When it comes to homeowners insurance, most folks have a vague understanding of their policy type and its cumbersome wording. What’s more troublesome is that states that experience hurricanes, tornadoes, and large hail are shifting towards a less favorable type of coverage: Actual Cash Value (ACV). Sometimes policies are even switched to ACV in states where weather is the most extreme. Sadly, the most concerning trend in insurance is the requirement of a health check on roofs more than 15 or 20 years old. If there is an issue, you’ll be forced to correct it before getting a standard Replacement Cost (RC) policy or be forced into an ACV policy. Insuring 20-year-old roofs with RC policies is already near impossible in states like Kansas and Florida.

Let’s step back and take a closer look at these two policy types.

As you know, the basic purpose of insurance is to cover a loss that you have suffered. As policy holders, we would like to only pay our deductible on a claim and have all repairs paid for by the insurer. That’s a Replacement Cost policy. It’s often paid in two sums: half up front and the rest when work is completed.

Actual Cash Value takes depreciation into account, in a multitude of ways, to determine what you receive to cover your loss. For instance, a roof predicted to last 30 years will be assumed to have zero value at the end of that timespan. So, if the roof is somehow destroyed 15 years after installation, the ACV will be half of the original cost of the roof.

Actual Cash Value = Replacement Cost – Depreciation

The upswing on these ACV policies is that they are often less expensive than RC and may have a smaller deductible.

The Problem with Insuring 20-Year-Old Roofs

As mentioned, a growing number of insurers will want to look at your roof of 20+ years before covering you. In areas like Cincinnati, where hail and wind tend to destroy roofs twice as fast as average, it behooves profit margins for insurers to look at receipts and warranties of roofs, along with an inspection report, to determine their plan of action. Many new home buyers will be looking at decent older roofs; but a report may say different, and the outcome may be a replacement request to access an RC policy. Most people with low finances will opt into an ACV policy and enjoy lower premiums, while a few may still be able to obtain an RC but have an inflated premium due to the poor condition of the roof.

Other hard to insure home types

Why is 20 the magic number of years? The average life expectancy of asphalt shingles is 40 years. Hence, the half-life point is a good place for insurers to start. But there’s more to it, and there’s a reason why some insurance providers want to look at roofs at 15 years of age. This is the age at which the elements start to drastically affect the average asphalt roof. At around 12 years most shingles will begin to get stiff/brittle and the granules coating the surface will slowly lose their hold. This natural aging is not the ACV depreciation factor insurers are looking at, simply the intelligent point to be careful and opt for an inspection.

Anyone with an older roof that fails an inspection should look into full replacement even if there are just small repairs requested. Why? It’s a great investment that will:

• Make it easy to acquire an RC policy
• Lower your premiums
• Add value to your home on resale
• Beautify you home

Learn how else you can cut insurance costs here

ACV Insurance Claim Payout Example

An ACV policy subtracts the depreciation from the replacement cost. Thus, insuring 20-year-old roofs with issues is great for insurers. They know total failure is around the corner and are ready to help out and still be in the black. The following scenario should make it clear how this policy works:

Joe buys a 20-year-old home with its original roof and seeks homeowners insurance. His insurance agent schedules an inspection due to the age. The report shows that there is a good deal of granule loss and some notable wind damage…this is Cincinnati after all. The agent requests that Joe pay to repair the wind damage at the cost of about $1,500 or replace the roof before the home can be covered by an RC policy. The agent will likely omit the part about saving on premiums with a new roof, but will highlight the high cost that just repairing the roof will leave. Then the ACV option will come out. Depending on the insurer, the repairs may still be needed as age and the degree of the issues will factor in.

Joe—who knows nothing about roofing—looks at his roof, which appears fine to him, and thinks about saving that $1,500 and another $300 a year with the ACV policy. He makes the cheap call. Joe’s happy and feels safe; but then a hailstorm destroys his roof five years later. Just as water damage is starting to show, he calls his agent to schedule an inspection.

After the inspection, Joe gets a call from his agent with the prognosis. He’s informed that the roof is totaled and the “like kind and type” roof replacement will cost $14,000. Joe’s first question is: “How much will this cost me?” This is where it gets yucky with his ACV policy.

The original roof cost $10,000 and came with a 40-year warranty. The policy took the depreciation factor to mean that the now 25-year-old roof lived 62.5%. This was applied against the original price of the roof to give the depreciated roof value of $3,750 and a depreciation value of $6,250.

