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FixRoof – Customer Satisfaction Since 1992

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FAQs

Get the answers you need to make informed decisions about your roofing and exterior projects

Roofing projects can come with plenty of questions, whether you're dealing with a roof repair, planning a replacement, or simply trying to understand how to take better care of your property. We've put together answers to some of the questions we hear most often about roofing, gutters, siding, maintenance, repairs, and our services.

About Our Company

Take a look at our frequently asked questions below to find helpful information and get a better understanding of what to expect. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, we're always happy to help. Get in touch with us to learn more about any service or to get started on your project.

How long has FixRoof been in business?

FixRoof, formerly CS Roofing, has been serving customers for over 30 years. We began in 1992, and we’ve been growing and improving ever since. Our decades of experience mean we’ve seen it all when it comes to roofing, and we have a proven track record of stability. When you hire FixRoof, you’re choosing a company with deep roots in the community and a long history of trusted service.

Are you a licensed and insured roofing contractor?

Yes – absolutely. FixRoof is a fully licensed roofing contractor in the state of Michigan. We also carry full liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage for all our operations. This protects you as the homeowner and ensures that we meet all legal and safety standards on every job. (License and insurance information are available upon request, and you can also see our credentials on our Accreditations page). When you work with FixRoof, you can have total confidence that you’re dealing with a legitimate, professional, and insured contractor.

Does FixRoof hold any special certifications or affiliations?

Yes, we’ve earned several important industry certifications and memberships that speak to our expertise and reputation. For example, FixRoof is an Owens Corning™ Preferred Contractor, meaning we meet their high standards for installation quality and customer service. We are also a Duro-Last® Certified Installer for high-quality commercial roofing systems. In addition, we maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and are active members of our local Home Builders Association. These certifications and affiliations demonstrate our commitment to excellence and keep us up-to-date on the best roofing products and practices.

Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your work?

Every full residential roof replacement, including metal roofing, includes FixRoof’s lifetime workmanship warranty covering installation defects. Manufacturer warranties are separate and depend on the selected roofing system. Repairs, maintenance, gutters, and commercial roofing have project-specific warranty terms.

What areas does FixRoof serve?

We proudly serve a broad area of Southern Michigan. Our primary service areas include Jackson, Battle Creek, Lansing, Hillsdale, and all the surrounding communities. We have local offices in several cities (Jackson, Battle Creek, Lansing, and Hillsdale) to ensure prompt service. If you’re in a neighboring town or elsewhere in the region, chances are we can help – feel free to contact us to confirm service availability in your specific location. (We cover many counties such as Jackson County, Calhoun County, Ingham County, Hillsdale County, and more.) Being local means we understand the climate and common roofing challenges in our area, and we can get to you quickly when needed.

Do you have references or customer reviews I can check?

Yes, and we encourage it! FixRoof has hundreds of satisfied customers and many have shared their experiences. You can read a collection of customer testimonials and reviews on our Reviews page. We’re proud to consistently earn 5-star reviews for our workmanship, professionalism, and customer service. Additionally, we can provide references if you’d like to speak with a past client directly. We understand that trust is earned, so please feel free to see what your neighbors have said about working with FixRoof.

What types of roofing services does FixRoof offer?

FixRoof provides a wide range of services including commercial, industrial, and residential roofing, roof inspections, repairs, replacements, leak fixes, roof tune-ups, roof coatings, and skylight maintenance.

Can I get a free roof inspection or estimate from FixRoof?

Absolutely. We provide free, no-obligation roof inspections and estimates for all our services. Whether you suspect a problem with your roof, have a leak, or are considering a full roof replacement, we will come out, evaluate the situation, and provide a professional assessment at no charge. Our team will explain what we find and, if any work is needed, we’ll give you a clear written estimate. We believe you should have all the information you need to make an informed decision – without any cost or pressure. To schedule your free inspection or quote, just reach out via our Contact Us page or call us at 1-855-FIX-ROOF, and we’ll arrange a visit at a convenient time.

