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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. 

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The Basics of a Successful Roof Damage Insurance Claim

The Basics of a Successful Roof Damage Insurance Claim

If your roof needs repair, it is important to understand how to file a successful roof damage insurance claim.

After all, your roof is on the front lines against the elements in order to protect your home, so damages are inevitable.

Here are some tips to maximize your claim.

Find a Great Roofing Contractor

The first step you should take after noticing damage to your roof is hiring a roofing contractor. It is vital to work with a licensed, reputable contractor such as The Roof Doctor. A great contractor makes all the difference when filing a successful roof damage insurance claim.

Have Your Roof Inspected

You should have your roofing contractor inspect the damage prior to filing a claim. They will take pictures of the roofing issues as well as any other damages around your home. Capturing images of fallen tree branches, toppled chairs, or any other casualties of the storm will help strengthen your claim.

Be Prompt

Since your roof is constantly in use, time is of the essence when filing a claim to repair it. The longer it sits, the more time it has to collect dirt and debris that will make it difficult to establish the original damages.

Review Your Insurance Policy

All homeowner’s insurance policies are not created equal. You will want to make sure that the type of damage that occurred is covered by your plan. For example, if your roof was impaired in a hailstorm, you will want to verify that wind and hail damage is actually included in your policy.

Get an Estimate

Your insurance adjuster will provide an inspection in order to calculate an estimate. The Roof Doctor prefers to be on site for this process so that the adjuster is properly reviewing and noting all roof damage. Do not rely on the adjuster alone to determine the repair cost of the roof.

Keep a Log of Correspondence

Keep records all throughout the repair process. This includes photos, documented estimates, your homeowner’s insurance plan, and a record of who you spoke with and what they said. Ask a lot of questions and make sure you fully understand all the details of the job.

The Roof Doctor Way

In order to file a successful roof damage insurance claim, you need to work alongside an excellent roofing contractor. The professionals at The Roof Doctor are proud to offer excellent service and an open line of communication.

We serve Salt Lake City, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Bountiful, Orem, Provo, and everywhere in between in Utah. Contact The Roof Doctor for your free estimate today.

 

 

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Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover My Roof?

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover My Roof

Being a homeowner comes with countless responsibilities, and the majority of them protect their investment with homeowner’s insurance.

A good policy will cover any detached property, personal belongings, and the home itself, including your roof. But what happens if your roof becomes damaged?

Read more about this type of insurance and your roof below.

Q: Does homeowner’s insurance cover my roof?

A: Generally speaking, yes. A typical insurance policy will cover your roof and the cost of repairs or replacement if it becomes damaged. However, the fine print typically states that you’re only covered if the damage to your roof is a result of a sudden accident or act of nature. Furthermore, insurance doesn’t cover issues born from overall wear and tear or a roof that has exceeded its intended life span. These problems are the homeowner’s responsibility and aren’t eligible for reimbursement.

Q: How does roof coverage work?

A: Your roof arguably receives the most direct exposure to intense weather and sunrays. Depending on where you live, it can be exposed to several elements, such as heavy snow, hail, and ice storms in northern climates. Tornados and cyclones are common storms in the midwest. Tropical climates often suffer from hurricane-force winds.

While these elements differ from one another, they can all wreak major havoc on your roof. When your roof becomes damaged or destroyed from these natural events or accidents, such as debris falling from an overhead explosion, your home usually qualifies for a total or partial replacement.

When these events occur, you’ll be required to meet your policy deductible, and then coverage can kick in. Some high-risk states impose rules and exceptions on some policies. For example, you may have a higher deductible for damage caused by a hurricane. Homeowners in those areas may even be required to purchase additional coverall or a separate weather-related policy.

How to Get Reimbursed by My Insurance

The moment your roof is damaged, reach out to your insurance company for an inspection. Before they get to your house, make sure you gather any pertinent documents, such as your insurance policy, inspection reports, and pictures of the damage, which will be useful in the claims process. An adjuster from your insurance company will come to your house to inspect your roof and give their assessment.

PRO TIP — Take photos of your undamaged roof now so that if your roof becomes damaged and you have to work with your insurance, you’ll have a “before” picture to show them.

Contact The Roof Doctor

If your roof has become damaged and your homeowner’s insurance will cover it, you can count on the roofing specialists at The Roof Doctor. When the insurance adjuster inspects your roof, we’ll be by your side to ensure they properly note all its damage to maximize your reimbursement.

Contact us today so that we can coordinate a roof inspection with your insurance company’s claims adjuster. We serve Salt Lake City, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Brigham City, Bountiful, and everywhere in between!

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What Time of Year is Best to Replace Your Roof?

What Time of Year is Best to Replace Your Roof?

