Claim Consultants, LLC

20 years ago, most shingles were made from Asphalt, Cedar, or Steel, but even roofing materials are not immune to innovation. A fair amount of thought and innovation has gone into make your roof more durable and more efficient than its predecessors.    Cedar You later   Today, regular Cedar shingles are a rarity due to their relatively short lifespan. To get the same Cedar shingle look today, many roofers use composite shingles  made from plant extract waste material from ethanol manufacturing plants. They look like wood, and are installed in the same way, but these man-made materials come with a 50-year warranty and cost about the same amount.    Phasing  Out Asphalt    Today ’ s Asphalt shingles are commonly made with a fiberglass backing which lets them withstand higher wind speeds. For even more protection and longevity, premium asphalt shingles are made to be twice or even three times as thick as regular shingle...

A well-installed roof can last for 25 years, but sometimes though negligence or simply trying to cut corners, corners get cut. Here are three common roofing mistakes, and the damages they can cause.    Compromising Leak Protection   A waterproof membrane should be installed under your eaves and valleys at the absolute minimum. Failure to do so will allow water to find the holes in your roof, and eventually into your living space.    Reusing Old Flashing   Flashing is the material that ’ s used to cover joints on your roof. Usually made of aluminum or galvanized steel, new flashing is cheap but a common way to cut costs on a roofing project. Even though they may look fine, it ’ s best to replace them while you have the shingles off the house.    Nails in the Wrong Places   If not fastened properly, your shingles will fall off. Always follow the manufacturer ’ s suggestion about what kind of nail to use, ho...

Different roofing materials are designed to withstand weather. The shingles for a house in Los Angeles will have to withstand different stresses than one in Boston. So which material is best for where you live? Asphalt Asphalt shingles hold up well to most weather conditions like rain, snow, wind, and hail. They are the most common shingles and are use across the country, despite their weakness being warm, dry climates. Metal No longer used for barns, metal roofs are durable enough to handle all types of weather and can last 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. Wood Usually made from Cedar or Redwood, wood shingles are versatile, natural, and offer a classic look. However, they ’ re not great in wet or hot climates, as they ’ re prone to warping or cracking. Modern composites offer the same look with better longevity. Clay Tiles Commonly found in the South and Southwest US, clay tiles are known for their red color and resistance to heat. The reason they ’...

The unthinkable has happened: you need to replace your roof because of storm damage. As anyone who has had to deal with filing a homeowner ’ s insurance claim can tell you, insurance companies require quite a bit of footwork to get claims processed and approved before you can sit back and relax to the sounds of roofers repairing your home. Making a mistake in the claims process can lead to delays in payment or even denial of claims. So let ’ s talk about what you need to know when filing a claim with your insurance company. First, make sure your insurance will cover the damage Before you go all the way through the claims process, figure out if your damage is covered and how much your insurance company will pay. Some policies take the age of your roof into account, and pay out accordingly. If your roof is 10 years old, they can claim that it had already depreciated a certain amount, and only partially pay for a new one. Have your documentation ready to go In the claims pr...

Before you embark on a roofing project that costs thousands of dollars, know that you’re hiring the best company for the job. These basic questions will help you determine if the contractor you’re hiring is worth the money. They should be licensed. Most states require some sort of certifications, but the requirements vary by location. Make sure the contractors your talking to met the criteria for certification and make sure their license is up to date. They should carry workmen’s’ compensation and general liability insurance. While the insurance isn’t cheap, it’s necessary for both the workers’ safety and your financial well-being. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn’t carry workmen’s comp or the contractor messes up and damages your home, you could wind up footing the bill. They should remove your old roof. While it may save time in terms of manpower, not removing the old roof won’t give you an accurate understanding of any deeper damage to your r...

Don’t wait until you have problems with your roof to replace it. Most roofs are designed to last a certain amount of time, and waiting until problems arise can cost you more money to repair. Here are 6 simple tips that should tell you if you need roofing work done. 1. Your roof is old Most contractors and roofing experts will say that the average roof has a lifespan of about 20 to 25 years, depending on several factors such as how it was installed. But as a general rule of thumb, a 20 year old roof should be inspected for damage. 2. Damaged shingles Look out for any curling, buckling, or cracked shingles, particularly on sides of your roof that face the sun directly. If you notice damage, it’s time to get an inspection done. 3. Where your roof wears Pay special attention to the valleys of your roof, as this is where where rain water and snow melt runs. Damage to the valleys can cause leaking. Also pay attention to your chimney flashing. If it’s made from roof cement or tar,...

While storms can happen at any time of the year, the summer months are when they peak in both frequency and severity. These storms can damage your home with strong winds, debris or falling hail, and heavy rains. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can do to minimize storm damage as well as what damage to look for after the storm passes. Hail Damage Hail is perhaps one of the most destructive aspects of severe storms, accounting for almost 40% of all insured losses averaging $15 billion dollars per year1. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot that homeowners can do to prevent hail damage aside from keep current on home maintenance and repairing any damage in preparation for the next storm. After a hail storm, inspect your roof for dark marks on asphalt shingles. These will need to be inspected by a roofing professional to evaluate the damage. Any broken or cracked windows will need to be fixed or replaced, as well as siding, soffit, and fascia that appear to be damaged. While it m...