It’s Time for a Roof Replacement

Posted on January 27th, 2012

A strong solid roof is the security of any home. The saying, “I have a roof over my head,” assures people that they are safe and protected from outside elements. As time passes, normal deterioration can occur and the roof requires attention. There comes a time for every house when it requires a roof replacement. There are certain signs that indicate a roof needs to be replaced. They are as follows:

Age of the roof – The average life span of a roof is estimated to be about 25 years depending upon the repairs and maintenance of the roof. However, tile roofing last much longer than shingles.

Missing/torn shingles – If the number of missing tiles and shingles in a house increase, then the best thing to do is replace that roof. You can use the knuckle test whereby you tap on different areas and if you hear hollow sounds it means shingles are missing and definitely you need roof replacement.

The condition of the ceiling and other interior walls touching the roof – If you happen to notice moisture marks or loss of paint in the interior walls, then it’s time to repair or replace the roof.

Here’s an informative Youtube video* about identifing issues with a roof and determining replacement.

Besides the above causes, other reasons that may bring about a roof replacement such as harsh weather conditions may damage the roof exposing parts of the house. If the damage is not minor, then you need to replace the whole roof. If the contractor uses a faulty design or improper products for construction, then that roof requires immediate replacement. If you intend to do a roof replacement, there are 3 things you need to consider. The first is “types of roofs”.

1) Types of Roofs – Depending on what you want, there are various types of roofs such as asphalt shingles, traditional tiles, modified bitumen, wood shake, natural slate metal roofs and single or multiple ply. If you want a flat roof, it’s advisable to go for single or multiple ply, asphalt or modified bitumen.

2) Good Contractor – The next thing to consider while doing a roof replacement is a good contractor. You should research for the best contractor in the market who also offers standard charges.

3) Geographical Area – Lastly, you should study your geographical area and ensure that the roof you want can sustain you in that area.

Cracking and curling in the shingles should signals to you that the roof is long overdue. You can do a visual inspection by using a pair of binoculars to check for any cracks on the shingle and if found then you need a roof replacement. Asphalt shingles are covered with a layer of granule made of granite to protect them from harsh ultraviolet rays from the sun. When these granules are detached from the shingle, it becomes vulnerable and can easily be damaged.

If you happen to see missing granules from old shingles then you should start planning to replace your roof. A leaking roof is a major problem that should be rectified right away by the property holder or else this will lead to more damage in the whole house. A leaking roof will bring mold that can damage many things inside the house such as carpets, tile flooring or even wood. It is difficult to detect if the damage is minor or major. To avoid these problems, always be on time to check when your house needs a roof replacement.

To find out more about Roof Replacement or for a free consultation to see if the damages sustained to your roof or the interior of your home may be covered by your insurance, call Stellar Public Adjusting at 305-396-9110.

*Stellar is not associated with the roofing company in the video and including this video is not an endorsement or advertisement, it’s merely for informative purposes.

Resources:

http://homerenovations.about.com/od/houseexteriorframework/a/artreplaceroof.htm

http://www.roof101.com/roof-replacement.php

Tags: miami roofing, roof damage, roof repair
Filed under Roof Damage | No Comments »

Do you know your water?

Posted on January 11th, 2012

Large or small, no one wants to deal with the damage to their property caused by water. The damage to your property can sometimes be devastating. There are 3 categories of water damage: clean water, black water and grey water. Let’s first take a look at these three water types.

Clean water is exactly that…clean water. It means that the water is safe to work with during restoration. There are no impurities present that will harm you or make you sick. An example of a clean water discharge is water leaking from a water supply line. Black water is the worse type of water damage and the one that will cause the most problems. It may contain chemicals, bacteria, and/or fungi that can cause harm or even death. This could happen because of a leak from your kitchen drain or a toilet overflow. It should always be handled by professionals who are knowledgeable and have the equipment to deal with it. Grey water contains harmful contaminates that could make you ill when you are exposed to it. Such as a leak from your air conditioning drain line.

These three types of water damage, for the most part, can be prevented if you know the root cause. Getting your plumbing inspected and having a roof inspection can have a huge impact on the avoidance of these problems.

Although water damage can happen on a large scale, there are many times that it can happen on a smaller scale and still cause serious damage. A small leak in the roof inside the wall can or a damaged pipe with a slow drip can cause serious and costly damage.

Another problem can be caused by poor insufficient insulation. When this occurs, water vapors forms inside the attic or walls and cause damage and attract bugs. Installing an attic fan to help circulate the air or applying more insulation can take care of this problem.

It is also a good idea to install an exhaust fan in the bathroom for moisture control when showering preventing water damage. Water vapors form when you shower or bathe which can, over time, cause your wallpaper to peel. Creating the need to replace or repair it often. It also creates an ideal environment for mold to develop.

There are many ways for water to damage your property. Having a pipe burst or storm damaging your roof is not necessary for creating a costly amount of damage.

Do you have water damage? Are there stains on your walls? Has your air conditioner leaked onto your floors? Call Stellar Public Adjusting for a free consultation at 305-396-9110.

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This is a widely popular topic that is explained across the web. Inspiration from – Alladin Restoration / Tampa site These links used as reference, we don’t endorse these companies in anyway.

Tags: black water, clean water, grey water
Filed under Damage Mitigation, Mold Damage, Water Damage | 1 Comment »