When an ice dam forms on a roof, it will typically develop near the eaves, close to the gutters. The ice melting causes water to trickle toward the gutter, refreezing beneath the eaves’ shingles. Once water starts working under shingles, the repeated cycle of freezing, melting, and refreezing will cause rapid expansion and contraction that damages the roof. It’s vital to do everything you can to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof, and one of the best available options is to install an ice guard.

What Is Ice Guard?

As the name suggests, an ice guard is a roof fixture that can help prevent the formation of ice dams. This waterproof underlayment attaches to the roof decking and seals all the nails. When these nails are exposed, water can creep beneath shingles and drip down through the small gaps from the nail holes and into the interior below. Ice guard covers these nail holes to ensure that any water that enters below the shingles will have nowhere to travel but down the roof’s slope and into the gutter as it should.

It’s also a good idea to install an ice guard below a roof’s valleys where multiple planes intersect. These are the roof parts where water will travel down toward the gutter and are therefore more prone to ice formation. If you choose to install an ice guard for your home, your roofer can also install it around your chimney, roof flashings, and other protrusions to protect the areas of your roof most vulnerable to ice and water infiltration.

Ventilation and Ice Dams

If you wonder whether your roof needs an ice guard, it’s worth inspecting your roof’s current ventilation system. In most cases, ice dams form on roofs because the lower parts of the roof’s slopes are cooler than the upper parts near the roof’s peak. The ventilation system of most homes will push warm air upward through the attic and roof space. If the roof doesn’t have a good ventilation structure, the warm air will linger toward the roof’s peak, warming it from underneath and leaving the roof cooler’s lower region.

A home with good roof ventilation may never experience ice dams but installing water and ice guards can still provide additional moisture protection during all types of precipitation and give you some peace of mind. Mr. Roof can conduct a thorough inspection to determine the best way to protect against ice and water damage. If you need an ice guard for your home, we can handle the installation and help you make informed choices about your roofing services. Contact Mr. Roof today for more information about the ice guard for your home.

The post Does My Roof Need Ice Guard? appeared first on Mr Roof.

At Mr. Roof, we want our customers to know how to keep their homes as safe and comfortable as possible, no matter how the weather turns. We’ve compiled a short checklist of the tasks you can complete that will help you prepare your roof and your home for storm season. If you’d like a professional roofing inspection to identify your home’s vulnerabilities, Mr. Roof can help with that. In the meantime, keep the following tips in mind for preparing your roof for storm season.

Look for Shingle Damage

You can inspect shingles from the ground to check for discoloration, warping, and curling. If you take a walk around your yard after a heavy storm, you might notice bits of shingles in your grass or small deposits of shingle granules around the bases of your downspouts. These are signs that your roof’s shingles may require attention sooner rather than later. Once your shingles start cracking, chipping, and deteriorating, it is only a matter of time before you will need to replace your roof to prevent serious water damage.

Consider Roof Replacement

You may be forced into a choice between dealing with a ramshackle roof during storm season and addressing any problems that arise as they happen or footing the cost of a full roof replacement. While replacing your roof will be expensive, allowing your roof to remain in disrepair during storm season is not only unwise but also unsafe. Investing in a roof replacement before storm season will mean your roof will be in the best state it will ever be in to handle severe storm conditions and will provide reliable storm season protection for many seasons to come.

Inspect Your Roof’s Interior

Your home should allow some way to inspect the underside of your roof, whether you have a finished attic, an attic storeroom, or a simple crawlspace. Check this space during a sunny day and see any light entering through small cracks in the roof’s walls, ceiling, or planes. If so, you need to have this addressed as soon as possible. One night of heavy rainfall into a leak in your attic could lead to thousands of dollars in water damage to the inside of your home.

A professional roof inspection can reveal hidden problems with your roof that could lead to costly damage during storm season. Conduct as much of an attic inspection as you can on your own before arranging a professional roof inspection to ensure the interior of your roof is well-protected.

Check Your Gutters

Your home’s gutter system must be able to reliably funnel water off your home and into your drainage system. It’s vital to maintain your gutters and check them before the storm season hits. Severe storms can cause high winds that carry debris through the air, and the water hitting your home may also carry sediment and debris. Your gutters should be completely clear, so these substances do not accumulate and cause blockages.

