Archive for the ‘Roofing’ Category

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

Guide To Selecting Your Asphalt Shingles For Minnesota Homeowners Part 1

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

As you start preparing to have a new asphalt shingle roof installed, it may seem to be a long and complex task.  It is important to remember how important this process is, since it will directly affect what is probably your largest single investment – your home.  In order to simplify this process, we have developed a guide to help you through the many choices to be made.  We walk you through the different styles of asphalt shingles available, and give you the easiest way to start the process.  Getting involved in each step of the process is advisable to do away with any hassles that may crop up later.

The first step in the life of your asphalt shingle roof is selecting a shingle.  At first glance, with so many different styles and colors to choose from, it may seem a little intimidating.  But when you get right down to it, there are really only four decisions to make.

1. Selecting a Shingle Style

The different styles of shingles can be divided into two basic categories: Architectural shingles and Traditional 3-Tab Design shingles.

The first type is the architectural shingle.  Their remarkable dimensional thickness and deep, blended shadow bands simulate the appearance of classic wood shakes, enhancing the beauty of any home.  The traditional 3-tab design shingle gets its name from the three tabs incorporated into its profile.  Always a popular choice, traditional 3-tab shingles are available in a wide variety of colors.

2. Choosing a Limited Warranty Length

Architectural and traditional fiberglass shingles also come in different weights and limited warranty period lengths.  Once you have decided on one of these styles of shingles, check with your roofing contractor to determine the choices in warranty periods offered.  Ask your roofing contractor to show you a good, better and best selection of products.

While architectural shingles may cost more than Traditional 3-Tab shingles, it is important to remember that laminated architectural asphalt shingles may last longer.  Amortized over that length of time, the difference in price between Traditional 3-Tab shingles and upscale architectural shingles is less than you might think.

  • Note: Product availability may vary per region.  Depending on location, materials, roof design, underlayment, installation, slope and other factors.

3. Choosing a Color

Now, it is time to choose a color.  Although it sounds like a simple process, it is usually the step that causes the homeowner the most difficulty.  After all, choosing a color is a very personal and subjective process.  Since everyone has a unique sense of style and taste, it is impossible to give a hard-and-fast rule on how to choose a shingle color.  One of the best ways to pick a color is to drive around your neighborhood.  Check out the different color combinations of roof, brick / siding, and trim colors that your neighbors have tried.  Make a list of the ones you like, and steer clear of the ones you don’t.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is important to view several full size shingle samples, or an existing roof completed with the same style and color shingles, before making a final decision.  Often overlooked, getting actual shingle samples from your contractor is the best way to see how a shingle color will look in combination with the other color elements (brick / siding, and trim color) of your home.

If you are considering new trim paint or siding, grab those samples as well, and take them outside.  Hold them out in the natural sunlight, and see how the colors interact together, and how they change under different lighting conditions.

Here are so me additional questions you may want to ask yourself when selecting a shingle style

Remember that laminated architectural asphalt shingles may last longer.  Amortized over that length of time, the difference in price between Traditional 3-Tab shingles and upscale architectural shingles is less than you might think.

  • Depending on location, materials, roof design, underlayment, installation, slope and other factors.

Here are so me additional questions you may want to ask yourself when selecting a shingle style.

Do I live in an area where algae discoloration is a concern?

If you live in an area where algae discoloration is a concern, some shingles feature an algae resistant system to protect against algae discoloration.  You may also want to consider selecting a dark color shingle, which is less likely to show the staining associated with algae discoloration.

Do I have a steep pitched roof?

With a steep pitched roof you can see more of the roof while standing on the ground.  To give your roof an interesting and complex texture, consider using architectural shingles.  With their multi-layer, laminated construction, architectural shingles are a perfect match for steep pitched roofs.

Do I want my home to stand out from the crowd?

If you want to give your home a more distinct and individual look, consider using architectural shingles.

