June 27, 2018

Roofs are an essential part of commercial and residential buildings. Not only does a roof safeguard against natural elements, it enhances energy efficiency and prevents internal damages. Problems in the roofing are a sign that you need to call a roofing professional. Neglecting roofing problems can take a heavy toll later.

Keeping a lookout for these common indicators can help you avoid serious expenses and inconvenience later:

You’ve got problems with moisture

Ideally, a roof insulates a building against harsh weather and precipitation. But if your roofing has moisture problems, it acts similar to a conductor that needs additional heating, cooling, or ventilation. Few telltale signs of accumulated moisture in the roof are the presence of mold and mildew on walls and sidings, peeling plaster, holes or gaps in roofing boards, and spongy or bouncy feel when you walk on the roof.

Moisture problems if ignored can make your roof weak and spell disaster for your property. Water infiltration, hefty electricity and plumbing overheads, and parasitic infestation are just some of its repercussions. A professional can detect issues before they become unmanageable and take remedial measures that would cost a lot less and can be a blessing for property owners.

You’ve noticed bubbling on the roof

Take a walk on your roof. If you get a trampoline feel, it could mean trapped moisture under the chemically adhered ply roof. Bubbling can significantly reduce your roof’s lifespan. Moisture can also cause blisters on a roof.

Moisture from rain or snow can also seep underneath the shingles and warp the roofing. In such a case, the damaged roofing plywood needs to be pulled out and replaced. Moisture meters are useful in detecting pooled moisture in roofs. Often, due to improper fixing of the many membrane layers in a roof could be a cause of moisture finding its way. Air creeps into the gaps and causes blisters on the roof.

Consult a trained roofing professional promptly to get a fair estimate of how much time and expense is involved in roof replacement.

Your roof’s flashing is missing, damaged, or dislodged

Flashing secures a roof to the building. It closes gaps and makes for a watertight seal between roofing materials, roof sections and parts of the building. Poorly installed or aged flashing is a sign that your roof needs immediate attention. Cement or tar flashing may need to be replaced by robust metal flashing or bituminous base flashing. Metal flashing is susceptible to temperature fluctuation and can expand or contract leading in cracks in the flashing. Bituminous base flashing is sturdy and weather-proof.

Roofing material has holes, is ripped or torn

Age of a roof is a deciding factor that will determine whether you need to replace or refurbish your roof. A typical roof lasts about 8 to 12 years if it’s structurally sound and properly installed by roofing professionals. A sagging roof is an indicator of structural weakness and should not be neglected. Sag could be caused by inadequate support or damaged beams or some other structural flaw. Take advice from a roofing expert as soon as you suspect roof sag. Design flaws are costly to rectify but are non-negotiable.

Take a stroll in your attic. If you can see sunlight beaming in, this means there are holes or gaps in your roofing. Visible signs of degradation should be treated immediately. It’s best to get an expert opinion on your roof’s health. There really is no point in compromising the safety of you and your loved ones by living under a faulty roof. A professional’s trained eye, techniques and tools will spot flaws before they become impossible to reverse or take care of.

You’ve had work done by other trade professionals recently

Roof restoration and replacement should be done by certified professionals who adhere to industry standards and use experienced roofing crew. Absolute Construction is certified by major manufacturers (Certainteed) and we use products with limited lifetime warranty that allows maximum benefits to buyers. Most guarantees protect buyers from manufacturing defects such as delamination, granule loss, and cracking.

Shingled roofs are also restored with best of Class 4 impact-resistant shingles at competitive cost. Synthetic tile, slate, stone, wood or aluminum- whatever be your roof type- Absolute roofing professionals will provide excellent restoration and upgradation services within your budget. Get a free estimate today.

Apart from these common issues, roofing can deteriorate by wear and tear and lack of maintenance. Replacing or restoring the roof of commercial buildings can be expensive and time-consuming. So it’s imperative to be alert and identify telltale signs early on, get a roof inspection done today and rest easy.

June 9, 2018

The sound of rain hitting the roof can be quite soothing. But what happens when the soft plops turn into loud thuds all of a sudden?

Hailstorms are not a rarity and it can wreak havoc on your roof. Hail and housing roofs don’t go well together even if the hailstorm lasts just a few minutes.

As hail, some the size of golf-balls comes crashing down on your roof, it could leave dents on the shingles. It slams against the roof, knocking down granules from the various part of your roof and compacts the layers of fiberglass and asphalt giving rise to small cracks. While visually, your roof might look just fine and it may not seem like a huge problem, you could end up with dozens of roof problems within a short span of time.