A blocked gutter could cause water to start spilling onto the side of the home, eventually working its way behind the home’s siding, and causing significant water damage. If you have older gutters, the strain of holding lots of heavy sediment and debris could cause some gutters to break. Mr. Roof can also install gutter guards that act as filters against leaves, twigs, and other debris, keeping your gutters clear all storm season long.

Inspect for Wear and Tear

A professionally installed asphalt shingle roof will last 20 to 25 years under favorable conditions. If your area experiences regular storm seasons, this life could be shorter. No matter what type of roof you have over your home, it’s vital to inspect it regularly for signs of wear and tear. Some signs of a roof in need of attention before storm season include missing shingles, shingle debris on the ground or in gutters, rust around flashings and roof protrusions, and other signs of physical damage.

It’s also important to check for signs of mold or rot on asphalt shingle roofs. The shingles themselves may appear fine, but if they are sunken, appear distorted, or the roof seems to be caving inward slightly, this could be a sign that the wood under the shingles has started to rot.

Consider Additional Water Protection

If you are thinking about roof repairs, upgrades, or replacement before storm season, one of your chief concerns is moisture protection. Roofing systems use many water barriers, including the shingles and exterior coverings, waterproof underlayment, and coated roof decking. Once you have a team perform a professional roof inspection, you will know exactly what type of water barrier your roof has and your options for strengthening it. For example, not all roofs are installed with underlayment. Suppose you need to replace your roof anyway, and you did not have underlayment installed. In that case, it’s probably a good idea to consider a secondary water barrier, such as an underlayment installation for the new roof.

Work With an Experienced Roofing Team

One of the most crucial steps to take to protect your home during storm season is to choose the right roofer if you require any professional work to your home’s roof. Whether you need a complete replacement or a few tweaks to handle storm season with confidence, Mr. Roof can help. Our team is thoroughly trained and highly experienced when it comes to storm protection for our customers. We can conduct a professional roof inspection to understand your roof’s exact state and make an informed decision about your roofing services.

Storm season can bring strong winds, heavy rains, and other damaging storm conditions, so it’s vital to ensure your roof is as ready as possible to handle it. Contact Mr. Roof today to schedule a professional roof inspection and find out more about how you can protect your home during storm season.

The post How to Prepare Your Roof for Storm Season appeared first on Mr Roof.

Your home is a representation of who you to the outside world. Home remodeling is an important decision that needs proper planning well before the start of construction so everything turns out exactly how you imagine it.

By using a customizable 3D model during the planning and design stage you can create a realistic representation of your dream home. This allows for a more accurate interpretation of designs and makes communication between you and the builder much easier.3D designing can help you plan and construct your house and can help you turn your dreams into reality.

Why Use 3D Modeling?

3D Modeling allows one to see what they would not be able to see with a 2D model. It gives the designer the ability to see how much real estate an object takes up from all angles and perspectives. It can help the home buyer get a more accurate depiction of what the design will look like when it is built. It also can point out design flaws and allow for changes prior to the construction phase. It can even save you money by providing more accurate measurements so you aren’t paying for excess materials.

Using Your Style

One of the biggest advantages of 3D modeling is that it gives you the freedom to explore your creativity. You get to create a small-scale house based upon the ideas that you have in your mind. By executing them in a physical model, you are able to see how it translates in the real world and determine its practicality.

Visualize Before You Commit

When you make use of 3D modeling during the planning stage of your new house, you can manipulate 3D models in ways that you cannot do with 2D models. You can test your what-if scenarios in the models and can validate or reject your plans resulting in savings of both your time and money.

You not only get an accurate picture but also get to alter the project and make any changes. Doing this during the design stage is a much less expensive and more practical option than attempting it during actual construction.

Speed

3D modeling takes up less time in the planning stage. By downloading our free app, you can take a few pictures of the exterior of your home and have a complete and fully functioning 3D model of your home! You can then design exactly what you want, test out different colors, materials, and costs.

Re-Imagine your house with 3D modeling from Mr. Roof.

The post Re-Imagine Your House With a Customizable 3D-Model appeared first on Mr Roof.

When the wear and tear on your roof reaches a tipping point, you must consider a roof replacement. Roof replacement is a significant financial undertaking, and you’ll undoubtedly want the best the area has to offer. If you’re within the greater Grand Rapids or Ann Arbor, Michigan areas, Mr. Roof is your solution.

