Michigan weather is notoriously unpredictable, especially in the winter. As the saying goes, if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes. Part of what that means is that you do not want to be left with a roof problem, especially in the middle of the winter.

If you know what to look for, you can avoid a major roof leak and significant repair bills. Look for these signs and then call for repairs early.

 

Roof Problem: Ice Dams

In the middle of the winter, you may notice large icicles hanging off a roof. While these may be fun to look at and give a “winter wonderland” kind of feel, they are actually a serious sign of trouble. First, they are dangerous, in that they can easily detach and cause injury.

Beyond the risk of injury, these ice dams pose a significant risk to your roof. Snow will melt, the water will run down the roof, and then get caught before draining off. When it gets caught, it will get under the edge of your shingles, slowly prying them up, leading to leaks.

There are several problems with your roof and home that may cause these ice dams:

• Insufficient insulation in your attic
• Improper attic ventilation
• Attic heat leaks

If you see ice dams forming, call to get a professional assessment of the situation. Sometimes it is as easy as adding some new insulation to your attic, and you avoid a potentially catastrophic roof problem.

 

Strong Winter Winds

Regardless of where in Michigan you reside, you are bound to encounter strong winter winds at some point. These winds are notorious for wreaking havoc on people’s roofs.

The rating of your shingle will determine how strong of wins it can withstand. Grade A shingles can withstand winds of up to about 60mph whereas grade F can withstand winds of up to 110mph. These ratings are if the shingles are installed properly and are undamaged.

However, if your shingles are getting old, or have been damaged by an ice dam, one good wind gust pulls these right up. That’s why it is important to pay attention to your shingles, and repair minor damage before it leads to a major roof problem.

 

Heavy Snow Loads

One thing every homeowner should be aware of is the roofing load capacity. If you live in southeast Michigan, you may luck out and have very little snow for a season. But then you get the crazy Nor’easter, and you may get six inches overnight.

Whereas if you live in the northern parts of the lower peninsula or in the UP, you may receive as much as 300 inches over the winter. The ranges are crazy and mean we all have to prepare for the worst.

When it comes to your roof, it is important to understand what it can hold. Different roof designs and structures are engineered to hold different amounts. Another issue to consider is the composition of the snow. Light fluffy snow will accumulate quickly but has very little weight compared to dense wet snow.

 

Winter Weather Leaks

Roof leaks you experience in the winter are a culmination of several factors. These include too much snow, the formation of ice dams, winds, and weakening roofing materials.

When you first experience a leak, you may notice subtle hints of rust around parts of your ceiling. However, these may quickly expand, lead to ballooning of your ceiling paint, and eventually dripping water.

Regardless of which of these symptoms you see, you are at risk of a catastrophic failure. This is a serious failure that usually results in part of the roof collapsing in, and causing serious damage to your home.

 

What to Do If You Notice Roofing Issues

The first step to protecting your home and roof is to prevent damage. Take notice of the condition of your roof and fix minor issues when they come up.

Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid major issues. If you have skylights, be sure to caulk around the edge to keep it sealed. Cracked or worn caulking is a common cause of leaks.

Also, keep an eye on your shingles. If you experience damage due to a storm, be sure to have it fixed quickly. This means that if you have shingles that are peeling up around the edges, that you use something like liquid nails roof repair to get it adhered down.

Did you know your roof consists of much more than just plywood and shingles? Unless you are a roofing professional or have participated in a roofing project, you probably have evaluated the need and intricacies of roof vents.

However, just because you may now know all there is to know about them does not mean they are any less important. It is important to understand what they are, how they work, and why they are so important to your home in Michigan.

 

What Are Roof Vents?

These vents help to release heat and moisture that build up in the attic space of your home. Even if there is not an attic you can access, your home likely has some space between the ceiling and the roof.

Your roof has two forms of vents, the intake vents and the exhaust vents. The intake vents are usually in the overhang of the roof. However, some homes also have vents built into the wall of their attic space known as gable louvers.

