What to do About Winter Roof Leaks?

What to do About Winter Roof Leaks?

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.” 

Your Complete Guide to GAF Roofing Shingles

Your Complete Guide to GAF Roofing Shingles

GAF offers a number of industry-leading shingle options for every homeowner. From their award-winning Timberline roofing shingles to their affordable 3-tab shingles, let’s take a look at the lineup in our guide to GAF roofing shingles.

Guide to GAF Roofing Shingles

Depending on your style and budget, GAF offers the best roofing shingles in the industry. Their best selling products include the high-performance Timberline roofing shingles, the premium Designer roofing shingles, and the economical 3-tab roofing shingles.

GAF Timberline Roofing Shingles

GAF’s Timberline series of roofing shingles are architectural shingles that outperform the competition in durability, protection, and style. Made with multiple layers of durable asphalt material, these shingles are made to balance the newest in roofing technology with a classic dimensional look and feel — at a practical price for the average homeowner.

GAF Designer Roofing Shingles

GAF’s Designer shingles are a premium option for those homeowners looking for the highest quality protective shingle with the added aesthetic features of a multidimensional, textured appearance. They are designed to mimic the old world feel of classic materials like shakes or tiles, without the weight or inefficiency. GAF’s Designer roofing shingles are the luxury roofing option that offers the best protection on the market.

GAF 3-Tab Roofing Shingles

3-tab shingles are perfect for homeowners looking for a high quality shingle option that is affordable and effective. GAF’s 3-tab shingles are made with fewer layers of asphalt than their Designer or Timberline shingles to reduce costs, but employ the same protective technology that keeps your roof, home, and family safe from the elements.

Why We Love GAF Roofing Shingles

Even when compared with other roofing material competitors, GAF products win because of their total protection system and comprehensive warranty options. 

GAF Roofing Shingles Total Protection System

Roofers love to work with GAF products because they provide everything the roofer needs for their complete project. The GAF total protection system includes leak barriers, ridge caps, deck protection, attic ventilation vents and more. All of the components in the system work together to protect your roof — which protects your roofing contractor’s work. Roofers love working with products they trust, and they trust the quality of the GAF roofing system.

GAF Roofing Shingles Warranty

When you choose to install three or more items from the GAF total protection system, you are automatically eligible for the enhanced GAF warranties, which protects your roof for 10-15 years. Also, if you have your roof installed by a GAF certified factory roofing installer, you may qualify for even better warranty coverage, which extends the length of your warranty and protects you against defects and installation errors.

GAF Master Elite Certification

To become a GAF Master Elite certified roofing installer, roofers must undergo extensive training with GAF products, have a high positive customer approval rating and commit to ongoing professional development to hone their craft. Only 3% of roofing companies are able to reach this certification level, and are capable of giving out the best service and warranties GAF can provide. 

If you’re considering using products like GAF’s Timberline roofing shingles or other products from their total protection system, choose a GAF Master Elite certified roofing installer to make sure your roof receives the highest workmanship to go with its superior materials. 

Got your eye on a specific line of GAF roofing shingles? Let us know! Werner Roofing is a GAF Master Elite certified roofing installer and has achieved President’s Club status for the 7th year in a row, which means we have exclusive installation access to all of GAFs best product lines and offer the best warranty on the market, the Golden Pledge. We’d be happy to install the GAF Shingles you love most. 

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.” 

5 Reasons Why Regular Roof Maintenance is So Important

5 Reasons Why Regular Roof Maintenance is So Important

We’re told by our doctors about the importance of annual physicals, flu shots, vaccinations, and checkups. Preventative care is just as important for maintaining our health as it is for our home’s roof. Just like our bodies, your home’s roof needs regular maintenance to keep it healthy and working in optimal condition. Here are five reasons why regular roof maintenance is so important.

#1 Roof Maintenance Extends the Life of Your Roof

Your roof is a big investment and maintaining it can actually extend the life of your roof, which protects your investment in your home. Think of it like a flu shot. It doesn’t take a lot of time, but then you’re protected for a whole season and you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it. When you spend a little on regular roof maintenance, your roof will last longer before it needs replacing, which makes your money go a lot further.

#2 Roof Maintenance Keeps Your Family Safe

Your home’s roof is what stands between your family and the elements. It’s important to maintain that barrier to protect your family from obvious dangers like weather events, falling tree branches, or excess moisture which could lead to mold — but also the less-obvious protections that keep your family healthy, safe and warm. For example, regular roof maintenance like insulation inspection makes sure your home is retaining heat which prevents energy waste and saves your family money. 

#3 Roof Maintenance Keeps Your House Safe

Your home’s roof not only protects the contents of your home, but it also acts as a layer of defense for the elements of the structure itself. If your roof is well-maintained, you’re also maintaining the supporting beams, the rafters, the walls and the foundation, which keeps your home safer and extends its life. If the roof were to fail due to neglect or skipped maintenance tasks, it would put the rest of your home at risk.