Why Choose Mr. Roof?

Mr. Roof has been serving customers in Michigan for over 60 years, providing high-quality customer service and excellent communication to ensure our clients always know what to expect. Meanwhile, our pricing structure, financing options, and payment plans help keep our services affordable for practically anyone in the area searching for a quality roofer. Above all, however, our customers recommend us time and again for our commitment to quality workmanship.

We guarantee the industry-leading installation of multiple highly rated roofing systems, such as RoofGuard. After your installation, we offer lifetime warranties on many of our materials and products, as well as a same-day satisfaction guarantee on most installations. Through it all, we’re never out of your reach – contact us with any questions you may have regarding your roof’s installation, durability, and maintenance even after the job is finished.

Who Uses Mr. Roof?

We’ve received ratings on all of the top home improvement rating sites as well as the Better Business Bureau, but the true result of our customer’s satisfaction lies within their willingness to share our story with others time and time again. Our testimonials section at the top of the page is a true testament to just how satisfied our customer base remains. You could also peruse the photo gallery for real-life depictions of some of our recent projects in your area.

Look at your neighborhood – if you live in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, or any of the surrounding, southeast Michigan communities, you may see Mr. Roof’s work all around. If you call us for an estimate, chances are, our representative can name a few projects in your area you can view in real time. There’s no better indication of quality than your neighbors’ satisfaction.

How Can We Help You?

If you’re in need of a new roof for your southeast Michigan home, contact Mr. Roof. Peruse our material offerings, decide on an aesthetic you’re looking for based on your preferences and those in your neighborhood and make any other custom decisions at your convenience. We offer timely, no-fee estimates to ensure you know what to expect before installation day.

Our flexible financing options ensure all our customers have access to high-quality workmanship and durable materials at an affordable cost. What’s more, you can rest assured our crews have licensing and insurance, so you can avoid unnecessary headaches and expenses. Contact Mr. Roof of Grand Rapids or southeast Michigan today to get started.

The post Michigan Roof Replacement: We’ve Got You Covered appeared first on Mr Roof.

Conventional wisdom (not to mention your insurance company) states that you should get three estimates and choose the median. Why? Supposedly, a drastically lower estimate may indicate cost-cutting measures that could result in shoddy workmanship, while the highest estimate could wind up costing you a pretty penny for average durability.

Meanwhile, if you’re replacing your roof due to an insurance claim, your insurance company may be stressing that you obtain at least three estimates. However, the three-estimate rule is not a hard-and-fast requirement for insurance claims, nor is it a necessity for your own decision-making process.

How Many Estimates Do You Need?

The thought process behind requesting estimates is solid – replacing a roof is a major undertaking that costs you a good deal of money and stands to make a lasting effect on your home’s weatherproofing, durability, and resale value for years to come. Of course, you want as much information as possible so you can feel comfortable proceeding. You also want to make sure the company you choose provides high-quality materials and high-quality installation – the best way to make that determination is to compare them to others that offer the same service.

However, do you really need three estimates? Not really. In this case, the “right” number of estimates depends completely on you – get as many, or as few, estimates as you need in order to feel comfortable with the company you choose and their pricing.

Insurance companies also cannot require you to get a certain number of estimates. All roofing companies receive payment following a third-party system designed to set industry standard prices. Your insurance company will pay your area’s best roofer the exact same amount as it pays the worst roofer. Gather as many estimates as you feel comfortable with and choose the best company, just as you would if you were footing the bill on your own.

What Should You Look for?

How do you go about choosing the best company? Aside from affordability, ask these questions while choosing a roofer:

• Have you performed work in the area? Ask for references and addresses. There’s no better way to get a feel for a company’s customer service and workmanship than by speaking with former customers.
• How experienced is your crew? It’s a good sign if your roofing company has been in business for decades and has great reviews. However, make sure to ask about the experience level of the particular crew that will be performing your work; a long-lasting company can easily hire a crop of newbies that may not have any more experience than you do.
• How can I reach out during the process? Asking this question, in particular, gauges the company’s customer service. Their willingness to answer questions, guide you through the process, and remain available speaks to how smoothly the process will go on install day.

