The leaves are changing, the temps are dropping, and some of us are even turning on our furnaces… Winter’s here!  There are a variety of attitudes that people here in Michigan have when it comes to winter, are you a homeowner that is chilled just thinking about winter or are you tuning up your snowmobile as I type?

The maintenance of your homes roof throughout the long winter season does not have to be stressful.  With some simple tips you can stop worrying about your roof this winter and start to focus on the season of wonder & delight, and snowflakes & Santa.

Simple Winter Roof Maintenance

Get Rid of Snow Build-Up

Your homes roof has been designed with the elements in mind.  It is constructed specifically to handle the harsh winter weather elements including snow, ice, and rain, along with the freeze, thaw cycle that us Michiganders have come to anticipate.  However, even the most well-designed roof can experience potential issues from snow and ice buildup.

The best way to prevent your roof from having issues that come from snow build up is to eliminate the buildup of snow on your roof to begin with.  There are a number of items available on the market today that help homeowners achieve this including roof rakes.  A snow rake is a simplistic tool that helps to eliminate snow from accumulating on your roof while you are safely on the ground.

Snow rakes are used by slowly and carefully pulling the rake down towards the ground.   Proceed carefully to stand out of the way of any falling snow or debris.  Be careful not to push or pull the snow across the roof as this action can cause the shingles to tear away causing damage.  This simple act can save thousands of dollars in damage to your homes roof.  During heavy snow you will want to use the snow rake multiple times a day to prevent build-up.

Eliminate Ice Build-Up

Homeowners should be as concerned with ice as they are snow.  If ice is allowed to accumulate it can be dangerous especially when ice accumulates in the gutters.  Icicles make look pretty however they are a threat to your roof and can cause water to backup under the shingles.  Roofing contractors recommend that homeowners work to prevent icicles from forming with proper roofing ventilation and insulation.  If prevention is not possible they can easily be knocked down with an extended pole or broom.  Use caution when knowing down icicles as not only is it dangerous you can potentially cause damage or known down gutters if not careful.  Gutters are important in the winter because they help prevent ice dams in the winter.

Ice Dams

Ice dams are dangerous in the winter, they don’t only have the potential to damage your roof and gutters but also the interior of your home.  If you see an ice dam forming it is important to fix the issue immediately.  An ice dam is a large clump of ice on the edge of your roof.  If they are left untreated an ice dam can freeze up the gutters and block the snow from falling off your homes roof.

Preventing ice dams is the best way to protect your homes roof.  Stay on top of the snow, ice, and icicle build-ups.  If you do find ice dams forming use chemical deicer to ensure that water can flow freely through the gutters as the ice melts.  Homeowners can also gently chip away at the ice dams and slowly remove them.

Home Pro Roofing of Michigan offers professional roofing services including new roof installation and roof repair services using shingling and metal roofing materials.  The roofing contractors of Home Pro Roofing service Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.  More information can be found online at https://homeproroofingmi.com.

Asphalt shingling is the most common material used to roof homes throughout Michigan.  Shingles are not only inexpensive, but they are also low-maintenance and roofing contractors have been installing them for over a century.   When properly cared for a shingle roof can last between 20 to 40 years, depending on the specific product that is installed.  No roof will last forever no matter what material it is made from, however there are things you can do to help especially if the roof is compromised and a leak occurs.

Ignoring leaks in your homes roof can lead to bigger problems for homeowners.  A leak in your shingles will not ever repair itself, no matter how much you beg it to.  Water entering your home from your roof will wreak havoc when it is left to soak into the insulation and ceiling.  The longer the repair is ignored the costlier the damage will be to repair.

Dealing With Mold

One issue that occurs with leaks is that the chance of mold growing increases substantially.  A small leak may just leave a few water stains at first but slowly start to turn into mold growth thus a bigger, more expensive problem to deal with.  Water leaks turn any space into a perfect location for mold growth.

Not only is mold unsightly to look at it can also make you sick especially if you are plagued by asthma and allergies.  Even without being troubled with these afflictions exposure to mold can cause irritation to your skin, eyes, throat, nose, and lungs leading to more health problems for you, your family, and pets.

Mold may also cause the life expectancy of your roof to decrease.  Seeing that replacing your homes roof is costly, homeowners want to put this process off as long as they possibly can.  Thus, making your roof last as long as possible, is often a priority for most homeowners.  One way to do this is by taking the time to have small leaks fixed as they occur.  Small leaks that get ignored, small or large, will weaken the structure of the roof.  This will mean that the homes roof will need to be replaced much sooner than it would have if you didn’t ignore the leak in the first place.

