Thompson Home Improvement

What Does Hail Damage Look Like?

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 15:25:00 GMT

In recent years, homeowners have been experiencing more and more storm and hail damage. Being able to identify what hail damage looks like is a good way to help a homeowner decide if they need to file a claim with their insurance carrier. Depending on the type of home and roof you have, it may not be easy to identify hail damage from the ground. So, only try to evaluate if you are comfortable on a ladder and/or your roof or if you have access to see some of your roof from an upper level window. Otherwise, the best thing to do is file the claim with your insurance company so that they can send out an adjuster to evaluate.

Where to Look for Hail Damage

At the end of the day, insurance companies are entirely responsible for determining and approving “hail damaged roofs.” They also determine if the roof only qualifies for a repair or a full replacement. Some things you can check around the house without looking at the roof that might help you to identify if your home sustained hail damage are as follows:

Do you see any dents in your gutters?
Are there any holes or cracks in your siding or window trim
Have you found tears in your screens that weren’t there before?

Rare is it that if a home is exposed to hail, that the only damage sustained is to the roof. Checking these other exterior applications for evidence of hail will help you to know if your roof was exposed to hail. Other things to look at are air conditioners, vehicles, patio furniture, or grills. Any of these ground level items will likely show evidence of exposure.

Identifying Hail Damage to Your Home

If you have access to your roof, and you are comfortable evaluating yourself, identifying hail damage is usually fairly uncomplicated. When hail impacts a roof, it will dent anything that is metal, so looking at metal vents, or stove pipes is a good place to start. If the hail was strong enough to impact the shingles, it will create what looks like a pock mark where the mark is circular in nature, the granules have been blown away, some of the black asphalt and fiberglass is exposed, and, in some cases, the shingle actually has missing pieces around its edges, corners, or on the teeth of an architectural shingle.

Working with Roofers to Identify Damage

Naturally older roofs can make it more difficult to identify hail damage, because some of this type of wear may already be taking place. However, hail damage on an older roof may also damage the roof more than it would a newer roof. Regular roofing companies that are not “Storm Chasers” prefer for homeowners to have their adjusters evaluate the roof before scheduling an inspection with the roofer. In most cases, they will make themselves available to assist with an evaluation if it’s your preference to work with someone local first. But, the findings of a roofing company will never be used to approve hail damage. Instead, it will always be determined by your adjuster.

Thompson Home Improvement is always happy to help and also offer any additional assistance when it comes to your home’s exterior needs. Feel free to schedule an appointment with us if you need something evaluated and or estimated. We want to help you keep your home in shape.

How Often Do I Replace A Roof?

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 16:19:00 GMT

Thompson Home Improvement has clients call us to schedule roof estimates all the time; where the client is completely certain the roof even needs to be replaced. As with many roofing related questions, there can be many answers to the question: “How often should my roof be replaced?”

The first thing to consider is: what is the material that is currently on your roof? Is it Metal? Is it Asphalt Shingles? Is it flat roofing? Is it a coating? Is it Cedar Shake? Or something else? All of these materials have a different lifespan. So, for today, we are going to focus on asphalt shingle roofing.

Lifespan of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

A quality asphalt shingle roof, when installed per manufacturer specifications with an appropriate roof system for ventilation and dry-in materials, should last you 25-30 years. With proper roof maintenance over its lifespan, your roof surface could last even longer.

What Contributes to Damaged Shingles?

Materials used for new roof products are ever evolving to elongate their functionality. But, there are many factors that can contribute to a shorter lifespan of roof shingles as well.

Degradation of Granules

Sometimes roofs can experience premature de-granulization. This happens when shingles lose their granules, causing UV exposure to the mat base. This UV causes the shingle to break down entirely at a much faster rate. Sometimes when this happens it is a manufacturer defect. This can also happen depending on the climate where the roof has been installed.

Exhaust and Ventilation

Another huge factor for the premature breakdown of a roof is underperforming (or non-existent) exhaust and or ventilation systems. It is important that appropriate intake and exhaust ratios are installed to vent attic space. Insulation factors also play a role for this.

Natural Roof Damage

Unfortunately, nature can also cause damage to a shingle roof. Ice damming, tree debris, and storms can play a role in the premature expiration of a roof.