Exhaust vents come in a couple of different varieties. The most common vent is the ridge vent, which goes across the ridge across the top of your roof. The second is called roof louvers, which are installed right on the surface of the roof, with a cutout in the sheathing board to provide the actual ventilation.

 

How Do They Work?

The mechanism by which these work is quite simple. Intake vents are located lower on the roof structure, which the exhaust vents are located toward the top. Warm air naturally rises, creating a vacuum that air exhausts through the vents. This is natural ventilation and is what many homes use.

However, in some circumstances a mechanical method more effective. If your roof is designed in a way that does not allow much airflow, or if you are in an area with little natural air movement, this will be something to explore.

Mechanical ventilation utilizes fans to move through the space. These typically install in the vent cap and require some power source. Some models simply tie into your home’s electrical system, while others may have self-contained power like solar.

 

Benefit #1: Improve Energy Efficiency

One important benefit of roof vents is improved energy efficiency. Removing the stagnant air from your attic helps improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, especially during the hot summer months. By moving the hot air out of the attic you reduce the amount of work your air conditioner must exert to cool your home.

This also reduces the humidity in space, reducing the environment conducive to mold development. This improves your indoor air quality making it more comfortable in your home, but also improving the efficiency of both your heating and cooling systems.

 

Benefit #2: Add More Life to Your Roof

A normal asphalt shingle roof can last up to about 25 years, depending on how it is maintained. However, when the roof is not properly vented, this life is cut significantly short.

As discussed above, an improperly vented roof will cause ice dams, which will cut the life of your roof on its own. However, it goes well beyond that.

During hot Michigan summers, the extra heat gets trapped underneath your shingles. This extra heat causes the shingles to degrade prematurely, shortening their life and causing leaks.

This degradation also causes the shingles to start peeling up from the roof, weakening the seal of the tar strip on the bottom. This makes the shingles more susceptible to additional damage from wind and storms.

 

Benefit #3: Reduce Indoor Hot Spots

It is challenging to heat and cool your home appropriately when you have unusual areas that are warmer than others. This is especially true if you have a multi-level home and one floor is warmer than another. Sure, hot air rises, so expect some amount of variation from floor to floor. However, you should not feel a dramatic difference between floors, and especially not between your ceiling and your floor on a single floor.

While this change may be a problem with how your HVAC system is running, it can also indicate an improperly vented roof. If you experience this dramatic change, look for other signs your vents are not sufficient.

 

How Many Do You Need?

Unfortunately, a single vent on your roof will not be sufficient for most homes. Rather, you need vents periodically across your entire roof. But how many will you need?

You need to know some information about your home before you can determine this. Specifically, you need the square footage of your and if you have a vapor barrier in your attic space. If you do, then you need to plan for one vent for every 300 square feet of roof. If you do not have the vapor barrier, then you need to install one for every 200 square feet.

You should also know the pitch of your roof. If your pitch is greater than 6:12 then you will need more vents to cover the attic space properly.

Mold is a dirty sounding word, and there is no way you want that associated with your home Michigan. Unfortunately, you realize that it is something that may come with your home, including on your roof.

But why does mold grow on roofs, are there any risks associated with roof mold, and what can you do to deal with it? These are all great questions, and you can easily learn all you need to know to deal with this common problem.

 

What Causes Mold on Your Roof?

First, you need to understand what roof mold is. In most cases, the words mold and moss are often synonymous on roofs. It is the dark stuff that, sometimes green and sometimes more like a black. It may appear as patches or streaks on your roof, just depending on the particular issue.

These require two things to grow: moisture and warmth. Your roof stays relatively warm given the fact it absorbs heat from the sun. So what about moisture, is there enough for a long enough time to encourage this growth?

Pits in your roof, or areas that are slightly more shallow than the rest of your roof, are the perfect breeding ground for this kind of growth. It allows moisture to collect and is the last place for it to evaporate.

If you have any leaks in your roof, you may encounter some sheathing boards that are rotting under the shingles. This will cause your shingles to remain moist regardless of the outside weather.