It is important to have your homes roof properly inspected twice a year and properly repaired. This will help to assure that is a leak is or has occurred it can be taken care of immediately before it becomes a larger issue.

Home Pro Roofing of Michigan offers professional roofing services including new roof installation and roof repair services using shingling and metal roofing materials.  The roofing contractors of Home Pro Roofing service Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.  More information can be found online at https://homeproroofingmi.com.

Installing a new roof can have a positive effect not only improving your home’s aesthetics but also can help lower your overall energy costs.   Scores of homeowners have experienced a reduction in their energy expenses with the installation of a new roof.  In this installment on residential roofing we will examine four different ways in which having a new roof installed can help lower your energy expenses as a homeowner.

Ventilation:

Proper roof ventilation is crucial in addressing your homes energy costs.  Without proper roofing ventilation the energy costs associated with your home can significantly increase your homes energy bills.  In climates where the temperature is warm, the hot air will get trapped inside the home.  This will force your homes air conditioning system to work harder than normal.  When a roof is properly ventilated, air will flow properly in and out of the area, thus reducing the energy output on cooling system.

Coloring:

The color you and your roofing contractor have chosen will also have an effect on the energy usage of your home.  The color of the roofing material will depend on the climate of where your home is located.  In homes where a colder temperature is the norm will benefit from darker shingling as to absorb the heat of the sun.  Warmer climates require lighter colored roofing to help reflect the sun’s rays off of the home.

Updated Shingling:

Older shingling has a lower shingle rating, usually around 65 mph than newer, more modern styles of shingling.  Updated roofing materials can increase your shingle rating to withstand winds up to 130 mph.  The higher the rating of the shingle basically means that more wind will be kept from entering your home through the roof.  Thus, reducing your heating and cooling expenses.

Energy Star Labeling and Solar Reflectance:

A shingles solar reflectance states how well the sunlight will be reflected off the roof and back up into the environment.  Homes with higher solar roof reflectance can actually reduce the roof’s surface temperature upwards of 30%.  When choosing roofing materials your roofing contractor will show you a number of options, choosing a shingle that has earned the Energy Star Label means that the material is at the top tier of reflecting sunlight.  Thus, lowering the surface temperature upwards of 100 degrees, which naturally decreases energy costs overall.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Well-maintained functional gutters can protect your home’s foundation from water damage. This, in turn, can translate into better structural integrity thereby maintaining the value of your investment. Sagging and clogged gutters can overflow, causing damage to the soffit and fascia of your home. By taking care of your roof’s drainage system, you not only extend the life of your roof, you can also boost the value of your home and help prevent water damage to your home. Regular maintenance of your homes gutters and roof is crucial especially in regions that receive a significant amount of precipitation.

Unmaintained, dirty, full gutters can decrease the value of your home.  This occurs because of a phenomena known as “tiger stripes”, unsightly marks and stains along the outside walls of a home’s gutter system. Mold can begin to fester along these stripes blackening the whole surface and destroying the original aesthetic look of your precious home.

The steps below apply whether you are utilizing the services of a professional contractor or you are a DIY, do-it-yourself.

Clean Gutters

Clean gutters ensure the rainwater flows freely. They also see to it that leaves and other debris brought about by the rain do not clog the drainage system causing damage to the home. Part of cleaning the gutter involves repairing sagging or loose gutters and replacing the gutter spikes with gutter screws. Gutter screws hold much better than standard gutter spikes, thus providing support and security.

Seal Leaks Promptly

Due to wear and tear, gutters will often have leaks. Inspect these thoroughly and use a water hose to check for leaks in the joints and seams. Most gutter repair experts will recommend using silicone caulk to seal leaking gutters.

Repairing Downspouts

The downspout is the pipe that typically drains rainwater from the roof to the ground level (and away from the building’s foundation). A well-functioning downspout is a must in order to protect your home from water damage. Because this system sometimes becomes clogged, it is important to inspect it regularly for leaves and debris to ensure rainwater continues to flow unimpeded.

In conjunction with a functional downspout is a system of splash blocks that utilize an irrigation pipe. These work together to ensure water flows freely and is diverted from the roof and away from the home’s foundation.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Replacing your roof is a big decision that takes careful consideration. The whole process can not only prove to be a daunting one but can also disturb your home remodeling budget greatly. Furthermore, it can also disturb your normal routine activities because of the construction work going on in your home. Therefore, before you opt for the idea of re-roofing or replacing your roof, consult local roofing contractors and consider these few upgrades that can not only improve the curb appeal of your home but also enhance its value. Have a look at these roof upgrade ideas:

Overlaying

This upgrade method has a lot of perks. It is less costly and requires less labor. Instead of stripping off the roofing material altogether, a layer of shingle is installed on the existing one to give the roof a new and improved look. Since the old roof is not completely stripped off; thus, it doesn’t take a longer duration if you are opting for overlaying. Furthermore, all other costs and expenses related to constructing a new roof are eliminated. This factor makes it a cost-efficient method.

