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Five Tips for When You Have Storm Damage

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by Sela Roofing

Hail, wind, rain, and fallen trees resulting from storms can cause roof damage requiring immediate repair. From a leaky roof to missing shingles, this type of damage can compromise your roof’s ability to protect your home.

 

If you have a damaged roof after a storm, you’ll need to contact your homeowners insurance company. The following are five tips you should know about filing your roof damage insurance claim:

  1. Know what your insurance covers and what your deductible is. Extra points for having your deductible set aside!

Roof damage may be covered under your homeowners insurance policy. You should know in advance what your specific insurance policy covers before you need to file a claim. In general, homeowners insurance will pay an insurance claim for roof damage if it was sudden and unavoidable. For example, damage caused by hail or wind will usually be covered, but if your roof needs to be replaced simply because it’s old, you’ll typically have to pay for that yourself.

 

It also pays to know what your deductible is before you need to file a claim. This is the amount that you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company pays anything toward your claim. You can look at your insurance policy or check with your agent to see how much your deductible is. Set this amount aside in savings to help make things easier if you do have to file a claim.

 

  1. Know what to look for when you survey your roof from the ground.

You can look at your roof from the ground to spot-check for any obvious signs of damage but climbing up on the roof should be left to a roofing contractor. You could cause more damage by climbing and walking on your roof or even slip and fall in the process.

 

Have your camera or phone ready to take pictures of any damage you can spot from the ground so you can give them to your insurance agent or contractor. The following are some common signs of damage you’ll want to look for and photograph:

 

Damaged shingles or tiles — Look for broken tiles or curling shingles.

Missing shingles or other roofing materials — Wind can blow shingles off your roof, so check for a change in color that may indicate a missing shingle.

Cracked or bent flashing — Flashing is used to direct water away from areas such as vents and chimneys, and it can become cracked or bent after a storm.

In-home leaks — Check the interior of your home for leaks on the ceiling or walls or in the attic.

 

  1. Have the name and number of your trusted roofer handy. Bonus points for having regular maintenance so they know you and your roof.

Using a roofing contractor for regular maintenance will ensure your roof stays in good repair and can perform well for as long as possible. This also helps you show your insurance company your roof has been well maintained over the years and proves any damage isn’t due to neglect.

 

Building a good working relationship with a roofing contractor also allows them to get to know you — as well as your roof — before any major damage occurs.

 

  1. When choosing a roofing contractor, make sure they’re local and trustworthy.

A local roofing contractor knows your area and understands its specific weather challenges. They will also be available if there’s a problem with their work or materials, unlike an out-of-town company or individual. They should also be able to provide references you can contact, and will answer any questions you may have.

 

In addition, a trustworthy local contractor will have worked with insurance adjusters in the community and will be onsite when he or she inspects your roof for damage. The contractor can then work with the adjuster and share knowledge about what repairs must be done, how much they’ll cost, and why. They’ll have the knowledge and experience necessary to make the process of filing an insurance claim and having your roof repaired as easy as possible.

 

  1. When following these steps and having a roofer already familiar with your roof, it will be easy to feel like a pro when storm damage happens.

Preparation is key to making a storm damage claim. By knowing the specifics of your homeowners insurance policy (including its deductible), keeping your roof in good repair with a reputable local contractor, and documenting any damage you spot from the ground, your roof claim and repair or replacement will proceed more quickly and easily.

 

 

 

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Damage From Ice Dams?

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by Sela Roofing

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.

gaf roofing shingles brown

Add Color with GAF Shingles

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by Sela Roofing

Sela Roofing is a proud GAF Master Elite roofing contractor. We have been given their prestigious President’s Club and Steep Slope awards for multiple years in a row.

GAF offers some of the best product on the market and the colors simply cannot be beat!

Beige and gold shingles offer a warm neutral for your home. They support a wide array of house color palettes. They also blend into the nature that surrounds your home.