Finding the right company to install your roof at the right price is essential. However, there’s no set number of estimates you must consider in order to arrive at the right company.

The post Why You Don’t Have to Get Three Estimates appeared first on Mr Roof.

When should you be concerned about the effects of wind on your home’s roof? What damages should you watch for? Most importantly, when should you call in the experts? This quick guide to wind damage will answer these questions and more.

How Does Wind Damage Your Roof?

Some of the effects of extreme wind damage are more obvious than others. For example, wind damage can cause entire sections of your roof to bend, lift, or even fall off. Other obvious damages can be caused by punctures from flying debris or branches, but then there are the not so obvious signs. Wind damage can aggregate over time causing issues of increasing severity you may not notice until it’s too late.

Any time wind lifts shingles away from your roof, roofing nails loosen and the sealant bond between the shingle and the roof is broken, increasing the likelihood that water will make its way into your home even if the shingle stays on the roof. Missing shingles can create weak points so that future wind storms can get underneath the remaining shingles, creating lift and risking entire sections of shingles flying away. Meanwhile, weakened corners, valleys, and flashings allow water to seep into your home.

What Should You Look for?

After heavy winds, perform a quick external inspection of your home’s roof. Watch for these signs of moderate to severe wind damage:

• Missing shingles. Look for obvious bare spots on your roof as well as shingle debris scattered about your property.
• Damaged shingles. Shingles that are damaged may be missing granulation, curled at the edges, cracked, broken, or torn.
• Damaged or missing roof components. Components such as ridge vents and gutters may be cracked, sagging, broken, or missing.
• Tree limbs and debris. Tree limbs, leaves, and other debris on the roof indicates winds heavy enough to lift shingles and begin causing water damage.

Next, perform an interior inspection. Watch for any signs of water damage, such as sagging, leaky, or discolored top-floor ceilings. In addition, check your attic for the same, as well as any wet rafters.

When Should You Call?

If you experience a wind storm with gusts approaching or exceeding 50 miles per hour, damage to your roof severe enough to warrant repairs is likely. As soon as you notice the above signs of damaged roofing components call a roofing expert. Failing to repair minor damage to your roof can allow wind to further damage shingles, increasing your home’s risk for moisture intrusion with each subsequent storm.

Contact a roofing repair expert to assess the damage to your roof and receive a quote for any repairs before beginning work. Addressing the issue now can prevent water damage as well as total roof replacement in the future. Mr. Roof can handle roofing repairs ranging from shingle replacement to complete roof replacement and we offer one of the best warranties in the industry.

The post Roof Damage by Heavy Wind: When to Call? appeared first on Mr Roof.

Algae can cause unsightly stains and growths on your new roof. It will continue to worsen year after year until you invest in professional cleaning. You’ll find everything you need to know about roof algae here, in this comprehensive guide from the experts at Mr. Roof.

Our residential roofing contractors want you to learn how to recognize roof algae, understand the potential hazards it could pose to your home, and know when to call in the professionals for deep cleaning, roof repair, or roof replacement. We offer free roof inspections at locations throughout the country.

How to Recognize Roof Algae

What does roof algae look like? The answer will depend on the type of problem you are experiencing. Most often, roof algae will appear as some type of discoloration to roofing materials. You may notice black stains or streaks, or a blanket of green mossy growth. Roof algae can also look like spots of mold – leading to the common misconception. Although mold can grow in your roofing materials if water gets trapped somewhere if you see any of the following on top of your roof, algae are more likely your problem:

• Black Streaks
• Green or white spots
• Round lichens
• Mosses
• Green moss that spreads across your roof

Algae is not the same as mold. Algae is more common and not as dangerous to humans. Algae can overtake a new roof in four years or less in the right conditions. If you notice strange discoloration or vegetative growth marring the look of your new or existing roof, contact a roofing contractor near you for an inspection. A contractor can confirm the existence of algae and recommend the best course of action for your home.

What Causes Roof Algae?

Algae is a nonflowering aquatic plant that does not have roots or leaves like other plants. Roof algae can develop in certain environments. It thrives in humid atmospheres, where heat and moisture combine. Algae grow fastest in shady, damp areas, such as under large trees. It also needs nutrients to continue surviving on your home. Unfortunately, the limestone filler in most roofing shingles provides nutrients to the algae spores. The inorganic materials found in your roof will allow the algae to survive, spread, and darken.

