Archive for the ‘Hail and Storm Damage’ Category

Roofing Contractors Responding To June 17 Storm Damage In Minnesota

Monday, June 28th, 2010

Minnesota roofing contractors are still working to handle claims generated by severe thunderstorms and tornadoes that pounded the Upper Midwest last week, even as more severe storms were swirling Friday afternoon and evening.

The National Weather Service collected 36 reports of tornado sightings in Minnesota on Thursday June 17, 2010 with the northwestern and southern parts of that state hit hardest.

How Long Do I Have to Submit an Insurance Claim For Hail Damage in Minnesota?

Under Minnesota law, you have up to two years to submit an insurance claim for hail damage.  Roof leaks may take years to show up, so it’s important to have your roof inspected by an expert MN hail damage contractor soon after the storm.  And your roof may not be the only part of your home that has been compromised.  A reliable roofing contractor can also inspect your siding, gutters, and fascia for damage.

The only way to be absolutely sure is to contact a Minnesota hail damage repair expert for an accurate inspection.

EF 4 Tornado Confirmed in Freeborn County

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

We are learning more about the tornadoes that slammed Southeast Minnesota causing so much destruction.  So far, 16 tornadoes are confirmed to have hit Minnesota.

The National Weather Service says the tornado that touched down in Freeborn County, hitting Conger, Manchester, Hartland, and Armstrong was an EF 4.

That’s just one level down from an EF 5, which is the strongest on the rating scale.

The tornado created winds of up to 175 miles per hour and was a mile wide. It was the first EF 4 to hit Freeborn County since 1967 and it was the first EF 4 to hit Minnesota in the past ten years.

As for the tornado that hit both Clarks Grove in Freeborn County and Ellendale in Steele County, it has been identified as EF 3 with winds of up to 160 miles per hour.  This deadly storm has left Minnesota homeowners looking for a reliable roofing contractor.

Fujita Tornado Damage Scale

Fujita Tornado Damage Scale.pdf Fujita Tornado Damage Scale.pdf
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LE

WIND ESTIMATE *** (MPH)

TYPICAL DAMAGE

F0

< 73

Light damage ~ Some damage to chimneys; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over; sign boards damaged.

F1

73-112

Moderate damage ~ Peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving autos blown off roads.

F2

113-157

Considerable damage ~ Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars overturned; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off ground.

F3

158-206

Severe damage ~ Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed houses; trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown.

F4

207-260

Devastating damage ~ Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown away some distance; cars thrown and large missiles generated.

F5

261-318

Incredible damage ~ Strong frame houses leveled off foundations and swept away; automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 meters (109 yds); trees debarked; incredible phenomena will occur.

SCALE

WIND ESTIMATE *** (MPH)

TYPICAL DAMAGE

F0

< 73

Light damage ~ Some damage to chimneys; branches broken off trees; shallow-rooted trees pushed over; sign boards damaged.

F1

73-112

Moderate damage ~ Peels surface off roofs; mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned; moving autos blown off roads.

F2

113-157

Considerable damage ~ Roofs torn off frame houses; mobile homes demolished; boxcars overturned; large trees snapped or uprooted; light-object missiles generated; cars lifted off ground.

F3

158-206

Severe damage ~ Roofs and some walls torn off well-constructed houses; trains overturned; most trees in forest uprooted; heavy cars lifted off the ground and thrown.

F4

207-260

Devastating damage ~ Well-constructed houses leveled; structures with weak foundations blown away some distance; cars thrown and large missiles generated.

F5

261-318

Incredible damage ~ Strong frame houses leveled off foundations and swept away; automobile-sized missiles fly through the air in excess of 100 meters (109 yds); trees debarked; incredible phenomena will occur.

Has Your Home Received Storm Damage From The June17 2010 Storm That Went Through Minnesota?

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Storms can cause unidentifiable damage to your roof and requires a trained eye to catch.  Your roof is much more then just your shield from the elements, it’s the first part of your house to catch the rain and snow.  If there is damage to the roof small amounts of rain can seep in, leaving you with a larger repair in the future and one likely to come out of your pocket.  Insurance claims have expiration dates.  If you fail to file in the allotted amount of time you lose your right to claim the damage.  If you house has been hit by a storm and you would like a free exterior home inspection give us a call to set up your appointment.

Storms with straight-line winds or hail produce the most damage to your roofing and siding. Not to mention when your house has been hit the spots become an eyesore.  Little dents can eventually weaken, which will open your house up to water and possibly mold issues you will never see coming until it’s too late.  When in doubt, check it out.  Call a professional roofing contractor to set up your free exterior home inspection.

