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

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

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

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

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

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

Roof Material: Selecting Shingles

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

Asphalt Shingles

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

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

Wood Shakes

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

 

Metal

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing the Right Roof for Your New House

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

roofing contractor

OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.” 

SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION
Is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

Is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

by | Feb 5, 2021 | Roof Replacement

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

Signs it is Time for a Roof Replacement

Leaks & Streaks

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

Old Age 

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

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

Sad Shingles

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

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

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

Clogged Gutters

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

Constant Repairs

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

Is it Time to Replace Your Roof?

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

roofing contractor

OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.” 

SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION
Top 5 Sustainable Roofing Materials

Top 5 Sustainable Roofing Materials

by | Aug 10, 2020 | Roof Replacement

With green building trends gaining popularity across the country, it’s clear that homeowners care about the carbon footprint their homes are leaving on the earth. From tight-envelope homes to those that are built from sustainable materials, there are a variety of ways to incorporate sustainability into your home’s build and design. If you’re building a green home, or are looking for a way to make your existing home just a bit more environmentally-friendly, here are the top 5 sustainable roofing materials people use when trying to build a “green” home.

#1 Metal Roofing

 

metal roof

 

Metal roofing is one of the most affordable sustainable roofing materials you’ll find on this list. Bested only by asphalt roofing, metal roofs have always been a consumer favorite. They’re exceptionally durable, long-lasting, and require very little maintenance. They’re also energy efficient. 

Most metal roofs on the market today are made from aluminum, which is a recyclable, natural resource. Since metal roofs can last more than 50 years, they won’t have to be re-roofed and they don’t require much maintenance, which minimizes the overall cost and waste associated with a metal roof.  

#2 Slate Roofing

 

slate roof

 

Slate roofing is a traditional favorite, and while you don’t see it as much here in the US, it’s a popular option throughout Europe, especially on older, historic buildings. Slate is a rock that’s cut into slabs and then installed directly onto a roof. What makes slate sustainable roofing material is its extreme longevity. 

Slate roofs have been produced for more than a thousand years, and many have been known to last for hundreds of years with minimal maintenance. In addition to slate’s extreme longevity, it is a rock that’s sourced directly from the earth, so it doesn’t require any chemical manufacturing that can contribute to air pollution. 

#3 Clay Tile Roofing

 

clay tile

 

Clay tile is a recyclable, natural roofing material. Made from materials sourced from clay pits, clay tile is another sustainable roofing material that’s been around for hundreds of years. Clay roofs are more common here in the US and are seen most prevalently in the southwest because of their exceptional heat resistance. 

Clay is a sustainable roofing material, but it’s important to know that clay tiles are a bit heavier, and a bit more expensive than other sustainable roofing materials. That said, though a clay roof might cost you more upfront, many clay roof manufacturers offer warranties that span more than 100 years. That upfront investment will go a long way to help you save in the future. 

#4 Wood Shakes and Shingles

 

wood tile

 

Wood shakes and shingles are one of the only truly sustainable roofing materials because wood is a renewable or sustainable resource. All other roofing materials might be recyclable, but unlike slate or clay, we can plant more trees. 

Wood shakes and shingles have a few benefits. In addition to being a green and sustainable roofing material, some wood species are naturally pest-resistant, and wood roofing can provide great energy efficiency thanks to its insulating capabilities. 

Though they do offer a number of benefits, wood shakes and shingles are a bit more expensive to install, and they won’t last as long as something like metal or clay. Some homeowners prefer them for their natural aesthetic, but it is good to know that if you invest in wood shakes or shingles, you’ll have to commit to some regular maintenance. 

#5 Green Roofs

 

green roof

 

Green or living roofs are an unexpected sustainable roofing material that is quickly gaining popularity. These roofs have grass or other vegetation growing on top of the roof. It’s hard to properly calculate how sustainable green roofs are, because though they offer a great number of benefits — excellent insulation, adsorption of rainwater, reducing heat island effect in urban environments — they also have a few downfalls. 

They’re very heavy, which means homes typically need additional reinforcements to support them, and they also require a heavy-duty membrane to waterproof the roof. Since rubber membranes are made with petroleum, it does in some way negate the other benefits a green roof offers. 

Looking for a sustainable roof? Werner Roofing can help! We proudly install Sheffield Metals roofs and GAF’s most sustainable shingle lines. For more information, get in touch with our team. 

FREE ROOF INSPECTION & QUOTE

If you’re considering a new roof, the first step is to have us come out for a FREE inspection. This will allow us to evaluate your roof and give an honest estimate based on your roof’s current condition.

REQUEST FREE QUOTE

ASK A ROOFING QUESTION

Do you have a roofing question? We’re here to help. Just let us know what you’re wondering about, and one of our representatives will get back with you shortly.

