Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Caring for your roof is important for protecting you and your home, but isn't always an easy task. You want the roof of your Houghton home to stand up to all sorts of weather without failing.
For any issues, large or small, there's a local roofing contractor who can help. Our guide can help connect you with one of the top roofers in Houghton.
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Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on roofers to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Budget is an important consideration when replacing a major piece of your home like your roof. Below, find the average price range for roof replacement on a 1,500 square foot home in Houghton, as well as comparisons between different popular roofing materials.
Installing a new roof is a big home renovation that might cost tens of thousands of dollars when finished. It's crucial to research thoroughly to find the most qualified and trustworthy roofing company for the job. Here are some important considerations when hiring a roofer.
Though it likely doesn't cross homeowners' minds daily, your roof plays a key role in protecting your home. Be attentive to these common signs that your roof may be in need of professional inspection and repair.
Your roof's age and material are key factors. The most common residential roofing material is asphalt shingles, which generally last about 20 to 25 years before needing to be replaced. Have your roof evaluated if it’s approaching this age to determine if a full replacement is needed.
One of the clearest signs of a roof issue is leaking. Stains on insulation, ceilings, and walls — or in your attic — usually mean that water is seeping through damaged or worn shingles. Don't ignore small leaks, because even these can encourage mold growth and roof damage.
Visible roof decking or sheathing under your shingles is a sign that those shingles are severely curling or losing their seal. This means the shingles likely need replacement. Shingles should lie flat to stop water from entering your home.
Inspect your roof shingles from the ground or a safe ladder. Look for tears in the shingle surface or loss of protective granule coating. Storms that bring strong winds can cause surface damage over time. To maintain your roof, replace any shingles that are no longer securely attached or are openly gaping.
Metal flashing on your roof seals off chimneys, valleys, vents, and other areas where water can penetrate the roofing system. If the flashing is becoming damaged, loose, or worn down, it may leak. Promptly address any flashing issues.
A structural problem can cause your roof to display sagging or uneven slopes. If you notice sagging or an uneven slope, schedule a professional inspection. An unsupported roof deck will continue to deteriorate over time.
The best type of roofing material for your home in Houghton will depend on factors such as your budget and how frequently you're willing to do maintenance.
Metal is more expensive but lasts longer, while asphalt will be cheaper up front but won't last as long. Wood has better insulation than many other roofing types, which can save you money during colder months.
To be permitted to work on roofing jobs valued at $600 or more, a contractor needs to be licensed through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. A contractor will hold a Maintenance & Alteration license, which indicates that they've met the requirements for their trade. One might also hold a Residential Builders license, which permits the holder to do building and remodeling work on residential structures.
Roof cleaning generally costs around $479 in Houghton. The total cost will depend on the size of your roof, how many levels it has, its material, and how thorough the cleaning will need to be.
Your roof can absolutely impact the energy efficiency of your home. For example, a good roof helps you spend less energy heating your home during the winter months. Some materials (like metal) are more energy-efficient than others.
Generally, you need to clean your roof about once a year. Consider an extra cleaning if there's a buildup of mildew, moss, mold, or leaves.
Depending on which contractor you use, your home insurance may cover some roof replacement costs. Some insurance companies might have preferred contractors. It may also be easier to have costs covered if the damage was due to a covered weather event, such as severe winter weather. Reach out to your home insurance company to find out if they have preferred contractors, and what costs are covered.