Evaluate with a Roofing Contractor

If you are concerned that your roof may need to be replaced sooner than later, or that it is breaking down prematurely, the best thing to do is to hire a qualified roofing company to come out and evaluate. Thompson Home Improvement would recommend having more than one party evaluate. Not all companies are honest about the life expectancy of an existing roof. Many companies are looking for roofing projects; not to pass them up.

Roofing Shingle Professionals

Thompson Home Improvement has been called out to quote many roofs prematurely. So, we always provide an honest estimate for the remaining lifespan of a roof. It is not our goal to have potential clients take on an expensive project if it’s not necessary. We often have those same clients return to us 1-4 years later when the roof is finally ready, because we were honest with them about the remaining life span of a roof.

Regular Roof Maintenance

We also have many condo associations and property management companies with standing orders to inspect particular roofs annually. This helps us document their condition and needs, so that those clients can plan accordingly for a roof replacement budget. So, to answer the original question, most roofs that are in moderate climates, installed correctly, with appropriate ventilation, and are maintained from year to year should last 25-35 years.

Why Does My Roof Leak Sometimes?

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:25:00 GMT

Have you noticed your roof leaking intermittently? One day it’s dry and the next, there’s water inside. At Thompson Home Improvement, we frequently hear from homeowners who experience leaks that only appear under specific conditions, such as after a storm or during high winds. It’s a common issue. One that can be hard to pinpoint without the right information.

That’s why we’ve created this checklist. It walks you through the most common reasons a roof may leak occasionally. The list is based on key factors like the age of your roof, the location of the leak, and recent weather or roof activity.

If any of these points uncover a concern, or if you still can’t figure it out, our team is ready to help.

Step 1: Check the Age of Your Roof

The age of your roof plays a significant role in identifying the cause of a leak.

New roof: If your roof was installed recently, it should still be under warranty. Reach out to the original installer. They may inspect or fix the issue at no cost. Leaks in new roofs are often tied to incomplete sealing, especially if the roof was installed in cold or damp conditions. Some materials, such as asphalt shingles, may not fully seal until the warmer weather arrives. Until then, wind or rain can find their way underneath. It is also possible that an exposed nail is allowing water to enter when conditions are just right.

Old roof: Over time, shingles wear down, flashing deteriorates, and UV exposure weakens roofing materials. These issues can lead to leaks that only appear when rain hits from a certain direction or during high winds. In some cases, shingles may have blown off or been compromised, making it easier for water to enter under the right conditions.

Step 2: Pinpoint the Location of the Leak

Where you see the water inside can give valuable clues about what’s happening on the outside.

Try to match the indoor leak location with exterior roof features like:

Bathroom or kitchen vents
Chimneys or skylights
Pipe boots or exhaust pipes

If the leak is near a vent pipe, it might be due to a failed or improperly installed flange. This can occur in older homes where the flange has deteriorated due to sun exposure, or in newer homes where another trade, such as a plumber, may have installed it incorrectly. Also, check the rubber gaskets on your pipe boots, which can wear down from UV exposure and create a leak if not regularly maintained.

Step 3: Has It Happened More Than Once?

If the leak has only happened once, it could be caused by unique weather conditions, such as wind-driven rain. In rare cases, wind and rain can strike at just the right angle and speed to push water under shingles, through roofing vents, or even past window sills. These types of leaks can be complicated to reproduce or spot.

If it has happened more than once, that usually indicates a more persistent or structural issue that will likely require professional attention.

Step 4: Has the Roof Been Damaged?

Ask yourself the following:

Has there been a recent storm?
Have contractors, such as electricians, siding installers, or window crews, been on the roof?

Storm damage and foot traffic are both common causes of minor yet significant roof damage. A lifted shingle, an exposed nail, or damage from someone walking on the roof can allow water to enter when weather conditions are right.

Step 5: Consider Wildlife or Debris

Animals and debris can silently damage a roof. Birds, squirrels, or raccoons can pull up shingles or chew around vents. Meanwhile, leaves and branches can clog gutters and valleys. When water cannot drain properly, it backs up and flows under the roofing materials instead of off the roof like it should.

Ensure that you regularly clean out runoff areas and remove any tree debris from valleys, gutters, and roof crevices.

Step 6: Is Your Attic Properly Ventilated?

A poorly ventilated attic can accumulate moisture, especially during rapid temperature fluctuations. This can mimic a roof leak even when the roofing material is intact. If warm air inside the home condenses in the attic, it may drip down and appear as a leak. This issue can affect both new and older homes.