Hence, the agent said: “We’re paying the repair cost of $14,000 minus the roof’s current depreciation value of $6,250 minus the $1,000 deductible.” That left Joe having to pay for the other $7,250 to have his roof replaced.

Did that make sense?

No? Say the roof was only 10 years old and had a 50-year warranty. The depreciation value of the $10,000 roof would be $2,000 (20%).

$14,000 Repair – $2,000 Depreciation – $1,000 Deductible = $11,000 paid toward repairs by ACV policy.

This new roof scenario isn’t bad, plus it made the premiums as low as possible. The same equation is used for all other losses in the home and its contents.

Insuring 20-year-old roofs is often even harder if small repairs are needed.

What did we learn from all of this?

• Insuring 20-year-old roofs is getting harder.
• ACV policies are cheaper but leave you paying a lot more when disaster strikes.
• A new roof will save you money on premiums—especially if the warranty is for 50 years.

The post Insuring 20-Year-Old Roofs is a Growing Problem appeared first on Roofing Annex.

As the multitude of blue tarps attest, the March storm damaged roofs throughout Florence, Kentucky in a big way. There are two big concerns that homeowners are being faced with in the wake of the high winds. First, the vast property damage has brought predatory contractors flocking to the area by the dozens. Secondly, while on service calls in the area, our team has noted that even homes with minimal to no signs of damage, from the ground, have hidden issues upon close inspection. This article will elaborate on these two issues and give you industry insider facts that can save you from serious grief.

Predatory Roofers in the Wake of the March 1^st Storm in Florence

A predatory roofer is one that leaves you high and dry after typically worthless repairs are made. They may never even make the repairs in some cases. Even if they seem so helpful when they come to your door, tarps in hand, they are looking to grab your insurance check and run. They will typically repair or reroof your home but they won’t be there if anything goes wrong with their work. In most cases there isn’t even anything more than a low grade manufacturer’s warranty to back the products they use… which doesn’t cover workmanship.

We’ve seen just about as many suspicious yard signs in Florence as we’ve seen local brick and mortar companies represented. These fly-by-night roofers, also known as “storm chasers”, are seen driving around even weeks after a storm such as the one here. That’s why we want you to be aware of the tell-tale signs your roofer is a predatory contractor:

• Shows up at your door with little to no company branded clothing, print materials, or properly vinyl printed branding on their truck.
• Wants you to sign an agreement to work with them because they inspected and put a tarp on your roof. This is not a legal document in any way!
• Pushy on speeding along the process – they may want to start work once your claim is approved – before having a check in hand.
• They may be from the other side of the state or from several states away.
• They will not be able to provide a long list of local references that can be verified.
• They will not pass a simple google search for credibility.
• Predators won’t have a good standing with the BBB in the area.
• They won’t be certified with a shingle manufacturer. This can be checked out on the shingle manufacturer’s website.
• Their estimates are usually not very detailed. They won’t spell out every piece of the roofing system required for the job.

BE SURE TO GET A SECOND OPINION A& ESTIMATE

Low grade local companies may be almost as bad as predatory roofers. Avoid working with a company that displays any of these weaknesses as they too will often leave you high and dry. Issues to be aware of:

• Been in business less than 3 years
• Has no manufacturer backing
• Doesn’t offer any financing options
• Doesn’t have a physical office you can visit
• If they’re real local, and you haven’t heard of them, there is often a reason for that
• They do not want to help work with insurance even though you know it’s the right thing to do
• They don’t offer a 5 year workmanship warranty

Example of a clear target for predatory contractors to avoid. They tend to stick to just roofs and avoid larger tasks like damage done by trees.

This partial tarping is a clear case of a predatory contractor. It was a rush job secure “the vital part of the house” when all parts are vital. They likely wanted to conserve tarps for the next victim.

Invisible Damage

It can be quite hard to see wind damage – especially on newer roofs. Younger shingles are flexible and will often lie flat, in place, once the high winds subside. Older stiff shingles will often keep their buckled form if they happen to stay on. Hence, it’s a good rule of thumb to have your property thoroughly inspected after a storm like we saw on March 1^st. If any of these are true it is wise to call a roofer:

• Any neighbors on your block have visible damage
• If you saw your shingles flapping during the storm
• If you’ve seen pieces of shingles in your yard since the storm

Get the best inspections, customer service, free lifetime warranty, and overall experience with Roofing Annex, the most trusted name in the Tri-State.

