We created this complete guide to help you if you are having a problem with your roof or suspect it might be time for a new one. Read on for our complete guide to roof replacement in the Holland, MI, area!
The Holland area does have some unique factors to consider such as extreme cold and high winds in the winter, the proximity to Lake Michigan with lake effect snow and storms coming off the lake, Lake Macatawa and other local lakes that may contribute to moisture problems, and the possibility of snow and ice buildup in the winter. These extreme conditions are hard on your roof and can cause specific issues.
A roof replacement project is one of the largest projects you can undertake to maintain the safety, comfort, and exterior appearance of your home. But how do you know when it’s time to replace your roof? It can also be intimidating when trying to choose the right contractor for your project – how do you know who to call or who you can trust?
If you have questions that we don’t cover in our guide, please call us or use this form to reach out to us.
See our page about our Holland location here
What Are Some Signs That I Might Need My Roof Replaced?
It can be difficult to determine exactly when your roof needs to be replaced. Most homeowners don’t get on their roofs every year, and thus don’t notice potential problems they might already have. It can be scary to have a roof leak, and you may have wished you called a roofing contractor sooner once you have one.
However, there are a few tell-tale signs that your roof might be nearing the end of its projected life. If your roof is aging, it’s time to get it inspected. With a simple visual inspection, and some knowledge of the history of your roof, you will know if it’s time to call in a professional.
Your Shingles Are Damaged
The most common issue that aging roofs exhibit is that of damage. Many roofs sustain damage through the years from weather conditions like snow, rain or wind. In Holland the lake effect can cause severe weather conditions that lead to damages such as wind ripping off parts of shingles, or dropping tree limbs or branches directly onto the roof. Long, severe Michigan winters can also cause problems for roofs. Common signs that you may have roof damage include missing or broken shingles, and water damage visible on ceilings or walls.
The Age of your Roof
Knowledge of the history of your roof is also helpful in knowing if you are due to replace it. Typically, a roof lasts between 20 to 30 years, but factors like exposure to sun, attic ventilation, and multiple layers of shingles can cause a roof to fail earlier. If your roof was replaced around 20 years ago, it may be time to call a roofer to inspect it to see if it’s time to replace.
Your Roof Was Installed With Poor Quality Workmanship and/or Materials
Unfortunately, not every roofing contractor installs roofs 100% to manufacturer specifications. Sometimes roofing crews will “cut corners” to cut costs or to finish a job quickly. When this happens, the homeowner is the one paying the price.
Not only will a poor roof install open the door for leaks or other issues, but a poor installation can actually shorten the lifespan of your roof. Installation shortcuts such as reusing flashings, cutting valleys incorrectly, tucking DWV flashings underneath shingles, not following nail patterns and exposing reveal lines can put your roof at risk to fail early.
An experienced, reputable roofing contractor will be able to identify these pitfalls for you, and advise you on correcting the mistakes. Above Roofing never cuts corners, and always installs our roofs 100% to manufacturer specifications to ensure that you, the homeowner, get the product that you’re paying for!
The Condition Your Roof Is In
The state of a roof says a lot about the life it’s lived. A roof actually “shows its age” through common characteristics, telling you it may be time to replace it. Often, roofs will have black or dark streaks running down them. These streaks are actually caused by algae, which cause premature shingle aging by trapping moisture.
Another sign that it may be time for a new roof include granule loss. Granules will wash off your shingles during rainstorms and wind-up in your gutters (they look like small black pieces of dirt or debris). The purpose of these granules are to protect the asphalt in the shingles from the UV rays of the sun.
As your shingles age, the sun dries out the shingle causing them to become brittle and fragile. Winds that might not have damaged your shingles previously will now cause rips, tears and even take off entire shingles. If your roof is showing any of these signs, it could mean it is nearing the end of its useful life.
There Is Interior Damage In Your Attic Or Roof
Even if you are unable to view your roof, you can sometimes find evidence of its age from the inside. If you start noticing brown spots on your ceiling, crumbling crown molding, or even dripping, it could mean you have a roof leak. It’s also possible to examine the underside of your roof from in the attic, looking for water stains or mold on the roof boards, rusty nails, and even stained or wet insulation. Although a roof leak doesn’t always mean you need to replace your roof, it is definitely a sign to get a qualified roofer involved for, at a minimum, roof repair. It might be more cost-effective to replace a roof a little early, if the repairs needed are extensive.
