The roof is the most important part of a house and maintaining the integrity of your roof is critical in protecting the value of your home. Regularly scheduled maintenance and inspections can significantly extend the life of your roof, and quite frankly reduce the hassle factor. There is never a good time for a roofing problem, but the good news is – roofing is most definitely a year-round business. Yes, even in the winter. Mayhem is not season specific.
Your Michigan roofing contractor for all seasons
At A2 Roofing we have the experience, and expertise to evaluate the condition of your roof, diagnose specific problems, and provide you with quality products and the highest level of customer service. We are dedicated to serving the Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and Washtenaw County Michigan communities with all of their residential roofing needs.
Every season comes with its own unique problems and concerns when it comes to roofing problems in Southeastern Michigan, and all the seasons can have an effect on how quickly your roof ages
- Spring – During the rainy season, you may notice roof leaks and problems with the integrity of skylights. Those tell-tale brown spots on the ceiling combined with a “dripping” sound are signs of trouble. Damaged skylights not only cause roofing problems but have the potential to cause issues with drywall and flooring materials. During the spring months in Michigan, thunderstorms and hail are more common than during any other time of year. Remember to document any damage and contact a roofing repair service immediately.
- Summer -If you have a dark roof, it will absorb UV rays and excess heat, causing your attic to heat up and damage roof shingles. Heat and humidity can lead to mold, moss, and algae
- Fall – Leaves can clog gutters. It is important for downspouts drains and gutters to be free-flowing in order to properly channel water
- Winter – Snow, and ice. What else is there to say, except snow and ice. These culprits can be rough on your roof and cause leaks, ice jams in the gutter systems, cracks and broken shingles
Our weather can be brutal on a roof. No matter the season, a Southeast Michigan roofing contractor understands that extreme climate conditions can cause damage from:
- Wind
- Rain
- Trees
- Heat
- Hail
- Snow
Signs and symptoms of roof damage
If you suspect that your roof is damaged, be on the lookout for:
- Broken, curled, or missing shingles
- Mold
- Blisters or wrinkles
- Tears in the flashing
- Bent or sagging gutters
- Cement granules in the gutters
- Rusty gutters
- Chimney damage
- Sunlight entering the attic
- Increased heating or cooling bills
- Brown circles on the ceilings
Contrary to popular belief, winter is not off-season for roofing services
Winters in Michigan can be brutal – as a premier provider of roofing services in Oakland County we have seen too many relatively minor roofing issues turn into major headaches because a homeowner assumed he or she needed to wait until spring to address problems. Contact us immediately if you suspect a problem – don’t let a small problem turn into a big ticket item.
If the truth is known, winter can be a great time to upgrade your roof. Scheduling a winter roof inspection and maintenance will help you ensure that your home is fully protected for future storms, and spring rains and wind. You most certainly need a professional to identify and repair any serious issues you may not have even knew you had. Keep in mind, One small leak can turn into multiple problems.
Many distributors reduce the price of materials in the winter months resuling in a cost-savings to consumers
Winter weather can cause small cracks and tears to worsen and even multiply. Waiting until climate conditions are perfect will only serve to increase the cost of repairs. it’s always best to take care of potential problems sooner rather than later. Waiting until it gets warmer can be an expensive decision. Certainly, there are some concerns about having roofing work done during the winter months, but with careful planning, our experienced staff can easily work around any issues that may arise. In all cases we feel it is better to be safe than sorry, the benefits of early detection and repairs always outweigh the risks.
Keep the heat in and the cold out
It’s no secret that Michigan’s freezing rains and heavy snows have the potential to substantially increase your heating costs. Keep your roof sealed up tight.
Be ready for spring
Michigan is notorious for torrential spring rains. Do not let a winter-damaged roof allow rain to damage the interior of your home. In addition, spring is the ideal time to sell a home. Potential buyers do not want to purchase a home with roofing issues.
Experienced roofing contractors can handle a roofing project in any season
With the abundance of rain in the spring, your roof’s integrity may be compromised. Be on the lookout for:
- Brown-stained ceilings
- Dampness in the attic
- Mold or mildew
Summer brings an increased risk of damages. Some common problems include:
- Poor ventilation: When attics are not properly ventilated moisture and humidity can lead to dry rot and mold growth
- Moss growth: When moss grows on a roof it can trap moisture causing damage and rotting to the wood and roofing materials.age.
- Cracked shingles: Shingles begin to dry out and become cracked.
- Sun damage: The roof’s deck can deteriorate from prolonged exposure to the sun, and shingles may age faster. In addition, the adhesive products used on the roof may begin to melt.
- Humidity: When the temperature of your roof is lower than air temperature the resulting condensation can weaken your roof and create leaks
“Compromise makes a good umbrella, but a poor roof.” James Russell Lowell
Don’t take chances with your roof. Putting off preventative maintenance, or roof replacement, in any season, will never pay off in the long run.
Signs that you may have problems are easily identifiable:
- Granules in the gutters: The granules in the shingles add color, reflect UV rays from the sun, and resist fires. They are more than aesthetically pleasing, they are important.