Book an Inspection and Consultation online or by calling 513.685.9092

The post The March Storm Damaged Roofs throughout Florence, Kentucky appeared first on Roofing Annex.

At Roofing Annex, we don’t just want to repair when most issues can be thwarted by a solid prepare checklist. As the cold season looms near, we like to say that it’s “time to winterize your roof”. Some homeowners may take the following items as a DIY checklist but for their safety and that of their roof, we never recommend homeowners step foot on their roof.

Hiring a reputable roofing contractor to help winterize your roof is always a good idea especially if you’ve had broken gutters, ice dams, or other winter woes in the past. If you saw high winds or large hail over the last year you may wish to seek help before it snows! Asking for a simple free evaluation is the right place to start. If the roofer advises a winterizing package they’ll base the price on square footage and write an estimate. Shop around but don’t take so long in doing so that you miss your window. Our tip is to ask for a price match from the more expensive company to get the best work done.

The Midwest sees a good deal of snow and our markets of Cincinnati are right there in the thick of it. As a roofing contractor known for installations over repairs, we remind our clients that just because they have a new roof doesn’t mean they get to skip out on winterizing. Overhanging trees, poor ventilation, and poor insulation may still affect you!

When it’s Time to Winterize Your Roof You Need to Review the Following Aspects:

WANT TO GO IT ALONE?
We know we can’t stop the DIY crowd.
Here are some tips to winterize your home yourself.

Your roof is the first line of defense for your home yet it is one of the most overlooked parts of the house until it’s too late. Getting a free inspection with a consultation where the technician shares photos of issues is a great place to start!

Roofing Annex provides Winter Prep Services in the greater Cincinnati Area in towns like Dayton, Delhi, Hamilton, Harrison, Indian Hill, Liberty Township, Madeira, Mason, Maineville, Middletown, Montgomery, and West Chester.

Schedule Service Online

 or make an appointment  by calling us at 513.685.9092

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A roof inspection after a strong hail and wind storm can yield startling results like this one roof in West Chester, Ohio, after the August 3rd, 2015 storm. Each circle is a strong and fresh hail strike.

A consultation and review of damage photos will help homeowners understand their situation. Most homeowners are surprised at the level of damage and the recommendation to file a claim if they’ve not seen leaks yet.

Meeting with insurance company reps and expediting a claim is just part of what a good roofing company will do to help with an insurance claim.

Nobody likes dealing with insurance companies but sometimes it’s a MUST!

Whether you’ve suffered from a car collision, had fire at home, or felt the sting of hail damage, knowing how to properly work with an insurance company is important to receive a fair settlement. Insurers are not out to throw money at you and will work hard to minimize pay-outs. Insurance adjusters want to settle your claim fast and even hastily at times.

Before you begin the process of opening a claim, which may play out on their terms, it’s wise to review your coverage so you know the limits of your policy and what you’re responsible for on your end.

When it comes to dealing with insurance claims due to storm damaged roofs, Roofing Annex always advises getting guidance before opening a claim. Why? A plan of attack is better than none at all… which typically leads to being misguided and a lack of funds that are likely covered under your policy.

The following tips for dealing with insurance companies and claims can make all the difference!

First Thing’s First – Seek Guidance

Many homeowners are not able to successfully negotiate with their insurance provider to receive proper settlement dollars. Some folks end up hiring an attorney or contacting their state’s insurance commission for assistance. This adds more time and money expenditure to the process but it may be necessary in cases where the losses are significant or the damages are long-lasting (such as a roof being left tattered from hail and wind), yet the insurer refuses to help.

Bypass the headaches of going it alone or having to get outside help after the fact by getting a pro on your side from the get-go. Roofing Annex has a storm damage division of trained specialists who can inspect, document, and effectively advocate your claim while guiding you through the steps for a quicker and more equitable result.

Again, don’t delay!

When your property is damaged, move fast. Contact a company like Roofing Annex for an inspection report to kick off the claims process. This is particularly important if there’s a storm in your neighborhood, because the insurer may be flooded with claims.

Insurer Recommended Contractors are NOT a Must

The insurance adjuster may recommend a particular contractor for repairs. You don’t have to say yes. There are often advantages to going with a recommended contractor, such as an insurance discount. However, some contractors may be too eager to agree with the insurer about how minor your repairs are, in hopes of further insurance business. The contractor the adjuster recommends may not be the best qualified one, so feel free to use the best restoration specialist around that offer storm damage service.

