5 Tips for Financing Roof Repair and Replacement

5 Tips for Financing Roof Repair and Replacement

by | Aug 4, 2021 | Roof Repair, Roof Replacement

Roof repairs and replacements are a big financial investment for many homeowners. While giving your roof the care it needs will definitely save you more problems and money down the road, it can be difficult finding a way to pay for the initial work it needs.

Luckily, there are many financing options available that can cater to your needs and make the payment process less stressful. Here are a few tips on roof financing from the experts at Werner Roofing. 

1. Refinance Your Mortgage

A mortgage refinance is when you replace your existing home loan with a new one. By doing this, you could obtain a lower interest rate and/or shorten your mortgage term, which can help tremendously when making a large purchase — like a new deck.

A word of caution: refinancing your mortgage is only useful when it’s done correctly and at the right time. Refinancing itself costs money, and it requires an appraisal, title search, and application fee that cost money as well. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that the interest rates are low enough to make it a smart financial decision in the end. 

2. Check Your Homeowners Insurance Policy

If your roof was damaged by a storm or fire, you should check with your homeowners insurance provider. If you’re eligible, they’ll likely cover a large portion of your cost, if not all of it. You may even be able to directly connect your insurance provider with your roofing company for the easiest payment process possible. 

The only negative of the homeowners insurance option is that insurance will only cover the cost if it was damaged by something other than just normal wear and tear over time. 

3. Take Out a Personal Roofing Loan or Home Equity Loan

Traditional banks and credit unions offer personal roofing loans that you could use for a roof repair or replacement. They’ll offer you a fixed sum of money upfront, then attach an interest rate to it based on your credit score and history. However, personal loans usually have higher interest rates and shorter payback periods (2-5 years) than other options. 

A home equity loan is when you borrow from the available equity built up in your home thus far. These loans have a long payback period (up to 20 years), and you can usually borrow up to 85% of your home’s equity, which makes them a great option for roof financing. However, home equity loans come with strict consequences for late payments, so it’s important to borrow as little as possible and pay everything on time.

4. Get a Line of Credit

If you have a strong credit score and history, you may qualify for a 0% interest credit card. With that credit card, you could pay for your roof repair or replacement without worrying about interest piling up. 

These credit cards usually have a limited interest-free period (1-2 years), so your payback period is pretty short. However, it’s a great option to avoid the extra interest cost that many financing options have. 

5. Work with Your Roofer’s Financing Partner

Your roofing company may already have a financing partner that can make the payment plans easier for you. At Werner Roofing, we’ve partnered with Hearth Financing to help our customers streamline the roof financing process. 

Hearth’s services are completely personalized to your situation and needs. They work with 13 lenders to find competitive loans and credit cards, and they make every effort to simplify financing terms and processes for you. They even offer a useful monthly payment estimator tool, so you can get an idea of what you’ll be paying. 

Werner Roofing is proud to offer financing options for our customers. Together with our partners at Hearth Financing, we can help you find the option that works with your budget and roof needs. For more information, give us a call, 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
How to Repair Hail Roof Damage

How to Repair Hail Roof Damage

by | May 17, 2021 | Roof Repair

Storms are not exactly a roof’s best friend, especially if Mother Nature’s fury includes hail! After all, we’re talking about chunks of jagged, frozen ice that can be as big as grapefruits, for Pete’s sake! Though the bigger the hailstone the more likely it will cause damage, the truth is hail of any size can result in costly roof problems. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot hail roof damage, and even more importantly, what you can do about it.

Determining if You Have Hail Roof Damage

Along with the size of the hailstones and the direction and speed of the wind, the age, materials, slope, and condition of your roof can all play a part in the amount of hail roof damage you experience. However, no matter the weather and roof conditions involved, it’s always a good idea to check for signs of damage post-storm. Here’s how:

Look Around at Ground Level

You don’t necessarily need to break out the ladder right away to determine if you have roof damage after a hail storm. Sometimes, a simple walk around your house can reveal enough information for you to know that hail roof damage has likely occurred. 

