for signs of exterior and interior leaks and cracks.  These repairs can easily be repaired by homeowners or roofing contractors. Sealing the cracks helps to prevent them from expanding further.  The sealing of cracks also helps to keep the heat in and the cold air out during harsh winter months.

2)      Prepare your homes gutters and downspouts as they are a part of your roof and that is an important factor to remember.  If the gutters and downspouts are not clean and free of debris roof damage is likely to occur as the water sits, freezes, thaws and freezes again.  The extra weight of the frozen water can cause the gutters and downspouts to become unattached from the shingle roof or break all together.  This will cost you time and money that maintenance can prevent.

3)      Any damage that happens to the roof needs to be immediately repaired to prevent further damage or more severe damage.  If you have a shingled roof and you see that the shingles are damaged or becoming wore it is important to fix them right away.  The warmer the weather the better the time it is to fix it.  In cold weather you will need to use more precautions to prevent shingles from splitting.

4)      Make sure that your home attic has enough insulation and ventilation.  When your home does not have a proper amount of either icicles and/or ice dams will occur.  Both will cause damage to your roof that will need a roofing contractor to fix.

5)      It is important to know your limitations as a homeowner.  If any roofing repair is over your head, to complicated or just too dangerous call in a professional roofing contractor.  Roofing contractors are professionals and have been repair and installing new roofs longer than the average homeowner.  They know what they are doing and will help you get your roof in shape for the winter.

Repairing your roof or having a new roof installed keeps you from larger repairs down the road.  It also helps to keep money in your pocket with heating and air conditioning costs.  Keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer is that main goal and an intact roof that is in top shape will help you accomplish this.

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.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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