Replacing your old roof with a new, more efficient one can be a huge investment. Then again, delaying it further when your home clearly needs a new one can lead to costly fixes. If you can’t pay for a new roof due to a lack of out-of-pocket funds, know that there are ways you can finance this major home improvement.
There are many household problems that can be put off until later, but fixing a leaking roof is not one of them. In fact, it should always be prioritized no matter what the season. Here’s why.
The attic, ceiling, and roofing support structures are mostly made of wood, which happens to be vulnerable to damage caused by moisture. While these components are treated for resistance to high humidity levels, they can be damaged by water coming from a leaking roof. This can result in rot that can later compromise the roof’s structure. Further issues like water stains, blistering paint, and swollen plaster can also happen if the moisture makes its way toward other parts of the house.
2. Mold
Mold thrives in warm and humid places, away from direct sunlight. A leaking roof meets all three conditions, making it the perfect environment for mold growth. Mold causes more than just its tell-tale odor and hard-to-remove stains. Its spores can trigger like allergies and respiratory problems including rhinitis, asthma, and nasal congestion. If it spreads throughout the attic, it may necessitate a premature roof replacement.
3. Electrical Hazard
Water from a roof leak may find its way into electrical wiring, power outlets, or appliances, which can lead to shorted wiring. If you notice water dripping into these parts of your home, don’t touch the appliance or try to unplug it. Instead, turn it off from the panel, and call a local electrician as soon as possible.
4. Slipping Hazard
Water from a leaking roof can form puddles on the floor where you least expect it, making it a slipping hazard for anyone in your home. If you have carpeting that isn’t adhered to the floor, water can make its way under the carpets and make them slippery.
5. Damage to Attic Insulation
Most types of attic insulation form clumps when in direct contact with water. When this happens, the insulation layer forms holes that would defeat its purpose. Poor insulation can facilitate thermal transfer and allow heat to easily pass between your indoor and outdoor spaces. This results in higher indoor heating and cooling requirements, meaning higher energy bills.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors are one of the leading roofing companies serving communities in Jacksonville. Give us a call at (904) 262-6636.
After a storm hits, it is usually the roofing system that sustains the most damage. Even though there are preventive steps you can take, like installing a weather-resistant system, your roof will still be exposed to sharp hail, high winds, torrential rain, and other harsh elements that wear it out. That said, it is crucial to get roof insurance to mitigate losses resulting from roof damage.
Today, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the roof insurance claims process.
1. What does your roof insurance policy cover: The most efficient way to find out what is covered in your insurance policy is to directly contact your insurance representative. The company considers the age of your roof when determining the extent of roof damage that will be covered. If your roof is less than 10 years old, then it is possible to receive coverage for all storm-damaged roofs. On the other hand, if your roof is more than a decade old, a depreciated value of the damaged roof may be reimbursed to you. Ultimately, the insurance company will send an inspector to assess and verify your claim.
2. How to get a new roof from insurance: If your roof is completely damaged, a roof repair is obviously not going to cut it. This means that a roof replacement is clearly due, and that leaves many people wondering if the insurance company will pay for the expensive costs of a new roof. Make sure to follow the established insurance claims process to avoid delay or refusal of payment from the insurer. Hiring local storm restoration contractors will help you. They will handle all the paperwork and ensure that all damage is accounted for.
3. What should I do if the contractor’s estimate is higher than the adjuster’s: This situation typically occurs when the adjuster misses out on some of the damaged parts of the roofing system. Fortunately, this can be easily resolved by providing the necessary paperwork, measurements, and pictures that depict the extent of damage right after the storm hit. The insurance company will review these documents and send a check for all the additional repairs.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is a premier source of home improvement solutions. We work with residential clients and provide roof replacement, siding maintenance, home exterior waterproofing, and more. Call us at (904) 262-6636.
Your roof is your home’s main line of defense against extreme weather and temperatures. While roofs are meant to keep you protected during a storm, it can still get damaged from high winds, hail, or debris. However, signs of roof storm damage aren’t always apparent. This is why you should get an inspection from professional roofing contractors following a weather event.
Here are steps you should take if your roof suffers from storm damage.
Make sure that the weather has cleared, and it’s safe to go outside before inspecting your home’s exterior. Beware of possible hazards on or near your roof even if the conditions are clear. While waiting for your roofer, walk around your property, and look for fallen trees or debris, loose or damaged shingles, and ice dams if you recently experienced a winter storm.
When left unaddressed, water damage and leaks can cause mold growth, which can be harmful to your home’s structure and family’s health. Check your gutters for clogging and water buildup. When your gutters are clogged, water won’t be directed properly away from your home, which can cause water damage. See if the paint on the exterior and exterior walls is peeling, cracking, or bubbling. Excessive moisture can also cause the shingles on your roof to crack, curl and break.
If you notice these signs, make sure to immediately contact a roofing contractor. Never attempt to repair your roof on your own. Roof replacement and repairs are best handled by professionals. It can be dangerous to climb on a roof, especially after a storm.
Homeowners’ insurance usually covers roof damage due to situations outside of a homeowner’s control like storms. When filing an insurance claim, you must document any damage that occurred on your home because of the storm. To confirm what your policy does and doesn’t cover, contact your insurance provider. It’s also important to work with a roofer with experience in storm damage claims.
Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors is one of the best roofing companies in the area. We’ll document the damage with photos and help you with the paperwork for filing your claim. We can also be there during your appointment with your adjusters to ensure they see the same damage that we found. Call us at (904) 262-6636, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.
We understand how disheartening it is to find that the new roof you spent a significant amount on is already leaking. However, you don’t have to worry so much because your roofers will likely be more than happy to help with this problem. Just make sure you call them as soon as you discover the issue.
It’s best to stay calm in this kind of situation. Getting all worked up and mad at your roofer won’t get your roof fixed faster. Try to examine how the problem has affected your interior. Gather as much information as you can about the leak and its location. While this doesn’t mean going up to the roof, you can assess the damage by observing the underside of the roof deck or inside your attic.
A reputable contractor will accomplish the roof repair promptly, usually within a week. Keep in mind that most roofers are professionals who will want to stand behind their work and repair your roof. Give your roofer a realistic time frame like a week to fix the problem. However, if it’s expected to rain in the next few days, then it’s fine to ask them to come sooner.
This can only happen if you’ve hired an unreliable contractor, one that’s not from your area. If this does happen, remember to stay calm, and you can still hire another pro to take care of your roof. Most roof leaks aren’t leaking from the roof itself. The common causes of roof leaks are issues with the flashing or the piece of metal around roof penetrations.
Before hiring a roofer, make sure to do your research, and read reviews. You may also ask for recommendations from your neighbors, family, and friends.
At Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors, we are committed to doing the job right the first time. With over 30 years of experience, we offer only the best services. We specialize in home exterior waterproofing, roofing, and exterior renovations. Call us at (904) 262-6636, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.