Documenting the Damage

After a home suffers from a storm, the homeowner should document all of the issues that have arisen. Showing what happened to prove fault and that the losses claimed are legitimate is key. At Roofing Annex, we train our restoration specialist internally and have them receive training and certification in storm damage forensics and documentation from HAAG. Our exams and photographic reports are the backbone for a claim.

Sometimes it’s Not That Bad

Just because your neighbor got demolished doesn’t mean your roof is a goner. Don’t fight to get small amounts of damage repaired. Try to be realistic… If your old roof had ancient Three Tab shingles, the insurers won’t give you much for the damage.

Get Any Needed Quick Fixes!

Once the damages are documented, make temporary repairs; for example covering holes in your roof with a tarp. For example, if there’s a hole in the roof, the insurer may pay for any initial damage that occurred inside your house. Later damage that occurred because you didn’t cover the hole won’t be insured. Roofing Annex can make emergency repairs to minimize further damage.

Knowing the Damage Value

In order to secure a proper settlement from an insurer, it is important to determine the value of the loss. This is typically a complicated process that requires intervention. Understanding insurance policies and knowing how to work with field adjusters isn’t a typical service provided by a roofer and many don’t want to bother with it. A pro will be able to educate an insurance adjuster, not the other way around.

Never Settle For Less

Insurance companies tend to make low offers on claims. While many homeowners will accept the offer without question, this is a serious mistake. Offers should always be questioned and adjusters/insurance company reps need to explain how the number was determined. Once the homeowner hears the reasoning, they should respond with proving their case through their documentation and policy provisions.

This is no easy task for novices to take on alone. Hence, Roofing Annex handles field adjuster meetings, documentation/reports, and advocating claims that we find valid.

Again, the adjuster is working for the insurer’s interests, not yours. If the adjuster denies a claim that should be covered, don’t assume they know their lengthy policy in depth – show them where the policy covers your specific damage. Always challenge low offers because they will often come back with a higher offer.

Don’t Go It Alone!

Call the storm damage experts at Roofing Annex today for a Free Inspection, insurance claim guidance & advocacy, the finest products, the best installations/repairs, and access to exclusive lifetime warranties.

Schedule Service Online

 or make an appointment  by calling us at 513.685.9092

The post After the Storm – Dealing with Insurance appeared first on Roofing Annex.

The Midwest had seen mostly wind storms thus far for 2015… that all ended this August. By August 3rd, the Cincinnati area where more large hail, as large as 2.25 inches wide, would be driven by winds in excess of 45 MPH. Liberty Township, Mason, and West Chester, would take some of the biggest hits in Ohio before the storm moved on. The eastern seaboard would feel the storm as well but without as much hail.

Roofs Would Suffer Most in the Wake of the August Hail Damage to Mason & West Chester, Ohio

Roofing Annex, known for its Storm Damage Services, received dozens of call by the morning after the hail storm. Calls poured in about leaking roofs in Mason, a Liberty Township broken tree limb in an attic, a few missing asphalt shingles in West Chester, and a whole lot of worry about what the thunderous hail had done to roofs from all over the region. In the days since, our roof inspectors have been busy fielding the call that continue to come.

More on Roofing Annex’s Residential Services

The following images and accounts from our own company headquarter town of West Chester shows just what sort of damage can occur when 2 inch hail hits.

Roofing Annex’s office manager went out and picked up a few hailstones after the coast was clear. Many of the hailstones hovered just around the 2 inch mark.

Our inspections have been turning up hail damage mostly in Hamilton, Liberty Township, Mason, and West Chester while old and new wind damage is wide-spread in the Cincinnati Region to Dayton region.

From our first few roof inspections in West Chester we saw that this hail damaged siding, roofs, cars, and plenty more. The eastern sloped roofs of many homes were lit up the most because they created a direct 90 degree angle to the hail trajectory which creates an ultimate impact.

 

The Storm Swath Shows August Hail Damage to Mason, West Chester, Hamilton, Liberty Township, and More

HailWatch™ provides various storm tracking and aftermath data that many use to understand storm zones, patterns, and much more. Roofing Annex looks for data like hail size and wind speed to determine the likelihood of damage in an area. Roof size, age, and the type of shingle (brand & make) play in to this. We use this information to help better inform homeowners of their risk level.

Take a look at “storm swath” above of the August 3^rd storm. Unfortunately the wind data doesn’t show on it but wind speeds spikes ranged from 40 to 58 MPH in the region. A roof over 12 YO that was hit with 1+” hail should definitely get a roof exam!