All these roof damages will only worsen with time, wearing the roof down further and you will finally have to deal with a leaky roof which might cost you a fortune to repair. So your best option is to prevent a problem before it happens. Roofs are, after all, your first line of security against Mother Nature.

If you’ve been hit with a severe hailstorm, depending on the intensity and size of the hail, your roof could be thoroughly damaged leaving your home vulnerable to leaks. If the problem is not addressed immediately, water could leak through the tiny cracks in your roof and end up causing water damage, mold and other structural issues. And if these go undetected for a long time it could also result in the roof collapsing. It is crucial to get your roof checked by a professional right after a hailstorm to evaluate if there was any damage.

A majority of the homeowners fail to do so and resort to other quick-fixes like putting a patch on it or getting an inexperienced person try and fix it. Even if you do a DIY fix it’s a good idea to get a roof inspection done by a professional as there are multiple things an untrained eye can miss. And you surely wouldn’t want it to end up jeopardizing your home.

A professional roofing agent might easily be able to spot obvious issues like:

• Misplaced roof granules
• Shiny asphalt
• Dents on shingles
• Cracked, damaged or missing shingles
• Small holes in the roof
• Bent gutters

And things like a potentially saturated absorbent or damaged layer under a soft roof.

Metals roofs are more likely to sustain dents and cracks may appear on skylights or sunroofs due to hail. You may not always be able to cover them up in order to protect it before the storm hits. In case of damaged sunroofs, the best option would be to replace it with an acrylic or polycarbonate material. These substances are much more resilient than glass and can thereby double the durability of the skylight or sunroof.

Some homeowners decide to put off making the repairs in the belief that they will have plenty of time to fix it in future. This, however, might prove to be troublesome, especially when it comes to homeowner’s insurance.

It is most likely that the insurance company has a statute of limitation for roof repairs. Delaying roof repairs might cost you your insurance claims and you might end up having to pay out of your pocket for damage that could have been covered by insurance.

Once you get a professional to look over your roof and the damages it incurred due to hail, they will be able to recommend the right plan of action. Professional roofers can help you decide whether repairing a roof or replacing it is a better option.

For instance, if a significant part of your roof is damaged, replacement might be the more effective solution. If you have an older roof, replacing it may cost you less in future. If the damage is not that severe, roof repairing such as replacing shingles, gutters, or other damaged roofing parts.

A hail storm is always a cause for distress for a homeowner because it can inflict some severe damages. Even a seemingly minor damage can turn out to be expensive when it comes to roofing and cause harm to the complete structure in the long run. So the earlier you can detect issues on your roof, the better it is for your home and your wallet. Get it touch with a trusted roofing company to assess the damage as soon as you’ve been hit by a hailstorm. Contact us to schedule your FREE roof inspection today.

 

In the last couple of years, various parts of Texas have been battered with strong winds and hail almost every year. The insurance firm StateFarm released a table that highlighted the highest claim amount paid out state-wise who had homeowners insurance. The highest was more than $610 million which was paid out to Texas for hail losses in 2017.

Unfortunately, this year hasn’t been any better. The town of Allen reported 18 and McKinney reported 12 hailstorms between the months of January and April 2018. The average hail size that was reported was 1.3” and the biggest reported size was 3”. Allen hail damages ranged from minor cracks on the roof to gutters and siding damages.

Most people assume that their homeowner’s insurance covers all damages, but this isn’t always the case.

What Does Your Home Insurance Cover?

Most home insurances cover roof damages caused due to vandalism, fire, an “act of God” which include tornadoes and hurricanes.  Hail and wind damage are also generally covered, but the amount that is paid out depends on a number of factors.

It is best to read your policy documents to know what exactly is covered and what isn’t. In case of doubts please talk to your home insurance company to clarify.

Things that insurance firm takes into account while calculating payouts:

• What is the age of your roof at the time of damage? A useful rule of thumb is if you have a roof that’s less than 10 years old, in all likelihood the insurance company will reimburse the cost of repair or replacement for the damaged portion of the roof.
  On the other hand, if the roof is more than 10 years old they might calculate the depreciated value and payout repairing charges accordingly.
• If there is additional water damage due to flooding, moisture accumulation or dampness like mold growth and leaking, they aren’t generally covered by the homeowners insurance. Most insurance firms require you to take an additional policy to cover these damages.
• A large number of claims during hail season are due to damaged roofs.  The cost of replacing a roof in Mckinney and other parts of the country has gone up by almost 50% over the last 7 years. That’s why insurance companies are tightening the norms of roof coverage. If your roof is more than 20 years old, insurers might refuse to renew your insurance without an inspection.

