Should You Replace Your Roof Before Michigan Winter?
A finished new roof like the ACS Roofing project pictured here looks great, but heading into fall and winter, its most important job is what it has always been: protecting the home underneath it.
Michigan homeowners know how quickly the weather can change. Fall rain and wind eventually give way to freezing temperatures, snow, ice and repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
If your roof is already showing signs of age or deterioration, waiting until winter exposes a problem isn’t always the best strategy.
Fall Is a Great Time to Pay Attention to Your Roof
Late summer and fall provide homeowners with an opportunity to look at the condition of their roof before harsher weather arrives.
That doesn’t mean every older roof automatically needs to be replaced. It does mean that existing problems are worth identifying while there’s still time to address them.
Loose or damaged shingles, deteriorated areas, previous leak locations and other signs of wear can become more troublesome when exposed to months of winter weather.
Small Roofing Problems Can Become Bigger Problems
A minor roofing issue may not seem urgent during dry weather.
Once rain, snow and ice enter the picture, however, weaknesses in the roofing system can become much more noticeable.
Moisture intrusion can affect more than the visible shingles. Depending on the problem, water can reach roof decking, insulation, ceilings and other areas of the home.
Finding roofing problems earlier gives homeowners more options for dealing with them.
Repair or Replace?
This is one of the most common questions homeowners have, and there isn’t one answer that applies to every roof.
A relatively newer roof with an isolated problem may be a good candidate for repair. An older roofing system experiencing widespread wear, recurring problems or deterioration may make replacement worth considering.
The goal should be to understand the actual condition of the roof and make a decision based on that information.
A New Roof Is a Complete System
When homeowners look at a newly completed project, the shingles naturally get most of the attention.
But what makes a new roof valuable is the complete roofing system underneath and around them.
Proper preparation, underlayment, flashing, ventilation and installation details all contribute to protecting the home. That’s particularly important in a climate like Michigan’s, where roofs face dramatically different conditions throughout the year.
Don’t Wait for the First Winter Leak
One of the easiest times to discover a roofing problem is also one of the worst: during bad weather.
If you already suspect your roof may be approaching the end of its useful life, having it evaluated before winter can provide valuable information even if you ultimately don’t need a full replacement.
You’ll know what condition it’s in and whether anything should be addressed before the weather gets worse.
A New Roof Can Also Refresh Your Home
The gray architectural shingles on this recently completed ACS Roofing project show another benefit of roof replacement: the difference it can make to the home’s exterior.
A fresh roofing system can update curb appeal while providing the protection homeowners are actually investing in.
With today’s range of shingle colors and styles, homeowners can choose a finished appearance that works naturally with the rest of their exterior.
Make the Decision Before the Weather Makes It for You
If your roof is getting older, has experienced repeated problems or simply hasn’t been evaluated in a while, now is a good time to find out where things stand.
ACS Roofing provides professional roofing services for homeowners throughout Southeast Michigan and can help determine whether your roof needs attention now or still has life remaining.
Contact ACS Roofing today for a free roofing estimate and ask about current savings and financing options, including savings up to $1,500 and 0% interest financing for 12 months.
