by Werner-Admin | 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.
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.”
by Werner-Admin | Jan 12, 2021 | Roof Maintenance, West Michigan Roofing Blog
GAF offers a number of industry-leading shingle options for every homeowner. From their award-winning Timberline roofing shingles to their affordable 3-tab shingles, let’s take a look at the lineup in our guide to GAF roofing shingles.
Guide to GAF Roofing Shingles
Depending on your style and budget, GAF offers the best roofing shingles in the industry. Their best selling products include the high-performance Timberline roofing shingles, the premium Designer roofing shingles, and the economical 3-tab roofing shingles.
GAF Timberline Roofing Shingles
GAF’s Timberline series of roofing shingles are architectural shingles that outperform the competition in durability, protection, and style. Made with multiple layers of durable asphalt material, these shingles are made to balance the newest in roofing technology with a classic dimensional look and feel — at a practical price for the average homeowner.
GAF Designer Roofing Shingles
GAF’s Designer shingles are a premium option for those homeowners looking for the highest quality protective shingle with the added aesthetic features of a multidimensional, textured appearance. They are designed to mimic the old world feel of classic materials like shakes or tiles, without the weight or inefficiency. GAF’s Designer roofing shingles are the luxury roofing option that offers the best protection on the market.
GAF 3-Tab Roofing Shingles
3-tab shingles are perfect for homeowners looking for a high quality shingle option that is affordable and effective. GAF’s 3-tab shingles are made with fewer layers of asphalt than their Designer or Timberline shingles to reduce costs, but employ the same protective technology that keeps your roof, home, and family safe from the elements.
Why We Love GAF Roofing Shingles
Even when compared with other roofing material competitors, GAF products win because of their total protection system and comprehensive warranty options.
GAF Roofing Shingles Total Protection System
Roofers love to work with GAF products because they provide everything the roofer needs for their complete project. The GAF total protection system includes leak barriers, ridge caps, deck protection, attic ventilation vents and more. All of the components in the system work together to protect your roof — which protects your roofing contractor’s work. Roofers love working with products they trust, and they trust the quality of the GAF roofing system.
GAF Roofing Shingles Warranty
When you choose to install three or more items from the GAF total protection system, you are automatically eligible for the enhanced GAF warranties, which protects your roof for 10-15 years. Also, if you have your roof installed by a GAF certified factory roofing installer, you may qualify for even better warranty coverage, which extends the length of your warranty and protects you against defects and installation errors.
GAF Master Elite Certification
To become a GAF Master Elite certified roofing installer, roofers must undergo extensive training with GAF products, have a high positive customer approval rating and commit to ongoing professional development to hone their craft. Only 3% of roofing companies are able to reach this certification level, and are capable of giving out the best service and warranties GAF can provide.
If you’re considering using products like GAF’s Timberline roofing shingles or other products from their total protection system, choose a GAF Master Elite certified roofing installer to make sure your roof receives the highest workmanship to go with its superior materials.
Got your eye on a specific line of GAF roofing shingles? Let us know! Werner Roofing is a GAF Master Elite certified roofing installer and has achieved President’s Club status for the 7th year in a row, which means we have exclusive installation access to all of GAFs best product lines and offer the best warranty on the market, the Golden Pledge. We’d be happy to install the GAF Shingles you love most.
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.”
by Werner-Admin | Dec 9, 2020 | Roof Maintenance, West Michigan Roofing Blog
Winter is coming in Michigan and it’s never friendly to our roofs. It’s important to prepare your roof for winter now so you don’t have to worry about it when too much snow falls or an ice storm is headed your way. We’ve assembled all the resources you need to prepare your roof for winter, spot common winter roof damages, and solve problems confidently this season.
Prepare Your Roof For Winter
Getting Your Roof Ready for Winter
Winter can be hard on a roof, but there are some things you can do to make the season a little kinder to your home’s roof. Here are some things to check before winter hits so you can trust you and your roof will be protected.
Gutter Cleaning
Getting Your Gutters Ready for Winter
Before the cold temperatures set in, here’s what you need to do to prepare your gutters for freezing rain, snow, and ice.
Best Way to Clean Gutters and Downspouts
If your gutters are looking a little cluttered, here’s how to clear them out so they’ll be ready to handle the melting snow and protect your roof from damage this winter.
When to Replace Gutters: 5 Key Signs
If your gutters are getting a little worn out, it’s a good idea to replace them before winter starts. Here’s how you can spot the signs your gutters need to be replaced to prepare your roof for winter.