Step 7: Check for Flashing Issues

Flashing seals the areas where your roof connects with walls, chimneys, or skylights. If flashing is missing, damaged, or poorly installed, water can slip through very easily. This problem can happen in both new construction and aging homes. If flashing is not installed correctly or maintained regularly, it can become loose or break down.

Step 8: Don’t Overlook Your Chimney

Masonry chimneys are a very common but often overlooked source of roof leaks. If they are not properly maintained, they can allow water in even when the rest of the roof is in good condition.

Look for:

Cracked or broken chimney caps
Failing mortar joints
Deteriorated brick faces
Loose or missing flashing

Any of these signs can lead to occasional leaks, especially when paired with wind or heavy rain.

Still Not Sure? Call a Professional

Some leaks are easy to trace. Others appear only under the right combination of weather, roof condition, and location. If you are unable to identify the issue confidently or if the problem persists, calling a professional roofer is your best course of action.

At Thompson Home Improvement, we understand the many variables that can lead to occasional roof leaks. From aging shingles to loose flashing or poor attic ventilation, our team has the knowledge and experience to diagnose the cause accurately and provide the right solution.

We offer free, no-obligation roofing estimates. Whether your roof is brand new or several decades old, we will thoroughly inspect it, explain our findings, and recommend next steps without pressure.

If you’ve noticed a roof leak that comes and goes, schedule a free evaluation with Thompson Home Improvement today. We’re here to help you protect your home with confidence.

How Long Does a Shingle Roof Last in Michigan?

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:24:00 GMT

Are you in the market for a new roof? If you are, one of your questions might be: how long does a shingle roof last? Here at Thomson Home Improvement, we frequently answer this question. It’s a good question, and something every homeowner should know when preparing for a roofing project.

Like most home exterior projects, there are numerous options when it comes to roofing materials. However, when we examine most homes, shingles are by far the most common roofing material. There are multiple manufacturers and product lines available. Most of the time, their warranties offer similar coverage for manufacturer defects. These warranties are only valid if the shingles are installed correctly and typically don’t cover issues such as poor artistry, weather damage, or general wear and tear over time.

What’s the Average Shingle Roof Lifespan?

When it comes to whether shingles will hold up over time, there’s more to it than just the product itself. The life of a roof depends not only on the quality of the shingle but also on the roof system as a whole, and especially the quality of the installation.

With a solid installation, a complete roofing system, and high-quality asphalt shingles, you can expect 25 to 30 years of service from your new roof.

What Impacts Your Roof’s Lifespan?

Several factors beyond the brand or installer influence the lifespan of a shingle roof.

Roof Design and Number of Layers

The shape and slope of your roof can impact how water flows and the rate at which shingles wear out. Additionally, if your roof has multiple layers from past replacements, this can trap heat and reduce the lifespan of the new shingles.

Roof Ventilation and Attic Conditions

Ventilation is huge. It plays a significant role in the performance and longevity of your roof. Without proper airflow, heat builds up in the attic, which can cause shingles to curl, crack, or lose granules prematurely. In a place like Michigan, where the transition from icy winters to hot summers is rapid, the heat and moisture can significantly shorten a roof’s lifespan.

Local Environment and Tree Coverage

If many trees surround your home, that can be another factor. Leaves and debris left on the roof for too long can lead to water backup and unnatural wear. Consider Michigan’s seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, and it becomes clear how the environment affects your roof’s durability.

Regular Roof Maintenance

Routine maintenance makes a real difference. Keeping up with tasks like valley cleaning, gutter clearing, checking for vent or shingle damage, and even algae cleaning later in your roof’s life all help ensure you get the most years out of it.

Why Granules and Ventilation Are So Important

The granules on your shingles act like sunscreen. They protect the roof from UV damage. If those granules aren’t secured with good adhesives or wear off too early, your shingles begin to break down. This process is called degranulation, and it’s one of the first signs that your roof may be aging faster than it should.

Poor ventilation makes the problem worse. When heat builds up in your attic, the excess heat puts pressure on the shingles from underneath. That pressure causes the shingles to curl, crack, or lose granules faster than they should. That’s why your roof needs proper intake and exhaust ventilation, along with a solid gutter system and underlayment installed to code.

