What Are Architectural Shingles?

What Are Architectural Shingles?

by | Aug 22, 2022 | Shingling

If you’re planning to install a new roof, “architectural shingles” is a term you’re going to see a lot during your research. Not sure what that means? We can help. 

Below we provide a description of what architectural shingles are, as well as some unique benefits they can provide for your home. 

What Are Architectural Shingles?

Architectural shingles are asphalt-based shingles with elevated design features. They often come in different shapes, colors, and textures to mimic a dimensional appearance. For this reason, they’re also commonly referred to as dimensional shingles. 

Architectural shingles also feature a unique, layered composition. They usually consist of two or more basic shingles that are bonded together. This helps them achieve that contoured look mentioned above.  

How Do Architectural Shingles Differ From 3-Tab Shingles?

Traditional 3-tab shingles were the only option for asphalt roofing materials until the 1980s. During the 1980s, the roofing industry made technological breakthroughs in response to recognized shifts in consumer style. These changes were reflected in the production of architectural shingles. 

Therefore, architectural shingles differ from 3-tab shingles in the sense that they: 

  • Are layered and laminated together, instead of lying flat on your roof
  • Are composed of a more substantial amount of material
  • Offer a unique touch to any home’s exterior design
  • Are generally more expensive 

What Special Benefits Do Architectural Shingles Offer? 

Although they often cost more than traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles, architectural shingles can offer a surplus of benefits to any home. The most prominent benefits include: 

  • Enhanced Curb Appeal — Architectural shingles can bring a modern, contoured touch to your home’s exterior. They can even be designed and installed to resemble wood shakes or slate tiles (without adding the extra weight of slate!). 
  • Longer Life Spans — Due to their thicker composition, architectural shingles offer better durability against the elements — and therefore longer life spans. Their average lifespan is between 18-20 years, compared to 12-15 years with traditional shingles. 
  • Better Wind Ratings — Architectural shingles are usually rated to withstand strong winds between 80-120 MPH. This beats the wind rating of traditional shingles, which is about 60 MPH. 
  • Longer Warranties — In many cases, roofing manufacturers provide more comprehensive, longer-lasting warranties for their architectural shingle lines. This is to help better protect your investment. 

With each of these benefits, it’s easy to see why architectural shingles are becoming a more popular choice for homeowners in Michigan and beyond. Could they be the right choice for your home, too? 

GAF Architectural Shingles

Here at Werner roofing, we’re proud to offer various lines of GAF roofing shingles, including Timberline®, Slateline®, and Camelot® II. These are three gorgeous varieties of architectural shingles made by one of the best brands in the industry. They offer all the benefits of a luxury, architectural roofing option — including enhanced layering, durability, protection, and style. 

You can find more information on these GAF architectural shingles series by following the links below: 

Better yet, GAF offers one of the most comprehensive roofing warranties in the industry: the GAF Golden Pledge. You can read more about what’s covered in it here. 

Interested in Architectural Shingles for Your New Roof? We Can Help. 

At Werner Roofing, we’re proud to provide our customers with the very best quality roofing materials on the market. As a GAF-Certified Master Elite Contractor, we’re able to offer GAF’s top-of-the-line Timberline® architectural shingles, among others. If you’re looking for a great roofing contractor in West Michigan, look no further than Werner. Give us a call at (616) 844-5382 or contact us online. 

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OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.” 

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How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

by | Jul 20, 2022 | Roof Replacement

Replacing your roof can be an exciting endeavor. The boosted curb appeal and improved performance can make a huge difference in how you enjoy and value your home. 

However, the average homeowner will also consider a roof replacement to be a bit of a hassle. Not only is it a large financial investment, but it can also be loud and inconvenient — possibly even causing you to stay out of your home throughout the process. 

So exactly how long should you expect the roof replacement process to take? Read on. 

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

It can take anywhere from a single day to a few weeks to replace a roof. Yes, we know that’s a pretty broad timeline; but the truth is that every roof is different, which means that every roof replacement is different. So while we can’t tell you exactly how long your roof replacement will take, we can inform you of a few things that will affect the project’s timeline. 

Roof Replacement Timeline vs. New Roof Installation Timeline

We’ve already written an article about how long it takes to install a new roof, so you might be wondering how that’s any different from what we’re talking about here. 

In most cases, it takes longer to replace a roof than it does to install one on a newly constructed home. This is because the replacement process involves one extra step: tearing off the existing roof. 

It’s important to note that, in some circumstances, you can install a new roof on top of an old one without tearing anything off. But this isn’t the most common or even the recommended solution. 

