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All You Need to Know About Roof Flashing

need know roof flashing

There are a few components within many roofs that it’s worth knowing about as a resident or building owner, and one of these that sometimes doesn’t get enough attention is flashing. Flashing is a component that plays a major role in preventing leaks and related issues on the roof area, and knowing about it will help you understand how it works, when it might require repairs, and more.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re here to offer a huge range of residential roofing services, including anything you might need involving your flashing. What exactly is roof flashing, what are its top purposes, and what are some various types of flashing that might be useful for your roof? Here’s a basic primer.

Basics on Roof Flashing

For those unaware, roof flashing refers to a component that acts as a preventive seal between the joints in your roof. These joints are particularly vulnerable to leaks, as they provide potential spaces for water and other materials to enter. Flashing is installed over these joints in order to make sure that they’re well-sealed and won’t cause any issues.

Flashing is made out of a variety of different materials, including metals like aluminum, galvanized steel, or copper. In some cases, flashing might also be made out of asphalt-based materials, plastic, or even rubber. The specific material used will often depend on the location and purpose of the flashing itself, and may also be dictated by the type of roof that you have.

The Purpose of Roof Flashing

There are a few key purposes that roof flashing typically serves. First, as we’ve noted, it helps to seal up any joints in the roof and prevent leaks. In addition, flashing can also help to direct water away from areas where it might cause damage, such as near the chimney. Flashing can also help to hold shingles in place, and may even provide additional support for gutters or other components.

In short, roof flashing plays a vital role in protecting your home from water damage, and making sure that your roof lasts for as long as possible. It’s important to keep an eye on your flashing and make sure that it’s in good condition, as any issues with flashing can lead to significant problems down the line.

Areas Where Flashing is Typically Used

In addition to roof joints, there are a number of specific parts of a roof where flashing will often be used. These areas are those where leaks are more likely than in other areas of the roof, and they include:

  • Dormer wall roof surfaces: These are the slanted walls that project outwards from a pitched roof, and they often have windows. This kind of roof surface is particularly vulnerable to leaks.
  • Chimneys: The base of a chimney is another spot where water can enter, and flashing helps to seal it off.
  • Valleys: A valley is the point where two sloped roof surfaces meet, forming a V shape. These are also prone to leaks if not properly sealed. Luckily, using flashing in these areas can help.
  • Skylights: Skylights are another potential leak point, as they’re essentially holes in the roof. Flashing helps to seal them off and prevent any water or other materials from getting inside.

Types of Flashing

When it comes to the types of flashing available, they’re broken down in a few different ways. Some are based specifically on the area of the roof they’re meant to go in, while others are just a general type that can be attached to multiple different roof areas. Here are some of the top options available:

  • Chimney: One of the more specific types of flashing, chimney flashing is installed around the base of a chimney. It’s usually made out of metal, and can help to seal off this vulnerable area.
  • Valley: As we touched on above, valley flashing is installed in the valleys of a roof. Again, this is usually made out of metal, and can help to prevent leaks in these areas.
  • Vent pipe: Vent pipe flashing, on the other hand, is meant to be applied over pipes and flues on your roof, with a cone-shaped design that helps to seal them off. It also has a base flange that fits into the shingles of the roof.
  • Step: If you have a sloped roof or vertical wall that needs flashing, step flashing is a good option. This type of flashing is installed in sections, with each section overlapping the one below it. This helps to create a watertight seal that can prevent leaks. The step seal often contains drip edges to prevent water seeping under the surface at the eaves.
  • Integral: Integral flashing is often used alongside step flashing, particularly when skylights or other openings are present. This type is usually made out of the same material as the rest of the roof, and helps to seal off these vulnerable areas.
  • Saddle: For things like railing attachments, joists and beams, and other such areas, saddle flashing is a good option. This type of flashing is usually made out of metal or plastic, and helps to seal these areas off to prevent leaks.

As you can see, there are a number of different types of flashing available, each of which can be used in specific areas to help prevent leaks. Knowing which type is right for your roof will help you make sure that it’s properly sealed off and protected from the elements.

For more on roof flashing, or to learn about any of our roofing or related services, speak to the team at The Roof Doctor today.

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How to Interpret a Roof Repair Estimate

interpret roof repair estimate

When it comes to many services you’re considering for your home or property from outside specialists, receiving a cost estimate before the project begins is a common and often important element of the process. Roof repairs are no exception — property owners who are obtaining such repairs for their structures naturally want to have an idea of what those repairs are going to cost them, and estimates from roofing professionals are the simplest way to glean this information.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re happy to provide cost estimates for any of our commercial or residential roofing services, including repairs you’re in need of. How precise do these kinds of estimates tend to be in the roofing world, and what are the factors likely to impact the total found on your estimate? Here’s a general primer on this important theme.

Estimate, Not a Precise Figure

First and foremost, it’s important to realize that while we’ll do our very best to pinpoint the precise cost of your roof repairs before we start work on them, the estimate you receive is just that — an estimate. It’s based on a number of factors, which we’ll go over in just a bit.