How to Maximize the Life of Your Roof

Managing the details above will help you get the whole life out of your roof. Here are a few roof maintenance tips to protect your investment:

Keep gutters and roof valleys clear of debris
Check for damaged vents or cracked shingles
Schedule annual inspections, especially after storms
Plan for algae or moss cleaning in later years
Avoid walking on your roof unless necessary

Whether you need shingle roof repair, advice on the cost of replacing a shingle roof, or help understanding roof shingle types, we’re here to help.

What Do Roofing Warranties Cover?

Most shingle manufacturers provide limited lifetime warranties, but these only cover defects in the material, not problems caused by improper installation or premature aging in the real world.

At Thomson Home Improvement, we go beyond the basics to protect your home. We install the CertainTeed Roof System Plus, and as a 4-Star Certified Contractor, we offer an upgraded systems warranty that covers both labor and materials. We also back our work with a 15-year artistry warranty, so if any issues come up due to installation, we’ll make it right.

Do You Need a New Roof in Three Rivers, MI? Let’s Talk.

Every home is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long your roof will last. But with the right materials, proper ventilation, and consistent maintenance, you can expect your shingle roof to last decades.

At Thomson Home Improvement, we’ve been replacing roofs across Three Rivers and Southwest Michigan since 1984. We specialize in residential roofing, and we understand the importance of speed, job site cleanliness, and long-term quality to homeowners. If you’re comparing options or unsure about the type of material that’s right for your home, our team can guide you through asphalt shingles, metal roofing, wood, or slate. You can learn more and request a free quote directly through our residential roofing page.

Whether your roof is reaching the end of its life or you’re just starting to plan, we’re here to make the process smooth, honest, and affordable. Let us install a roofing system that protects your home and stands the test of time.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Mon, 19 May 2025 16:49:00 GMT

Keeping your gutters clean is essential to protecting your roof, foundation, and overall home. Gutters are designed to direct water away from your house, but when clogged, they can lead to serious problems like roof leaks, basement flooding, and costly water damage.

A clean gutter system keeps everything flowing smoothly and prevents drainage issues. But how often should you actually clean them?

What Affects How Often Gutters Should Be Cleaned?

Your gutter cleaning schedule depends largely on your environment. Here are some key factors that influence how often you’ll need to clean:

Tree debris: Leaves, pine needles, walnut shells, acorns, and flower petals (especially from magnolias) are common culprits. Homes near trees – especially in Michigan – often need more frequent cleanings, especially in the fall.
Animals and insects: Birds, squirrels, bats, wasps, and bees can nest in gutters or downspouts, creating blockages that aren’t always visible.
Roof runoff: Shingle granules, twigs, and small branches can collect in your gutters after windstorms or heavy rain.
Seasonal changes: Winter snow and ice can clog roof valleys and freeze inside gutters, leading to spring drainage problems if not addressed.

Even if your home isn’t surrounded by trees, animal activity or storm debris can still cause unexpected blockages. That’s why regular gutter maintenance and inspection are important.

When Should You Clean Your Gutters?

There’s no universal schedule, but here’s a general guideline to follow:

Early spring: Clear out winter debris and check for damage caused by snow or ice.
After major storms: Strong winds and rain can send debris directly into your gutter system.
Mid-summer: Inspect for nests, pollen buildup, or roof runoff.
Late fall: This is essential, because by this point, most trees have dropped their leaves and your gutters are likely full.

If your home has gutter guards or a helmet system, you may not need to clean as often, but don’t assume they’re maintenance-free. Debris can still collect on top or sneak into openings. A hose wand is a great tool to rinse off covers and keep water flowing through downspouts.

Need a Gutter Cleaning Referral?

Thompson Home Improvement doesn’t offer gutter cleaning services, but we do work closely with a trusted local gutter company . If you’d like a referral or need help assessing your gutters, we’re happy to connect you with the right team.

Emergency Roof Tarping 101 – Preparing for Storm Season

Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:17:00 GMT

Storm Season is upon us! As we roll into April with our first major wind and rain storm, we are thankful there was no serious damage or injuries in the Kalamazoo area. But, this event was likely the first of several, if not many for the 2025 season.

Thompson Home Improvement took many calls on Sunday just after the storm passed. Many people experienced roof damage from trees and debris, as well as missing shingles, ridge caps, and underlayment. One of the first questions a client usually asks us is if they should tarp over the damage or hire an emergency service to do that for them. The answer to this question often depends on the extent of the damage to your roof, as well as other variables. But, there are a few questions you can ask yourself before you make the call.

