Roof Projects With Higher Standards
Don't settle for anything less than the best when it comes to your home. Our roofing service is the answer for a reliable and durable roof that will last. With a combination of great materials and techniques to ensure your complete satisfaction, we are the right decision for your next home improvement project.
"Do I need a new Roof?"
There are ways that you, the customer, can know and tell when it's time to get that roof replaced or at least have a licensed professional do an inspection. For instance, blackening of your shingles or dark shadow areas are a sign that the shingles have reached their maturity. Shingles that are curling, cracking or peeling are the more obvious signs but usually a little too late. There may even be constant or excess amounts of alge or moss growing on your roofs, especially in wooded areas. Eventually growing between the shingle tabs forcing them to separate allowing ice and water underneath causing a leak. More obviously, if there are shingles missing. Strong storms with high winds are capable of blowing off shingles. Hail causing bruising and damaging the outer membrane of the shingle. Some roofs may just need a possible repair, if caught in time. Shingles that are sliding off are usually a sign of poor fastening or a roof that is well overdue. REMEMBER: a "30 year shingle" does not mean 30 years. Now is the time to replace that roof!
Tear-off and shingle removal
The best way to have any roof done is to remove the existing shingles. This will reveal any hidden water and moisture damages to the sheeting, cracked or damaged flashings, and allows us to find any problems known or unknown and address them accordingly.
Roof-over or Re-Roofing
While it's acceptable to re-roof or roof-over one (1) existing layer of shingles, adding an additional second layer. Re-Roofing voids all warranties both by a company and manufacturers alike. It can also hide many problems such as water damage, gaps in boards where nails will not hold, or bad rotten sheeting caused by previous water damage. By going over with a second layer neither the owner nor the company would be able to see any of the hidden damages, issues, or problematic areas that lie beneath the pre-existing shingles. Not to mention the extra weight which eventually can cause the roof sheeting to sag and even damage your trusses. To give yourself the peace of mind and a have a life long lasting roof on your home, re-roofing should be your last option, if even an option at all.
Sheeting
Not all projects will need sheets or boards replaced, let alone total re-sheets. This is an unforeseen problem that occurs as it is hidden to both the homeowner and contractor alike and usually noticed during the tear off of the existing shingles. Some contractors will try to save time and just shingle the roof in. While some customers try to save and not want to spend the extra costs. What you will have in either situation is shingles that slide off or blow off because as many nails will land in the gaps of old boards or soft sheeting. Rough sawn, one by boards, or plank boards were the choice boards used for most older homes. Plank boards that have gaps expanding over 1/4" will need to be re-sheeted.
Ice guard and Membranes
We use a 6-feet minimum of ice guard from the bottom eave up to meet the code of 18" past the exterior wall. For roofs 3/12 pitch or lower the roof needs to be solid ice guard and any roofs 8/12 and steeper also need 1.5' of ice and water along the rake edge perimeters to meet Michigan Code for wind resistance. Also using ice guard in all valleys, wall perimeters, and around chimneys. Ice and water shields are used in any and all areas that hold snow, ice, or rainwater and could potentially cause an issue. Synthetic felt held by cap nails is used to cover the remaining open area of the roof before installation.
Flashings
Flashing is of the up most importance when it comes to diverting water away from problem areas. The correct installation of flashing is key when it comes to a waterproof system and leak barrier against any wall or chimney. Pan flashings on the face walls, step cards up the side walls, and counter flashing on a chimney are all substantial when it comes to diverting the water off your roof.
Installation
There are different ways to lay shingles and each brand and company have their own way of a racking system which is offsetting the joints. Using 5 fasteners per shingle (6 fasteners per shingle in high wind areas and steeper pitched roofs) and the placement of the nail is crucial in holding the shingle in place. We want the shingle to last and succeed for the expected lifetime of that shingle. Proper installation makes all the difference when it comes to expanding the life of your roof.
Ventilation
It is important to have roof ventilation. The best form of ventilation is a combination of ridge vent and vented soffit. This completes the cycle of circulation for the best air flow. Can vents are another form of proper ventilation but are usually used for more isolated areas and provide less consistency in air flow. Air flow over the attic space prevents overheating of the roof. Also, a preventative of condensation resulting in mold and rot. Vents are energy efficient by reducing indoor temperatures by keeping the home cool in summer months and warmer in the winter. By keeping the humidity down, it helps with ice damming that can cause leaks and structural problems. All contributing to extending the life of your roof. REMINDER: Over ventilating your roof can also be problematic. If you have gable vents, ridge vent, with vented soffit, or can vents, ridge vent, and gable vents... it does not create a proper air flow and instead creates suction or a "tornado effect" where air circulates inside of the roof but never vents or flows in and out as it should.
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For More Products and Information
For color variations, warranty information, and ratings you can visit the following pages:
www.certainteed.com/products/residential-roofing
With all shingle brands, please check in with us for color availability as color variety and names change. Some color options also may not be available in our area.