 

Check your siding, gutters, downspouts, deck, and fence for dents or small holes. These are tell-tale signs that your roof has probably endured similar issues. There may also be bits of roofing material that have littered your landscaping. Not a good look, nor a good sign!

 

Take a Look Up Top

After the storm is over and things dry out, you can get on your roof for a closer look. Typically hail damage is random and in no particular pattern, so it’s important to look over all areas of your roof for these signs:

 

  • Loss of granules around impact spots
  • Dark hit marks
  • Soft or bruised patches
  • Cracks or tears 
  • Dents or holes

 

There is a catch, however. Hail roof damage is not always obvious and what may seem like only a bit of surface damage can go a lot deeper than you think, causing more headaches and bills later down the road. 

 

Should hail roof damage be ignored? Hail no!

 

Even just some granule loss weakens the integrity of your shingles, which can lead to leaks and a reduced lifespan of your roof. In other words, even minor hail damage can result in major issues, so if you think there’s a chance you have damage following a storm, even if you can’t spot the signs with the naked eye, it’s best to get it checked out by professionals right away.

Repairing Hail Roof Damage

 

Hail roof damage repair can mean anything from replacing a few shingles to replacing your entire roof! It all depends on the amount of destruction Mother Nature has left behind. 

 

If it’s just a handful of shingles that need replacing and you’re known as being kind of handy, you might be able to make the repairs on your own. On the other hand, if handy is not exactly an adjective most would use to describe you, well then, by all means, call in the pros. 

 

Whether your roof has asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or is made of metal (yes, metal roofs can incur hail damage, too), you can count on Werner Roofing to help! If your roof recently suffered damage from hail or a storm, we’ll be happy to come out, assess, and address hail roof damage before it compromises your roof or your home. Just contact our expert team online or call us at 616-844-5382 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
Understanding Roofing Layers

Understanding Roofing Layers

by | May 13, 2021 | Roof Repair

In Michigan, we know all about layering up to protect ourselves from the ever-changing weather, right? Well, just like wearing long underwear beneath a shirt that’s beneath a jacket, your roof has layers to protect your house from the elements, too! That’s right, you don’t just slap on some shingles and call it good. There are, in fact, multiple layers of protection involved in roofing that work together to keep you warm, safe, and dry. Here’s all you need to know:

Roofing Layer #1: Insulation

Between your attic and your roof lies a layer of insulation that serves to keep the outside air out and the comfortable air in. Proper insulation is vital to energy efficiency — kind of like long underwear! 

Roofing Layer #2: Ventilation

Proper ventilation is key for warm, moist air to escape your attic so it doesn’t mess with airflow or invite mold inside your home. You need this layer for good air circulation and to regulate temperatures and moisture levels, which will in turn keep both energy bills and mildew from growing.

Roofing Layer #3: Framing

This is the foundation of your roof and is designed to distribute the weight of your roof evenly. It’s made up of triangular trusses which give your roof its shape and all the support it needs.  

Roofing Layer #4: Roof Deck

Also known as sheathing, the roof deck is typically made of plywood and is installed over your framing to connect the trusses and joints as well as provide a base and solid surface for the rest of the layers that come next. 

Roofing Layer #5: Water Shield

This layer adheres to the roof deck to protect it from water damage caused by driving rain or melting ice and snow. It’s like a rain jacket for your roof! 

Roofing Layer #6: Underlayment

The underlayment is an extra layer of water resistance between the deck and the shingles. It helps prevent water from getting under shingles and protects the deck even further from possible damage. It’s like wearing a raincoat and using an umbrella.

Roofing Layer #7: Starter Strip

A starting layer of shingles lines the edge of the roof, sealing all of the edges to reinforce your roof against strong winds and storms.