It can also be an indication your roof is not properly vented your attic will retain more moisture than it should. This additional moisture will cause the sheathing boards, which are often plywood, to retain that moisture.

The growth can also be an indicator of your home’s environment. Observe how much sunlight your roof is receiving. It may be as simple as needing to trim back some trees to allow more sun to hit a particular area of your roof.

 

What is the Risk of a Moldy Roof?

Aside from being a little unpleasant to look at, is there really any risk to having this growth on your home? The short answer is yes, there are risks, and it is important to understand both.

The most obvious is the risk most people associate with mold and moss, which is their possible health implications. As this grows on your roof, it will release spores to continue growing in other places.

These spores can make their way into your living space through your roof vents and any other small air leaks. These spores can cause allergic reactions and respiratory distress in some individuals.

While the growth itself may not cause irreparable damage to your home, it is an indicator that something is not quite right. Ignoring this symptom may lead to bigger problems if it indicates another problem in your home.

 

What Do You Use to Treat Your Roof?

The easiest thing to do is run to the hardware store and look for a cleaner you can use on your roof. However, these have a wide range of prices, up to over $500 for treating your roof.

Another option is to create a simple solution that is quite effective. This is made of:

• 1 part chlorine bleach
• 3 parts water
• 1 tablespoon trisodium phosphate

Mix this together in a large bucket either outside or in a very well-ventilated area. Be sure you keep your face away from the opening of the bucket as the fumes from the bleach can be toxic. Also, consider wearing gloves, goggles, and long sleeves and pants to protect yourself from any splashing.

 

Getting the Job Done

Put the solution in a sprayer, such as a backpack sprayer or a simple handheld yard sprayer. As you think about which is the best option, consider your roof, the pitch, and where you will be as you apply the solution.

Apply a generous layer of the solution across your roof and then let it set for between 15 and 30 minutes. After this, rinse it off with a garden hose and a basic spray nozzle.

 

Protect Your Landscaping

Before getting onto your roof and praying it down, you want to protect your yard and any landscaping around the edge of your roof. The bleach in the solution can cause damage to plants as well as furniture and landscaping architecture.

Lay a tarp over as much as you can to direct the runoff to an area that will not be affected by the bleach. If you have bushes near the area you will treat, consider getting a plastic cover that will fit the plant more snuggly than a simple tarp.

 

Know When to Call the Pros

Working on your roof can be dangerous if you are affected by heights. If you have a steep roof or are uneasy working from your roof, you should call the team at KGT to help with this process. Our team can not only help remediate roof mold issues in Michigan but will also help you determine if you have a larger problem. Identifying those problems early can save you in larger repair bills down the road.

Roofing issues are common in Michigan with the strong winds generated between the lakes. However, winters offer unique challenges for roofs on homes around Lansing.

It is important to understand what causes these issues and how you can limit their impact on your home. Remember, waiting until the middle of winter and you have a significant problem is the worst time to try to hire a roofing contractor to fix the problem. Take a few minutes now and schedule KGT to ensure your home is ready before the arctic weather settles across the area.

 

Cold Winter Winds

Everyone across Michigan is aware of the frigid winds that blow across the area over the winter. Fewer leaves on the trees allow these winds to blow freely against any building in their way. When this happens, your siding and roof take a strong hit, leading to damage.

The frigid air causes the tar adhesive to give, leading to edges of the shingles to peel up. Then the winds coming through and start pulling at those edges. Eventually, enough of the shingle is peeled up that the right wind comes through and rips the shingle off.

 

Ice Dams on Your Roof

Heat rises in your home and without proper insulation, it heats the snow directly on your roof. This then gets caught at the edge of your roof creating a dam.

While the icicles that form as a result of the ice dam may be pretty as they hang off your roof, they are indicative of greater trouble. As this dam continues to build it prevents water from draining off your roof properly.

This water then pushes up under your shingles. As it refreezes it causes those shingles to peel up, making them more susceptible to wind damage. In extreme cases, this condition will work its way past the ice shield under your shingles and cause damage to the sheathing underneath.