Hailstorms In Minnesota Have Homeowners Seeking Roofing Services After Deadly Tornadoes

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

Minnesota Residents Urged To Check Contractors’ Credentials

Last week in Minnesota, hailstorms have many people looking for a reputable roofing contractor for their homes.  The thunderstorms produced widespread large hail damage in several counties.  Property owners should be advised to use caution when selecting a contractor, as there are unfortunately a lot of unscrupulous people trying to take advantage of an emergency situation out there.  Be aware of door-to-door salesmen who offer a “one time only” special pricing.  You should not be rushed into making a decision.

Contact a Minnesota roofing contractor to assist you in making that decision.  Get professional help to rebuild homes that have had wind/hail damage, or any other type of exterior damage that may have been caused by this wind and hailstorm.  They will inform you of the damage done to your home, assist you with your insurance claim, and provide quality workmanship and promptness in the process of repairing your wind or hail damaged roofing, siding, window, or structural remodeling needs.

If you live in this area of Minnesota and have a wind or hail damaged roof, siding, or any other exterior damage as a result of the storm, contact a professional roofer as soon as possible.

Clean Up Is Underway In Albert Lea Minnesota After Tornado Damage

Monday, June 21st, 2010

Albert Lea, MN Dealing With Tornado Damage After Large Hail, Strong Winds Hit Area In Latest  Minnesota Storm

Clean up was under way in Albert Lea, Minnesota after series of spring thunderstorms hit the area with strong winds, hail and heavy rain.  Tennis ball-sized hail pelted the Albert Lea area.  Winds blew over semitrailers, ripped sheet metal off roofs and toppled barns and power poles.

You may not always be able to see the damage to your roof, but a trained professional can.  If the necessary repairs are not made immediately, your roof will begin to show “black spots” from the hail…breaking down your shingles.  LEAKS will soon follow!

What does hail do to a roof? Shingles are designed so that the granules block the UV of the sun and protect the asphalt underlayment.  As the shingles age the granules fall off over time.  As the asphalt is exposed the UV, it dries out and the shingle gets a “potato chip” appearance as the corners start to curl up.  A shingle at the extreme end of its life is bubbled in appearance and is brittle to touch.

Hail does several things:

  • Accelerates Granule loss
  • Accelerates shingle aging
  • Voids manufacturer’s warranties
  • Leads to other associated problems
  • What does a hail hit look like? A hail hit on a shingle looks like a “bruise” or a dark spot where the granules on the shingle have been knocked off and the asphalt underlayment and sometimes the fiberglass mat is exposed.  New hail hits will have a shiny appearance because the asphalt has been freshly exposed and has not had time to weather to a dull color.
  • Do I need to get my roof replaced right away? The insidious nature of hail damage is that it may pose no immediate threat to the structural integrity of the roof.  However, many insurance companies have a “statute of limitations” of how long a hail claim is viable.  If you have experienced a loss such as hail damage, it is prudent to take care of the problem in a timely manner before it leads to other associated problems.
  • Once again, City officials in Albert Lea, Minnesota are urging residents to check the credentials of anyone going door-to-door offering hail damage repair services.  Residents can ask all solicitors to show their identification and a copy of their city-issued license prior to discussing any potential services.  Don’t be afraid to ask for some references from previous customers.

Minnesota Tornadoes May Have Set Single-Day Record

Sunday, June 20th, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety recorded 39 tornadoes, 26 funnel clouds, 11 reports of damage from thunderstorm winds and 69 reports of hail in Thursday’s storms.  Wadena, Minn. to the northwest of the Twin Cities and Albert Lea to the far south were among the hardest hit.  If those 39 tornadoes are confirmed by the National Weather Service, it would set a new state record for tornadoes in a single day. The previous state record for tornadoes in a single day was 27 in 1992.

If your property has been affected by storm damage (hail or wind) make sure you understand the insurance restoration process that will follow.  It is crucial that you find a credible contractor that is trained in storm damage insurance negotiation.  If you are wondering if your property has been damaged by a recent Minnesota hail or wind storm, contact your local roofing contractor.  Minnesota Insurance Claim experts can help you identify and repair damage to hail damaged roofs, siding, gutters windows and other exterior home components.

Tornadoes Tear Across Albert Lea, Minnesota Leaving Major Damage

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Tornadoes Tear Across Minnesota

A powerful storm ripped through Minnesota today encompassing the entire state from North to South.  Several tornadoes touched down throughout the state including one in Wadena, Minnesota that has caused extensive damage.   Hail damage reports were recorded as far North as East Grand Forks, MN and as far South as Albert Lea, MN. Minnesota was left in a bad shape after a series of tornadoes ripped through the area.  The storms went wild forcing several homes, trees, and power lines to the ground.

Throughout Minnesota there have been over many hail reports filed with the NOAA’s National Weather Service.  The storm produced enormous hailstones of at least 1 inch in diameter.  The largest hail stone reported measured in at 4 1/2″ inches. There were 10 reported tornado touchdown reports filed with the NOAA within Minnesota.