Our free roof exam doesn’t just take into account the surface shingles. When one of Roofing Annex’s HAAG certified storm damage technicians inspects a roof they look at the whole roofing system. Flashings, gutters, vents, skylights, solar panels, chimneys, ridge-caps, insulation, and other attached components make up this system and hail can affect most of them.

 

Call us today to schedule a free inspection and comprehensive consultation.
513.685.9092

Schedule Service Online

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Roofing Annex is a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ rating. In fact, anywhere you look for reviews you’ll find us pulling over 4.5 stars. Here are few kind words from our clients:

Roofing Annex provided a higher level of customer care/service than I would have thought possible for a roofing contractor. They made me rethink what professionalism is and made me realize that my roof may be the single most important piece of my home and worth proactive care. My re-roof went spectacularly and I’d do it all over again.
-Emily B. of Mason, OH

Ryan was a perfect gentleman in his care for our home, our neighbors, and with taking care of all my concerns and questions. The project was a delightful one given the amount of attention I was given. Thanks again to all the crew!
– Kristin S. of West Chester, OH

Fabulous Work!!! Every detail I’d expect and more from a company that touts itself as an “industry leader”. I admit to being difficult to work with due to a need for perfection and I never once felt myself being so… they guided me, listened to me and maintained a totally professional edge continuously.
-Linda A. of Liberty Township, OH

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Company Summary

Roofing Annex is the most trusted restoration contractor servicing the Cincinnati area. Our clients, shingle manufactures, and the Better Business Bureau all give us 5 stars. We provide homeowners with unparalleled roofing solutions via:

• General Repairs (Roof, Siding, Gutters, etc.)
• Storm Damage Services (Certified Inspections & Insurance Claim Advocacy)
• Exterior Extras (Doors, Windows, Siding, Gutters, & Metal-work)
• New Roofing (Asphalt, Cedar, Metal, etc.)

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The post August Hail Damage to Mason & West Chester, Ohio Roofs appeared first on Roofing Annex.

Hail. High winds. Torrential downpours. And more hail. All the calling cards of vicious spring storms, like those that occurred in Cincinnati on April 9^th, 2015. Did your home and roof sustain damage? You’re not alone—many households are navigating through storm damage contractors in Cincinnati right now, balancing repair costs that insurance will cover with finding a reputable roofer to complete vital work. Roofing Annex has attained GAF Master Elite status as a leading roofing contractor in Cincinnati and can work with you to ensure your roof is repaired and ready to withstand the next storm.

A Storm of Contractors after the Storm

In many cases, the hail has barely stopped falling from the sky before a tidal wave of hungry roofers in Cincinnati begins to crash at your door. With so many options literally banging on your door, discerning which company can best serve your roofing needs can be difficult. When a Cincinnati roofing service comes knocking, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Eagerness to begin work doesn’t equate to a job well done. Just because a roofer claims to have a crew and all the necessary supplies on hand doesn’t mean that the job will stand up to your expectations. Take time to understand a company’s background, qualifications, and offerings before you sign on the bottom line.
• Claims of satisfied customers should be investigated. It’s easy for a salesman to claim that they have a roster of many satisfied roofing customers or an entire web page dedicated to testimonials. But unless these roofing services in Cincinnati are willing to share names and contact information for prior customers for you to personally vet, these claims should be taken with a grain of salt.
• Insurance adjustor and contractor inspections should match up. Be careful with roof repair quotes in Cincinnati that are wildly divergent from what your insurance adjustor has found. If you will be using insurance benefits to pay for fixing roofing issues after the recent spring storms, you need to ensure that the estimation of work provided matches up with what your coverage allows.

Roof Repair in Cincinnati by Cincinnatians

Does it surprise you to know that out-of-town workers may come flooding in after a major storm to capitalize on homeowner needs? You may have companies knocking on your door from many towns away or even hailing from out of state. And they may even have enticing offers for you to consider. But here’s why it’s in the best interest of your home and your wallet to work with a roof repair company like Roofing Annex that is a leader in the Cincinnati area.

• “Local roofers” means local references. It’s a lot easier to check on a company’s reputation when they are already a proven leader in Cincinnati. Try the BBB!
• Local contractors can execute more reliable warranties. Most roofing jobs include a warranty. But how difficult will it be for you to get an out-of-area contractor to come back to Cincinnati to make additional covered repairs? Hiring a local roofer brings the peace of mind that comes with knowing, should something happen, that you are covered by a company who is firmly entrenched in the area already.
• Local roofing services know local needs. The storms and weather patterns in Cincinnati are not the same as experienced by other areas around the country. Ensuring that your roof actually meets local standards is something that can only be done by a company located right in your area.