Do You Need an Emergency Roof Tarp?

How Bad Is the Roof Damage?

It’s important to evaluate your roof’s damage. If you don’t have the ability to physically check the damage up close to inspect it, don’t risk your home or your safety trying to do so. But, if you can manage pictures from the exterior and/or interior, the team at Thompson Home Improvement will provide you with a cell number to text so that we can help you visually evaluate how bad your roof damage is. Once you have determined how bad it is, the next thing to do is to evaluate the future forecast.

What’s the Weather Forecast?

Looking at the forecast to determine if there is any rain expected in the near future is important, because if the damage is serious enough that it left even a little bit of your roof compromised, it could result in roof leaks, which means it’s crucial to cover this area or implement a temporary repair to protect your home from any incoming weather.

Is It Worth Getting Home Insurance Involved?

Next if you – or you and your contractor – were able to determine how severe the damage is, you will need to work out if the damage and repair are something worthy of running through your insurance. Often, smaller repairs are not worth running through your insurance. But, if you do intend to file a claim, it is important to make sure your adjuster has access to view the damage when they arrive.

Usually, it can take a week or more before an insurance agent will arrive to evaluate. Then, it could be a couple more weeks if not longer before your contractor can return to repair the roof. Even though insurance – if they’re involved – will cover the cost of tarping your roof in most cases, you don’t want to have to do it more than once if it’s avoidable.

What Kind and Size of Tarp Do You Need?

Next, you’ll need to figure out how large of a tarp you need, unless you are hiring an emergency roofing service to do it for you. But, whether you are tarping the roof or a roofing service is doing it for you, the tarp will need to be large enough to span over the damage and over the ridge of the house so that when water hits, it will always run down the tarp and not under it. You can also loosen a row of shingles and install the leading edge of the tarp under the shingles and lap the shingles over the edge of the roof, to divert the water down over the tarp.

You want to avoid putting more holes in your roof than are necessary. If the tarp is only intended to be very temporary and allow access to an adjuster and/or contractor to evaluate the damage, and there wont be a long span of time between initial tarping and evaluation, you will want to leave the tarp fairly loose to allow access for evaluation.

There are also of course different types of tarps, we would always recommend a heavy-duty tarp, which are usually silver. They will hold up the best in the event that long-term use is required. For most roofs, however, we do encourage clients to call a professional. Having an accident or creating more damage to your roof is highly probable.

Do You Need a More Secure Tarp on Your Roof?

If the evaluation has already been managed and you just need to wait for insurance approval and contractor schedule availability, then you will want the tarp to be more secure. For large areas, securing a tarp can be done with two-by-four screws and sealant. You don’t want your tarp to billow, since if wind and air movement cause friction and movement the tarp will be more likely to tear before you can implement your roof repair or replacement.

Want Some Help Tarping Your Roof?

Thompson Home Improvement does offer tarping services, but we do not have an emergency service. Same-day or night tarping in most cases is just not something we can accommodate. But, we will do our very best to help you manage and provide you with helpful information to make the best decision moving forward. We will often answer after hours and over weekends if there has been a serious weather event.

Guide to Gutter Repair and Installation

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 13:36:00 GMT

Since roofing and gutters often go hand in hand, we’re frequently asked to replace gutters when we replace a roof. However, we’re also frequently called just for gutter repairs. Gutters play a large role in your roof’s health and in your home’s foundational function.

Water can penetrate almost anywhere if it’s not mitigated appropriately, and there are several different styles of gutters. There are also several different types of fastening systems for hanging gutters, as well as different sizes, different accessories, and different options for helping to keep them free of debris.

The health and condition of your gutters can impact the way your roof, foundation, basement, and even your windows function when it comes to protecting your home from water infiltration.

Why Proper Gutter Installation Is Key

Gutters help to manage water runoff from your roof and to direct its flow to appropriate drainage, runoff, and collection areas. They help to divert water from running over and creating ponding or freezing water on sidewalks, porches, in front of door openings, and from running over windows.

Gutters work hand in hand with the edge of the roof, attached from the fascia either by brackets, spikes, or straps. When you have your roof replaced, the drip edge on the eave of the roof is the first component of your roof that gets replaced. It can be difficult when we run into old systems that need total gutter replacement or that have become damaged.

In some cases, addressing the replacement of gutters after you have a new roof installed can actually cause damage to your new roof. And, installing new gutters before you have a new roof installed can also cause additional issues for many reasons.

