3 Ways to Storm Proof Your Roof This Season

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As storm season approaches, it’s crucial to ensure your roof is ready to withstand whatever Mother Nature throws its way. According to data from the National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA), Virginia experiences an average of six massive weather events over a five year period. Don’t wait until storm season to get your home ready for severe weather. Here’s a few things that you can do to prepare your roof before the weather gets more unpredictable.

Trim Overhanging Branches

You’ve probably got a major threat to your roof directly overhead. If you have dead or damaged tree limbs overhanging your roof, then they can break off during a storm. To protect your roof, trim back any overhanging branches and remove debris from your yard as quickly as possible. Be sure to use caution when using a ladder and always work with a partner. 

Clean Your Downspouts and Gutters

Clogged gutters and downspouts are another threat to your roof during storm season. This can lead to water damage and leaks in your home. So before storm season hits, remove any debris that you find that prevents drainage. You can use a power washer or remove the debris with a trench tool.

Inspect and Repair Any Damage

The best way to prep your roof for storm season is to conduct a thorough inspection. You can conduct a visible inspection to look for any signs of damage like cracked tiles or missing shingles. If you’re not comfortable inspecting the roof yourself, consider hiring a professional roofing contractor like Elevated Contracting to do the job for you. 

Your Roofing Partner

Are you ready to get your roof storm-ready? It’s important that you take the time to prepare your roof before storm season starts to save money, time, and stress in the long run. You don’t have to do it alone though. Our team of experienced roofing professionals is ready to help you keep your home safe and secure, no matter what the weather brings.

Weathering the Storm: Understanding Residential and Commercial Roof Damage

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The roof of any building is its first line of defense against the elements. From scorching sun to pounding rain, and from heavy snow to fierce winds, roofs withstand a barrage of weather conditions every day. However, when nature unleashes its full fury in the form of storms, roofs can sustain significant damage, posing safety risks and financial burdens to homeowners and businesses alike. In this blog, we delve into the various types of storm damage—hail, rain, wind, and overall storm impact—focusing on both residential and commercial properties. 

Hail Damage:

Hailstorms can wreak havoc on roofs, especially those composed of asphalt shingles. Hailstones of various sizes pelt the surface, causing dents, cracks, and granule loss. These damages compromise the roof’s integrity, leading to leaks and, if left unaddressed, structural issues. Identifying hail damage often requires a professional inspection, as some signs may not be immediately visible from ground level. Insurance companies typically cover hail damage, making prompt assessment and repair crucial to prevent further deterioration and maximize insurance claims. 

Rain Damage:

While rain may seem less menacing than hail, it can still cause significant harm to roofs, particularly if they are already compromised. Poorly maintained or damaged roofs are susceptible to leaks during heavy rainfall, allowing water to seep into the building’s interior. Over time, this water intrusion can result in mold growth, rotting of wooden structures, and ceiling damage. Regular roof inspections and maintenance help identify and rectify vulnerabilities before they escalate into costly repairs. 

Wind Damage:

Strong winds during storms can uplift roofing materials, tear shingles, and even detach entire sections of the roof. Additionally, debris propelled by high winds can puncture or scratch the roof’s surface, further compromising its integrity. Commercial properties with flat or low-sloped roofs are particularly susceptible to wind damage, as the lack of pitch increases the likelihood of wind uplift. Prompt repairs following wind damage are essential to prevent water infiltration and structural issues. 

Storm Impact: Storms often combine multiple elements—hail, rain, and wind—creating a perfect storm of destruction for roofs. The cumulative effect of these forces can result in widespread damage, necessitating comprehensive repairs or even roof replacement. Beyond the physical damage, storms can also disrupt business operations and displace homeowners, underscoring the importance of proactive measures to mitigate storm risks.

Mitigation and Preparedness: While it’s impossible to prevent storms, there are steps homeowners and businesses can take to minimize roof damage:

  1. 1. Regular Inspections: Schedule annual roof inspections by qualified professionals to identify and address any issues before they escalate.

  2. 2. Maintenance: Keep gutters clear, trim overhanging branches, and promptly replace damaged or missing shingles to maintain the roof’s integrity.

