Roofing materials age and go through an enormous transformation after their first three years. Depending on your material, the removed roofing materials will head to recycling centers where they’re broken down and resold as raw materials for high-quality manufacturers.
Here’s the typical life cycle of roofs.
First Year
During your roofing material’s first year, it functions perfectly as you would expect. It can protect you against hailstorms, snowstorms, and even windstorms depending on its density. Having a yearly maintenance service from reliable Clinton Township, MI roofers will help extend your roof’s lifespan and ensure its functionality through the next few years.
5 Years
Most roofs start to see minor deterioration 3-5 years after you’ve installed your roofing material. After several changing seasons, the roof’s composition starts to show signs of wear and tear. Fortunately, roofer maintenance services can help preserve its condition for the next five more years.
10 Years
You’ll most likely see some severe wear and tear on some parts of your roof. Pooled water damages is especially visible after its ten years of roofing service. Your roofing maintenance frequency will have increased to twice a year after ten years to make sure you can reduce the possible severe damages that can spread throughout your roof.
15 Years
In 15 years, your roof can suffer from much more severe conditions due to the higher damages and wear it faces. Roofing maintenance can still help fix minor issues, but you might need to always be at the ready to call your roofer for emergency repairs.
20 Years Onwards
After 20 years, your roof will most likely be in poor condition. Cracking and blistering is much more frequent, increasing your need for maintenance services. Roofers may also recommend that you replace your entire roof in the next 3-5 years.
Learn more from Eustis Roofing on how to take care of your roofs with roofing maintenance.
Save Money on Roof Repair
There are a few things that will necessitate your roof having to be repaired. The scariest and most surprising repairs come from after severe storms or freak accidents. These damages are, of course, anxiety-inducing because they can come out of nowhere and be expensive to repair. The other form of damage is a lot less sudden but far more common. Minor damages, such as small leaks and missing shingles, occur over time. These minor damages can be spotted by roofers performing regular maintenance and can be repaired quickly and cheaply. And it is prudent that you tackle these minor damages early because, over time, they will become major ones if left alone.
Increase Roof Lifespan
The importance of roof maintenance revolves around making your roof last and therefore keeping money in your wallet. Roof maintenance takes care of minor problems that, when stacked, begin to weaken the integrity of your roof. As your roof degrades, its efficiency at beating off the elements lessens dramatically, making intense, sudden damage all the more unavoidable. Now, replacing a roof is a very expensive endeavor, but routine maintenance is not. By keeping up with the maintenance of your roof, you can count on it staying intact and durable for decades and avoid an early roof replacement.
Keep Your Gutters Clean
Gutters are important to keeping the foundation of your home intact, especially in a rainy state like Florida. They work by carrying the water safely off your roof and onto the ground, away from the edges of your home’s foundation, but water isn’t the only thing that finds its way into your gutters. Leaves, twigs, and dirt carried by the wind can make their way into your gutters, creating dams and blocking the water from flowing freely downward. This pooled water can damage your roof and introduce leaks and damaging moisture to the upper structures of your home. Proper roof maintenance ensures that your gutters are filled with detritus and prevents any future flooding from happening. Healthy gutters lead to a healthy roof. (Continue reading)
You can always count on us at Miller’s Home Improvement to provide the best roofing services for your property. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.
Homeowners in Clinton Township, MI, still consider metal roofing as an all-dependable holy grail of roofing that will never fail them in the future. The high acquisition costs are offset by the tough and highly reliable capabilities of metal roofing. Is it still a wise roofing investment by the fourth quarter of the year?
Yes, it is, and it still offers you the following advantages.
Storm and Strong Weather Resistance
Metal roofing is less likely to be damaged by storms and extreme weather. The metal roofing is sturdier than traditional roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or tile. Metal roofs can withstand high winds and heavy rain and will not warp, corrode, or crack over time.
Low Maintenance
Metal roofs are not susceptible to the same types of problems that are more common on other types of roofing, such as cracking, fading, peeling, or wearing down. Metal roofing lasts for many years without needing repainting or repainting every few years, so it is always in good condition.
Zero Contamination Risk
Your metal roof has a highly-concentrated surface-area-to-weight ratio than other roofing materials. This allows the metal rooftop to evaporate more heat than other roofs, reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the roofing material.
Perfect Steel Solutions has an excellent post regarding the numerous advantages of metal roofing below.
