Categories for Roofing

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Damage From Ice Dams?

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After a home is damaged by a weather-related event, the owners may want to file a claim with their insurance company for the cost of repairs. Not all events are covered, however. Before choosing a home insurance policy, men and women should become familiar with which types of damage the companies generally will pay for and which they will not. In cold parts of the country, ice dams are a major concern.

 

Ice Dams

 

These formations accumulate on top of rain gutters and the edges of roofs during thawing and freezing cycles. Snow slowly melts on the roof, and then the liquid freezes in the gutters. The resulting accumulation of ice can become very large and heavy. Water may seep under the shingles, causing damage inside. If the ice becomes heavy enough, the gutters may pull away from the building and collapse.

Annual Expenses

Ice dams cause millions of dollars in damage to homes annually. The problems are most prevalent in regions that typically see a large amount of snowfall, but ice dams can occur anywhere after a snowstorm drops several inches on rooftops.

 

In fact, homes in milder climates may be more vulnerable because the owners are unprepared. In colder regions, homeowners may have taken precautionary measures like placing electric heat cables in the rain gutters before winter arrives. Those devices can be plugged in to melt ice as it develops. Residents of these areas also know they must have the roof raked or shoveled after large amounts of snowfall to prevent problems.

 

Insurance

 

The willingness of insurance companies to cover damage caused by ice dams might be considered unexpected since, theoretically, these stalactite-producing structures should be preventable. It’s similar to the way home insurance also covers damage caused by plumbing pipes freezing in bitterly cold weather.

 

The insurer typically does not pay for ice dam removal, though. Sometimes this turns out to be emergency service provided by a roofing contractor when the household residents see water leaking into the building.

 

The policy may cover damage to the roof and any interior structural issues caused by water getting inside. However, it might not cover damage to possessions like furniture or electronics.

 

Prevention

 

Although homeowners can have their insurer cover the expenses associated with an ice dam, nobody wants something like this to happen. One point to consider is that homeowners still have to pay for the deductible amount on their policy. The deductible is commonly as high as $2,000, and usually is not lower than $1,000. They should take preventive measures in the future, such as installing heat cable and using a roof rake.

 

Concluding Thoughts

 

Ice dams can result in serious damage if they become large and heavy enough. These weather-related events cause millions of dollars in residential repair costs every year. Prevention is the best strategy, but homeowners can expect their insurance policy to pay for expenses beyond the deductible if a problem does occur.

Signs Your Roof Needs to be Replaced or Repaired

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Roof maintenance can be tricky business, with professional contractors needed to do the majority of repairs. Wether you need a full replacement or simply a bit of triage, Sela is here to help. Cross check these signs that your roof may need some TLC, and give us a call today!

Showing Signs of Age

If your roof is 20+ years old, odds are it’s going to fall into disrepair sooner rather than later. Past roofing options weren’t as durable or sustainable as more modern versions, which are built to last for much, much longer. If your roof is starting to show wear and tear, looks faded or uneven, it’s recommended to get a professional opinion. Ignoring the issue longterm can lead to greater damage to your home, at a greater cost of repair. Sela uses the most advanced materials, backed by a lifetime guarantee — it’s a win-win!

Cracking, Shifting, or Lifting Shingles

Telltale signs of a roof beginning its downward spiral are easy to spot. Are your shingles curling up or lifting at the edges? are they becoming uneven or appear to be close to slipping off in areas? Can you see visible cracks on the shingles’ surface? These are all clear signals of a problem. Sela can come out and assess the situation for you, and offer the best solutions for your home and budget.

Discoloration & Natural Growth

Seeing random streaks of discoloration on your roof can indicate algae growth — and while not necessarily a foundational issue, is certainly a cosmetic one that can typical be corrected without having to replace the roof. Moss and other natural growths can make their way into moisture-rich areas of an older roof, eventually causing damage to the surface of your shingles. This can be removed, but may grow back. Contact Sela to explain your situation and see how we can help — we’ve seen it all!

Sela Roofing Wins GAF President’s Club Award

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Sela Roofing & Remodeling, Inc., of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, has received the most prestigious contractor award GAF offers: The GAF President’s Club Award. This highly coveted award recognizes Sela Roofing & Remodeling as one of the “elite of the elite” residential roofing contractors in the United States.

