What Are Asphalt Shingles?

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

by | Jun 14, 2023 | Asphalt Roofing

There’s no denying it – your roof is one of the most essential aspects of your home. That’s why the material you choose for your roof is so important. 

Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly used roofing materials in the United States. Their popularity can be attributed to a number of factors, and their unique qualities make them an ideal material for residential roofing. From quality to affordability, you’ll unlikely find a better roofing option. So, if you’re searching for the best shingles for your home, asphalt shingles may be exactly what you need. 

What Are Asphalt Shingles Made With? 

Although you may think asphalt shingles are made of asphalt, that’s not entirely true. Instead, asphalt shingles are composed of a fiberglass or organic base covered with waterproof asphalt and sprinkled with ceramic granules. This unique composition avoids adding unnecessary weight to your roof without compromising the quality or effectiveness of the roofing materials. 

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Asphalt Shingles for Your Roof? 

Like most things, asphalt shingles have pros and cons, but in this case, many homeowners find that the pros of asphalt roofing far outweigh the cons. 

Advantages of Asphalt Roofing 

  • Affordability | Cost-effectiveness is a top benefit of an asphalt roof. Even with the installation expense, an asphalt roof won’t cost much. This is due to the ease with which shingles can be mass-produced and the materials’ low cost.
  • Durability | A standard asphalt roof can last 12 -20 years if installed appropriately. Your asphalt roof may survive even longer if you live in a milder environment and are diligent about upkeep.
  • Low maintenance | Because they are so resilient, asphalt roofs require relatively little upkeep. If there are strong winds or storms, repairing missing or damaged shingles is simple, and leaks are also a very easy fix.
  • Sound protection | The ability of an asphalt roof to absorb sound is a feature frequently overlooked. Unlike a metal roof that is likely to echo with rain, an asphalt roof will largely muffle any rain or wind that hits your house.
  • Aesthetic| Another advantage is the wide range of colors and textures available for an asphalt roof. Almost every color is an option when choosing shingles, and there are frequently a variety of textures to match any style of home.  

Disadvantages of Asphalt Roofing

  • Limited to certain roof types | Asphalt shingles should not be used on flat or low-sloped roofs as they are designed for steep-sloped roofs.
  • Reduced lifespan in extreme climates | Asphalt shingles last less time in hot, arid locations because of UV exposure and thermal expansion. In colder climates, they may also be more prone to curling. 

How Much Does It Cost to Install Asphalt Shingles? 

The two main factors determining the cost of a new roof are the price of materials and ease of installation. Fortunately, asphalt shingles are mass-produced and relatively easy to manufacture, reducing overall costs and making them more affordable for homeowners. 

Another reason that asphalt roofs are so inexpensive is that they are easy to install, meaning you can also avoid high installation costs. 

What Kind of Cleaning and Maintenance Do Asphalt Shingles Require? 

While asphalt shingles do not require regular cleaning or maintenance, there are a few things you can do to extend their lifespan: 

  • Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris to prevent water backups on the roof.
  • Replace missing or damaged shingles, if necessary
  • Trim overhanging branches and trees
  • Clear debris that may accumulate on the roof

Love the Look of Asphalt Shingles? Look to Werner Roofing for All Your Asphalt Shingle Needs

Whether you already have an asphalt roof or are interested in replacing your current roof with an asphalt one, Werner Roofing can help. Our team has served Western Michigan for many years and has the expertise to install a beautiful, long-lasting roof on your home. 

If you’re ready for a new roof, contact our team today to discuss our options and get a free quote! 

Metal vs. Asphalt Roofs: Which Is Right for Me?

Metal vs. Asphalt Roofs: Which Is Right for Me?

by | Mar 24, 2020 | Asphalt Roofing, Metal Roofing

If you’re considering replacing your roof, you might ask yourself, “What are the real differences between metal vs. asphalt roofs?” We’ve got the answers to your questions so you can decide which type of roof is best for your home. 