Most cases of roof algae or fungus start with a single spore finding its way to your home. The wind can blow a spore onto your roof, and from there it will take off if the conditions are conducive enough. Rainy weather can increase the chances of algae development, but it does not need rain if there is enough humidity in the air. Overhanging branches, clogged gutters, standing water, a porous roofing material, and poor roof ventilation can all cause roof algae. Taking steps to clear your roof of common issues can help you stay ahead of algae growth.

Common Types of Roof Bacteria

Roof bacteria can take many different forms. You may think you have roof algae, when really you have moss, mildew, or mold. Roof algae generally have a black-green hue. Algae grow most often on wood and asphalt shingles or concrete tiles, especially if they do not get a lot of sunlight. The most common class of roof algae is Gloeocapsa magma, a bacterium that eats water and expels oxygen. It causes the black stains you may see on your roof. The black stains are buildups of algae that can prevent the sun from burning off the bacteria.

Roof lichen is a combination of both algae and fungus. When these two depend on each other, they can grow living organisms. Lichens will use roots to attach securely to your shingles, making them difficult to remove. If left untreated, lichen can eventually take off the top layer of your shingle – leaving a permanent scar on your roof. Roof moss is similar to lichen in that it also has root-like elements that attach to your shingles. A moss’s “roots” are rhizoids, and can anchor the moss to your roof. The moss can then create a layer of algae/lichen growth on your roof by collecting windblown soil and spores.

Unlike algae and moss, mold is not a healthy plant. Roof mold can appear as black or brown blotches, or slimy, foul-smelling accumulations. Mold can occur in places where your roof has absorbed water. Mildew is similar in that it grows on damp surfaces and can cause health problems. Mildew can take a powdery appearance and have many different shades, ranging from black to pink. All types of roof bacteria pose different threats to your roof, home, and health.

8 Ways Roof Algae Can Affect Your Roof

Roof algae is primarily a visual problem but roof mold is not. Roof mold could cause real, lasting damage to your roofing system if left untreated. For any type of damage or stain on your roof, you’ll want to get a roof inspection done by a professional.

1. Appearance. One of the first problems homeowners experience with roof algae has to do with appearance. Most homeowners only realize they have algae when it causes ugly black streaks, dark spots, or green mossy fuzz on the roofing system. Roof algae can significantly decrease curb appeal.
2. Home value. If you’re trying to sell your home, you may run into issues if you have roof algae. Roof algae are signs that your roofing system could have considerable damage, and may need replacing. This can decrease your home’s resale value, until and unless you schedule repairs.
3.  Algae and lichen can adhere to your roof, cause permanent stains, and ultimately damage the underlying materials.
4. Wood rot. If moisture sinks down into the wood of your roof, you could have a serious problem on your hands. Standing water can soften and rot the wood, permanently compromising its strength and safety. Wood rot can lead to roof leaks, expensive repairs, and wood replacement.
5. Mold. Another risk of moisture trapped in your roofing system is the development of real mold. Standing water and humidity, paired with growing algae spores, can be a breeding ground for harmful mold. Mold can pose serious health risks to you and your family.
6. Integrity. If you allow an algae and/or mold situation to stay on your roof, it could damage its integrity beyond the point of simple repairs. Letting algae take over your roofing system for years may make the tiles irreparable, and significantly shorten a new roof’s lifespan. Rotting wood could force you to replace an unstable roof.
7. Damage to other structures. Algae spores can travel on the wind and easily attach to other structures on your property. Roof algae may start on your home, but it won’t be long until you notice similar growth beginning on the roofs of sheds, barns, and carports. It could even travel to neighbors’ homes, spreading the issue throughout the neighborhood.
8. Health. Lastly, but more importantly, roof algae can damage health. If algae turn into a mold or mildew problem, your family could be breathing in dangerous bacteria while spending time in your home or yard. The sooner you deal with roof algae, the better for your health and safety.

Roof algae, fungus, mildew, moss, and mold could ultimately hurt your health. Breathing in mold or mildew spores can cause respiratory problems and diseases, allergies, asthma, nausea, vision problems, and other health hazards. It is important to act quickly once you identify algae on your roof.

