Tag: Roofing Contractors - page 8

The winter season is upon the entire northern area and boy has it with vengeance.  The northern states may be getting hit hard but the entire country is being affected by the hold.  This article affects everyone that is being hit with the winter snow and colder than normal temperatures.  It is crucial that we remember that we alone are not being affected but our homes as well.  Most homes are already in need of normal home repairs and maintenance that accumulates in winter; top that with the winter cold, snow, rain and ice and you will find yourself with spring time home repairs to accomplish.

Examine Your Shingle Roof

You may not know what to look for when it comes to damage that has occurred on your shingle roof throughout the winter but a professional roofing contractor will.  Many local roofing contractors will come out to your home and offer you a no obligation free quote on roofing repairs for winter damage and will inform you if you need a new roof all together.  Expert roof contractors can see the tell-tale signs that a roof is in need of repair from the ground but will also have the necessary skills to get up on a ladder and onto the roof to perform repairs from the most basic to complex issues such as replacing whole shingles.

Check Out Gutters and Downspouts

Your gutters and downspouts should be clear of debris and allow the water to flow freely.  The repairs to downspouts and gutters are expensive.  This is why it is crucial that they are maintained and that they are cleaned out on a regular basis.  If they are left full of debris and working improperly the damage from clogs can be quite extensive.

Restore Concrete Sidewalks and Driveways

The winter time often makes the small, unnoticeable cracks of summer large noticeable safety hazards of spring.  As a home owner you are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks, walkways and concrete driveway surfaces.  Home improvement stores sell premixed concrete for repairs of just this nature.  You may find that after you repair the concrete, depending on the size of the original crack, that it is necessary to reseal the entire surface.  If you take the time to fill in the cracks while they are still relatively small you can save yourself the expense and hassle of relaying new concrete later on.  Basic maintenance prevents bigger issues in the future.

Re-Establish the Seals on Windows and Door Walls

The seals on your windows and doors have been through a lot with the large difference in temperature changes and could be in serious need of repair before turning the air on to avoid the summertime heat.  Many homeowners have already taken the time in the fall to make sure the seal is secure on the homes windows and doors to ensure proper heating in the winter.  The same process should be followed in the spring.  Caulk and re-seal doors, sills and windows that appear to be functioning below their capabilities.

These are just a few tips to prevent major issues from arising.  Smaller, general repairs and maintenance done to keep up on your house are far more cost effective and save homeowners time then major home renovations and remodels once repairs become impossible.  Small repairs and regular maintenance bring your home back to its original state without too much work for homeowners.

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.

Winter is here.  Temperatures are plummeting and soon we will begin to see ice and snow everywhere we go.  The Farmer’s Almanac informs us that this winter is going to be chillier than normal.  The bitter cold temperatures can wreak havoc on our roofs not to mention heavy snowfalls or snowfalls that melt and refreeze.  To ensure that your roof is in tip top shape for winter now is the time to inspect and winterize.  A little preparation can go a long way in saving your home from serious damage due to the winter weather.

As always if you feel uncomfortable up on your homes roof don’t chance it.  Roof repair is something all roofing contractors are used to doing.  Call a professional.  Not only do they know exactly what to look for as far as damage that is beginning on your roof, they also have the skill and tools to complete the task at hand without issue.

Winter Proofing Your Roof

• Your roof needs to be inspected throughout the year.  This is never more important than before the winter season.  Not only should you inspect the roof but check out the shingles and the gutters as well.
• Gutters should be free of debris to allow water to flow through them with ease.  If there is an issue it is so much simpler to address without piles of snow in the gutters.  If the gutter is clogged with leaves ice dams can occur and ruin shingling.
• Your roof should be cleared of all fallen debris.  Twigs, leaves and large branches are all detrimental to your roof.  Also, stagnant water can be captured and stored more easily under roof debris.  This is just one reason that it is better to have a clean roof going into the winter season.
• Check the interior of your home as well.  Check the attic for small brown spots that indicate a leak.  The same would be noticeable on drywall ceilings.  If you spot anything that indicates a leak you must find out where the cause of the issue lies and fix it.  If left untreated severe damage can occur.
• Look at the sealant around the roofs perimeter as well as around flashing, chimneys and skylights.  Add an extra bead of caulk and sealant around the edges if you suspect any loose or cracking areas.  It never hurts to take the old sealant off and replace it with new if you can tell it is aging.
• Once winter is in full swing it is a good idea to purchase a solid roof rake.  This one tool can save you a ton of money.  When you see that snow is piling up on the roof you can easily remove the snow around the edges.  This will help to prevent ice dams and prevent heavy snow loads from piling up on your roof.

Roofing contractors are your best source of information when it comes to roof repair and preventative maintenance.  In order to keep your roof in top shape it is important that you take care of it.  Preventing issue before they arise is the key to a well maintained 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.

No matter where you live the seasonal climate changes can take a toll on your home.  During the spring you are inundated with storms and wet weather while summer offers us lots of humidity and steamy temperatures. Fall is beautiful with perfect temperatures and then comes winter.  Here in the north winter is full of bizarre weather trends.  You can have one day with a foot of snow, the next brings in an ice storm and the week could end with sunny temperatures.  You can see how these drastic changes in the weather can make it difficult to maintain the integrity of your homes roofing.

