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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?

Will-1-Inch-of-Hail-Damage-My-Homes-Roof-2

 

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!

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Leaking Roof? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Filing an Insurance Claim

Weather events can wreak havoc on your roof, and many homeowners will find the need to file an insurance claim for a leaking roof.

Utah’s spring is upon us, and with it comes rain, hailstorms, and high winds. Does your homeowner’s insurance cover roof leaks and water damage? How much will it cost you? There are a few important factors you need to know before you file that claim.

Homeowner’s Insurance and Roof Leaks

The good news is that many homeowner's insurance policies cover roof leaks and any related water damage. Leaky roofs are typically the result of a storm creating a hole or other place where water can enter your home. Some of the most popular causes of roof damage that are covered in insurance policies include rain, snow, hail, high winds, and trees falling on your roof.

Every insurance policy is different and will include different coverages and exceptions, so it’s important to read the fine print of your particular policy to be sure you fully understand your coverage.

Cause of Damage is Important

An insurance claim for a leaky roof might be denied if the insurance adjuster deems that the damage was preventable. Preventable damage would include anything that might have been prevented if the proper care and roof maintenance had been performed.

The key to a successful insurance claim in proving that the damage was caused by a sudden, unexpected event that could not have been prevented. It’s a good idea to hire a roofing expert to evaluate your roof in addition to the insurance adjuster to make sure the proper cause of the leaking roof is identified.

Expect to Pay a Deductible

Many insurance policies include a deductible and a coverage limit. These numbers are determined when you set up your policy, and they can be adjusted with the changes being reflected in your premium. If you file a claim against a leaky roof, the deductible is the amount you will pay before your coverage kicks in, and the coverage limit is the highest amount your insurance company will pay toward repairing your roof.

The Roof Doctor is Here

The expert team at The Roof Doctor can help you through the process of making an insurance claim, as well as help repair or replace your roof. Our roofing specialists will take note of any problems and the cause of the damage to ensure the claim is filed correctly.

We serve the following cities in Utah: Salt Lake City, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Bountiful, Orem, Provo, and everywhere in between! Contact us today for all of your roofing needs!

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Are Flat Roofs Durable?

Flat roofs have gained significant popularity throughout the last few years as new homes and commercial buildings are being designed and built. 

This type of roof gives homes a modern look with its sleek lines and sharp corners. As always, with a newer design, there are still plenty of questions to be answered about these horizontal roofs. We'll explore many of the questions that we’re often asked about a flat roof, such as durability, what type of maintenance they require, and costs. 

Considerations for Flat Roofs

  • Construction and Cost - Constructing a roof that's flat is relatively straightforward for many roofers. It means that when you're building a home, the roofing can be done much more efficiently when compared to other roofing options. Costs are also kept low due to the low amount of materials needed to create a flat roof. While many associate this style of roof with luxury, Improve Net's online calculator proves that a flat roof is more affordable than pitched roofs in many cases.

  • Durability - Many roofing professionals will tell you that when you're looking for a durable roof, a flat roof is the best way to go. Concerns are often brought up that water and snow will remain on top of the roof and eventually leak or leave water stains. With flat roofing, there’s little risk for that, since flat roofs aren't 100% flat. Construction Tuts reports that roofers build a flat roof with "...a slight slope to provide some drainage. Normally a slope of ¼ inch per foot is used." This slight slope gives the look and appeal of a completely flat roof without ever having to worry about water damage.

  • Repairs - If there are any problems with your flat roof and damages, repairs are not only possible but are also reasonably inexpensive. In some cases, you can even make the fix yourself. If you are interested in learning more about how you can fix a flat roof, check out our easy step-by-step guide. However, if you’re not comfortable with DIY repairs, you can count on The Roof Doctor to fix any of your roof problems in a timely manner. 

  • Cleaning and Maintenance - When it comes to cleaning the roof, you'll notice that while frequent cleaning is necessary, it's much more manageable with a flat roof. Thanks to the flatness of the rooftop, all points are more accessible for deep cleaning. As with all roofs, you want to remove any algae, mold, and excess debris to prevent unnecessary buildup. Pressure washing the roof is an easy and highly recommended way to maintain your flat roof. 

Call The Roof Doctor

When you're ready to plan and install your new flat roof, The Roof Doctor is prepared to talk. With years of experience in installing flat roofs, our licensed roofing specialists have the knowledge to help you make the best roofing decision for your home. Serving Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah County and their surrounding areas, we're eager to give Utah homeowners the roof of their dreams. Contact us today for a free estimate!