How to Get Rid of Roof Algae

Prevention is always the best option for dealing with roof algae. You cannot control whether the wind deposits spores onto your roof, but you can prevent the spores from developing into algae. You must make the roof an unhealthy environment for spores. Increase the amount of sun on your roof by trimming back overhanging branches. Schedule regular roof and gutter maintenance to make sure your roof wicks water away as it should. Consider paying extra for algae-resistant roofing materials if you live in a humid region. You could also treat your shingles or shakes with moisture-resistant chemicals.

If it is too late to prevent algae, treat the problem instead. Do not attempt to remove algae from your roof alone.  Trying to DIY roof algae cleaning with solutions such as bleach and water could lead to expensive roof leaks or further moisture getting trapped beneath your shingles. It could also put you at health risk if you’re not careful. Furthermore, removing the fungus unprofessionally could damage your shingles – stripping them of granules and causing unsightly bald spots. Always trust roof algae repair to the professionals.

When to Call Roofing Professionals

A licensed roofing contractor will know how best to handle your roof algae issue. A professional can inspect your roofing system, determine whether the algae has caused any underlying issues, and clean your roof in a way that will not cause further damage. A contractor can then recommend ways to prevent future algae growth, such as special roof coatings or gutter replacement. If the algae have damaged your roofing system, a contractor can schedule repairs.

Contact a roofing professional the day you notice signs of potential algae growth on your roof. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to treat. Save yourself the time, money, and hassle of deeper issues by calling a roofer right away. If you see discoloration, watermarks, dark spots, peeling paint, mold on your chimney, rotting wood, or crumbling drywall, you need to call a professional roofing expert. Otherwise, you could put yourself at risk of property damage and health issues.

Do You Need Roof Cleaning, Repair, or Replacement?

When you call a contractor to deal with roof algae, you get the benefit of knowing when your shingles are irreparable. On your own, you may not notice signs of shingle problems or wood rot. A contractor, on the other hand, can detect these issues and recommend a solution. You may need either algae cleaning, shingle repair, individual shingle replacement, or a completely new roof depending on the extent of the damage.

If algae only affected a few shingles, repairs will likely suffice. If the algae penetrated deep into your roofing system, compromised the majority of your roofing tiles, or if your roof is old in general, roof replacement services might be a wiser choice. A trustworthy contractor such as Mr. Roof can give you an honest professional opinion on the state of your roofing system. We then offer lifetime warranties on new premium roofing systems, if you need replacement.

Free Roof Inspections From Mr. Roof

Mr. Roof wants to protect you from unsightly roof algae. We can visit your home and provide a free, no-obligation roof inspection. Our team of knowledgeable technicians will diagnose the algae issue, determine the extent of any property damage, and provide a free estimate for our recommended roofing services. You don’t have to worry about roof algae with Mr. Roof by your side.

The post What Is Roof Algae and How Do I Fix It? appeared first on Mr Roof.

Keep Roofers Safe (and Dry)

Spring naturally has peak conditions to perform any kind of outdoor task, especially roofing jobs. This season is ideal because roofers can move about the top of your home easily without fear of violent storms, icy slip-and-falls, or other incidents that are weather-related. While a roof inspection can be done in any weather, it is safest in spring when the threat of bad weather is lessened considerably.

Always Use a Professional

We cannot stress enough how unsafe it is for anyone to go out on the roof without proper tools and training. For this reason, it’s best to leave roofing inspection and repair to professionals. This isn’t to doubt of anyone’s DIY abilities but rather a matter of safety. If you are trying to avoid expense by doing the inspection yourself, you can set your mind at ease knowing that all roofing inspections done by Mr. Roof are free of charge!

Prevention Prevents Poor Performance

If you’ve ever heard of the 4 Ps (Prevention Prevents Poor Performance), you understand what it means and why it’s said so often.

Prevention in roof maintenance and upkeep can be very important and can identify problem areas earlier, which can potentially save a lot of money down the line, lest the problem worsens over time. Water leaking into the home is a massive and expensive problem to remedy. Every problem you address immediately can go a long way toward extending the life of your roof.