Roofing Layer #8: Shingles

Finally, you’re ready for the shingles! This final layer of your roof is more than just a pretty face for curb appeal. Shingles provide protection from fire, sun, water, and all sorts of weather conditions. It’s like a fancy coat that looks great but also keeps you comfy and warm!  

Roofing Layer #9: Flashing

Well, it’s sort of a layer. Flashing doesn’t cover your whole roof but offers an added layer of thin metal just in certain spots that could use a little extra protection. It acts as a watertight seal around chimneys, vents, skylights, valleys, eaves, and intersections of the roof.

 And there you have it. Who knew there were so many layers to a roof? Well, actually we did since we have more than 30 years of experience under our roofing belts! That’s important, too, since it’s crucial for each layer of a roof to be installed properly to give you the best, longest-lasting protection. 

 When every layer counts, you want to count on a reputable roofing company, and guess what? You can count on Werner Roofing! Reach out to our expert team today for a free inspection or estimate. 

 

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 to Replace Roof Shingles That are Loose or Missing

How to Replace Roof Shingles That are Loose or Missing

by | Mar 10, 2021 | Roof Repair, Uncategorized

We get our fair share of storms and windy weather around here, and that can certainly take its toll on your house. Walk outside after such an event, and you’ll typically notice tons of fallen branches strewn across your lawn, but here’s a tip: don’t just look down at the ground, look up at your roof! 

Wind and harsh weather can do a number on your shingles, causing them to come loose or even go missing completely. So, what do you do? Well, unless you want more damage to occur, you’re going to have to replace roof shingles that end up casualties of a storm. Don’t worry, though. Just take these steps to ensure your roof is ready for the next big gust of wind.

Step 1: Assess Damaged Roof Shingles

The first thing you should do is decide if this is DIY territory or if you should call in the pros. If there is quite a bit of damage, you don’t have the tools or materials to do a good job, or you just plain don’t like the idea of climbing on your roof, ask professional roofers for help — hey, it’s what we do! 

Besides, it’s often unsafe to repair shingles on your own. Professionals can repair loose or missing shingles quickly and properly, likely saving you money and further hassles in the long run. 

On the other hand, if you do consider yourself handy or we’re talking just one or two shingles that you’re confident you can fix yourself, go ahead and move on to step two. 

Step 2: Gather Materials to Replace Roof Shingles 

Here’s what you need to replace loose or missing shingles safely (you know, besides a ladder, sturdy shoes, and safety gear): 

  • Hammer
  • Pry Bar
  • Roofing Nails
  • Shingle Sealant
  • Replacement Shingles —  did the builder or the previous homeowner leave any leftover shingles behind? If not, head to a home center to find the same type of shingles that match up in color and size. You can grab the other materials you need as well if you don’t have them already handy at home.

Step 3: Repair Roof Shingles – Remove, Replace, Rejoice!

Pick a day that the weather is just right. If it’s too cold, the shingles can crack or break; too hot and the sealant bond between the shingles will be difficult to get apart. Once you’re on your roof safely, clear any debris from the storm. Now you’re ready to replace the roof shingles that are loose or missing.

How to Remove a Loose Shingle

  • Slide your pry bar under the shingle directly above the damaged one and gently lift up until it is free from the sealant. This will expose the first row of nails.
  • Slip the pry bar under the damaged shingle and lift upward. The nails still intact should start to pop up a bit.
  • Remove the pry bar and press down on the shingle so you can pull out the popped-up nails completely.
  • Repeat the procedure on the shingle above to remove whatever is still remaining of the second set of nails. 
  • Pull out the damaged shingle. 

How to Replace a Loose or Missing Shingle

  • Slide the new shingle into place.
  • Lift each of the new shingle’s tabs and apply sealant under each, then press down flat. 
  • Nail into place according to how it was nailed before. 
  • Seal and renail the overlying shingle above it.

