by Werner-Admin | Dec 10, 2019 | Roof Maintenance, Roof Repair, Roof Replacement
There are a number of reasons shingles start to curl. Whether they’re just getting older, or you’re having trouble with attic ventilation, it’s not uncommon for some shingles to start to curl. But what do you do about them? Is it possible to repair some of those shingles, or do you really need to get them all replaced? Here’s what you need to know about addressing curled shingles:
Can I Repair Curled Shingles?
Let’s start with what seems like the easiest approach — a simple repair.
Yes, you can repair some instances of curled shingles, especially if you only have a few shingles that are showing problems.
It’s important to remember, though, that curled shingles are usually a sign of a greater problem. It could be that your roof is reaching the end of its life. It could also be that your roof isn’t properly ventilated, or even that your shingles weren’t properly installed in the first place.
So, even if you do choose to repair curled shingles, know that it’s just a temporary fix. In the long term, you’ll want a professional to come out and inspect your roof, and let you know what the problem is, and if it’s time to have a new roof installed.
How Do You Repair Curled Shingles?
If you’re only looking at a few curled shingles, you can make a few temporary repairs. There are two main ways to repair curled shingles, but they’ll only work if the curled shingles are still intact, and haven’t cracked or disintegrated. If your curled shingles are in decent shape, they’ve just curled up or down, you or your roofer should be able to make temporary repairs fairly easily. The process goes something like this:
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- Gather supplies. You or your roofer will need a ladder to get on the roof, a hammer, roofing nails, and roofing mastic or sealant.
- Gently lift the curled shingle. You need to lift the shingle gently, so you or your roofer can apply a layer of the roofing mastic under the shingle. If you’re making the repair yourself, be careful not to apply roofing mastic to exposed portions of roofing.
- Tack down the shingle. If necessary, gently tack a roofing nail on each of the curled corners of the shingle.
- Apply brick or rock. If you’re not using roofing nails, just use a brick or a heavy rock to weigh down the curled shingle for about 24 hours. Once the roofing cement has solidified, you can remove the brick.
This repair procedure is great if you’ve only noticed a few curling shingles. Making repairs as soon as you notice these problem shingles is the way to go, as you can avoid any larger problems, like leaks or water damage. If you notice a large patch of shingles curling, it might be time for a replacement.
Replacing Curled Shingles
If a significant number of your shingles are curling, or if they’re curling so badly that your roofer won’t be able to flatten them back out, they’ll need to be replaced. In some situations, it is possible to replace just a few shingles but remember: if a lot of your shingles are curling, there’s likely a larger issue at play.
In this situation, it’s in your best interest to talk to your local roofer. At the very least, they can inspect the roof safely, and let you know what’s going wrong. In most cases where a significant number of your shingles have curled, it’s likely time for a new roof. If only a small section of your roof is experiencing problems, your roofer may be able to do a repair rather than a full replacement, but it’s still important to get an expert opinion before moving forward.
Do you have curling shingles? Werner Roofing can help! Give us a call at 616-844-5382 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation quote for curled shingle repair or replacement,
by Werner-Admin | Sep 3, 2019 | Roof Repair, Roof Replacement
There are many factors that go into the cost of roof installation or roof repair. If you’re new to homeownership, or if this is your first time hiring someone to take a look at your roof, you might be wondering about some of the key aspects of your roof that can affect the cost of your job. One key consideration that your roofer will have to factor into your roof repair or installation is the slope of your roof. Here’s what you need to know:
What is Roof Slope, and How Do We Talk About It?
A roof’s slope, or pitch, refers to how steep it is. Roofers calculate roof slope by looking at how much height a roof gains in a set horizontal measurement. This is represented by a fraction. Most often you’ll see numbers like 3/12 or 6/12.
The first number represents how many inches the roof rises vertically. The second number refers to the span of the roof or the horizontal distance it takes for the roof to rise. Take a look at this diagram for a visual example:
Photo cred: Photo Courtesy of InchCalculator.com
Most often, roof slope is measured with the second number as 12, because that represents one foot. So, a roof with a 6/12 slope would rise 6 inches for every horizontal foot from the gutters to the roof’s peak.
Why Are There So Many Roof Slopes?
Nearly every home has a different roof slope. For some, it’s an architectural style, but the slope of a roof does actually serve a function. The steeper your roof, the easier it will be for precipitation like rain and snow to slide off. That’s why you’ll often see homes with steeper roofs in areas like the Midwest and Northeast where it snows a lot, and flatter roofs in the Southwest, where they don’t deal with much precipitation.
