That said, it’s important that you hire a great roofing contractor to ensure a job well done and money well spent! Below, we’ll give a bit more information on how to find the right one for your project. 

How to Choose a Good Roofing Contractor in 6 Steps

If you’re looking for a residential roofing contractor, don’t settle for just anyone. Find a team that’s aligned with your project goals and that’s willing to put in great work to achieve them. 

How do you do that? Follow these six simple steps: 

1. Ask Around for Recommendations

While you can always start your search online, hearing good (or bad!) things about a certain roofer from a trusted source is usually more helpful. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors about any recommendations they may have. 

Another great idea is to ask your Homeowners Association (HOA), if you have one. They may have preferred contractors that have done good work on houses within your community in the past. 

2. Check Qualifications

Once you’ve made a list of a few residential roofing contractor options, it’s important that you check all of their qualifications. Well-established, reliable roofing contractors will be able to provide the following information (at a minimum): 

• License (in your area)
• Insurance
• Proven experience and portfolio examples
• References

If any of the roofers on your list aren’t able to provide those items, it’s likely that they may not be the best option. 

3. Ensure Their Services Align With Your Project Goals

Roofing services vary from contractor to contractor. While some are only able to help with repairs, others can do fully-fledged new roof installations. As long as they meet qualifications, neither of these contractors is better than the other — it just depends on what kind of project you’re hoping to accomplish. 

Something to keep in mind if you’re installing a new roof or replacing an entire existing one: redoing your roof is a great time to check your gutters. For a more streamlined process, you may want to consider finding a residential roofing contractor that provides gutter services as well. 

4. Compare Bids

Gather a few bids from a few different contractor options, then compare them. During this process, make sure you’re taking all aspects of each bid into account. 

Sometimes the total cost isn’t the best determining factor. If a bid is low, make sure it’s not missing a particular service, product, or warranty that you really want. If a bid is high, check and see if it has any additional services that you didn’t about, but want. 

5. Consider What Product Warranties They Offer

Many well-established residential roofing contractors have partnerships with top brands in the roofing materials industry — and more often than not, those brands offer some sort of product warranty. Although the big goal is to never need a warranty, having one is a great way to protect your big investment. 

Some roofing contractors also provide a service or installation warranty, on the chance that materials aren’t installed properly the first time. This is a huge bonus because, in the case that you run into loose or damaged shingles due to an installation error, you have someone who will be happy to come out and fix it at low or no cost. 

6. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Last but not least, don’t be afraid to ask questions. While you’re consulting with a roofing contractor you may be interested in working with, make sure you get all the details you need before signing on. You should be able to communicate freely back and forth to agree on services and expectations. 

Not sure what kinds of questions you should be asking? Start with these topics:

• Contractor experience and qualifications
• Quotes and estimates
• Project timeline
• Safety, insurance, and warranties

If you’re looking for a trustworthy roofing contractor for your residential building complex or home, contact Werner Roofing. Our team has many years of experience working in various West Michigan neighborhoods, and we’re happy to provide a quality, durable roofing solution for you. To get started on your project, contact our team today.

Hip vs. Gable Roof: What’s the Difference?

The design of your roof might not be something that’s top of mind, but it does matter when it comes to ensuring the best protection for you and your home. Your roof is sloped to help water run off it, so determining the right roof type and slope design is essential in making sure your roof functions properly and remains structurally sound.  

The two most common styles of roofs are called Hip and Gable. Knowing the difference between these two roof types, along with the pros and cons of each, will help you to determine which one is right for your home. Let’s take a closer look at hip vs. gable roofs.

What is a Hip Roof?

