How to Get On Your Roof Safely

How to Get On Your Roof Safely

by | Feb 18, 2021 | Roof Maintenance

How to Get on Your Roof Safely

Hey, we get it. We understand there are some times when you might need to get up on your roof. Maybe it’s to remove some branches or clean your gutters. Perhaps you wish to make some minor repairs, take down your Christmas lights before the Fourth of July, or heck, even retrieve a kite or rescue your cat. We know stuff pops up that doesn’t necessarily seem like it requires a pro, but this isn’t your average “take out the garbage” chore. This can be dangerous. That’s why we created these guidelines to ensure you know how to get on your roof safely, not to mention get back down!

Don’t Go it Alone

It’s always wise to have someone spot and assist you if you’re getting on a roof. Ask (or bribe!) a friend or family member to help out by holding the ladder and hoisting up any tools you happen to forget. That way, you won’t have to go up and down the ladder to retrieve what you need. It’s also smart for the simple reason that someone else is there who can get help in case of an emergency.  

Wait for the Right Weather 

Never just decide to venture up without checking the forecast first. Make sure the weather is appropriate — not windy or wet! You don’t want to take the chance of being knocked off your feet or slipping and falling, so if it’s not a dry and calm day, check something else off your to-do list instead.  

Dress for Success

When you’re getting on your roof, it’s super important to wear the right shoes, with rubber soles and good traction. No bare feet or flip-flops allowed! A good tool belt is key as it will save you from trying to carry tools while navigating the ladder, and leather gloves can help you keep a good grip on things. 

This may seem over the top, but it’s also a good idea to equip yourself with a safety harness, especially if your roof is high or steep. Even if you’re only up there for a short time, it can save you from serious consequences if you happen to slip or trip on something. Temporary toeholds are also a good investment. They can help you keep your steps steady and can be removed when the job is done. You can typically find these things at your neighborhood hardware store.  

Climb Carefully

Perhaps one of the most important tips of all is to make sure you have a good, sturdy ladder and are using it safely and correctly. 

  • Place your ladder on level, dry, and firm ground, or set a board beneath it. The ladder should extend several feet above the roof. 
  • A good rule of thumb is for every 4 feet of ladder, you should move the base 1 foot from the house. 
  • Avoid leaning the ladder against gutters so it doesn’t slide at the top or cause any damage, and pick a place away from powerlines. 
  • Next, have your partner hold the ladder for extra stability. 
  • Always face the ladder and when you start to climb, be sure to keep three points of contact on the ladder at all times — both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand. 
  • When you reach the roof, hold onto the top of the ladder with both hands and step around, not over it. 

Step Safely

Congratulations, you’re on the roof! Now, be sure to move slowly and carefully, check that each step you take is stable before proceeding. Before you move forward, make sure the path before you is clean and hazard-free. Take your time and of course, don’t get too close to the edge.

Repeat in Reverse

Whether it’s right away because you’ve decided this wasn’t the best idea you’ve ever had, or if it’s after you’ve accomplished what you set out to do, when the time comes to head back down, let your partner know to spot you. Next, descend the same way you went up — holding the top of the ladder with both hands, stepping around and then down, facing the ladder, and maintaining three points of contact until you’re safely on the ground. Then, hope you didn’t forget anything up there and go get your partner the cold one you promised! 

  

Rather Not Get On Your Roof At All?

If you don’t feel that climbing up on your roof safely is something you can physically do, or the thought of being up so high and walking on a sloping surface gives you the heebie-jeebies, not to worry. We’ve got your back! For repairs, inspection, maintenance, and replacement, just give us a call at 616-844-5382 or connect with us online today.  

What Type of Roof Should You Put on a New House?

What Type of Roof Should You Put on a New House?

by | Feb 11, 2021 | Roof Replacement, West Michigan Roofing Blog

What Type of Roof Should You Put on a New House?

Can’t you just picture it? The white picket fence, beautiful landscaping, and big front porch complete with a swing — it’s everything you wanted in your dream home! You know exactly what color you want to paint the walls, already have your backsplash picked out, but hold on a minute. Have you thought about what type of roof your new house should have? 

It might not be the most glamorous or exciting part of designing a new house, but the roof you choose is important, and we’re not talking about just aesthetics. You need a roof that works as good as it looks, which is why you need to consider the following things when deciding which roof is best for your new home. 