 

Too Much Snow

One concern during major snowstorms in the Lansing area is too much snow on a roof. While the snow load is not generally a concern of newer buildings, it certainly may be one for older structures.

To understand snow load you have to understand the weight of the snow it brings. As you consider this, you can see how the kind of snow will play a major factor in what your roof can handle. The fluffier and drier snow the more your roof can easily handle up to 40 inches, more than usually falls at any given time in Michigan.

However, denser snow can pose a substantial problem maxing out at about 20 inches. During major snowstorms, you may experience this amount of snow, and want to be sure your roof will hold up to it.

Damage to your roof will weaken the integrity of your roof, reducing the load it can bear. If the sheathing or rafters have molded or sustained damage, they will sustain far less weight, and you may have a significant problem before long.

 

Roofing Issues Lead to Leaks

All of these roofing issues combine to create leaks in your roof. These may start small, making small stains on your ceiling. However, if left unresolved, they will quickly cascade into additional problems.

Ultimately, these leaks will ruin your ceiling, walls, and even your rafters and studs. Any time you detect a leak, you need to investigate the problem and find a solution. In some cases, you will be able to patch the problem with some liquid roofing nails. Other cases may require caulking around skylights and vents coming through your roof. Extreme cases may require replacing your roof entirely.

 

Prepare for Winter

The right time to prepare your roof for the winter is before the snow and frigid air settle across the area. Begin by simply inspecting what you can easily see of your roof.

As you look at your roof you want to look for any signs of shingles peeling up, missing, or even a section not laying squarely in place. These are all problems you want to solve early to avoid major leaking problems.

Next, inspect all the places where a vent, skylight, or anything else is coming through the roof. Look for obvious leaks like water dripping from the ceiling. Also, look for discoloration or bubbling of the paint on your ceiling. Finally, press on the ceiling if you can reach it, and see if there is any sponginess.

If you find any of these signs, call KGT to evaluate your situation, and make a plan for how to make your roof safe over the winter.

When you first noticed roof damage, you may not have immediately thought about filing an insurance claim. However, some roof coverage is covered in most home insurance policies.

The problem is that it can be difficult to tell the difference between regular roof maintenance and damage. After all, you are going to have some maintenance over time, such as caulking your skylights, washing your shingles, and cleaning your gutters.

However, most significant damage is caused by an event that many insurance policies will cover. Do not assume you have to pay for it out of pocket, but consider the following this advice and consult your insurance agent.

 

Document Everything for Your Claim

As with most legal matters, your documentation is going to be key for filing your insurance claim. The first thing you want to document is the date and time of the damage, and what caused it. Was it wind, hail, or some other storm? Maybe a tree fell on your roof and ripped off some shingles. There are a million ways that your roof could get damaged.

Once you document how the damage occurred, now you want to document the damage itself. It is best to take very clear, high-resolution pictures, and from multiple angles. Be sure you take the pictures before you do any sort of cleanup.

If you are having a major storm and it is safe to do so, take some pictures during the storm. All of these pictures combined are what makes for a compelling case for the insurance company.

 

Review Your Homeowner’s Policy

If you have not done so, read through your insurance policy. It may not be as riveting as the latest thriller, but it is going to help you through getting your claims processed. Unfortunately, not all home insurance policies are the same, so you should know what is in yours.

Specifically, you want to know what your deductible is going to be, as well as what the insurance company is going to cover. Will they only cover the catastrophic failure of the roof, or will they cover minor damage causing leaking? These can all be found in your policy details.

If you do not know where your policy documents are, most insurance companies provide them through a digital portal. Try visiting your insurance carriers’ website to see how to access the portal and get this information.

 

Get Your Estimates

Now that you have pictures and know what is covered, it is time to get estimates. It is best to get estimates from several reputable roofing companies. Some will work directly with your insurance company to get your claim, and others may not.

To avoid people out to scam money or amateurs overselling their abilities, be sure you look for reviews and references. Sites like Angie’s List and Home Advisor are great to get information. You can also read other reviews on the company’s Google listing.

You may want to contact your insurance agent to get a list of companies they have worked with in the past. This is just another layer of protection to be sure you are working with a reputable company.