 

If your home is decades old, it may be time to replace your roof; this is one of the necessary evils of long-term homeownership.

A well-constructed roof should last around 20 years, but many factors can impact its lifespan. No matter how hard you care for your roof, it won’t last forever. If you need a replacement, is there an optimal time to do it?

Since it’s a huge purchase and investment, it’s best if you can appropriately plan for an update of this scale. Some circumstances may necessitate rapid and unplanned replacements, such as a catastrophic hurricane or unavoidable accident. However, we recommend that homeowners regularly monitor their roof’s status so that they can effectively plan ahead for replacement at the best possible time.

 

Best Time to Replace Your Roof

It’s best to tend to your home’s roof in late spring, or as soon as regular precipitation has concluded in your area. It’s difficult or nearly impossible to repair or replace a roof that is still enduring regular snow or rainfall due to safety and convenience concerns. Immediately after a wet or cold season, though, you’ll have a better awareness of leaks and drafts that might indicate roof damage.

Spring is preferable to winter for the temperature as well, and not just because no one wants to be on an icy, windy roof. Asphalt shingles are the most prevalent roofing material, and they need temperatures of around 50 degrees or warmer to properly adhere to the surface of the roof.

Summer can be an excellent time for roof replacement, provided you can avoid the hottest and most humid days. The hottest summer days will limit the hours your roofers can safely work, and the extreme heat can damage many meltable roofing elements—such as shingles.

Fall is the second-best time to replace a roof, but we recommend spring first because of the busyness in autumn. Roofing contractors report their busiest times being late summer through late fall. You might have to endure a waiting period during this season to get on a roofer’s list.

Winter roof work is usually needed in emergencies and best left to the most professional and experienced roofing companies. It’s difficult to get the seal needed for proper adhesion in temperatures under 50 degrees, and rooftops can be incredibly dangerous.

 

Plan Ahead

Roofing is a massive undertaking. It can be an expensive investment, even when you’re just considering small repairs. Our best word of advice is to plan ahead as best you can. If your roof is nearing 20 years of age and you see signs of wear, begin planning for a replacement soon. Save up or find roofers with accommodating plans. The best time of year to replace a roof is when you’re ready.

 

The Roof Doctor Way

No matter what time of year you need to replace your roof, The Roof Doctor stands ready and waiting to hear from you.

We service Salt Lake County. Let us help you protect your home and meet all your roofing needs.

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How Often Should I Get My Roof Inspected?

How Often Should I Get My Roof Inspected_

Your home’s roof is your ultimate protection from the elements, so it makes sense you would keep it well-maintained. However, a professional inspection isn’t a priority for many homeowners, so when a major storm comes up and damages the roof, it can also damage your budget. The time for getting an inspection is just as important as getting one. Keep reading to find out how often to schedule a roof inspection.

 

When to Have Your Roof Inspected

Most homeowners will recognize damage after a major storm hits and hail or wind tear off shingles or throw tree branches against the house or on the roof. Still, that’s not the only time you should inspect your roof; the recommended time is in the fall before winter sets in. Too cold and it could compromise a newly installed roof since new shingles can’t properly seal it down when it’s frigid. Also, trying to repair a roof when it’s icy can be extremely hazardous, so most homeowners wait until next spring to fix it.

 

Professional Vs. Homeowner Inspection

There are simple things a homeowner can do when inspecting their roof and without needing to get up on the roof to check. Flapping or missing shingles can be seen with good binoculars. If your roof is fairly new and doesn’t show interior water damage or hasn’t been exposed to major weather events, you can likely perform an inspection from the ground and a quick check for attic leaks. Other damage may not be so simple and can’t be seen from an untrained eye. This is where a professional comes into play. 

For a more comprehensive roof inspection, a professional is best since they have the training and experience needed to do a thorough inspection. If your roof is older and you want a seasonal inspection, you need a reputable roofing contractor. They can look for leaks, abnormal wear and tear, improper shingle installation or other previous repairs, and damage caused by debris from winds or hail. The inspection is broken into four categories: materials, interiors, structure, and workmanship, which includes looking for

 

To Schedule a Consultation, Call The Roof Doctor

If after a roof inspection shows you need roof repair or replacement, we’re available here at The Roof Doctor. Some of the repairs we do include dirty gutters, cracked sealant, cracked plastic vents, and cracked plastic pipe flashings.

Our licensed roofing contractors take extra precautions to ensure yours and their safety during this time, so reach out and get a free roofing estimate today. 

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How Do I File An Insurance Claim For A Roofing Repair?

How Do I File An Insurance Claim For A Roofing Repair?