GAF_roofing_gold

Brown and red shingles can be both bold and romantic. Brown offers soothing tones that capture warmth and refinement. Red can add an element of drama that adds the special something to your home’s appearance.

gaf roofing shingles brown

Black and gray GAF shingles can be calming and neutral. They both  fit in with any color combination you may have currently. They can also adapt easily to your home’s exterior in the future.

GAF black shingles

Call or email today! Find out how we can maximize your home’s exterior appearance with the full line of designer color GAF roofing options available.

 

6 Signs of Roof Hail Damage Not to Ignore

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by Sela Roofing

Sizzling summer heat and extreme weather events go hand in hand. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes often cause hailstones to form. Strong storm updrafts turn rainwater to ice balls despite blazing hot temperatures. Solid, frozen hail pellets fall from the sky and pelt everything in their path. The roof atop your home’s structure, unsurprisingly, bears the brunt of hail attacks. Lumpy chunks of icy hail can be anywhere from 0.5 to 6 inches. If hail grows larger than a walnut, your roofing system will suffer serious damage. Getting your roof inspected immediately after the storm blows through is essential. Contact a licensed, experienced roofer to perform a hail damage assessment. Here are six signs of roofing hail damage you can’t ignore.

1. Dented Roof Shingles

Large hailstones are notorious for putting round-shaped dents in cars and trucks. Unfortunately, hail can do the same to your roof. Aluminum, copper, steel, and tin roofs are the most at risk. Metal roofing systems aren’t the only ones affected though. Hail bigger than a half dollar can dent asphalt shingles and clay or concrete tiles too. Even wood shakes aren’t immune to hail splits and fissures. Survey the surface of your roof for noticeable dimples. Search for circular marks that make your roof look stamped. Use your eagle eye to spot and photograph hail craters. Never ignore roofing dents; they can let rainwater leak in and flood your attic or upper level.

2. Globs of Shingle Granules

Healthy asphalt roof shingles are coated in fine, textured granules. These tiny particles protect your roofing system from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays. Shedding some granules is normal for asphalt shingles. The problem arises when the granular loss happens on a large scale. Severe hailstorms can strip asphalt roof shingles of their generous granule coverage. Without the granular layer of protection, asphalt shingles will age quickly and break down. Check your gutters and downspouts for big globs of shingle granules. Inspect shingles for unevenness where granules were ripped off. Mass granular loss can’t be ignored; call a roofer for repair work.

3. Missing Roof Shingles

Hailstorms don’t only rain down mammoth ice masses. Severe summer weather can spawn tornadoes and straight-line winds. Roofs have a tough time withstanding gusts over 100 miles per hour. Older, deteriorated roof shingles could blow off with half that wind speed. Missing shingles obviously threaten your roof’s health. Gaps between shingles make the chances of roof water damage skyrocket. Tour your yard looking for fallen shingles. Use binoculars to spot shingles that are absent or dangling by a thread. Don’t attempt to reattach a damaged shingle by yourself on a ladder. Recruit a reputable roofing professional to replace missing shingles.

4. Curling Shingle Corners

Bare spots aren’t necessarily caused by entirely missing shingles. Hail damage can also make roof shingles start cracking and curling at the edges. It’s never good when roof shingles start resembling curly fries. Shingles bend and coil when severe wind during hailstorms whips under the surface. The adhesive strip surrounding roof shingles probably peeled off. Perhaps your past roofer didn’t snugly install shingles with enough nails. Whatever the case, curled shingles pose a roofing danger. Warped shingles aren’t able to fully block water from penetrating your home. Liquid could seep inside, rotting wood roof decks and nurturing mold growth. Don’t hesitate about requesting a professional roofing opinion for shriveled shingles.

5. Dinged Metal Flashing

Flashing is the ultra-thin material used to surround vital roof components. Roof flashing is designed to waterproof around soffits, vents, chimneys, and skylights. Flashing is visible in these places for your perusal. In roof valleys, flashing should be underneath shingles for reinforcement. Sighting flashing in the valleys is a telltale sign of missing shingles. Since flashing is made from metals like aluminum and copper, it’s often indented by hail. After hailstorms, scrutinize flashing for flaws that will enable moisture seepage. Flashing should be smooth and even without tears or cracks. Flashing holes must be remedied by a roofer before they leak and rust.

6. Deformed Gutters

Hailstorm strikes won’t only endanger the well-being of your roof surface. The brute impact of large hail can deform your gutters. Hail damage to steel gutters is rather rare, but other gutter materials are less resistant. When Mother Earth hurls ice balls, gutters can become dented and misshapen. Punctured gutters will spring a leak and leave water racing down to your foundation. Gutters clogged with hailstones and storm debris can make water pool on your rooftop. Leaf gutter guards will likely take a beating and break or chip. Gouges and holes in gutters will compromise your entire roofing system. Gutters that have sustained hail damage may even sag and scratch siding. Seek out a top-notch roofer who’s experienced with gutters for help.

The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that hailstorms damage over 10.7 million U.S. homes yearly. In 2019 alone, 5,396 notable hailstorms caused about $8 billion worth of destruction. Fortunately, home insurance policies generally cover the costs of hail roofing damage. Right after the storm rages, file an insurance claim. Supply your insurer with an extensive description of your roof’s condition. Collect evidence, including photos or videos, of your damaged roofing parts. Keep detailed hail damage records in case you need to challenge a denial. Knowing these six signs of roofing hail damage and acting fast will increase your chance of insurance claim acceptance.

10 Signs Your Roof Needs Urgent Repair

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by Sela Roofing

Spotting the signs that your roof needs repairing can save you a great deal of money. A damaged roof can cause mold and lead to interior damage in the home. Keeping your roof in good repair will extend its life. A full roof replacement is costly and time-consuming. But if you repair minor damage to your roof as soon as it becomes apparent, it will help to prevent you from needing an early roof replacement.

It is not a good idea to go up and inspect your roof yourself. It would be better to have a professional roofer regularly inspect your roof. However, some telltale signs will warn you when it is time to call a roofer. Here are ten warning signs that indicate it is time to get the roof of your home inspected.

1. Sagging Roof

There are several possible causes of a sagging roof. If an old roof is sagging, then it might be time for a roof replacement. If a new roof sags, then it is likely that the roof has likely not been installed correctly. A sagging roof could also mean that the rafters have become damp, which has weakened the wood. If that is the case, a speedy roof repair or replacement will be in order.

2. Missing or Loose Shingles

High winds and heavy rain can loosen or dislodge shingles. Missing or loose shingles can lead to more severe damage if they are left unrepaired. Fixing loose or missing shingles is a relatively inexpensive element of roof maintenance that could save you a lot of money in the long-term. In some cases, though, missing shingles might be a sign that your roof needs replacing. So as soon as you see any missing or loose shingles, it would be advisable to get a roofing contractor to carry out a roof inspection.

3. Higher Energy Bills

If your roof is damaged, it can cause your heating and air conditioning to need to work harder to maintain the internal temperature in your home. If you have noticed that your energy bills are higher than usual, it could be a sign that there is a problem with your roof. Keeping your roof well-maintained will help to avoid more expensive roofing repairs later, and it could save you money on your energy bills.

4. Shingle Granules in Gutters

If you have asphalt or composite shingles, then it is not unusual to see some shingle granules in the gutters. However, if there are a lot of granules coming from your roof, then this could be a sign the shingles need replacing. The granules that you need to be looking for look like coarse, black sand.

5. Curled or Cracking Shingles

Shingles have a limited lifespan. When shingles are nearing the end of their useful lifespan, they may become deformed, cracked, or curled. If you spot one or two deformed shingles, replacing them may extend the life of your roof. If you can see lots of deformed shingles, though, you may need a full roof replacement.

6. Internal Water Damage

If you see any water damage to internal walls in your home, then it would be a good idea to get a roof inspection. The same will apply if you come across mold or signs of water damage in the attic. Water damage could be a sign that the roof is leaking. Mold and mildew could be being caused by poor roof ventilation or a damaged roof or underlayment.

7. Daylight Shining Through the Roof

If you go up into your attic and you see daylight shining through the roof, then you have a roofing problem. If light can get through the shingles, then so too can rain, wind and damp. Daylight shining through the roof could be a sign that some shingles need replacing, or it could be your roof has reached the end of its useful life.

8. Discoloration of The Roof

Discoloration of shingles might indicate that the shingles are damp or have been damaged. If dark patches have begun to appear on your roof, it could be a sign that you have mold growing on the shingles. If you have noticed any discoloration of your roof, a quick roof inspection will discover the cause of the problem. Appropriate roof repairs can then be made.

9. Damage Around Roof Fixtures

It is advisable to check the areas around your roof as well as looking at the roof itself. Damage to the areas around roof fixtures, like pipes, chimneys, and vents, for example, can usually be repaired before further damage to the roof is done.

10. Storm Damage

If you have recently experienced a storm and you suspect that the roof may have been damaged, it would be best to arrange for a roof inspection. The apparent signs of storm damage are broken or missing shingles and, of course, signs of water leaking into the attic after a storm. With most roofing problems, early repairs of damage will usually save you money in the long-term.

Conclusion
As mentioned above, it is not recommended that you climb up onto the roof of your home to inspect the roof yourself. However, the above signs that your roof needs repairing are visible from the ground or inside the house. The takeaway is that, when it comes to roofs, safe is always better than sorry. So if you suspect that your roof has been damaged, give us a call or send us an email!

Sela Roofing Recognized with 2019 GAF President’s Club Award

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by Sela Roofing

We are proud to have been partners with GAF Roofing for 20 years and are honored to receive this award from them for our work together in 2019!

To qualify for this award, a residential roofing contractor must meet specific criteria in at least one out of three different pathways: the Performance pathway, where contractors focus on giving their property owners the best possible service, quality, and protection; the Reliability pathway, where the contractor has a long history of offering their customers the best quality and protection; and the Service pathway, where contractors consistently offer their customers the best protection available in the marketplace.

Read more about the award here.

Minneapolis Roofing – Protect Your Biggest Asset This Winter

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by Sela Roofing

The winter season in Minneapolis may be a magical time for many, but those cold months are not without their challenges. When winter arrives, it often ushers in a season filled with strong storms, high winds and heavy snow.

If your home, and especially your roof, are not prepared, you could be spending the rest of the winter recovering from the damage. With winter right around the corner, you cannot afford to leave anything to chance, and now is the time to make sure your home’s roof is up to the challenge. Here are some essential pre-winter checks to protect your roof from winter dangers.

Look for Missing Shingles

From high winds to hail, the summer storm season can really take a toll on your roof and take your shingles for a ride. And if you fail to replace those missing shingles promptly, your roof could be in for even worse damage when the cold of winter finally arrives.

Now is the time to check your roof for missing shingles, so grab the ladder or schedule a professional inspection today. Having your roof checked now will give you time to make the necessary repairs in plenty of time for those dangerous winter storms.

Check Your Gutters

Preexisting gutter damage can increase the odds of winter roof damage, but you still have time to make repairs. So check your entire drainage system now, from the downspouts that carry water away from the foundation to the gutters that send that moisture where it belongs.

If your gutters are constantly getting clogged with leaves and other debris, you might want to invest in a gutter coverage system. These units help protect the drainage system for your home, so you can rest easy and avoid ice jams, clogged gutters and other winter roof damage.

Watch Out for Snow Accumulation

Heavy snow can put a severe strain on your roof, especially when the storms just keep coming. If the snow has been falling faster than the sun can melt it, you may need to clear the accumulation manually.

For a DIY approach to a single-story dwelling, a long-handled shovel could be all you need, but for higher roofs and multistory properties may require the help of a professional. Having your roof cleared of snow can be a wise investment, however, one that could protect your home and prevent even more costly damage.

Trim Your Trees

If you have mature trees in your yard, overhanging branches could become missiles in a winter windstorm. If you want to protect your roof from winter (and summer) storms, it is important to keep those trees trimmed.

