gutter installation company

Homeowner Resource Center

Installation Logistics & Safety

This is a common fear, but we take aggressive steps to prevent it. Professional roofing crews use high-powered magnetic sweepers to clear your driveway, lawn, and perimeter multiple times during the job. We perform a final “white glove” magnetic sweep upon completion. To be 100% safe, we recommend parking vehicles on the street until this final sweep is confirmed.

Yes, you can stay home, but please be aware that it will be loud. The sound of tear-off (hammering and debris hitting the dumpster) creates significant vibration and noise that can be disruptive to remote work, sleeping children, or anxious pets. We often suggest planning an outing during the peak work hours (typically 8 AM to 4 PM) for your own comfort.

We constantly monitor local weather radar. If rain is detected, our crews immediately stop the tear-off and install heavy-duty waterproof tarps and synthetic underlayment to “dry-in” your roof. We never remove more roofing material than we can permanently seal or temporarily protect within a single day, ensuring your home remains watertight.

No. We treat your property with respect. We place thick wooden planks or plywood boards under the dumpster’s wheels and contact points. This distributes the weight and prevents the metal rollers from scratching, cracking, or leaving indentations on your asphalt or concrete driveway.

It is a courteous gesture to inform them 24-48 hours in advance. Roof replacement involves noise, dust, and large delivery trucks that may temporarily navigate shared streets or driveways. Giving neighbors a heads-up allows them to move their cars or keep pets indoors.

Absolutely. We install protective tarps that extend from the roofline down over your gardens, bushes, and decks. This acts as a slide, guiding old shingles and debris safely to the ground over your plants, rather than letting them crash down onto your landscaping. We also recommend moving portable potted plants to a safe zone.

You are under no obligation to provide food. Our crews are self-sufficient and bring their own lunches and water. However, if you are inclined, cold water or sports drinks on a hot day are always appreciated by the team! Regarding restrooms, we typically arrange for portable facilities or use off-site options, so you do not need to open your home.

Financial & Insurance

Often, yes! Installing a new roof specifically one with Class 4 Impact Resistant shingles can qualify you for “wind mitigation” credits or renewal discounts. We recommend contacting your insurance agent immediately after your roof is completed to update your policy and check for savings.

It depends on your specific policy. Many insurance carriers switch coverage from “Replacement Cost Value” (RCV) to “Actual Cash Value” (ACV) once a roof exceeds 15 or 20 years of age. This means they may only pay the depreciated value of the old roof, rather than the full cost of a new one.

Typically, insurance companies cannot raise your individual rates for a single “Act of God” claim (like wind or hail damage), as this is not due to your negligence. However, if a major storm devastates your entire zip code, base rates for the region may rise for everyone, regardless of whether you file a claim.

Yes, CS Roofing honors our community with discounts for veterans and seniors. Additionally, many manufacturers (like GAF) offer specific rebates, such as the “Roofs for Troops” program, which provides a rebate for active military, veterans, and retirees on qualifying systems.

Most high-quality manufacturer warranties are transferable one time to a new homeowner. This is a massive selling point for your property. Please note that transfer paperwork usually must be filed with the manufacturer within 60 days of the home sale to remain valid.

Tipping is not required or expected in the roofing industry. Our installers are paid professionals. However, if you feel they did an exceptional job, a tip is a kind gesture. Many homeowners prefer to buy the crew lunch (like pizza) on the final day as a “thank you.”

We haul them away to designated disposal facilities. In many parts of Michigan, old asphalt shingles are recycled ground down and repurposed for use in road paving materials keeping tons of waste out of local landfills.

Myths, Maintenance & Technical Questions

No. This is a common myth. A residential metal roof will not block cell phone or Wi-Fi signals. Consider this: you likely have full cell service inside “big box” stores like Costco or Walmart, almost all of which have metal roofs. You will have service in your home, too.

Yes, professional roofers work year-round. We take special care to remove snow safely. In very cold temperatures, we may hand-seal asphalt shingles with roofing cement, as it may be too cold for the thermal sealant strips to activate naturally until spring.

No. You should never pressure wash an asphalt roof. The high-pressure water strips away the protective granules that block UV rays, ruining the shingle and voiding the manufacturer’s warranty. We recommend soft-wash chemical treatments or installing zinc strips to manage algae safely.

This is completely normal. Manufacturers apply excess granules to shingles during production. These loose “riders” wash off during the first few rainstorms. It does not indicate a defect unless the shedding continues heavily for months.

Moss causes real damage. It acts like a sponge, trapping moisture against the shingles. As it grows, its roots can lift the shingle edges, breaking the waterproof seal and allowing water to seep into the wood decking, causing rot.

Those streaks are likely Gloeocapsa magma, an airborne blue-green algae. While primarily a cosmetic issue that hurts curb appeal, the algae feeds on the limestone filler in your shingles and can trap moisture, accelerating wear over time.

In many cases, yes. This is called a “recover.” Because metal roofing is lightweight, it can often be installed over one layer of existing asphalt shingles. This saves you money on tear-off labor and disposal fees, though a full tear-off is always preferred to inspect the wood deck.

Components & "How-To"

3-tab shingles are flat, single-layer shingles typically rated for 60 mph winds. Architectural (dimensional) shingles are thicker, multi-layered to create a textured look, and typically carry wind ratings up to 130 mph, making them far superior for Michigan storms.

Chimneys are the most common source of leaks, usually due to failed flashing (the metal seal between the brick and roof), not the shingles themselves. The metal may be rusted, the sealant cracked, or the chimney may lack a “cricket” (a diverter) to route water around it.

Yes, skylights can be retrofitted. However, for the best result, we recommend installing skylights during a full roof replacement. This ensures the flashing kit is integrated seamlessly with the surrounding shingles, guaranteeing a watertight seal.

While not mandatory for the roof itself, gutter guards are highly recommended. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under the edge of your new shingles (ice dams) and rot the fascia boards, undermining your new investment.

Your house will show you signs. Common indicators include: Ice dams forming on the eaves in winter, the upstairs being significantly hotter than the downstairs in summer, and visible mold or rusted nails on the underside of the roof decking in your attic.

Yes! While white and brown are standard, drip edge flashing is available in various colors. Matching the drip edge to your fascia, gutters, or shingles provides a custom, polished look to your home’s exterior.

No. We must detach satellite dishes to remove the old roofing underneath. While we can reinstall the dish mount, the signal is sensitive and often requires professional recalibration by your service provider (DirectTV/Dish) after we finish.

A roof tune-up is a preventative maintenance service (typically $199). It includes a full inspection, sealing exposed nails (“nail pops”), resealing pipe boots and flashings, and securing any loose shingles to stop leaks before they start.

We advise against it for the sake of your shingles (and your safety). In winter, cold shingles are brittle and crack easily underfoot. In summer heat, they are soft and the granules tear off. If you must, wear soft-soled shoes, but professional installation is always safer.

Request an Estimate What Will My Roof Cost?