When Gutter Replacement Is Necessary

Sometimes you might find that your roof has developed issues in certain areas because you don’t have gutters where you should have them. You might be missing diverters, downspouts. Or, your gutters might not be big enough to manage the runoff for a particular section of roof. You could even have gutters that are full of debris and need to have gutter screen protection added.

Most good roofing companies also offer gutter replacement and or repair services. In most cases, when gutters aren’t functioning properly, it’s time for an evaluation and potentially a replacement. Because most gutters are seamless and corners are welded-mitered together, when a leak occurs it’s typically because the gutter has been compromised enough that a repair will only be temporary.

Deals On Gutter Repair and Replacement

Most roofing companies offer deals on dual installs when you ask to have gutters included with your roofing package. For instance, in most cases Thompson Home Improvement offers gutter installs at cost when they are accompanied with a full roof replacement that we also install.

It’s best to just request a gutter evaluation and quote at the same time you request a quote for your roof. We’re happy to provide a separate price for this additional work so you can best navigate your budget and priorities. But, when you are spending $10,000 or more to replace your roof, spending an additional $1000–$2000 for gutter replacement at the same time is a minimal fee to ensure you have a fully functioning complete system with your roof and gutters.

Postponing Your Gutter Replacement

If you replaced your roof previously and didn’t replace the gutters at that time, you may find yourself in a position where you need to address the gutters post roof install. This is completely manageable. Most roofing companies still offer gutter services independent of their roofing services and are happy to come and quote new gutter installation for clients in need.

Of course, we recommend all of the same best practices: research before you call potential installers and make sure to get more than one quote so you can compare what each company offers.

Researching Gutter Installation and Repair

It’s important to understand how a company will fasten the gutters, what size they are, what types of screen and protection products are offered, workmanship warranties, and any upgrades they might recommend from your current gutter system to improve overall function.

For example: when we install 5” gutter systems, we still install oversize downspouts (3×4) vs. standard (2×3) to help ensure the best drainage. What this means is that we also install appropriate adapters for drainage tube systems, as well. If there are areas of roof line that require larger sections of gutters to accommodate overflow, we will recommend a larger gutter or a special component for these sections. We always encourage hiring an installer that will answer all of your questions and offer fine tuning to ensure premium function.

Have Questions About Your Gutters?

If you have questions about your home’s gutters, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Thompson Home Improvement. With years of experience in the industry and hundreds of happy customers, we are the area’s go-to source for roof repair, gutter repair, and installation services.

So, if you have any questions, reach out to our team today to discuss your needs!

How To Prepare Your Roof For Winter

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 15:09:00 GMT

Is your roof aging but not quite ready to be replaced? Or are you trying to make it through one more season before you replace it? Budgeting for a new roof can take some planning and time, and getting ready before winter can help you to avoid issues once winter arrives.

No one wants to deal with roof leaks when there’s snow and ice on the roof. Heavy and frequent freeze-thaw cycles throughout the winter can also be particularly hard on a roof.

Getting Ready for Winter Storms

We have all felt the burden of the economy and inflation. We understand the need to maximize what we get out of everything big and small. A roof is no small thing, yet it protects one of the most expensive investments in our lives.

We have worked with many clients that pushed the pause button on roof maintenance, trying to make it through one more year, only to end up with a multitude of issues during the winter months. Preparing your roof – as well as other areas of your home’s exterior – prior to the winter season can help to save you headaches in the future.

Roof Leaks and Missing Shingles

When it comes to preparing your roof before cold weather arrives, one of the most important things to manage are pre-existing issues. If you have evidence of a roof leak somewhere, or if you are missing roof shingles, or your roof is aged and ready for replacement, call a roofing professional to come and do a roof inspection.

You should also request a quote to repair any leak issues, missing shingles, shingles with broken seals. Replacement patching and spot sealing can go a long way.

Cleaning Your Gutters

When it comes to getting your roof ready for winter, cleaning is also a minimally invasive and low-end expense that can be implemented. It is super important to make sure that gutters, downspouts, and drainage systems are clean and free of debris so they can drain properly.

You should aim to reduce the accumulation of leaf tree debris in your valleys, around chimneys or behind the upper ledge of skylights. Debris can cause water to run in unnatural directions, backwards, under shingles, damning up and then freezing. This can cause slow undetected leaks that can result in major damage over time, before you are ever alerted to a problem.