With a hip (or hipped) roof, all four roof sides meet at the top to form a ridge (called a hip) and slope downward toward the walls. The walls sit beneath the eaves evenly on each side of the roof. There are several variations of hip roofs, including: 

• Half-Hip: Also called a clipped-gable or jerkin-head roof, this is typically an add-on to a gable roof where the end of a gable has a small hip roof section sloping off its ridge. (The front right section of the house in the image above is a perfect example of a half-hip roof!)
• Pavilion: Built on a square structure with all sides meeting at a center peak, this type of hip roof is sometimes referred to as a pyramid roof due to its triangular appearance.
• Mansard: This type of hip roof, often called a French or Curb roof, has slopes with varying angles that drop off at the midpoint and become flatter at the top. 

Pros of a Hip Roof:

• Stability – With slopes on all four sides and a self-bracing design, hip roofs are sturdy and durable making them especially perfect for homes that endure a lot of snow and wind. 
• Consistent Eaves – Since the eaves are even all around the house, many prefer the clean lines of a hip roof over one with gables that break up the roofline. 
• Compatible with Low Slopes – While other roof types require a steep slope, hip roofs work just as well with low-sloped houses as they do with steeply sloped ones. 

Cons of Hip Roofs:

• More Expensive – Because hip roofs tend to be more complicated in design than gable roofs, need more materials, and are more difficult to install, they are typically a pricier option.
• Less Attic Space – The slopes on all sides of a hip roof take up more attic space than a gable roof does, so if attic space is important to you, a hip roof might not be the right choice.  
• Susceptible to Leaks – This shouldn’t be of concern if your roof is installed properly, but if not, the multiple angles, ridges, and seams produced from slopes on all four sides mean there is more opportunity for leaking to occur.  

What is a Gable Roof?

A gable roof design features two sides that slope downward, while the other two sides have gables and are walled from the ground to just under the eaves at the peak of the roof’s ridge. Sometimes a window or vent can be found on the walled sides. Also known as pitched or peaked roofs, variations of this style include:

• Front: Commonly used for colonial-style homes, with this type of gable roof, the gable is at the front of the house and the front door sits beneath it for a welcoming entrance.
• Cross: This type consists of two or more lines of gable roof intersecting at an angle and is typically used with homes that have attached garages or different wings needing their own section of gable roof.
• Dutch: Basically, this is like a hip and gable roof combination. In a dutch gable roof, a gable is placed atop a hip roof to allow for additional attic space and enhanced aesthetics.

Pros of a Gable Roof:

• Longevity and Low Maintenance – The slopes of a gable roof make it easy for debris, snow, and water to roll off, which means it’s easier to maintain, less likely to get damaged, and more likely to last longer.
• More Attic Space – One of the biggest differences between hip and gable roofs is the amount of attic space gable-style roofs provide. Having only two sides of the roof sloped makes for a vaulted ceiling, lots of room, and better air ventilation to boot.
• More Affordable – because they have a simple design and less complicated construction, gable roofs typically cost less than hip roofs, which is obviously a big consideration when deciding which roof is right for you and your budget.

Cons of Gable Roofs:

• Less Durable in Harsh Conditions – With only two slopes for stability and support, a higher pitch, and more surface area, gable roofs tend to be more vulnerable to damage in high winds and snowstorms.
• Less Curb Appeal – While some may prefer the simplicity of a gable roof, the more complex hip roofs with their consistent eaves tend to offer greater curb appeal.

Hip vs. Gable Roof: Which is Best for You?

There is much to consider when deciding which type of roof is best for your house, from the weather in your region to your aesthetic preferences to how much space you want to have and how much money you want to spend. But no matter which type of roof you’d like for your home, Werner Roofing can help!

We’re happy to take a look at your house and provide style and design recommendations. Just give us a call or contact us online to learn more today. 

VELUX Skylight Installation Guide

If you love natural light, fresh air, and saving on energy bills (who doesn’t love to save, right?), installing VELUX skylights can accomplish all three! High quality and high performing, these aren’t the skylights of old. VELUX skylights come in different sizes — even sun tunnels! — to brighten any size room, and when installed correctly, they can actually increase the energy efficiency of your home. 

The key words there are “installed correctly” which is why we’ve created this VELUX skylight installation guide.  

Why Install VELUX Skylights?