In some cases, unforeseen issues can arise during the repair process that result in additional time or materials being required to complete the job. (This is especially true in the case of older roofs, which may have structural damage that isn’t immediately apparent.) If this happens and the job ends up costing more than we initially estimated, we’ll of course let you know as soon as possible so there are no surprises.

Conversely, it’s also possible that the repairs turn out to be less involved than we initially thought, and thus cost less. In this case as well, you would only be charged for the actual work that was performed.

In any case, it’s important to remember that the estimate you’re given should always be considered a starting point rather than a final figure.

In our next few sections, we’ll go over some of the most common elements that impact your roof repair estimate.

Size and Extent of Damage

One of the first things our roofing professionals will do when you contact us about repairs is to come out and take a look at your roof. We’ll then be able to get a better idea of the size of the repair job and how extensive the damage is.

In general, larger repair jobs or those involving more widespread damage are going to cost more than smaller, more localized repairs.

The Age of Your Roof

Another important factor that will impact your roof repair estimate is the age of your roof. Older roofs are generally going to require more extensive repairs than newer ones, as they’re more likely to have structural damage or other issues.

If you have an older roof, it’s worth considering whether repairs are actually the best option, or whether it might make more sense to replace the roof entirely. Our roofing professionals can advise you on this based on the condition of your roof.

The Materials Used in Your Roof

The materials used in your roof will also play a role in the cost of repairs. Some materials, such as asphalt shingles, are less expensive to work with than others, such as metal.

If you’re not sure what kind of materials were used in your roof, our professionals can help you to identify them. In some cases, it may also be possible to use a different type of material for repairs than was used originally — again, our team can advise you on this.

Labor Costs

Some repair jobs are going to be much more labor-intensive than others. If your roof is easily accessible and the damage is relatively minor, repairs are likely to be fairly quick and straightforward.

On the other hand, if your roof is more difficult to access or the damage is more significant, repairs are going to take longer and be more complex, which will in turn impact the cost. For example, if your roof needs to be partially or entirely replaced, this is obviously going to take more time than making smaller, localized repairs.

In some cases, it may also be necessary to bring in additional labor to complete the job — for example, if special equipment is required.

Disposal Costs

Another potential cost to consider is disposal, a common element of most roof repair jobs. After all, the old materials that are being removed from your roof will need to go somewhere, and in most cases, this will be at an additional cost.

Some companies include disposal in their overall estimate, while others charge it as an additional fee. Be sure to ask about this ahead of time so there are no surprises.

In certain cases, if there’s quite a bit of debris that needs to be removed from the roof or property area, some companies will charge a specific fee for this, rather than including it in the disposal costs.

Material Transportation

Finally, there are some roof repair jobs where materials will need to be brought to the job site, which can impact the overall cost.

For example, if your roof needs to be replaced and materials need to be brought in from off-site, this is obviously going to add to the cost of the job. The same is true if special equipment is required for repairs and needs to be brought to the job site.

In some cases, companies will include the cost of transportation in their overall estimate. In other cases, they may charge it as an additional fee. Once again, it’s important to ask about this ahead of time so there are no surprises.

For more on how to interpret your roof repair estimate and what will be included in it, or to learn about any of our roof repairs, roof replacements or emergency roof services, speak to the team at The Roof Doctor today.

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How to Identify Missing Shingles on Your Roof

identify missing shingles roof

There are several important components to most roofs, and shingles are among these in nearly every case. Shingles serve as your roof’s primary form of protection against various elements, from moisture on down the list, and one of the more common roof issues out there today is shingles that are missing from the roof area.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re happy to offer a wide variety of roof repairs and roof replacements, and shingles are a common theme we assist clients with on a regular basis. As a home or building owner, you can play an important role here: Identifying when shingles are missing or otherwise having issues, so that you can call our team for help with replacing or repairing them. What are some of the simplest ways to identify missing shingles on the roof? Here are several basic themes to consider.

Visual Inspection

The simplest and most common way of identifying missing shingles is also the most obvious: Take a look at your roof. If you can see any large patches of exposed roofing material where there should be shingles, there’s a good chance shingles are missing.

The easiest way to do this is to stay on the ground and utilize a pair of quality binoculars, which will help you get a closer look at the roofline without putting yourself in any danger. If you don’t have binoculars, see if there’s somebody else who does (maybe a neighbor or family member) that can help you out.

Another way to do this is to physically get on the roof, which we do not recommend unless you’ve been up there before and are comfortable with the safety themes required. This route should only be taken if you have trouble seeing the roof from the ground, and even then we recommend having somebody else on the ground to help guide you and make sure you’re safe.

If there are any large bald spots or patches where shingles are definitely missing, take note of them. If possible, try to find any smaller areas too, as they may not be as immediately noticeable but still indicate that shingles need to be replaced.