Common Winter Roof Problems
Common Winter Roof Damages and How to Fix Them
If you notice any of these winter damages, it could mean your roof needs some help. Here’s a few common problems to watch out for, and how to solve them.
Ice Dams
What are Ice Dams?
Learn how to identify ice dams on your home’s roof, and what you need to do to prevent them.
5 Best Ways to Get Rid of Ice Dams, Safely
If you’ve identified ice dams on your roof, here’s what you need to know to get rid of them safely and effectively.
Werner Roofing’s Step-By-Step Guide to Removing Ice Dams
Here’s another guide to removing ice dams. This time, we’ll take you through the process one step at a time, so you’ll know when you can remove them yourself, and when it’s time to call for backup.
Snow
How Much Snow is Too Much for Your Roof?
If you’re snowed in after a lake-effect storm, will your roof be okay? Here’s how to know how much snow your roof can handle.
Wind
How Wind Can Damage Your Roof
Snow and ice aren’t the only dangers winter weather brings to your roof. Wind can loosen shingles or force water underneath your roof and into your home. Here’s how to anticipate wind damage and how to deal with it if it occurs.
Winter Roof Repair
Why Can’t I Get My Roof Installed in the Winter?
Winter roof installation and repair is risky and doesn’t set your roof up for success. If you’ve been told you can’t schedule your roof work during the winter months, here’s why.
Pros and Cons of Winter Roof Repair
If you’re still considering winter roof repair, we put together a pros and cons list about winter roof repair to help you understand the risks and rewards.
What to Do About Winter Roof Damage
If you can’t get a roofing crew out to repair or install a roof in the winter, what can you do if you notice damage to your roof? We’ll take a look at a few common instances of winter roof damage and what you should do right now.
Roof Maintenance Tips
To help you prepare for the winter season and recover from it once it’s over. Wondering why you really need to worry about maintenance tasks?
5 Reasons Why Regular Roof Maintenance is So Important
It saves you money. It protects your home and your family. It extends the life of your roof and protects your investment. Don’t wait until damages pile up, stay on top of roof maintenance to save yourself the trouble down the line.
Fall Roof Maintenance Tips
Some things you should do before the snowy weather starts to prepare your roof for winter.
Winter Roof Maintenance Tips
Although many repairs will need to wait until warmer weather, there are some maintenance tasks you can perform during the winter months to help your roof.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Roof
Spring is a great time to get out and inspect your roof for damage and do a little spring cleaning! Here are some maintenance items you can do to your roof in the springtime.
Winter is just around the corner. Use these resources to get ahead of any potential roof maintenance or damages and prepare your roof for winter. Still running into problems? Give the experts at Werner Roofing a call.
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.”
by Werner-Admin | Nov 17, 2020 | West Michigan Roofing Blog
Are you wondering if installing a roof during the winter is a good idea? You might be interested to know that many roofing companies will flat-out refuse to install a roof in the winter months. The question is: why? Let’s dive in.
Can I Install a Roof in the Winter?
During the winter months, cold temperatures are only one part of why winter roof installations are not recommended. Conditions on a roof can get icy fast, materials don’t adhere the way they should, and the roof installation process leaves sensitive parts of your home exposed to the elements. All of these factors risk the integrity of your roof, the safety of the roofing installation crew, and your investment in the project.
For these reasons, if you want a winter roof installation, your roofer will strongly recommend you do it in the fall before the temperature drops or push it back until the spring or summer. These seasons are typically referred to as “roofing seasons.”
In some unique circumstances, things happen, and the bottom line is that you need your roof installed during the winter. Maybe a tree fell and damaged your roof, you need a new roof installed before you can sell your home, or you need to replace your roof before the end of the year to meet insurance requirements. If you have a situation where installing a roof in the winter is unavoidable, the process comes with risks the homeowner must understand before work begins.
What Are the Risks of Installing a Roof in the Winter?
There are many reasons why some roofers prefer to avoid installing a roof in the winter. Not only does winter roof installation present many safety risks for the crew, but they also can’t guarantee the same high-quality level of installation that they can during warmer weather.
Let’s take a closer look at the main risk factors associated with winter roof installation.
Unsafe Work Conditions
During the cold months, the conditions on your roof can turn slick quickly, creating an unsafe environment where workers could slip and fall and hurt themselves or damage your roof.