Examples of Home Styles with High and Low Roof Slope
Since there are so many different types of roof slopes, it might be helpful to picture the difference between a low and high roof slope. For example:
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- A High Roof Slope is commonly seen in classic New England home styles, like Colonials and Victorians. They have tall, steep roofs that make them seem dramatic. This isn’t by coincidence, either. Most homes in New England face a great deal of snow in the winter, so their steep roof slopes look good with their home-style, but they also serve the purpose of shedding all of that snow.
- A Low Roof Slope is common in home styles that became popular in the 50s and 60s because a low sloped roof is much easier to build. Craftsman homes and traditional ranches feature lower roof slopes.
Why Do Steep-Sloped Roofs Cost More?
If you’re looking into building a new home, or if it’s time for a new roof on your existing house, and you’re wondering how much the project will cost you, it’s good to know that homes with very steep roof slopes will cost a bit more. For reference, most residential homes feature roofs with a slope of 3/12 to 8/12. Anything taller than that is considered steep and could cost a bit more for you to repair or reroof. Here’s why:
It’s Not Walkable
Roofs with a steep slope aren’t walkable. That means your roofer’s crew can’t easily stand on the roof and walk around to install new shingles without fear of falling off. Roofs that aren’t walkable require that roofers take additional care when moving about, which adds time onto your project. Since roofers bill by labor hour, this can add a bit to the cost of your roof repair.
Additional Safety Equipment
Roofers working on steep roofs require additional safety equipment, again because they can’t easily walk on your roof. Depending on how steep your roof is, roofing crews might need scaffolding or rigging to make sure all workers are safe while they’re completing your roof repair. This equipment takes time to set up, and money to rent or purchase, so your roofing quote will reflect that.
Different Installation Techniques
Steeper roofs require different installation techniques. Roofs that are fairly flat can be installed easily, with a minimal amount of nails in each shingle. Roofs that are steeper require a bit of extra work to ensure your shingles stay on in the face of that steep roof slope. Often, roofers have to use more nails per shingle, work with a different material, or install a unique roofing underlayment to comply with your area’s building codes and to make sure that your roof is doing its job. Since these techniques are outside of the normal scope of a roofing job, you may have to pay a bit more to have your roof or roof repair completed.
Competition
Roofs with a steep slope take more work and a more experienced crew. Not all roofers have the crew and the tools necessary to complete work on a very steeply sloped roof. That means there’s less competition for the roofers who can complete that work, and they’re able to set their prices a bit more freely. If you have a roof with a steep slope, it’s always good to get bids from multiple roofers and make sure that the roofer you’re talking to has experience roofing homes with a steep roof slope. Don’t just take the lowest bid — make sure you’ve done your homework, and find a roofer you can trust to do the job right.
In the end, repairing or installing a roof with a steep slope could cost a bit more money, and take a little extra time. That said, you should be able to find a roofer who can work with you to find the best solution for your home, your roof, and your budget. Whether you’re building a new home and need a roof, or you’re worried about the slope of your roof affecting upcoming repairs, give the experts at Werner Roofing a call. We’re happy to help, regardless of the slope of your roof, and we always offer a free inspection before we start any work.
by Werner-Admin | Aug 21, 2019 | Roof Repair
Many homeowners love the look of skylights — they let in plenty of natural light, even during the darker months, and they go a long way to bring nature into your home. That said, homeowners are also wary of skylights, because of the reputation they have for developing costly roofing leaks.
Here at Werner Roofing, we install quite a few skylights a year, and we’re happy to say that when installed and maintained properly, a skylight can last you just as long as the roof itself. But, if you’ve recently moved into an older home, or if your roof and skylights are getting a little bit older, you still might experience a leak or two. If you do, here’s how to take action to keep your roof, your home, and your family safe:
First, Rule Out Condensation
If you suspect your skylight is leaking, first take a good look at the leak, and observe exactly when you’re noticing the leak happen. Is it just when it’s raining or snowing, or do you notice it happening a lot in the winter, too?
Sometimes, a skylight that’s been poorly insulated will collect condensation due to the differing temperatures between your house and the cold or humid outdoors. If condensation is the problem, and not a true leak, you probably don’t need to call a roofer. Instead, you’ll need to install more insulation around the skylight on the interior, ceiling side.
Inspect the Source of the Leak
Once you’ve ruled out condensation, it’s time to figure out where the leak is really coming from. In general, there are two major culprits:
There’s a leak between the glass and the skylight frame
If water seems to be seeping through between the glass of the skylight and the skylight window frame, then your roof probably isn’t the problem. This is more likely due to the age of the skylight itself. As skylights age, sometimes their weather seals dry out and crack, and over time general wear and tear can cause them to pull away from the glass.
If this seems like the type of leak you have, you might try caulking around the glass with clear, silicone caulk. It’s good to know that you should try and wait for a very dry day when there’s no water in the window. When water becomes trapped in between the panes of glass and the weather seal, your skylight could look permanently foggy because of the moisture that’s stuck in there.
