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Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home and a quality roof can last decades, but eventually it must be replaced. 

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to tell if it’s time to replace your roof. Here are five warning signs that your roof needs to be replaced. 

1. Moisture is causing problems in your ceiling or attic. If your ceiling sags or the attic smells like mold, there is likely water damage inside. Moisture on the underside of your roofing material could indicate that it’s time for a replacement.
2. When it rains or snows, you hear a banging sound. This can be caused by loose nails in shingles or flashing; loose fasteners; a problem with flashing around chimneys; or any number of other issues. Before your home’s structure and insulation are damaged further, these problems need to be addressed.
3. The roof on your house is old. If you have an older home with asphalt shingles, then chances are good that you need a new roof. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of about 15 years, so if yours are older than this, they might already need to be replaced.
4. This one’s pretty obvious — if your roof is leaking, then it’s definitely time to replace it! In cases where there are just a few spots where water is getting in, these can be repaired quite easily by replacing some tiles or by resealing them with silicone caulk.
5. Look at your roof from a distance. Does it appear gray or brown? Is there moss growing on it? Do you see bald spots where bits have fallen off? If so, then it may be time for a replacement.

By knowing the warning signs, you can replace your roof before it causes a drain on your wallet and your home’s charm.

Contact us to request a free estimate on your next roofing project.

Are you planning to replace your roof soon? You might be surprised to learn that there are 18 types of shingles. Understanding the different types is key to choosing the right shingles for your home.

In this article, we explore the styles, costs, and materials of the 3 most popular types of shingles. 

3 Tab Asphalt Shingles

3 Tab Asphalt is the best choice if you are seeking the most affordable shingles for installation. This is the most commonly installed roofing material. Asphalt shingles will last between 15 – 20 years and cost on average between $4,500 and $6,500 per 2000 square feet. 

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are more durable than asphalt shingles. Their sculpted appearance is enhanced with an additional layer of laminate. With proper maintenance, architectural shingles can last from 30 to 50 years, and cost on average $150 to $550 per square foot. 

Metal Roof Shingles

In addition to being stylish, metal roof shingles are available in a wide range of colors. Additionally, they are easy to install and lightweight. The lifespan of these roofs can range from 75 to 100 years, making them one of the longest-lasting roof types. On average, they cost $525 to $1,250 per square foot.  

As a family-run Roofing, Siding and Construction company, Michael C. Graham & Son takes pride in the work we do for our residential and commercial customers across Central New York and the surrounding areas. Contact us to request a free estimate on your next roofing project.

Before you hire a contractor for any home renovation project, it’s important to do your homework so you can rest assured the work will be done properly and safely. This is especially true for roof installations and repairs. We’ve compiled a brief list to help you narrow down your choices and settle on the best contractor for your home project needs. 

1. IDENTIFY ROOFERS TO CONSIDER

Put together a list of potential contractors to handle your roofing project:

• Get local referrals from friends, family and neighbors. If possible, choose a contractor from your own community.
• Research ratings and reviews. Check out what other homeowners have to report on the contractors and their work. 
• Check for manufacturer certifications.

2. NARROW DOWN YOUR CHOICES

Once you’ve compiled a list of potential contractors, put together some questions that you’ll want to ask each company before/during their consultation. You’ll want to make sure that any contractor you engage with meets the following criteria: 

• Is properly insured & licensed
• Holds $1M+ liability insurance
• Offers worker’s compensation
• Is tate-licensed where required and applicable
• Is reputable and trustworthy with a track record of providing quality roofing services in your community
• Has a good standing with the Better Business Bureau
• Has a good credit rating per Experian
• Uses up-to-date on the latest technology and practices, ensuring expert installation
• Is GAF trained and certified
• Carries a workmanship warranty

3. MAKE YOUR DECISION!

Before you invite your top choices to your home for an estimate/consultation, it’ll be important to ask specific questions about your roofing installation to help guide you to your final decision. Consider these topics: 

Product choices:

• • How many shingle choices do you offer?
  • Are the shingles listed by the brand and manufacturer’s name? 
  • What warranties can you offer?

Estimates and payment:

• • Do you offer free estimates? (Reputable contractors should provide free estimates, but be sure to ask about this before agreeing to one.)
  • Does the estimate list the exact product name and color?
  • What are the payment terms? (It’s typical to pay one-third of the cost upfront. Be wary if anyone asks you to pay full price in advance.)
  • How do you accept payment? (Reputable contractors should accept checks and/or credit cards. Be wary of anyone who only accepts cash.)
  • How do I pay my insurance deductible? (Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without you having to pay your insurance deductible may be committing insurance fraud and/or putting you at risk.)

Clean-up and inspection:

• • Will you be conducting daily clean-up?
  • How will you make sure my yard, home and property stay free from stray nails and other debris? 
  • Who will inspect the job? When will this inspection take place?
  • Can you provide an overview of the schedule? How many days will the project take?
  • What might cause possible delays in the schedule?

At Michael C. Graham & Son Roofing, Siding and Construction, we take pride in the work we do for all of our residential and commercial customers across Central New York and the surrounding areas. As you assess your roofing project, give us a call or email us for a free estimate.

Winter is upon us in Central New York, and the drastic temperature changes can have an impact on the exterior of our houses. 

Have you noticed too much snow or ice on your roof? Roofs are made to withstand roughly 20 pounds of pressure. Snow and ice can be extremely heavy. Take a look inside your home for roof stress. This can include leaks, cracked walls, and drooping ceilings. 

So, how do you protect your roof this winter?

 

Remove Snow ASAP

• • Regular maintenance can help protect your roof. Clear your gutters and don’t allow water to build up. 

Check Attic Ventilation

• • If your attic is poorly ventilated or insulated, it can expose your roof and allow ice dams to form. 

Check the Flashing

• • Flashing is used to direct water away from vulnerable areas on your roof. If you allow snow or ice to remain near the damaged flashing, you are sure to get a leak. 

Are you concerned about damage from snow or ice build-up? Give Michael C. Graham & Son a call or visit us online at https://michaelcgrahamandson.com for a free estimate. 

Michael C. Graham & Son Construction is the premier provider of roofing, siding, and construction services in Syracuse and across the Central New York region. 

Here at Michael C. Graham & Son Construction, we take pride in the quality and craftsmanship of our roofing and construction work. Our family has been serving Syracuse and the greater Central New York region for over four generations, delivering exceptional finished products and earning the trust of more than 1,000 businesses and homeowners. 

Our commitment to craftsmanship is reflected in the care that we take with each project. Whether you are looking for new roofing construction or repair, or siding and gutter installation or repair, we know that no detail is too small to be overlooked. 

We are a family-owned and operated business, and our relationships with customers are our greatest strength. Our clients trust us with a core part of their lives- their homes and businesses- and we remain committed to providing excellent service and an exceptional finished product. 

To find out why Michael C. Graham & Son has earned the trust of customers across Central New York, read more about us or hear a testimonial directly from one of our satisfied customers. Learn more about the wide range of Services that we offer, or visit our Gallery to see the quality of our craftsmanship at work. 

View our Frequently Asked Questions, or read more about us to learn why our customers trust us with their construction and roofing needs. No matter where you choose to look for your next contractor, be sure to do your research. Read our tips for Choosing the Right Contractor, and always make sure to work with a reputable contractor- with insurance. 

If you are interested in seeing the craftsmanship of Michael C. Graham & Son Construction at work, Contact us for a free roofing and siding estimate- and watch us make good on our promise.