5 Factors That Affect Your Roof Replacement Timeline

Aside from the additional time needed to remove your existing roof, there are a few other factors that can affect how long your roof replacement takes. Let’s take a look at the main five below.  

1. Size

The smaller your roof, the less time it will take to replace — for obvious reasons. In fact, if you live in a small residential home, your roof replacement could be done in just one day. But again, size is just one factor. 

2. Slope

Arguably the most overlooked factor, your roof’s slope can drastically affect how long the roof replacement process takes. While steeply sloped roofs are great for directing snow and rainfall away from your home, they don’t make the replacement process easy. 

Most reputable roofing contractors put the safety of their employees first. This means they’ll be trained to move around steep roofs more slowly and carefully, and they may even need special equipment to maintain their safety. 

3. Age

When your roofer removes the existing roof, they’ll check the sub-roofing underneath it for any damage. If there is underlying damage, they’ll need extra time and materials to fix it before installing the new layer. This is why older roofs generally take more time to replace than newer roofs. 

However, this can be avoided by catching minor roof issues quickly, before they turn into major problems. Especially if you live in an older home, doing a yearly roofing inspection can save you a lot of trouble, time, and money in the long run. 

4. Material

Some roofing materials are quicker to remove and install than others. For example, it often takes less time to install standing seam metal roofing than it does to install asphalt shingles strictly because there are fewer metal panels than shingles to be nailed down. 

5. Weather

If it rains, it rains. If it snows, it snows. If it storms, it storms. The weather doesn’t wait for your roof replacement to be completed, and there’s no predicting when it will hit. 

The roof replacement process is most efficiently done in warm and dry conditions, but that’s not something we are always guaranteed here in the Midwest. While roofing crews can do their job in some weather, they are often required to stop if conditions become too inclement or dangerous. Your project’s timeline will be paused until it’s safe to resume. 

Contact Werner Roofing for Expert Roof Replacement

If it’s time to replace your roof, but you’re worried about how long you’ll have to be out of your home, contact Werner Roofing. Our crews are fast and professional, working hard to replace your roof quickly and properly, so you can get back to life as usual. For more information or to schedule your roof replacement, give us a call at (616) 844-5382 or contact us online.

roofing contractor

OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.” 

SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION
What to Do When Your Roof Is Damaged by a Storm

What to Do When Your Roof Is Damaged by a Storm

by | Jun 21, 2022 | Roof Repair

As summer rolls in, we can all start looking forward to sunny days and ice cream by the pool. But there’s also a summertime threat that homeowners need to be aware of — severe storms. 

Whether it be rain, lightning, hail, or wind, big storms can wreak havoc on roofs. And while there’s no way to control the weather, there are ways you can prepare yourself in case something does happen to your roof. 

Let’s discuss a few types of roof storm damage to look out for, and what to do if your home has suffered any of them. 

4 Kinds of Roof Storm Damage

After a severe storm, there are some types of roof damage that are clear upon first glance. Then, there are others types that require a closer look — but that doesn’t mean they aren’t just as detrimental. Here are a few kinds of roof storm damage to be aware of. 

1. Fallen Trees or Other Debris

Big storms can lead to serious damage, caused by fallen trees, limbs, or other debris falling directly onto your roof and creating gaping holes. This is the most noticeable type of roof storm damage, often requiring the most amount of repair work. 

2. Torn, Dented, or Missing Shingles

If your home has shingles as its main roofing material, you may notice some damage to them after a severe storm. Here’s what you should keep an eye on: 

  • Torn shingles, which are usually a result of high winds ripping them in two. 
  • Dented shingles, which can appear like dark spots and are usually a result of hail damage. You may also find loose shingle granules in your gutters.
  • Missing shingles, which are shingles that have been completely removed from your roof. 

3. Dented Gutters

Gutters are designed to direct rainfall away from your home, but they don’t always stand up well against severe storms. Hail and strong winds can cause them to dent, bend, or break, making them dysfunctional until repaired. 

4. Leaks

If your roof suffers any holes or loss of shingles due to a storm, it leaves a spot of your roof that’s exposed and prone to leaks. Check your ceilings and attic for any drips or signs of water damage. 

What to Do When Your Roof Is Damaged by a Storm

When a storm has hit and damaged your roof, it can be scary and overwhelming. Knowing the right steps to take can help you reduce panic, stay safe, and get the problem resolved as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’ll walk you through each of those steps here: 

Help Anyone Who’s Injured

First and foremost, protect the safety of yourself and those around you. If anyone has been injured as a result of the storm and requires medical treatment, call 911 immediately. Remember that your home and belongings can be repaired or replaced — human lives cannot!

