Frequently Asked Questions

A professional roof inspection involves a thorough evaluation of both the exterior and interior components of your roofing system. At Premier Roofing, we inspect for damaged or missing shingles, flashing issues, compromised vents or gutters, and structural wear. Inside the home, we look for ceiling stains, wall damage, and other signs of leaks. This full-system check helps identify problems early and protects your home from costly repairs.

While it's not required, it can be helpful to be present so you can ask questions and discuss any concerns with the inspector.

The best roofing contractor in Michigan is one with local experience, strong warranties, proper licensing, reliable crews, and materials built for the state’s weather. Premier Roofing & Exteriors is a trusted choice for Michigan homeowners because we’ve served the state since 2006, are licensed, bonded, and insured, and back our roof installations with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty.

That depends entirely on your budget and the architectural style of your home, plus specific features of your roof’s construction. Metal Roofing is an excellent option if your roof has adequate pitch because the snow will slide right off, preventing ice dams and the resulting backup of water which causes leaks. Cedar shake is a good option for homes where it would match the aesthetic, because it withstands the freeze/thaw process nicely, isn’t damaged at high winds, and adds R-value to give you better energy efficiency year-round. Slate is a strong performer given its strength and longevity and the fact that it’s less than 3% porous. But in terms of economy, there are many options today available in composite and asphalt that are engineered specifically for higher snow loads, and we can add a membrane to prevent leakage from ice damming. Our best recommendation would come after our experienced inspector assessed your home’s roof for load capacity, pitch, condition, and prevailing factors.

Professional roofing contractors are trained to safely and efficiently repair or replace a roof. We’re also experts at evaluating the condition and lifespan of your shingle or surface. The shingles and other roofing materials you pay for only qualify for the manufacturer’s warranty if they’re installed correctly. Novices can harm a roof with improper roofing techniques or severely injure themselves by falling off or even through a roof.

Homeowner maintenance should be confined to clearing the gutters of debris.

The lifespan of your roof will depend on the type of roof you have, prevailing winds, exposure, and the maintenance the roof has received. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, asphalt shingles generally last 15-20 years. Slate roofs can last more than 100 years. Metal roofs often offer lifetime warranties, and Cedar Shake can last 30 – 50 years, depending on location and installation. Roofing product manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products. We will help you evaluate each product option in terms of warranty and lifespan in the context of your budget considerations.

The price of a new roof varies widely, depending on the material selected, the home itself, structural considerations, and more. We will give you a comprehensive estimate that includes comparisons of different roofing materials if requested. Keep in mind that cost is only one factor, and it must be balanced against the quality of the materials, workmanship, and desired longevity.

For each type of roofing material, there are different grades and corresponding prices, plus a wide variance in installation labor required. For example, metal roofing takes considerably longer to install than asphalt. Plus, there are a variety of styles and shapes. You need to look at the full product range and make a choice based on your budget and needs. Within the roofing profession, there are different levels of expertise and craftsmanship. Premier is a contractor who is committed to quality work, and our craftsmen a fully certified, bonded, and insured.

Most often, estimates may appear to be offering the same or similar services, but our experience shows most contracts are not created equal. An unusually low price can signal discrepancies and shortcomings in the reliability of the contractor. In addition to the actual materials, some of the differences to look for when comparing contracts and/or contractors are the number of years the company has been in business, the experience of the actual crew, and validity of liability and worker’s-compensation insurance. Premier has warrantied more than 4,000 homes in West Michigan and Grand Rapids and possesses the expertise to price a job correctly, competitively, and to guarantee the work. The same cannot always be said of dramatically low bids who use inexperienced installation laborers or recommend products with inferior warranties and quality.

Yes, roof inspections are absolutely worth it—especially in places like Michigan with unpredictable weather. In Grand Rapids, annual roof inspections from Premier Roofing help catch problems early, preventing costly repairs or premature replacements. Considering a roof replacement can cost $12,000 or more, regular inspections can save you thousands over time while protecting your home and investment.

Roofs should be professionally inspected at least once a year, and after major weather events like storms, heavy snow, or high winds. Regular inspections help catch damage early and prevent expensive repairs. Premier Roofing offers thorough annual roof inspections to help Michigan homeowners protect their homes and extend the life of their roof.

Many companies offer free or low-cost initial inspections. The cost of a roof inspection varies depending on factors such as location and the size and complexity of your roof.

Roof repair may be enough if the damage is isolated, such as a small leak, missing shingles, storm damage, flashing issues, or a limited area of wear. A full roof replacement may be the better choice if your roof has widespread deterioration, recurring leaks, failing decking, major storm damage, or is near the end of its expected lifespan.

The best roofing material for Michigan depends on your home, budget, and exposure to snow, ice, wind, and summer humidity. Asphalt shingles are a popular, cost-effective option for many Michigan homes, while metal roofing offers excellent durability and weather resistance. Cedar shake and synthetic roofing can also work well for homeowners who want a more distinctive look.

The average Michigan roof replacement cost ranges from roughly $7,695 to $36,490, depending on roof size, slope, seasonal demand, and materials. Grand Rapids roof replacements fall between about $8,108 and $28,542 for an average-sized home in the city. The most accurate way to price your project is to schedule a free roof inspection and estimate.

Permit requirements for roof replacement in Michigan depend on your city, township, and project scope. Minor ordinary repairs may not require a permit, but full roof replacement, structural work, decking replacement, or work requiring inspection often does.