If water does become trapped in the skylight following your caulking attempt, the only way to fix the fog is to replace the skylight.
There’s a leak between the skylight frame and the roof
If you’re noticing water seems to be leaking from your skylight, but the ceiling around it is a little damp too, then you’re probably looking at a leak that is the fault of the roof. Most of the time, these leaks happen when the flashing on the skylight and the roof around the skylight wear out, but they can also happen if the skylight was improperly installed.
In this case, your best bet is to call a roofer. Leaks like this are more serious because if they’re left unchecked they can grow to affect other parts of your roof.
That said, a skylight leak on the roof side is a fairly easy fix, especially if the flashing is to blame. When you call a reputable local roofer that you trust, they’ll come out to make an inspection, and let you know for certain what’s happening. If the flashing is to blame, they’ll tear off the existing flashing, and install new around the skylight.
If the skylight itself was poorly installed, the repair might take a little bit more work, but your roofer should be able to make the necessary adjustments to stop the leak.
In the end, nearly all skylight leaks are fixable, and most of them aren’t a big problem unless you wait far too long to address them. If you notice a skylight leaking, it’s always better to take action right away, rather than wait for the leak to get worse.
Do you have a leaking skylight? If you’re noticing a drip that you’re not sure how to fix, Werner Roofing is happy to help. Give us a call at 616-844-5382 or contact us online for your free estimate today.
by Ben Johnson | May 15, 2018 | Roof Maintenance, Roof Repair
The last thing you want during a rainstorm is water dripping from your ceiling. Your roof is the part of your home responsible for keeping you and your family dry, and when it fails, it can be tough to know what to do. Sure, you can put a bucket or pot under the drip, but that’s just a short-term fix. If you’re looking for the best, most effective way to stop a roof leak in its tracks, or at least until a roofing professional can get to it, here’s what you need to do:
Find the source
If you’ve noticed water stains or drips coming through your ceiling, the first thing you need to do is figure out where the water is coming from. There’s a possibility your roof may not be to blame. Head upstairs and uphill from where you’ve spotted the damage or the leak, to find where the water is coming from. As you make your way up to the attic, check to make sure that none of your plumbing or appliances, like the toilet or washing machine is the culprit.
Take a flashlight
If you’ve noticed water coming through your ceiling, it’ll probably be easy to find the source of the leak because of puddling water, but if you’ve caught the problem in time, it may be a bit more difficult. Take a flashlight with you to shine on the ceiling of the attic to identify any holes in the roof. The flashlight should also help you find any dark spots that indicate water has seeped into the plywood subflooring.
Control damage
Once you know where the water is coming from, you can control it to an extent. Put buckets out on the floor wherever water is dripping, and do your best to dry the areas that have already gotten wet. Consider your job as triage right now. Do what you can to clean up the worst of the mess, and keep your home as dry as possible while you get to stopping the water temporarily.
Stop Flow of Water Temporarily
Since you’re experiencing a leak, there’s probably something wrong with your roof. Whether you’ve got a hole, a crack in the flashing, or missing shingles, it’s likely that you’re going to need some professional help one way or another. You can’t just let your home continue to damage while you’re waiting for your roofer, though, so it’s a good idea to see what you can do to stop the flow of water until an expert can fix the issue permanently.
Roofing cement or tape
The easiest solution is to apply roofing cement or roofing tape to the inside of your roof to plug the leak. This certainly isn’t a long-term solution, but it should save your home and roof until someone can get together the right tools and materials to stop the roof leak.
Tarping
Another good way to stop the water from coming in is to place a tarp on top of the space where water is coming in. If you’re feeling agile, you’ll want to take your tarp up on the roof with you, and place it over the leak, so the water is blocked from entering. This is typically a more effective temporary solution than roofing cement or roofing tape, because it stops the water from getting in at all, but it is definitely more dangerous. Only put a tarp up if you have worked on the roof before, and are comfortable securing the tarp.
Call your roofing expert
While you probably could go out to the hardware store and purchase a few shingles to patch up the area, it’s a better idea to call your local roofing expert. Water damage can be tricky, and if the water had been trickling in for a while, you may have more extensive damage to the sub-roofing, which will mean a bigger, more complicated job that’s better suited for a professional.
Additionally, there’s no guarantee that the shingles are to blame. It could be the flashing, a roofing nail that didn’t quite hit its mark, or any number of things that a roofing professional will be able to identify and repair quickly. At the very least, you should have a roofer come out to inspect the damage, to make sure it’s not a larger problem than it seems.
Watch for Roof Damage in the Future
Once you get your current roof damage taken care of, don’t let yourself forget about the potential for problems in the future. Roof damage is much easier, and less expensive, to fix when it’s caught early. That’s why it’s important to be vigilant and watch for signs of potential roof damage. The quicker you diagnose a problem, the easier it will be to fix.