It is crucial that you prepare your home ahead of time.  Simple maintenance can help to ensure your home is well prepared for the winter.  It can help ensure that your home and roof are not damaged during the winter season.

Winter weather is often a combination between rain, ice and snow. In order to prevent your homes roof from leaking it is important to make sure that the roof is in tip top shape.  If your roofs condition is good it is far less likely to develop a leak.  As the end of fall approaches take time to inspect your roofs condition.  Grab a ladder and head out onto the roof.  Clear away extra debris and fallen leaves.  Check for cracked and missing shingles.  Inspect your shingles to see if they are rotting or missing large chunks of asphalt and grit.  These old, withered shingles should be replaced.  If you are not comfortable doing this yourself hire a roofing contractor.  They are equipped with the right tools to inspect and repair any damage seen on your homes roof.

Fall and spring are the two seasons in which it is really important to inspect your homes gutters.  Gutters only work as intended if they are clear of debris.  If the gutters empty out close to your home you will need to dig trenches using plastic drains and pea gravel and elongate the area in which the drain.  It is important that the gutters so not empty close to your home as that often leads to leaks within your homes basement through cracks in the foundation.   Gutters must be cleaned out often.  Water must freely flow through them to prevent damage.

Other maintenance tips to keep your home running efficiently throughout the winter season is to check for cracks in the weather stripping around the doors and windows of your home.  Repairing even the smallest cracks will improve the homes efficiency.  This helps keep your homes heating and cooling systems functioning properly as well.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

In our last installment we learned that roofing contractors were prepared to handle roofing in all types of different elements, including the cold harsh winter.  We took a look into why it was so important to the main structure of your home to have roof repairs done when they are needed and present a problem.  If left to wait until warm weather moves into the area a small roofing repair could turn into a roofing contractor’s nightmare.

A roofing issue that is commonly seen and easily avoided is ice dams.  These occur when snow melts and water is left to run down the path of the roof.  The water melts the under section of snow and finds crevices that are often undiscovered by a natural rain.  The snow that is closest to the roof melts before the top layer of snow because of the heat loss coming from the home attic which causes a water layer called an ice dam that can present issues.  This is the most common time to find a leak in your roof.  Roofing contractors advise that you prevent ice dams from occurring with a bit of prevention. If you find you are unable to provide these services for yourself call on a licensed roofer and they will offer assistance in clearing potential ice dam issues.

A professional roofing contractor can replace an entire roof no matter what weather conditions exist.  Even in the above example with ice freezing under shingles it is possible to replace your homes roof.  They break the projects down into categories; flat roofs are the easiest in the winter, shingle roofs are the next best option in winter roofing and lastly the hard winter roof replacement which are neither flat nor dependent upon tar for adhering.

Flat roofs are easy because of the process that is used to install them.  Residential flat roofs adhere using two different methods: one that uses a torch to adhere the roof to the base surface and those that mechanically attach.  Either system can be installed no matter what the outside temperature is.

Shingle roofing, which is seen on most homes in the North, are those that see the most damage in the winter time.  When hiring a contractor to replace your homes roof in the winter there are a few precautions to take.  Winter roofing can be done and is safe but should only be done by roofers who understand the special requirements that need to be taken.  The roofer must understand the settings needed during the winter when using their nail guns.  A winter roofing contractor must never over drive the roofing fasteners. The pressure on the nail gun must be set to prevent the nail from going too far into the material.  It is also important that the crew understands how to prevent low nail.  Dust can change everything when it comes to your roof so be sure the contractor takes into consideration the outside surroundings before winter roofing begins.

Roofing that is considered difficult use metal roofing, slate, composites and cedar shakes.  They can’t rely on being seamless after installation and don’t have the benefit of being held in place with a tar strip.  They are installed with the use of clips, screws and nails.    Roofing with these materials is possible in the winter but does require special care.  Instead of a nail gun the roofer must painstakingly hand nail in the cold.  In high winds, metal roofing is difficult to install as the large panels are easily pulled by the wind.

It is important to remember that roofing in the winter is possible no matter what material roofing you have on your home currently or that you wish to install.  The part that needs to be considered is that you have hired a roofer that is skilled in the special winter weather techniques some roofing materials require when installed in the colder months.

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.

Not all home improvement projects can be planned out.  Many homeowners, especially in the North, find their homes in need of roof repair or replacement just as the weather has turned cold.  It is a common thought that roofing renovations can hold off until it warms up however this is not always the case.  Homeowners are not only concerned with the quality of the roofing to be accomplished in the winter but also the inconvenience they perceive roofing in the winter is on roofing contractors. Really the only concern that homeowners need to focus on is making sure that quality roofing can happen in the winter.  If roofers didn’t throughout the winter it would be safe to say that many roofing contractors would be out of business by the spring.  Winter roofing repairs and shingle roof replacements are possible even during the colder winter months.  In this article we will provide answers to winter roofing concerns.