Be On the Lookout for Safety Hazards

The next step is to watch out for any safety hazards that may pop up in the event of a storm. Some examples of these could be: 

  • Fallen trees
  • Downed power lines
  • Damaged gas lines
  • Broken glass
  • Exposed wires

If your home is damaged, stay out until it can be inspected by a professional. There could be structural damage or gas leaks that could harm you. If you’re able, you could mitigate more risk by turning off your electricity and gas — but only if you believe it’s safe to do so. 

File an Insurance Claim

Filing a storm damage insurance claim can help you get the compensation you need to repair or replace your roof. In order to get the amount of money you need, it’s important to follow a few of these best practices:

  • Document when the storm took place (take a photo of the weather report if possible!)
  • Take as many pictures of the damage as possible
  • Get a reputable residential roofer’s help identifying and listing damages
  • Find your homeowner’s insurance policy and re-familiarize yourself with it
  • Don’t wait to call your insurance provider. Make your claim as soon as possible. 

Practice Safe Cleanup Practices

Once you start to clean up the storm damage, make sure you’re doing so safely. Wear proper protective gear, such as boots, hard hats, gloves, and eye protection. Also, be aware of any animals and critters that may have been displaced by the storm — both to protect their safety and your own. 

Work with a Roofing Contractor for Repair & Replacement

Once you’ve filed an insurance claim and received compensation, work with your roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof. If you just need to replace a few shingles, they’ll be able to help you find a good match. If you need to replace your entire roof, they’ll help you find new materials that match your style and budget. 

The right residential roofing contractor will be able to work quickly and efficiently, so you can get back in the comfort of your own home as soon as possible. They’ll provide great customer service to ensure all your needs are met, and they’ll work with your insurance company to ensure damage is paid for appropriately. 

Need Storm Damage Roof Repair? Contact Werner Roofing

Has your roof been damaged by a storm? At Werner Roofing, we understand the stress you’re likely experiencing, and we’re happy to offer a hand in helping you get back on your feet. We’ll work with you to identify and complete any necessary repairs, so you can get your home looking as good as new, as soon as possible. For more information on how we can help, contact us online. 

roofing contractor

OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.” 

SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION
It’s Raining, It’s Pouring: How to Protect Your Roof from Rain

It’s Raining, It’s Pouring: How to Protect Your Roof from Rain

by | May 10, 2022 | Roof Maintenance

April showers bring May flowers — but without proper protection, they can also bring damage to your roof! Here are some steps you can take to keep your roof protected from rain, so your family can stay warm and dry all year long. 

Roof Protection from Rain: 4 Proactive Steps to Take

Many homeowners don’t think about maintaining their roofs until it’s too late and a leaking or flooding disaster has already struck. In order to protect your roof from rain, it’s important to be proactive. Here’s what you can (and should!) do: 

1. Complete Any Necessary Roof Repairs

If your roof is in need of repair, it’s not likely to hold up well against rain. And as more leaks accumulate, you’ll find yourself overwhelmed with costly, devastating damages. That’s why it’s important to complete any necessary roof repairs as soon as possible.

Some possible damages you may look for include:

Once you’ve identified a problem with your roof, you have a choice to make: repair it or replace it. This decision may depend on a few factors, including the extent of the damage, flexibility of your budget, and length of time you expect to live in your home. You may contact a local roofing professional to bring some expertise that could help guide your decision. 

2. Ensure Gutters Are Functioning Properly

Gutters are one of the most important parts of a roofing system, helping direct rain away from your home. Therefore, it’s important to make sure they’re functioning properly.

Generally speaking, gutters regularly need to be cleaned out. Any sticks, debris, or other materials that pile up in them can cause them to clog and overflow, defeating their purpose. You should also check for any leaking, sagging, loose, or improperly sloped gutters that aren’t doing the work you need them to do. 

If you notice that your home doesn’t have gutters, you might wonder if you’re missing some much-needed rain protection. The short answer is, you probably are. While some homes don’t have gutters for particular reasons, most homes in Michigan need gutters. You should contact a local roofing professional to schedule a gutter installation soon. It’s sure to pay off in the long run! 

3. Inspect Flashing Around Skylights

Skylights are capable of adding tons of natural light to your home, making it look more open and bright. However, skylights are also leak hazards, presenting more places for rainwater to seep into your home. Any openings between your skylight and roofing materials can be at risk for leakage. 

That’s why it’s important to install roof flashing around your skylights, or to check it for damage if you’ve already installed it. If you find any cracks or damage, get them fixed by a professional as soon as possible. 

4. Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

The best way to ensure your roof is in top condition is to have a licensed professional inspect it. They’ll take a look at the interior and exterior of your roof, inspecting any and all of its components — from shingles, to gutters, to weatherproofing. It’s recommended that you schedule a roof inspection every year to ensure any issues are promptly addressed — and there’s no better time to do it than after winter snow has taken its toll and spring/summer rains start to pour down. 

At Werner Roofing, we’re proud to offer free roof inspections for every client. We’ll come out to your home, examine the condition of your roof, and prepare a document that states anything in need of repair or replacement. We’ll advocate for you and your home’s best interests, but we won’t recommend or sell anything that isn’t necessary. That’s our promise. 

If your roof needs extra protection from rain and other unpredictable weather conditions, Werner Roofing can help. Our experts will provide customized recommendations for how you can keep your roof durable and leak-free with various waterproofing and rain management systems. Give us a call at (616) 844-5382 or contact us online for more information. 

 

roofing contractor

OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.” 

SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION
3 Common Types of Skylights

3 Common Types of Skylights

by | Apr 6, 2022 | Skylights

Skylights are special types of windows that are installed on a roof. They’ve been around for decades, but they’ve recently seen a rise in popularity due to the long list of benefits they bring to homes — most notably, energy efficiency. 

Hoping to purchase a skylight for your own home? You should first know that there are three common types of skylights and that each of them has different functionalities that make it more or less suitable for certain areas in your home. Let’s take a look at some of those details below. 

3 Common Types of Skylights

There are many different styles and variations of skylights, but they all fall under three common categories: fixed, tubular, and ventilating. 

1. Fixed Skylights

Fixed skylights cannot be opened. Their primary function is to provide your home with greater amounts of natural light. 

For this reason, fixed skylights are quite large in size and can be placed in hard-to-reach areas. They’re ideal for any room needing additional light or beautiful views, but they’re most often found in larger spaces like living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. 

2. Tubular Skylights

As their name suggests, tubular skylights look like tubes that extend out from your roof. Also called sun tunnels, they consist of a domed glass rooftop lens and a reflective-lined tube. They’re relatively small and easy to install.

Because of their small size, tubular skylights can fit into tight spaces. They’re often placed in small rooms that don’t receive much natural light, such as closets, hallways, foyers, and pantries. 

3. Ventilating Skylights

Ventilating skylights, or roof skylights, can be opened either manually or mechanically. They’re great for providing natural light and ventilation into any room that needs it. 

Because of their ventilation features, ventilating skylights are best suited for two kinds of spaces within your home:

  • High-ceilinged rooms, such as attics and cathedral-ceiling living rooms
  • Rooms with excess moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms

5 Reasons Why Skylights Are a Great Addition to Your Home

No matter which type of skylight you choose to install, you’re sure to see some great benefits added to your space’s overall aesthetic and performance. Here are just a few of the reasons why skylights can be a great addition to your home. 

1. Natural Light 

Does your home seem dark, cramped, and unwelcoming because there’s never enough sun shining in? All types of skylights provide ample amounts of natural light, especially when the sun’s at its highest and brightest, point. Not only does this make your spaces look larger and brighter, but it also provides health and energy efficiency benefits. 

2. Ventilation

If you choose a ventilating skylight, you’ll get amazing airflow within the spaces of your home that really need it. Some types of skylights even offer mechanical or electric ventilation, so you don’t have to worry about reaching up and remembering to open them up yourself. Your damp bathrooms and kitchen will thank you! 

3. Energy Efficiency

All types of skylights reduce your need for artificial lighting, and some types also reduce your need for air conditioning and fans in the summertime. That said, they’re a pretty energy-efficient home addition, and they can save you a substantial amount on your future utility bills. 

Better yet? Just like there are energy-efficient window types, there are energy-efficient skylight types as well. Invest in one of those for maximum energy efficiency and cost-savings benefits. 

4. Privacy

Want to let additional sunlight in our home, but don’t want to sacrifice your privacy? Skylights are the perfect solution! Since they’re built into your roof, no one can see through them. This benefit makes skylights especially great for bedrooms and bathrooms in need of some brightening. 

5. Brighten Small Spaces

Chances are, there are one or two rooms in your home that just aren’t big enough to fit an actual window. Skylights, especially small tubular skylights, can still provide the light they need to look bright and beautiful. 

If you’re looking for a new way to brighten your home, skylights are a great option! At Werner Roofing, we’re proud to offer VELUX Skylights for our customers — providing them with an aesthetically pleasing, sustainable solution. Contact us to learn more about how skylights could fit into your next roofing project.

roofing contractor

OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.” 

SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION