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!

How Algae Can Harm Your Roof

Have you had your roof inspected yet this summer?

Have you noticed peeling or cracking shingles on your roof?

Are you experiencing leaks in your home coming from the roof?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, it’s time for you to get your roof inspected! In the summer months, it’s important to make sure your roof is in the best shape it can be, so it can stand up to storms, and damage.

Aside from looking ugly on your roof, algae and other growth on your roof can be damaging not only to your roof, but to your health.

• Algae – This plant likes dampness and shade, which makes wood and asphalt shingles particularly vulnerable. Algae can retain water, which will deteriorate your shingles over time. In addition, the spores have proven to be harmful when breathed in over a long period of time.
• Moss – Moss also likes moisture, and grows on a lot of wood roofs, causing the roof to rot. This can go unnoticed to the untrained professional, and can be very damaging to the overall structure of your home.
• Mold – You already know that mold (especially black mold) is toxic and can cause many respiratory problems and illnesses if it is found in your home. Mold spreads quickly, and can weaken the entire structure of your home.
• Mildew – Mildew is a type of algae that shows up as a powdery consistency, and likes warm, humid environments. If your roof has poor drainage, or trees hang over your roof, there’s a chance you have a fast-spreading mildew growing on your shingles.

Proper care and maintenance is important to keep the different types of algae away from your roof! If you need an inspection, trust Wilderness Construction to be your roofing contractor in Ann Arbor and make sure that your home is safe for your family!

Wilderness Construction Inc. is The Premier Roofing Contractor in Ann Arbor!

Call us today to set up an inspection time and we’ll send out one of our friendly and experienced roofing technicians.

What Does Your Entry Door Say About You?

Is your front door stylish, polished, and clean?

Or is it scuffed up, or is the screen torn?

Your entry door can say a lot about you and your home, especially to visiting friends, family, and potential homebuyers.

Imagine if you were visiting someone for the first time, and their front door was dirty, chipped, peeling, and hanging off the hinges. You probably wouldn’t want to set foot in the house, would you?

To make your guests feel comfortable and make sure that you get the full asking price if you’re trying to sell your home, think about replacing your entry doors in Ann Arbor this summer!

If you don’t have the money to replace your door completely, don’t worry! Refinishing or repainting can do the trick in a pinch too!

• If you’re concerned about security, try a steel entry door. These doors are relatively cheap, and can be paneled to make them look more polished. These types of doors can also be stained to make them look more inviting.
• Wood doors are the most popular type and their natural finish will keep them looking beautiful and classic for years to come.
• Fiberglass entry doors are also an option for homeowners who want something durable, low-maintenance, and energy efficient. 

Remember, your entryway and entry door are the first things people see when they come to your home! An exterior door and interior door can make a lot of difference to the overall finish of your home.

If you need help picking out the right entry door in Ann Arbor for your home, contact Wilderness Construction today! We offer many quality brands and have the licensed contractors to install.