Premier Roofing & Exteriors backs roofing work with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty. Depending on the roofing material and manufacturer selected, your project may also include product warranty coverage from leading brands.

Often, yes. A roof replacement is a good time to evaluate your gutters, soffit, fascia, and ventilation because they all affect how well your roofing system performs. Poor ventilation can contribute to ice dams, attic moisture, mold, shingle damage, and reduced energy efficiency. Old or undersized gutters can also cause water to back up near the roof edge, fascia, foundation, and landscaping.

The best siding contractor in Michigan should understand the state’s winters, moisture, wind, and temperature swings while installing siding to manufacturer standards. Premier Roofing & Exteriors is a trusted Michigan siding contractor because we install warrantied siding systems and because we install warrantied siding systems.

The best siding material for a Michigan home depends on your priorities. Vinyl siding is a popular choice because it is affordable, durable, low-maintenance, and available in many styles. LP SmartSide is an engineered wood siding option designed for strength, impact resistance, and resistance to moisture, mold, termites, hail, and wind. Wood siding offers a natural, classic appearance but requires more maintenance.

Yes. Vinyl siding can be a good choice for Michigan winters when it is installed correctly. It is low maintenance, cost-effective, and designed to protect the home from moisture and seasonal weather. Proper installation matters, especially in a cold climate where siding needs room to expand and contract.

Vinyl siding is a low-maintenance, budget-friendly option available in many colors and styles. Wood siding offers natural warmth and a timeless look, but it requires more upkeep, including periodic painting, staining, or refinishing. LP SmartSide is an engineered wood product made with wood strands, resins, waxes, and protective additives for added durability.

For an average two-story Michigan home, a full siding replacement will cost between $8,250 and $20,000. Vinyl siding typically ranges from about $8,250 to $16,500, while LP siding typically ranges from about $10,000 to $20,000.

Premier Roofing & Exteriors backs siding installation with a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty. Depending on the siding material and manufacturer selected, your project may also include product warranty coverage, such as manufacturer warranties from brands like LP SmartSide, Royal, or Ply Gem Mastic.

The best gutter contractor in Michigan should install drainage systems designed for heavy rain, snowmelt, ice, and seasonal debris. Premier Roofing & Exteriors is a strong choice because we install custom seamless gutter systems, offer gutter guard and filter solutions, and fabricate gutters in-house to fit each home.

Seamless gutters are a great option for Michigan homes because they are fabricated to the home’s exact measurements and reduce the number of seams where leaks often develop. Premier Roofing & Exteriors rolls custom gutters in-house using aluminum and galvanized steel options.

Gutter guards can be worth it for Michigan homes, especially properties with trees, heavy leaf fall, pine needles, roof grit, or frequent gutter clogs. They help reduce maintenance and can lower the risk of water overflow, ice dams, foundation problems, and roof-edge damage.

The best gutter guard depends on your roof, tree coverage, debris type, and maintenance goals. Helmet-style guards use surface tension to move water into the gutter while shedding leaves and debris. Strain-style guards use small holes or slots to block larger debris at a more affordable price point. Screen-style guards use fine mesh to filter smaller particles like pine needles and roof grit.

Your gutters may need repair or replacement if they leak, sag, overflow, pull away from the fascia, rust, dent, or fail to move water away from the home. Water pooling near the foundation, basement moisture, eroded landscaping, staining on siding, or fascia damage can also point to gutter problems.

Yes. Properly installed gutters help move rainwater and snowmelt away from vulnerable parts of your home. A strong gutter system can reduce roof-edge moisture, protect fascia and soffit, direct water away from the foundation, reduce basement flooding risks, and prevent landscaping washout.

It is often smart to replace gutters during a roof replacement, especially if your current gutters are old, leaking, undersized, sagging, or pulling away from the home. Coordinating roof and gutter work helps ensure the new roofing system and drainage system work together without problems.

The best chimney repair contractor in Michigan should understand masonry, roofing, flashing, chimney caps, and the effect of Michigan weather on brick and mortar. Premier Roofing & Exteriors is a trusted choice because we provide chimney repair, chimney rebuilds, brick restoration, exterior masonry, poured chimney caps, and custom-fabricated stainless steel chimney caps.

Chimney repair may be enough if the damage is limited to cracked mortar, a small number of damaged bricks, minor cap issues, or localized weathering. A partial or full rebuild may be needed if the chimney is leaning, structurally unstable, severely deteriorated, or too damaged for repairs to restore its integrity.

For Michigan weather, a strong chimney cap has to protect against water, snow, ice, debris, and animal intrusion. Premier Roofing & Exteriors offers poured-in-place concrete chimney caps for a seamless, weatherproof finish and custom-fabricated stainless steel caps for long-term durability and a clean appearance.

Yes. A properly installed chimney cap helps block rain, snow, debris, and animals from entering the chimney. It also helps reduce moisture exposure that can lead to brick decay, deteriorating mortar, rust, leaks, and freeze-thaw damage.

Michigan weather can be tough on chimneys because brick and mortar are exposed to rain, snow, ice, humidity, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Moisture can enter small cracks, freeze, expand, and cause bricks to spall or mortar joints to deteriorate. Wind, storms, and missing caps can make damage worse.

Yes. Premier Roofing & Exteriors states that chimney and masonry work is backed by a comprehensive warranty. Coverage can depend on the type of work completed, such as chimney repair, partial rebuild, full rebuild, poured cap installation, or custom stainless steel cap installation.