- Plant growth: Although seeing moss and algae does not necessarily mean you need a new roof, vegetation retains moisture and can cause discoloration and hinder proper drainage
- Curling or missing shingles: This is one of the main indicators of excessive moisture and poor ventilation.
- Sunlight in the attic: You should never see light passing through the roof. Cracks or broken shingles leaves your home vulnerable to pest infestation and water damage.
- Damaged flashings: Exposure to the elements can cause flashing to deteriorate.
- Roof leaks: Neglected leaks will eventually compromise the structure of your home. The earlier roof leaks are addressed the better. and
- Higher utility bills: An Oakland County roofing contractor can help you increase the thermal performance of your roof.
- Sagging roof: It is possible that the joints and rafters of your roof were not properly designed. In a perfect world, a roof line should be straight.
How long does the average roof last?
The average age of a roof depends on the materials used:
- Asphalt shingles typically last 16-20 years
- A metal roof will last 40-70 years
The lifespan of a roof in Michigan is determined by several other factors, including:
- Color: A dark roof will absorb more heat and shorten the lifespan of the roof
- Angle: High pitched roofs last longer
- Logistics: A south-facing roof slope may get more sunlight, and have a shorter life
- Layers: A roof installed over an existing roof will have a shorter life
- Quality of materials: So-called “Economy” roof materials shorten a roof’s life
- Installation: Improperly installed roofs have a shorter life
- Ventilation: The longevity of a roof is increased with adequate ventilation
- Surrounding vegetation: Tree limbs touching a roof can negatively impact the life of a roof
Inspecting a roof is not a DIY project
Roofs can be difficult to access, and climbing a tall ladder can be dangerous. This important aspect of home maintenance is always better left to a professional. Our roofing experts are trained to handle the logistics and dangers, and we have the knowledge to provide you with a qualified assessment of your roof. We will examine the interior and exterior regions of your roof and pay particular attention to areas of concern and items that could potentially lead to future costly damage.
At A2 Roofing you can depend on a qualified Southeastern Michigan roofing contractor to check all structural components of your roof. We will give you an honest assessment concerning:
- Dirt and debris
- Standing water
- Chimneys
- Vents
- Skylights
- Rust
- Fascia
- Interior ceilings
- Broken gutters and downspouts
- The condition of the shingles
- Mold and mildew
Certifications and licenses are important
At A2 Roofing we are fully trained and certified by top manufacturers and we proudly have an A+ Better Business Rating. We use only top quality materials and guarantee your roofing projects will be fully protected by valid manufacturer warranties. We hold a contractor license from the state of Michigan and we carry both Worker’s Compensation insurance and up to $2 million in liability coverage for your protection.
When you absolutely, positively need a professional roof inspection
- Before you agree to purchase a home. Do not buy into potential problems that should be covered by the seller
- Before you sell your home. A certificate of inspection can increase your home’s value
- After a major storm to verify damage for your insurance company. Timing can be critical, especially after a hailstorm. Some carriers impose strict deadlines for filing a claim.
The bottom line is, if you suspect that there’s a problem with your roof, have it checked out by a professional. Many roofing issues may be covered by a homeowner’s insurance policy. In addition, do not discount the benefits of routine, preventive maintenance and inspections. Keeping your roof in good repair keeps you and your family safe, and will, over the life of your roof, save you money.
Caveat – you don’t always get what you pay for
When you need help with a roofing problem, it will probably not be too difficult to find a handyman claiming they can provide you with the service you need at a considerably lower price than a professional contractor. Local news broadcasts frequently report the details of an unsuspecting home owner’s plight when a roofer takes their money and runs. Don’t let this happen to you. When it comes to having any work done on your home, there are definite benefits to hiring a licensed, certified roofing contractor:
- Licensed roofers have proven their expertise, passing a comprehensive exam is required for all contractors to obtain a license in Michigan.
- Licensed roofers will always provide you with a contract
- Licensed roofers are insured
- Licensed roofers have a strong work ethic
Do your homework before having work done on your home
- Check credentials
- Inquire about warranties
- Check the Better Business Bureau
- Ask for and verify references
- Look for social media presence
- Search for reviews and testimonials
- Review the contractor’s website
We can help
A2 Roofing is available to help you with all your roofing needs. We have financing plans and credit options to fit your budget and lifestyle, and emergency response roofing teams should a catastrophe happen. Our technicians are professionally trained and qualified to catch any problems before they escalate. We are a trusted authority in the roofing industry, and we work with all major insurance companies when it comes to storm restoration.
We are your neighbors, we are invested in this community, and we are dedicated to building lasting relationships with our customers. We are here to help.
We are both humbled and proud of the reviews we have received by satisfied clients. No matter the season, make A2 Roofing your first choice for professional roofing services. We’ll provide you with a no cost no obligation assessment of your current roofing needs, explain all of your options, and offer a plan that meets not only meets and exceeds your expectations but fits your budget as well. Call us toll-free at (734) 548-9915 today for more information.