Roof Material: Selecting Shingles

There are three main types of shingles used on new house roofs in this area: asphalt, wood shakes, and metal. As with any decision, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option. Here’s what you need to know before you choose:

Asphalt Shingles

The most common and cost-effective, asphalt shingles offer protection from water, fire, and moderate winds, work well on most any style of home, and last around 15 – 25 years. The two types typically chosen are called 3-Tab and Architectural.

  • 3-Tab shingles. These are the most economical up-front, and coincidentally enough, come in sections of three that lie flat, offering a traditional look.
  • Architectural shingles. These are thicker than the standard 3-Tab variety, thus offering more durability. In addition, they are more versatile aesthetically, providing a layered effect in varying shapes and sizes. While the initial cost is higher than 3-Tab shingles, architectural asphalt shingles tend to last longer and often prove to be a good investment in the long run, making them a popular choice.

Wood Shakes

If you want a more natural appearance, wood shakes or shingles are typically made of cedar, redwood or southern pine, though they require regular maintenance to keep their appearance from fading. They can be sawn or split and have a lifespan of around 30 years. While they have a natural resistance to water and insects, and are also resistant to damaging winds, they do need to be treated to offer appropriate fire protection. 

 

Metal

Metal roofs are the longest lasting, with a life expectancy set at a minimum of 50 years! They’re also more expensive than other options, though a worthy investment over time. Not only do they offer longevity, but they are also lightweight, resistant to water, fire and wind, and are quite energy-efficient. 

You can choose shingles or standing seam metal sheets, but keep in mind that repairs to these types of roofs can be more costly than those made of other materials, and metal roofs need to be installed over attic space or a closed frame to ensure noisy rain storms don’t keep you awake! 

Your New House’s Roof Design: Figuring in Other Factors

Probably one of the biggest factors that feed into which type of roof you choose is how much you can spend, right? You want to make sure your choice provides the best value, which means you want a quality roof with great curb appeal, but it has to be at a price that makes sense for you. Well, to find that balance, you need to weigh more than up-front expenses vs. long run. You need to consider more than just the cost of materials. You also need to think about the style, structure, and location of your new home and how these can affect your budget.

  • Roof Style. If the shape of your new roof sports a lot of intersecting rooflines (valleys) or things like skylights, turrets, and multiple chimneys, it is going to cost significantly more to roof than a house with a simpler style. The same is true of larger homes compared to smaller footage. 
  • Roof Structure. It’s also good to inquire about the strength of your framing. How much weight can the structure of your new home handle? This can help you determine which shingles are the most appropriate to use.      
  • The Location of your Home.  Whether your house is situated under a shady canopy or exposed to full sun can make a difference in the type of roofing material you use. It can also impact the maintenance and possible resistant treatments required. 

Choosing the Right Roof for Your New House

A new house is definitely exciting, but it comes with a lot of decisions to make, not the least of which is what type of roof to put on it! If you’re ready to decide on a new roof for your new home, reach out to Werner Roofing. We offer the most reliable product lines installed by expert roofing crews and can help make your decision a whole lot easier. Give us a call today at  616-844-5382 and we’ll help you choose a roof that fits both your vision and your budget, and will protect your new home for years to come.

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
Is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

Is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

by | Feb 5, 2021 | Roof Replacement

Just as with other aspects of your house, your roof needs regular maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape so it can do its job of keeping you safe and warm. There comes a point, however, when the amount and cost of roof repairs might make you start to wonder if it’s time to replace your roof, not just fix or maintain it. Ah, but how exactly do you know for sure when your roof is ready to retire? Well, the best way is to keep your eye out for these tell-tale signs a new roof should be in your near future.

Signs it is Time for a Roof Replacement

Leaks & Streaks

Before you head outside to inspect your roof, head up into your attic. Is there a musty smell? Do you see any streaks of light coming through the boards overhead? What about saggy areas or stains from water damage? All of these are indicators that you’ve got some leaking going on, and that’s a sure sign it’s time to consider putting a new roof over your heads. If you put it off too long, you’ll not only be breaking out the buckets every time it rains but also the big bucks for high energy bills!

Old Age 

Unfortunately, like all of us, a roof can start showing its age over time. Metal roofs have a pretty long lifespan, not needing to be replaced for as many as 50 years. Cedar shakes last around 30 years. The most common type of roof, however, has asphalt shingles which typically last about 15-25 years. If new shingles were installed over existing ones, then make that closer to 20. 

If you’re not sure when your roof was installed, don’t worry — you now have a good excuse to spy on your neighbors! More than likely, the houses in your neighborhood were all built around the same time, so if your neighbors start replacing their roofs, it’s probably time for you to do the same. 