4. Choosing Your Roofing Contractor

After selecting a shingle style and color, the next step is choosing a roofing contractor.  This is an important step in the process, and should not be taken lightly.  It is important to do your homework, since not all contractors are alike.  Some are more committed to their workmanship and after-sales service than others.  Some may have better-trained installers.  There may even be contractors on shaky financial ground who will not survive long enough to provide the roofer’s warranty service.  A contractor who stands behind his work typically has a good reputation in the community, and wants to keep that reputation by making sure his customers are satisfied.  Take whatever time is necessary to select the right contractor.  Having the right contractor can make a big difference.

Points to consider when assessing the qualifications of various contractors:

  • How long have they been in business?
  • Are they bonded and insured, including worker’s compensation and general liability?
  • Do they have the appropriate licenses for your community? (Ask to see written proof.)
  • Will they give you the names and phone numbers of some of their customers you may call for a reference?
  • Do they have a satisfactory record with your local Better Business Bureau?
  • Are they willing to put all agreements, promises and understandings in writing?
  • Will they provide a bank reference?

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Roofing | 1 Comment »

“After the Storm” Advice For Minnesota Residents

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Working With Contractors– Tips from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Do your homework before work begins on your home
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) reminds homeowners to do some homework before hiring a building contractor after a storm … or anytime.

Before hiring a contractor, visit www.dli.mn.gov or call the Department of Labor and Industry to verify the contractor is licensed and to learn if there is a history of disciplinary action. And do not to sign anything presented by a contractor unless you read the document very carefully and have made a firm decision to hire that contractor. Generally speaking, if you sign a piece of paper, it is a contract, regardless of what the salesperson tells you, and you are then obligated to its terms.

In some cases, a salesperson for the contractor will explain the company will work with the homeowner’s insurance carrier to get a good settlement and that the homeowner will not have to pay any more than the amount of their deductible. The salesperson will then ask the homeowner to sign an “authorization” form to allow the salesperson to contact the insurer. Many of the forms state that by signing, the homeowner agrees to have the contractor perform the work allowed by the insurance company in exchange for the insurance claim proceeds.

The homeowner may be left with the mistaken impression that they are still free to pursue bids from other contractors, even after signing the document. However, some of these contract forms contain small print (usually on the back of the document) that says if the homeowner cancels the contract after three business days, the homeowner will owe the contractor a percentage (usually from 15 to 50 percent) of the total claim settlement. This becomes a problem when the homeowner finds another contractor that they prefer to the original contractor.

DLI licenses residential builders, remodelers, roofers and manufactured home installers. To work in Minnesota, these professionals must be licensed. If you hire an unlicensed contractor, you will not have access to the Contractor’s Recovery Fund, which is available to compensate consumers who have suffered losses due to a contractor’s fraudulent, deceptive or dishonest practices.

Before you hire a contractor, DLI suggests homeowners ask:

  • for the contractor’s license number, then contact the Construction Codes and Licensing’s Enforcement Services unit at DLI to verify the builder is currently licensed and to determine if the contractor has a disciplinary history;
  • the contractor how long and where they have been in business;
  • for references and check with former customers to see if they were satisfied with the work;
  • for a Minnesota business address other than a post office box; and
  • for a local phone number where the contractor can be reached during normal business hours.

Avoid contractors that:

  • arrive in an unmarked truck or van;
  • ask you to sign an “estimate” or “authorization” before you have decided to actually hire them;
  • appear to be willing to do the job at an unusually low price;
  • only provide a post office box for their business address;
  • require full or substantial payment before work begins;
  • refuse to provide you with a written estimate or contract;
  • refuse to provide you with a state of Minnesota license number;
  • refuse to provide you with references;
  • show up at your door unsolicited; or
  • use high-pressure sales tactics.

Before you sign a contract, make sure it includes:

  • a detailed summary of the work to be done;
  • a description of materials to be used;
  • the total contract price or how the price will be calculated; and
  • specific timelines and provisions that address what will happen if the contractor fails to meet the contractual deadlines.

If you think you might have damage, call your insurance carrier and report the claim. You have nothing to lose.  Even if you just want them to come and check it out for you.  Insurance companies hire professionals during the storm damage claims process, you should too!