A McKinney roof replacement is a must for those who fail the inspection, for renewing homeowner insurance. The life of a roof is between 8-12 years and it’s a good idea to invest in a new roof once your roof has aged.

If your roof has suffered due to McKinney hail damage, contact your insurance provider as well as roofing contractors who provide roof replacement services in McKinney and the surrounding areas.

Not all damages to the roof are so severe that they warrant replacement. Shingles, one of the most popular and commonly used materials on rooftops are frequently damaged due to hailstorms. Shingles are made from various materials like asphalt, wood shake, tile, slate or metal. Depending on the seriousness of the damage you might have to repair roof shingles in McKinney.

Asphalt shingles are the least expensive and slate ones are one of the most expensive shingles to replace. If you are looking for Mckinney shingle roof replacement, you’ll also have to have the old roof removed and that adds on to the total cost.

To make sure that your claim is successfully processed make sure of the following:

• Try and keep a set of pictures of your roof when it’s newly laid out or before the storm season. That way you will have before and after images to submit to your insurance company.
  
• Remove/cut branches that are too close to your roof.  In case of strong winds during a storm, the branches could break and damage your roof.
• Repair or replace roof shingles in Allen if you are aware that they are worn out or broken. Insurance firms could cancel your policy if they find out that you intentionally have left your roof unrepaired.
• Hailstorm or not, if your roof is more than 8 years old, get a licensed roof inspector to look at it. If there are any damaged areas that need repair, hire a roofing contractor and make sure they have roofing insurance.

McKinney & Allen Texas have been hit hard by hail, we will work with your insurance to save you $1000’s.  We have been helping home and business owners with roof repair and maintenance services for over a decade. Call us today at (972) 596-0159 for a free consultation.

Who doesn’t want to keep their home looking good? But we often tend to ignore the little details in our quest to make things externally attractive. Today, we will touch upon two such easily overlooked essentials; gutters and siding.

Gutters are an essential part of roof installation that keeps water from accumulating on the roof and channels it away from your home. Without proper rain gutters, there’s a chance of water accumulation around the foundation of the house, which in turn could make it weak.

Rainwater if not funneled away could seep into the home. The rainwater can be led away from the rooftops, into pits for being reused or recharging ground water.

Gutters come in various shapes like half round and L. Largely gutters are made out of vinyl, copper, zinc, steel and aluminum. While vinyl is the cheapest, copper is the most expensive material that gutters are made out of.

If you use the right materials and stick a strict maintenance schedule, gutters could last you a lifetime. Although you can install a gutter yourself if you want seamless gutters or you have a multistoried house it’s better to call in the pros.

Gutter Maintenance:

A lot of debris flows with the water from the rooftops through the gutters. Use a scoop to clean the gunk that has settled into the gutters and flush it with water thereafter. You should also use leaf stoppers, gutter guards, and debris stoppers to make your life easier.

If you neglect cleaning the gutters at least once a year it could ruin your landscaping and siding. Now let’s delve a little deeper into the other overlooked part of a house, siding.

Sidings are attached to the exterior side of the wall or building and form the first layer of defense, in addition to the roof. Naturally, they are made out of weatherproof materials. They are smaller in size than the walls they cover and are joined together in different arrangements. This helps them naturally expand and contract when exposed to the elements.

Siding protects it the walls from getting wet and retaining moisture. Depending on the material the sidings are made of it could additionally have pest repellant and fire resistant properties.  Fiber-cement based sidings tick off all the boxes when it comes to protecting your walls. Other materials like vinyl and wood-based sidings can also be used depending on your needs.

Vinyl Sidings: They come in a variety of colors and textures, they are made of PVC. The biggest advantages of these siding are they are virtually maintenance free and are for the budget conscious. These were alternatives to aluminum sidings and came to the fore in the 1950’s. These sidings are made up of two layers, the top one contains titanium dioxide that provides UV protection as well as the colors. The second is the limestone layer which helps to keep costs low.

Vinyl Siding Maintenance:
Though they don’t require maintenance, they should be washed at least once a year to keep your house looking fresh. They can be easily replaced in case they are damaged.

