Why Wood Dry Rots & How It Can Ruin Your Home

Despite what a lot of people think, wood is one of the most durable materials that can be used to build your home. Wood can withstand years and years of damage if it’s taken care of properly!

However, if you don’t maintain the wood structures of your home, over time it can break down, and be susceptible to damage that could cause it to rapidly decay.

In particular, dry rot and other types of wood rot can be especially problematic if not dealt with right away.

What Is Dry Rot?

Dry rot is caused by water penetrating your home in places like your attic, ceiling structures, and roof. The rapid growth of mold and mildew can also cause wood rot. Dry rot breaks down the inner fibers of the wood, which causes it to become weak and brittle.

Leaks in your home that are left unchecked will eventually increase the moisture and humidity levels in your home. Dry rot can continue in these conditions, so make sure to get any leaks in your roof looked at as soon as you notice them!

Dry rot can weaken the overall structure of your home over time, putting your family at risk. Don’t take that chance!

How To Stop Dry Rot In Its Tracks

If you suspect you’re dealing with dry rot in your home, make sure to have a professional come out to give you a second opinion! A roofing contractor in Ann Arbor should perform a full evaluation and look for problem areas (around flashings, chimneys, plumbing vent pipes, etc.).

If any damage is found in the roof, repairs need to be made. Any missing roofing materials need to be replaced immediately, and your contractor will tell you if a total roof replacement is necessary.

At Wilderness Construction Inc., we know the safety of your family is your top priority, and ours, too! We want to help give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your family and friends have a safe, dry, sturdy home to come back to each and every day.

For a quote, please call us today! Our friendly team of technicians is ready to speak with you!

How To Spot Termite Damage In Your Roof

As a homeowner, you probably get stressed out even hearing the phrase “termite damage”.

Did you know that your roof is just as vulnerable as the other parts of your home to termite damage?

Like any other wooden structure in your home, your roof can be vulnerable to termite damage in the ceiling of your home.

If you haven’t had your home assessed for termite damage or even just minor leaks, get it done soon! Places where leaks have occurred are like magnets for termites.

What Would Cause Termites In My Roof?

Drywood termites, one of the most common types of termite, live and feed inside wood. They build colonies inside rafters, roof beams, eaves and other wood structures in your home. They can even establish colonies underneath the wood shingles on your roof!

Subterranean termites are another type of termite that could damage your roof. These termites typically build their colonies in the soil, but they’ll also build anywhere they have access to wood, making your roof prime real estate.

Dampness in the roof also provides a better environment for them, making a leaky roof especially susceptible to this type of infestation. Drywall, wallpaper, rotting wood and shingles are all accessible to subterranean termites.

Warning Signs of Termite Damage

You should have your roof inspected at least once a year, if not more. If you do it yourself, be on the lookout for possible warning signs such as:

• Any bubbling or discoloration similar to what you’d see with water damage on your ceiling.
• Mounds of what look like tiny wood pellets in your attic/underneath your rafters
• Termite tunnels running up vertical structures outside your home, especially the chimney
• Wood that appears to have been eaten away or sounds hollow when tapped

If you think you have termite damage or want to take preventive measures to keep them away, call the trusted roofing contractor in Ann Arbor today for an inspection! Our friendly team of professionals is standing by to help you!

How To Prepare Your Home For a Roof Replacement

If you’re having work done on your roof, you know that your contractors are prepping in advance to do the best job possible, but did you know that there are things you can do as well?

Roofing companies in Ann Arbor do a lot of planning in advance before they go to a job site, and there are some small tasks you can do to make sure they can get the job done easily and quickly.

At Wilderness Construction Inc., we’ve been one of the most trusted roofing companies in Ann Arbor since 1999. Part of our great relationship with Washtenaw County is making sure that we have great relationships with our clients before, during and after a renovation.

We’ve come up with a list of things you can do to ensure that your roofing job goes smoothly:

• Inform your neighbors: Let your neighbors know that contractors will be coming to your home to work on your roof. Giving them advance notice will keep the relations between you friendly, as you’re letting them know about noise and overcrowding of street parking.
• Prepare your yard: When roofing companies in Ann Arbor come to your home, unloading the materials is the first step. Our technicians will set up the materials needed for your job on your lawn, so make sure to clear it of any debris, and give the crew enough room to work. Clearing away any toys or belongings will prevent them from being damaged accidentally.
• Secure any hanging belongings in your home. These include things like paintings, mirrors, chandeliers, and anything else that could fall and be damaged as a result of the vibrations likely to occur when your roof is being worked on.

Doing these things before your contractors arrive will make the process of getting a new roof go smoother. 

For more information about how a typical roof replacement goes, give us a call! We can answer your questions and talk about a roof replacement for your specific home when we do our free, no-obligation inspection.