Complete List of Metal Roof Benefits
Be it replacing an existing roof or building a new home, doing your research is the first assignment of the project. Having said that, if you are opting for metal roofing, it’s important to understand the pros and cons. This section of the article explains the benefits of metal roofing.
1. Long-Lasting
Among all benefits of metal roofing, its lifespan is always listed as the top benefit. Compared to traditional asphalt shingles, metal is far more durable and long-lasting.
When properly installed and maintained, a normal metal roof can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years. If you opt for higher-end metal roofs, such as field-locked standing seam and aluminum shingles, it could last over 50 years. One made of zinc or copper can last well over 100 years.
2. Light Weight
If you compare metal roof materials to other popular materials, like concrete tiles, you will find that metals are way lighter. Concrete tiles reach up to 900 pounds per square whereas metal ranges between 50 to 150 pounds per square.
The lightweight metal makes the installation process easy and helps you save on engineering and building the supporting structure.
3. Speed and Easy Installation
Speed and easy installation are benefits of metal roofing that we can’t afford to ignore. Its length, width, size proportion, and the fact it’s lightweight make it easy to handle. Most metal roofing materials come in multiple singles sections or in 12 to 36-inch wide panels that can be easily handled and installed. (Continue reading to find other benefits you can get with metal roofs!)
If you have yet to find a dependable roofing team for all your needs, you can always count on us at Millers Home Improvement. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.
As straightfoward as possible, your finest Clinton Township MI roofer believes that homeowners can save from roof repairs and replacements immensely if they have an excellent roofing maintenance service. Maintaining a roof is essential because inspections bare all possible small problems that can evolve into huge issues over time. If you knew a small problem will become bigger in the next few years, you'd have done everything to fix it before it happened to save money and yourself from all the hassle.
Fortunately, many roofers of excellent reputation across Clinton Township MI provide top-tier roofing solutions for your repairs and replacements. Furthermore, they work with reputable brands to ensure the long lifespan and capability of your roof. Adding to their selection of excellent roofing services are maintenance duties, which you can pay for by subscription -- or a regular fee per year.
Your roofers will carry all their inspection equipment and perform numerous tests. These include using water to find micro-leaks that head right into your attic. Most perform different tests that yield which roofing shingles have a problematic color that signifies it is the weakest material among the others.
With roofing maintenance services, you're paying only 10% of the total roof repair or replacement fee excluding roofing materials you'll need to redress huge future roofing problems. This expense, a small amount ensures nothing deters your roof's longevity and capability completely.
Roof Revivers has an excellent post on why roof maintenance is extremely important for homes. Read more about it here:
Why it's Important to Maintain Your Roof
It’s above you every day. But you rarely even think about it: your roof.
Your roof provides you with defense against wind, rain, snow, hail and heat. Every day your roof is exposed to weather hazards and other elements, all of which contribute to its damage and deterioration.
The primary cause of roof problems is a poorly maintained roof. As one of the largest parts of your house, it requires regular inspection, maintenance and repair. The most vulnerable part of your home, the lifespan of a roof can be shortened dramatically if neglected. With proper maintenance, your roof can last an average of 15 to 30 years.
Why is roof maintenance important? Let’s look at some of the reasons below:
Maintenance increases the lifespan of your roof.
Your roof is constantly being exposed to all kinds of conditions, so it is very important that you provide your roof with maintenance to avoid major damages.
This maintenance also lengthens the life of your roof. Roof maintenance can also mean the difference between a repair and a replacement when there is a problem, minimizing future or unexpected costs.
How often should you have your roof inspected and maintained? That depends on several factors—the age of the roof, weather conditions, and any problems identified during previous inspections.
Even if your roof is newer or hasn’t had any issues, its always a good idea to have it inspected at least once every few years. (Continued)
If you have yet to find an excellent roofer to work with or you're looking for one, don't hesitate to work with the best Clinton Township MI has. Miller's Home Improvement has been around for more than a decade, and we're well-equipped to handle all your roofing needs. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you.
Imagine this scenario: you've got a beautiful, brand-new roof. It's one of the best roofing materials you've used, and it's been capable enough defending you against hail, wind, and rainstorms for more than five years. On the fifth year, your roofing maintenance specialists from Clinton Township MI asked you to fix a huge spot across the roof claiming it's "minor roofing damage." Are these small, non-problematic issues worth having roofing repair services for?