Quotable Quotes

Not all quotes are created equal. As we said above, it’s vital to ensure that a quote received from a Cincinnati roofing service matches a list of covered repairs drawn up by your insurance adjustor. But carefully wading through quotes consists of more steps than just comparing a list of work to be done.

First, ensure that the quote is comprehensive. It should not only include the costs of materials and man-hours, but also an estimate of additional fees and equipment that may be necessary to complete your individual home’s roofing work.

Next, ensure that the quote is competitive. It’s never a good idea to accept the first quote that comes in. Always ensure that you cross compare quotes between several reputable organizations to ensure that you are not being overcharged. On the flip side of that, the cheapest quote may not be the best one for your circumstances. You can discern value versus cost when you thoroughly research the companies behind the quotes.

Finally, ensure that the quote is locked in for a reasonable amount of time. Some companies try to trick homeowners into immediately signing on the bottom line with a claim that the quoted costs are good only for contracts signed on that day. It’s much more likely that being forced into a quick signing will result in exorbitant costs or underperformed work in the long run.

Deciphering the Fine Print

For any contract you sign with a roofing service in Cincinnati, it’s important to understand exactly what you—and the roofing company—are agreeing to do. Is the contract contingent on beginning after insurance funds pay out, or are you, the homeowner, on the hook for all fees for work done before insurance settles? Is the contract time-bound—does it require certain work to be done in a specific timeframe? Can you cancel the contract before work begins if an insurance adjustor finds that damage doesn’t rise to the level of a major repair versus a minor fix?

You need to read the entire contract and ask as many questions as necessary to make you feel comfortable with the agreement being made. Take caution any time you hear that a specific amount will be determined later or a project scope will be outlined as the work is in progress. While scope changes can certainly come up once roofing work is in progress, the major body of work should be outlined and price quoted at the outset.

Ensuring Insurance Assurance

The insurance process can be as tricky to navigate as finding the best roofing company in Cincinnati for your storm repair project. Insurance companies don’t remain liquid and in business by paying out top dollar for every claim filed. Rather, your insurance adjustor will be carefully studying the damage done to your home to determine exactly what work must be done, then setting a payout amount to cover just that work and not a penny more. That doesn’t mean the insurance payout isn’t negotiable, however. Just as you compare a contractor’s quote to an insurance estimate of damages to make sure hidden work or costs aren’t tacked on, you should also compare the insurance estimate back to several different quotes to ensure that important pieces aren’t forgotten.

For instance, was trim surrounding your roof also damaged during the storm? Did hail pierce straight through your roof, damaging your attic or top floor ceiling as well? Will an entire section of roof have to be redone, due to collateral damage, instead of one small area? It’s absolutely okay, and often necessary, to go back to your insurance company to request that adjustments be made to the list of damages already compiled.

When Roofing Annex works with homeowners to recover after storm damage, the company’s motto really comes into play: on top of it all. This includes working carefully with insurance companies to ensure the fullest coverage possible, with homeowners facing the lowest possible out-of-pocket or deductible costs necessary. By focusing on the overall outcome of a storm damage project, navigating the tricky waters of insurance coverage, and creating positive interactions with all customers, Roofing Annex is best suited to become your roofing contact of choice in Cincinnati.

When Qualifications Matter

“GAF Master Elite roofing contractor” is a mouthful to say, but it’s what it means that makes this qualification really matter. To attain this status, Roofing Annex needed to prove adequate licensure and insurance coverage, have a reputation as a top-notch contractor, and commit to going through continuing education to stay on top. These requirements are so strict that less than 3% of roofing companies are able to earn Master Elite status. And Roofing Annex is the only GAF Master Elite and GAF President’s Club Member serving the greater Cincinnati area.

As anxious as you are to begin fixing your home after the storm has passed, performing your own due diligence on company reputations, quote and contract provisions, insurance coverage, and overall capabilities can make the difference between an ideal outcome and a shoddy or overpriced job done on your roof. Roofing Annex wants to earn your business and stay “on top of it all” throughout all of your roofing needs.

Get started with a free quote today to learn more and take a giant step forward in navigating through storm damage contractors in Cincinnati.