Now, if you find a few missing granules that should be present on your shingles, this usually isn’t anything to be overly concerned about. Shingles will lose some of their granules over time as they protect your roof, and a few missing granules here or there isn’t going to cause any serious damage. Just make sure you’re monitoring the situation so that it doesn’t escalate, and if you ever find a large number of granules in your gutters that’s definitely a sign you should give our team a call as soon as possible.

Other Possible Missing Shingle Indicators

While visual inspections are by far the simplest and most common way of identifying missing shingles, they aren’t the only ones. In some cases, certain other signs taking place within the structure, or even on the surrounding property, may give you some signs that this is happening. Here are some examples:

  • Large quantities of granules: If you’re finding lots of granules, either on the ground around your roof or in your gutters themselves, this is a good indicator that shingles are missing and need to be replaced. As we noted above, just a few missing granules aren’t anything to worry about, but larger quantities definitely are.
  • Leaks: If you’re starting to see leaks in your roof, or even just water stains on the ceiling, this may be a sign that shingles are missing and need to be replaced. In some cases leaks can also indicate other roofing issues as well, but this is definitely something to have our team take a look at as soon as possible.
  • Missing insulation: If you’ve noticed that your energy bills have been rising for no apparent reason, it’s possible that shingles are missing and heat or cold is escaping from your home. In some cases, you may even be able to see the insulation itself missing if you take a look in your attic.
  • Light shining through: This one’s a bit more difficult to notice, but if you go into your attic on a sunny day and see sunlight shining through, it’s possible that shingles are missing and need to be replaced.

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, or anything else that you believe may indicate that shingles are missing, don’t hesitate to give our team a call. We’ll be more than happy to take a look and let you know for sure, and we can also provide a free estimate for any repairs that may need to be done.

Professional Inspection

If you’re confident something is going on with your roof, but you’re having trouble really nailing down what the problem is, our team here at The Roof Doctor would be more than happy to come out and take a look. We’ll be able to quickly and easily identify any issues that may be present, and we can also provide a free estimate for any repairs that need to be done.

Professionals like ours utilize several methods for identifying missing shingles, including both visual inspections and special infrared cameras. We may even utilize drones, which can view the roof from above without risking anyone’s safety. In most cases, we’ll be able to find any areas that are missing shingles and provide a detailed report on what needs to be done to fix the problem. We can also work with your insurance company if necessary to make sure you get the coverage you need.

For more on how to identify missing shingles on your roof, or to learn about any of our roof repair or replacement services, speak to our team at The Roof Doctor today.

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Modern Roofing Advancements for Your New Roof

modern roofing advancements new roof

If you’re in need of a new roof, whether for new home construction or for an existing home or building, your options are far more robust than they would have been for someone in your position even a decade or two ago. Improvements in roofing materials and technology have come a long way in a short time, and you now have a wide range of modern choices for the way you go about installing a new roof.

At The Roof Doctor, we can’t wait to assist you with these and any related needs. We offer roof installations and roof replacements for a variety of homes and structures, utilizing many modern themes and materials that can benefit you in a whole host of ways. What are some of the newer roof advancements that you might consider for any new roof you’re in the process of having installed? Here are several.

Cool Roof Shingles

When we talk about “cool roof” shingles, we’re actually referring to a form of reflective paint that’s applied to your roof’s surface. This paint is specially formulated to reflect solar energy back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it, which is what typically happens with darker shingles. Your indoor cooling bill can be greatly reduced by replacing an old, dark roof with a newer cool roof alternative.

Early on in its uses, this paint may not have been very cost-effective — it was messy and may have interfered with shingle operations. Today, however, this paint has been refined to a point where it’s an undeniable and sensible option for those who are in need of a new roof. It can lower the surface temperature of your home’s roof by as much as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which not only keeps your home cooler but is also a major benefit to anyone who lives within its walls.

Synthetic Underlayment

An important but often-underplayed element of any roof is the underlayment, which is the material that’s installed beneath your shingles or tiles. It serves a crucial purpose in keeping your roof watertight and in mitigating the effects of any possible damage between the time when your roof is installed and when you have it replaced a few decades down the road.

Traditional underlayment, though effective, has typically been made from organic felt paper. The advent of synthetic underlayment, however, has changed the game in a few crucial ways. First, it’s much more durable than felt paper, which means it can better protect your roof over the long haul. Second, it’s also lighter and easier to work with, which makes installation quicker and less labor-intensive.

Furthermore, this form of polyurethane underlayment is far better in terms of moisture resistance and any possible water damage, as it can be designed to be waterproof. The result is a longer-lasting underlayment that’s more resistant to mold, mildew, and rot. It’s also resistant to UV rays and other outdoor elements (which means you’ll have less work to do in terms of maintenance) — and maybe best of all, tends to look better than other underlayment options due to its thinness.

If you’re in the market for a new roof, there are several reasons to strongly consider a synthetic underlayment instead of an older felt option.

Architectural Shingles

Another shingle variation that’s exploded in popularity in recent years is the architectural shingle, which refers to a lamination of two or more traditional asphalt shingles together. This creates a 3-D appearance that’s far more attractive, along with a stronger roofing surface that can better handle the elements.