Do you offer military or senior citizen discounts?

Yes, FixRoof 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.

Roofing Services, Estimates & Emergencies

What types of roofing materials do you work with?

They handle asphalt shingles, concrete tile, metal roofs, flat roofing systems, cedar shakes, and more—offering a variety of styles and colors for residential and commercial properties.

How do I know if my roof needs repair or replacement?

Warning signs include missing shingles, visible leaks, sagging, granules in gutters and roofs over 15–20 years old. We can inspect your roof and advise you on the best course of action.

What does a new roof cost in Michigan?

Get pricing for your roof with FixRoof’s Instant Roof Quote tool. Get My Instant Roof Quote

How long does a typical roofing project take?

Small repairs can often be completed within a day. Full roof replacements usually take 1–3 days depending on size, material and weather.

Do you offer emergency roof repair services?

Yes, we do. We understand that roofing emergencies can happen anytime – a sudden leak during a storm or unexpected damage from a fallen branch. That’s why FixRoof offers 24/7 emergency roof repair. If you have a roofing emergency, you can call us anytime at 1-855-FIX-ROOF and our rapid-response team will assist you. We prioritize stopping leaks and protecting your property from further damage, even outside of normal business hours. In short, you can rely on FixRoof in an emergency – we’re just a phone call away, day or night.

Installation Logistics & Safety

Will roofing nails pop my car tires?

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.

Can I stay home during the roof replacement?

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.

What happens if it rains during the tear-off?

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.

Will the dumpster ruin my driveway?

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.

Do I need to tell my neighbors I'm getting a new roof?

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.

Will you protect my landscaping and flower beds?

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.

Do I need to feed the roofing crew?

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.

Financing, Insurance & Costs

Is financing available for my roofing project?

Yes, we offer financing options to help make your roofing (or siding/gutter) project more affordable. We’ve partnered with reputable financing providers to give qualified homeowners the ability to pay in convenient monthly installments rather than all at once. There are plans with competitive interest rates, and in some cases promotional offers (like no interest or no payments for an introductory period) may be available. Our goal is to ensure you can get the critical repairs or improvements you need without undue financial stress. You can learn more about current financing programs and apply through our Financing page. Of course, you can also ask our team about financing when you get an estimate, and we’ll guide you through the process.

Can you help with insurance claims for storm damage?

Absolutely. We regularly assist homeowners with documenting damage and liaising with insurance adjusters to ensure claims are processed correctly.

Will a new roof lower my homeowner's insurance premiums?

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.

Is roof damage covered if my roof is over 20 years old?

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.

Will filing a roof claim make my insurance rates go up?

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.

Is my roof warranty transferable if I sell the house?

Most high-quality manufacturer warranties are transferable one time to a new homeowner. This is a massive selling point for your property. Transfer requirements depend on your issued warranty.

Do I need to tip the roofing crew?

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."

What happens to the old shingles you tear off?

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

Will a metal roof kill my cell phone service?

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.

Can you install a new roof in the winter in Michigan?

We remain open through winter for repairs and estimates, but do not install asphalt shingles below 40°F.

Is it safe to pressure wash algae off my roof?

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.

Why are there granules in my gutters after a new roof?

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.

Does moss actually damage the roof, or does it just look bad?

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.

What are those ugly black streaks on my roof?

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.

Can you put a metal roof over my existing shingles?

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

What is the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?

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.

Why is my roof leaking only around the chimney?

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.

Can I install a skylight on my existing roof?

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.

Do I need gutter guards if I get a new roof?

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.

How do I know if my attic ventilation is bad?

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.

Can I customize the color of the drip edge?

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.

Will my satellite dish work during the roof replacement?

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.

What exactly is a "roof tune-up"?

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.

Can I walk on my roof to hang Christmas lights?

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.

Interested in a New Roof?

If you’re interested in roofing services, siding, or gutters, we can help. Get in touch today to learn more.