Skylights have come a long way, and VELUX skylights are certainly proof of that! These high-tech, premium quality skylights are not only beautifully designed, but also feature three layers of protection against leaks and in fact, offer a No Leak Guarantee. They can be automatically controlled with a remote or smart app, accessorized with blinds, and specially coated to help keep them clean as well as absorb solar heat. Basically, VELUX skylights work as good as they look, and good would be an understatement! 

Where to Install VELUX Skylights

Skylights can be used to make ceilings of all heights look even higher. They can bring in sunlight to dark spaces like hallways, staircases, or interior rooms. If you want to highlight areas of your home or “cheer up” a space like a closet or bathroom, a perfectly placed skylight can do the trick. However, the inside of your house isn’t the only thing to consider.

Let’s talk curb appeal. Outside appearance is where traditional skylights have had a bad rap, but the technologically advanced, sleek design of VELUX skylights allows for a low-profile exterior frame that blends into your roof rather than taking away from your home’s aesthetics. The location of the skylight makes a difference, though. 

The slope of your roof, the angle at which your skylight is placed, and the direction it faces all contribute to the amount of light it brings in, at what time of day you can enjoy that light, and how much heat from the sunlight is absorbed. 

Bottom line? When deciding where to install a VELUX skylight, you need to think about the outside of your house to ensure you achieve the effect you want on the inside! 

VELUX Skylight Installation

Just as deciding where to install your skylight involves both the outside and inside of your home, the actual installation of VELUX skylights involves the exterior and interior too. 

Installation occurs in two phases:

• Exterior – this involves cutting a hole in your roof and attaching the skylight. It can take anywhere from a half day to three days depending on the pitch of your roof, the depth and shape of the light shaft, and of course, the weather.
• Interior – this includes drywall and painting and typically takes about a half day per skylight, depending on whether your ceiling is flat or vaulted.  

Considerations for Installing VELUX Skylights

Obviously cutting a hole in your roof should not be taken lightly! It’s always best to consult with a professional, and hire your experienced local roofer for installation. They’ll have the know-how to take care of a few key considerations: 

• Checking with local building codes to avoid any violations.
• Determining whether your roof has rafters (which can be cut and reinforced) or trusses (which cannot be cut and will need a skylight that fits between them).
• Ensuring the site you choose doesn’t have any hidden obstacles like ductwork or electrical wires. 

When to Call the Pros for VELUX Skylight Installation

As mentioned, cutting a hole in your roof is no small endeavor! Unless you feel absolutely confident that you can install a skylight without compromising the integrity of your roof, this is a situation in which we would definitely recommend calling a professional team. 

Leaving it to the experts will give you peace of mind that your skylight is installed correctly, so you can enjoy natural light, fresh air, and yes, even lower energy bills, worry-free.  

If you’re considering adding high performance skylights to your home, contact Werner Roofing. We proudly and expertly install VELUX skylights and are happy to come out for a consultation. We can help you decide on the VELUX product that fits best with what you want to achieve and install it exactly where you can benefit from it most. Reach out to us online or call 616-844-5382 today! 

What to Know About Storm Damage Roof Repair 

Sometimes Mother Nature and your roof just don’t get along! Wind, hail, and stormy weather can cause damage to shingles, leading to rot and leaks which can compromise your roof’s ability to protect your home. That’s why it’s vital to repair roof storm damage as soon as possible. How can you spot damage a storm has left behind and what can you do about it? 

When the wrath of Mother Nature gets the best of your roof, here’s what you need to know:

Signs You’re in Need of Storm Damage Roof Repair

The first thing to do after a storm is assess the damage it may have caused. If a tree has fallen on your house, it’s pretty obvious you have some issues to address, but sometimes storm damage is not so easy to see. You’ll need to take a good look around. 

If you notice shingle pieces or granules on the ground, that’s a sure sign you should take a closer look up top. Inspect your roof (or have a roofing company do it). Look for torn, cracked, or missing shingles that may have fallen victim to high winds. Also, keep an eye out for shingles that are missing granules or have dents and impact marks from hail or falling tree limbs and debris.