Architectural shingles also tend to be less expensive than their traditional counterparts, and they’re thinner as well — which means you’ll have an easier time installing them and getting the job done in a shorter amount of time. Thus, if you’re looking for a roof that looks great and will also save you some money in terms of installation costs, architectural shingles are definitely worth considering.

In fact, when homeowners are preparing to list their homes on the market for sale, it’s often recommended that they upgrade their roofs by installing architectural shingles. This can not only improve the curb appeal of a home, but it can also raise or restore its resale value — which helps homeowners sell their homes faster, with less hassle and for more money.

Storm Preparation

Especially if you live in any area where severe storms are common, you need to be sure your roof is up to the task of protecting your home against high winds and heavy rains. There are a few different ways to do this, but one of the most effective is to choose impact-resistant shingles for your new roof. These types of shingles have been shown to withstand significant impacts from both wind and hail, making them the perfect option for homeowners in areas where high winds are frequent.

Another way you can make sure your roof is ready for whatever may come its way is to install impact-resistant gutters and downspouts. This can limit the amount of water that accumulates on your roof during a storm, which in turn helps to reduce the likelihood of any damage being done by high winds or heavy rains.

Finally, you should also consider having your roof inspected by a professional before every major storm season. This can help you identify any potential weak spots or areas of concern, so you can address them before they become a bigger problem down the line.

For more on some of the modern roof materials or themes you might consider when installing a new roof on your property, or to learn about any of our roof installation or roof repair services, speak to the team at The Roof Doctor today.

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Subtler Indicators of Tooele Roof Damage

subtler indicators roof damage

For many who have been attentive home or property owners for a number of years, certain indicators are somewhat well-known as signs of roofing issues. Things like missing shingles, major water leaks and others are pretty obviously indicating you have an issue taking place with your roof — but what about some of the subtler, less obvious signs that something might be going on in this vital area?

At The Roof Doctor, we’re here to help with numerous client needs just like this. Our residential roofers are here to help Tooele, Utah clients with everything from issue identification through roof repairs and even re-roofing projects if needed. We often help homeowners identify issues with their roof that may not have been apparent to the untrained eye, including several subtler signs. What are a few of these that you should be aware of, and what might they be signaling with regard to your roof? Here are some basic examples.

Whistling Sounds

Have you recently begun to notice the strange presence of whistling sounds or unusual airflow coming from your attic space? If so, this is a serious sign that something might be amiss with your roofing. It could be an indicator of improper ventilation — or, in some cases, it could signal the presence of a hole or crack somewhere in your roof that’s allowing air to pass through.

Either way, this is not a sign to ignore. If you’ve noticed whistling sounds or unusual airflow in your attic, contact a roofing professional right away to have the situation assessed and rectified as needed.

Excessive Heat/Energy Bills

Have you also begun to notice that your energy bills have been spiking recently, even though you haven’t changed anything about your normal usage patterns? If so, this could also be an indicator that something is wrong with your roof. It’s possible that your attic space isn’t being properly ventilated, which is causing your air conditioner to work overtime in order to keep things cool — and driving up your energy bills as a result.

It’s also possible that significant leaks or cracks in your roof are present, allowing heat to enter your attic space and make it harder to keep things cool. If you’ve noticed a sudden increase in your energy bills, contact a roofing professional as soon as possible to have the situation assessed.

Animals on the Roof

To be clear, there are instances where animals will run on your roof even if there’s no significant damage — especially if you have tall trees with branches that allow animals like squirrels or others easy access, this sort of thing isn’t unexpected.

However, there are other cases where animals regularly taking up residence on your roof could be an indicator of trouble. If animals are regularly nesting in your gutters or trying to enter your attic space, this could signal that there are holes or cracks present that they’re taking advantage of. These need to be repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage — and to keep animals from invading your home.

If you fail to notice or attend to these issues, you’re likely headed for a singular outcome: The animal(s) in question make the existing damage worse, and cause additional issues as they come and go. If you have animals taking up residence on your roof, contact a professional right away to assess the situation and make repairs as needed.

Black Spots

You may think black spots on your roof are just a bit unsightly, but they could actually signal a serious problem — especially if they’re present on your shingles. These black spots are often an indicator of the presence of mold, mildew or algae, which can shorten the lifespan of your shingles and leave your roof more vulnerable to leaks and other damage.

If you’ve noticed black spots on your shingles, contact a roofing professional to have the situation cleaned and remedied as needed. Depending on the severity of the issue, this may be something you can take care of yourself with a little elbow grease and the right cleaning solution.

In any case, don’t ignore these spots — they could signal serious trouble for your roof down the line if they’re not remedied.

Nails Along Home Edges

Have you recently begun to notice nails on the ground of your property near the edges of your home? If so, this could be an indicator that elements of your roof have begun to degrade, including some of the nails that hold exterior components in place.