The winter elements are challenging to work in, and roofing contractors need to be able to move freely, bending down and working across your roof — which is difficult to do in cold weather and thick winter clothes. If they have to carry equipment while wearing heavy coats and boots to keep warm, it takes more time and energy to do a job they’re used to doing quickly in nice weather.
To continue, it’s challenging for anyone to stay motivated when they’re cold and uncomfortable. With winter roof installation, you risk workers rushing to complete the job if the temperature is freezing. Whether it’s because they’re wearing thick gloves and don’t have the same feel for the materials, or the limited amount of daylight is running out, and they need to meet a deadline, you don’t want your roofing crew to miss any crucial steps when installing this critical part of your home.
Ineffective Materials and Tools
Cold temperatures affect the quality of the materials and the effectiveness of tools used for winter roof installation. Roofing equipment and tools, including nail guns and compressors, are affected by low air pressure, resulting in imperfections in the roofing installation process.
Are you investing in a new asphalt roof? Asphalt shingles are less flexible in the cold and could become brittle, difficult to cut straight, and more likely to be overdriven by nails when attached to your roof. They also involve a glue strip designed to self-seal when it’s activated by the sun’s heat. This activation process doesn’t occur in lower temperatures, so the shingles may not adhere properly, or they’ll need to be sealed by hand, which is hard to do consistently with every shingle in freezing temperatures – even for experts.
Warranty Exemptions
A hasty winter roof installation could lead to product failures and problems in the future, which your roof warranty may not cover. For example, if your shingles have to be hand-sealed because it’s too cold for the self-seal to adhere correctly, a variety of defects and issues could occur, including leaks forming or loss of shingles.
Since the fault occurred from attempting to install the roof in the winter, not as a fault of the manufacturing process, these defects aren’t typically covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Exposed Home
Winter roof installation jobs generally take longer than summer installations. The combination of colder temperatures, heavy winter clothing, and extra sealing work makes it more difficult for the crew to work as quickly as they usually would. Also, the days are shorter during the winter, so only so much can be done when there is good light.
A longer timeline for a roof installation means your home spends more time exposed to the elements during a time of year when heavy rain or snowfall can happen without much warning — particularly in areas where lake-effect snow is common. Do everything you can to protect your home and install a new roof during ideal weather conditions.
Werner Roofing Is Here To Help
Having a new roof installed in the winter isn’t a great idea. Instead, try to schedule your roof installation before or after winter and call the Werner Roofing team this spring, summer, or fall!
by Werner-Admin | Oct 7, 2020 | Uncategorized, West Michigan Roofing Blog
If you’ve ever heard of GAF Timberline shingles, it might have been when a local roofing company was raving about some of their favorite products. Known for their high quality, total protection system, great style, and warranty, it’s no wonder that roofers and homeowners love to use GAF Timberline shingles on their roofs. Let’s take a look at 4 reasons why roofers love these products.
#1 GAF Timberline Shingles Are Top Quality
GAF products are known for being top-of-the-line, and the GAF Timberline shingles are no different. As the most respected shingle brand in the country, GAF makes sure its products are the best quality for every project and that all installers are certified in how to use their products correctly. GAF provides ongoing contractor training and certification programs for contractors so homeowners know they will get a product and service they can rely upon for a long time.
GAF Timberline shingles are made of great quality materials that provide excellent protection for your home against the elements. They have better than average durability with added impact and wind resistance to rival other top competitors. GAF Timberline shingles also have a Class A fire rating, making them a great safety feature for your home.
#2 GAF Timberline Shingles Are Part of a Complete System
Roofers love working with GAF products because they fit together seamlessly in a complete system. All of the GAF components work together to provide the best protection for you and your home year after year. Beyond GAF Timberline Shingles, the GAF total protection system includes WeatherWatch leak barriers, ridge caps and DeckArmor roof deck protection, starter strip shingles, attic ventilation vents, and more. When you install three or more items from their protection system, you can qualify for extra protection from enhanced warranties, extending the protection of your roof even longer.
#3 GAF Timberline Shingles Improve Your Home’s Style
Roof is a huge factor of your home’s overall curb appeal. It’s important to have a roof that is in great condition and protective of your home, but also one that adds to your home’s appearance. GAF Timberline shingles are designed to mimic the structural and visual appearance of wood shakes.