The Rundown: Metal vs. Asphalt Roofs

In the roofing industry, asphalt roofs are the most popular choice for several reasons – they’re cheaper, provide adequate protection, and come in various styles to match any home. Asphalt isn’t as durable as metal, though, and it requires slightly more maintenance and may need replacing after a certain period of time. 

On the other hand, metal roofs last much longer and provide exceptional protection against the elements. However, they don’t have the traditional shingled look many homeowners seek. Metal roofs are generally more expensive than asphalt but require less maintenance, which could save you money down the line. 

The Pros and Cons of Metal Roofs

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and drawbacks of installing a metal roof on your home.

Pros of Metal Roofs:

  • Built to last
  • Strong material that’s resistant to damage
  • Can last between 40 – 70 years
  • Require little maintenance
  • Lightweight
  • Energy-efficient 
  • Environmentally friendly (they’re made from recycled materials and can be recycled)

Con of Metal Roofs:

  • More expensive
  • Higher cost of installation
  • Distinct look that might not match every homeowner’s style
  • Can be noisy 

The Pros and Cons of Asphalt Roofs

Asphalt is a popular roofing option because of its low cost and aesthetic appeal, but what are some of the other deciding factors to consider?

Pros of Asphalt Roofs:

  • Affordable
  • Easier to install and repair
  • Attractive design
  • Highly-customizable 
  • Available in a variety of colors, shades, and styles

Cons of Asphalt Roofs:

  • Can last between 10 – 15 years
  • Attract heat
  • Prone to cracking
  • Requires maintenance
  • Not eco-friendly (made from petroleum and difficult to dispose of)

Metal vs. Asphalt Roofs: Which Is Better for My Home?

It’s up to you if you’d prefer to choose the popular asphalt or unique metal look. 

When weighing the difference between metal vs. asphalt roofs, you’ll want to consider cost, durability, and customization. Your roof has to work for you while also complementing your home’s style.

Asphalt roofs are probably the most common choice in your neighborhood because of their low cost. If you use asphalt shingles, your home will blend in with the rest of your street. If you install a metal roof, your home might stand out. You can also watch your neighbors replace their roofs while yours stands strong, as metal roofs are much more durable than asphalt. 

Trust Werner Roofing for All Your Roofing Needs

Whether you’ve decided on a metal or asphalt shingle roof, Werner Roofing is at your service for the installation. We proudly install GAF asphalt shingle roofs and Sheffield Metals standing seam roofs. No matter what’s calling your name, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us today to discuss roofing options for your home.

 

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
Hiring a Roofing Contractor Checklist

Hiring a Roofing Contractor Checklist

by | Mar 3, 2020 | Asphalt Roofing, Roof Maintenance

When hiring a roofing contractor, you’ve probably noticed that there’s a lot of competition to choose from. It’s important to select the right contractor from the masses who will do flawless work on your home for the best value. Your contractor should meet all the necessary requirements to perform the installation or repairs for your roof. To hire the perfect contractor, refer to this checklist.

Your roofing contractor should be:

  • Local
  • Licensed in your state
  • Certified to work with the materials for your project
  • Reviewed positively by customers
  • Insured with workman’s and general liability insurance
  • Able to guarantee their work
  • Willing to provide written estimates

Hiring a Roofing Contractor Checklist

Here’s a breakdown of the checklist for hiring a roofing contractor outlining why each item is important to you and your roofing job:

They’re local

Your roofing contractor should already work in your area. Not only should you support local businesses, but you also want a contractor that won’t have to travel far to the job site and can easily transport materials and tools over a short distance. This will lower the cost of the job and will make it more likely for your roof to be completed on time with no hassle.

Also, hiring a local contractor means you’ll know who to call for repairs or updates. The person who installed your roof will be most qualified to fix it, and you won’t want to bring on other contractors who aren’t familiar with the work done by a different company.