Wood or Wood products Sidings: can go through numerous wet and dry weather cycles, which means a longer life. They also provide a classy exterior look. Engineered wood sidings are durable and lighter than other wood alternatives.

Wood Siding Maintenance:
Wood sidings are susceptible to moisture, mildew or mold. To keep serious issues like indoor humidity and prevent leaky rooms, you’ll need to fight mold on the wood sidings.

If you find dark spots, you can scrub them out with a solution of ¾ cup bleach in a gallon of water. Make sure you are wearing gloves and protecting your eyes with proper eyewear. If there’s loose paint or cracks on your siding, it’s better to get in touch with a professional siding repair and replacement contractor.

Fiber Cement: Like the name suggests it’s made of a mixture of fiber, cement, and sand. It offers the toughness of concrete and can be ordered pre-painted. The fiber cement siding trend is currently catching on because of its versatility.

Fiber Cement Siding Maintenance:

This siding uses a special curing process which makes it resistant to moisture absorption.  That doesn’t mean its maintenance free. You should check the caulk that’s used to join the siding to the other parts of the home for leaks, warping, cracks and mold. If you observe any of these signs call us at (972) 596-0159 to find out if it’s something you should worry about.

Absolute construction has been in business since 2007 and is ranked within the top 150 Roofing companies nationwide.

 

May 10, 2018

Your home is your pride. You devote time and funds to beautify and maintain it well. Water stains on your home’s ceiling can be a sore sight. The most common reason for this problem is a leaky roof.

Typically, on sighting the problem, instead of identifying and remedying the real source of the problem, people go about masking the ugly stains or doing a shoddy repair job that hardly lasts long. And, what you have is a persistent problem that shows up every now and then. It’s advisable to engage a professional, skilled roofing service provider who can diagnose the origin of the leak and provide a long-lasting solution for it.

Common Causes of Water Stains

The last thing you should do is to ignore the water stains. The stains won’t disappear on their own. But you must also remember that making cosmetic changes to the damaged area will hardly be of any use. Just repainting the stained area will not fix the problem. The stains will just bleed out and appear again in no time. Attending to the stain should come only after the cause of the problem is identified and fixed.

Whether it’s a leaky roof or a busted bathroom pipe, fixing it will require a pro’s help. Trained professionals always use appropriate tools like a moisture meter to find out if the leak is an active one or not. This will determine the future course of action. Sometimes, the problem is faulty insulation or poor water quality. Only an experienced eye can identify the ailment and decide the treatment.

Leaks: Identifying a leak is not always straightforward. Usually, the area directly above the stain is the culprit. If there’s no water source above the stain, check for leaky pipes. It’s not uncommon for water to run along rafters or damaged pipes and drop onto the ceiling. Pooling of water in a spot for a long time leads to stains.

Condensation: Another common cause is condensation in improperly insulated ducts. Sometimes, the connection between an exhaust pipe and roof cap is not airtight and moisture that should be released outside condenses wildly at the joint. The water slides down to the duct bottom and falls right back out of the exhaust pipe.

Ice Dam Leakage: If stains appear at ceiling corners or outside walls, the most probable cause is ice dam leakage. This happens when insulation in the attic is insufficient. After a heavy rainfall snow may accumulate on the roof and in absence of proper insulation, melts down and shows up as ceiling stains. To spot condensation in your attic, inspect nail heads in the attic. If they are rusted or their sheathing is stained, condensation is the issue.

Water Quality: Often, hardness in the water supply can show up as a white, chalky deposit in faucets and pipes. Excessive accumulation of this deposit can narrow pipe cavities or eat into the piping. This can also result in dripping and water stains.

Investigating water stains is worth the effort. Active leaks should be rectified as soon as possible. Actually, you won’t have much choice because active seepage will disintegrate your ceiling at lightning speed.

Suggested Solutions For That Nagging Stain

Often a water stain is the last indicator of a deeper problem. A pipe may be close to bursting or sweating like crazy, but it’s very difficult to detect, and that’s were a professional can help. Timing and intensity of the leakage will need to be determined. Water quality testing at points of seepage will be done to find out if its fresh water or from a faulty roof or drain. Sophisticated equipment and expertise are prerequisites that may be beyond your scope. Even small-time repairs to roofing and caulking require a number of special appliances and consumables. So, hiring a handyman or roofing pro turns out to be worth the investment.