Assess Winter Damage

The following varieties of winter factors can severely damage your roof:

• Snow
• Ice
• Freezing rain
• Downed tree branches/limbs
• Windstorms
• Hail
• Puddles

The best time to see the damage from the winter is in the spring when the risk for snow is gone and all evidence of snow/ice has melted away, making the roof more visible and safer to walk on.

What We Look for

What we are looking for generally, but most especially post-winter, is the following:

• Broken or damaged shingles
• Broken, damaged, or missing tiles
• Loose seams, roofing material, or seals
• Anywhere where water is pooling
• Dented and damaged storm drains, gutters, and collars
• Interior water damage (stains or bubbling/puckering of wallpaper and/or paint on walls or ceilings)
• Granule loss or wear

Get It Done With Time to Spare

Time is a factor, as it is with most things, and experts agree that the spring is the best time to inspect your roof and get problem areas resolved, giving you ample time for both repairs and prevention before the winter weather hits again.

What Happens on a Routine Roof Inspection?

With roof assessments, certified and licensed professional will always do the job. First, they will walk around the perimeter of the home from the ground level to inspect for cracks in the brickwork/concrete, which are tell-tale signs of a roof leak.

The inspector will next check the downspouts for remnants of shingles that might have spilled out via the gutter system, which is indicative of wear.

Next, the technician will go on the roof and walk around, inspecting more closely the shingles and general roof structure. If applicable, we might also check under your roof in the attic or crawlspace, as well as inside walls or ceilings for evidence of roof leaks.

All problem areas will be well-documented and sometimes photographed so you can see exactly what we are seeing. After the inspection is complete and you have a thorough explanation of what we found, we will then give you our recommendations for repairs and estimated costs.

For the greatest in roof protection and damage prevention, Mr. Roof has your house “covered.” Call or visit our website to schedule your spring roof inspection appointment and cross it off your spring to-do list today.

The post Spring Has Sprung! Time to Have Your Roof Inspected and here’s why! appeared first on Mr Roof.

When
a person invests any money in their home, whether it be adding decorative
touches like backsplash tiling in the kitchen, new lighting fixtures, or large
projects like completely reflooring their home or installing a pool, every
upgrade means an increase in the overall value of the house.

Knowing
what improvements to make depends largely on how long you intend to stay in the
home. Regardless of your intentions, the prevailing opinion by experts is to
focus on the exterior of the home in the form of large-scale projects over more
superficial additions like decoration-centered remodeling. If you have nothing that
needs immediate fixing on your home, the most popular home improvement options that
most people are choosing this tax return season are the following:

#1.
Windows

If
eyes are the windows to the soul, as many believe, then the windows are the
eyes of the house. Your windows can be functional and stylish at the same time,
providing anything you might wish for, but there are many things to take into
consideration when selecting a window concept for your home but most
importantly: are you replacing the whole window plus frame entirely or just the
glass and working parts?

While replacing the frame of the window entirely is more expensive than just the glass and “innards” of a window, the frame can incur significant damage over time and often gets overlooked. Window sills, particularly, suffer damage the most but are rarely attended to during a replacement process. If you are considering gutting the whole window and frame and replacing the entire unit, make sure to use an experienced window installation professional.

As far as cost, the lowest figure for a full replacement of windows on the whole house is on the lower end of 5 figures. You can cut down on the expense by hiring a handyman, but professionals are always the best to work with because their work is guaranteed and most likely backed by a warranty. At Mr. Roof, we offer some of the best warranties in the industry because we stand behind our work.

#2. Siding

Whether you just want your home to have a face-lift or you are repairing damage (warping, mold, dry rot, peeling paint, etc.), purchasing new siding for your home is a major decision and there are many factors to consider. Like windows, siding is potentially both an aesthetically pleasing choice as well as a functional one.

Many
feel a fresh coat of paint is just as good, but this is not true. Siding is far
more durable and will last for a much longer time than paint, which can chip
and wear down over time from inclement weather. As an investment, it’s one of
the best. You can recover approximately 93% of what you spent on the project when
selling the house, according to BestPickReports.com.

While
beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that beholder might be your Homeowners’
Association (HOA). Make sure to check bylaws and statutes for your neighborhood
when picking siding material and color in case there are any rules against
certain hues. There are some neighborhoods that have a specific palette from
which to choose. It’s harder to ask for forgiveness rather than permission when
making a major change to your home like siding.