#4 Regular Roof Maintenance Saves You Money

Regular roof maintenance year after year will actually save you money over the course of your roof’s life. This isn’t just because maintenance extends the life of your roof. It’s also because the cost of maintenance or small repairs is less when problems are detected early. They only get seriously expensive when significant damage has occurred when a problem is left too long. 

For example, if you notice ice dams forming on your roof in the winter, but don’t perform the small maintenance tasks of insulating and ventilating your roof, that small repair could turn into a big one when your roof starts leaking and causes water damage. Preventative care for your roof will pay off in the long run when you save yourself the expense of serious repairs or early roof replacement. 

#5 Roof Maintenance Protects Your Home’s Value

A well-maintained roof not only looks and performs better, it also sustains your home’s value. Better curb appeal alone will fetch a better price when you decide to sell your home, but regular roof maintenance makes your home more valuable to a buyer, who can trust its quality and protective ability.

Regular Roof Maintenance Tasks

These roof maintenance tasks should be completed annually by a professional roofer to check for damage and assess your roof’s condition and performance:

  • Examine roof for stains, peeling or missing shingles
  • Inspect pipe boots for cracks or damage
  • Check for evidence of pests or animals
  • Remove debris from roof and gutters
  • Make sure roof ventilation is working properly
  • Inspect flashing and caulking for potential leaks
  • Sweep and inspect chimney

Regular roof maintenance makes the difference between an expensive, leaking, eyesore, and a protective, attractive barrier on your home. Completing the necessary tasks every year will ensure your roof lasts a long time and continues to perform at optimal efficiency.

If it’s time to get your roof checked and regular roof maintenance completed, don’t put it off. Schedule your roof maintenance with your local roofing company to make sure your roof is in good condition and protecting your home and your family the way it should. If it’s been some time since your roof has had an inspection or any upkeep, talk to the Werner Roofing team.

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.” 

How to Prepare Your Roof For Winter: A Complete Handbook

How to Prepare Your Roof For Winter: A Complete Handbook

Winter is coming in Michigan and it’s never friendly to our roofs. It’s important to prepare your roof for winter now so you don’t have to worry about it when too much snow falls or an ice storm is headed your way. We’ve assembled all the resources you need to prepare your roof for winter, spot common winter roof damages, and solve problems confidently this season.

Prepare Your Roof For Winter

Getting Your Roof Ready for Winter

Winter can be hard on a roof, but there are some things you can do to make the season a little kinder to your home’s roof. Here are some things to check before winter hits so you can trust you and your roof will be protected.

Gutter Cleaning

Getting Your Gutters Ready for Winter

Before the cold temperatures set in, here’s what you need to do to prepare your gutters for freezing rain, snow, and ice.

Best Way to Clean Gutters and Downspouts

If your gutters are looking a little cluttered, here’s how to clear them out so they’ll be ready to handle the melting snow and protect your roof from damage this winter. 

When to Replace Gutters: 5 Key Signs

If your gutters are getting a little worn out, it’s a good idea to replace them before winter starts. Here’s how you can spot the signs your gutters need to be replaced to prepare your roof for winter.

Common Winter Roof Problems

Common Winter Roof Damages and How to Fix Them

If you notice any of these winter damages, it could mean your roof needs some help. Here’s a few common problems to watch out for, and how to solve them.

Ice Dams 

What are Ice Dams?

Learn how to identify ice dams on your home’s roof, and what you need to do to prevent them.

5 Best Ways to Get Rid of Ice Dams, Safely

If you’ve identified ice dams on your roof, here’s what you need to know to get rid of them safely and effectively.

Werner Roofing’s Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Ice Dams

Here’s another guide to removing ice dams. This time, we’ll take you through the process one step at a time, so you’ll know when you can remove them yourself, and when it’s time to call for backup.

Snow

How Much Snow is Too Much for Your Roof?

If you’re snowed in after a lake-effect storm, will your roof be okay? Here’s how to know how much snow your roof can handle.

Wind

How Wind Can Damage Your Roof

Snow and ice aren’t the only dangers winter weather brings to your roof. Wind can loosen shingles or force water underneath your roof and into your home. Here’s how to anticipate wind damage and how to deal with it if it occurs. 

Winter Roof Repair

Why Can’t I Get My Roof Installed in the Winter? 

Winter roof installation and repair is risky and doesn’t set your roof up for success. If you’ve been told you can’t schedule your roof work during the winter months, here’s why.

Pros and Cons of Winter Roof Repair

If you’re still considering winter roof repair, we put together a pros and cons list about winter roof repair to help you understand the risks and rewards.

What to Do About Winter Roof Damage

If you can’t get a roofing crew out to repair or install a roof in the winter, what can you do if you notice damage to your roof? We’ll take a look at a few common instances of winter roof damage and what you should do right now.