They’re licensed in your state

Each state has specific standards and requirements for roofs. A contractor who is properly licensed will be well-versed in these requirements. They will also bring particular knowledge of weather and climate concerns of your area. All of these will affect the choices they make in working conditions, materials and staffing. Not all states have the same licensing requirements for contractors, so double-check that they are qualified to work on your home. 

They’re certified for your project 

Has your roofing contractor done projects like yours before? Are they certified to work with the materials you want to use? Your contractor should have all the necessary certifications for your roofing job. A GAF factory qualified roofing installer, for example, is knowledgeable about GAF products and procedures, has the customer approval rating to back it up and is committed to ongoing professional training. 

They have a good reputation

Before hiring a roofing contractor, compare roofing companies in your area to see which rank best with local customers. Be sure to check all the references they provide and ask if clients are still happy with the work their contractor performed years later. Remember, if your contractor is already GAF certified, they have high customer satisfaction to have earned the title.

They are covered by insurance

Insurance is crucial. If the roofing company you want to hire doesn’t have insurance, there might be a reason. Insurance is an extra cost for roofing companies, but it provides their customers with peace of mind that they won’t have to foot the bill if something goes wrong on the job. There are two types of insurance your roofing contractor should have: Workman’s Compensation Insurance and General Liability Insurance.

  • Workman’s Compensation Insurance covers the crew installing your roof. If one of them gets injured and there is no insurance to cover it, you might be liable for their medical expenses.
  • General Liability Insurance covers any accidents on your property. If something were to happen to your home as a result of the company’s work — such as fire, flood or other damage — you will not have to go into debt to pay for it. 

Insurance is there to protect both parties from having to worry about tragic accidents. You can ask to view a company’s certificates of insurance to confirm that a plan exists, rather than take them at their word.

Their work is guaranteed

Any good roofing contractor will be willing to stand behind the quality of their work. Some will have this in writing as a warranty for the products they recommend. They should hold themselves accountable for any mistakes or repairs that are needed because of their work. You want to hire a roofing contractor who will hold themselves accountable so you aren’t the one to foot the bill if something is done incorrectly. 

They provide written estimates

A written estimate is a general costs agreement that provides a clear understanding between you and your roofer. It is used as a guide throughout the roofing installation process to assess and track costs of removing and disposal of the old roof, materials and labor for installing the new one. Written estimates function as a tacit agreement and help keep expectations in line. A contractor who provides this service is going to be upfront with their quote and manage your expectations.

 

If you follow this checklist for hiring a roofing contractor, you’ll find someone who is reputable, licensed and insured and qualified for your project. They will do their best work the first time, so you can have your roofing project completed to your specifications and at a great value.

If you’re looking for a qualified and insured roofing contractor who is factory certified, look no further than Werner Roofing. We’re a GAF factory-certified roofing installer, and we’re able to install GAF’s top-of-the-line unique Timberline roofing system. For more information, or to request a free quote, give us a call at (616) 833-5382 or contact us online.

Why Choose a GAF Certified Factory Roofing Installer?

Why Choose a GAF Certified Factory Roofing Installer?

by | Feb 25, 2020 | Asphalt Roofing

If you’ve heard of the GAF certification before, you might know that it’s a significantly rare distinction between highly skilled roofers and the rest of the contractor crowd. Maybe what you don’t know is why you should choose a GAF certified factory roofing installer over any other roofing company. The answer depends on you. 

 

Chances are, you’ve committed to the decision of installing a new roof on your home. You know that the right materials matter, as well as the tools, the time it takes to complete the job correctly, and the price required to be satisfied with your new roof. You likely want the best job done the first time and you don’t want to mess around with roof installers who have shady reputations or aren’t endorsed by reliable sources. 

 

If that is the case, you are in need of a GAF certified factory roofing installer, a company that can exceed your expectations for your new roof and offers the extra protection that comes with the prestigious certification.

What does GAF certified mean?

GAF is the biggest name in the roofing industry, the leading roofing manufacturer on this continent. Established in 1886, they are known for superior roofing and waterproofing work through their products and training. 

