Archive for the ‘Roof Tips’ Category

Hiring the Right Minneapolis Roofer

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 5th September 2009

When you need your roof inspected or you need repairs to be done right away, you have to have the right roofing contractor working for you. Minneapolis roofers do stay rather busy all year round because of how the weather seems to treat roofs throughout the seasons. But what you want is the right roofer for you. The company that may have done well for someone else may not be the right one for you, so make sure you evaluate every angle of a company before you sign your name on the dotted line.

Tips to find the right Minneapolis roofer:

Look at qualifications – You do not want to hire a roofer without reviewing their qualifications. You want to make sure the contractor is licensed, but that may not be enough. Just because someone is licensed doesn’t mean they’ll do the job right. Look to see if they are a member of a trade association, if they have engaged in any continuing education, if they have a permanent business, confirm that they have insurance and how much (they should show you a certificate), and visit their business to see their employees and equipment.

Workmanship – Ask the roofer to provide you with their safety plan, information on their warranty, check for certification to install the product you have chosen since manufacturer warranties usually only cover the product if the installer was certified, and you should be able to receive concise information when you ask questions.

Customer service and past performance – Find out how long the contractor has been in the business. You may even ask for references so that you can speak with others and learn about their experiences. You can have a glimpse of what kind of work that the company will do for you. You also want to contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints.

Cost – Cost can be tricky for the fact that a lower cost may not mean better quality work. Someone can offer to do a job for thousands less, but the quality that they provide may not be comparable to someone who charges more. When you compare cost, you will need to compare other factors such as the jobs that have been completed in the past in order to see the quality of the work and talk to others about their experiences.

Testimonials – Take a look at any testimonials that they may have. If the roofing contractor has a website, you may wish to review those testimonials. However, don’t let the lack of a website be your first judgment point. Having a website can make an incredible impression, but that doesn’t say anything about the quality of the work. This is more about personal preference.

You may also have your own methods that you use to hire a company to do work on your home. Make sure you ask any questions that you may have so that you can receive answers that help you in your decision. When you make the right decision, you will feel good about your choice and your investment.

Minnesota Roof Underlayment Protection

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 4th September 2009

Your roof underlayment is a very important part of your roofing system. It is the material that sits beneath your shingles and protects your home from leaks. There are several types of protection that roof underlayment provides on roofs in Minnesota. Those types of protection are:

  • A layer of secondary protection when the wind rips shingles off of your roof
  • Secondary protection when hail or flying debris penetrates your shingles
  • Protection from rain that is wind driven because the rain can find its way between the shingles
  • Secondary protection when shingles are at the end of their life and cracked or blistered shingles cause mat penetration.

Another reason why Minnesota roof underlayment is important is because manufacturer warranties are most likely void without it.

Performance Standards

The roofing industry has set forth certain standards for roof underlayment, so it is very important that the underlayment meet those standards before it is ever used. If it does not meet these standards, then it is possible that warranties may not be covered. The worst issue is the fact that your roof could experience significant damage if you were to lose shingles and your underlayment was not up to par. You could then have to pay out more money for repairs to your home than you would for a better quality underlayment.

Types of Underlayment

There are different types of underlayment that are used with steep slope roofs and residential shingles. Those types of underlayment are:

Roofing felt – Roofing felt comes in different types that range from basic to heavy duty and organic fiberglass. They all differ by weight, but even the heavy duty felt is not as thick and heavy as it used to be due to new technological advances in how to make the felt stand up to the elements better.

Synthetic underlayment – Synthetic underlayment is rather new on the market. Many of these are marketed as tear resistant and wrinkle free. Some Minnesota roofing systems do have these synthetic materials as their underlayment. Many synthetic underlayments exceed the performance standards set forth by the roofing industry. Synthetic is also mold resistant.

Self-adhering underlayment – This type of underlayment is a Minnesota underlayment for the simple fact that it is frequently used in northern states where ice damming is a frequent occurrence. Self-adhering underlayment is frequently installed around the eaves of the roof and in the valleys for the utmost protection. Self-adhering underlayment is also frequently used on low slope roofs such as those on porches or patios.

Finding the Best

Because your underlayment is an important part of your roof and is amongst the materials you will need to choose when staying within your budget, you will need to talk to your Minnesota roofing contractor about what options are available to you. They will be able to provide you with insight on what will work for your roof on your particular budget. You can then make your decision from there and make the best decision for you and your home.

Minneapolis Roof Damage Insurance Claim Process

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 4th September 2009

Mother Nature wreaks havoc on Minnesota roofs. This is because of the different types of weather the state sees throughout the year. Because of hail storms, snow storms, the rain, and the wind, insurance claims do happen.

However, there are some things that you should know about the insurance claims process when it comes to roof damage to your Minnesota home. First, you need to make sure that roof damage is covered in your policy. This can be done by reviewing your policy or simply asking your agent. The best move to make, however, is to make sure this is covered in your homeowner’s insurance when you buy the policy. If it isn’t, then you need to see if you can add it on for an extra cost. Considering the Minnesota weather, this may be a wise investment.

The Insurance Claim Process

After a severe storm that has had hail, wind, or both, the first thing you need to do is contact a Minnesota hail damage inspector to inspect your roof. This inspection will reveal any damage that has been done so that you can contact your insurance company and inform them of this damage.

When you talk to your insurance agent, he or she will inform you of the procedures and the deadlines to file your claim. You will need to tell your agent in detail what kind of damage was done to your roof and when that damage occurred. If your roof is already leaking, then you will need to ensure that it is repaired or replaced very quickly. You will need to let your agent know that repairs need to be made immediately before further damage occurs to your home due to leaks.