The answer: yes. Many of the biggest roofing problems most properties face -- both residential and commercial -- come from minor roofing damages. Roofing maintenance resolves many of these issues quickly. By nipping problems in the bud, homeowners won't have to spend 1000% above the price of roofing maintenance.
Minor roof problems are the ones that happen overnight. It can be a small leak or just a loose asphalt shingle. However, over time, these damages and small problems will evolve into huge ones over the course of a year or multiple years. A leak can get inside your attic, rotting your wooden roof joists. In turn, it will eventually cost you so much more in roof repairs if you leave it unattended.
However, if anyone calls a huge patch of missing shingles or loose gutters "minor roof repair services," they're wrong. These are small problems that require the expert precision and equipment that roof specialists from Clinton Township MI can provide. While it's possible to handle this on your own through DIY roofing, a minor error can affect the entire roofing aesthetic and performance as a whole.
If you'd like to know the entire process roofers perform when it comes to minor roof repairs, take a look at Great Day Improvements' instructions below:
Trim troublesome trees.
When admiring your home and surrounding landscape, it’s important not to overlook leaning branches seeking companionship with your roof as they can scratch and gouge your roof materials. To prevent damaging or puncturing your shingles, simply trim back and remove any branches getting too close to your roof.
Gutter cleaning removal of leaves
Clean the leaves and other debris. In addition to bothersome branches, leaves and other elements can clog your gutter system and cause water to backup into the attic, living areas or behind the fascia boards. To ensure your drainage system is free flowing, it’s recommended that you clean your roof at least twice per year. Also, be on the lookout for sagging gutters or damaged drain components and repair or replace as needed.
Ensure the roof is built to breathe.
Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture can cause sheathing and rafting to rot, roof materials to buckle and insulation to lose effectiveness. This will cause your overall roofing system to be ineffective.
Include insulation.
The best way to achieve appropriate ventilation and good airflow is through proper insulation. To protect a house from heat gain or loss, it’s ideal to include a gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor and a vapor retarder under the insulation next to the ceiling to stop moisture from rising into the attic. Having open, vented spaces that allow air to pass freely with at least one inch between the insulation and roof sheathing is also ideal. (Continued)
Always remember, you can depend on reliable roofing companies such as Miller's Home Improvement to help you with all your roofing needs. Contact us today to learn more about everything that we can do for you!
It's 2020, and you're definitely thinking whether to invest in asphalt roof shingles for your home. If you're a homeowner new to roofing shingles, then it pays to heed the following: asphalt roof shingles use bridge and road development-quality asphalt as roofing shingles or tiles. Many deem investing in other roofing materials such as metal and clay tile roofs are better options. However, asphalt roof shingles remain popular because of their affordability and value for money.
Many have asked us -- one of the most reliable roofers in Clinton Township MI -- regarding using asphalt roof shingles. We greatly believe that they're still as dependable and capable as they were this year and the previous ones. However, asphalt roof shingles and other roofing materials can only be exceptional in terms of durability and lifespan with proper installation and maintenance from professionals.
In addition, professionals certified by asphalt roof shingles manufacturers are the only ones that can qualify your roof for lifetime warranties. Therefore, always check with your materials manufacturer when trying to find great roofing contractors that install your asphalt roof shingles efficiently to last for the longest time possible.
So, why choose asphalt roof shingles? Here are some of the most famous reasons.
Still Capable of Delivering Exceptional Results
Asphalt roof shingles have amazing style and aesthetics. While the traditional brown-colored ones can do their job in the best way possible, new colors from manufacturers can give your home a traditional appeal without having to change the entire color palette of your entire residence (which can be quite costly).
In fact, the palette of colors available are quite plenty, many roofers have started writing guides for Clinton Township MI homeowners looking for the best roofing palettes for their home. Resilient Roofing has an excellent post to help you find the perfect residential roof colors for you below.
HOW TO PICK THE COLOR OF YOUR ROOF SHINGLES
Your roof actually accounts for as much as 25 to 40 percent of the overall look of your home. A great way to freshen up the look of your home is by replacing your roof and changing the color of your shingles. There are many different roof types, roofing materials, and colors available, so it is important to do some research and make sure you pick the best shingle colors to complement your home and create visual harmony. Choosing the wrong roof color can do the opposite and make your home look cluttered and can even change how big or small it looks. There are many different things to consider when picking the color of your roof shingles, here is everything you need to know.
CONSIDER THE ARCHITECTURAL STYLE OF YOUR HOME.
