Replacing your old roof with a new roof

A Time To Replace Your Roof

Alrighty folks, listen up! It’s time to drop some wisdom from the big kahuna of knowledge himself, King Solomon.

He once said, “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Guess what? He also meant there’s a time to bid adieu to your old, worn-out roof. But the million-dollar question is – when is it the right time? Buckle up, let’s delve into the roof-y business!

To replace or not to replace, that is the question. Well, the top-notch way to determine if your roof has retired is through an inspection. Now, if the idea of eyeballing your roof makes your head spin, or you’re allergic to ladders, fret not. Ring up a local, qualified roofing contractor who knows a shingle from a chimichanga.

So, what are the red flags you should be watching out for? Are your shingles looking as worn out as your favorite pair of old sneakers? Do they lack granules, like a smoothie without the good stuff? Bingo! Time for a roof makeover! How about missing shingles? Are we talking about one or two MIA or a whole platoon? Your eagle-eyed inspection will set the record straight.

Another fantastic Sherlock Holmes approach is taking a little adventure to your attic. Armed with your trusty flashlight, check for natural skylights where they shouldn’t be (i.e., sunlight peeking in around pipe vents and nail holes). Found some? Then your roof might be crying out for help! While you’re there, play detective and inspect the decking. If you spot water stains or streaks worthy of a modern art exhibition, there’s a high chance you have a leaky roof.

While perusing your decking, do you notice any sagging, as if your roof’s been doing some serious quarantine snacking? That’s a clear sign of a moisture problem. The bad news? You’ll have to replace the decking, which means saying goodbye to your shingles and underlayment. So, in the case of a saggy roof, yes, it’s farewell and hasta la vista!

Last but not least, take a trip down memory lane and check your paperwork from the last time your roof got a makeover. Roofs generally last from 20 to 40 years, depending on the quality of your shingles. It’s like a car warranty, but for your roof. If it has expired or is on the brink of expiration, it’s time to replace that old-timer.

So, just like there’s a time to wear your funky Christmas sweater or to relish a pumpkin-spiced latte, there’s a season for replacing roofs too. If it’s time for a new roof, do your homework and find a good, local, qualified roofing contractor with a track record as shiny as a new shingle. Happy roofing, and may your new roof live long and prosper!

Can I Roof My Own House?

You’ve probably watched your house or someone else’s house being roofed before and thought, wow, that looks easy, I could do that myself.

Well, if you are considering roofing your own house, here are some things you might want to think about before you make that decision. First of all, you were probably watching professional roofers putting on that roof. And yes, they make it look easy. That’s because they do it every day, and have years of experience.

Professional roofers know how to walk on roofs because they have been doing it for years. They have all the right tools, they know all the right materials to use, and they have the know-how to install different types of roofs and do it safely. Getting on a roof to work can be dangerous. So, before you decide to do-it-yourself you might want to check with some local roofing companies and compare the costs of having them install your roof to doing it yourself. It could save you a big headache. But, if you are serious about installing your roof yourself then you can do it.

Let’s look at some things that you will have to consider when installing your roof yourself. Roofing a house is an expense project so you want to get it right. First, put together a plan of how you will step-by-step install your roof correctly and safely. Before you start your project check on local building codes and get your roofing permit. Code enforcement can stop your project instantly if you have not obtained the correct permit for your project.

Decide what type of material you plan to use on your roof. There many types of roofing materials to choose from, such as asphalt shingles, metal, slate, wood shake, etc. Make sure you have the ability to install the roofing material you choose. Next, do the math on how much roofing material you will need for your project and have it delivered to your job site. Most supply houses will deliver your purchase for little or even no cost by some suppliers. This will save you a lot of time and a lot of work.

If this a new build and doesn’t have existing shingles then you are ready to go to work. But if it has existing shingles then you have to remove the old existing shingles and begin prepping your roof for the new shingles. Make sure your roof is clean an old flashing and nails are removed.

Next install new flashing, valley metal, and new underlayment. There are several types of underlayment to choose from. Do your homework and choose the right one for your project. Layout out with a chalk line the spacing for your shingles and begin your installation. Once you have covered the field with shingles then install your ridge shingles. Use roofing cement to cover exposed nail heads. Once you are finished clean up your project site and pick up any nails on the ground with a roofing magnet. You are  finished. Good job.

 

 

 

RCV Recoverable Depreciation

Recoverable Roofing Depreciation

Recoverable Depreciation

[Information for entertainment purposes only. Ask your licensed agent or insurance adjuster for information pertaining to you specifically.]

A benefit of an RCV (Replacement Cost Value) insurance policy is the loss settlement provision.

Your property losses are covered for the amount it actually costs to repair or replace your property. There is no loss of money due to depreciation.

In some situations, usually when the total claim is over a certain dollar amount, a percentage of the total allowed (depreciation amount) will be held back until the repair or replacement has been completed. When the work is finished, you can recover the depreciated amount as long as the total collected is the lesser of the amount required to do the work or the actual amount you spent, minus the deductible and any funds already paid to you.

If you are unsure of your total depreciation amount available, you should contact your insurance adjuster or insurance agent.

If your cost to repair or replace your property is greater than the amount estimated by your insurance company, you should contact them in advance of starting work because they will usually not be liable for any repairs outside, or greater than, their original estimate. Any additional expenses should be approved in advance.

If you have an ACV (Actual Cash Value) insurance policy, according to the loss settlement provision, you may not be able to recover depreciation. As always, check with your insurance company, insurance agent, or insurance adjuster for further clarification on ACV payment terms.

You may be under a time-restraint for recovering your depreciation. Every insurance company is a little different in how much time they allow you to file for your recoverable depreciation. You may have a date printed on your insurance claim estimate from your adjuster.

ACV vs. RCV

Final Roof Inspection

As a result of your roofing claim, your insurance company may reserve the right to conduct a final, future inspection of your roofing work and all related damage paid for in the claim. This is to insure the work has been done and all damage has been repaired. Your roofing company may not act as a public adjuster in most states.

It is often expected that the money provided in the claim be put toward repairing or replacing what has been damaged. A final inspection serves to verify the work has been done.

Some insurance companies may choose to not renew coverage, or discontinue insurance at the next renewal date, if the roofing work has not been completed.