Contractor Tips Blog

Apr
16

Storm Damage? Why You Should Have a Professional Roof Inspection

Posted in Roofing

When snow, hail or wind storms hit, they can cause substantial damage to your home. The roof is the most vulnerable, especially when ice, hail and falling debris are hitting the shingles. Once the storm passes, you need to assess your roof and determine whether it needs repair. If you believe there may be damage to your roof, it is best to have a professional roofing company perform an inspection. Here is why it is worth calling in a pro to check for storm damage to your roof.

  • Safety. First and foremost, climbing up to your roof can be dangerous, especially after a storm. There may be slippery or weak areas that can be hazardous. Let a professional that has the training and right equipment handle this risky job for you.
  • Expertise. Roofing experts know what to look for when inspecting storm damage. What may look like just a few loose shingles to your eye may be much worse. A roofing pro knows how to assess the damage and determine what needs to be done to restore your roof. This can help prevent leaks and further damage to your home.
  • Estimates and repairs. If there is damage, you have a professional that can give you an accurate estimate on how much your roof will cost to repair. This will give you a head start on the repair process and information to provide to your homeowner insurance company.

Next time there is a major storm and you think your roof may have been damaged, pick up your phone and call a roofing professional to schedule an inspection. It is the best way to get an accurate assessment of your roof and begin repairs if needed.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Feb
26

Avoid Storm Chasers When You Need Roof Repair

Posted in Roofing

It seems that in every type of natural disaster and other calamities that there are always disreputable people trying to take advantage of the victims. Storm chasers are the bottom-feeders of the contractor industry, preying on those that have had extensive roof and home damage from hail or other types of storms. They sweep into an area after a storm, offering quick and cheap repairs, but the only thing they leave behind is more damage to the victims that give them their money.

Spotting a Storm Chaser

Storm chasers are notorious for blanketing neighborhoods where storms hit and offering their services. They may show up and knock on your door, giving you a flyer or business card with a smile, claiming they can fix your roof damage right away. When storms hit an area, the legitimate roofing contractors are often swamped with calls for quotes, estimates and repairs. Having someone show up to your door can be a relief, but if it seems too good to be true, it often is.

There are a few notable differences that you can spot with storm chasers. For one, they are rarely from the area. They may have a 1-800 number or a phone number from out of state. This is your first clue to do a little more research. Check to see if they are even licensed or insured in your state by making a quick call. Check the Better Business Bureau and see if they are listed at all or have previous complaints.

Storm chasers often take a down payment for roof repairs, then disappear without doing any work. Or, they do repair the roof, but use shoddy materials and methods that do not last. When a leak occurs months down the road, they are long gone, and you are stuck with the repair bill.

Avoid storm chasers by sticking with a local roofing contractor with a solid reputation in your community. You may need to wait a little longer, but it worth the inconvenience to ensure your roof repair is done by someone you can trust.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Jan
10

Inspecting Your Roof After the Storm

Posted in Roofing

It seems like every time you turn on the news, a major storm is hitting one area of the country. Hurricanes, floods, hail storms and high winds seem to be more prevalent than ever. The amount of damage these storms can do to your home is extensive – especially to your roof. Regardless of whether you have a metal, shingled or tiled roof, you should have it inspected after any major storm, even if you don’t see any significant damage.

Small Issues Can Lead to Big Problems

Obviously if you have missing shingles or major dents in your metal roof, you will want them repaired. But even the small issues can eventually lead to bigger, more expensive problems. Shingles that have the asphalt worn off or are slightly lifted should be repaired or replaced. They could eventually create a leak in your roof that will be much more expensive than a small repair.

Hire a Professional Roofer

The problem is that many homeowners do not know what to look for when inspecting for roof storm damage. Plus, it can be dangerous to go up on your roof without the right safety equipment and experience. If your home was exposed to a severe storm, call a local roofer to complete an inspection. They can determine if there is any damage. If there is, they can give you a written estimate for repair that you can turn into your homeowner’s insurance if it is covered. Make sure to hire a reputable, local roofer; “storm chasers” are on the prowl, looking to take advantage of homeowners after major storms.

Don’t assume your roof didn’t sustain damage just because there are no leaks or major issues. Call in a professional roofer to complete a thorough inspection to avoid costly repairs down the road.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Jan
28

What to do if Your Roof has Storm Damage

Posted in Roofing

Winter storms are notorious for roof damage. Whether your roof is damaged from a falling limb or tree, or wind and hail do their part to ruin your roof, getting it repaired is crucial. A damaged roof can quickly lead to water leaks and expensive water or mold damage in your home. So what do you do when you think your roof has been damaged from a storm? Here are a few tips.

  • Call your insurance company. In many cases roof damage from a storm can be covered under your home insurance policy. If you think you may have damage from a recent storm, call your insurance agent and find out what coverage you have available.
  • Get coverage for your roof. If there is obvious damage, you need to have protection immediately to avoid water damage to your home. Call your local roofing contractor to have your roof inspected and temporary protection added to your roof. They can also help you negotiate repairs and cost coverage with your insurance company.
  • Avoid storm chasers. There are unscrupulous companies that take advantage of homeowners with roof damage. These ‘storm chasers’ often show up at homes with obvious roof damage and offer to repair the roof quickly and affordably. Unfortunately, they often also take the money and run, or do a poor quality fix on roofs, leaving the homeowner with a large expense.

Having a trustworthy, local roofing contractor on your side is your best option when you have storm roof damage. Make sure to choose a contractor that is located in your area and has a stellar reputation with many years of experience.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

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