This is not something you should ignore, as it could signal serious damage to your roof that needs to be remedied by a professional. If you’ve noticed nails on the ground near your home, contact a roofing contractor right away to schedule an inspection and repairs as needed.

Buckling Shingles

When it comes to shingles on your roof, the issue most people are conditioned to notice is when they’re missing — especially when a large area of shingles are all missing. However, this is not the only issue that can arise with shingles that can signal serious trouble. Buckling shingles are another key indicator, and they may be a sign of moisture damage or even fungus on your roof.

If you’ve noticed buckling in your roof, contact a professional right away to have the problem assessed — and taken care of if necessary.

For more on subtler signs of roof concerns that you should know how to spot, or to learn about any of our roof repair or roof replacement services in Tooele or nearby parts of Utah, speak to the team at The Roof Doctor today.

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How to Find a Reputable, Trustworthy Roofing Contractor

find reputable roofing contractor

If your home’s roof is having issues recently, or even if you’re just thinking long-term and looking for a quality roofing partner to have on-call for any needs, finding the right contractor is an important task. While we wish it were not the case, the reality is that not all roofing contractors are created equal — and doing a bit of research to find the ideal partner for your needs is important.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re here to provide the best residential roofing services in Utah, with solutions ranging from roof replacement and new roof installation to roof repairs, roof tear-offs, storm damage repairs and more. We encourage you to compare our services and reputation to other roofing entities in the area, both because we want you to get the very best services for your needs and because we’re quite confident that, when your research is done, we’ll come out on top. When you’re looking into your options for a roofing contractor, what are some key areas to keep in mind?

Go Local

When searching for a roofing contractor, you want to prioritize working with a local business. Local businesses have a vested interest in their reputation within the community, and they’re also more likely to be familiar with the specific climate conditions and weather patterns of the area — which can impact the roofing needs of your home.

The Roof Doctor has been providing quality roofing services to homeowners in Utah for over 30 years, and our team is highly familiar with the area’s climate conditions and what type of roofing materials and solutions will work best in this environment.

Insurance & Licensing

When looking for a roofing contractor, you’ll want to make sure that they are properly licensed and insured. Any reputable roofing contractor will have no problem providing you with proof of both insurance and licensing, and will likely have this information displayed prominently on their website or marketing materials.

The Roof Doctor is a fully licensed and insured roofing contractor in Utah, and we’re proud to provide our clients with peace of mind that they’re working with a reputable company that knows what they’re doing. All our jobs are fully insured, and we carry both workers’ compensation insurance and liability insurance.

Reputation and Reviews

Another vital area to research when looking for a roofing contractor is their reputation and reviews. Any reputable company should have no problem directing you to testimonials and reviews from past clients, and you can also check out online review sites like Google, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and more to get an idea of what others have said about their experience working with the company.

Just as important in a realm like roofing in many cases, however, is word-of-mouth reputation. Ask your friends, family and neighbors if they have any recommendations for roofing contractors in the area, and see if anyone has had any particularly positive or negative experiences that they can share.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re proud of the reputation we’ve built over our 30+ years in business, and we’re always happy to direct new clients to testimonials and reviews from our past customers. We’re also an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Steer Clear of Door-to-Door Salesmen

Some roofing contractors use door-to-door sales tactics to try and drum up new business, but in general, you should be wary of any contractor that comes to your door unsolicited. In many cases, these types of roofing contractors are not licensed or insured, and they may use high-pressure sales tactics to get you to make a decision on the spot without doing your research.

If you are approached by a door-to-door roofing salesman, politely decline and do your research on the company before making any decisions. The Roof Doctor does not use door-to-door sales tactics to generate new business, and we would never pressure a client into making a decision before they are ready. Rather, we wait for your call and are always on-hand to handle your every need.

Don’t Be Sucked in By Unrealistic Deals

In some situations, roofing contractors may offer what seems like an amazing deal that’s too good to be true. In general, if a roofing contractor is offering a deal that seems unrealistically low, it likely is. These types of deals are often used as a bait-and-switch tactic to get you to sign on with a company, and then you’ll be hit with hidden fees and charges once the work is already underway.

At The Roof Doctor, we believe in honest, upfront pricing that leaves no surprises for our clients. We’ll provide you with a detailed estimate of the costs associated with your roofing project before any work begins, so you’ll always know exactly what to expect. And, we’ll never tack on hidden fees or charges after the work is already underway.

Get Everything in Writing

Once you’ve found a roofing contractor that you’re ready to move forward with, it’s important to get everything in writing before any work begins. This written agreement should outline all the details of the project, including a timeline for completion, a detailed estimate of the costs involved, and more.

The Roof Doctor always provides our clients with a written agreement outlining all the details of their roofing project before any work begins. This agreement will include a timeline for completion, a detailed estimate of the costs involved, and any other relevant details.

By following these tips, you can be sure to find a reputable, trustworthy roofing contractor to partner with for all your roofing needs. And, when you’re ready to get started on your next roofing project, we hope you’ll consider The Roof Doctor. We’re always here to answer any questions you may have and help you make the best decision for your needs.

