 Damaged and missing shingles are common after high winds John and I stood by the side of his house looking down the street. A major storm had rolled through the town the previous night and had damaged many homes in the area. John’s roof had bald patches where strong winds had removed shingles. 3 houses down, a large tree branch rested on a roof. John, new to the area and a new homeowner, asked several questions regarding the effects of wind damage on roofs. We answered his questions and realized that many homeowners probably had the same or similar questions and would benefit from the answers we gave him. What Can I Do to Prepare My Roof Against Wind Damage?"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” ~Benjamin Franklin With roofs, as well as most aspects of life, prevention trumps reparation. In addition to preparing your home against future storms, set aside one day each year for roof maintenance and inspection. Look for any damaged or missing shingles and other potential threats: rusted nails, curling shingles, leaks in and around roof flashing. In addition to checking the roof itself, benign objects surrounding your house can transform into hazards in stormy conditions. Secure loose items that could cause significant damage if airborne. Common culprits include trampolines, lawn chairs, bicycles, and swing sets. Trim trees, keep branches away from roof, and pickup loose debris. How Do I Check My Roof for Damage?Conduct an Exterior Inspection After experiencing strong winds and/or storm, check your roof’s condition as soon as you can to prevent further damage. Walk around your home and inspect your roof for the telltale signs of roof damage: missing, broken, or cracked shingles; dents, cracks, and patches in flat roofs. Pay special attention to the edges of your roof and the areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights as these are prone to damage during high winds. Check for dented gutters, cracked windows, and damaged roofing accessories NOTE: We strongly recommend you do NOT climb onto your roof. A storm and strong winds can compromise the structure and surface of the roof, making it unsafe to navigate. Conduct an Interior Inspection Although your roof may appear undamaged from the outside; only by checking the interior of the home can you ensure your roof is undamaged. Small leaks, though rarely observed from the exterior of your home, will cause major damage if not repaired. Check your ceiling, light fixtures, and attic for discoloration, water stains, and moisture marks. Focus your search in areas where walls and ceiling converge. What Should I Do If My Roof Was Damaged By High Winds or By a Storm?If your roof experienced damage during a recent storm, you will need to fix it as soon as possible to mitigate future damage. Call a licensed professional who can help you determine the best course of action. At SGT we offer free estimates inspect roofs for free. Call us today at (262) 357-1959.
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People spend more time under their roof than anywhere else yet rarely spend time thinking about its role in their lives. At SGT Roofing we think about roofs constantly so you don’t have to. Not only do we know about the fears many people face but also the common mistakes people make. We believe everyone deserves a high-quality roof completed in a timely fashion by seasoned and respectful professionals. Unfortunately, some people do not get what they deserve and experience one of the common roofing scams. Although these scams cannot be completely avoided, you can increase the probability of hiring a quality roofing contractor by asking the following questions: May I see your proof of insurance, including workman's comp? Don’t hire a roofer until you’ve seen their proof of insurance and it matches their business information. One nightmarish scenario with roofing contractors is being liable for any accidents or damage that occur on your property. The last thing you need are bills for insurance or workman’s comp that could’ve easily been avoided if you’d hired a quality roofing company. Reputable roofers have liability insurance and workman’s comp insurance to cover any mishaps that occur. What are your payment terms? If a roofing contractor wants more than half of the payment upfront or the entire payment before the job is complete, avoid working with them. They will likely abscond with your money or leave before the work is complete. All roof repair and replacement businesses have different payment terms, but you should negotiate a 50% or less payment upfront and the last payment upon completion of the project. May I speak with one of your previous local clients? The key word in the question is local. By speaking with previous local clients you will be able to learn about not only the roofers quality of work but also their timeliness, their customer service, treatment of homes and property. The most important reason to ask potential roofing contractors about local clients is to avoid what James Kirby, the associate director of for the National Roofing Contractors Association, calls 'Storm Chasers'. “There's always the storm chasers. You know, a hail storm runs through Kansas or some other area and there are [roofers] that literally chase these storms. A lot of them are very good, they are reputable, and they can do very good work, but we hear quite a few stories from people about a roofer that came in, didn't do a very good job and now a little while later they are having trouble and they tell us they don't know how to find the person or the business.” May I have an industry organization leader or manufacturer's rep inspect the finished roof? This one question alone can help weed out inferior roofing contractors and shows your are serious about getting a top-notch roof. Any reputable roofer will not balk at this question because they already ensure their work meets or exceeds industry standards. Avoid the common roofing scams by asking potential roofing contractors the above questions. They might save you from a undesirable cost and stress. Contact the professionals at SGT Roofing to get the best possible roof and the lowest possible price. |
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