Expert Advice for Your Next Roofing & Siding Project
Our team answers homeowner questions every weekend on WCCO 830 AM from 9:00 am-10:00 am. Have your most pressing home improvement questions addressed by calling or texting 651-989-9226. Here’s the must-know information our COO, Andy Lindus, shared on 10.10.20.
More often than not, if a contractor is cold calling a homeowner or showing up at their door, there is a high probability that the individual is a storm chasing contractor. These types of companies descend upon areas ravaged by hail with lofty promises of exemplary craftsmanship and quick turnaround times. They frequently fail to deliver on these commitments and homeowners are often left with incomplete projects or with results that do not stand the test of time. Moreover, the roofing products these companies gravitate towards are builder grade, making them more susceptible to hail damage in the future. While they may have longer timelines and use more expensive, yet reputable products from major manufacturers like, GAF, partnering with a quality roofing contractor often produces the best long-term results.
It’s important to understand that not all hail roof damage is obvious to the untrained eye. At times, it can take rainfall to magnify the bruising of the shingles. Signs that damage has occurred include cracked shingles, roof indentations, and corners of shingles coming off the roof. Reputable contractors offer free roof inspections and can verify whether or not there has been enough hail damage to warrant an insurance claim.
A telltale sign that the roofing contractor you’ve partnered with is trustworthy is if they’re discussing your roof as an entire system and taking the time to offer details about the type of ice & water shield and underlayment they are using and where it’s being installed. The caliber and quantity of these components has a deep impact on the longevity of your roof. Tiger Paw™ and Deck-Armor™ from GAF work to reduce interior moisture from being captured in your roofing system. Quality roofers also take the time to inspect your attic, using diagnostic tools to see if there are deficiencies that could contribute to the premature failure of your roof.
Learn More About GAF Tiger Paw™ Underlayment:
For most homeowners, the installation of new siding is a project they undertake only once or twice in a lifetime. Working with a trusted contractor allows you to understand the various options available within the marketplace and select an option that can offer peace of mind for years to come. LP® SmartSide® prefinished in Diamond Kote® and steel siding are resistant to weatherizing and paint fading, making them ideal choices for the Midwestern climate. In the realm of cost, LP® SmartSide® averages 5-10% more than seamless steel siding. Because of the minimal difference in price, homeowners tend to use aesthetics as the factor that dictates which material they select. The contractor you’re working with on your siding project should be able to show you digital renderings of your home with various siding material, profile, and color combinations to allow you to fully explore your options. After the old siding has been removed, the exterior of the home should be inspected for dry rot and air and water infiltration. The decision of which underlayment should be used is not one that should be taken lightly, as it can have an impact on the energy efficiency of a home. For example, Insultex™ House Wrap® has been rated R-6 even though it is only 5 millimeters thick. It also has a built-in drainage plain, ensuring that if water does get behind the siding, it does not contribute to rot.
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