Roof condition & timing
How do I know if I actually need a new roof or just a repair?
There's no single tell, but a combination signals end-of-life: granules in the gutters, curling or cupping shingles, missing shingles after wind events, daylight visible through the attic deck, repeated leaks in the same spot, or visible sagging. Age is a factor — most asphalt roofs in Michigan are running on borrowed time past year 25 — but condition matters more than age. We'll come look and tell you straight.
What's the best time of year to reroof in Michigan?
Late spring through late fall is ideal — shingles seal best between 50°F and 85°F. Winter installs are possible (and we do them), but cold-weather shingles need hand-sealing of the tabs, and lead times stretch. Schedule in February or March for May–June availability.
Do you do small repairs, or only full replacements?
We do both. Small repairs (flashing, vent replacement, shingle patches, leak diagnostics) are a real part of our work. We have a minimum service call to make the drive worth it, but we don't try to upsell you to a replacement if a repair is the right call.
What if I find a leak after install?
Call us. The foreman's cell number is in your closeout paperwork. We respond same-day or next-day for active leaks. Workmanship issues are covered for 10 years on asphalt installs, 25 years on metal.
Cost & payment
Do you take a deposit?
For most jobs, no deposit. We collect on completion. For larger metal-roof installs or jobs requiring special-order material, we'll request a materials deposit (usually 30%) at the time of order. Final payment is due at completion.
Will you replace damaged decking? And what does it cost?
Yes. Decking inspection is part of every install. We replace anything that's soft, rotten, or delaminated. Cost is per-sheet, disclosed in the estimate — usually $80–$120 per 4x8 sheet depending on the season. Most jobs need 0–4 sheets. We photograph anything we replace.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Check, ACH, or financing. We don't take credit cards for full project balances — the processor fees would either eat our margin or get passed on to you, and neither is fair. Small payments (deposits, repairs) can go on a card.
Do you offer financing?
Yes — through Service Finance and EnerBank USA. 0% promo plans (12 and 18 months), 7-year, 10-year, and 15-year fixed-rate plans. See our
financing page for the honest breakdown.
Insurance & warranty
Will my insurance pay for a new roof?
Only if your roof has been damaged by a covered peril — hail, wind, fallen tree. Insurance doesn't pay for age-related replacement. If you've had a storm and you're not sure, we'll do a free inspection and tell you honestly whether the damage rises to the level of a viable claim. We don't bird-dog claims.
How long is your workmanship warranty?
10 years standard on asphalt shingle installs, 25 years standard on metal roof installs. Transferable once to a new homeowner. The manufacturer warranty on the materials themselves is separate and longer — up to 50 years on the system warranties from GAF and Owens Corning.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Michigan licensed builder, fully insured (workers comp + $2M general liability), GAF Master Elite certified, Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, and BBB A+ rated. We'll send you the certificates of insurance on request.
Install logistics
Can I stay in the house during the install?
Yes. Most homeowners go to work and come home to a finished roof. It's loud — hammers, compressors, foot traffic on the deck. Pets and kids are usually happier elsewhere for the day. We don't need interior access except for the final walkthrough.
What about the dumpster?
We rent a roll-off dumpster sized to your tear-off. It typically goes on the driveway with plywood underneath to protect the surface. If the driveway can't accommodate one, we'll work with you on alternatives.
What happens to landscaping during the tear-off?
We tarp shrubs, beds, and AC condensers before tear-off starts. We don't promise zero impact — flying debris is the nature of tear-off — but we plan for protection. Worst-case landscaping issues get addressed before we pack out.
How do you handle gutters during the reroof?
We protect existing gutters during tear-off and install. If your gutters are at end-of-life, we'll tell you — and we can replace them at the same time. Roof and gutter replacement together is a clean way to do it because the drip edge integrates with the new gutters perfectly.
Technical
What's a "square" in roofing?
100 square feet of roof surface. A typical 2,000 sq ft single-family home has about 20–28 squares of roof depending on pitch and complexity. Materials are sold by the square, and we measure your roof in squares.
Does pitch matter for pricing?
Yes. Steeper pitches require more setup, safety equipment, and slower install time. A 4/12 (walkable) roof installs much faster than a 12/12 (very steep) roof. We measure pitch during the site visit and bake it into the estimate.
Do you do siding too?
For residential, we focus on roofing only. If we're on your roof and notice siding issues, we'll mention them — but we'll refer you to a residential siding specialist rather than try to be one ourselves.