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Dealing With Storm Damage to Your Roof

dealing storm damage roof

The roof of any given home will naturally take the brunt of the beating during any major storm event, and in certain severe cases this can lead to damage to the roof. Such damage may in turn cause leaking, mold issues and many other concerns within your home, making storm damage repair a very important theme for any homeowner who deals with this form of damage.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re here to help with this. We provide storm damage roof repair services to clients around Utah, whether they’ve dealt with hail damage, wind damage or any other type that’s impacted their roof. We help not only with actual repairs for your roof, but also with making insurance claims to get these repair costs covered. Roof storm damage is a type that should generally be addressed immediately — if you notice it following a storm, here are some of the immediate actions you should take, including when to call our team for help.

Wait Until the Storm Has Passed

Even if you’re quite sure your roof has been damaged in some way by a storm, it’s vital for your safety and that of everyone else in your home that you not attempt to inspect or repair the damage while the storm is still going on. If you can, wait until it has passed and then take a look at your roof. If you have any questions or concerns about what you see, don’t hesitate to give our team a call for help.

Once the coast is clear and the storm has passed, you can do a bit of very basic inspection of the damage. Here are some tips and precautions to take while doing so:

  • Never go up on the roof: If you think damage has occurred, your first instinct might be to go up on the roof and see exactly what happened. But this is extremely dangerous and not something that you should ever do. If possible, view the damage from the ground or from a ladder placed against the house at a safe distance.
  • Use binoculars: If you can’t get a good view of the damage from the ground, you may be able to use a pair of binoculars to get a better look.
  • Don’t try to fix anything: Again, any repair work should only be handled by professionals. If you attempt to do it yourself, you could end up making the damage worse or even injuring yourself.
  • Estimations: If possible, try to estimate the size of the damaged area, the extent of the damage and anything else that may be relevant. This can help you when it comes to making an insurance claim later on.
  • Photographs: Once you’ve done a basic inspection of the damage, it’s also a good idea to take some photographs. These can come in handy as well and will give you something to refer back to later. If it’s possible to take some pictures, do it.

Calling the Pros

Once you’ve confirmed that there is significant damage to your roof following a storm, and have documented that damage in basic ways, it’s time to call in the professionals. Here at The Roof Doctor, we’re experienced in dealing with all sorts of storm damage and can provide you with the repairs and assistance you need to get your roof back in good shape.

Our team will come out to inspect the damage and give you a free estimate for the repairs that are needed. We’ll also help you with making an insurance claim, as this can sometimes be a difficult and confusing process. We’re here to help you every step of the way and will work diligently to get your roof back to its original condition.

Immediate Damage Mitigation Measures

While you should not attempt roof repairs on your own unless you’re a trained roofing specialist, as we mentioned above, there are a few basic things you can do to mitigate the damage while you wait for our team to arrive. These include:

  • Place buckets or garbage cans under leaks: This will help to prevent water damage to your ceilings, walls and floors while you wait for repairs to be made.
  • Remove valuables: If leaks are present and you have valuables in the area that could be damaged by water, it’s a good idea to remove them if possible.
  • Cover furniture: Again, if leaks are present, you may want to put some plastic sheeting over any furniture in the area to help protect it.
  • Turn off water and electricity: If possible, it’s also a good idea to turn off the water and electricity in the areas that have been affected by the damage. This can help to prevent further issues from arising due to conductivity.

Don’t Delay

We need to stress the importance of immediate action when it comes to dealing with any kind of roof damage. The sooner you can get repairs made, the less chance there is of further issues arising, such as leaks, water damage and mold growth. So if you think your roof has been damaged in a storm, give us a call right away and we’ll send someone out to help you.

Simply put, damage caused by a storm on your roof will not remedy itself and will only get worse with time. Don’t wait around and hope for the best, call The Roof Doctor today!

For more on this, or to learn about any of our roof repair or roof replacement services, contact our team at your nearest convenience.

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Determining if Roof Repairs Are Covered by Insurance

roof repairs covered insurance

Determining if a certain issue is covered by insurance is a somewhat common theme among homeowners today, and a good example area here is the roof. Whether you’re looking at roof repairs or even a replacement for significant roof damage, you’ll likely be wondering whether insurance (typically homeowners’ insurance) will cover some or all of the costs involved.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re happy to assist with a wide range of residential roofing needs, including everything from repairs and replacements to simple inspections — and we’ve helped many clients deal with insurance companies in the past. A professional roof repair specialist will often play a significant role in this area, helping homeowners “prove” the issues with their roof so that insurance will cover them. Let’s go over everything you need to know here, from some of the factors that will likely determine whether your roof is covered to how you should approach these situations to give yourself the best chance of coverage.

Homeowners’ Insurance and Common Roof Coverage

In many situations, homeowners’ insurance will cover some or all of your roof damage — but only if such damage is part of your coverage. There are several different formats that homeowners’ insurance can take, but a common one is called an “open perils” policy. This means that your insurance covers any type of damage that’s not specifically excluded from your policy.