If seepage is due to condensation in exhaust pipes and ducts, the fix lies in installing proper insulation, a short run, and airtight joints between ducts and roof caps. If ice dam leakage is responsible for water stains, the solution lies in upgrading insulation in the attic and sealing all gaps. Another way to reduce this problem is to increase the air humidity levels indoors. Installing a quality water softening system is recommended in areas receiving hard water supply. You may need to replace damaged pipes and ducts and install corrosion-resistant pipes. Once the leakage source has been identified and fixed, tear off the stained plaster, apply a stain-killing primer, and repaint.

Fix the stains on your ceiling before they become a nightmare. Talk to Absolute construction today and find out how.

 

April 18, 2018

The importance of home maintenance is something every homeowner realizes at some point of time or the other. The roof is an important part of your house, and it should be quickly attended to if you suspect it needs urgent repairs. Now, if you ever notice damage to your roof or ceiling, one of the problems could be a leaky chimney. Accumulated moisture in the chimney system leads to problems like mold growth, deteriorating bricks and mortar and also wood rot.

If it’s not fixed, it could lead to improper functioning of the chimney that can further escalate into serious issues in the future.

What Causes the Chimney Leaking Problems?

Whenever there is an issue with the roof because of a leaky chimney, it is necessary to identify the source of the issue. Here are some of the most common issues:

With time, the roof shingles and the flashings cracks, require replacement. Initially, there is only a small leak but the problem aggravates when the weather conditions get extreme.

Faulty Flashing: The use of wrong techniques during flashing installation is another cause of leaking chimneys. Step flashing is important because it creates a robust barrier, preventing the water to get through. Now, step flashing must be nailed onto the roof instead of against the wall. On the other hand, counter flashing is what needs to be attached to the wall. When this process is not followed as it should be, problems might show up.

Dried Up Sealant: There might be a crack in the sheet metal installed for the purpose of ensuring that the connection between the chimney and roof is watertight. Also, the sealant dries up over time and when they are damaged, water starts seeping through into your home. You should reach out to a professional roof repair company to get the sealant reapplied.

Waterlogging is yet another problem that leads to the chimney leaking issue. This happens when the shingles are not placed on the roof in the way they should which leads to the water build up right behind the chimney.

Chimney Flashing: a Solution to Leaking Chimneys

So, while the causes of leaking chimneys can be one or many among the ones mentioned before, the best solution to the problem is chimney flashing. Chimney flashing is made out of any of these materials: galvanized steel, stainless steel, lead, copper or lead-coated copper. The choice of material used will depend on where you live, the roofing material of your home, the size and shape of your chimney and the weather that your area is regularly used to.

The purpose of chimney flashing is to act as a seal at the very point where the roof and the chimney meets. The installation takes place in three steps:

• A base or step flashing, which is an L-shaped flashing extending under the shingles and bending up against the chimney sides
• Counter flashing, which involves a metal piece covering the vertical part of the base flashing. It is embedded into the chimney mortar joints and seals the upper part of the base flashing
• Cricket or saddle is triangular in shape and it is required to be installed to deflect snow or water around the chimney

The Importance of a choosing a Professional Roofing Contractor

Leaks in the roof around the chimney and accumulated moisture can cause more than one problem for your home. Installing flashing is a necessary activity and if done right, it saves you from a costly repair or replacement down the line. Keeping this in mind, it’s best to seek the services of an expert roofing contractor for the job.

Most roofing contractors will inspect your roof leaking issue and identify the root of the problem. They will let you know if chimney flashing can rectify the issue. The good thing about it is, you’ll not have to worry about any leaking issues for a long time after chimney flashing is done.

While choosing a professional roofing contractor, make sure that you go with a company that has a wide service coverage area and can cater to all kinds of roofing issues. You can have a look at the projects that we have executed so far to have an idea of the kind of work you can expect.

 

April 9, 2018

Choosing the right roof for your building is of utmost importance. A good roof should be strong, durable and be able to withstand harsh weather conditions. The chances of finding a roof that is all this and more might seem unlikely, but not anymore.

With the trend of metal roofing spreading wide, it has become one of the most popular roofing options. Gone are the days when asphalt shingles were the only residential roofing option for many homeowners. Metal roofing is the best option for you and here are 6 reasons why this trend here to stay.

Guaranteed To Last Longer

Metal roofs are made to last. Though it might be slightly more expensive than other options, it is the most cost-effective one since you will not require a roof replacement for at least 50 years. And the best part is that these roofs entail little to no maintenance.

This is the roof for you if you plan to live under this roof for a long time. In some cases, these metal roofs can be applied directly over timeworn asphalt, single-ply, or metal roofs to protect it from harsh weather conditions and give it more longevity.