Also read: Repair or Replace: Here’s how to decide
What’s it going to cost to have my roof replaced?
If you decide it’s time to replace your roof, your next thought will be about the price. For many homeowners, the price tag is often at or near to the top of their priority list. The cost for a roof replacement will depend on several factors such as the size (in square feet) and pitch of your roof, the type of shingles you choose, and the location of your home.
On average, most homeowners can expect to spend between $7,500 and $15,000 on a complete roof replacement. However, if your roof is particularly large or difficult to access, your costs could be on the higher end of that spectrum, or more.
Roof Size
The roof size in square feet is an important factor in determining the potential cost of a roof replacement. The larger the roof is, the more labor & materials are required to strip & re-shingle it, which means a higher price tag. The roof type also affects the price in a similar way; a very “cut up” or unique roof type will cost more to install, because it is more complicated.
Roof Pitch or Slope
The slope, or pitch, of a roof also affects the price. A steeper roof will require special safety equipment for the installers, as well as specific installing practices that require more time and materials.
Type and Quality of Roofing Materials Used
The type of materials used can affect the price too. A metal roof can last for 70 years but its price tag will be two times or more the cost of a shingled roof. In addition, the state of the current roof (multiple layers of shingles to remove, rotten wood underneath the shingles, poor access or a roof that is hard to get to) all contribute to the amount of work required to tear off the current roof.
Do Your Research
It is important to properly research and weigh out the different options when considering a roof replacement project.
How Can I Find The Best Roofing Contractors in Holland, MI?
What factors should I consider when choosing a professional roofer?
Choosing your roofing contractor is a big decision. This company will be responsible for one of the biggest home improvement projects you may undertake. There are many important factors to consider when making this decision. The first is the proximity to your home. A local, established roofing contractor is more trustworthy than the transient, insurance-chasing contractor that’s just in town for the season.
Choose a local company that is established in the Holland area
A local contractor knows the specific concerns you have, and will know how to address them. Also, look for a local contractor with a trustworthy reputation that has been in business for many years. When a company is established in the community, it means they’ve been around long enough to stand the test of time. A company’s reputation speaks through the reviews they receive, both online and through word-of-mouth.
Don’t choose the lowest price
When looking for a roofing contractor, never choose the lowest price. Choosing the lowest price contractor is often your worst option. In the roofing business, you truly get what you pay for. Choose a roofing company that does quality work and charges a fair price. When you are spending thousands of dollars, you want a company that will stand behind their work and be there when you need them.
Choose a company that has good values
Look for contractors that prioritize communication and respect for your property during the roofing process. You want a company that will treat your home like it’s their own, and show the same level of professionalism and care that you would.
A good warranty is a must in the roofing business
Finally, you want a contractor that stands behind their work. A company that offers a workmanship warranty demonstrates that the work they’ve done is aligned with the manufacturer specifications. That contractor ensures that your new roof will be water-tight for the many years to come.
When you are in need of a new roof replacement, we want to make sure you get a quality roof that protects your home and your family no matter which roofing company you choose to work with. Be sure to follow this guide when you need help with your roof no matter where you are located. As roofing specialists servicing exclusively the Western Michigan area, we were originally founded to help homeowners get a high-quality roof at a fair price.
Also read: 6 Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor Before Hiring Them
Above Roofing is a Local Roofing Contractor that Proudly Serves Holland, MI
Your roof and home deserves a roofing contractor worthy of it. Above Roofing is a licensed and insured company that has been in business for over 25 years. We have locations in Jenison, Holland, and Grand Rapids to best serve your roofing needs.
Over the years, we’ve impressed our customers with our integrity, our communication, and our expertise. We sought out and earned the most prestigious qualifications in our industry, and it shows in over 200+ 5-star Google Reviews from our satisfied customers.
During the roofing process, our customers have come to expect honesty – that’s why we’re trusted by thousands of homeowners in West Michigan. Plus, our Lifetime Workmanship Warranty means they know they can count on us for many years to come. We offer free, no obligation (and no hassle!) inspections, with on-the-spot recommendations.
Contact us at Above Roofing for help if your roof leaks or needs replacement. Call (616) 371-2192 to schedule your no-pressure, free roof inspection. We walk you through our findings and give you on-the-spot results. Let Above Roofing answer any roofing questions you might have, and help you get your well-earned peace-of-mind about your home.
