The Imperial Blog
Honest advice on roofing, siding, gutters, and insulation for Southeast Michigan homeowners.
Latest articles
Company News
Financing A Roof Or Siding Project: What Michigan Homeowners Should Know
A roof or siding project does not have to wait until you have saved the full amount. How financing works, when it makes sense, and what to look for.
Roofing
5 Signs You Need A New Roof This Summer
Five clear warning signs your Michigan roof is failing, and why summer is the smartest time to replace it before fall storms arrive.
Maintenance
Getting Your Michigan Roof And Gutters Ready For Winter
Winter does not forgive a roof that went into it with problems. A short fall checklist for your roof and gutters that prevents the worst of the cold-weather damage.
Roofing
How Much Does A New Roof Cost In Michigan? Guide To Materials, Timing, And Value
What actually drives the cost of a new roof in Michigan, from materials and tear-off to ventilation and complexity, and how to compare quotes the right way.
Roofing
Understanding Roofing Warranties: Materials Versus Workmanship
A roof comes with two very different warranties, and most leaks are not covered by the one homeowners think about. What each one covers and why both matter.
Storm Damage
Roof Storm Damage In Michigan: How To Spot It And Handle An Insurance Claim
How to safely spot wind and hail damage after a Michigan storm, document it for your insurer, and avoid the common claim mistakes homeowners make.
Siding
Soffit And Fascia: The Roofline Details That Protect Your Home
Soffit and fascia frame your roof and do real work behind the scenes, from ventilation to keeping water and animals out. What they are and when to replace them.
Maintenance
Professional Roof Inspection Services In Ann Arbor
What a professional roof inspection actually covers, when to schedule one, and why catching small problems early saves Ann Arbor homeowners real money.
Roofing
Why Flashing Is The Roof Detail That Prevents The Most Leaks
Most roof leaks do not start in the middle of the shingles. They start at the flashing. What flashing is, where it goes, and why the details decide everything.
Roofing
Shingle Roofing Systems For Ann Arbor Homes
A shingle roof is a complete system, not just the shingles you see. The layers and details that make an asphalt roof last on Ann Arbor homes.
Storm Damage
Hail Damage On Your Roof: What To Look For After A Michigan Storm
Hail damage is easy to miss and easy to overlook until it leaks. How to safely spot the signs after a Michigan storm and what to do about a claim.
Siding
Siding Replacement Tips For Southeast Michigan Homes
A practical checklist for a siding replacement: how to know it is time, choosing the right contractor, timing the project, and what to expect along the way.
Gutters
Are Gutter Guards Worth It In Michigan?
Gutter guards promise to end the ladder work, but they are not magic. How they perform under Michigan trees and snow, and when they are actually worth it.
Gutters
New Gutters: How To Protect Your Foundation
Your gutters are the first line of defense for your foundation. How proper water management protects your home from some of its most expensive damage.
Maintenance
Your Spring Roof Maintenance Checklist For Michigan Homes
Winter is hard on a Michigan roof. A simple spring once-over catches the small problems early, before spring rain and summer heat turn them into expensive ones.
Gutters
Gutter Replacement In Ann Arbor: Materials And When To Repair Vs. Replace
Seamless aluminum, gutter guards, and the telltale signs that mean it is time to replace rather than repair, for homes across the Ann Arbor area.
Roofing
Is Metal Roofing Worth It For Michigan Homes?
Metal roofing costs more up front and lasts far longer. How standing seam metal handles Michigan snow, what it offers over asphalt, and where it fits.
Siding
Siding Installation In Michigan: Smart Choices For Curb Appeal And Energy Savings
Comparing James Hardie fiber cement, vinyl, and engineered wood for Michigan homes, and the behind-the-wall details that protect your investment for decades.
Roofing
How To Choose A Roofing Contractor In Southeast Michigan
The contractor you hire matters more than the shingle you choose. The questions to ask, the credentials to check, and the red flags to walk away from.
Roofing
Specialized Roofing: Cedar Shake And Flat Roof Systems
Beyond standard shingles, cedar shake and low-slope flat roofs each have a place. How they work, where they fit, and what proper installation requires.
Roofing
Roof Repair Or Replacement: How To Make The Right Call
A repair is cheaper today, but it is not always the smarter money. How to weigh age, damage, and value to decide whether to fix your roof or replace it.
Roofing
How Long Does A Shingle Roof Last In Michigan?
How long asphalt shingles really last in Michigan, the factors that add or subtract years, and how to get the full lifespan out of your roof.
Insulation & Ventilation
How To Stop Ice Dams On Your Michigan Roof
Ice dams are a winter headache for Michigan homeowners, and the real fix is not on the surface of the roof. Here is what causes them and how to stop them for good.
Insulation & Ventilation
Attic Insulation And Ventilation For Michigan Winters: Code, Comfort, And Efficiency
Why attic insulation and balanced ventilation are the quiet heroes of a comfortable, efficient Michigan home, and what to look at before you upgrade.