Check Your Chimney

Chimneys – especially masonry – can be a source of many issues. To help prepare your roof for winter, making sure your chimney cap is intact and has not suffered any damage or corrosion that will allow water or heavy snow to penetrate is very important. This often gets missed. Most homeowners have metal caps or stone-concrete caps. It’s never unreasonable to consider a chimney cap could be compromised.

Flashing around the base of the chimney is also critical. Flashing can break down over time, it can get damaged from debris, it can come loose with movement of the chimney and settling of the home. Flashings should always be checked and sealed or replaced if compromised. This can be a mid-level cost pending the size of your chimney, but small in comparison to the damage that can come from leaking.

If your masonry is compromised, cracking, or defacing, this is a huge problem. There are sealants that can be purchased for temporary repairs if you don’t have a budget for masonry replacement or tuckpointing. But, as another winter approaches, and more freeze-thaw cycles take place, the Michigan weather can quickly compromise a chimney that needs maintenance.

Ice Dams and Your Roof’s Design

Another important thing to consider is the design of your roof and if it has proper insulation and ventilation. When preparing your roof for winter, if you notice your roof has a low spot or ‘low pitch,’ either on a porch or where two roofs come together, it’s important to install heat tape in these areas so that when there is precipitation it doesn’t build up and freeze in these areas.

Stagnant water on a roof left to freeze can cause some very big issues, such as ice dams. Ice damming is a topic we have addressed in a separate blog, so if you are looking for information on ice damming and how to help address that issue, we encourage you to check it out.

Are Your Gutters Compromised?

One last thing to consider is whether your gutters have been compromised. Sometimes downspout extensions that help to drain water from upper roof sections to gutters on the lower roof sections go missing or get damaged. This can allow water to spill over gutters and run down walls and around windows.

When homeowners experience leaks, even when they are in the basement, their first thought is the roof. But, it’s not always the roof. Gutters are a huge part of a healthy roof, so if you have some gutter leaks or missing downspouts, get those leaks sealed or replace the downspouts.

Need Help Getting Ready for Winter?

Naturally, we are always happy to take a call and schedule an appointment if you run into issues or have concerns you want to address. If you’re in need of an evaluation or a repair, please give us a call to schedule an appointment today.

If you need a small repair under $750 to get you through the cold weather and you have us quote a replacement for spring, we will deduct the cost of the repair off of your replacement when you have your new roof installed in the spring.

Roof Storm Damage – What You Need to Know

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 17:06:00 GMT

Storm damage to your home can be catastrophic depending on the level of damage sustained. With growing frequency, severe weather patterns have struck Southwest Michigan over the last few years. We’re finding that more and more communities are experiencing some level of roof storm damage to their home exterior.

Roofing and siding tend to expose most of the sustained damage when a home is impacted by a storm. Whether it’s caused by strong winds, falling trees, or hail damage, damage to your roof can impact the integrity of your home’s exterior, and it’s important to know how to best manage them.

Call Your Insurance Company

Your roof and your siding are your critical barriers to protecting your home from environmental degradation. As a first step, your insurance adjuster and a trusted roofing contractor can help to identify roof damage. For more information, we encourage you to read our post about filing an insurance claim and selecting a trusted contractor .

It’s important to identify all of the signs of storm damage, especially if there is the possibility of structural damage to the roof trusses, rafters, or framing. You will also want to have someone assess your roofing systems, from the decking to the asphalt shingles to the type of roofing installed to the layers present. All of these factors will affect the overall roof replacement or repair process.

Addressing the Roof Damage

When your home suffers roof storm damage and it’s determined that a roof replacement is necessary, it’s important to understand what products you need. Certain products offer certain benefits, including impact-resistant shingles, fire-rated materials, high wind applications, and more. It’s also important to talk with your insurance company and contractor about potential discounts that could be available in your region.

Manufacturers have spent a lot of time engineering and refining products that offer homes better protection against storm damage. Your roofing company should be knowledgeable about these products. A good company will also be able to help you work with your insurance agent to ensure your insurance company covers any likely storm, hail, or wind damage.

Storm damage repairs can be a bit more complicated than a full replacement of a damaged roof. Working with older materials, breaking roof seals, and ensuring the roofing materials match can add concerning variables to future performance. It’s best to have a professional roofing contractor determine if your insurance company has made the appropriate considerations to replace what is ‘required’ and avoid future problems.