Next time you’re driving around, pay attention to people’s home styles and roof shingle colors. See if you find houses that have a similar shape, exterior and color as yours. Which roofing and siding pairings are most attractive to you? Typically, the larger, more traditional style homes have black or very dark roofs, while southwestern or Floridian homes often have rusty red and orange colored roofs to match the color of traditional clay tiles. If your home is wood-sided and set among trees, consider a forest green shade or a blend with greens and browns. If you have a red brick house, we recommend dark brown, black, grey or green roofs. (Read More)
Affordable Material and Labor Price
Much of asphalt roof shingles’ popularity stems from its affordability and capability to deliver 20-35 years of roofing protection against rain, hail, and snowstorms. While roofing material prices change yearly, asphalt roof shingles remain at a relatively affordable price for both new homeowners in need of a good roof or those who need to replace their existing roof.
Remodeling Image has a great list of average asphalt roof shingle prices below. Believe us: the prices remain manageable.
How Much Does a New Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost?
Asphalt shingles are made in 3 grades:
Basic (three-tab shingles): $1.90-$3.05 per square foot
Better (mid-range dimensional/architectural shingles): $2.35-$3.80 per square foot
Best (luxury dimensional/architectural): $3.35 to $4.65 per square foot
Tear-off: If old layers of shingles must be torn off, add $0.85 to $1.50 per square foot
Total Project Costs to Expect:
The average single-story home with garage has 3,000 square feet of roof surface.
The average two-story home with garage has 1,800 square feet of roof surface.
Every Roofer in Clinton Township MI Services Asphalt Roof Shingles
Remember, roofing materials such as reliable asphalt roof shingles can only last for so long with exceptional installation and maintenance. If you have yet to find a roofer you can work with, you can contact us at Miller’s Home Improvement to help you. We have decades of experience servicing roofs of both commercial and residential properties across Clinton Township MI. Contact us today!
A heavy rainstorm just passed last night in Clinton Township MI. When you've gone to inspect your roof the next morning, you've seen some asphalt shingles out of order. Some were even blown away due to the severe wind. You conclude that you need a minor roof repair service. However, further online research confused you further. Is there such a thing as minor roof repair?
All types of roofs have respective shortcomings that maintenance can resolve. In turn, it effectively prolongs their lifespan and performance. There is such a thing as minor roof repair
What Counts as a Minor Roof Repair?
These are common minor roof problems any roofer aside from Miller's Home Improvements can attest to:
Roof leaks and moisture
Blow-offs, tenting, reduces wing uplift resistance, and billowing
Poor installation and unsatisfactory workmanship
Lack of maintenance
Ponding water
Punctures and the addition of penetrations post installations
Safety
Improper repairs
Within our experience as reputable roofers in Clinton Township, we can agree that these are relatively minor roof problems. It is true that roofing maintenance can these roofing issues at an affordable rate. However, if you've had roof leaks, ponding, or punctures for quite some time, you require more than just minor roof repairs.
These issues might seem negligible and something you can put off for later, but they can evolve into bigger problems. For example, you can use buckets to contain roof leaks and moisture every time it rains. What most homeowners do not see is the leak holes becoming bigger each time it rains and as water passes through it.
How Much Does It Cost?
Thumbtack reports that the average price for minor roof repair is $220-$350 excluding material prices. While minor problems often require less time to address, it's possible some "minor" issues have become more problematic. In turn, it leads to more labor time on behalf of contractors.
In addition to its estimate, Thumback even lists down minor roof repair costs per material type. This list is handy especially if you're trying to estimate how much you're going to spend if you're planning to have minor repairs for clay tiles, metal roofs, and other roofing materials.
Roof Repair Costs by Material Type
The cost of the roof shingles or tiles directly affects the cost of roof repair. Common roofing materials include:
Asphalt shingles: $5 to $10 per square foot to repair. Typically the least expensive type of roofing material, with 3-tab shingles costing less than dimensional or architectural shingles. Because asphalt shingles are made with petroleum, they may become more expensive if oil prices increase.
Cedar or other wood shingles: May be more expensive than asphalt shingles, depending on the type of wood.
Clay tiles: More expensive than asphalt shingles, clay and terracotta tiles are common in the Southwestern states and coastal communities. They are very durable, especially against the salt and sand found in coastal areas, and can withstand high winds.
Slate tiles: Roughly $15 per square foot to repair. Slate roofs often carry warranties of 30 years or longer.