Contact us today!

What Are Architectural Shingles?

Are you looking to buy new shingles for your home?

Are you considering a bold choice, or something that makes a statement?

Architectural shingles provide a classic look and give your home a polished finish that will make it stand out in your neighborhood.

What’s The Difference Between Regular and Architectural Shingles?

Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural roofing shingles are among the highest quality roofing products made. They are made with a heavy fiberglass base, and ceramic-coated minerals that are tightly embedded in water-resistant asphalt, making them a sturdy choice for your roof.

You can also get architectural shingles made to look like other roofing materials, such as synthetic slate architectural shingles. Another unique architectural shingle design imitates the look of slate without the weight issues that normally accompany those materials. These architectural roofing shingles do not require any additional roof support as slate would.

With many colors and styles to choose from, architectural shingles can give your home a unique look.

Which Roofing Companies in Ann Arbor Offer Architectural Shingles?

If you want to change up the look of your home, you need to hire a roofing company that you can trust! Wilderness Construction Inc. has been one of the most trusted roofing companies in Ann Arbor since 1999 and wants to help you with your next renovation!

Give us a call today for a free no-obligation inspection and see how we can help you!

Natural Light In The Office Can Make Employees More Productive

Do your employees seem more sluggish as the day goes on?

Are you noticing a crowd near the coffee maker in the afternoon?

Your workplace may benefit from the installation of sliding glass doors in Ann Arbor!

Studies have shown that exposure to natural light during the day can increase productivity and make people feel more energized! Natural light has also been linked to a decrease in overall anxiety and depression in individuals.

If your employees are coming into the office in the mornings feeling tired or looking like they could use a few more hours of sleep, it could be a deficiency of natural light that’s keeping them from sleeping at night.

Consider Installing A Sliding Glass Door in Your Office!

According to a sleep study done by neurologists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, “workers are a group at risk because they are typically indoors often without access to natural or even artificial bright light for the entire day.”

If your office has access to a patio, or an outdoor space on the first level, talk to your building manager about a sliding glass door! The benefits for your employees will not only help them, but can help the company overall in the long run.

The study continues, “Compared to those with little light exposure, workers with more exposure [to natural light] slept longer and better at night, got more exercise, and had a better quality of life.”

Better sleep for employees means more productivity and energy during the day, and happy workers!

If you’d like to discuss your options for sliding glass doors in Ann Arbor, contact Wilderness Construction Inc. today! Our knowledgeable technicians can inform you about the choices available to you, and help you pick out the perfect style door that fits your budget. Contact us today by visiting our website or giving us a call!

New Roof Installation in Ann Arbor

The Pittsfield Township building was missing shingles due to recent storms in the area that produced high winds and lots of rain.

Our experienced salesman noticed the problem, and went inside to talk to the Director of Building Services to see if they could help secure the roof and make the building safer for their employees.



After removing a layer of rotted shingles and plywood, the Wilderness roofing crew installed 30-year Tamko shingles.

Are You Looking For A Roofing Contractor in Ann Arbor?

Does your business need a new roof?

Are you concerned about how it can hold up during a bad storm?

Our team of reliable and knowledgeable sales staff has the training and the know-how to get you the best roofing job for the best price.

Michigan weather can be unpredictable so don’t delay! Call Wilderness Construction Inc. to find out why we’re the most reliable roofing contractor in Ann Arbor!

How Natural Light In Your Home Could Benefit Your Health

Are you considering adding new windows or sliding glass doors to your home in Ann Arbor?

Did you know that there are health benefits associated with the natural light that sliding glass doors in Ann Arbor could bring to your home and living space?

Aside from the added functionality, studies show that environments with more daylight increase productivity, increase comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate circadian rhythms!

How Can Sliding Glass Doors in Ann Arbor Benefit My Family?

According to the director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, “there is increasing evidence that exposure to light, during the day – particularly in the morning – is beneficial to your health via its effects on mood, alertness and metabolism.”

A sliding glass door in your home can help with your health by:

• Decreasing the likelihood of depression and anxiety
• Making you more productive at work
• Helping you get a better sleep at night by regulating your circadian rhythm
• Energizing you during the day and making you tired by bedtime – helping your sleep schedules get back to normal

If you get up for work when the sun is already out, try having a cup of coffee or reading the paper near a window! If you don’t have much natural light in your home, consider getting a sliding glass door in Ann Arbor installed!

This time spent in the natural light in the morning could be the boost to your morning routine that you’re looking for!

Call Wilderness Construction Inc. For Sliding Glass Doors Today!

At Wilderness, we pride ourselves on being the preferred contractor for sliding glass doors, entry doors, and front doors in Ann Arbor. If you need a quote or want more information, give us a call today!