Did you know roof damage takes many forms?
Posted on May 16th, 2012
All roofing materials will age and weaken over time. No matter what type of roof you have on your home or business, you can expect to deal with roof leaks or roof damage during the lifetime of the roof.
Cracks are the most common among different types of roof damage on many homes. Cracking typically occurs in wood or asphalt shingles as they age. Continued exposure to the elements causes the cracks to become larger and deeper. This allows water from rain or snow to leak into an attic or crawl space.
Weather related damage is also a common problem for older roofs. Hailstorms, rainstorms and heat waves can all be problematic for the health of your roof. Hail can compromise shingle integrity through splitting or cracking shingles or causing granule loss on asphalt shingles. Wind gusts can loosen fasteners that hold the roof to the roof assembly. Heat can cause shingles to warp and break down the protective sealant that prevents water from soaking into the roof.
Asphalt shingles can suffer from additional problems such as bubbling or extreme granule loss. Both problems expose the felt matting to moisture build up.
Miami residents, who have suffered property damage from a roof leak caused by damaged shingles, should contact a Public Insurance Adjuster. A Public Insurance Adjuster will help you file a claim and ensure that you get the proper compensation for the damage.
Tags: insurance claim, roof damage, shingle roof damage, wind damage
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Roof Leaks – Do’s and Don’ts
Posted on May 14th, 2012
Roofs are an essential part of a buildings construction. A roof helps to keep climate controlled air from escaping out and protects from weather and other elements that are better to remain outside. This being the case a leaky roof can be one of the more frustrating challenges a homeowner can face. When a roof leaks, more problems can follow. Water damage can affect the structure and foundation of the house and inspire a mold outbreak which can cause serious health problems in addition to contaminating whatever it touches.
The major cause of roof damage is the severe weather of Florida. High winds can lift up the edges of tiles and other roofing materials can be blown right off of the house. During tropical storms and hurricanes, debris is blown around and it is not uncommon for trees and other large objects to fall onto the roof.
The moment you discover a leaky roof it is important to take immediate action. Remove all items that could get damaged from water from the site of the leak. Be sure to re-locate any electronic equipment such as a TV or computer, when dealing with electronics be extra careful unplugging them. Place a bucket or water tray underneath the leak to catch the water and make sure you empty it when it gets full. The most important thing to remember is DO NOT TRY TO FIX THE ROOF LEAK YOURSELF. You could possibly do more damage to the roof and as well as be denied your insurance claim.
Check out this video by The Sun Sentinel where a homeowner was getting turned down by her insurance company, even though she had several roofers tell her it needed to be replaced…
Damaged Roof Replaced
Before you call the insurance company to make your insurance claim for your roof damage it’s important to call a Public Insurance Adjuster to help you file the claim. An adjuster from the insurance company will have to come out to inspect the damage and verify the claim, so it’s important that you get licensed roofing professional that does not work for the insurance company to do an inspection as well. Stellar Public Insurance Adjusters has a vast network of Roofing Professional to help you. Insurance companies can be tricky when it comes to claims and a Public Insurance Adjuster will ensure that you are getting what your policy states. Contact a Public Insurance Adjuster today and get help with filing all your insurance claims.
Tags: find a roofer, fix roof, leaky roof, roof damage
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Think you have a roof leak?
Posted on February 3rd, 2012
Do you know the steps you need to take to detect where the problem stems from?
Detection is the first step in solving this problem.
Often the result of getting a roof leak can lead to a substantial damage to your home and the loss of irreplaceable valuables. The structural integrity can be compromised when there is a leak that is concealed in the roof leading to costly repair. In order to avoid costly roof replacement, leaks need to be both prevented and or repaired if detected.
To avoid extensive damage, roofs must be inspected to detect roof leaks. In colder climates, this must be done before and after winter.
Take a look at this Youtube video that demonstrates the extent to which a small leak can create a large problem. Here you’ll see what was manifesting itself as a small puddle to the homeowner, was actually causing significant damage to areas that were not visible.
This next video is a great example of easy fixes and leak prevention.
Most roofing companies offer free roof evaluations and an estimate listing any recommended roof repair costs. Call Stellar Public Adjusting at 305-396-9110 for a free evaluation of your damages and a referral to reputable roofing company.
If you decide to do your own roof leak detection, be sure to start your check in the attic. Inspect your attic and pay close attention to evidence of water damage and moisture that is starting to cause problems. For example, the presence of mold can be a sign that you have a roof leak. Mold can be a sign of a leak or poor roofing ventilation. A ventilation problem should be addressed by a contractor to help you with your repair options.
After the inspection of your attic, you should take a look at your roof. Look for missing or damaged shingles, tears, fraying and excess deterioration. Other things to look for when a roof is on the decline, is cupping, buckling, and loss of granules. These are important signs that your roof needs major repair or replacement.
Frequently, flashing (material installed to prevent the passage of water into a structure from an angle or joint) issues are a reason for a leaking roof. When inspecting flashings connected to vents and chimneys, make sure they are tight. If any of the flashings are damaged or missing they will need to be replaced.
Debris that is blocking the roof watersheds or rain gutters can also cause a leaking roof. Debris can also cause water to lodge underneath roof shingles which can result in roof leaks and water damage. Similar water damage can also be caused by water flowing under the shingles due to blocked rain gutters overflow. Removing debris from your gutters and roof valleys should be a part of your regular roof maintenance to help avoid damage and leaks.
For more information on leak detection, call Stellar Public Adjusting at 305-396-9110
Resources:
http://homeimprovement.superpages.com/roofing/how-to-find-a-leak-in-a-roof.html
http://www.roofrepair.net/
http://www.roofing.com
Tags: insurance claims, leak detection, roof damage
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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
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