Metal roofs: $5 to $15 per square foot to repair loose seams or damaged fasteners on a metal roof (Source)
Should You Just Go For Major Repairs or a Full-On Roof Replacement?
A minor roof repair is easy to spot. However, it can be difficult to separate the symptoms that indicate your roof requires major repairs or a full on roof replacement.
Major repairs involve a huge part of your roofing material already in a state of disrepair. For example, about three or more panels of rusting metal roof is due for major repairs. Often, this involves using life-prolonging spray polyurethane foam or acrylic roof coating. However, if the percentage of rusted roof is too high, then your trusted roofing contractor may decide to opt for a full-on roof repair.
Using a contractor is a time and money-saving option to know whether you need repairs or replacement for your roof. Most reputable roofers provide roof inspections free of charge.
Angie's List has a great list of symptoms that may indicate you definitely need a new roof.
1. Roof age
How old is your existing asphalt shingle roof? Most experts agree that a typical roof will last between 20 and 25 years. It also depends on whether the old roof was removed and you only have one layer of shingles, and if it is properly ventilated. If the roof was installed over another layer or several layers and it is older than 20 years, chances are you need a new roof.
2. Shingles curling and buckling
Shingles that are curled or buckling are another sign that you may need a new roof. Look at the slopes of your home that get direct sunlight and if you notice the shingles are curling and losing granules, it could mean the shingles are past their life expectancy. There could also be a possibility that the roof is defective. Contact a licensed roofing contractor to see if you could be eligible for reimbursement.
3. Roof valleys
If your roof shingles are falling apart or missing in this area, it's a definite sign you need a new roof. Valleys are one of the most important areas of your roof. Snow and rain flow through valleys and into gutters. If the valley is compromised, you could be susceptible to roof leaks.
4. Missing shingles
These are another sign your roof could be failing. Check to see if all of the shingle “tabs” are intact. (Source)
Remember, a minor roof repair might not be what your roof needs. It's possible major repairs or a full-on replacement is necessary. Call on Miller's Home Improvement and get your roofing needs sorted in no time. Contact us today!
Clinton Township residential property owners have a huge variety of material choices for the best types of metal roofs. However, if it has poor ventilation, the promised long-term lifespan and exceptional durability is just next to impossible. Attic ventilation is essential for all kinds of roofs even if you're using high-durability material such as standing seam metal roofs or different types of corrugated metal roofing.
In this short guide, you'll learn the different ways to ventilate an attic regardless of metal roof panel styles or standing seam metal roof types. In addition, you'll learn the concept of ventilation and working with different materials in the process. Take note that this is based on a Clinton Township MI veteran roofing contractor and attic ventilation specialist practice, so you can trust it to be greatly useful.
Attic Ventilation Tips and Tricks
Attic Ventilation's Importance
Five Steps for Excellent Metal Roof Attic Ventilations (5 Steps)
Can I Install Attic Ventilation Without Prior Experience? (+2 more items)
The Importance of Attic Ventilation for All Types of Metal Roofs
Attic ventilation allows both stack and wind effect work and circulate temperature across your roofing material and its structure.
Stacking happens when hot air rises and creates pressure against the highest points of the attic such as the ridges. The hot air can only escape through vents and an intake of cool air from the lower part of the attic.
Wind effect happens when the wind blows against the roof from the outside and increases both the volume of hot and cold air. Most Clinton Township properties do not experience any strong winds in most seasons, but if they do, their well-ventilated roofs achieve proper hot air dissipation.
During winter, trapped hot air that heaters generate will melt snow on roof ridges and across the surface of your deck. In doing so, it will lead to ice dams, which can drench your internal roof and cause leaks. In addition, it prolongs the lifespan and durability of all types of metal roofs for residential properties.
How to Ventilate Residential Metal Roof Properties
Ventilation Basics
The most important principle that every vent design follows is that hot air is always lighter than cold air. Cold air will always travel low and swayed by strong wind current. Alternatively, hot air will always travel vertically where possible. Therefore, if you install a low cold air entry, it will push out hot air through attic vents.
In contrast, attic ventilation does not affect the overall property insulation. Vent design allows hot and cold air to travel to the attic directly and not inside the main living areas of the property. In this light, it achieves optimal insulation with regular heating dissipation preventing ice dam damage.
Hot air travels in a vertical path naturally, which makes it imperative to vent your attic.
