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You don’t want to find pests anywhere inside your home – especially your roof. If your roof has any weak spots, animals will often find a way to burrow inside and hibernate during the colder months. In fact, winter is when most pest damage happens. As temperatures rise and rain falls, unfixed damage can wreak havoc on the walls and roof of your home. So, what should you do if pests damage your roof?
First, let’s look at which pests cause the most roof damage. After all, knowing your enemy is half the battle.
Here in the south, we see lots of problems with pests like squirrels, mice, rats, beetles, termites, ants, and even bees. Each of them can cause different types of damage to your home.
Termites are especially known for invasions around areas where there is mold or rotted wood. Termites will build colonies in and weaken wooden roof structures, leading to loosened roof tiles or shingles.
Birds and bats will build nests inside your home and can leave unpleasant droppings. They can both get in through rotten fascia boards. You can prevent further incursions by replacing those boards.
Hornet and wasp nests can attract other insects that cause damage to your roof when left alone. Wasp nests also attract termites, leading to extensive wood damage.
Squirrels cause issues with electrical materials when they gnaw and chew on wires, pipes, structural supports, or shingles in order to get into your attic. They usually leave behind urine stains and unpleasant odors.
Like squirrels, mice and rats commonly chew and gnaw on roofing and structural materials. Their presence can expose your family to disease or disgusting droppings and odors.
Get an exterminator – and then call a professional roofer like Chattanooga Roofing Company to fix the damage! When pests damage your roof, we’ll handle all roof and fascia repairs efficiently and effectively. We can repair any damage done and prevent further infestations, so next winter your home will be safe from pests and vermin.
Springtime is just around the corner. It’s time to put away the winter coats and enjoy the sunshine and much-needed rain. As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. But what if spring storms damage your home? Harsh weather like tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and hail storms can cause thousands of dollars of damage to homes during the spring. This damage can be simple, small scratches and dents. But in the worst case, you may even need to repair or replace your roof.
You need to know what to do if your roof is damaged following a bad storm, and what steps to take to ensure your home is protected. Here’s what to do if spring storms damage your home.
Your roof is the first place to check after a storm. It’s important to identify the signs of storm damage. These can include:
Next, you’ll need to examine your windows and siding for damage. Look out for:
When assessing your home for storm damage, don’t forget to document and photograph everything. You also need to check around the home for debris or trees that may have fallen on your roof. This will help with insurance claims and let you know what to expect when your trusted roofer inspects your home. Never climb up on the roof yourself. This can be extremely dangerous, as a roof’s structure can be weak if damaged.
Call Chattanooga Roofing Company at (423) 308-ROOF if you suspect your home has spring storm damage. We can inspect your roof, give you a repair estimate if needed, and work with your insurance company to cover the costs of storm damage. We have an experienced, licensed, insured, and hard-working team to make your home safe again after a bad storm.
Well, your roof needs repair. Or maybe you even need a full replacement. Either way, you’re getting ready to look for the right roofing contractor. Before you hire a roofing contractor, you need to know what questions to ask them. As you search, you can make an informed decision by weighing the answers your prospective contractor gives.
Cost and completion time are obviously big questions. So big, in fact, that we’re just assuming that each customer will ask them. “How much, and how long?” Your choice depends on your budget and scheduling needs.
Know what? Price matters. You should be skeptical of any roofing contractor that comes in with a far lower bid than anyone else. They’re probably not experienced enough to know the true costs of re-roofing your home. Either they’re just trying to get the job, or they have no clue how much materials and labor are involved.
Do your research before making your choice. If you choose the right roofer, even if they’re not the cheapest, you’ll be confident that your roof will be in good shape for a long time.
Don’t be shy – fire away. The more direct your questions are, the better chance you’ll have of getting straight answers.
Stay away from any roofer who doesn’t want to get into specifics. For instance, if you have more than one roofing layer, they all have to be removed before installation of any new material. Make sure your roofer will be replacing all flashing and installing rubber membrane at the eaves to avoid leaks from ice dams and backed up leaves.
You need to see a proof of policy from the roofer’s insurance company, showing both liability and workers comp coverages. Any roofing contractor can say they’re insured. Make them show you. Any roofer who deserves your business will be happy you asked. Do not, I repeat do not, hire a roofer without insurance, bond, and full license. Chattanooga Roofing Co. always stays current with all forms of authorization and insurance.
In addition to providing a roofing material warranty, your ideal roofing contractor should also guarantee their workmanship. Look for a roofer with a 1-2 year warranty, and make sure the terms are included in the contract you sign with them.
Want a clear picture of how a roofer goes about their business? Go to a job site and check out their work. Are they working efficiently? Is the site generally clean? Are they diligent or do they seem like they wish they were watching TV? A roofer who’s confident in their team’s quality should be happy to hear you ask this question. They look forward to getting the job based on the strength of their work.
Most roofing companies use subcontractors, at least some of the time. It’s not a problem. The reason you’re asking is to learn who they are. You want to make sure they carry their own insurance and licensing. Also, make sure that an experienced foreman will be on the job with any subcontractors.
Go one step further than simply getting references. Actually call them, or email if you don’t have their phone number. The experience of a happy (or regretful) customer can be very revealing. Among other questions, ask if their roof was finished on time and on budget.
You’re the one paying for the roofing project. That should exempt you from cleaning up the mess. Make sure the contractor will be using tarps to catch all debris, and that they’ll haul it all away. Confirm that they’ll sweep a magnet over the lawn and garden to pick up any stray nails. Cleanup is normally part of the estimate. If it’s not, ask for it to be added at no charge.
Your home isn’t secure without a good roof. Fortunately, if you ask the right questions up front, you’ll end up with a great roof from a trustworthy roofing contractor. The more you know, the more roof repairs or roof replacements will give you peace of mind. Talk to you soon!