Roof Maintenance Tips

To help you prepare for the winter season and recover from it once it’s over. Wondering why you really need to worry about maintenance tasks?

5 Reasons Why Regular Roof Maintenance is So Important

It saves you money. It protects your home and your family. It extends the life of your roof and protects your investment. Don’t wait until damages pile up, stay on top of roof maintenance to save yourself the trouble down the line.

Fall Roof Maintenance Tips

Some things you should do before the snowy weather starts to prepare your roof for winter.

Winter Roof Maintenance Tips

Although many repairs will need to wait until warmer weather, there are some maintenance tasks you can perform during the winter months to help your roof.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Roof

Spring is a great time to get out and inspect your roof for damage and do a little spring cleaning! Here are some maintenance items you can do to your roof in the springtime.

Winter is just around the corner. Use these resources to get ahead of any potential roof maintenance or damages and prepare your roof for winter. Still running into problems? Give the experts at Werner Roofing a call.

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.” 

Should I Clean Roof Shingles?

Should I Clean Roof Shingles?

Spores travel on the wind or by animal and end up on your roof, where they grow. It’s a natural process that won’t severely damage your roof unless left for too long. Algae and moss, particularly, can be detrimental to the health of your home’s roof and should be routinely removed. 

Cleaning roof shingles is not a difficult task to do, but likely requires the help of a professional. Let’s talk about why you should clean roof shingles, how to do it, and some tips to prevent algae and moss growth in the future.

Why You Should Clean Roof Shingles

Taking steps to regularly clean roof shingles is important for your roof’s health. Keeping clean roof shingles will extend your roof’s life, improve its protective ability, and most importantly, not mask deeper symptoms of possible damage. 

Extend the Life of Your Roof 

Algae feeds off the oil in your shingles and can literally eat them away over time. Moss damages shingles by causing them to curl. Curled shingles are easy targets for wind gusts, which get underneath the shingles and pull them off, exposing your roof to the elements. Regular cleaning and maintenance to remove these organisms is critical for your roof’s protection. 

Improve Your Roof’s Protective Ability

 Moss and algae growth inhibit your roof’s reflective abilities, making it less efficient and . Moss and algae also encourage water retention on your roof’s surface. If left unaddressed, water can seep under shingles and through your roof, which could cause mold, rot, or leaks.

Uncover Symptoms of Roof Damage

If your roof is showing certain signs, such as peeling shingles, low spots, or , it might need repair. Significant staining, algae or moss growth can mask these symptoms, so you don’t notice the damage until it becomes serious. Removing them will allow you to accurately assess your roof’s condition. On the other hand, if your roof looks like it’s in rough shape, a thorough cleaning may be just what it needs to look new again.

Due to safety risks, you shouldn’t attempt to clean roof shingles on your own. It’s best to leave it up to a professional, who has the expertise and equipment to complete the job safely. Contact your local roofing company to help you clean your roof shingles.

How to Clean Roof Shingles

When it’s time to clean your roof shingles, the roofer will use a chemical solution, likely bleach and water, to kill any algae, moss, or mold on your shingles. 

  • Step 1: Mixing bleach and water in a one-to-one solution, your roofer will use a sprayer to evenly distribute the chemical over your roof. 
  • Step 2: Then, they will let the solution sit for at least 15 minutes so it can seep into the moss or algae and start loosening its hold on your shingles. 
  • Step 3: Finally, they will carefully remove the moss or algae by spraying the roof down with a hose. If any stubborn pieces remain, they can be wiped by hand.

To clean roof shingles, the roofer will need to use a ladder to get onto your roof. The surface could become slippery, which is why the job should be left to professionals. 

Tips for Maintaining Clean Roof Shingles

Once you have clean roof shingles, you’ll want to keep them that way. Perform routine maintenance on your roof to remove any debris, algae, or moss growth to keep it from causing damage to your roof. Here are a few other tips to help you maintain clean roof shingles:

  • It’s a good idea to give your gutters a good cleaning when you clean roof shingles. Gutters help drain water away from your roof, and a drier roof is less likely to grow moss or algae. Also, gutter cleaning removes organisms living in your gutters which could find their way onto your roof.
  • You can prevent algae and moss growth by trimming tree branches that touch your roof or block the sun. These organisms grow well in low-light, moist environments, so keeping your roof dry and open to the sunlight can prevent them from taking hold.
  • Never attempt to use a power-washer to clean roof shingles. The forceful stream of water can damage shingles, or force water underneath them, which could damage your roof.

If you’ve noticed a lot of debris, moss, or mold on your asphalt roof, and aren’t sure what the right move is, talk to the experts at Werner Roofing. We’d be happy to assess what’s going on, and give you a free, no-obligation estimate of how we can help you solve the problem.

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.”