When it comes to roof damage, these exclusions are typically things like wear and tear, deterioration, or insect infestation. Here are some examples of roof damage causes that are typically, though not always, covered by insurance:

  • Weight-based damage: Whether due to snow, ice, wind, or other weather-related factors, a significant amount of roof damage can be caused by the elements. When these lead to heavy leaks or even the structure of the roof becoming compromised, homeowners’ insurance can often help.
  • Fire: Damage from a fire is another common reason that homeowners’ insurance covers roof repairs and replacements.
  • Hail: Hail can cause significant damage to roofs, often leaving behind dents, cracks, and other visible signs. In many cases, this damage will be covered by homeowners’ insurance.
  • Flooding: If your home is damaged as a result of flooding, your roof may be one of the areas affected. In most cases, this type of damage will be covered by insurance.
  • Natural disasters: Things like hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes can all cause damage to roofs. In most cases, this type of damage is covered by insurance. Lightning strikes are also usually covered here.

Now, depending on your specific coverage, the extent of the damage and the deductible you may need to pay, not all of these causes will be covered in full. For example, a policy may have a $1,000 deductible for roof damage. If your roof is damaged in a storm and the repairs cost $10,000, you would only receive $9,000 from the insurance company.

Age of the Roof

The age of your roof is an important factor that will often play a role here. During a home inspection, insurance adjusters make note of roof age and quality — if a roof is over a certain age, it must pass inspection in order for homeowners’ insurance to cover any damage. In many cases, roofs that are older than 10 years will not be covered.

This is because the older a roof gets, the more likely it is to experience problems like leaks and water damage. If your roof is in bad shape, even if the damage is from a covered cause, your insurance company may not pay for the repairs.

Frequency of Issues

Another area that may impact your coverage is the frequency with which certain issues take place. For instance, while hail and windstorm-related damage will usually be covered, those who live in states like Kansas or Oklahoma may have to pay more for this form of coverage — this is because these states are known for having more severe hail and windstorms.

In the same vein, if you’ve filed multiple claims in a short period of time, your insurance company may not be as likely to cover future damage. This is because they may see you as being a high-risk customer.

Damage Types Usually Not Covered

On the flip side, there are a few forms of damage where it’s rare that homeowners; insurance will cover them. These include:

  • Pest or squirrel damage: If your roof is damaged as a result of an infestation by pests or squirrels, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to file a claim.
  • Ice dams: Ice dams are a common problem in the winter, and they can often cause leaks in the roof. However, homeowners’ insurance typically doesn’t cover this type of damage.
  • Cosmetic or aesthetic issues: If your roof is in good shape but you simply don’t like the color or style, these types of damages are usually not covered.
  • General wear-and-tear: Finally, any type of damage that’s due to general wear-and-tear is usually not covered by homeowners’ insurance. This includes things like shingles that are starting to come off or rust on the metal roof.

Role of a Roofing Professional

If you plan to be looking into insurance coverage for any roofing repairs, it’s always a good idea to talk to a roofing professional. They can give you an idea of the condition of your roof and whether or not you’re likely to experience problems in the near future. They can also help you determine whether or not any damage is covered by insurance.

Furthermore, having proof of repairs or other roofing work that’s been done in the past can be helpful when filing a claim. Often, homeowners’ insurance will only cover damage if it’s been deemed necessary by a professional. Having a roofing professional’s stamp of approval may help your case.

For more on insurance coverage for any roofing issues your home is experiencing, or to learn about our roof repair or installation services, speak to the team at The Roof Doctor today.

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Signs Your SLC Roof Requires Emergency Repairs

signs roof emergency repairs

There are certain parts of a given home or building where certain physical issues or wear-and-tear concerns can wait on repairs at least for a little while — but also others where they can’t, and the roof is a great example. Certain minor roofing issues, such as a single missing shingle or a small gutter problem, won’t cause major problems if you can’t get to them for a few days or weeks; others, however, are emergencies that require immediate assistance from roofing professionals.

At The Roof Doctor, we’re here to help in both these situations. Our roof repair services are offered to clients throughout Salt Lake City and other parts of Utah, and include both emergency repairs and more standard formats — both of which we cover. How can you determine whether an issue with your roof qualifies as an emergency? Here are a few of the telltale signs that this issue cannot wait, and that you should be calling our team for assistance right away.

Noticeably Sagging, Uneven Roof

If you’re viewing your roof from the outside, or even from inside your attic, and notice that it appears to be saggy or uneven, this is a major red flag. This could be caused by a number of things, such as damage from a recent storm or even wear and tear over time, but either way it needs to be addressed urgently.

A roof that’s uneven is more susceptible to water damage and other problems, so it’s important to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you don’t, you’ll be risking even more damage to your property and could end up paying far more for repairs in the future — or you may even have to replace the entire roof much earlier than you had planned.