Finally, be sure you are not entering a contract with any company, but only seeking estimates. Most companies provide a free estimate to come and look at the damage and provide the estimate. Be sure this includes not only the replacement or repair, but also the removal of debris and construction waste. As they say, the devil is in the details.

 

Consider Whether You Want to File a Claim

The final step is to consider whether you want to file a claim. A whole new roof can cost as much as $30,000 or more, depending on your home. If that is the case, you will probably want to file the claim.

However, if the entire roof is not damaged, you wan to consider the cost of the repairs and whether it is worth the claim. Keep in mind, some claims may not be approved on the first try, and this could cost you time before the repair is completed.

Also consider your deductible and whether the repair will exceed that amount, and by how much. For instance, if your deductible is $1,000 and your repairs are estimated at $1,500, it may not be worth filing. Your rate may go up once the claim is approved and therefore negate the benefit. Consider contacting your agent to discuss the estimates versus your policy as you decide.

It can be difficult dealing with any kind of roof damage. Be sure you do not ignore it because it can cause significant damage to the rest of your home. Take your time, do your homework, and be ready to provide solid information if you determine you should file that claim.

Dealing with a roof replacement is a royal pain. Not only is it expensive, but it also disrupts the entire home for the length of the project. Let’s not forget the random storms that make Michigan weather unpredictable, and project like this stressful.

Add to that all the horror stories you have heard about bad contractors. They cut corners and sometimes cause more damage than they fix. You should not feel a more stress once you have a new roof, but rather a sense of relief.

To help you feel that sense a relief, consider the following seven tips. If you learn and stick to them, you are likely to have a much better experience and save yourself frustration and money.

 

#1 Find a Roof Replacement Contractor

There are many handymen, contractors, and roofing companies who claim to be able to install a new roof. However, how do you know which ones you can trust and which ones you should be wary of?

The easiest way is to look for professional certifications. Roofing materials manufacturers provide these certifications. It is their stamp of approval that the contractor knows how to effectively install the materials to get the best life from them. The certifications you may want to look for include NRCA, GAF, Corning, or something similar.

 

#2 Get Referrals & Do Your Research

Referrals are critical to understanding who you can trust and who you cannot. Be sure to talk with your neighbors and local friends. If you are part of a community group, ask there to find out who others recommend.

Also, be sure to check reputable review sites such as Angie’s List, Home Advisor, as well as Yelp, Facebook, and Google. Part of what you want to look for is not only the positive reviews, but also the negative. Specifically, you want to look for how the company responds when something does not go according to plan.

 

#3 Pay Attention To The Agreement Details

Your agreement is technically the letter of the law when it comes to your roof replacement project. Because of this, you want to pay attention to the details for what the company is responsible for, and what is included in the contract.

For instance, who is responsible for obtaining the permit for the roofing project, and is that cost included? Who is responsible for securing a dumpster or some way of removing the old shingles? These are all things that add to the cost as well as your stress, so you want to know what to expect.

 

#4 Be Careful of Cost Cutting Shortcuts

Some contractors have a lower cost and are loved for it. This is sometimes because they will cut some labor by not removing the old shingles before adding the new ones on time.

There are several problems with shortcuts like this. First, the rating on shingles are for being installed properly, so they may not last as long. Second, you do not get a sense of the condition of the underlying wood panels. Third, if you do not tear off the old shingles, you will not replace the water and ice shield. This can lead to leaking and additional repairs.

 

#5 Be Flexible but Firm

Along with the unpredictable weather in Michigan comes some level of flexibility you need to have with your roof replacement job. Be sure when you review your agreement there is some detail as to what happens if inclement weather forces a postponement of your project. If this happens, you want to know they will complete your project quickly, not push you to the end of the season.

 

#6 Understand Your Materials

You have heard many people say that you get what you pay for, and that includes your roof. Companies rate shingles for anywhere between 10 to 50 years. The less expensive the shingles, the more likely you are going to get a lower-rated shingle.