After you have provided this information to your agent, you will then receive a phone call from the department that handles MN roofing insurance claims. You will then be contacted by an adjuster and the adjuster will most likely come to your home and take photos of the damage in order to provide the insurance company with an estimate for the replacement or repair of your roof. It is not recommended that you sign a contract or make any deals with a Minnesota roofing contractor before this process is complete. You will want to contact your Minnesota roofing contractor, most likely the one who declared the damage, after you have received your official estimate from the insurance company.

Once you have contacted a contractor, you can have them provide you with an estimate of the repair. You can also receive this when you have an inspector inspect the damage. That way you have an idea of how much the insurance company is going to pay and how much you will need to pay out of your pocket. You will also need to provide your insurance company with the information that the Minnesota contractor provides you with.

Receiving Your Payment

There are several payment options. The insurance company may decide to pay the funds up front or they may decide to pay after the job is complete. Make sure you find out how they pay so that you can let the contractor know and make sure that they are fine with such an agreement.

Finding the Right Minneapolis Roofer For Your Home

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 2nd September 2009

When putting a new roofing system on your home, you do need to make sure you choose the right one so that your home is protected. Besides, your roof is a large investment and what you choose you will have to stick with you for as long as you live in your home or until it is time for you to replace your roof.

There are several factors that go into choosing the right roof for your Minnesota home. Those factors are cost, durability, architectural style, and aesthetic appeal. The following roof types take all of these into consideration:

Asphalt shingles – This is the most common type of roofing. Asphalt shingles are especially common on roofs with a steep slope and can use fiberglass or organic materials when secured. Many Minnesota roofing contractors are quite accustomed to installing this type of roofing. As it stands right now, fiberglass-reinforced shingles are dominating the shingle market.

Fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass mat, mineral granules on the shingles, and layers of asphalt on the top and bottom.

Organic shingles are made of a cellulose fiber, such as wood, that is saturated with asphalt and then coated with the mineral granules that asphalt shingles are known for.

Wood shakes and shingles – You will find wood shakes and shingles made out of redwood, cedar, southern pine, and various other woods. They look very appealing. Wood is machine sawn, but shakes are broken up by hand, which gives them a rougher look. There is a concern about the fire risk, but there are what is called “Class A fire ratings” on some wood shingles that you may want to look out for.

Tile Roofing – Tile can be made of concrete or clay. It is very durable and can be made into different shapes and sizes. There are flat styles and different colors and finishes, but it is important to make sure your roof can handle the load because tile is quite heavy. Tile is also expensive.

Slate Roofing – Slate is available in different colors and grades and is virtually indestructible. Its durability is one of the reasons why it is so much more expensive than other types of roofing. The Minnesota roofer that installs it must be very skilled and have experience with slate roofing.

Metal Roofing – Metal roofing was once thought to be best for low-slope roofs, but has been found to be good for steep-slope roofs as well. There are now two types of metal roofing – shingles and panels. The metal shingles are intended to mimic the look of other types of roofing such as shakes, tiles, and shingles. With Class A fire ratings, extreme durability, lightweight construction, and aesthetic appeal, many are turning to metal roofing as their roofing choice.

Synthetic products – There are synthetic forms of wood shingles, shakes, and slate, but the quality is not like the real thing. Not having the same properties may result in premature roof replacement in the future.

So take a look at the different types of roofing and decide which is best for you. You may want to speak to your Minnesota roofing company to see what options are available through them and their prices. Once you have all of the information you need, you can then move forward.

Minnesota Roofers Associations

Written By: CopperSmith Gutter | Minnesota Seamless Gutters, Minneapolis Copper Gutters Contractor | Published On: 1st September 2009

When choosing a Minnesota roofer, you want one that belongs to a roofing association. A roofing association says a lot about their credentials because they have to meet certain specifications set forth by the association before they can join. If you’re wondering what associations to look out for, below is a list of these associations. There are many of them out there, so it is impossible to list them all. However, this will give you a good idea of some of the associations that roofing contractors in Minnesota join.

ASTM International – This is one of the largest organizations that roofers in Minnesota belong to. Contractors in the roofing and construction industries belong to ASTM International. The association is dedicated to addressing the needs within the marketplace and encourages the same in their members.

Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing (CEIR) – This is one of the newer associations. CEIR is dedicated to the development and the promotion of environmentally friendly roofing systems.

Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) – Now over 10 years old, the CRRC is an educational organization that focuses on cool roof systems. They support the research and development of even more environmentally friendly cool roof systems.

National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) – This is one of the oldest associations because it was established in 1886. Minnesota roofing professionals receive industry information that is very important to the jobs that they do. The NRCA also offers homeowners and building owners information that enables them to make the right roofing decisions.

National Roofing Legal Resource Center (NRLRC) – The NRLRC helps contractors resolve their legal issues. This saves them legal fees and a lot of time.

Roofing Industry Committee of Weather Issues, Inc. (RICOWI) has dedicated itself to the research of wind damage on roofing and how to better roofing in order to ensure that someday roofing will be able to better withstand the elements.

Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI) – Members are able to focus on critical industry issues. Product quality is improved and roofers can learn different installation techniques.

These are just some of the roofing associations that you may find your Minnesota roofer belonging to. You definitely want to look for a trade association when hiring a contractor so that you know they are a part of something great. Each association serves its own unique purpose and it is not unusual for a Minnesota roofing company to belong to more than one roofing association.

So when you are on your search for a quality roofer in Minnesota, simply ask them if they belong to any roofing associations and ask them which association they belong to. If you want to look up the type of association, then you can. Some may choose to do this to see what the association is all about and what they require for a roofer to join. How deep you go into your research is entirely up to you. Luckily, the information is readily available through websites and through a simple Internet search.