Strong and Durable

A gaping hole in a roof or a fire breaking out at home can lead to traumatic consequences. Keeping a house safe is a basic necessity and one of the most effective ways to keep your roof safe is using a metal roof.

Shielding you from all potential hazards, most metal roofing are Class A fire-rated and fire-resistant. It can also withstand the damages caused during strong thunderstorms or hailstorms. Spoilage due to rotting, pest attacks or insect infestation is also impossible when using a metal roof.

Since they weigh a lot lesser than traditional asphalt shingle roofing, it puts a lot less stress on the structure of a construction over a long period. Metal roofing is your best bet when it comes to protecting not just your building but everyone inside it.

Aesthetic value (Bold and Beautiful)

Simple, chic and modern, metal roofs are widely sought-after for their sleek appeal. They are also available in a myriad of colors from bright and vivid shades to cool and earthy tones. These metal roofs while protecting your building can also give it a touch of class and sophistication. Those who are fond of classical architecture are making use of the vertical lines of the roofing panel to create an antique-like historical look for their homes.

Keeping It Cool Inside and Out

Also known as cool roofs, metal roofs are of great value during the summer season. It helps to repel the sun’s heat rather than absorb it during the scorching summer heat waves.

This effective cooling method can help to reduce air conditioning costs. Light colored roofs ensure more reflecting of the solar rays which help reduce the temperature of the roof. Even when darker paints are used, it can still reflect a significant amount of the sunlight due to the infrared reflective pigments. Reflective roofing can help you save up a substantial amount of cooling and heating expenses.

Eco-friendly

Apart from reducing your heating and cooling bills, metal roofs can benefit the environment as well. One of the most eco-friendly options in roofing, it is welcomed by environment-loving homeowners everywhere.

Metal roofing materials are 100% recyclable so any damaged parts can be recycled for future use. They are toxin-free and also promotes a good water cycle since it causes zero chemical contamination to rainwater, unlike asphalt shingles. Energy savings from metal roofing also extends to lighting since it facilitates installation of sky lighting and other roof-installed devices.

Increase Your Property Value

For those looking to sell their house, a metal roof can add value to your real estate. With its minimal maintenance and durability, metal roofs can are sure to increase the value of your house. Studies show that metal roofs have consistently improved the property value by 1 to 6 percent in the recent past.
It can add value to a building in terms of renovation, savings on utility bills, eco-friendliness, durability and attracting qualified buyers.

The benefits of metal roofs are numerous. While there are many ways it can prove advantageous to your home, it is important to get it installed by a trusted roofing company. Talk to our metal roofing specialists at Absolute Roofing Company, to find out if metal roofs are the right investment for you.

Roofs are most often neglected, even though they are such an important part of a house. Homeowners take notice or go into panic mode only if there is a serious enough damage to the roof. Small damages are mostly ignored.

Due to direct exposure to the environment, the roof goes through a lot of wear and tear over time. A hail storm is always a cause for concern for a homeowner because it can inflict some serious damage. When it comes to the roof, even a seemingly minor damage can turn out to be expensive and cause harm to the complete structure in the long run. Hence, the earlier you can detect issues on your roof, the better for your home and your wallet.

A sudden storm can reveal various issues of the roof that either has been neglected for years or were hidden and need immediate attention. You should get a reliable roof inspection company to assess the roof for any kind of damage, especially after a storm.

Here is a list of unforeseen headaches that a professional roof inspection can save you from:

Some damages are invisible: Not all storms cause visible destruction. We generally tend to delay or neglect repair unless the damage looks like the scene of a horror movie. Roof damages sometimes are just not visible from the ground.

DIY checks don’t always help because even if you climb all the way up the roof, there are cracks that you will not be able to locate without trained eyes. Thus, calling a roof inspection service is a no-brainer as they have roof inspectors who are certified and have extensive experience working in the field. Contact us for a free inspection and estimate.

Don’t ignore the minor repairs: After the storm, generally, people are busy repairing evident damages and giving a miss to the not so major issues. When it comes to the roof, it is not a good idea to ignore it if there is no noticeable damage. Trained professionals can spot even a minor damage to the gutter or eaves, loose shingles, and tiny dents.

They will perform a thorough roof inspection both on the exterior and the interior and will bring to your notice any small or major roof issues such as leaks, ice dams, chipped or damaged tiles or shingles, the presence of molds or any other structural problems if found.