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Hail and Storm Damage, Roofing | 1 Comment »

How Can I Tell if My Roof Has Been Damaged by Hail?

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

Storms with strong winds and heavy rains may result in loose or missing shingles, cracks, and pock marks.  Also, if your metal air vents, gutters, and siding are dented, you probably have roof damage as well.  Are roofing granules present beneath your downspouts?   That is also an indicator of roof damage.  But often hail damage is hidden.  The shingle mat may be cracked, and hail impact near the edge of a shingle may weaken it, permitting future water leaks.  The only way to be absolutely sure is to contact a Minnesota hail damage repair expert for an accurate inspection.

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 is 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.

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Hail and Storm Damage, Roofing | No Comments »

Cleaning Up “After the Storm” Advice For Mankato Minnesota Residents

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

June 17, 2010 Tornado Damage

Working With Contractors– Tips from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry

Do your homework before work begins on your home
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) reminds homeowners to do some homework before hiring a contractor after a storm … or anytime.

Before hiring a contractor, visit www.dli.mn.gov or call the Department of Labor and Industry to verify the contractor is licensed and to learn if there is a history of disciplinary action. And do not to sign anything presented by a contractor unless you read the document very carefully and have made a firm decision to hire that contractor. Generally speaking, if you sign a piece of paper, it is a contract, regardless of what the salesperson tells you, and you are then obligated to its terms.

In some cases, a salesperson for the contractor will explain the company will work with the homeowner’s insurance carrier to get a good settlement and that the homeowner will not have to pay any more than the amount of their deductible. The salesperson will then ask the homeowner to sign an “authorization” form to allow the salesperson to contact the insurer. Many of the forms state that by signing, the homeowner agrees to have the contractor perform the work allowed by the insurance company in exchange for the insurance claim proceeds.

The homeowner may be left with the mistaken impression that they are still free to pursue bids from other contractors, even after signing the document. However, some of these contract forms contain small print (usually on the back of the document) that says if the homeowner cancels the contract after three business days, the homeowner will owe the contractor a percentage (usually from 15 to 50 percent) of the total claim settlement. This becomes a problem when the homeowner finds another contractor that they prefer to the original contractor.

DLI licenses residential builders, remodelers, roofing contractors and manufactured home installers. To work in Minnesota, these professionals must be licensed. If you hire an unlicensed contractor, you will not have access to the Contractor’s Recovery Fund, which is available to compensate consumers who have suffered losses due to a contractor’s fraudulent, deceptive or dishonest practices.

Before you hire a contractor, DLI suggests homeowners ask:

  • for the contractor’s license number, then contact the Construction Codes and Licensing’s Enforcement Services unit at DLI to verify the builder is currently licensed and to determine if the contractor has a disciplinary history;
  • the contractor how long and where they have been in business;
  • for references and check with former customers to see if they were satisfied with the work;
  • for a Minnesota business address other than a post office box; and
  • for a local phone number where the contractor can be reached during normal business hours.

Avoid contractors that:

  • arrive in an unmarked truck or van;
  • ask you to sign an “estimate” or “authorization” before you have decided to actually hire them;
  • appear to be willing to do the job at an unusually low price;
  • only provide a post office box for their business address;
  • require full or substantial payment before work begins;
  • refuse to provide you with a written estimate or contract;
  • refuse to provide you with a state of Minnesota license number;
  • refuse to provide you with references;
  • show up at your door unsolicited; or
  • use high-pressure sales tactics.

Before you sign a contract, make sure it includes:

  • a detailed summary of the work to be done;
  • a description of materials to be used;
  • the total contract price or how the price will be calculated; and
  • specific timelines and provisions that address what will happen if the contractor fails to meet the contractual deadlines.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Hail and Storm Damage, Roofing | 1 Comment »

Roofing Contractor That Can Help With Your Hail Damage Claim and Repair Golden Valley MN

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Finding A Contractor For Storm Damage Repair Golden Valley MN

Finding a contractor for home damage repair and handling insurance claims doesn’t have to be complicated and stressful.  We will handle all of your insurance paperwork and home restoration from claim to completion.  Call us for a free, no-obligation home property damage evaluation to determine if there is legitimate damage for an insurance claim.  If there is damage to your home, we will be your advocate throughout the entire claim and repair process.