GAF is North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, and only GAF Master Elite® Contractors can compete for its residential President’s Club Award. To qualify for this award, a residential roofing contractor must meet specific criteria in at least one out of three different pathways:

  • Performance pathway – where contractors focus on giving their property owners the best possible service, quality, and protection
  • Reliability pathway – where the contractor has a long history of offering their customers the best quality and protection
  • Service pathway – where contractors consistently offer their customers the best protection available in the marketplace.

Sela Roofing & Remodeling has been a GAF Master Elite® Contractor since 2000. To become a Master Elite® Contractor—a status that less than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide are able to achieve—a candidate must demonstrate proper licensing (in states that require it), maintain insurance,have a proven reputation, and show commitment to ongoing professional training.

“We value our certified contractors for raising the industry standard year after year by installing the best roofing products and systems. Our President’s Club award recognizes only those contractors who have distinguished themselves by the highest standards of excellence, customer satisfaction, and dependability,” says Jim Slauson, GAF’s VP of Certified Program & Services.

“Most people can say it, but they can’t back it up.” That’s how Patrick Hall, operations manager at Sela Roofing & Remodeling, responds when asked what separates Sela from contractors who claim quality, service, value, and craftsmanship as their selling points. “Our craftsmanship and our installers achieve higher standards in the finished product. We have a history of 135,000 satisfied customers and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Our reputation is driven by reviews on the Internet, referrals, as well as the fact that we’re a member of organizations that carry very high credentials.”

The company’s size contributes to its success. “We’re the biggest exterior contractor in the Twin Cities in Minnesota,” states Hall. “Because we’re the biggest, we are very competitive in the market, offering high-quality products at a very competitive price.”

Sela Roofing & Remodeling carries some impressive credentials. “We’re super excited about receiving the President’s Club Award again from GAF,” says Hall. The company is also a preferred installer for James Hardie Fiber Cement Board, a preferred partner with Pella Windows, and certified by Velux and the Vinyl Siding Institute.

Even a company as large and successful as Sela Roofing & Remodeling still finds time to give back to the community. “We work with Habitat for Humanity, we participate in GAF’s Roofs for Troops program, and we contribute to many different types of charities and community activities,” adds Hall. The company has installed roofs for orphanages and shelters for abused women, works with Little League and softball organizations, and has been recognized as the Recycle Contractor of the Year for the last several years.

Going forward, the record of success will continue, concludes Hall. “We’re installing more and more metal roofing systems, as well as putting more additions on houses. Let the building keep going! We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. That’s always our goal.”

4 Great Ways to Raise Your Property Value

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Now that summer’s here, it’s prime time to put your plans for property upgrades in motion. Whether you’re looking to increase your curb appeal, repair damage or simply update your home’s outdated look, Sela is here to help. Below you’ll find a rundown of major services we provide — backed with the best guarantee in the business.

Roofing

Our company was founded as a roofing business, and to this day, we still take pride in providing top notch service, excellent quality, and hassle-free installation. Choose from many different styles, colors and materials to bring your roof up to date or simply repair what needs fixing. We are experts in both residential and commercial roofing. Learn more HERE and contact us today for a free estimate.

Siding

Sela offers a wide variety of siding options that are both high quality and low maintenance. Choose from maintenance-free vinyl, seamless steel, aluminum, cedar & James Hardie, Soffits & Fascia—aluminum, steel, vinyl and wood. We also provide complete insulation & house wraps for a more energy-efficient home. Siding from Sela is backed by a lifetime guarantee. Read more HERE and contact us for a free quote.

Masonry & Concrete

We are your one-stop-shop for everything home related. Among many other things, Sela offers a full range of masonry and concrete services including chimney and fireplace repair, tuck pointing, driveways, patios, decorative concrete, restoration and construction. Our crews are licensed, bonded and insured under Minnesota law. We pay particular attention to detail and provide the best workmanship possible. Learn about our services HERE.