Sad Shingles

Shingles that have all their granules intact and lay flat are happy and healthy. Do yours look sad? Check for shingles that are buckled, curled, cracked, sagging, worn, or even missing. Look for any signs of decay, as well as moss which is a sign moisture is trapped beneath the shingles and that means rotting can occur. 

Be sure to examine weather damage hot spots, too, like valleys (the areas where the different slopes of your roof connect) and chimney flashings (the area that surrounds the base of your chimney where it meets your roof). 

After all that investigating, if you have more sad shingles than happy, your roof is definitely nearing the end of its life cycle.

Clogged Gutters

Another way of knowing your roof is ready to be replaced is by checking your gutters. If they are full of  shingle particles, pieces, granules, and debris, that means your shingles are deteriorating and, well, so is your roof! 

Constant Repairs

If repairs are never-ending, never enough, and becoming more costly than it would be to just get a new roof, investing in replacing your roof makes more financial sense than to continue trying to patch up the problems. 

Is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

If you’re still not sure whether it’s time to replace your roof, or you would prefer to leave the inspection to the professionals (good call!), you’re in luck. At Werner Roofing, we’re happy to come out, free of charge, to determine the condition of your roof and help you decide what the best option is for your home. Call or visit us today to schedule a free roof inspection or to get a free quote. Our team is always happy to help!

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
How Energy Efficient is Your Roof?

How Energy Efficient is Your Roof?

by | Jan 21, 2021 | Energy Efficient Roofing

It takes a lot of energy to power, heat, and cool our homes. If you care about saving energy for the environment or for your monthly utility bills, you might be looking for ways to make your home more efficient. Is your roof helping you reach your efficiency goals? Let’s evaluate how energy efficient your roof is, and some things you can do to improve your roof’s energy savings.

How Energy Efficient is Your Roof?

When considering energy efficiency as it relates to your roof, there are several factors that can affect how your roof retains or releases energy. Looking at these five factors, we can determine if you have an energy efficient roof.

Heat Gain

Roofs with a high heat gain are generally less efficient than those with a low heat gain. This is because they absorb and retain heat during the summer, making it more difficult and costly to keep your home cool. However, if you live in a place that is always cold, heat gain can improve your home’s efficiency because it makes your heating more effective.

Reflectivity 

Reflectivity has to do with how much of the sun’s light and heat is reflected off your roof. Your roof’s color and materials play major roles in determining its reflectivity. Lighter colored roofs will be more reflective and absorb less heat, making them more efficient than darker roofs which absorb and trap heat.

Roofing Materials 

Some roofing materials are naturally more efficient than others. For example, metal roofs are lighter and more durable than asphalt shingle roofs and also put less stress on your home’s structure. As an added bonus, when they do eventually need to be replaced, metal roofs are completely recyclable.

Durability 

Durability can determine energy efficient roofs because roofs that last longer are more efficient. Roofs that constantly need repairs or a short lifespan before replacement are less efficient and end up costing more than the investment of a highly durable roof.

Insulation & Ventilation

Insulation and ventilation can be hugely important for an energy efficient roof. Insulation helps your home retain heat during cooler months. Ventilation helps keep your home cool in the warmer months. Both can help protect your roof from roof damage such as ice dams, condensation, and leaks.

Energy Efficient Roof Types

The most energy efficient roof types are metal roofs, tile roofs, and some asphalt shingle roofs. These roofs use the factors we just discussed to conserve energy and protect your home.

Energy Efficient Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are one of the most durable roofing types available. When properly installed, they can last from 50-70 years before needing to be replaced. They are also very low maintenance compared to other roofing types.

Metal roofing makes use of its reflective properties to limit heat gain during the warm months. When combined with proper insulation, it can significantly reduce costs to heat and cool a home year-round.

Energy Efficient Tile Roofs

Tile roofs’ specialty is insulation, which keeps them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Although more of an investment than metal roofing or asphalt shingles, tiles have an incredibly long lifespan, which adds to their energy efficiency savings.

Energy Efficient Asphalt Roofs

Some asphalt shingle roofs can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Asphalt shingles developed with additives to reduce heat absorption can help counteract the typical heat gain associated with asphalt roofs. Asphalt roofs are also well-known for being great insulators, protecting your home from the elements and fluctuating temperatures.

Ways to Make Your Roof More Energy Efficient

If you want to boost your energy efficient roof’s capabilities, you can invest in solar roofing, manage stormwater effectively, and add insulation and ventilation. 