Time to Rejoice

You did it! You have officially readied your roof for whatever Mother Nature has in store next. Pat yourself on the back (once you’re on the ground) and give your neighbor a “Yeah, that’s right, I fixed my own roof” kind of nod, then go ahead and celebrate however you like before the wind kicks up again.

Werner Roofing to the Rescue!

If you notice roof damage, it’s best to take care of it quickly before it gets worse, or more expensive to fix!  If you’re not the DIY type or simply feel better knowing professionals are addressing the problems with your roof, contact Werner Roofing today. Our expert roofers are here to help inspect and resolve roofing damage before it causes problems for your home. Just give us a call at 616-844-5382 and we’ll be happy to come out and 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
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
What is Roof Alligatoring, and What Does It Mean for your Flat Roof?

What is Roof Alligatoring, and What Does It Mean for your Flat Roof?

by | Jan 20, 2020 | Roof Maintenance, Roof Repair

Commercial roofs require much different repair and maintenance routines than residential roofs. For starters, most commercial roofs are flat. This means they react much differently to sun and precipitation and often require more frequent maintenance to ensure they function as they should. One common problem with many flat commercial roofs is roof alligatoring. 

What is Roof Alligatoring? 

Roof alligatoring is a phenomenon that occurs as a flat roof ages. In general, it’s caused by the sun. The bright UV rays eventually dry out the membrane or coating that tops your flat roof, causing it to crack. The older your roof gets, and the longer you leave alligatoring to its own devices, the worse it will get. Extreme temperature changes, from sunlight, snow, and even internal heating and cooling will cause new cracks to appear and will make existing cracks worse. 

Can You Fix It?

In general, roof alligatoring is a sign that your roof is aging. That said, it is possible to prevent alligatoring, and to repair small patches before they get so bad that you have to replace your flat roof prematurely. Here’s what you need to know to prevent or repair alligatoring, plus a few tips on how to tell that alligatoring has gone too far. 

Prevention

It is possible to prevent roof alligatoring by scheduling regular inspections and keeping up on maintenance. Flat roofs require a bit more upkeep than sloped, residential roofs, and it’s important to keep up on that maintenance if you want to extend the life of your roof. Regular inspections will help ensure you’re able to tackle any small alligatoring problems before they become larger, and your roofing professional can apply a UV protectant or reflective roof coating on a consistent schedule to prevent alligatoring and other damage from happening. 

Repair

If you’ve noticed small splits and cracks in your roof, it’s best to remove and patch the problem area. Some small hairline cracks can be filled by applying an appropriately rated energy sealing polyurethane, but in general, it’s best to just get rid of those troublesome sections as they appear. 

 

Signs that Roof Alligatoring Has Gone Too Far

At some point, roof alligatoring can become a cause for replacement. If not taken care of quickly, cracks can continue to split down through the roofing material where they will eventually cause water damage. At this point, it’s better to simply replace the roof, rather than do a number of costly and extensive repairs. Here are a few signs that alligatoring has advanced to the point that you should replace your commercial roof:

 

  • Water is seeping into your building. If you’re noticing any kind of water damage due to the cracks in your roof, it’s time for a replacement. 
  • Alligatoring has spread across the roof. Roof alligatoring usually starts in one spot, and then gradually expands as cracks widen and extend. If you’re noticing that alligator pattern across your entire flat roof, it’s time for a replacement. 
  • Your roofer recommends a replacement. If your roofer is out for a routine inspection and recommends it might be time to replace your roof, don’t wait. The longer it takes you to get that roof replaced, the harder (and more expensive) the job will be. 

 

 

Roof alligatoring is a difficult and common problem with flat commercial roofs, but there are ways to prevent it from shortening the life of your roof. If your flat roof is showing signs of alligatoring, Werner Roofing would love to help. We install and repair commercial and residential roofs throughout West Michigan, and would be happy to take a look at your flat roof problems. Give our office a call at 616-844-5382 or contact us online for a free estimate for roof alligatoring repair.