Tips on How to Take Care of Your Minnesota Roof

Replacing or repairing a roof is harder than installing a new one. It can also be very expensive especially if it hasn’t been well-maintained for a long time. Many professional home remodeling companies remind homeowners to always inspect their roof for possible damage and it will help them save on high repair costs.

Since we have various extreme seasons, it can cause tremendous damage if those small problems are not taken care right away. So what are the things that we need to check? Below is a list that needs to be done in order to take care of your roof:

  • Inspect them every spring or fall. This will be your reminder that during these season, it is a must for you to inspect your roof for safety purposes.
  • Before you climb up, check the roof structure if it’s in good condition because for sure you don’t want to see yourself getting hurt when the roof foundation in compromised. If you see that some of the frames are not properly aligned, you better asked professional help in order to avoid accidents.
  • Always ensure gutters and downspouts are free from debris. Clogged gutters from branches and leaves are often the primary causes of growing moss, fungus, or algae. Clean the gutter instantly and de-clog it so that water may freely flow going to the downspouts. If there are leaks, try to replace them but if you can’t, find a house remodeling company that can solve this quickly.
  • On the other hand, make sure that gutter screens are intact and properly secured. Fasten them properly in order to avoid falling gutters during strong winds.
  • Inspect roof shingles. Due to wear and tear caused by changing seasons, roofs are prone to damage. When you climb and check it, you might want to inspect the shingles first then check for cracks, or curling edges.
  • If your roof is prone to ice damming, you need to know that this could cause a potential damage and accident. It’s better to be proactive and install heat cables before the winter season comes.
  • Cut branches especially those larger ones in order to avoid falling branches into your roof and totally wreck it.
  • The canals or valleys on the roof must also be cleaned and free from any debris because it can trap water or snow if it is clogged with leaves and other debris.
  • If your roof is made up of mostly metal parts, you need to brush the rust to get rid of it then apply prime and paint afterwards since this will prevent further corrosion on the metal. In several years, you may need to do this process again since paints do not last a lifetime. The good thing is that you will not worry for a longer time.

Roofs that are not taken care will get you into additional and more expensive expense in the long run, but a well maintained roof does not only keep you worry free, but also, you are confident that you are protected and you won’t have to spend thousands of dollars just to have it all replaced because you failed to take care of them properly.

Roof problems can always be prevented as long as there is a routine inspection and maintenance. It can save you from huge and expensive repair costs and you are confident that your home is fully protected.

Ice Dams can cause major damage to your roof event in the middle of winter.  We can help prevent ice dams from happening to your home.  

Roofing Insurance and Storm Damage Claims

In the spring time, Minneapolis home owners are often hit by storms and have to file storm damage claims with their insurance company.

As homeowners in the Minneapolis area, we are vulnerable to mother nature every day. When misfortune lands at our doorstep or, in this case, our rooftop, we can be thankful for insurance coverage and the availability of roofing insurance claims for storm damage. When purchasing insurance, it is always advisable to check with your insurance agent about your policy’s coverage as it relates to roofing insurance claims storm damage.

If you live in an area where storms, especially those known to create a lot of damage, occur frequently, ask your agent to explain exactly what is covered in the event of a loss. For instance, in Minnesota we are known for tornadoes, hail and flooding.  These are all factors that could cause major damage and the policy regarding roofing insurance claims for storm damage needs to be clearly defined. At times, there are reports of individuals who suffer extensive storm damage to their home only to learn that their policy did not cover roofing insurance claims for storm damage. There is no doubt that storm damage can cause a lot of problems with your roof in particular, so it’s extremely important to make sure your insurance policy covers any problems that may arise in the event that the unexpected should occur.

When you think about it, our roof is the only thing that protects us from rain, snow, sleet or, in the worst case, a natural disaster. It is expected that, at some point, our roof will be in need of repair. Our roof is essential to a home because, without it, we would be left out in the rain – literally.

If your roof is damaged during a storm, the first thing to do is contact your insurance agent. You will need to ask about their policy regarding the filing of roofing insurance claims for storm damage. Your agent will then advise you in proper procedures and deadlines. Explain to your agent, in detail, exactly what damage was caused and the date of the occurrence. If your roof is leaking, it will need to be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid further damage to the interior of your home. It’s important to inform your agent of any repairs that need to be made without delay. This information is crucial in the processing of roofing insurance claims for storm damage.

After the initial contact with your insurance agent, you should receive a letter or telephone call from their department, which handles roofing insurance claims for storm damage. Following that, an adjuster will likely contact you. In most instances, the adjuster will want to see the damage, take photographs of the loss and will provide the insurance company with an estimate on the cost of repair or replacement. It is not advisable to sign a contract or make any agreements until your hear from your insurance agent. The adjuster may, however, provide you with an estimate on the cost to repair any damage that your roof has sustained during a storm.

Once you receive an estimate from your insurance company, you may begin the process of contracting the work out to a professional. If you choose to hire a professional, ask them to provide you with a projected cost once they have reviewed the damage. During your initial conversation, explain that the funds will come from your insurance company’s claims department, which handles the payment of roofing insurance claims for storm damage. Provide the projected cost information to your insurance company for processing. Depending on the company’s policy, the funds may be paid upfront or after the job is complete. If the money is held until completion, have an invoice sent to the insurance agent for final payment.

At Turnkey Restoration, we understand that going though this process can feel a bit overwhelming – we specialize in helping individuals through the insurance process – and we can help you to.