The Steps For Home Inspection

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Call us for a FREE Home Inspection. If we find damage, we will open an insurance claim with your insurance company. We will get the claim number and have you tell them that we are your contractor and you want us present for the inspection with the adjuster. They will call us and set up a time to meet and we will get on the roof with them and show the damage. If you have already had an adjuster out and they didn’t give you a satisfactory answer, we can ask for a Re-Inspect.

Your adjuster will tell us if they are going to approve the claim and will give you a Scope of Loss explaining all they will pay for. I will get a copy and make sure that all items are covered for you. Remember, their job is to minimize the claim, but our job is to maximize the claim. Once a settlement is agreed on and it is satisfactory to you, we will have you pick colors and materials to complete the job.

Your check may need to go to the mortgage company for endorsement before we can proceed with the repairs, and your insurance company may withhold a payment for a portion of the claim until repairs are completed. When the work is substantially complete, we will prepare the paperwork for any funds that are being withheld. We will guide you through the process that will get us paid in full for your job.

HOW TO INSPECT YOUR ROOF PROPERLY
ACC offers these tips on what to check on the outside:
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Visually inspect your roof for cracked, torn, bald or missing shingles. Then, scan the roof for loose material or wear around chimneys, vents, pipes or other penetrations.

Watch out for an excessive amount of shingle granules (they look like large grains of sand) in the gutters — this is a sign of advanced wear.

Watch for signs of moisture, rot or mold. Note that wet spots may not be directly under your faulty shingle; water can travel down to its lowest spot before it drips. Mold, fungi and bacteria can grow quickly — within 24 to 48 hours of a water-related problem.

Examine the drainage and make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached. Also ensure all drains are open and allow water to exit, and all gutters and downspouts are free of debris.

Check that all bath, kitchen and dryer vents go entirely outside of your home, not just into the attic space.

Exterior check
When you take a look at the exterior of the roof, pay attention to such things as damaged flashing, missing shingles, curling, blistering, buckling, rotting and algae growth (which occurs most often in humid climates and appears as dark or greenish stains).

Check the simplest solutions first
If your roof has water damage, don’t jump the gun and assume you need to start all over with a brand new roof. The Missouri Contractors State License Board says that if your roof was properly installed and is less than than 15 to 20 years old, it can often be repaired rather than replaced.

Starting over
If you do decide to go ahead and replace the whole roof, keep weather and other issues specific to your locality in mind when choosing materials.

For example, wood and asphalt shingles aren’t especially fire resistant — and this could be a problem if you live near a lot of dry brush and trees. Slate, tile and metal are more expensive materials, but they are a worthwhile investment because of the extra protection they offer against fire.

If, on the other hand, snow loads are an issue where you live, you might want to consider a durable and lightweight standing-seam metal roof. These can typically cast off the snow before it becomes a problem.

But before setting your heart on slate or tile — and we know they look really gorgeous — realize that these are very heavy materials. Some house framing just isn’t strong enough to support the extra weight of this sort of roofing.

Start now — before you have no choice
Don’t wait until water is unexpectedly pouring into your home by way of a leaky roof. Start protecting your home by using some simple observation skills. If you find problems, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to replace your roof. Many repairs can be made before a major rebuild is necessary.

If you do need a new roof, be aware that this isn’t an average “do it yourself” type of project. It’s tough work — especially if you’re taking off the old roof — and can be dangerous, too. (Roofs slope and are up high… need we say more?)

It’s all looking up
Most people list “Having a roof over my head” as one of life’s essentials — and there’s a reason for that. It’s not just a matter of practicality or aesthetics (though both of those play a part). Your roof is what keeps you and your family safe from the sun and snow, lightning and rain.

So cozy up with the knowledge that once your roof is in tip-top shape, it will stay that way for years to come.