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A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Repair Flat Roofs

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Repair Flat Roofs

 
Most of the time, it’s possible to repair flat roofs rather than to completely replace them, saving you money and stress.

In today’s world, we’re used to things being made so cheaply that it’s better to throw them out and replace them when they break than it is to try and fix them. The same cannot be said for
roofs.

If your flat roof is in need of repair, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do just that.

Step 1: Locate the Problem

The first step is to find the source of the leak. That’s not always as easy as it might seem, since
the location of the leak indoors often isn’t in the same position as the leak in the roof. This is
because the water travels along the underside of the roof before it finds a way into the house
along a seam in the sheathing and then finds its way inside.
Begin your search by looking uphill from the interior leak, since water runs down. Even on a flat
roof, there’s a small incline. Look for any visible signs of damage. Most roof problems occur
within a few feet of chimneys, deformers, plumbing, roof vents, and anything else that sticks up
out of the roof.

Step 2: Gather Replacement Materials and Tools

The material used to repair flat roofs should match the rest of the roof. Other materials that
might be needed for repair include roof patches and roofing tar. It’s best to let the professionals
at The Roof Doctor make the call on how to best move forward because this isn’t something you
want to accidentally mix up, as it can cause problems down the line.

Step 3: Make the Repair (Or Let the Pros Handle It)

The repair might be as easy as filling in a small hole. It might also be a little bit more
complicated. If you can’t tell the magnitude of the situation, don’t be afraid to let us step in.
Flat roof repairs can be complicated, we get it. It’s always best to call a professional to make
any repairs. Professional roofers have the right tools, proper training, and patience to find any
problems with the roof and repair them successfully.

In Need of Flat Roof Repair? Call The Roof Doctor!

The licensed roofing professionals at The Roof Doctor can help with your roof repairs. We repair
flat roofs, perform storm damage repairs , and offer installation services.
We are proud to provide quality roof repairs and installations throughout Salt Lake City, Tooele,
Ogden, Layton, Bountiful, Orem, Provo, and everywhere in between in Utah. Contact us for a
free roofing estimate today!

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3 Reasons Why Utah Homes Need Asphalt Roofing Shingles

3 Reasons Why Utah Homes Need Asphalt Roofing Shingles

 

When it comes to making smart choices for your home, you want to make sure you’re getting the best materials, such as asphalt roofing shingles. 

Skimping on quality can lead to unnecessary damage and repair costs. That’s why we recommend choosing asphalt roofing shingles for your Utah home. 

Here are three reasons why:

Cost-Effective

A new roof can get expensive fast, but with asphalt shingles, you can get more bang for your buck. While metal roofs can cost up to $900 per 100 square feet, asphalt roofs run as low as ⅕ of that cost! You’ll pay a lot less upfront for an asphalt shingle roof. 

Additionally, asphalt shingles are generally easier to install, meaning you’ll also save money on labor costs. You always want to pay a professional to work on your roof, and less time for installation means less cash out of pocket for you. These materials are widely available, meaning you’ll have no problem finding exactly what you’re looking for at an affordable price.

  1. Year-Round Weather Control

Asphalt shingles are constructed with your home’s safety in mind. Here in the Beehive State, we experience all four seasons, which can mean hail, snow, wind, and heat all having an impact on your home. Asphalt shingles are made to provide protection against all the elements. 

With better leak protection than other materials, your house will stay safe from snow and rain during the cold months. During the summer, asphalt shingles will protect your home with thermal insulation and fire resistance. 

2.Customizable Aesthetic

Whether you’re going to live in your home for 2 years or 20, the aesthetics of your house are probably of the utmost importance to you. With these roof shingles, you’ll have a huge array of customizable options to make sure your house looks exactly how you imagined. 

Asphalt shingles come in dozens of colors, ranging from bright to dark in various shades. You also have the option of choosing your preferred texture and style. If you’re installing a new roof, you have the chance to pick the shingles that look best with your already beautiful home.

Call The Roof Doctor Today

Whether you’re building your dream home or sprucing up an old one, The Roof Doctor is here for all your asphalt roofing needs. We can help you make all the roofing decisions to keep your home affordable, safe, and beautiful. 

We serve Salt Lake City, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Orem, Provo, Bountiful, and surrounding Utah cities. Get a free estimate today.