Frankfort faces open Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Betsie River. Revive Exteriors builds roofs, siding and windows for Benzie County homes that take lake wind and snow all winter.
Frankfort’s harbor was found by accident in 1855, when a gale drove a schooner into it. Development followed in 1859, federal harbor work in 1867, and from 1892 Ann Arbor Railroad car ferries ran across Lake Michigan from neighboring Elberta. The North Breakwater Light has marked the harbor since it moved to the breakwater in 1932.
Many homes in and around Frankfort are older harbor-town houses and lake cottages, and a large share are second homes: at the 2020 census, more than a third of Benzie County’s homes were not occupied year-round. Older homes and empty winters are why we photograph every roof inspection for owners.
Frankfort is on open Lake Michigan, so storms arrive with miles of open water behind them. Wind-driven rain and blown-off shingles are common problems for shoreline and bluff homes.
The nearby Frankfort weather station averages about 93 inches of snow a year, with January lows around 18°F. That’s plenty of snow for ice dams on older, under-insulated homes.
Complimentary & no-obligation, we’ll respond within 24 hours.
Shoreline wind is the biggest threat to Frankfort roofs. We build every roof here to resist it.
Sealed starter strips, high-wind nailing and secured ridges for homes facing open water.
Standing seam and Tilcor stone-coated steel resist wind uplift and handle lake moisture.
Inspections with photos of every slope, so owners know exactly what we found.
Siding that stands up to lake wind and moisture without the upkeep wood needs near the water.
Learn more →ProVia windows that seal out wind-driven rain and cold and open up the lake views.
Learn more →Every project is managed start to finish by a dedicated Revive Exteriors project manager and installed by our own crews.
A copper-colored standing seam metal roof, board and batten siding, and shake accents give this Northern Michigan home a bold, low-maintenance new look.
View projectA Tilcor stone-coated steel roof built to handle lake wind and heavy snow, with a shake-style look that suits this Northern Michigan log home.
View projectTell us what you’re seeing and a Revive Exteriors specialist will schedule your complimentary inspection.
Complimentary & no-obligation, we’ll respond within 24 hours.
Community facts: Wikipedia: Frankfort, Wikipedia: Frankfort North Breakwater Light, Wikipedia: Benzie County.