It is better to get such small repairs done as early as possible so that they do not escalate into bigger problems, forcing you to go in for a roof replacement.

Smooth sailing with your insurance claim: When you are filing for insurance, you will need to submit adequate proof of the damaged roof. When you hire a roofing company make sure the estimates are in line with what is accepted by the insurance company. The insurance companies accept only professionally certified reports.

That is one more reason to hire a trusted roofing company, who has worked with insurance companies to make sure that you get maximum benefits.

Water Damage Detection: Of all the damages, water damages are the most difficult to identify for the novice or DIY enthusiast. So if you don’t get your roof inspected regularly it would mean that you wouldn’t find out before it’s already too late, because they are elusive to the naked eye. Trained roof inspectors can detect moisture damage through leak research and water testing.

Check your roof today and save money in the long run: Damage or no damage, getting your roof inspected annually will ensure that you are immediately aware of any repairs that might be required. It will also mean a long life for your roof.

Any minor issues that come to light during an inspection, if fixed promptly will save you from a lot of bother. Imagine in case of a major leak in your roof, the amount of money you’ll need to spend to fix it, along with the stress of shifting your belongings to someplace else, till the new roof is in place. 

Exposure to UV radiation coupled with poor maintenance can leave your roof weak and prone to damages. Hail and wind damage can further reduce the life of the roof. Keep costly repairs at bay with annual roof evaluations and preventive maintenance. Contact us today. 

Whether you believe in global warming or not, there has been some major change in weather patterns all over the United States, especially in the last couple of years. Ranging from major snowstorms in places where there hasn’t been one in a decade or more to relentless hailstorms in the southern states.

Hailstorms are more common in The Great Plains and the Midwest states. The meeting point of Nebraska, Wyoming, and Colorado is called the Hail Alley. Cheyenne in Wyoming receives up to 10 hailstorms a year.

In the last couple of years, Texas has been on the receiving end of non-stop hail storms. Insurance companies reported of $1.4 billion loss to property, in the April 2016 hailstorm that hit San Antonio area.

What is a hailstorm?

Hail starts forming from water droplets that freeze as they rise and experience drop in temperature. The water droplets get caught in a tumbling pattern of the wind due to the considerable upward draft formed during thunderstorm clouds. A consistent upward draft is a prerequisite for hail formation.

Hailstones aren’t blocks of ice like sleet, but a cluster that is formed by layers. A cross-section of a large hailstone shows an onion like formation. The layers could be of transparent ice or may be formed with alternate layers of transparent and translucent ice. They could be in the shape of balls or could be in any other clumpy shape.

According to the US National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm warning is issued when the size of the hail is expected to be 1 inch or more in diameter. These have the ability to severely damage life and property.

What kind of damage can a hailstorm cause?

The most common damages that a hailstorm causes are damaged roofs, holes in the windshields of cars and broken sunroofs, erosion of sealant on the roof and so on. It could also ruin your landscaping and leave your precious yard a mess.

During the hailstorm trees in your surroundings could get uprooted. This can cause catastrophic damage if the tree lands on your property or vehicle.

An uprooted tree landing on your house could mean serious damage to the roof and also your belongings. In such an event you and your family members should evacuate the house immediately.

Once the storm has passed, and the debris has been removed contact a trusted roof repair company to assess the damage. It’s not wise to postpone an assessment of the roof because you have no idea what kind of damage has been done.

A small leak or exposed area on the roof should be fixed quickly before it starts damaging the structure of your roof. A roofing contract can also help you with a temporary fix so that your house is not exposed to the elements, and you can clean up the insides of your home before taking up major repair work.

Common residential roof damages you should not ignore.

Missing shingles: Once a storm has passed, you might notice parts of your roof look darker than the surrounding area. If you are able to take a closer look, you’ll notice that shingles in these dark areas are missing. The dark color is the black asphalt layer that protects your roof from becoming weak and leaking, that’s now left exposed.

The top lighter colored layer is made of mineral granules that shelter the lower asphalt layer from the harsh rays of the sun and protect it from rainwater. When hailstones or fallen tree branches damages them and they fall off, it exposes the black asphalt layer.

In most cases of even a single missing shingle could lead to leakage in the roof down the line. Water could easily make its ways between the lower shingles and expose the lower layer during rains.

Missing shingles, however few should be replaced immediately. Get in touch with a professional roofer who deals with residential repair. A trustworthy roofing company should be able to replace the shingles for a reasonable cost.

