Roofing Knowledge Base
Hail Damage Roof Inspection Guide for Michigan Homeowners
Michigan is no stranger to hail. Just in this past year, from June 2025 to June 2026, HailTrace reported over 69 hail events in Michigan.
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East Grand Rapids sits just a few miles from our Grand Rapids office on Kraft Ave SE, only a short drive across the southeast side of the metro. That makes it about as local as our work gets, and the closeness shows in every part of a project. Estimates get scheduled fast, crews arrive on time because they aren't fighting a long commute, and if a finished job needs a second look, we're minutes away rather than an appointment across the county. In a dense, established city where homes sit close together and every detail shows, having a roofer this near is a real advantage.
East Grand Rapids was first settled in the 1830s by the Reed family, and it grew up around Reeds Lake, once the site of a popular early-20th-century amusement park and resort. Incorporated as a village in 1891 and a city in 1926, it has become one of the most desirable and affluent communities in the Grand Rapids area, anchored by the walkable Gaslight Village shopping district and its own well-regarded schools.
That history left East Grand Rapids with a distinctive housing stock. Stately older homes from the early decades of the 20th century line the streets around Reeds Lake, many of them detailed Tudors, colonials, and bungalows on compact, tree-shaded lots. Newer homes have filled in over the years, but the character of the city is set by its century-old houses, and many of those carry their third or fourth roof by now.
Michigan winters bring snow load and the freeze-thaw cycle that lifts shingles and cracks flashing, and on older or under-insulated homes that cycle builds ice dams along the eaves. The mature tree canopy that makes East Grand Rapids so beautiful is hard on roofs, dropping limbs and leaves into valleys and gutters and keeping shaded slopes damp enough to grow moss and algae. Homes near Reeds Lake take a little extra wind and moisture off the open water.
The older homes bring their own demands. Steep, detailed roofs and complex valleys on a hundred-year-old house rarely match modern standards without careful detailing, and the aging decking underneath often needs attention once the tear-off begins. Tight city lots also take real care during a tear-off to protect the home, the landscaping, and the neighbors. Sound flashing, proper ventilation, and honest inspection of the decking are what make these roofs last. On the steepest of these older roofs we add extra ice-and-water protection in the valleys and at the eaves, where snowmelt concentrates all winter, and because the neighborhoods went up together, whole blocks tend to reach the end of a roof's life around the same time, so a street of century-old homes often needs attention together.
East Grand Rapids is a place where people walk their neighborhoods and notice what's happening on the block. A roof we install here is on display, and our name rides on how it looks and holds up. That visibility keeps us honest, and it's exactly why a locally run crew is the safer choice for a home in a community this connected.
Homeowners often wonder when it’s time to replace a roof. Here are some of the most common warning signs to look for:
Shingles that are curled, cracked, deteriorating, or missing
Water stains appearing on ceilings or walls inside the home
Moss, mold, or algae spreading across the roof
A roof that’s over 20 years old
Noticeable storm damage
Thinking about starting fresh with a completely new roof or adding one onto an existing structure?
Usually completed during new construction or home additions
Gives your home full protection against the elements
Delivers a strong, properly installed roofing system designed to last
If you’re searching for a trusted roofing company for roof installation and replacement in East Grand Rapids, MI, Schoenherr Roofing is the team to call. We start with a free, no-obligation consultation to determine whether your home truly needs a full roof replacement or if repairs will be enough to restore its protection.
When a new roof is the right solution, our skilled team delivers professional installation and replacement services designed to maximize your roof’s lifespan. With over 30 years of experience serving the community, we’ve built a strong reputation for craftsmanship, reliability, and results homeowners can depend on.
We offer installation of:
Asphalt composite shingle roofing – A budget-friendly, versatile option and one of the most popular choices among Michigan homeowners
Metal roofing – Built for durability and energy efficiency, this roofing stands strong against harsh weather conditions
Rolled roofing – An economical solution ideal for low-sloped roofs on sheds, garages, and other outbuildings
This process involves installing a completely new roof on a building that either doesn’t have one yet or is undergoing major structural changes. It’s most often required in cases like:
You’ll need this service when your existing roof can’t be repaired anymore or has simply reached the end of its life. Some of the most common signs it’s time for a full roof replacement include:
By choosing Schoenherr Roofing’s replacement services, you invest in the longevity and safety of your home. Our experienced team ensures that your new roof not only enhances your property’s curb appeal but also provides robust protection against the elements.