ASK A QUESTION
Roof Design Ideas for Your New Home

Roof Design Ideas for Your New Home

by | Jun 25, 2020 | Roof Replacement

It can be difficult to choose the right roof design to fit your home. Different styles offer certain advantages or are more suited for certain types of houses, roofing materials, or climate patterns. To help you decide which is best for you, we’re going to look at six of the most popular roof design ideas and the unique features and advantages of each one.

Gable Roof Design

The gable roof design is one of the most common roof styles. It features the traditional triangular roof shape with two planes that meet at a top ridgeline. This simple roof design allows for many style options including affordable asphalt shingles, classic wood shingles, durable roofing tile, or an energy efficient metal roof.

The gable is a favorite roof design of many roofers because of its flexibility and customization. It can be adjusted to any pitch, whether you’d prefer a low-slope ranch style roof or a steep A-frame roof to prevent snow buildup.

Hipped Roof Design

A hipped roof is similar to a gable roof design, except all sides of the home are covered. Instead of two planes, a hipped roof has four. The advantage of this is that all sides of the home are protected and shaded, lengthening the life of your exterior materials like siding, brick, or stone. 

A hipped roof is great for homes situated in high-wind areas because it is more difficult for gusts to get under the eaves. A hipped roof design works with most slopes, and can be easily combined with other roof designs, making it a truly versatile style. Similar to a gable roof, a hipped roof can be covered with a variety of materials, from shingles to metal panels, depending on your unique needs for protection against the elements.

Gambrel Roof Design

The gambrel roof features two slopes on opposing sides of the home that join together at an angle in the middle, to create a barn-like roof design. The gambrel roof features attractive visual contrast, while creating additional space for an attic or small room. This roof design isn’t ideal for homes that experience extreme snowfall, as heavy snow can put weight on the roof and home’s structure. 

Gambrel roofs can be covered with many materials. Metal roofing is the most durable, but it’s also common for gambrel roofs to be adorned with asphalt or wood shingles.

Flat Roof Design

A flat roof design is not completely flat, but has minimal slope to allow water to drain and not pool on top. To facilitate runoff, drains and gutters are used to control water movement. Flat roofs are commonly used in modern homes and commercial spaces. Instead of shingles, they are sealed with a waterproofing membrane and EPDM rubber, PVC, or asphalt coating.

Flat roofs are versatile, and can even accommodate additional living space if designed for that purpose. Some people convert their flat roof design into a green roof, which uses plants to cover roofing material for insulation, air quality improvement, and energy efficiency.

Shed Roof Design

Like flat roofs, the shed roof design is simple and streamlined. This roof design uses an angled slope to cover the whole roof area, like half of a gable roof. It’s used in modern homes or in conjunction with other roof design styles. The advantage of a shed roof is that it allows more space for natural light. The disadvantage is that more of the house is left unshaded and unprotected. Shed roofs look sleek when combined with a modern roofing material like tile or metal, but can accommodate any roof covering material.

Combination Roof Design

If you don’t want to commit to just one style, customize your roof with different roof design elements. Use hipped and gable, shed and lean to, or add dormers for visual appeal and more light. Customizing your roof design allows you to maximize interior space where you want it, such as for vaulted ceilings or attic space. 

Use the advantages of different styles for your roof design to help you enjoy the most natural light, shade, insulation, ventilation, protection from the elements, and energy efficiency where it’s needed most. Keep it simple by limiting your roof design to a few shapes and work with a professional roofer to make sure the plan makes sense for your home’s structure, location, and style. 

Roof design might seem straightforward, where function is always more important than form, but it can be so much more. Your roof design sets an important tone for the rest of your home. It can define a unique style while also creating space and protection.

Just not sure where to start with roof design for your new home? Talk to the Werner Roofing team. We’d be happy to coordinate with your builder to design the roof that best compliments your taste and your new home’s style, while being functional and efficient for your home’s structure and the climate where you live. Give us a call at 616-844-5382 or contact us on the web.

FREE ROOF INSPECTION & QUOTE

If you’re considering a new roof, the first step is to have us come out for a FREE inspection. This will allow us to evaluate your roof and give an honest estimate based on your roof’s current condition.

REQUEST FREE QUOTE

ASK A ROOFING QUESTION

Do you have a roofing question? We’re here to help. Just let us know what you’re wondering about, and one of our representatives will get back with you shortly.

ASK A QUESTION
What’s Up with Green Roofs?

What’s Up with Green Roofs?

by | Jun 18, 2020 | Energy Efficient Roofing, Roof Replacement

Have you noticed in areas where there are many buildings and houses surrounded by asphalt and concrete, the temperature is a few degrees higher than rural areas and green spaces? This is a symptom of the urban heat island effect. Sunlight is absorbed by dark surfaces like asphalt shingles and roadways, trapping heat, while the pavement directs water runoff into polluted sewers. To break up this pattern, green roofs were introduced to bring more green space into our lives and help us enjoy the benefits of less heat generation, reduced pollution, and a natural filter for water and air.

