Blog

What is an Ice Dam? An ice dam is a ridge of ice that has formed along the edge of your roof. Non-uniform temperatures on the roof cause this. For example, the roof may be warmer at the peak but below 32 degrees Fahrenheit closer to the roof’s edge. Snow on the warmer section of the roof will melt, and as it slides down to the colder area of the roof, it refreezes to create this ridge of ice that holds back the rest of the snow and ice on the roof. When an ice dam forms, the frozen precipitation is prevented from sliding off the rood and will often back up, causing leaks and damage to roofing materials and mold in the attic of the home. How Can Ice Dams Be Eliminated? Properly insulate...Read More

There are plenty of reasons to wonder how long your roof will last. Your home’s roof is one of the most expensive things that will need replacement at some point. This is why the age and condition of a roof will inevitably arise in home sale negotiations. If it is a newer roof, the seller will bring it up. If it is older, the buyer will often attempt to get the home’s sales price reduced. Insurance and the Age of Your Roof Insurance companies are also using the age of a home’s roof to cut their losses. This is particularly true in areas battered by hailstorms, such as here in Minnesota. Along with hail damage deductibles, many insurers are now refusing coverage to roofs after a certain age. Some insurers are also requiring that a...Read More

Unfortunately, most homeowners have no idea what is going on in their attics because we never go to the topmost part of our homes. Yet, a common problem home inspectors encounter is inadequate attic ventilation. We spend so much time trying to insulate our house that it may seem counterintuitive to want the heat in our attic to escape, but it is crucial to a healthy home. It will also ensure that your shingles don’t prematurely curl and melt. Without adequate ventilation, your home is at risk for:         Rapidly deteriorating shingles         Wood rot         Mold in your attic         Mildew         Peeling paint on your home’s exterior         Energy loss         Rusty...Read More

Twin City Hail Storms are fairly common this time of year. Recently, the Twin Cities was hit by severe thunderstorms. Non-stop lightning punctuated the skies throughout the night. Gusts of wind reached 61 mph, and over 10,000 homes in the south and west metro were without power.  It was the hail that left a lasting impression on homes around the Twin Cities. Hailstones were golf ball sized and larger—some even as big as baseballs! The hail event lasted nearly 15 minutes. How is hail formed? In the cold, upper regions of storm clouds, water droplets sometimes freeze together. As the tiny hail begins to fall from the cloud, a strong updraft of wind lifts it back up into the cloud again. More water droplets hit the icy ball. They freeze to the hail’s surface, increasing...Read More

Roof replacement is done primarily for one of two reasons, damage or aging. While the need to repair a damaged roof is usually obvious, aging requires a little more knowledge and inspection. Knowing how to do a proper inspection can be the difference between an affordable repair or a more expensive total replacement. Look over these tips and signs to assess the condition of your roof to determine if a call to a licensed roofer is necessary. Immediate Threats It’s easy to think that assessing your roof means going outside and grabbing a ladder to take a closer look. However, your inspection should first start inside your home and in your attic. The primary purpose of a roof is to protect the property and people inside, so by starting in the attic, you can more...Read More

Have you ever driven through a neighborhood and seen a home with black streaks running down the slope of its roof? Perhaps you have even seen this on your roof and wondered what it was. These dark streaks are a living organism known as roof algae—Gloeocapsa magma. They often appear beneath overhanging tree branches and on the north side of your roof because that side is typically moister, and the sun’s rays are less harsh. This gives the spores the perfect environment in which to multiply. What began as a few cells will turn into an unsightly mess. It only takes a single spore of roof algae landing on your roof to start the process, and within a few years, the roof algae will have taken over. Some roofs are more vulnerable than others Asphalt...Read More

It’s essential to prioritize your health during the COVID-19 outbreak and beyond. It’s also important to keep your home in good shape. A sound and comfortable home can encourage you to stay there during this critical period. Your roofing project is something that cannot wait. If you have any problems with your roof, having it fixed as soon as possible is advisable, regardless of whether they are major or minor roof problems. Small leaks can turn into more extensive (and expensive) damage in the future. Leaks also lead to mold growth, which can affect the air quality inside your home, having an impact on your health, especially if you have allergies or respiratory conditions like asthma. Now more than ever, it is crucial to stay healthy and to protect yourself and your family from such...Read More

Often, homeowners don’t realize the damage that a hailstorm has wrought on their roof until a few years later when leaks and other serious issues appear. This more extensive damage leads to leaks, mold, water damage, and expensive roof repair costs. Therefore, insurance companies recommend filing your hail damage claim as soon as possible. Having repairs done in a timely manner can prevent complications and additional damage to your roof and the interior of your home that are affected by the neglected leaks. Once the damage is that serious, your insurance policy may no longer cover the repairs. How does Hail affect your roof? It all starts when a hailstone hits your roof. Upon impact, it loosens and knocks off the protective granule coating from the shingles. The indentation cracks the asphalt and fiberglass underneath....Read More