Removing overhanging branches is an essential part of storm planning, so contact an arborist or tree care expert before the snow starts to fly. While they are onsite, ask them to assess the health of the tree itself; dead or dying trees are much more likely to come down and cause damage during the winter storm season.

The cold and snow of winter will be here before you know it, but you still have time to get your roof ready. The winter season can really take a toll on your roof, and the sooner you get ready the sooner you can rest easy under that newly prepared roof.

 

Troubling Signs You Need Roof Repair

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by Sela Roofing

There is a reason people call their homes the roof over their heads. The roof is arguably the most important part of any home, and when it fails it is a real emergency.

 

Unfortunately, roof damage can often go undetected, especially if you do not know what to look for. And by the time you recognize the visible warning signs, like water pouring into your rooms, it is probably too late to work on minor roof repair. By that point, it is probably time for a new roof – and a full roof replacement is an expensive undertaking.

Here are some key warning signs that roof repair might be in your future.

 

Shoddy Construction

A home that was poorly constructed from the start is much more likely to suffer serious roof damage from storms and normal wear and tear. If you have doubts about your home’s construction, it is important to have the property inspected by a professional.

 

If your home’s roof was poorly constructed, it may be best to have it replaced now – before it has a chance to fail. The cost of a roof replacement may be high, but so is the cost of replacing everything inside your four walls.

 

Wet Spots on the Ceiling

Wet spots on the ceiling are often the first signs of a failing roof, and you should inspect the entire ceiling carefully after a heavy rainfall. If you see wet spots or water dripping, it is time to contact a roofing technician for a full inspection.

 

Other things can cause these wet spots, so moisture on the ceiling is not necessarily a sign of a failing roof. Even so, you can never be too careful, especially when your home is at stake.

 

Loose or Missing Shingles

The shingles on your roof are your home’s first line of defense, and a break in those defenses could be extremely dangerous. If you see missing, broken or damaged shingles, it is time to get immediate help. Damaged and missing shingles constitute a roofing emergency, and you cannot afford to wait.

 

If you have waited to replace damaged, missing or broken shingles, you should schedule a thorough roof inspection without delay. Your roof could have sustained hidden damaged in the interim, and fixing that damage now could potentially save the structure.

 

A History of Storm Damage

If your home previously suffered storm damage, your roof may have been compromised. If you did not have a thorough inspection conducted in the wake of the storm damage, it is time to call an experienced roofer.

 

Storm damage alone does not necessarily mean your roof is in need of repair, but it is one of the risk factors. If you live in an area that is prone to storm damage, you need to be especially vigilant for other common signs of roof trouble.

 

Last but not least, if your roof is more than two decades old, you should be on special alert. Even the best roof will not last forever, and the sooner you have your roof inspected the better. If your roof is till in great shape, you will get peace of mind. If not, you will be able to make the necessary roof repairs before a sudden failure turns your life upside down.

 

 

Assessing Storm Damage on Your Roof

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by Sela Roofing

Thunderstorms, tornadoes, hailstorms and hurricanes can tear shingles from your roof and give your roof a beating with tree branches. Follow these steps to check for storm damage to your roof:

• Inspect your attic for any water leaks. Also check if any water stains appear on your ceiling or walls.

• Look for signs of storm damage by assessing any missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia from the ground.

• Evaluate any debris making contact with your home – such as branches or larger items.

• In cases of hail, check your siding and windows for any signs of damage.

• Stay safe & avoid going on the roof to check for damage yourself.

Sela Roofing & Remodeling is here to help you with your storm damage – we provide free inspections of your roof and handle the hassles of dealing with your insurance company!

Sela Roofing Receives Pella® Platinum Contractor Award

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by Sela Roofing

Being recognized with Pella‘s Platinum Contractor Award as a top Pella-certified product installer and specialist is a huge hat tip to the team of professionals that make up Sela Roofing!

Pella is a family-owned business that has been innovating in the custom window and door market since 1925, and Sela is proud to continue our long-standing partnership.

Considering window or door replacements this spring or summer? Contact us today to learn how we can help, using energy-efficient Pella products and more.

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