  3. 3. Reinforcement: Consider reinforcing the roof’s structure to withstand high winds and severe weather conditions, especially for commercial properties.

  4. 4. Insurance Coverage: Review your insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for storm damage, including hail, rain, and wind.

  5. 5. Emergency Plan: Develop an emergency preparedness plan that outlines procedures for securing the property and addressing damage following a storm.

Storm damage on residential and commercial roofs is a serious concern, posing safety risks and financial implications for property owners. By understanding the various types of damage—hail, rain, wind, and overall storm impact—and implementing proactive measures, homeowners and businesses can better protect their properties and minimize the aftermath of severe weather events. From regular inspections and maintenance to comprehensive insurance coverage and emergency preparedness, investing in storm resilience is key to weathering the storm. 

Benefits of Siding Replacement

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You love your home. You want it to be a reflection of you, inside and out, right? So, why leave the siding the same color and style as when you bought the house several years ago? There are reasons and benefits to siding replacement, some which you may not have considered before.

Avoiding Fades and Cracks

A lot of really old siding fades and cracks. If you walk around your home’s exterior right now, you might notice areas that appear darker or lighter than the rest. Maybe you find some cracked slats or slats with holes in them. Replacing all your siding with newer siding that resists UV light and weather makes your home look new too. Plus, the newer engineered and manufactured siding will last longer than the old stuff you have on your house now.

Increasing Curb Appeal and Resale Value

Nothing excites potential buyers more than a house that is very attractive from the curb, except finding out that the siding is quite new. Knowing that they don’t have to replace the siding anytime soon is a bonus when buying a home. Buyers want to buy a home that is move-in ready with little effort in the next five years. When you replace your siding, that is one of the top five things that buyers like to know doesn’t need replacing.

Protecting What’s Underneath the Siding

Older siding starts to fail around the 15-20-year mark. When it starts to fail, it allows pests, water, mold, and mildew to get underneath. Your home’s insulation, stud boards, and walls are behind the siding. New siding will protect everything behind it and keep pests and water out of your home. If you are already noticing a lot of bug pests or mold along the walls somewhere in your home, that’s where the old siding outside is failing. Replace it.

The Slate Roof and Its Longevity Can’t Be Beat: Is This Big Investment Right for You?

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A slate tile roof is made up of thousands of individually cut stone tile shingles. Every tile is layered over the next and secured to a wooden framework. Roofs of this sort have lasted for well over a century, making them the longest lasting roofing material you can buy. However, the cost of a slate tile roof is quite jaw-dropping. Here’s how you can look at the price tag and find peace with your investment. 

An Asphalt Shingle Roof Would Have to Be Replaced Several Times Over

An asphalt shingle roof would need to be replaced five times in a hundred-year period. Every time that shingle roof is replaced, the price would go up several thousand dollars. If the roof costs $25,000 the first time to replace, it will eventually cost you almost a quarter of a million to replace the roof five times in a hundred years, give or take a few thousand. The slate tile roof may cost a lot initially, but it pays for itself over time because you will never have to replace it in your lifetime or your children’s lifetime.

Almost Nothing Can Damage Slate Tile

Wind, fire, ice, snow, rain, or hail have virtually no impact on a slate tile roof. Imagine having a roof that cannot burn, won’t curl up from extreme heat or wind, is never impacted by ice or snow, and hail up to a certain diameter can’t ding the tiles.

You would never have to file a claim on your insurance for the roof when you have slate tile installed. That translates to no increase in your insurance rates or premiums, saving you money that way. Some insurance companies even offer discounts when they find out you have slate tile for a roof. Ask your insurance company if they offer something like this.

Green Roofing Options for Houses and Commercial Buildings: There Are More Than You Think

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Living in the city or suburbs where there isn’t a lot of room for a garden. People who want to do their part and help out the environment may not know that they can create a green roof. A green roof is the solution to both a lack of a garden on the ground and a contribution to the environment in an urban area. Green roofing on houses and commercial buildings is nothing new, but how they are constructed in the present day is. Consult with a green roofing contractor for ideas.