The fine details in each of GAF Timberline Shingles make them a great architectural detail for your home’s exterior. GAF has plenty of options for every price range and personal style. Choose neutral patterns and colors that can blend well with your home’s design and others in the neighborhood. Or, choose a shingle design and color to create some pleasant contrast with your siding or trim. Warmer, brighter colors tend to work well for homes in open, sunny areas, where cooler blues or greens work well for homes in shade to help them blend into the natural surroundings.
#4 GAF Timberline Shingles Carry a Great Warranty
GAF Timberline shingles come with one of the best warranties in the industry. If you install GAF Timberline shingles with at least 3 other qualifying accessories such as roof deck protection, ridge cap shingles, ventilation or leak barriers, you can earn the coveted Lifetime Warranty. This means your roof is protected for 10 years on all shingle products and 15 years for wind damage.
Additionally, if your GAF Timberline shingles are installed by GAF Master Elite certified roofing installer, you can unlock the Golden Pledge Warranty, which extends your lifetime protection up to 50 years and includes coverage for the installation process as well as any manufacturer defects that impact your roof’s integrity and quality.
The GAF Master Elite certification essentially guarantees sound work by itself: Contractors who have earned the title can install all GAF products correctly, commit to ongoing professional training with GAF, are licensed and insured, and have a good reputation for workmanship and quality. The enhanced warranty systems that accompany the title should never need to be used, since these contractors are dedicated to delivering the best quality service.
Werner Roofing is a proud Master Elite certified factory roofing installer for GAF Timberline shingles. If you’re interested in their top-of-the-line architectural options, let us know! We’d love to help you get a roof you can trust, made using products we love.
by Werner-Admin | Jan 6, 2020 | Roof Maintenance, West Michigan Roofing Blog
At first glance, a residential roof doesn’t seem all that complicated. A few shingles, a few gutters, and you’re done. But actually, a roof is a complex system made up of all kinds of individual components that come together to keep your house working well, and clean and dry. A roof boot is one of those roofing elements we don’t always think about, but that is actually pretty important to the overall health of your home.
What is a Roof Boot?
A roof boot is a pipe vent that pokes out through the top of your roof. If you step outside of your home and check out your roof, you’ll see a tube sticking out, usually from where your bathroom or kitchen is. That’s your pipe vent, covered and protected by your roof boot. The pipe vent itself is used to balance your plumbing system and prevent leakage. Your roof boot protects the pipe vent from weather, precipitation, and debris.
How Does Your Roof Boot Affect Your Roof?
In a perfect world, it won’t. A properly cared for roof boot doesn’t do more than it’s own job of keeping your pipe vent safe. Unfortunately, a perfect world isn’t always the case. When improperly cared for, your roof boot can be a weak spot for leaks in your roof.
Similar to your chimney, a roof boot is installed with flashing or a rubber collar around it to seal the gap between the boot and your roof. Over time, and especially in climates that experience extreme temperature fluctuations like cold winters and hot summers, the rubber in the flashing or boot collar can harden and pull away from the boot and the edge of the roof.
When the flashing or boot collar doesn’t have a perfect seal, it can allow rain, snow, and debris to fall through those gaps, causing water damage within your roof and attic. These leaks are particularly dangerous because they can take time to detect. Since the leaks are often small, you might not notice the water slowly seeping into your attic, causing mold and rot to expand to a significant point before you even realize there’s a problem.
How Can I Stop These Leaks From Happening?
Luckily, roof boot leaks can be prevented. Here are a few ways to make sure your roof boot is always in top condition:
- Inspect your attic regularly. Take a flashlight up to the attic, and take a good hard look at the ceiling, especially under where your roof boot is. If you see any dark spots, feel soft spots in the wood or drywall, or notice any holes, it’s a good idea to call your roofer.
- Check your roof boot regularly. You should be cleaning out your home’s gutters at least once a year. While you’re up on the ladder, take a pair of binoculars with you, and make sure that roof boot flashing still looks good. If it seems dry or cracked, it’s probably time to make some repairs.
- Put your roof on a regular inspection schedule. It’s a good idea to have a roofer come out once a year, typically in either the spring or fall. They can give your roof a quick inspection, make sure no shingles have curled, cracked, or fallen off, and while they’re up there, they can also inspect the flashing around your chimney and your roof boot.
Your roof boot is an integral part of your roofing system. if you haven’t had yours checked in a while, it might be good to schedule a routine inspection, just in case. Werner Roofing offers free, no-obligation estimates to help make sure your roof and roof boot are doing their jobs! Give us a call at 616-844-5382 or contact us online today.