We start with a detailed inspection of your entire roofing system. That includes checking the shingles, flashing, gutters, and ventilation to identify both current issues and potential problem areas.
Once the inspection is complete, we assess the full scope of work, uncover any visible or hidden damage, and determine whether your home needs a fresh installation or a full replacement to ensure lasting protection.
Our skilled team handles your roof installation or replacement using industry best practices and strict safety standards.
After the job is complete, we perform a thorough follow-up inspection to make sure your new roof meets our high-quality standards and your expectations.
Since 1995, homeowners in East Grand Rapids have turned to Schoenherr Roofing for reliable roofing services. They count on us for quality workmanship and exceptional customer care.
What sets us apart:
Fully licensed and insured services for complete peace of mind
Honest, transparent pricing with no hidden costs
A strong commitment to expert craftsmanship on every project
Factory-trained roofing specialists who stay up to date with the latest best practices
Decades of dedication to our community, built on trust and care
As a Michigan roofing company, Schoenherr Roofing understands just how demanding the local weather can be on your home. From heavy winter snow and ice to strong spring winds and hot summer sun, we know the challenges your roof faces throughout the year.
With decades of hands-on experience, we’re able to spot common roofing issues early and provide the best long-term solutions to keep your home protected. Every project is tailored to your home’s specific needs and built to handle Michigan’s tough conditions.
Choosing Schoenherr Roofing means more than hiring a contractor—it means partnering with a local expert you can trust for dependable service, lasting results, and decades of proven experience with Michigan homeowners.
At Schoenherr Roofing, we believe lasting results start with using the best materials. That’s why we choose roofing products from trusted manufacturers known for their strength and reliability. These materials are built to stand up to Romeo’s tough weather and keep your home protected for years to come.
Of course, great materials alone aren’t enough. We also use advanced tools and technology to make sure every job is done right. From precision nail guns to state-of-the-art leak detection systems, our team works efficiently while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. Our goal is to raise the standard in the roofing industry.
By combining premium materials with modern equipment, we give you a roof that’s not only strong and dependable but also adds beauty and value to your home.
Your roof is one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your home, and trusting it to untrained workers can lead to expensive issues later on. That’s why at Schoenherr Roofing, we’re proud to have a team of highly skilled, well-trained professionals. Every crew member goes through extensive training and keeps up with the latest roofing methods and safety standards to ensure your project is done right the first time.
We believe in continuous learning and professional growth, so you can feel confident knowing your roof is in the hands of experts who handle everything from minor repairs to complete replacements.
When you choose Schoenherr Roofing, you’re choosing more than a contractor—you’re choosing a partner committed to craftsmanship, reliable service, and delivering top-quality results every time.
Both roof installation and roof replacement provide you with a new roof, but the process, cost, and considerations are very different.
Roof Installation
Best suited for new construction or major renovations
Allows more flexibility in design and material choices
No old roofing to remove, making it a cleaner and simpler process
Roof Replacement
Involves removing and replacing an existing roof
May require structural reinforcements or code updates
Can improve energy efficiency and increase your home’s value
Bottom Line: If you’re building a new home or adding on to your existing one, roof installation is the right choice. If your current roof is too old or damaged to repair, a replacement is the smarter investment for long-term protection and performance.
As a Michigan-based roofing company, we understand how tough the local climate can be on your roof. From heavy snow and ice in the winter to strong spring winds and hot summer sun, Michigan weather constantly puts roofing systems to the test. Over the years, we’ve learned exactly which issues homeowners here face most and the best ways to prevent them.
That knowledge allows us to recommend roofing solutions made specifically for Michigan homes—ensuring strength, energy efficiency, and lasting protection.
