Saturday, December 23, 2017

Advantages Of A Metal Roof

The Ultimate Guide To Metal Roofs

Metal roofing is very popular here in Austin and the surrounding area. We get a lot of requests for it. They give the home or business a real “hill country” feel. You could choose to go with either a metal shingle or sheet metal.

http://ift.tt/2hU2IGV

Metal Roof Installation

Metal roof systems should be considered high quality option. If you are dealing with leaks, it often occurs through fastener failure. Check for rust and check for fasteners that have pulled through the metal. Another area to check is if there are any open or failed seems.

 

Here is the post in it’s entirety. 

The Ultimate Guide To Metal Roofs

If you have any questions, I would encourage you to give us a ring.

512-537-4408

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Monday, December 18, 2017

Commercial Roofing Options

We have seen a jump in commercial roofing activity since 2010 since the economy has rebounded. Especially here in Texas. Our residential business as always been very consistent with our referral business, but I’m happy to report the influx of new commercial work.

http://ift.tt/2Baou5e

If you are wanting to find out more about flat roof options, here is a link to a comprehensive look at flat roofs. It’s packed with information for those seeking remedies for leaks, or for those that are looking to replace with the latest technologies.

The Ultimate Flat Roof Repair Guide.

 

Our commercial customers are primarily using a single ply, but some opt for the metal instead. Because of the commoditization of materials used in single ply, we lead with our stellar customer service. We’re constantly striving to introduce new value-added services that we can offer that helps distinguish ourselves from the lesser companies.

Call us and give us a try!  512-537-4408

 

For our residential customers we have an offer right now for a free Gold Star Home Efficiency Audit.

FREE Home Energy Efficiency Audit – Limited Time Offer

Friday, December 8, 2017

Texas Roof Repair And Insurance Coverage

Texas is in the unique geographical position of having its weather patterns created by colliding tropical and continental air masses. This sets up some for some nasty and extreme weather situations. The costliest hail storm on record happened in Texas back on May 5th 1995. And most recently, both hurricanes Harvey and Irma had created so much damage to local businesses and the economy, that they are expected to have a negative impact on the country’s GDP.

It may come then as no surprise then that roof damage is the most common insurance claim in Texas. Many of the issues that crop up when determining the amount of damage caused naturally (age) and that caused by weather. And what is covered. You see, insurance won’t cover damage that comes from natural aging, but it will cover damage from the forces of mother nature.

The Independent Insurance Agents of Texas sponsored a study back in 2010 called: Roof Claims Issues in Texas. It addresses this age old problem of what a policy covers and what it will not cover.

Roof Claims Issues in Texas: A publication of Independent Insurance Agents of Texas. iiat.org

Once it is determined that covered damage has occurred, the degree of damage must be determined. This is the emerging question in roof claims: Has the roof been damaged enough to cause functional damage? Functional damage is defined by Haag Engineering Co.5 as a diminution of water-shedding capability or reduction in the expected long-term service life of the material. The other side of that question is: In a replacement cost policy, what difference does it make?

 

Another equally troubling situation arises when a claims adjuster comes across damage that was caused by a covered event, such as hail. But the latest hail storm was months or even years before.

 

This situation usually occurs in one of three ways:

  1. A new storm causes damage to a roof and the adjuster determines there is old damage as well as new damage.
  2. A property owner learns that a storm caused damage to other property in the neighborhood, or sees evidence that his neighbors are getting new roofs, or suffers water damage from a leaky roof.
  3. A property inspection obtained to sell the property reveals old damage and the buyer insists that the roof be replaced before closing.