With the recent storms that have hit Utah, wind damage, hail damage, and damage from downed trees or branches may damage your home. Roofing shingles can tear off, flashings damaged, and gutters can be damaged as well. When natural disasters damage your roof, you may wonder what the next steps are to filing an insurance claim. Stay tuned as we provide that information here so that you can begin repairs soon.

 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind and Hail Damage?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 1 in 20 homeowners will file an insurance claim every year with around 1 in 50 that will report specific damage. Most insurance companies cover some wind damage in the form of tornadoes, hailstorms, rain, and lightning. Understanding what your particular policy includes is crucial for knowing what to expect with insurance claims.

 

The Types of Wind and Hail Damage Insurance Covers

Here are the common types of wind and Hail damage insurance covers:

  • Wind damage to roofs
  • Windows, shutters, and window screens
  • Fences including hail damage to vinyl fences
  • Aluminum or Vinyl Siding 

It’s best to review your home insurance policy to see just what is covered and talk with your agent for more information.

 

Submitting a Wind Damage or Hail Damage Insurance Claim

Before contacting your insurance, inspect for any damage, but carefully. Don’t go up on your roof since it could be unstable. Get binoculars if needed and check for any damage. If you have damage, this is a good time to call a professional roofer to mitigate any damages while you wait for the insurance process to take place. Many insurance policies require some type of repair to mitigate any further damages to the inside of the home.  Here is the process of submitting a storm damage insurance claim for your property.

 

  1. First, ensure the area is safe. If the damage to the roof is causing water to flood into your home, get to safety. If windows are broken, ensure no one can be hurt around them.
  2. Document the damage with photos and videos and note when the damage occurred, the time    and date. 
  3. Write down the description of the damage and make any temporary repairs that will make your home still liveable.
  4. Secure valuable personal property by storing it with friends or family if possible. If not, rent a storage unit until the damage is repaired.
  5. Contact a professional roofer to evaluate the storm damage and make any temporary repairs that are required to keep your home watertight.
  6. Contact your homeowner’s insurance and begin the insurance claims process. Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to check out the damage and appraise it, meaning how costly it is. They will then approve payment for a roof repair or replacement. 

 

Got Wind or Hail Damage? Call The Roof Doctor

If you’re looking for a roofing repair company that serves most of Utah, including the Salt Lake Valley, Tooele, Layton, Ogden, Brigham City, and Bountiful, contact The Roof Doctor. You can trust our licensed roofing contractors that ensure high quality and a job done right the first time. Contact us for a free estimate today. 

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Roof Flashing DIY Repair

Roof Flashing DIY Repair

 

Roof leakage can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is from damage to the roof’s flashing, (thin material that’s usually made from galvanized steel and protects roof edges, valleys) and the junctions between roofing and obstructions, including chimneys, dormer, and vent pipes. So what happens when roof flashing fails? Continue reading to learn about roof flashing repair and some DIY tips.

Tips for Roof Flashing Repair

Small flashing repairs can be done by the homeowner typically. Small holes or corroded spots in flashing is an easy repair job and is done by plugging pinholes with roofing cement. Patch holes with a patch from the same material as the flashing up to about a ¾ inch in diameter. Take a wire brush or sandpaper and roughen the area around the hole and then clean it. Affix a patch that’s been cut larger than the hole with roofing cement. Cover the patch with more cement.

Here are a few other ways to repair roof flashing.

Renew flashing seals 

You can chip out the old mortar and caulking along the flashing edges using a masonry caulk to seal the joints between the flashing and the chimney. Take a urethane-based roofing cement or silicone caulking compound and seal the seam between the cap and step flashing. If working with valley flashing, lift the surrounding shingles’ edges and spread the cement on the flashing. Do this about six inches in from the shingle’s edges. When resealing drip edging, seal beneath the shingles and not the drip edge along the eaves.

Replace flashing around the vent pipe

First, remove the shingles that cover the flange at the sides and back. Pry and lift the flashing and then pull or cut off any nails. Take a new vent-pipe flashing and position it over the vent and push it down into place. Nail where shingles cover it. Last, replace the shingles, and cover the nails heads with roofing cement.

About DIY Repair

Although DIY repair can save money and allows homeowners to control when they accomplish it, a professional roofing company has the necessary training, experience, and tools to do it right. Working on a roof can be dangerous, so it’s vital to ensure safety is paramount above all else. If you’re not entirely confident in repairing your roof flashing, it’s best to contact a professional who can handle it. 

Call The Roof Doctor for Assistance

Choosing a reputable roofing company like The Roof Doctor for your roofing repairs assures you that the work being done is of the highest quality and standards. We’ve been doing business for the Salt Lake City area and beyond for the last decade and take pride in our service. Contact us today for a FREE roofing estimate.

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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Repair?

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Repair?

