Tag: Shingle Roofing - page 5

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.