#3. Roofing

Of all the home repairs and upgrades listed, the roof is the most important, which is why it is last on the list. While most people will not have friends and neighbors over when they replace their roof to show it off, it is a vital part of the home. If you doubt its significance, try to imagine your house with a leak in the roof and you understand immediately why it’s so important.

Replacing a roof adds significant value to the home and a roof’s age is often the deciding factor for people when buying a house; knowing you have to replace a roof within a few years because of its advanced age would make anyone wary about purchasing a home.

Region
is the most important aspect when selecting roof material because certain areas
require certain roof characteristics. The most common types of roofing are:

• Asphalt shingle – this is the most cost-effective option and generally can last a long time. A drawback many homeowners find is that it looks flat and unattractive and, if a dark color, can heat up quickly in the sun, making the house too hot.

• Wood shingle – where asphalt is relatively inexpensive and low on the beauty factor, wood shingles are the total opposite because they tend to be higher priced but definitely more pleasing to the eye. Someone who lives in an area with a danger of fire damage should never choose a wooden roof, due to its combustibility.

• Slate – This is an extremely high-end and visually appealing option with a price tag to match. It is also very heavy and slippery to walk on, therefore hard to repair when damaged.

• Composition slate – These are synthetic material tiles and a green option with 95% of its composition being recyclable materials. This option is gathering popularity because of its sustainable properties, durability, and it’s light weight.

• Metal – Also very durable, metal roofing can come in a variety of materials from aluminum to steel to copper to zinc and mixed-metal alloys. While it is more expensive and requires a specialist to install or repair it, it is a highly durable (making them cost-effective) and attractive option on any home.

If you choose to use your hard-earned tax refund on a roof this year, make sure to call Mr. Roof, the leading experts in roof installation and repair. Mr. Roof has single handedly been making customers smile with quick and professional service backed by a lifetime transferable warranty – one warranty, no gaps. Call or schedule a free estimate online to talk to our staff about starting a plan for a new roof today

The post 3 Home Improvement Projects Everyone Is Doing With Their Tax Return appeared first on Mr Roof.

Roof Problems and Lost Shingles

After a serious storm, you might have noticed your roof looking a little less dapper than it did before. It might have lost a few shingles, or some shingles might be bent, torn, loose, or bald. You pay for repairs and don’t think about your roof again until the next big storm. This time, you have to replace even more shingles. Over time, this pattern can result in more replacement shingles than original ones on your roof.

Replacing individual shingles after each storm can compromise the integrity of your roof over time. You may eventually start to notice leaks and other problems. Even if you don’t have functionality issues, the look of your roof might bother you, with some shingles darker than others from sun damage and age. Instead of continuously paying for repairs on an older roof, put that money toward a stronger, brand-new roofing system. A new roof is a better investment if your existing roof has sustained enough storm damage.

Water Damage and Wood Rot

A roof, gutters, and siding that work as they will prevent water and ice from dripping down your home and soaking into the wood. Over time and without proper maintenance, however, stormwater can infiltrate your home and lead to serious problems like mold and wood rot. This is especially common during the cold and damp winter months and wet and humid summers.

Letting water penetrate your home over time can ultimately compromise the integrity of your home. You may have to pay for expensive repairs and replacements, as well as evacuate your home while professionals deal with dangerous mold and mildew. Water-related problems are serious and require professional attention. The best thing you can do for your home is to prevent water infiltration by keeping up with house maintenance.

Worn-Down Weather Stripping

Brand-new replacement windows can have strong, leakproof seals and weather stripping that protect your home from moisture, wind, and drafts. As the years pass, however, storms and daily wear (including ultraviolet rays) can break down seals, make your glass more brittle, and damaged weather stripping. Hire a professional to inspect your windows, especially if you notice leaks or temperature problems during a storm. It might be time for repairs or window replacement.

Lost Curb Appeal and Home Value

If you don’t keep up with home maintenance before and after storms, you could risk siding stains, dented gutters, lost shingles, broken windows, and many other things that lower the aesthetic value and curb appeal of your home. Aside from keeping your home safe, invest in maintenance and timely repairs to maintain the appearance of your home. Make storm damage prevention and repair easy with help from Mr. Roof.

The post How Does Storm Damage Affect My Home Over Time? appeared first on Mr Roof.