New Damage on Top of Old Damage The first situation should not be a problem for the insurance company when the policy provides replacement cost coverage. If the roof suffers damage in the most recent storm that requires replacement of the roof, the insurance company owes the full cost for replacement of the entire roof. (If the recent storm damage doesn’t require full replacement see “Partial New Damage on Top of Partial Old Damage” below.) Take another look at the wording in a homeowners policy that provides replacement cost coverage:

 

“We insure against all risks of physical loss to the property described in Section I Property Coverage, Coverage A (Dwelling) unless the loss is excluded in Section I Exclusions. Our limit of liability for covered losses to dwelling and other structure(s) under Coverage A (Dwelling) … will be at replacement cost settlement…”

 

Help After Harvey: Your Insurance Claims | Texas Department of Insurance

 

The insurance company owes for full replacement in this case because that’s what the policy says. If the same company covered the property at the time of the first storm, either it saved money by having to replace the roof only once instead of twice, or it failed to verify the repairs were made after a claim was paid for the first storm. Either way, the company is contractually obligated to pay for replacement. If another company covered the property at the time of the first storm, the current insurer is likewise obligated to pay for replacement. An insurance company has a right to inspect property when it provides coverage. If it failed to inspect the property, or failed to see the damage in an inspection, it has no case to deny the claim or reduce the amount owed for full replacement. This is true even if the property owner was paid for the damage by the prior insurer, but only if the new damage requires replacement of the roof without regard to the old damage.

 

“Neighboritis”

The second situation frequently occurs when a property owner notices all the neighbors are getting new roofs. Upon making inquiries, the owner learns about the storm. Perhaps the owner was away from the property at the time of loss, or thought the storm was not severe enough to cause damage.

 

In any case, this shouldn’t be an issue as an inspection by a qualified adjuster will determine whether there is any damage to the roof. Weather history data is available at the neighborhood level, and claims adjusters keep records on severe weather events in their territories.

 

Fixing Up To Sell

The final situation in the old damage category is perhaps the most troublesome issue to handle. The damage may have occurred during the term of a prior policy, and that policy may have been placed with another company. An experienced adjuster can determine the extent of damage and approximately when it occurred based on an inspection of the roof and an examination of weather history data. Late reporting is not necessarily an issue. The Texas homeowners policy, for example, simply requires the insured to report claims promptly. This can only be interpreted in the context of the insured’s knowledge that a loss has occurred.

It’s hard to stay up with all the fine print in your policy. And it usually takes a catastrophic event for you to get familiar with the policy unfortunately. But there are some things you can do as a homeowner to maximize your coverage.

 

1) Know the insurance companies practices when it comes to hail and wind damage.

2) Understand what’s covered and what the loss provisions are.

3) Know your rights to have an independent roof inspector involved on your behalf.

4) Have on hand the following resources from the Texas Department of Insurance:

Storm Resource Page; http://ift.tt/2B4beya

“Repairing My Roof After a Storm,” available for downloading at:                              http://ift.tt/2B0c2Ux

5) Document repairs and replacements for future insurance claims.

6) Never allow a contractor to overlay shingles. Always have the older shingles removed before the new ones go on.

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Saturday, November 25, 2017

Roofing Contractors Not Doing It, But Homeowners Are Basing Their Decision On It.

The vast majority of homeowners that responded to the Roofing Contractor Homeowners Survey conducted by an industry publication called Roofing Contractor, wanted a contractor that had a plan and showed them the plan.

The contractor they hired discussed the significance of high quality workmanship and their preparation for guaranteeing a top quality installment. A whopping 92% indicated they hired a contractor that discussed this with them before moving ahead.

But less than half of the homeowners felt the typical contractor took the time to review with them details about product options, quality workmanship and the project plans to meet their goals for roof repair.

This was a vital component for property owners, looking for a top notch roofing contractor to repair a leaky roof or install a whole new roof.

Exclusive Consumer Research Shines a Light on Roofing Contractors

At the end of the day, every roofing contractor’s goal is to end up with a quality roof installation and a satisfied customer. On a residential project, once the final nail has been driven and the last piece of packaging has been picked up, a final inspection can ensure that the job has been done right. But who really knows what customers are thinking?

Getting insight on the consumer’s perspective was the driving force behind the creation of the Roofing Contractor Homeowners Survey. The survey was designed to determine how homeowners found contractors and how satisfied they were with the performance of the contractor who landed the job. Another goal was to identify the key drivers behind the decision to choose one contractor over another.

We first launched the survey in 2002 and conducted it again in 2006. The results of those research studies were analyzed in articles in the February 2003 and March 2007 issues of Roofing Contractor. The world has changed quite a bit since then, and we decided to conduct an updated version of the survey in late 2012 to get a snapshot of the market and gauge homeowner perceptions.