Intake
Soffit or intake vents allow dense and low-traveling cold air to enter the vent as it travels towards your property.
To install soffits, you will have to cut holes across your residential soffit holes. Next, you must cover them with vent panels. You may need more vents if you have a huge roofing expanse. However, one soffit vent per side of the property is enough to cool down an attic.
An alternative to cutting soffit holes is using a perforated soffit. This adds extra curb appeal and improves the intake of cold air across the length of the soffit.
Soffits take in low cold air and send it upwards to push out cold air through ridge vents.
Gable
Gables are non-penetrative vents you install along the attic wall. It looks like a sun portal installed on your wall rather than your roof. However, instead of window glass, you will install a vent exhaust that allows hot air to flow outside of your attic.
Of all the vent types available, this is the easiest and most effective for all types of metal roofs. You will need power tools to drill the holes across the gable vent. Next, you can cut out the outline of the vent using a metal blade.
Indeed, you will need power tools to perfect gable vent installations. You can choose to borrow or rent these tools or ask help from a reliable roofing contractor.
Gable vents install your attic exhaust on the wall. It is the easiest to do, but still requires specialist equipment.
Ridges
Both soffit and gable vents can work with ridge vents because hot air flow upward. In fact, ridge vents can work effectively on its own due to this principle.
You can have your contractor install special metal ridge caps that provide an opening acting as an exhaust for hot air emanating from your home. These caps use a thin strip of perforation such as a flap of metal. The best thing about ridge cap vents is it is barely noticeable from the curb. In fact, the flaps are quite small enough to be seen unless you are less than a meter close.
Ridge vents use special small openings on its caps to release hot air through your attic.
Baffles
These are the passageways connecting soffits and ridge vents towards your attic and outwards into the ridge vent. Baffles keep insulation from blocking the airflow and helps improve insulation through rafter and drywall insulation.
Unfortunately, this requires specialist equipment and knowledge to install, which means you'll need to work with an attic ventilation-experienced contractor to do the job perfectly.
I Have No Roofing Experience, Can I Install Attic Ventilation?
Any homeowner can install an easy gable vent if they have the right tools and time to invest. True enough, ventilation projects for all types of metal roofs can vary in length. However, most will span several weekends, which make it a huge commitment for homeowners.
In addition, poor construction will result in poor results or short-term efficiency. Homeowners will have to re-do projects that have failed to become satisfactory results. This means additional time and resources spent to reconstruct and improve the vent construction. On the other hand, it gives inexperienced homeowners better experience in building vents, which they can use in the future.
Are There Licenses and Certifications Needed to Install Ventilation?
Ventilation projects rarely project outside the property, which means homeowners need not acquire permits from local governments before starting attic ventilation projects. However, some vent parts and fittings manufacturers only honor warranties if a certified contractor has installed your vent system.
How Do I Make Sure I Get The Perfect Vent Installations for Attics?
If you have yet to find a reliable roofer, you can count on Miller's Home Improvements to help you. We have decades of experience providing top-level roofing and attic ventilation services. Contact us today to get your attic sorted quickly!
Many Clinton Township MI residents are clueless when it comes to filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage.
If this is also your top concern, worry no more.
We’ve created this blog to give guidance to all our readers. We outlined the process for roof damage insurance claims and everything else in between so that you would know where and how to start. And if you find this difficult, you can always depend on Clinton Township MI's best roofers for hail damage inspections and insurance claims to get you through claiming without hassles.
We don’t want this to happen to anyone in need. Knowing the roof insurance claim processes help homeowners maximize their claims.
If you’ve experienced a terrible storm lately or would simply want to be prepared for unexpected times, these are the things that you need to follow:
Step #1: Gather Evidences
Yes, the first step starts with none other than yourself.
Since it’s your property, it’s imperative for you to gather as many pieces of evidence as possible. You can do this after the harsh weather condition has passed to make sure that it’s already safe for you to step out.
To document obvious signs of damages, you can take photos or videos. You may also jot down notes to remember where you exactly found these damages.
Why is this an important step? It’s useful when you’re filing a report to your insurance company. It can expedite the process because you already have documentation to present.
Step #2: Call Your Roofing Partner
Once you’ve gathered enough pieces of evidence through pictures and videos, you can move forward by calling your roofing contractor.
Report to them what the situation is like after the storm and share whatever evidence you’ve gathered. The next step is to schedule an inspection so that they can fully assess and determine what roofing services are needed.