 

A contractor that is trained to install GAF products and has agreed to continue professional training throughout their career might be certified by the company to be able to carry out the installation of their products and keep up to date with the newest in GAF technology and practices.

The GAF Master Elite certification is the highest certification a roofer can hold in the country, and only 3 percent of roofing companies can claim this honor. In order to be eligible, a roofer must pass rigorous standards including a minimum of 7 years as a business with at least one in their program, good credit and banking records, good compensation of workers and a 99 percent or higher approval from customers based on surveys GAF conducts independently. 

If a company can pass the extreme screening process, they must still meet with a GAF manager to provide justification for why they should be granted the prestigious status. The manager will then conduct interviews and review previous jobs to verify the information. It’s no wonder most companies don’t qualify because it is extremely difficult to receive this certification.

Why do I need a certified factory roofing installer?

Unfortunately in Michigan, there are few professional requirements to be a roofer. While this offers customers more choices and competitive prices, it is up to the homeowner to do the research on the available contractors so they can trust they will receive quality work on their home. Only GAF Master Elite certified factory roofing installers can make this promise, which is known as the Golden Pledge Warranty.

What’s the difference between the Golden Pledge and any other warranty from an uncertified installer? The Golden Pledge offers more comprehensive coverage that protects you if anything goes wrong. This certified factory warranty means a GAF warranty provider will come out to double-check the work and surrounding systems worked on by the certified roofers, so if something goes wrong you have zero percent liability.

How do I find the right one?

GAF provides a find-a-contractor tool on their website where you can search for certified factory roofing installers in your area as well as browse resources, help guides and product lines. If you’re accepting bids for your roofing work, be sure to do your homework on the contractors to check if they are backed up with this certification. 

 

Odds are the lowest bids aren’t put forth by reputable contractors who can’t keep the golden promises that come with the GAF certification. Building a new roof is not a lighthearted project or expense so you want to make sure you won’t have to worry about being liable for any mistakes or, in the worst case, needing to have the entire project redone.

 

Once you find a GAF certified factory roofing installer, you can relax. Because it’s a GAF Master Elite certification, you’ll know the roofer is reliable, endorsed and has a great reputation and approval rating from customers. You won’t have to doubt that your roof will be installed by professionals who will do the job right the first time.

In addition to being a GAF certified factory roofing installer, Werner Roofing has received four consecutive GAF President’s Club Awards, one of the company’s most distinct awards. Give us a call at 616-844-5382 to set up your free home inspection today.

New Roof 101: What to Look for In New Shingles

New Roof 101: What to Look for In New Shingles

by | Feb 18, 2020 | Asphalt Roofing

When it comes to choosing new roofing shingles, the number of options is overwhelming. Fortunately, roofing material technology has advanced to the point where there are hundreds of types to choose from, all of which can offer you decent quality and coverage for a reasonable price point. They all make various promises to do their job, but how can you know which one is right for you?

Let’s break down the different types of shingles available today and help you understand what to look for when you pick out which shingles will best serve you and your home.

Different shingle types suit different needs of your home, and probably your budget, too. Before choosing a shingle type, consider what your new roof needs. This will vary depending on the climate where you live and the type of weather conditions your roof has to withstand, as well as the look you want to achieve for your home. It’s important to choose shingles that will protect your home from the elements, without sacrificing style and curb appeal. 

Types of Roofing Shingles

The main difference between shingle types is the material from which they’re made. That will determine how your roof looks, how it stands up to the weather, how much it costs, how easy it is to install, and how long it lasts before it needs replacing. The main types of roofing shingles are:

  • Asphalt shingles: best in tough climates, either organic or fiberglass 
  • Wood shingles or shakes: classic look, but requires constant maintenance
  • Metal shingles or panels: extremely durable with a particular look 
  • Clay, cement or fiber cement tiles: very lightweight, best in warm climates 
  • Plastic or composite: can be made to look like wood shingles, but longer-lasting 
  • Natural slate: longest lasting and luxurious but extremely expensive

What to Look For in Shingles for your New Roof:

    Each shingle type has particular qualities that make them better for certain roof types than others. Depending on the particularities of your specific roof and the area in which you live, certain qualities are more important for you. If you live in the northern part of the country that receives more rain and snow, you wouldn’t select a shingle that can’t handle moisture and humidity. Similarly, if you live in a warm climate that receives a lot of sunlight, you wouldn’t want a roof that absorbs and traps heat during the warm months. 

    All shingles will vary, but here are some of the most important qualities to consider when looking for new shingles: 

    Durability

    No matter where you live, you want to find shingles for your new roof that are going to last a long time. Pick out shingles that best suit the climate where you live. Ice and snow, high winds and rain, or extreme conditions like wildfires or hurricanes will all produce wear or damage to your roof, so you need to provide it with the best defense possible. 

    For example, in the Midwest, asphalt shingles are most popular because they protect homes from the icy and cold winters as well as the hot and humid summers. This type of shingle uses a grit or stone that is held in place by an asphalt covering. There are two types of asphalt shingles that differ by the material used as backing to hold the shingle together, which can influence its weight, durability and protective capability:

    • Organic: contain more asphalt, are used more often in cold climates because they can withstand cooler temperatures. Organic asphalt shingles are a heavier option that can tolerate higher winds but will put more stress on a roof if it is not structurally sound.

    • Fiberglass: lighter weight and less expensive, but also less durable. They also struggle with colder temperatures and are better suited for warm weather. Fiberglass asphalt shingles have a higher fire rating than organic asphalt shingles.

    Color and appearance

    Another important consideration when choosing new roofing shingles is their appearance. The color, texture and thickness of the shingles affects how it will look on your home. Generally, the more you spend, the more material you’re working with that will add depth and shadowing, increasing the visual appeal of your roof. 

    Wood shakes are classic and traditional, but more expensive than asphalt shingles. While they may be visually appealing, they don’t handle moisture well and may require more repairs. Natural slate is the most durable and extravagant type of shingle, but also the most expensive. It might not have the right look for your home or a positive impact on your budget. 

    Look at homes similar to yours in your area or on the web. Compare looks that you love and see how they hold up over time. You want to choose a style that will add to your home’s value. If one day you decide to sell, you’ll be glad you chose a style that is pleasing to potential buyers.

    Ease of installation

    Depending on the type of shingles you choose, you may need special help to install them. Not all contractors are created equal. Find a reputable roofer that is certified in the material you choose and can guarantee its flawless installation. GAF, a reputable roofing manufacturer, has its own standards and certification programs for classifying roofing contractors. They give out Master Elite certifications to those who demonstrate the skill and attention required to install their products perfectly. To find a GAF certified roofing installer near you, visit their website. 

    If you choose a specific roofing material that not many contractors can handle, chances are you will have to pay more to find a highly specific installation specialist. The advantage of choosing products like asphalt or metal roofing is that it won’t be hard to find extremely qualified help to install them, and you can enjoy your new roof sooner, with more assurances. 

    Price 

    Finally, and possibly most importantly, you will need to weigh the price of new roofing shingles. The price will vary greatly depending on the type shingle and the size of your roof. To help you understand the cost difference per shingle type, we found the average price per 100 square feet of material:

    • Asphalt shingles: $350-$750
    • Wood shingles and shakes: $750-$1,250
    • Metal roofing: $750-$1,500
    • Clay or cement tiles: $800-$1,800
    • Plastic/composite shingles: $800-$1,250
    • Natural slate: $1,200-$2,000

    Ultimately, you want the best value for your new roofing shingles, so you can have a roof that’s going to last you a long time and look great, without being too costly. Fortunately, roofing technology is improving the quality, durability and price of shingles as we test out new products and practices. 

    If you’re ready for a new roof, but are still unsure which shingles are right for you, talk to the experts at Werner Roofing. We can provide a free roof inspection and would be happy to show you the options that would best compliment your home.