The distinctions in product choices and choices readily available was another important component for homeowners to consider, however much less than half of respondents really felt the typical roofer made the effort to review this subject.

Eighty-six percent of respondents showed the contractors they hired aided them in understanding the different item selections.

They were much more most likely to go over in detail underlayments, flashings as well as attic ventilation. Unlike the vast majority of the roofing contractors the homeowners interviewed. The contractor that got the work was likewise much more likely to share roof dimensions as well as service warranty details.

 

 

That’s why A1 Local Roofing uses a unique 12 Point System when evaluating a homeowners needs. Our contractors take into account many factors when it comes to choosing a solution that best fits the needs of the consumer.

For example, one area often overlooked is using photos of the homeowner’s actual roof to document its condition. This is part of our full transparency when you hire A1 Local Roofing.

A1 Local Roofing walks the prospects through the entire re-roof process, and never uses roofing jargon, using only laymen’s terms so you the homeowner can better understand the process. We never assume you are crystal clear, until you confirm that you are.

Call us and we’ll have one of our contractors come out and give you the full A1 Local Roofing experience: 512-537-4408

And because referrals are our number source of business, whether you live in Kyle, Round Rock, Cedar Park or even Austin, we strive to shatter the customers’ expectations to the point where they enthusiastically want to tell everyone about their experience.

 

 

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

How To Find A Great Roofer You Can Trust

The costs for either hiring a contractor or the difficulty in the “do-it-yourself” projects are usually the difference in whether or not the project gets off the ground.

Unless you have a dozen buckets catching water throughout your house, fixing your roof has probably lingered longer than it should.

And fixing a leaky roof is not as glamorous as getting a new kitchen, master bath or other popular home upgrades either. But frankly, its probably the most important fix you can ever be involved with when it comes to taking care of your home.

And most folks are not aware of costs, the difference from one roofer to another, or how to even go about choosing someone to climb up on your roof.

And how do we know what’s going on up there anyway…you know, once they come down and give you the news. They could tell you anything and you have no way of verifying the information. You no reference – what so ever.

There is a writer for the Washington Post named Kevin Brasler who writes a consumer advocate column. Here is a re-post of some snip-its I thought were particularly poignant.

How To Find A Good Deal On A Roofer. 

By Kevin Brasler July 10

Washington Post

  • Get several bids for your job. There is no hard-and-fast rule on how many bids to get, but, in general, the larger the job the more bids you should get. If there are large differences between the first two or three bids, you should seek more. And get more bids when labor — not materials — constitutes a large part of the cost. All contractors pay roughly the same amount for materials, but hourly labor rates and productivity may vary substantially.

  • If you can’t be present during the estimate, email your specifications in advance. Use estimators as your consultants, getting feedback from them to determine what needs to be done. Then go back to them with the final description of what you want and invite them to bid on the work.

  • Before deciding on any contractor, ask for proof that it is licensed and carries liability and workers’ compensation insurance.

  • Get a copy of the warranty from the manufacturer of whatever roofing materials are used. Also get a warranty on the roofer’s work, ideally for five years or more; have the roofer write into your contract: “In addition to all other warranties, if roof leaks within five years [or, better still, 10 years], except as a result of accidental damage, contractor will bear the cost of labor and materials to eliminate all leaks.”

     

    https://youtu.be/bjXVBIi5_iw

  • Get a fixed-price contract. Specify exactly what roof areas are to be covered and other details, such as whether old shingles are to be removed, whether flashings are to be replaced, who is responsible for cleaning up and hauling away debris, and exactly what types and weights of materials are to be used. While you should be able to obtain a binding contract at the estimate price, most roofers will insist on provisions for extra charges if they will find damaged fascia, sheathing, or structural lumber. Most contracts state that required carpentry will be performed on a “per-foot” or “time-and-materials” basis. Make sure your contract states how charges will be computed, typically per-square-foot or per-linear-foot.

  • Avoid roofers that require big upfront payments. A 10 percent deposit to secure a spot on a company’s schedule is reasonable, but beware the home improvement scammers who demand a large deposit to buy materials. Reputable contractors have credit accounts with their suppliers that grant them at least 30 days to pay.