Don’t forget to check your gutters and downspouts for clogging and damage, as well as the flashing found around your chimney and vents. Inside, look for signs of leakage like water marks and discoloration in your attic or on your walls and ceiling. 

Document everything you find and take pictures if possible so you can share the information with your insurance company, which brings us to step two…

Filing an Insurance Claim for Storm Damage To Your Roof

Once you’ve taken note of all the damage, it’s time to contact your homeowner’s insurance company to see if your policy provides coverage for roof damage due to storms. If so, they will send you the paperwork needed to file a claim. In the meantime, get an estimate from a reputable roofing company so you have a general idea of the cost of repairs. 

When your claim is approved, keep all your receipts to have on record whether you make the roof repairs yourself or you enlist the help of professionals.    

When to Leave Storm Damage Roof Repair to the Pros

If the damage to your roof is minimal and you feel confident you can address problems and repair shingles yourself, that’s great. However, if the damage is extensive or the idea of attempting roof repairs on your own makes you want to run inside and hide, it’s time to call in the pros. If that’s the case, you’re in luck — an expert team is at the ready!  

If your roof suffered damage during a recent storm, don’t hesitate to reach out to Werner Roofing. We’re happy to perform an inspection and provide an estimate free of charge. We can then make the necessary repairs, and even replace your roof if need be, quickly and efficiently. You can count on us to stop Mother Nature from making things worse and ensure you and your roof are ready to weather whatever comes next. Give us a call at 616-844-5382 today!

The GAF Roofing System is a combination of GAF products that work together to keep your home safe and protect it from the elements. Here’s a closer look at all the components you get when you go with the lifetime roofing system from GAF:

GAF Roofing System Components

Leak Barrier

The worst enemy of any roof is a leak! Luckily, the GAF Leak Barrier provides an extra layer of protection between the roof deck and shingles to help prevent leaks caused by wind-driven rain and ice dams.

Roof Deck Protection

This specialized underlayment provides added protection against moisture trying its best to infiltrate your roof deck and cause damage to your roof and home. Not today, moisture!

Starter Strip Shingles

Besides protection from rain and stormy weather, your roof needs protection from the wind to avoid shingle blow-off. With their crazy-strong adhesive, GAF starter strips ensure shingles stay securely and properly in place.

Lifetime Shingles

Available in a variety of colors and styles to fit the needs of any home, these GAF high quality shingles maximize the performance and lifespan of your roof — no wonder they’re North America’s number one choice!

Cobra Attic Ventilation

A top-notch ventilation system like this one prevents moisture from building up in your attic and regulates heat, making for a more energy- and cost-efficient roof. You protect your house and the cash in your pocket!

Ridge Cap Shingles

These special shingles offer the finishing touches on your roof, adding beauty and dimension along with even more protection against leaks across especially vulnerable ridges.

Industry-Leading Warranties

When you choose the GAF roofing system, you use enough GAF products to automatically qualify for the GAF exclusive Lifetime Limited Warranty, offering non-prorated coverage for a minimum of 10 years. Upgrade to a System Plus, Silver Pledge, or Golden Pledge warranty, and you’ll get services from a certified GAF roofing company too!

Talk about a bundle of joy! The complete GAF roofing system with its combination of high quality GAF products gives you more than unbeatable protection, it gives you peace of mind. In short: GAF is great.

Where Can You Find the GAF Roofing System? 

There’s good reason why homeowners and roofers love GAF products: they’re reliable, high quality, and provide the best warranties on the market, which is exactly why you should give Werner Roofing a call!

We’re proud to offer our customers the GAF Roofing System along with the highest level GAF warranty, the Golden Pledge. Our roofers are Master Elite certified installers of GAF products, and can ensure you get the best GAF has to offer for your home. Want to learn more? Contact us online or by dialing 616-844-5382 today!