While you’re at it, you can also talk to them about your plans to file for a roof damage insurance claim. Most licensed roofing companies are already familiar with the process and could even assist you in doing so.
Step #3: Schedule An Appointment With Your Insurer
Let your insurance provider know that you’re filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage by setting an appointment. Once you have set a schedule, make sure you bring all the necessary papers.
You can bring the photos along with other legal documents that you’ve signed in relation to your roofing insurance.
The insurance company will also schedule an inspection to verify all your reports. Then, once this has been completed, they will prepare your claims in accordance with the coverage of your insurance package.
Bonus tip: Review your insurance package to make sure that you wouldn’t miss out on anything. Before finalizing the contract with your insurance provider, ask for sample computation of the claims and redo the calculations on your own just to verify.
Step #5: Sign The Contract
The insurance company will prepare a contract as a sign that you have come to an agreement. Review this legal document carefully and then make sure all parties will sign it accordingly.
The roofing company shouldn’t proceed with any service unless the contract has been signed.
You also have to secure a copy for yourself so that you are covered regardless if an issue arises.
The contract contains the amount and/or coverage of your insurance claims. This will be the basis of the roofing contractor for their scope of work. They will only work within this scope. Otherwise, any additional or extra services will not be covered by the insurance anymore.
Step #6: Roofing Services
Discuss the timeframe and gameplan with your roofing company. They should also have a copy of the contract to make sure that all the services that they will provide are under the agreement.
You also have to be confident with your roofing partner as the life of your damaged roof depends on them. Make sure that your chosen roofing contractor is fully licensed and is located in your area.
In emergency cases, you have to expedite the process and let the roofing contractor start with the work immediately.
What Types of Damages Are Typically Covered?
You can never predict what's coming at you but you can prepare for it by making sure that your property is insured from all possible natural calamities.
Roof insurance packages can vary depending on your location, state rulings, and the local policies. Also, there are insurance packages that are more comprehensive than others. It really depends on your service provider and the agreed on terms.
To give you an idea, we’ve identified some of the most common inclusions of a roof insurance policy.
Hailstorm Damage
Hail is a supernatural phenomenon that is destructive in nature. Depending on the wind intensity, hail pieces can scratch, puncture, pierce, and leave unpleasant marks on your roofing. Worst, it can create permanent holes.
Most roof insurance packages cover hail damages -- which is a good thing. Although the not-so-good news about them is that they can go from minor to major cases prompting emergency repairs or replacements.
Wind Damage
Wind is a powerful element. Depending on the intensity, it has the capacity to completely tear off your roof. In some cases, it can blow huge branches or debris on your roof.
In this photo, you'll see how severe the wind damage is due to very strong winds. An entire tree was knocked down on a residential property.
Wind damages are usually included in roof insurance claims. Whether or not the damages seem serious, you still need to report it immediately for your own safety and peace of mind.
Water Damages
Water damages are extremely dangerous and destructive. You may not notice the signs of water damages because they can spread unknowingly for many weeks or months.
These damages can affect a tiny area of your roof. However, they can easily spread throughout the property. The water can crawl from the ceiling down to the walls and the flooring. Do not wait for it to proliferate because it can compromise the integrity of your house.
Common causes of water damages include hurricanes, flooding, leaks, etc.
Snowstorm Damage
Ice is a destructive element that can lead to serious water damages. Hence, it should be part of your insurance coverage.
People living in areas prone to snowstorms must make sure that this is part of the insurance policy.
Ice may come and go but it can leave very serious water damages. Hence, every after a terrible snowstorm, make sure you schedule an inspection with your roofing contractor.
Filing a homeowners insurance claim for roof damage should be fast and efficient if you tapped the correct people. Hence, it’s really crucial to handpick the right roofing contractor and insurance provider. In times of need, they will be the one to support and make things happen for you.
Remember, if you have experienced a terrible weather condition like snowstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, etc., always reach out for help. Don’t just ignore the signs because it can get really dangerous and unsafe for you and your family.
For roof damages and other concerns, you can always count on Miller’s Home Improvement. We offer the best and highest-quality roofing services here in Clinton Township and the whole of Michigan. Dial this number and claim your free estimate: 248-266-4657.
For once in our lives, we think of a home renovation project. Though expensive and time-consuming, it’s exciting and definitely makes our property a better place to live in. What’s one thing you can do to improve your current home in St Clair Shores MI?