While the higher-rated shingles are going to cost more initially, you will end up saving a lot of labor. Labor is always going to be the greatest expense, so if you can reduce it by making your roof last longer, you reduce your overall cost.

 

#7 Check the Site Cleanup at the End

It seems like it should go without saying that a professional company will clean up well after they are done. However, this can be time-consuming and laborers may try to skimp on it to wrap up early. However, not cleaning up properly can cause additional damage such as punctured tires.

Ask for the magnet they used to clean up nails and do a quick once-over to make sure you approve of the job. Only then should you give your approval on the job being completed.

One of the biggest headaches a homeowner will have to face is a problem with your roof. If you do not keep it in good repair, your entire house will suffer. As they say, you could bring the walls down around you.

It is tempting to push roof repair and maintenance off because you fear it will result in needing a new roof. However, the fastest way to ensure you need to replace your homes roofing is to neglect minor repairs. If you know the condition of your roof and have some idea of when you may need a full replacement.

Keep the following in mind when talking to contractors and you will be ready to actively participate in developing your solution.

 

Your Roof’s Condition

Before determining whether you need to repair your roof or replace it is to consider its condition. The following are all parts of the condition you should consider.

 

Age of your Roof

The first is the age of your roof. Most roofs should last between 15 and 40 years when professionally installed. The quality of the shingles you use will help determine where in that range your roof will fall.

If you are nearing the end of the expected life of your home’s roofing, you may consider replacing it early if you have major repairs. This will help save you money in the long run, plus negate any possible complications from un-repaired damage.

You can always consider the condition to get a sense of what may be needed if you do not know the age.

 

Condition of the Shingles

The condition of your shingles will help you determine what course of action you should take. If they are not in good repair, they will not hold up during storms and will possibly allow leaking.

The following are things to look for that indicate your shingles are wearing out:

• Excessive mold or moss
• Many small sections missing
• Bald shingles
• If your shingles are curled or torn

 

Damage to the Roof

Next, you want to look for damage to your home’s roofing. A simple roof repair project can fix many types of damage to the roof, depending on its extent. There are many types of damage a roof may sustain over its life.

The first one most people think about is the damage caused by a storm, either through heavy rain, hail, or wind. This can cause shingles to blow off and tear, leaving your roof susceptible leaks. Hail that comes with these storms can also punch holes into shingles, depending on the size and wind strength.

Many people forget about the damage winter can cause roofs as well. The thawing of snow and ice and then refreezing can pry up shingles, making them much less effective.

A professional roofing contractor will be able to help you evaluate your roof to determine if you need a new roof or if you can repair it.

 

What Else to Consider

The condition of your roof is a strong indicator of whether you need a new roof or can repair it. However, below are two more considerations to help you determine your next step.

 

Your Project Budget

First, what is your budget for bringing your roof back into working order? Consider that the average roof replacement in Michigan costs anywhere between $6,500-$12,000. Most small repair jobs will cost between $300-$3,000.

If you are nearing the end of your roof’s estimated life, you may be able to get by with some repairs for the short term. However, you may find yourself needing more repairs during the winter before you can replace your roof.

To be best suited for dealing with your roof, start planning a few years ahead of the minimum expected life of your roof. This allows you to proactively replace it before there is damage and avoids surprise costs.

 

Expectations of Project

Next, what are the expectations you have for the job? Do you want to be done with the project, and not have to think about it for several years? Are you planning to stay in your home for another 15-20 years? Are you planning to move soon and want to maintain the value of your property?

All of these are important considerations when determining whether to repair or replace your roof.

 

How To Select Your Roofing Contractor

Once you get a sense of what direction you may go, it is time to look for a roofing contractor. It is important to get an estimate from multiple contractors and do your homework. The last thing you want is to end up in a worse situation than you are in now. Here are some important things to check in the process.

• Is the contractor licensed, insured, and bonded?
• Do they have references you can check?
• What kind of warranty on workmanship is included?
• Are there any hidden fees, such as disposal costs?

Take your time, do your homework and plan, and you will have a good experience maintaining your roof.