Full Garden or Small Boxed Gardens on a Commercial Roof

A commercial roof only serves one purpose, and that’s to funnel rain off a tall building. What if you could put the rain to good use by growing things and reducing pollution? That’s exactly what a lot of commercial buildings in big cities like New York and Chicago are doing. You can choose to line the entire expanse of the roof with a full garden, or plant individual gardens in raised garden boxes on the same expanse of roof. The actual roof underneath is protected by a waterproof membrane and water is funneled into the garden(s) instead of off the roof.

Green Roofing on a Sloped Residential Roof

There’s a couple of different ways you could do this. Growing sod on the roof prior to growing flowers or wildflowers is one way. Another is to construct a roof with stepped planter boxes and grow things in rows down the slopes. You can also hang baskets and water chains from the edges of the roof to grow even more green things. As for the roof itself, it is protected through several layers of water-resistant and waterproof materials. The integrity of your roof is never compromised when the planning and construction phases of a green roof are expertly executed.

What Roofing Warranties Cover

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Roofing warranties vary by company, so there’s no universal list of what they cover. That means a GAF warranty differs from a TAMKO warranty or an Owens Corning warranty. Each company does have a few things in common related to its warranties, such as limiting coverage years and offering workmanship coverage when a certified contractor installs the roof.

General Warranties Offer Limited Coverage

Each roofing materials manufacturer offers a general warranty that applies to any roofing product it makes installed by any contractor. These warranties typically provide a time limit for the coverage in years. Most of these warranties last 10, 15, or 20 years. They cover manufacturer defects, and some cover wind damage up to a specific measurement, such as 75 mph.

Obtaining an Upgraded Warranty

Each roofing materials company offers certification programs for professional roofers. These classes teach the contractor how to properly install the roofing system manufactured by that company. Each firm sells proprietary products, and during these courses, the contractor learns each facet of the products and how to install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once a contractor earns such a certificate, any installations done by them come with an enhanced warranty or two warranties, one for materials and one for workmanship. For example, GAF offers two levels of certification. Its entry-level warranty extends the length of coverage of the general warranty. A contractor who earns its Master Elite certification provides the enhanced warranty called the Golden Pledge and a workmanship warranty.

Contractor-Backed Warranties

Some roofing installers offer a workmanship warranty through their business. These typically cover only the installation and last only for a few years. An independent workmanship warranty might remain in effect for up to five years.

Get Warrantied Work in Northern Virginia

Call Elevated Contracting for roofing replacements in Northern Virginia. Our certified crews can handle anything from roof replacements following storm damage to new siding installation as a part of your home improvement efforts. The experts we employ have earned certifications as CertainTeed Select Shingle Masters, GAF Factory-Certified Contractors, and HAAG-certified storm damage inspectors. We offer free inspections, estimates, and consultations to help you make an informed decision about your home or business. Contact us today to get started on your roofing project.

What to Expect During the Insurance Claims Process

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So, you have started a roofing claim with your insurance company? Be prepared to wait while the insurance company walks through the usual steps. Each step is part of the typical protocol that insurance companies follow before issuing a claim check.

The Inspection

After you file a claim, the insurance company is going to want to inspect your roof. They can’t simply take you at your word or they would go broke. Someone they hire or outsource the inspection to will call you to arrange a date and time to inspect your roof. Most of the time you don’t have to be home but if you have questions for the inspector, you should be at home for the appointment.

Pictures As Proof

The inspector isn’t just going to climb on your roof and look around. He or she will take lots of pictures of any areas of damage. The pictures will be submitted to your insurance company so that the claims adjuster can make a fair decision. 

The Assessment by the Claims Adjuster

The claims adjuster will look at the pictures and read the report from the inspector. The damages are evaluated by the claims adjuster at the lowest price for repairs. You can submit an estimate for repairs to the adjuster. Usually, two estimates for the work are requested. Then the adjuster will cut and issue a check for the repairs at the lowest estimate or at the current market value of materials and labor for your roof. 

The check is sent to you to make the repairs, or to the roofing contractor you intend to hire for the job. While you can hire anyone you want to do the work, the check will not cover the cost if you hire someone with the higher estimate. After the check is sent, the claims adjuster closes your claim and considers the matter complete. 