Gutters

Through our sister company, Sela Gutter Connection, we offer a wide variety of gutters and expert installation, backed by a lifetime guarantee. We solve water issues and offer aesthetically appealing solutions to water diversion using the highest quality seamless gutters and accessories. Regardless of how big or how small your house is, we have the skill, equipment and material needed to provide the absolute best in gutter solutions. Learn more HERE and get a free quote today.

Sela also offers window and door installation/replacement, exterior expansions, storm damage repair and much more. Click HERE to explore all of our services.

Checklist For Getting Your Home Ready For Spring

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Once the long winter is over, people begin thinking about the outdoor activities they will soon enjoy. You can get a head start on your plans by doing a thorough assessment of your property as soon as the worst of the winter is over.

snow

Here is a good checklist:

 

Roof and Gutter Damage

If you have had significant snowfall or icing during the winter, you should have your roof and gutters inspected for small problems that could lead to larger issues in the future. Heavy icing can damage your gutter system, rusting connectors and causing a hazard to anyone standing or walking below.

 

Outdoor Porches, Decks, and Patios

The outdoor structures on your home, such as porches, decks, and patios, may have experienced wear and tear from the moisture and weight of snow. These structures should be carefully inspected to ensure that the wood floors and railings are intact and secure. Problems, especially structural ones, should be repaired immediately so that you can enjoy your summer and spring safely.

 

Yard Debris

The winter snow and ice may have pulled down a number of branches from your trees and shrubs. In some cases, the damage will be complete, while in other cases, pruning may be all that’s needed to stabilize these plants. If broken limbs have caused a safety issue, you might  be able to restore the integrity of these plants on your own; but if the damage is significant, contact a tree and landscaping professional to ensure the repair is done right. Once this aspect is safely remedied, you will be able to remove the minor leaf and twig debris in readiness for spring lawn maintenance and gardening.

 

Garden Areas

If you are an avid gardener, you probably await the thaw with eager anticipation. As soon as most of the snow has melted, you can assess your garden and find areas for new plantings. Homeowners often find that garden beds and fencing need repairs or tidying before the planting can begin. Make a list of supplies, such as additional top soil, new fencing, landscape cloth, or other items that can help you get a head start on your gardening efforts.

 

Foundation Inspection

Homeowners should also take a stroll around the perimeter of the home to inspect the condition of the foundation. The freezing and thawing of the ground around foundation walls can widen small cracks that let in moisture. After inspecting the exterior, also check the interior walls to note any changes in the condition, and make note of any increase in moisture inside the home.

 

Outdoor Play Equipment

Homeowners should begin inspecting outdoor play areas and equipment immediately after the worse of the snowfall. Children are likely to start using these areas of the yard at the first sign of warm weather. To prevent accidents from damaged or hazardous equipment, check the chains or ropes on tree swings and play sets; inspect metal surfaces for rusting, breakage, and sharp edges; and check fasteners and connectors on all parts of the equipment. Also check the surface below swings, slides, and other components to make sure they are free of hazards. You may wish to resurface this area to ensure a “soft landing.”

 

Maintaining these areas of your property will allow you to begin enjoying outdoor activities as soon as warmer temperatures arrive. You will also ensure your family’s safety, which will give you peace of mind as you tend to other tasks.

 

When you need help, remember to Just Say Sela!

Hail Damage?

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Hail damage when it comes to roofing is not always easy to spot from the ground. Instead of taking a chance with your safety, we are here to help with free roof inspections – and work with your insurance company if there is damage that needs to be fixed.

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Remember to Just Say Sela! Call or click today.

Client Testimonials – Just Say Sela

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We are proud of our team and their commitment to the quality and the pride they take in their work.

[fbvideo link=”https://www.facebook.com/SelaRoofing/videos/10154349401586148/” width=”600″ height=”400″ onlyvideo=”1″]

Remember to Just Say Sela when it comes to your home improvements!

Owens Corning Offers Fashionable Advice For Your Roof

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We have been Owens Corning Preferred Platinum Contractor for years, and we love installing their full line of products. Lately they have brought a touch of fashion and color trends to their line of shingles and we are loving homeowners reactions to them.

Watch the video and find out if you are a spring or a fall when it comes to roofing!

Call us or click today to find out more about all the options we can offer you at Sela Roofing!