When it comes to roofing jobs there are two categories that projects fall under; roofing repairs and roof replacements.   When it comes to roof repairs any repair needing to be done can be accomplished no matter what the weather is outside.  If you are considered about the seal between shingles not coming together because of the lack of warmth don’t worry as roofing contractors will use a heavy duty caulking to provide the same protection and tight seal.  If the repair is not done and homeowners proceed to let the shingles remain off the roof the damage to the structure that will be done turns a minor repair into a major one.

With winter comes not only cold temperatures but also snow.  Once snow piles onto the roof repairs often become very difficult.  Repairs should be done before heavy snowfalls to avoid leaving an opening for large amounts of snow to fall and then melt.  When the snow melts the possibility is there for the water to seep into the home which leads to structural issues as well as dry wall problems.  When snow melts it often can find a way into your home that might not have been prevalent with the rain alone.  Water that freezes seems to have a way into spots that we never even considered.  If this occurs the damage that happens is often extensive if not taken care of right away.  This is why roofing contractors don’t only work when the sun is shining.  Necessity calls at all times of the year.

We will continue our discussion on winter roofing and roof replacement during the cold in our next installment.  It is important that homeowners realize that home improvements don’t wait for the weather to warm up; contractors understand this and are prepared to work even in the elements.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Many homeowners attempt home renovations every day that are better off left to the professionals.  When it comes to a new roof, hiring a professional roofing contractors will not only save you time but money as well.  Roofing is an art that is perfected overtime.  Seasoned roofers not only offer experience but provide guarantees on a structurally sound, climate resistance roof.  Hiring a roofing contractor also guarantees you won’t be falling off your roof anytime soon!

When looking to find a roofing contractor to install or to make repairs on your roof consider checking online for a list of local roofers.  The internet is a great resource to find professional roofers in your area along with reviews, testimonials and pictures of roofs that they have recently installed.  Many contractors offer free in home consultations.  Take your time online to narrow down the roofers in your area you are considering for your new roof and consult with each of them separately about your new roof.   Choosing a roofing contractor will come down to more than just the price quoted.  As a homeowner time on site, professionalism and a variety of other factors will come into play as you choose the roofer you wish to work with.

When hiring a roofing contractor look to make sure that they are properly licensed and insured.  Each employee must be licensed.  A license is only one piece of evidence that helps to prove that the contractor you are hiring has expertise but is one that is extremely important.  Insurance is another aspect of roofing that is an absolute must.  When an accident occurs, you as the homeowner could be held liable if the roofing company does not have insurance to cover their entire team.  Roofing contractors understand and will often offer up a copy of their insurance policy when giving you a formal quote for your new roof.

The quote itself will contain a list of materials needed based on price verse quality.  A ten year roof may be less expensive right now however in the long run is this little bit of savings important or is a long lasting roof more important.  The quote will also contain a list of labor costs as well as incidental costs.  If this amount seems high in consideration of other quotes that you have received question the contractor to see what all is included.  Customer references are also listed on a roofing estimate.  Carefully look at all of the companies references especially when it comes to homes similar to yours.  Drive by the home and see if you are visually satisfied with the quality of the roof.  Ask the homeowner questions about professionalism, clean up and their overall experience with the roofing contractor.  This will give you a decent idea if you should consider hiring them to install your homes 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.

When it comes to first impressions you only get one chance; that is why it is called the first.  Your homes first impression comes from its curb appeal.  This isn’t something most homeowners think about when it comes to home improvements and renovations. The reality is that curb appeal can truly end up being the deal maker or breaker when it comes to selling your house.  Without a doubt, one of your top priorities when it comes to improving your home should be the home’s exterior.  Things to consider are the homes landscaping, windows, siding and most importantly the homes roof.

Your homes roof is beyond important when it comes to curb appeal as well as structural integrity.  Your homes roof is one of the main aspects of your home seeing that is covers about fifty percent of the home visible surface. The roof often goes unnoticed by homeowners as it is not something that requires constant attention.  With your homes roof often yearly maintenance is enough to keep the roof functioning structurally as well as looking good therefore it is often something that is overlooked with the overall curb appeal of your home.

The time will come when your home needs a new roof to maintain curb appeal and maintain its structure.  An experienced roofing contractor is the best source of information when it comes to the installation of a new roof.  Many homeowners are inclined to select a roofing material based on their limited knowledge in roofing, the color of the shingles or even the price.  An experienced roofer takes all of this into consideration as well as more important criteria such as durability, climate, weather conditions, and exposure.  With this information they find a roofing material that will not only withstand the test of time, add curb appeal but also give you the best value for your new roof.

Roofing contractors also have the added advantage of experience with different roofing materials and styles.  Roofers have the ability to look at the exterior of the home and recommend products that will enhance the existing exterior.  This is also true of homeowners that are looking into changing the exterior all together as well.  There is more to roofing that choosing between shingles and metal roofing.  Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles just like metal roofing.  Roofing professionals will create a roof that enhances your homes curb appeal using appropriate materials that will stand the test of time taking into consideration natural elements that affect your roofs durability.

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.