Why a Certified GAF Roof Is Worth the Investment

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The roofing choice you make for your home will determine the integrity and longevity of your roof. It will also impact the aesthetic appeal of your home. Certified GAF roofs are an option to consider investing in. The company has shown commitment to excellence and innovation over time. Even though the initial cost is high, consider GAF roofs not an expense but a worthy investment. There are several reasons why roofers recommend GAF roofs to residential and commercial building owners.

Warranty Coverage

GAF roofs offer a warranty on materials, construction, installation and other conditions commonly affecting roofs. The cost of a GAF roof is directly linked to the comprehensive protection it provides, making it a worthwhile investment.

Quality Materials

The shingles, underlayments and other roofing products are made with high-quality materials. They are designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. The materials are subjected to rigorous testing to meet or exceed industry standards.

Professional Installation

Only Master Elite roofers are certified to install or repair GAF roofs. When you hire a GAF roof installer, you are getting a professional knowledgeable about GAF products and installation techniques. This assures you of durability in all weather conditions. Only 2% of roofing contractors nationwide are certified as Master Elite roofers.

Energy Efficiency

Certified GAF roofs are designed to be energy efficient. Some shingles are ENERGY STAR certified. This means they meet strict energy efficiency guidelines the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency set. An energy-efficient roof can contribute to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.

Enhanced Curb Appeal

GAF-certified roofs are available in various colors, materials, designs and roofing styles. You can enhance the appeal of your home with the choices. The roof selections also have textures that create an extra visual depth and stylish appeal. Whether you prefer traditional, modern or specialty designs, GAF roofs have you covered.

Resale Value

A well-maintained and quality roof can contribute to a higher resale value. Buyers may be more confident to pay more for a property with a quality roof, a strong warranty and a reputation for reliability. Whatever you invest in your roof choice will return when you sell your home.

When considering a new roof for your home, your choice goes beyond materials and aesthetics. Choosing a certified GAF roof and a Master Elite roofing contractor ensures quality and expert installation. The investment in GAF roofs exceeds the initial costs and will give you peace of mind and long-term protection.

What to Know About GAF Certified Roofers and Product Warranties

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Achieving the dream of homeownership is a goal for many. The roof holds particular importance as a crucial component of any structure. A home is valued depending on the type and quality of the roof installed. For the best results, always ensure you hire a qualified roofer. With a GAF-certified roofer, you will never go wrong. 

There is also a solid relationship between roofers and GAF product warranty. The warranty level depends on the products purchased and the roofer’s qualification. This article will look at the benefits of working with GAF Certified Roofers. 

GAF Product Warranties

Investing in products with comprehensive warranties gives you confidence in your roof’s future. The warranty will cover almost every cost if you need repairs or replacements. GAF offers five levels of product warranties to protect the integrity of their roofs. The warranty protects you against poor artistry and defective products. 

GAF insists on working with certified roofers to ensure your project is well done. Opting for non-certified roofers disqualifies you from the GAF warranty. Hiring GAF-certified roofers might be expensive, but the quality of their work is worth it. 

The product warranties offered by GAF are

  • GAF Shingle and Accessory Limited Warranty
  • GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty
  • System Plus Limited Warranty
  • Silver Pledge Limited Warranty 
  • Golden Pledge Limited Warranty

Who Are GAF Certified Roofers?

GAF-certified roofing contractors are top-tier professionals. They’ve earned recognition through dedication, effort, commitment, and extensive expertise. There are four levels of GAF certifications:

Authorized: This is the GAF entry-level certification. You become a GAF-authorized roofer after meeting several minimum requirements set by the company. These roofers qualify you for the 1st-tier GAF System Plus Limited Warranty. 

Certified: A certified roofer has more experience than the authorized. To become a certified roofer, you must have a proven record of professionalism and quality work. Working with an accredited roofer opens up all the other GAF product warranties. 

Master Elite: This is the second-most prestigious GAF certification level a roofer can receive. The threshold for this title is very high. Hence, very few roofers have managed to get it. 

President’s Club: This is the highest and most prestigious title a roofer can receive from GAF. Proficiency in this program is contingent upon very advanced skill levels and expertise. Hence, this also has very few members. 

 Your roof’s durability and performance hinge on top-quality materials and skilled installation. For a reliable and professionally installed roofing system, let Elevated Contracting do the job for you.