Install Solar Roofing

Solar roofing is a great way to increase your energy savings for your home. Solar roofing technology has greatly improved in recent years to be more efficient, protective, and attractive. It can blend seamlessly with your roofing design and offer you an alternative way to collect energy for your home.

Manage Stormwater 

Managing stormwater involves using gutters effectively to direct stormwater away from your roof where it could inhibit your roof’s energy efficiency. Or, you might install a system to collect stormwater and use it to irrigate your landscaping or garden.

Converting your roof into a green roof is another great way to make your roof more energy efficient, utilize stormwater, and provide excellent insulation for your home. Although green roofs require a bit of maintenance, the environmental and economical payoffs may help offset the work.

Add Insulation & Ventilation

Proper insulation and ventilation is key to maintaining an energy efficient roof. If you want to boost your home’s efficiency, make sure your roof is properly ventilated in all the right places, and that your attic is securely insulated to prevent heat loss or roof damage.

Having an energy efficient roof is more than just the bells and whistles of solar panels and turbines. It also comes down the little things like managing your home’s reflectivity and heat gain to save a few dollars on heating and cooling each month. 

If you’re interested in a more energy efficient roof, get in touch with Werner Roofing. Whether you’re looking for solar roofing, interested in a new metal roof, or just looking to improve your existing roof’s efficiency, we can make sure your roof is environmentally sound and save you money on your energy bills.

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 About Winter Roof Leaks?

What to do About Winter Roof Leaks?

by | Jan 15, 2021 | Roof Maintenance, Roof Repair

So it’s winter, and your roof is leaking. What do you do? While there may be some repairs that have to wait until spring, some winter roof leaks need to be repaired as soon as possible.

Here are some common problems that could be causing a winter roof leak and what to do about it.

Causes of Winter Roof Leaks

Winter roof leaks can be a serious problem. A few of the common culprits are ice dams, clogged gutters, condensation, and damaged shingles.

Ice Dams

Ice dams occur when snow melts and travels down the slope of your roof, then cools and refreezes at the eaves, creating thick ridges of ice. These ridges block water and snow from moving off your roof, which then refreeze as a new layer. Eventually, water can travel backwards underneath your roof’s shingles, where it can enter your home as a leak. If ice dams aren’t removed, they can cause serious damage to your roof and home’s structure.

Clogged Gutters

If your gutters become blocked with ice, leaves, or dirt, then they can’t effectively drain water, ice, and snow away from your roof. Similar to ice dams, clogged gutters can cause water to back up and seep under your shingles, and cause your roof to start leaking in winter.

Attic Condensation

When warm, humid air from your home rises in the winter, it reaches the attic and cools, creating condensation. If too much condensation forms, it can have serious consequences for the health of your roof and even cause winter roof leaks. Excess water in your attic from condensation can also cause mildew, mold, or rot.

Damaged Shingles

Cracked, damaged or missing shingles can also be a cause of winter roof leaks. If your roof was damaged in a storm due to high winds, hail, or a falling tree branch, it could have removed shingles and left your roof deck exposed to water. For this reason, it’s important to inspect your roof after a storm, and make sure the shingles are secure before winter weather sets in.

What to Do if Your Roof is Leaking in Winter

If you notice your roof leaking in winter, what can you do? The key is to identify the problem early, then call a professional to repair it, or offer you a temporary solution and schedule the repair for spring.

Catch Winter Roof Leaks Early

The key to resolving problems with your roof is identifying them quickly, before they cause more damage. In winter, it’s especially important to spot leaks early. Signs of winter roof leaks include water stains on interior or exterior walls, water dripping from the ceiling or through ventilating fans, and condensation on skylights. These are all indicators that something is going on with your roof, causing it to leak or become susceptible to leaks. 

Call a Professional

If you notice any sign your roof is leaking in winter, it’s best to call a professional roofer to inspect the damage and recommend the best course of action. If the fix involves working on your roof, serious repairs will likely have to wait until spring, when it’s safer for the roofer and your roof. 

Find a Temporary Solution

Your roofer may be able to suggest a short term solution or perform a temporary repair until they can return with a crew to fix the problem for good. For example, ice dams might indicate that your roof needs additional ventilation and insulation to prevent recurring leaks. While they may not be able to get onto your roof until spring, they can remove existing ice dams and use fans to help regulate the temperature in your attic.

Have you discovered a leak in your roof this winter? Don’t worry — Werner Roofing can help. Give us a call to talk to one of our roofing experts today.

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