By Eric Czarnik
C & G Staff Writer

It’s the main part of the home that provides shelter and keeps heads dry. But experts agree that regular roof maintenance can reduce the chances of storm damage and annoying leaks.

David Vanderheyden, president of David Edward Roofing in Warren, said it’s time to repair the roof when rooms show signs of water damage, such as leaks, or bubbles or cracks in the paint. The correct answer on whether to fix or replace a roof often comes down to its age and the extent of the damage, he said.

“Repairs can become costly,” Vanderheyden said. “If your roof is near 15-20 years old, there’s a possibility that you may want to invest the repair money into a new roof.”

People should call a professional if they notice something strange during their roof examinations, said Gary Griffin, president of Suburban Roofing & Siding in Rochester Hills. He particularly advised homeowners to pay attention to worn or cracked shingles.

“Sometimes the shingles will curl, and if you unfortunately got a bad product, it will start losing a lot of its granules,” he said.

Homeowners have a variety of choices for roofing materials. Fiberglass asphalt shingles tend to last about 30 years on average, and they are a very good buy, Griffin said. While a minority of homeowners like metal or steel shingles because of their strong endurance, they can be much more expensive — as much as triple the price, he said.

“Wood is a whole ‘nother animal,” Griffin added. “It’s beautiful, but it requires maintenance.”

In an area with unpredictable weather like Michigan, experts agreed that it’s smart to weatherproof a roof, which can minimize storm damage.

Vanderheyden pointed out two accessories that help roofs withstand strong storms. Special membranes can adhere to roofs beneath the shingles to provide protection against the elements, such as water and ice. And metal flashing can be fitted into vulnerable points, such as chimneys and dormers, to prevent leaks, he said.

Trees that hang over a home can also spell big trouble if they get uprooted or lose branches during thundershowers. To prevent a catastrophe, experts agreed that homeowners should try to keep trees trimmed back and away from the roof.

While falling branches can puncture roofs, even shedding leaves pose a subtle threat, said David Chess, owner of Chess Roofing & Siding in Ferndale. “During the life of a roof, the leaves stay in a valley, and it just wears out the valley,” he said.

To stop that from happening, Chess advised homeowners to periodically clear off leaves and debris from the roof.

In the end, Griffin said one of the best investments a homeowner can make is to get quality insurance on a new roof. An extended, comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty offers more protection than the standard pro-rata coverage, he said.

For more information on David Edward Roofing, call (586) 775-4434; for more details on Chess Roofing & Siding, call (248) 398-1050; or to reach Suburban Roofing & Siding, call (248) 656-7663.

You can reach Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at eczarnik@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1058.