If you’ve got a leak in your roof that needs looking at, give Werner Roofing a call! We’re a trusted local roofer with years of experience. We’ll come out, give your roof and leak a look, and provide you with an estimate before we start any work. Request a free quote, or contact our office at 616-844-5382 to set up your inspection today!
by Werner-Admin | Nov 28, 2017 | Roof Repair
Winter is a beautiful season, with its glistening snowflakes and cozy fireside evenings. However, for homeowners, it can also bring a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to roof maintenance and repairs. Roof repair in winter has its own set of pros and cons, and the question often arises: Can you replace a roof in winter?
While it’s best to get roof repairs done in the summer, know that it’s possible to have your roof checked and repaired this winter. Like any repair, there are advantages and disadvantages to tackling roofing issues during the colder months, so flexibility is key.
The 4 Best Benefits of Winter Roof Repair
1. Lower Cost
Most roofers do the majority of their work in the warmer seasons. Summer is their busiest time because the weather is warm and predictable. Many homeowners schedule their roof repairs during this time because they have free time, and the weather is most likely to cooperate.
When winter comes around, roofers typically have much fewer jobs. In many cases, roofers will offer off-season prices to clients looking to book winter repairs so they can keep their schedule full during the colder months. So, one great reason to book winter roof repairs is to take advantage of those lower roof repair prices and the open availability of your local roofer.
2. Preventing Further Damage
Winter conditions can be tough on your roof. Heavy snowfall, ice dams, and freezing rain can cause significant damage. So, it’s best to take care of those issues sooner rather than later. By scheduling your roof repair for the winter, you can ensure that your home is 100% prepared for the coming winter storms. Plus, you’ll have a professional to identify and take care of any issues you may have yet to be aware of before they become a bigger problem.
3. Improving Energy Efficiency
It’s no secret that Michigan winters are downright cold. From freezing rain to snow accumulation, your roof is one of the only things between your family and the chilly weather outside. If there are any cracks, ripped or curled shingles, or leaks, your roof will let out the heat you’ve been using to keep your home warm, resulting in costly energy bills. Repairing or replacing damaged sections of your roof during winter can help reduce heat loss, ultimately leading to lower heating bills.
4. Protection from Heavy Spring Showers
Michigan is well known for heavy spring rains. The last thing you want during spring showers is a winter-damaged roof that leaks and allows all that rain to seep into your home. By fixing your roof in the winter, your home will be prepared for those spring rains. Plus, if you plan to sell your home, it’s best to repair your roof before the selling season begins. This way, you can start showing your home as soon as the weather warms up.
The Most Common Challenges of Roof Repair in Winter
1. Scheduling
While your roofer may have more availability in the winter, often you may not. Winter can get busy with holidays, vacations, hosting guests, and daily hustle. This can make it difficult to find a block of time that will work to have your roof repaired. If you want to be there while the roofers are working, it might take a while to find some compatible dates, and since the jobs might take a bit longer, you’ll have to allocate more time to the project.
2. Limited Working Hours
Winter weather can be unpredictable and harsh, making it challenging to perform roof repairs. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can interfere with work days and slow down the repair process. Additionally, less daylight in winter means that roofers have less time to work each day, potentially prolonging the repair timeline.
3. Delayed Sealant and Adhesive Bonding
While it’s usually cheaper to get your roof fixed in the winter, it might also take longer. Shingles require a specific temperature range to seal properly and ensure your roof is intact. Because winter temperatures in Michigan are so cold, it can often take much longer for the curing and bonding of sealants and adhesives to take effect, making roof construction a bit more complex and time-consuming.
4. Potential Safety Hazards
Roof repairs in winter may pose more safety hazards than those in spring and summer. There’s often a lot of snow and ice, and your roofer will have to take extra care to ensure they’re keeping themselves safe on the roof. Typically, this means waiting for a few warm and dry days to allow ice the chance to melt a bit. Know that most roofers are very careful and climb up roofs just about every day for a living, so they are prepared to carry out roof repairs in the winter. Though it will be more difficult for them to complete a job and likely take a bit more time, most roofers will only accept jobs they know they can achieve safely.
Begin Your Home’s Winter Roof Repair Before It’s too Late with Werner Roofing
Roof replacement in winter is possible but requires careful planning and consideration of the unique challenges posed by cold weather conditions. Ultimately, the decision to undertake roof repairs or replacement in winter should be based on your home’s specific needs and your contractor’s recommendation.
At Werner Roofing, our team has many years of experience inspecting and installing roofs during every season. So, if you’re considering repairing your roof this winter, contact us for a free roofing estimate. We would be happy to prepare your home for the upcoming season.