Broken Sunroof: Skylight or sunroofs increase the natural light that enters your house. Apart from keeping your home warm and cozy, it also enhances the value of your house. But if your house is in an area that’s prone to hailstorms, the sunroof can easily get damaged.  Being proactive and covering them up when you hear of an imminent storm warning helps, but it’s not always practical.

In case your sunroof is damaged, you should think of replacing it with an acrylic or polycarbonate material that’s much more resilient than glass. You could increase the durability of a glass sunroof with a protective layer or a double pane glass. Talk to a professional roofer to know what options would suit you best.

What to do if you’ve been hit by hail?

It’s always a good idea to ask a trusted roofing company to assess the damage if your home has just survived a storm. We have been restoring roofs and keeping families in Texas dry and safe for over a decade. Contact us to schedule your FREE roof inspection today.

 

March 9, 2018

Mrs. Manning is worried that her roof might not survive the upcoming rains. She is more worried about the hail storms than anything else. Her house is about 30 years old and repairs have been minimal.

Last year the roof almost gave in due to a fierce hailstorm. To avoid sleepless nights, she is considering a roof replacement before the rains set in.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hail causes about $1 billion in damages every year. The typical months for hailstorms are May through September. In the US the top five states that are affected by hail storms every year are Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota and Oklahoma. A report by Verisk Insurance Solutions in August 2014 showed that in 14 years (2000-2013) insurance companies have paid out $54 billion for damages caused by hailstorms.

What to do if you’ve been hit by hail ?

Regular inspection of roofs is recommended if you want to avoid large and expensive roof repairs. Damages due to hailstorms can be overwhelming. If you think hailstorms can only destroy your beautiful garden, you’re mistaken. Along with uprooted trees and branches strewn all over the place,  your roof could also be extensively damaged.

Roof damage can be the cause of leaky ceilings, which can damage the interiors of your house and your precious belongings.

So how do you determine what damage has been done to your roof after one such hailstorm?

• The first step is to check your gutters after a hailstorm. Large dents or cracks in them is a sign that your gutter needs a thorough inspection.Large hailstorms can break the shingles (individual overlapping elements on your roof) on your roof.
• Damaged granules most often than not could get dislodged from the shingles and collect in your gutter downspouts.
• Older roofs are more susceptible to damage.  Over time the base of the roof is exposed to the elements, which causes wear and tear of the roof.
• Schedule a roof inspection after a hailstorm, to assess if there’s any damage. Most roofing companies offer free roof inspection. Even if you are tempted to do the inspection yourself you must avoid it as it can be dangerous.

Calling your insurance company

Call your insurance company as soon as you realize that a hailstorm has damaged your roof. If you neglect the initial damage, it could turn out very expensive in the long run. Make sure that it is repaired and ready to weather further storms.

Many insurance companies refuse to pay if they feel that the documentation isn’t accurate. It’s important that you take pictures of the extent of damages to your roof. It will help add weight to your case when you file a claim.

After you’ve filed your claim, you’ll need a qualified contractor with good credentials to fix the damage.

You should ask for quotes from multiple contractors who offer this service in your area. The key is to make sure that the roofing contractor is qualified and insured. The roofing contractor should also be able to determine the extent of damage and if the amount that you could claim.

When the insurance company visits your home for inspection be sure to have a qualified contractor with all your evidence (the pictures that you clicked after the storm). This will help you to claim the right amount and also make sure the insurance company doesn’t lowball you.

If after inspection, the inspector decides that your roof doesn’t qualify for insurance then don’t feel disheartened. Your local roofer will be able to guide through various alternatives to get your roof repaired.

How to choose the best roofing company?

Determining which roofing company would be best for your roof repair job can be a bit of a challenge. You want to make sure that you get the best services at a reasonable cost. Here are a few pointers that will help you decide on the roofing company that’s best for you.

• Find out how long the roofing company has been in service. Look for a well-established roofing company that has been in service for a long time. If they didn’t provide great service, they wouldn’t be in business for long. 
• Look for the companies reviews on social media platforms, Google MyBusiness or Yelp. You can decide after reading the experiences of other people who have used the services of the company. 
• A trustworthy contractor will have all the required licenses and accreditations.  
• A genuine contractor will not rush you through inspections and will be kind and courteous. 
• Choose a contractor/company who specialize in hail claims 
• A roofing contractor should also be able to explain which repairs are absolutely mandatory and why.

Contact Absolute Construction for a FREE inspection today!