For the best overlaying results, you need to rely on a reputed local shingle roofing company that excels in providing roof overlaying services.

Go for a Different Shaped Shingling

When reroofing, it is advised to go for different shaped shingles rather than opting for the traditional ones. It will give your home a distinct look and add value to it. For a different look, you can opt for zigzags or diamond shape. You can also take help of your local roofing contractors in this matter.

Reflective Shingles

Whether you are going for overlaying or tearing off, make sure you are going for reflective shingles. Not only they are aesthetically pleasing but energy-efficient as well. Since they reflect the sunlight, it doesn’t enter your home, as a result, your home can stay cooler during the hot summer days. There will be a reduced dependency on cooling systems, which will help to bring the electricity bills down. A prominent feature of reflective shingles is that they are now available in an array of materials and colors; thus, you can have an array of choice to select the best ones for your roof.

Make Sure the Roof is Ventilated

Last but not the least, it is important to make sure that your new roof is ventilated. It will help to keep your home cooler. A ventilated roof is particularly helpful for homes that have an attic. In case the roof is not ventilated, attics will heat up.

There are different ways to make a roof ventilated. Contact your local roofing contractors and they will be able to suggest the best possible ways after a thorough inspection of the roof.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

If you are one of the people that thinks that tearing down your old roof and replacing it is going to be a piece of cake, you are going to be one of the many that are wrong!  Tackling a roof is a major undertaking, because the work is strenuous, and it is going to take you much longer than you think that it will.

Roofing contractors replace roofs all the time, after all, that is their job and they can do quality work quickly.  Therefore, the roofing contractor that you hire will ensure that your roof is installed properly and will keep the elements out throughout the next fifteen or twenty years.

Here are 4 pitfalls that you will see if you choose the DIY roofing route instead of hiring a roofing contractor:

1. Spend Extra Money

You may think that you are going to save money if you replace your roof on your own, but since you are not an expert like a roofing contractor, you may miss out on noticing damage that needs to be repaired.  If you do not make necessary repairs now, you will end up paying more money later on, either when you are finally doing the repairs, or you need to hire a roofing contractor to do the work for you.

2. No Warranty

Most manufacturers will not honor a warranty on their materials unless a roofing contractor has installed the product.  By replacing your roof on your own, you are not going to have a warranty on any of the work that you have completed.  This will also make it possible that you may end up paying more in the long-term.

3. Length of Project Will Be Longer

Roofing contractors can easily put a new roof on in a day or two, because they can bring in multiple workers to do the job.  If you replace your roof on your own, you may be looking at it taking a week or even longer before you have laid your last shingle.

4. Dangerous

Roofs are high off the ground, and some are higher than others.  If you are not used to walking around on a roof, let alone bending over to nail shingles down and dragging piles of shingles up from the ground, there is a good chance that you can fall.  A little slip is one thing, but that little slip can easily end up with you on the ground seriously injured.

Replacing your roof on your own always sounds good at first, but once you really consider the consequences, you will see that a roofing contractor is your best option.  So, get all those DIY thoughts out of your head, call your roofing contractor, and sit back and relax as they do all the work for you.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

It always starts out with a small problem. Maybe a small drip, a tiny hole, or minute cracks in the roof; they are often completely harmless and at the time are not a big deal. However, overtime these small signs can grown into large problems.  These small problems are signs that your roof requires some general repairs and maintenance.

Most people put off repairing their roof because it saves time and money in the short-term. If you neglect repairing your roof in the short term because you think it will save you money you may be surprised to learn that you’ll end up spending more than you would’ve if you had repaired your roof problem earlier. Local shingle roofing companies offer a free consultation on your homes roof and its needed repairs.

Here are 5 things that can happen if you neglect to contact a local roofing contractor to replace/repair your roof when you first notice the small things.

1. Leaks and Water Damage

The first effect of disregarding your roof is that it may start leaking. Patches of wetness may show up on the roof and gradually down the walls. The paint inside of your home may start to peel. You may ignore these wet patches as nothing but overtime the situation worsens because the leaks expand, allowing more water to enter the crevices and softening the structure. These leaks can cause your roof to sag with the weight and may also destroy electrical wiring resulting in a fire hazard or short-circuit.

2. Mold and Pests

Wet roofing and walls tend to cause mold to grow and spread. Once mold sets in, it is very hard to remove it. Moreover, it is very expensive to take care of. There may also be the added problem of pests starting to infest the roof. Rodents, insects, lizards and what not.

3. Worker Safety

The more you delay on contracting a local roofing contractor to fix the roof, the more it’ll become dangerous for workers to work at the last minute. The mold and leaks may cause your ceiling to sag and not hold the extra weight. So, there may be the danger of the roof falling while the roofing contractors work. Moreover, breathing in all the mold for a long time can tire the workers and cause them headaches. The workers will be endangered.

4. Increased Repair Cost

Because you neglected on repairing/replacing your roof earlier, what seemed as small issues become unignorable issues. If you have the issues fixed as soon as possible at an early stage, you won’t need to replace the whole roof. But if you did neglect on the small issues, later, you will have to spend much more than you would’ve to replace the roof. The longer you take to repair your roof, the more the costs increase.

5. Health Problems

Because of the growing mold, it may contaminate the air your breath. The leaks may cause puddles and may cause you to slip as well. There is also the added danger of the roof collapsing on you or your family.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

Replacing a roof can be a time-consuming process, which is why you will want to hire one of the local roofing contractors to do the job for you.  While you could eventually get your roof completed on your own, a local company can provide a more thorough roof replacement within a timely manner, since that is the job that they have been trained for.

The first thing that needs to be done when you are replacing your roof is protecting anything that is nearby.  Outdoor furniture needs to be moved out of the way, tarps can cover plants and bushes, and plywood can also be used to provide a barrier, so items underneath do not get destroyed.

Once everything is out of harm’s way, it will be time to remove the old roofing materials.  This can be a messy project, but if tarps are placed on the ground, the mess will stay contained for the most part.  As soon as the shingles are off your roof, the local roofing contractors should do an inspection to see if any of the wood is rotting or if there is any other structural damage.  These pieces of wood will need to be replaced before the roof is shingled.

Once your roof has been deemed to be in good shape, it is time to prepare it for the new asphalt shingles.  At this time roofing contractors can install drip edges, ice and water shields, and roofing felt is installed.  After all that, it is time to lay out the shingles and nail them in starting at the bottom and working towards the top.  During this process, the counter flashing, ridge vents, and ridge capping is also installed.

Clean up will happen in stages, as it is always a good idea to remove the old roofing materials before the rest of the work begins.  This gets it out of the way and prevents accidents from happening.  Of course, a final clean up should be done when the roof is completed.  The clean-up process should also include removal of the tarps and plywood, and moving the outdoor furniture back into place.

Before local roofing contractors leave, they should always do one final inspection of your roof, to ensure that everything is in place where it should be.  Depending on the size of your roof, it can take a day or longer for a local company to replace your roof.  However, this is normally faster than you could do it on your own, because local roofing contractors always send multiple employees to a job, so that the work is accomplished quickly.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.

You probably have given it a great deal of thought if you are reading this article. A roof replacement is often a costly and thoughtful undertaking that will not only render your home a construction site for a couple of days, but without the proper preparation and planning the whole construction project may not go as smooth as it should. Even though local roofing contractors go out of their way to assure you that the installation will be as easy as” taking candy from a baby”.  It pays to be prepared. Consider the following tips:

• Do research on the different types of roofing materials available to you. You will want to have an understanding of the pros and cons of each material and how the materials will best serve your home and family.
• Check with local roofing contractors and plan for them to install the roof during their off-peak season unless you require an emergency roof installation. Spring and summer are usually their busiest months, however, with clear communication and consultation, they can accommodate your needs. It also pays to be strategic with scheduling because some roof installation (depending on the size of the project) may take longer than others.  You also may be able to get a better deal on your new roof installation if you choose to have the roof installed outside of peak roofing season.
• There is also the issue of changes in weather to contend with. If you live in an area where it rains 24/7 you will want to have great patience and understanding in working to get the roof installed.
• Remember that you might be away from your home for most of the roof installation duration, therefore, take the necessary precautions to cover and secure belongings to protect them from falling debris and dust although unlikely can occur. Your local roofer may provide coverings for the exterior part of the house.  Remember to park your vehicle outside of the area to avoid damage.
• Talk to your local roofer to find out what they need from you. For example, they might require an outside electrical or water source that you may not have and notifying them beforehand will help them come prepared with an alternative.
• It is also important to board your pets or take them with you because noises during a roof installation may prove too much for them. Roofing is loud.   The last thing that you would want is for your pet to be startled and spooked.
• Ensure you have a contract signed ahead of time. Also make sure, before you sign on the dotted line, that the roofing contractor that you have chosen is both licensed and insured.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  Our roofing contractors offer services throughout Michigan including: Kalamazoo, Brighton, Lansing, and the surrounding areas.