Is wind a real problem in Michigan?

Are crazy wind storms common? Not generally, and those that use it as a selling point are taking advantage of your anxieties. They say that shit happens, well so do storms. They can cause unbelievable damage to your home in a fraction of a second. But, spending additional money trying to prevent this is generally a waste. We do not live in tornado alley, and we are far from the coast with all of their funny named hurricanes. It snows a lot in Michigan, and once in a blue moon we will get to see a tornado or two. That’s it, plain and simple. Any salesman that tells you their shingle can withstand a tornado needs to clearly explain what magical nailing pattern they plan to use.

The details are important, but nothing to go crazy over.

This is roofing that we are talking about here, not the most exciting subject in the world. You can’t wear it or drive it, and you will most likely only look at it once after it gets installed. That being said, it is important to have a professional properly install a quality product in order to provide you with as much protection as possible. Unless you are electing to get a metal roof, or have special circumstances that require specific considerations, keep it simple when shopping around. Nearly every contractor has access to the same exact materials; anyone that tells you they make their own is probably stretching. Unfortunately, all too often, one product will be recommended over another because of price alone. This is an important factor, but make sure that you at least explore all of your options before making a decision.

So you are saying that my roof won’t blow away during a storm?

That is not exactly what we are saying. There are no special nails, installation procedures, or rubber shingles that will protect you if the conditions are bad enough. This includes any extreme wind, rain, or snow storms that occur. God forbid you ever experience one of these calamities personally. In such an instance, any damages are generally covered by your insurance company.  Clients of American Standard can easily call us for a copy of their records, as all records are now digitally kept.

Special circumstances that warrant further consideration:

Extremely steep roofs are one such exception to this rule, as they require more nails to hold the shingle in place properly. There are also many other details that need to be considered when working on steep pitched roofs, things that you should clearly go over with a roofing professional before signing a contract. Certain homes, such as those located directly on a larger lake, tend to get hit pretty hard with sporadic gusts of wind. Again, in such situations a similar strategy may be recommended. These are all things a reputable contractor would suggest anyhow, they are standard practices. Purchasing an upgraded wind warranty is most of the time just giving you some additional peace of mind. This soothing feeling can however cost a fair amount of money. Just like the cold hard cash that you just spend to get this boost of confidence, the additional warranty is just a thin piece of paper. There is nothing more to it, no actual substance behind it, except in your mind.  A good contractor will follow the proper nail and sealant installation patterns, and back their work without question with no additional charge.  That kind of peace of mind is priceless.

We are certified and licensed roofing contractors. We also have over 36 years of experience in the industry. American Standard Roofing stands behind it’s work. Our reputation is important to us. We believe in never sacrificing quality for easy profits. We also stand behind our services for the lifetime of the product, both labor and material. That is why we are #1 metro Detroit roofers. Be sure to give us a call at (248) 350-2323 for all your roofing, siding and gutter needs!