We would suggest adding a gable roof to an existing roof.
Today, Miller’s Home Improvement shares this guide about attaching a roof to an existing roof. The new material would take the gable design. In this post, you will learn:
The benefits of a roof addition
Why choose a gable roof?
Important considerations when attaching a new gable roof
Important Note: Joining two roofs together is a difficult job. Because it’s complex, always consider working with the finest and trustworthy roofers in Clinton Township MI.
Adding a Gable Roof to an Existing Roof: Why Do It?
People may decide to merge two roofs together, a new one to a current one, for one reason: to make his home bigger. A homeowner like yourself may want an extra bedroom, laundry room, or sunroom. It’s your choice.
Instead of selling your house today to buy a larger version, you can avoid the hassles by simply widening your residence. You can even earn additional income by renting out the newly added space!
You get to decide whether to attach a larger, smaller, or a room of the same size to your existing house. This also changes the size of your gable roof.
There are basically two types of additions:
T-shape addition - The new roof would be attached perpendicularly to the old one.
Continuous addition - In this case, a contractor would simply make the entire length of the house longer by tying the new roof to one end of the current roof.
Why Use a Gable Roof?
A gable roof would make the added room look like it's a natural part of your house.
The next thing to find out is why a gable roof is worth adding instead of a flat roof, shed roof, or another roof shape. In case you don’t know what a gable roof is, it’s the kind of roof that’s formed as two slopes meet at the top.
One would consider adding a gable roof to an existing roof for the following reasons:
A gable roof would make the new room appear like it’s a natural part of your home. It’s simple yet pleasing to the eyes.
You could take advantage of extra indoor space by adding a mezzanine floor. Use that floor for storage or an attic area.
The fact that a gable roof has a slope ensures that drainage moisture issues won’t occur. So it doesn’t matter if you have a steep or low pitch. When it rains, water flows freely through gravity.
Cost-effectiveness is another huge advantage of a gable roof. There aren’t a lot of materials to be used.
If you have a two-story house, a gable roof also gives you the opportunity to build an additional two-story room. You won’t be surprised that many people choose it.
Tips and Considerations When Designing a Gable Roof Addition
The last thing you should do is to start working on this project without thorough planning. Any roofing work, especially this one, requires skill and expertise. For this part of the article, we mention four important considerations or points to discuss with your local roofing contractor.
1. Placement of the new roof (front or back)
More often than not, a homeowner wants to know if adding a gable roof to an existing roof is best done at the front or back of the house.
While both methods are possible, we would advise you to keep the addition at the back. This is a “safer” choice especially if you want to preserve the facade of your house.
Maybe you have a Victorian style house and prefer to keep it that way. Or perhaps the rest of the houses in your neighborhood has a specific appeal and you want to maintain consistency.
In that case, a back placement would be most appropriate. Basically, it’s more practical to keep new things in the background if you don’t want to risk changing your home’s exterior appearance.
2. Type of roofing material and other relevant details
Study the material, color, and design of your current roof.
Yes, your choice of materials when adding a gable roof to an existing roof matters. Check the type of roof material you have. Commonly used roof material types include asphalt shingles, clay tiles, wood, and metal. What’s yours?
Also, don’t neglect other aspects of your current roofing system - color, design, patterns, skylights, etc. Study the details of your roof so that your roofing contractor can replicate them instead of building something that looks out of place.
3. Keeping the gap between the roofs watertight
There is a gap in between the old gable roof and new gable roof. This is the joint that connects both roofs together. Similar to roof valleys, this area is prone to leaks.
Your roofing contractor has to ensure that this spot stays watertight by installing a flashing material. Inspect the integrity of the flashing regularly. You don’t want loosely attached or rusted flashing.
4. Don’t let a new garage be the main focus
If you intend to build a garage and it can be seen from the street, be careful not to let it overpower the rest of your house. For instance, the garage is taller and wider than usual. Keep the roofing ridge lower and move the garage slightly to the background.
Thinking of an Addition Project in St Clair Shores?
Finally, we’ve reached the end of this post on adding a gable roof to an existing roof. If you learned from this guide or have questions, we would like to hear from you - leave a comment below.
Lastly, remember to plan your home addition very carefully. Gable roofs are the best roof shape for this project because they’re easy to work with, look natural, and less likely to sustain water damage problems.
Interested? Miller’s Home Improvement offers roof repairs, recovers, and tear-offs and remodeling services. Give us a call today!