  • Arrange to pay for all or almost all of the job after the work is complete. Most roofers allow customers to withhold all payments until the job is complete. Try to arrange to withhold at least a portion of the price until your roof has been tested by stormy weather.

  • Report problems immediately. If you can’t arrive at a satisfactory resolution with the company, file a complaint with your state’s contractors licensing board.

I hope this helps with your education. My job is to give you the information that other roofers won’t.

Why?

I’m hoping to become your trusted adviser when it comes time to talk roof. Frankly, there are a lot of options out other, and maybe I can be your go-to guy when it comes time to either do a small repair, or something larger such as a total re-roof. Thanks for spending time with us today.

Take a look around the web site, I tried to stock it with loads of information that is consumer friendly that hopefully demystifies the process of hiring a contractor.

 

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

5 Tips Every Homeowner Should know When It Comes To Roof Repair.

When looking to fix or replace your roof, choosing the right person to do the job will be the biggest obstacle you as a homeowner will face. After a damaging storm, you need to quickly get back to normal and perform the necessary roofing repairs.

But that doesn't mean you should just choose the first contractor who knocks on your door. Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and professional may sound difficult-- but that's where we come in.

Reroofing is a process you may not be familiar with until it becomes time to replace the roof on your own home. And even then, there's a lot to learn about which products to use and what procedures best meet your individual roofing needs. Therefore, it's vital to know that you can rely on the roofing contractor you choose to give you good advice about those products and procedures that may be new to you. The key is to find the right roofing contractor for your job.




Here are 5 points you can be sure to check in order to not be scammed, ripped off or otherwise be dissatisfied with a contractor:

1) LIFETIME WARRANTY
A LIFETIME WARRANTY is a guarantee that the product you have received will not fail. When roofers offer a lifetime warranty, it means they have full confidence that what you pay for is built to last. If the lifetime warranty is transferable and you sell your home, the warranty can be transferred to the new owner.

Some contractors might do a poor job or use low-grade materials purposely in the hope that you will need their services again. These contractors would not offer a warranty, because they want the extra income from working on a house more than once. Other contractors may offer a  warranty, but do not have the history to stand behind it.

2) LENGTH OF TIME IN BUSINESS
If a roofing company has been around for a while, it is a good sign they will provide quality service. That kind of commitment shows the company is dedicated to their work and respects the people for whom they work.

Substandard contractors have a hard time keeping business going for a long time. A long history in the local area is a good sign that a roofer can be trusted.

3) FULL TRANSPARENCY
When a business shows it is willing to discuss all the details of the job they intend to do, you know you can trust what they say. When a contractor gives the straight facts and doesn't try to sugarcoat anything, you can be sure they are telling the truth.

Sometimes decoding what a contractor says is difficult if you do not fully understand the matter at hand. Contractors may pick up on this and deceive you with fancy jargon or complex calculations. Do your research before having an inspection to avoid being scammed.

4) GET REFERRALS
Ask for photos of completed work, if available. Keep in mind, however, that many roofers will not have photos.

Request a list of 10 names and phone numbers of recent customers (last 12 months). It is not necessary to check all 10, but you will be able to pick randomly from the list those you do call. Keep in mind these referrals are people just like you and may receive a ton of calls asking questions about the company.




5) DETAILS
Compliance with local codes and ordinances.
Will they be observed? Are permit costs included? Who will obtain the permit?

Product choices
Have you been offered a choice of good, better, best shingles? Are they identified by brand and manufacturer name?

Scheduling
Start and stop dates are difficult to pin down due to the unpredictability of the weather. You can control exceptions.

Right-to-rescind
This clause establishes a time period in which the homeowner can cancel the contract without penalty.

Manufacturer's warranty specifications
Confirm that the Agreement states that all workmanship will conform to the requirements of the manufacturer's warranty and installation instructions.

Contractor's workmanship warranty
Make sure this is clearly noted in the contract.

Cleanup
Call for a daily cleanup of the premises. This becomes very important if shingle tear-off is necessary.

Payment terms
Schedule, terms and method of payment should be written out fully with no room for misunderstandings.

Preliminary inspection

Agree to an inspection before the job with the job supervisor. Establish the condition of the property before any work is done.