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When severe storms hit, you’re bound to see a fair deal of damage in isolated pockets. The April 9, 2015, storm in Ohio had such clusters of extreme wallops. Luckily, the pockets were smaller in size than in average spring storms, but they still brought the “killer combo”— the one-two punch of wind and hail that can cause older roofs (12+ years) to fail.

The Roof Damage in Cincinnati Isn’t Exactly Where You Might Expect

In the few weeks since the storm hit, we’ve seen more damage on the outskirts of where the heaviest hail hit. The wind speed from Kentucky to northern Ohio averaged 48 miles per hour during the brunt of the storm, but pockets saw speeds topple 70 mph. That’s not in and of itself all that bad, but when hail joins the mix, it gets volatile.

In our line of work, we know the recipe for disaster – and this storm made and served it. Winds of 60+ mph plus hailstones in excess of 1 inch make a mess of aging roofs. When shingles lift and get hit by hail of this size, there is a good deal of pocking (granule loss), cracking and knock-offs caused by the wind or the combination of wind and hail.

Most homeowners aren’t aware of the amount of damage their houses have sustained until a future rainstorm or even melting snow has occurred. By then, it’s too late!

This is a newer roof in the Indian Hills community that was on the outer edge of the large hail area but saw winds nearing 60 mph. You can see a large hail pock and a few strips that lifted, warped and tore. Our roof inspectors have seen plenty of this as well as missing ridge caps — the roof’s front line of defense.

A few older roofs in the Madeira, Delhi and Hebron communities have also shown some classic heavy cracks like the one in this photograph taken by a Roofing Annex inspector. The roof started noticeably leaking weeks later after some light rain.

What Does One Do After a Storm Like This?

Maybe you don’t see a problem or maybe you do. Peace of mind is the issue in both cases. Early spring and late fall are the most dangerous times for roof damage in Cincinnati — damage that needs to be adressed. Self-diagnosing is difficult unless you see obvious shingle or leak damage. One can’t see much better standing at the top of a ladder than from the ground.

For those who don’t see damage, play it safe and call a pro if you can answer yes to more than three of these questions:

• To your knowledge, were hailstones larger than 1 inch wide?
• To your knowledge, was the wind crashing at speeds in excess of 50 miles per hour?
• Have you seen roofers on your block or roofing contractor yard signs near your home?
• Have there been any roofers knocking on doors in your neighborhood?
• Is your roof older than 12 years?

If you need help, follow these steps:

1. Get your insurance information ready, but don’t contact your insurer immediately. The insurer will want a “preferred” contractor to come out. These companies may not meet the criteria for providing expert storm damage services and may have the insurer’s interests at heart.
2. Call a reputable roofing contractor operating in the Cincinnati area, such as Roofing Annex. Look for a Better Business Bureau rating and other credentials.
3. Be sure that the contractor offers storm damage services beyond emergency repairs.
4. Make sure your contractor’s inspection, consultation and estimates are free of charge. This roots out scam artists.
5. Be sure to get any immediate threats patched or tarped by the roofer even if the weather forecast is good.

If you live near any of the following Ohio or Kentucky communities and need help or peace of mind, call the experts at Roofing Annex:

• Blue Ash, OH  –  Wind Damage
• Cincinnati, OH  – Hail and Wind Damage
• Covedale, OH – Hail and Wind Damage
• Hebron, KY – Hail and Wind Damage
• Indian Hill, OH – Hail and Wind Damage
• Lebanon, OH – Wind Damage
• Madeira, OH – Hail and Wind Damage
• Delhi, OH – Hail and Wind

The post Wide-Ranging Roof Damage in Cincinnati After April Storm appeared first on Roofing Annex.

Knowing your shingle could mean owning a new roof.

Shingle manufacturers are always developing new lines of shingles due to the competitiveness of the market. Color trends and styling aside, there are changes that can make or break the shingle…. Literally!

Researching your shingle could not only save your roof from an untimely demise, it could save your wallet from a HUGE financial burden.

Your Shingle May Be Discontinued!

Class-action lawsuits are happening all the time that deal with things you may very well own. Automakers are better than most at spreading the word on recalls but roofing manufacturers, like most, do a poor job of notifying folks. When a shingle model fails to live as long or perform as well as guaranteed, they are subject to replacement by the manufacturer via these lawsuits that typically have little time to join in on. The same poor notification of these suits takes place by the law firms and homeowners are left with the problem.

Of course the manufacturers didn’t mean to make them fail… Good intentions created lines of “green” paper based substrate shingles that last about 15 years out of their 30+ guaranteed. These bad shingles often have organic substitutes which break down rapidly in real weather conditions as seen in places like Cincinnati.

