modern remodeling

4 Reasons a New Roof Could Fail

June 9, 2017 By Modern Remodeling

When you put on a new roof, you expect it to last at least 20-years. Having the right contractor for the job is critical in getting your money’s worth. A properly installed roof takes time and is not cheap — it’s truly an investment in your home. But if a contractor cuts corners either due to inexperience or to give you the cheapest price just to get the job, a new roof could fail. Here are some things to consider if you have recently put on a new roof and are experiencing problems.

Poor installation. Even if a contractor installs the best shingle available, if it’s not installed correctly, the roof can fail. Using a contractor who is experienced in installing a particular manufacturer’s product is important because they have experience with the products and know how things like the manufacturer’s roof deck protection, leak barriers, and ventilation all work together to help protect your home.
Inadequate ventilation. A properly balanced attic ventilation system* helps to keep your roof healthy. A combination of intake, which allows cool, fresh air to enter the attic and exhaust, which pushes hot, moist air out, is needed. During the hot summer months, improper ventilation can contribute to damaging heat and moisture build up in the attic. In the winter, improper ventilation can be a factor in the formation of ice dams. Make sure your contractor addresses ventilation in your home and inspects the attic space.
Skimping on materials. Don’t just choose the cheapest bid, as that can come at a price if a contractor skimps on items such as edge metal, sealants, or leak barriers. Ask contractors what materials they use. If a contractor is skimping on important items like sealants and leak barriers, paying a bit more upfront may be worth it.
Cutting corners on flashing. Some contractors think chimney flashings are installed more for design than function, so they may cut corners and just use caulk to seal. Caulk can break down over time and can cause water to enter the home through the flashing. Step flashing combined with counter flashing is a good way for your contractor to waterproof a chimney, skylight, or wall. It takes more labor to do the job right, so you need to understand that cutting corners just puts your home at risk — and could cost more in the long run.

If you have questions about your roof, feel free to contact us! We are happy to help, even if we did not install it.

Why Victim Assistance is Vital

September 21, 2016 By Modern Remodeling

Over Labor Day weekend, while most were at cook-outs or enjoying the beach, we were assisting a homeowner after her house fire. We are committed to our 1-hour guaranteed response time and that does not bend for convenience. It goes above just plastering a slogan on our vehicles or website. It is about honoring our word. It is about the needs of the homeowner.

When we arrived at this town house fire on Labor Day weekend, the customer was standing alone outside her burned down house as the fire department was pulling away. She was wearing only the tattered clothes she escaped in and she did not even have a phone to call her family. This is exactly the type of situation that sparked our victim assistance program and creating a 1-hour response time. We saw countless homeowner’s left vulnerable and unsure of what to do after their major property loss.

When our victim assistance director arrived, he was able to give that homeowner comfortable clothes, hot coffee and his phone to call her family. Had he not responded so quickly, what would she have done? Time and time again we hear about so called, “emergency response” companies who do not show up until the next business day at best and a week later at worst. This not only allows damage to worsen but it leaves the homeowner completely helpless.

Even more importantly, our victim assistance director was able to offer her guidance on what to do next. He is not only a retired firefighter but he is also well versed in the insurance restoration business. He helped her call her insurance company and waited with her until her sister showed up. He also helped her figure out temporary housing and gave her a bag full of toiletries so she wouldn’t have to worry about one more thing.

After serving our communities for the past decade on major property losses, the worst part of any fire was seeing homeowners left so vulnerable like this one. Emergency services have to be about more than just boarding up a property or water mitigation. They have to also include services for the homeowner like temporary shelter, toiletries and guidance. As a local business, we have a greater level of compassion for our customers. We operate our business with customer service as the focus rather than profit margins.It is this compassion that lead to 1-800-BoardUp and our victim assistance program. Emergencies do not take holidays off and people will always need help, which is why we will always honor our 1-hour response time.