What is a green roof, and how does it work? Let’s explore the trend and take a look at some of the benefits and possible disadvantages of green roofs.

What Is a Green Roof?

A green roof is a contained portion of green space created on a manmade structure. A green roof uses a well-designed sealing and drainage system to support plants for food production, energy efficiency, or just as an environmental bonus. First popularized in Europe, homeowners in the US are starting to enjoy the many benefits of more plants in their environment while also paying less for energy consumption, utilizing stormwater runoff, and helping their roof last longer.

Advantages of a Green Roof

How do you know if a green roof is right for you? If you would enjoy any of these advantages, consider converting your roof into a green roof.

Extra Green Space

A green roof can add green space to your property. When building a green roof there are two types, intensive and extensive. An intensive green roof is built on a flat surface that extends the living space of the house. You can use this space to produce food, grow flowers, or enjoy a simple garden retreat. An extensive green roof isn’t built to grow vegetables or walk on. Designed to be lightweight, an extensive green roof is installed exclusively for the environmental and energy benefits.

Whether you want to enjoy the extra legroom of an intensive green roof or just the environmental benefits of an extensive green roof, the additional green space can boost your mood, improve your focus, and help you breathe easier. Depending on your home’s structure and the climate where you live, an extensive or intensive green roof might be better suited for you. 

Green Roof, Green Energy

Green roofs are known to boost a home’s energy efficiency. As a natural layer of insulation, a green roof can reduce strain on your home’s HVAC system, extending its life, and keeping you cooler during the warm months and warmer during the cold ones. 

A green roof also limits the need for an expensive drainage system. Plants make use of rainwater and help the excess drain away from your home. All green roofs should be designed with an intuitive drainage plan to keep water from pooling where it could break through your waterproof seal or damage growing plants.

Increased Roof Durability

A layer of plants protects your roof from harmful UV rays, which are known for causing oxidation and cracking of asphalt shingles. A green roof protects your home’s barrier from extreme temperature variations as well as tears from the wind or impact from hail or tree branches. When installed properly, a green roof will last longer than a traditional roof, and with a little maintenance, will grow and provide better protection over time.

A green roof can add a lot to a home or neighborhood. Other advantages of green roofs include:

  • Reduced noise 
  • Fire-retardant material
  • Improved air quality
  • Increased biodiversity
  • Stormwater management
  • Counteraction of urban heat island effect

green roof from above

Drawbacks of a Green Roof

It’s not always easy being green. A green roof requires a little more maintenance than a standard roof and costs a bit more to design and install.

Green Roof Maintenance

While longer-lasting than conventional roofs, green roofs require a little maintenance to keep them green. An intensive green roof will require some work to maintain plants, especially if you’re using it to grow produce. An extensive green roof, however, is designed to be low maintenance. Through rainfall and seasonal weather patterns, your plants should be mostly self-sustaining.

An important maintenance step with a green roof will be to check the drainage system regularly to make sure it’s working properly. Improper drainage could cause a tear in your waterproof seal or add extra weight to your home’s structure.

Green Roof Investment

One drawback of a green roof is that it requires a larger investment to get started. A green roof requires a well planned design and installation to earn the most benefits while being as low maintenance as possible. This likely means hiring a professional green roof designer to assist you in planning out your plants and building proper support for your roof.

If you’re not scared away by an initial investment, a green roof can provide hefty savings over time. In addition to the energy savings you’ll notice right away, a green roof is more durable, so it won’t need to be replaced any time soon, unlike a traditional roof.

How to Get Started with a Green Roof 

If you’re interested in putting a green roof on your home or building, it’s best to work with a certified installer. A green roof installer can make sure your house can support the roof for your intended use, help you choose plants that will work for your location, climate, and maintenance preferences, and design a system for drainage that will keep your plants happy and your home dry. A certified installer will be well acquainted with the ideal materials used to build green roofs and can suggest products to help boost energy efficiency and waterproofing. 

Green roofs aren’t for everyone, but they can be a unique way to boost energy efficiency and enjoy some extra green space around your home. If you’re wondering if your roof could support a green roof structure, let us know. We’d be happy to come out and assess your roof for you. Give us a call at 616-844-5382 or reach out online to learn more today.

FREE ROOF INSPECTION & QUOTE

If you’re considering a new roof, the first step is to have us come out for a FREE inspection. This will allow us to evaluate your roof and give an honest estimate based on your roof’s current condition.

REQUEST FREE QUOTE

ASK A ROOFING QUESTION

Do you have a roofing question? We’re here to help. Just let us know what you’re wondering about, and one of our representatives will get back with you shortly.

ASK A QUESTION

Curled Shingles — Repair or Replace?

Curled Shingles — Repair or Replace?

by | 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: 

    • 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,