When you work with Schoenherr Roofing, you’re choosing more than a contractor—you’re choosing a local expert who understands Michigan’s weather challenges and can deliver tailored solutions and quality service to keep your home safe.
Roofing Material Choices
Asphalt shingles – The most popular and cost-effective choice.
Slate or tile – Higher priced but built to last for decades.
Understanding these cost differences helps homeowners pick the material that best fits their budget.
Roof Size
Larger roofs need more materials, which naturally drives up the price.
Extra shingles, underlayment, and other components all add to the total cost.
Roof Complexity
Roofs with multiple slopes, dormers, or intricate designs take more time and expertise to complete.
The added complexity increases both labor and material expenses.
In Michigan, seasonal changes have a major impact on roofing projects and their costs. Winter brings snow, ice, and freezing temperatures that can make roofing work unsafe or even impossible. During this time, contractor availability is limited and prices are often higher.
Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for roofing. With mild temperatures and lower chances of heavy rain, projects can be completed more efficiently, usually at lower costs, with more contractors available.
By planning around these seasonal factors, homeowners can save money and ensure their roofing projects are finished smoothly and on time.
Choosing the right roofing service—whether it’s for a brand-new roof or replacing the one you already have—offers long-term value you can depend on. It saves money over time and gives you peace of mind knowing your home is protected. Quick, professional repairs can also keep minor issues from turning into major problems that might eventually call for a full replacement. While costs vary depending on the damage, repairs are almost always less expensive than replacing the entire roof.
A reliable roofing service ensures your roof does what it’s meant to do: shield your home from water damage, mold, and the costly problems that come with a failing roof. DIY repairs may seem appealing, but trusting an experienced roofing contractor is the smarter choice for expert guidance and dependable results.
At the end of the day, caring for your roof is about protecting your home’s value and long-term safety. Concerned about your roof? Reach out to Schoenherr Roofing today for a free inspection and expert recommendations.
Yes. Our Grand Rapids office at 2828 Kraft Ave SE is only a few miles from East Grand Rapids, a short drive across the southeast side of the metro, so it’s about as local as our work gets. You can reach the office at (616) 421-9687. That closeness means fast estimates, on-time crews, and quick follow-up.
East Grand Rapids is full of stately older homes, many built in the early 1900s with steep, detailed roofs that have been reshingled more than once. On these we regularly find aging flashing, worn or layered shingles, and dated decking underneath. We detail these roofs to keep the character of the home while bringing the flashing, ventilation, and underlayment up to current standards.
The beautiful tree canopy in East Grand Rapids is hard on roofs. Overhanging limbs drop leaves and debris into valleys and gutters, and heavy shade keeps north-facing slopes damp enough to grow moss and algae. We keep valleys and gutters clear in our planning, recommend algae-resistant shingles where it helps, and make sure the roof can shed water cleanly.
Yes. Many East Grand Rapids homes have steep, detailed roofs on compact, tree-shaded lots, which take extra planning and safety setup. We’re set up for that work, detailing the roof to match the character of the home while protecting the tight site and bringing the flashing and underlayment up to current standards.
Yes. On the tight lots common in East Grand Rapids, we take real care to protect the house, the landscaping, and the neighbors during a tear-off, covering plantings, staging materials carefully, and running magnets over the yard and drive afterward to catch stray nails. You’re left with a new roof and a clean site.
Yes. We roof homes throughout East Grand Rapids, including those along Reeds Lake. Homes on the water take a little extra wind and moisture, so we pay close attention to the wind-facing edges, heavy ice-and-water protection at the eaves, and ventilation that lets a lakeside roof dry out between weather.
Michigan is no stranger to hail. Just in this past year, from June 2025 to June 2026, HailTrace reported over 69 hail events in Michigan.
Calling your insurance company immediately after a storm is a common and understandable reaction, but it might not always be the most helpful first step.
Michigan weather can change on a dime. One minute, you’re enjoying a quiet summer afternoon. The next, hail is pelting your roof and wind is
Feel free to leave your contact information on our online form. A consultation is always free, and it’s the first step towards finding an expert roofing solution from Schoenherr!