 

When it comes to your roof, it arguably sustains the most exposure to the elements of any parts of your home. Depending on what types of roof repair a homeowner needs, the costs could be high. Stay tuned to find out if homeowner’s insurance covers major roof repairs. 

What Homeowner’s Insurance Covers 

Homeowner’s insurance is more likely to cover significant damage resulting from a large hole in your roof or from being torn off entirely or from crashing down. Damage that isn’t quite as severe is where you might see a problem in coverage. For example, if a violent thunderstorm causes shingle damage, your insurance may see that as cosmetic damage and not cover it. However, water damage from that same storm likely would be covered, so it’s a tricky situation. 

If your roof is deteriorating due to age, and therefore, sustains wear and tear damage, most homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it. Moreover, if the roof has been neglected, that’s also a reason to deny the claim. 

Reimbursement for Roof Repair or Replacement 

Just like a car, your roof depreciates year-by-year, so unless it’s made of a material like the durability of slate, most insurance companies won’t cover an old roof. Other exclusions could be the use of particular roofing materials like recycled shake shingles or cedar or with roofs that contain more than two layers of materials. 

The first step, however, is to call your insurance provider to schedule an inspection. In the meantime, gather all the documents pertaining to your home, including a copy of your current home insurance policy, home inspection repairs, photos of the damage, and receipts for any repair work done. Also, consider taking before and after photos to document a healthy roof and a damaged one. These documents will help greatly in your reimbursement claim. 

Protecting Your Roof 

There are some tips we recommend to ensure your roof is protected from the elements and prevent damage. 

  • Perform yearly maintenance on your roof that includes identifying any loose, lost, or curled shingles, water damage, flashing issues, or obstacles. (overhanging or dead branches) 
  • Replace any damaged shingles or tiles. If an insurance inspector sees missing or otherwise shingles in poor condition, they might refuse to reimburse you for damage. 
  • If your roof is over ten years old, consider hiring a roof inspector to check for any damage that needs repairing. 
  • Remove obstacles that could damage your roof. 
  • Fix any water leakage immediately. 

Need Help? Contact The Roof Doctor 

If you need help repairing your roof, call The Roof Doctor. We are here to assist you with any questions or concerns and employ licensed and certified roofing specialists that get the job done right. Contact us today for the best service possible in Salt Lake, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Brigham City, and Bountiful. 

 

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How Do You Maintain Roof Shingles?

How Do You Maintain Roof Shingles_

Every year, homeowners discover they need to repair or replace their shingles, either because they’re old or the last storm damaged them. Even though it’s inevitable your roof will need replacing at some point, to prevent costly repairs and increase its lifespan, it’s vital to maintain roof shingles. There are several steps you can take to maintain your roof, so scroll down to learn how and when to check your shingles.

 

Roof Shingles Maintenance Checklist

It may seem like an inconvenient chore, but you must check on your roof often, at least every year, or after a big storm or high winds. You don’t need to climb up on your roof; however, take some good binoculars and check for any potential damage. Here’s what to look for:

  • Curling shingles – If you find this condition, it may mean your shingles are at the end of their lifespan or that they are improperly ventilated in your roofing system. If just a few are curling, you can replace them on a limited basis.
  • Missing shingles – Any shingle you find that’s loose or missing isn’t doing its job and therefore, should be fixed immediately. Water can enter the attic as a result of missing or loose shingles, which can cause a bigger issue.
  • Peeling shingles – Just one storm can do major damage to a shingle, so if you see peeling shingles after a storm, get an expert out to inspect it.
  • Cracked shingles – Wind, rain, or snow can cause shingles to crack, as well as extreme cold conditions that lead to ice. It’s best to replace these shingles quickly.
  • Missing granules – Normal weather conditions can cause granules to loosen and eventually fall off. Vigorous power washing can damage the shingles, so check for granule buildup in your gutters and replace if necessary.
  • Peeling or missing flashing – Metal flashing and rubber boots around chimneys and vent protrusions need to be in place; this is to ensure water doesn’t enter the home. You will need to see this up close, though, so get a professional to inspect the flashing.

 

If you see any of these signs of damage, it’s essential to get them looked at by a professional as quickly as possible. To keep your roof in good condition, wash your roof, which will eliminate not only dirt and debris but get rid of algae that may be growing on your house. To get rid of algae, spray your roof with a 50 percent mix of water and bleach solution. Even though this will kill the algae quickly, you’ll want to install copper strips just beneath your roof’s peak. This will help with the next rain when the copper molecules stream down your roof and kill any future algae.

 

Want a Professional Inspection? Call The Roof Doctor

To ensure an expert inspection is done right, give The Roof Doctor a call or fill out our form to get a FREE roofing estimate. Our licensed roofing contractors have the knowledge and experience to ensure you get the best service possible. Contact us today!