Hire a Professional Roofing Contractor

Thompson Home Improvement always recommends working with a local roofing company to safeguard your home’s roof. There are always a multitude of foreign companies that pop up after storms. These companies make a living by preying on a consumer base that is reeling from severe storms and roof storm damage. Sadly, they will work all angles, including – but not limited to – insurance fraud, client manipulation, and empty warranties. They’re also willing to use unfamiliar, unskilled labor crews to install new roof systems.

We might not be your choice for your roofing needs, but we still encourage you to work with a local company for your roof repair. Look for someone with local references and a history in the community. When managing roof storm damage, it’s important that you don’t rush or panic. Major storms are scary, we understand, but it’s best to take your time and be meticulous.

If you have made it through the storm safely, that’s the most important thing. At Thompson Home Improvement, we offer free estimates and will help answer any and all questions you have in relation to storm damage. So, please, before you hire the first company to show up in your driveway, give us a call, let us listen to your concerns, and give us the opportunity to help.

A Deeper Look at the Roof Installation Process

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 15:48:00 GMT

Roof installation may mystify or feel complicated to the majority of consumers. However, understanding the roof installation process is crucial to a successful project. For the most part, roofing installation is pretty straightforward. Today, there are many informative documents, presentations, and videos available online, through supply chains, and from manufacturers that explain and give presentations on approved installations and best practices.

Choose a Good Roofing Contractor

One of the biggest issues that comes up with roof installation is workmanship. Most of the failures in roofs within the first 10 years, if not weather related, will be due to poor workmanship. But, understanding guideline roof installation before interviewing potential roofers can help you determine if the potential roofers are telling the truth about their trade and the roof systems they install. A roof replacement requires hiring a professional roofer to get the job done right.

New Roof System Requirements

Roof installation requirements can vary from state to state, pending climate and particular environmental exposures, such as hurricanes or high wind areas. Roof installation requirements can also change based on the type or brand of shingle being installed. But, for the most part, building code and manufacturer requirements for roofing systems are consistent across the board. Local building code or inspection offices can also be contacted to verify those local requirements, or any changes from year to year.

The choice of roofing material, such as asphalt shingles, can be influenced by local building codes and environmental conditions.

The Roofing Installation Process

When you talk to a roofer about their system, they should be able to explain their process from start to finish in their proposal. Removing the roof and inspecting all the roof decking and existing flashings and penetrations would be the first step. If it’s determined that any decking or penetrations need to be replaced it would be at this time.

Proper underlayment installation is key to protect the roof decking and overall roof performance. Knowing what kind of decking you have and if it meets code is important, as well. It’s helpful for contractors to try to look at the underside of the deck from attic access before quoting a roof. This will help identify any additional costs that may come up with a new roof installation.

Once the Roof Deck is Completed

Once the integrity of the decking has been established and/or corrected, drip edge is the first component of a roofing system that gets installed. It is important for a roofer to identify anything that might impede the installation or access of the old drip edge such as gutter styles and/or gutter screens or helmets that may need to be professionally removed by a gutter installer. Additionally, using the correct type and size of roofing nails is crucial to ensure proper attachment of the drip edge and shingles.

The next component of the roof system is the ice and water shield that should be installed to meet the 2’ beyond the interior wall application from the eave edge up, flashing in the drip edge. This is followed by installation of a quality brand synthetic felt.

Next, pending warranty designation, a shingle starter should always be applied at minimum of the eave edge, and at times the rake edge. The type of starter used is determined by the style of shingle selected. After the starter is installed, step and or counter flashings would be installed at this point, pending intersections and penetrations. Finally, ridge cap shingles should be installed to seal the ridge of the roof, ensuring proper water drainage and preventing wind damage.

Final Installation of the Roofing Materials

Then, the biggest component of the roof system is installed: the shingles. There is a particular method to installing the shingles, from how they are cut and staggered, to the exposure, to the quantity and location of the fasteners. An asphalt shingle roof is a cost-effective option that offers durability and ease of installation. After your shingles have been installed, for the final parts of a roof install, you will want to make sure that your roofer has planned to implement appropriate ventilation.

Once the ventilation is installed, all of the hips and ridges will be re-capped and sealed to complete your roof. To verify roof installation specifications, it is best to reference manufacturer requirements. Proper installation is crucial to prevent long-term issues such as roof leaks.