Multiple Areas of Sunlight Coming Through

When inspecting your roof from the attic, seeing one or two minor instances of sunlight may not be too large a concern. This can happen over time, and may require a simple shingle replacement or some kind of patching job.

If, however, you’re seeing multiple areas of sunlight coming through, this is a much bigger issue and definitely qualifies as an emergency. This means that your roof is not doing its job in keeping moisture and other elements out, which could lead to serious water damage in the near future. In fact, many homeowners who see this happening to their roof will later realize that water damage has already begun to take place.

Excessive, Major Granule Loss

Granules are important roofing materials, used to protect the singles of your roof from the elements. They usually fall off gradually as your roof ages, but if you’re seeing an excessive amount of granules in your gutters or on the ground below your home, this is a sign that your roof is in bad shape.

The reason this is such a big deal is because it means that the protective layer over your roof is starting to wear away, which leaves your roof singles exposed and vulnerable to damage. If this problem isn’t fixed soon, you could be looking at a complete roof replacement in the near future, rather than just some minor repairs.

Significant Shingle Areas Missing

Again, this is an area where some context is required. Just one or two missing shingles on separate parts of the roof typically will not qualify as an emergency — this isn’t creating a major water damage risk, for one, and it’s also something that can typically be fixed in a day or two.

If, however, you’re missing several shingles in one particular area (or if they’ve been blown away by a recent storm), this is definitely an emergency. This opens your roof up to much greater water damage risk, as well as leaving it more susceptible to the elements in general. It’s important to address this as soon as possible, and our professionals can help get your roof back to its best shape in no time.

Curling or Buckling Concerns

Have you begun to notice your roof warping, curling or buckling? If so, this is another major sign that your roof needs emergency repairs. This is usually a sign that the roofing singles themselves are starting to fail, and if left untreated it could lead to even more serious damage down the road.

Major Unidentified Leaks (Especially in Upper Parts of the Home)

Finally, there may be cases where you’re having trouble identifying where a leak is coming from, or it’s in an area of the home that you can’t easily access. In these cases, it’s best to call in a professional who can help identify and fix the problem.

Roofing systems are complex, and as a homeowner you may not always be able to spot a problem right away. Just because you can’t see a leak doesn’t mean it’s not there — in fact, many leaks occur in upper parts of the home where they’re harder to detect. If you’re seeing water damage in any area of your home, it’s important to call a professional and have them take a look at your roof.

As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of the signs that your roof needs emergency repairs. By being proactive and watching for these signs, you can avoid potentially costly and serious damage down the road.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our roof repair or roof installation services in Salt Lake City or any other part of Utah, speak to the team at The Roof Doctor today.

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Will 1-Inch of Hail Damage My Home’s Roof?

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Hail damage to your roof is never fun to deal with as a homeowner, but understanding when hail becomes a point of concern can be helpful.

Hailstorms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Knowing which hail sizes can wreak havoc on your roof gives you a good indication as to what degree of damage you might face.

Continue reading to learn more about how understanding various sizes of hail can help you be proactive against storm damage. 

¼” Hail

Milder hailstorms will generally produce pea-sized hail and only for a few minutes at a time. In general, most roofs are designed to fair well when it comes to this type of storm. If you know that your roof already has existing damage before the hailstorm begins, it’s a good idea to make sure that the weather didn’t exacerbate the existing impairments.

½” Hail

This type of hail mimics the size of a marble. While not a foolproof rule, ½-inch hail usually falls into the safe zone as well. If the storm is particularly lengthy, produces strong winds, or if your roof had preexisting damage, having an inspection done by The Roof Doctor is a safe call.

¾” Hail

¾-inch hail is about the size of a dime and can be destructive depending on accompanying wind speeds. The damage that this type of hail produces is usually evident in places other than your roof. You might notice harm to your window screens, vinyl siding, and paint on decks or fences. If this is the case, we recommend an inspection to ensure that the hail damage doesn’t extend to your roof.

1-1 ½” Hail

Hail that reaches the 1-inch mark should be taken seriously despite the storm length. This size of hail can cause bruising to the shingle underlayment, harm to the siding, dents or cracks in the gutters, and other damage that shouldn’t be left unaddressed. You should hire a professional roofing company, like The Roof Doctor, to come and do an inspection after any major storm involving hail of this size or larger.

Hail Exceeding 1 ½”

Hail reaching the golf ball-sized range can penetrate the softer parts of a roof, such as ridge caps or roof vents. Anything above this size will also cause significant property damage like torn-off siding, cracked windows, and dented vehicles. You can assume that your roof has suffered some degree of destruction when these types of storms roll through town.

Call The Roof Doctor Roof Repairs and Replacements

If your roof has incurred any hail damage, contact The Roof Doctor for an inspection, repairs, or a complete replacement. We’re dedicated to giving you the best options that work for your home while providing you with the best roofing service you’ll ever have. We serve Salt Lake City, Layton, Sandy, Ogden, Orem, Provo, and neighboring cities in Utah. Contact us today to learn more about our services and get a free estimate!