Here are just a few of these lawsuits against faulty shingles that have come and perhaps gone:

• www.certainteedshinglesettlement.com/
• www.classactionsnews.com/consumer/gaf-timberline-defective-roof-shingles-class-action-lawsuit
• consumer.halunenlaw.com/class-action-practice-areas/current-cases/owens-corning-roofing-shingles/

It may be difficult for some folks to determine what shingle they have and check up on its status. Be sure to ask your roof inspector for some help with this during your next roof exam. We suggest scheduling an annual free exam in Spring or Fall for those living in the Midwest. The goal here is to be in the know with the product on your roof. Contact the professionals at Roofing Annex today to schedule a free inspection!

Miss the deadline? Don’t worry just yet!

Mother Nature may have helped you out! Insurance companies typically have a provision in their policies that roof repairs are made with “like kind and quality”. This means that if there is not a shingle like yours to replace the damaged shingles, your whole roof will need replacing. This gives you a shot at spending next to nothing on this bad situation

Don’t Go to Your Insurer Alone to Deal with Faulty Shingles!

Get representation because insurers often play hardball on these types of claims, homeowners need to find  roofing contractors that provide insurance claim advocacy. Most claims get denied without a clean exam documenting damage.

The post Spend Nothing to Replace Faulty Shingles appeared first on Roofing Annex.

Let us empower your observation skills before calling for a roof inspection!

Here are some great ways for anyone to stay planted on the ground and note key issues with their asphalt shingled roof that warrant a call to a reputable roofing company like Roofing Annex:

Trust your eyes and save your wallet.

• Fragments or strips of shingles are the easiest thing to find lying on the ground. If it’s your color assume it’s from your roof. These things are heavy and generally don’t travel too far. High winds and pounding hail can tear away at your shingles especially on roofs over five years old.
• Dangling strips or missing patches are easy to note but pretty rare for newer roofs, 6 years or newer. However, one should take note of the ridge lines. A whole line could go missing and you may not even notice. It’s a good idea to take photos of your roof to compare to at a later date.
• If you happen to notice that your shingles are changing tone in a pattern you may have a defective shingle. These may look sound but they will start to go fast. The pattern may not just be tone; it may also look like every other shingle has a different texture/coarseness. Should you happen to touch one, try bending it upwards. If it doesn’t want to bend because it’s brittle then you’re looking at a potentially big problem.
• A very steep sloped rooftop may give you a view of damage you can inspect yourself. Should you observe dark specks, larger than pebbles, and in random spots you may have hail damage. It often appears fairly benign but it is one of the leading causes of roofing system failure. You want a proper roof inspection by a pro that is a certified hail and wind damage inspector. Look for companies that have Haag Certified Inspectors.

Most damages need you at eye level and not every face will have issues. Because roofs are fragile and your life is valuable it is recommended that even the cleverest DIY pro sit this one out. A real exam should be conducted by an experienced professional that knows how to diagnose roof damage and look at an entire roofing system rather than just the shingle product. A proper roof inspection should be carried out by a certified storm damage expert.

Glimpse what our inspectors do at www.roofexams.com

What the wise person looks for! Hint: Look beyond your roof.

Go beyond the logic of what you see around your property and look to your neighbors. Did they have a roof inspection? Have you seen one or more of them getting a new roof in the last year? Are these homes newer? Was there a hefty storm in the last year? Let the questions flow and answer them. It is likely that your neighbor down the street that got a new roof wasn’t just upgrading to add curb appeal. Fire damage, storm damage, manufacturer defect, rot, and other factors could have forced their hand. It often stands to reason that if your home was built in the same track, or is near the same age, there is a solid chance your roof shares the same fate.

Your insurance policy may very likely have you covered for many issues. Knowing if you have a problem, deciding to file a claim and doing so are all big deals. One should seek council and representation when dealing with their insurer.

For more on Insurance claim advocacy, claim filing, and general facts about insurance visit this link. Then talk to the professionals at Roofing Annex and get the best roof inspection in the business.

Schedule Service Online

The post Signs Your Home Needs a Roof Inspection appeared first on Roofing Annex.

After a severe storm hits your area, it’s essential to do a storm damage inspection.

No matter how minor or major the storm damage to your home may be, always contact your insurance company for a professional storm damage inspection because oftentimes damage is hidden from plain view.

For More Info, Visit:
National Storm Damage Center (https://www.stormdamagecenter.org/index.html)

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