If you or someone you know has been affected by this powerful storm, make sure that they understand the insurance restoration process that will follow.  It is crucial that you find a credible contractor that is trained in storm damage insurance negotiation. Minnesota Insurance Claim experts can help you identify and repair damage to hail damaged roofs, siding, gutters windows and other exterior home components.

Need Help With Roof Repairs?

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

Roof Repairs

When your roof goes through a bad storm or you’ve had your home for a number of years it may be time for you to think about doing some repairs.  If there is excessive damage it might be necessary to have the shingles replaced, but if there is only minor damage repairs can be performed that will stop your roof from leaking the next time it rains.

When you plan on doing something like that, though, you have to do it right, or you could do more damage to your roof instead of fixing it.  Quite often, it is a broken or missing shingle that’s causing the leaking.  If you have a flat roof, there can be a cracked or blistered area that is allowing water to get in.  The most difficult part of fixing a leak on a roof is finding where the leak is originating.  You also have to remember that it can be very dangerous to work on a roof, especially if it has a steep pitch.  You’ll want to be careful that you don’t fall off of the roof and injure yourself, and also that you don’t damage the roof.

When repairing a shingle roof, you can usually locate the area that’s causing a problem.  Look near the leak point for damaged or missing shingles, and also look closely where any rooflines meet or where there are vents or chimneys.  All of these are potential problem areas, especially if there are leaves or other debris there that would hold water and allow it to build up.  If there aren’t any areas that are clearly causing a problem, calling in a professional would be the best choice.

If you find shingles that are curled back you can reattach them with asphalt roof cement and a caulking gun. If shingles are brittle you’ll want to heat them up first so that you can bend them without breaking.  If there are shingles that are torn, rotted, or completely missing they should be replaced instead of patched, because they likely won’t seal well if you just try to fix them.  Make sure that you seat new shingles properly, that you wear rubber-soled shoes so that you don’t slip, and that you use a safety rope if the roof is very steep.  Also, be very aware of the location of power lines any time you’re working on a roof to avoid serious and potentially deadly accidents.

You might want to look at “How To Spot The Warning Signs”

Minnesota Property Damage Experts

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Minnesota Hail Damage Repair

Minnesota Home Damage and Roofing Contractor

Langerman Exteriors is a specialized roofing company and roofing contractor based in Minnesota.  We provide a variety of Minnesota roofing contractor and exterior construction services with unique programs and solutions to meet your construction objectives and project budgeting goals.  We are recognized for our quick and organized home damage MN reports and insurance claim negotiation solutions that meet the time sensitive elements of propertydamage restoration.

Products, installations, and construction services are guarded by our exclusive warranties, offering valuable peace of mind not commonly found in construction projects.   It could not be easier to accomplish your roofing and exterior construction objectives!

  • Hail Damage MN Repair
  • Roofing and roof replacement experts
  • Roof leak identification
  • Roof Insurance Claim Management
  • Roofing solutions designed specifically for you
  • Flexible scheduling and advanced roofing logistics
  • Hail damage insurance negotiations and settlements
  • Siding replacement, repairs and new installation
  • Windows, replacement windows

We are an experienced property damage restoration and insurance negotiation contractor.  Let us put our 40 years of industry experience go to work for you.  Contact Langerman Exteriors today 763-493-0058 and arrange for a no obligation property damage consultation.  It will include a detailed propertydamage evaluation report and a clear action plan for you to follow.

Maximize Your Insurance Claim For Roof Damage

Thursday, January 7th, 2010

Minnesota Restoration Contractor

Langerman Exteriors Inc will maximize your insurance claim.  We will meet with your adjuster at your property to go over the damage together, so everyone has a complete understanding of the work to be done.  We will work with them on your behalf to make sure that all the necessary repairs are covered.  We will take care of everything, so you don’t have to.  We will discuss:

Siding Damage
We will look high and low for cracked vinyl, dented steel/aluminum, or hail damages.
Fascia
We look for dents or marks on your fascia.
Roof Damage
We will look for broken or missing shingles, hail damage, unsealed shingles due to wind.
Gutters
We check for dents on your gutters, downspouts, and gutter covers.
Windows
We check for cracked windows or dents in the sash.  We also look for broken seals and damaged screens.
Decks & Fences
We look for hail marks that might require pressure washing and re-staining or painting.
Other Property Damage
We also check all of your other personal property (lamp posts, furniture, tables, etc) which is also covered by your insurance carrier.

LEI is ready to help with any exterior repair or installation you may be dealing with.  We will help you with all the red tape involved with insurance claims.  We can handle everything with the insurance company from claim filing to final sign off.

Langerman Exteriors Inc has been a window, siding, and roofing contractor serving Minnesota and Western Wisconsin homeowners for over 40 years.  With our many years of hands on personal experience, we are knowledgeable in all areas of home and property improvements.  Please call us at 763-493-0058.  We would like the opportunity to discuss your needs in further detail.