Insurance companies advise customers whose homes have been damaged by hail and storms to select a contractor that is experienced in repair construction, has operated in the area for several years, is bonded and insured and will give you a written guarantee for the work performed.

State law allows the homeowner to select the contractor of their choice.  You have the right by law to have your contractor meet with your insurance adjuster.  Do not allow your insurance adjuster to convince you otherwise as this is not in your best interest.  Calling an insurance claim expert gives you the peace of mind of knowing you have an advocate on your side.

Hail Damage

Most people in Minnesota don’t even realize they have had hail damage to their roof , siding , or fascia materials. The impact of hail damage can loosen, fracture or remove granules from your asphalt shingles.  Hail can leave tiny to large pits in your siding and fascia as well. The granules protect the asphalt from sunlight and Ultra Violet Light (U.V.). The roofing asphalt will deteriorate very quickly once it has had hail impact and is exposed to the sun. This is the reason hail damaged roofing will prematurely fail.  Hail damaged roofs may or may not show up immediately as visual damage to the inexperienced observer. In some cases, the effects may not be visible or apparent for about a year or two. The effects of a hailstorm void the shingle manufacturer’s warranty, as they cannot warrant against “Acts of God” such as hailstorms

If your roofing or siding was damaged in the latest storm that hit Golden Valley, MN contact a reliable roofing contractor that has experience in the insurance claim process to assist you.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Hail and Storm Damage, Roofing | No Comments »

Storm and Hail Damage Repair MN

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

How Did Your Home “Weather The Storm?”

The term “Storm Damage,” conjures up images of houses leveled by a tornado, or a roofs literally ripped off by powerful straight line winds that accompany severe storms.  That is storm damage at its utmost!  And when that happens in your neighborhood or immediate vicinity you give thanks that your home “weathered the storm.”  But did it “weather the storm?”

As a homeowner, you need to think of “Storm Damage” in more subtle and less catastrophic terms.  Just because your home is still standing following a severe storm does not mean that it was not damaged.  Hail, wind, rain and lightning are horribly destructive forces.  Months later you may find a roof leak caused by a storm that has long been forgotten.  Or you might notice a loose piece of exterior siding that was originally loosened by wind or hail a year ago and is just now starting to be recognized.  Insurance covering storm damage has time limits, which means you could end up paying for the storm damage repair out of your own pocket.

Whenever high winds, severe lightning, hail or ice storms visit your area, do not assume your home has escaped unscathed just because the roof and walls are still intact.  At times like these you need to call a professional roofing contractor and schedule an appointment for a free home exterior inspection.  The professionals at know where to look, and what to look for in determining if your home actually did “weather the storm.”  Their vast experience and keen eye can easily identify places where your home might have been subtly damaged or even weakened by severe weather.

If there is storm damage, no matter how minor, asking an expert will relieve you of the red tape and insurance headaches by filing the appropriate insurance claims and working with your insurance company to guarantee that your home is properly repaired.

Insurance companies hire professionals during the storm damage claims process, you should too!

The exterior of your home protects you and your family from the elements. And in Minnesota the elements can be brutal!  Consider for a moment that in Minnesota the temperature alone can vary as much as 130 degrees during any 6 month period.  Add to that the power of ice storms, lightning storms, rain storms, wind storms and hail storms, and you start to realize the beating your home exterior take in protecting you.

Storm Report Update as of 6/29/2010:

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Hail and Storm Damage, Roofing | No Comments »

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

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

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 Minnesota roofing contractor can also inspect your siding, gutters, and fascia for damage.

Tags: ,
Posted in Hail and Storm Damage, Roofing | 1 Comment »

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.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Hail and Storm Damage, Roofing | 1 Comment »

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
210K   View Download

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.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Hail and Storm Damage, Roofing | No Comments »

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.

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Hail and Storm Damage, Roofing | No Comments »

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »