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How Can You Avoid Midwest Storm Chasers?

The Problem of Storm Chasers

Here at Hometown Roofing, we’re sure those in the Midwest have heard the term storm chaser — and no, we’re not talking about the baseball team or those crazy people who like to run around filming tornadoes. no, when we talk about storm chasers, we’re referring to disreputable roofing companies that show up whenever a major storm hits and end up ripping off thousands of homeowners who are in need of a quality roof repair or replacement.

What Exactly Are Storm Chasers?

A storm chaser is a roofing company that follows the path of the destructive wind and hail storms that are likely to cause damage to roofs. Once they identify a town or neighborhood hit by a damaging storm, they blanket it with fliers advertising quick and affordable roof replacement. Sometimes, they’ll even show up at front doors to strong-arm homeowners into signing quick (and often incomplete) contracts.

What Happens Next?

Once a contract is signed, the company figures out exactly the pay-off from the insurance company will be based on the square footage of the home. They then install a sub-par roof with either shoddy workmanship or cheap materials (or both) and bill the insurance company.

Once the roof begins failing (usually five to seven years in the future, while a good roof can last up to 15 years), the storm chaser company is nowhere to be found. The homeowner is left to deal with insurance companies on their own, and often has to replace their roof again out of pocket.

How to Spot Them

Keep your eyes open after a storm. Do you suddenly see ads for companies you’ve never heard of before? Are random people knocking on your door? These are usually companies to avoid. Do your research. If you need a roof repair or replacement, ask around. Which companies are locally owned and have a track of reputable work? It’s easy to weed out the storm chasers with just a little bit of leg work.

Don’t put your home (and budget) at risk by falling victim to a storm chaser. If a storm hits, begin researching local, reputable roofing companies like Hometown Roofing you can call to perform your repair or replacement. Even if you have to wait a bit longer, it will be well worth it in the long run.

Omaha Area Homes: Prepare Your Roof for Fall

Before we know it, the summer months will be behind us and we will begin the descent into cooler weather. Each season in the Midwest has multiple weather hazards that can damage your roof. Knowing what to check for after one season ends and how to prepare for the next season can save you time and money and ensure that your home is comfortable and safe for the following season. Before the leaves begin to fall and the temperature dips, here is what you should keep in mind to prepare your roof for fall.

Check For and Remove Falling Debris

Wind, hail, and rain can cause branches, leaves, and other debris to fall onto your roof. Much of this debris will gather in your gutters – especially if you don’t have gutter guards or if they are already clogged. Try to remove as much debris as you can from the gutters and where you can reach on the roof. Letting it gather can cause gutters to not properly distribute water and
can lead to damage. This is a good project after every major storm but is especially important as we start moving into the fall months.

Clean the Gutters

Speaking of those gutters, when is the last time you totally cleaned them out? Cleaning gutters is usually not a job any homeowner relishes. It’s messy, labor-intensive, and can be a little scary if you’re not comfortable being on a ladder. If you can’t safely and effectively clean your home’s gutters at least seasonally, you need to hire a professional to do it for you. They can make sure all debris is out of your gutters and that downspouts are functioning properly so that water is directed away from your home’s roof and foundation. They can also recommend and install good gutter guards to prevent buildup.

Remove Overhanging Branches

Though they may not seem like an issue now, trees with branches that hang over your home can pose big problems. If a large storm hits, branches (or the entire tree) can fall onto your roof, causing major damage. Even if the branches don’t break and fall, they’ll still deposit plenty of dead leaves onto your roof when the fall comes. Now’s a good time to trim back those branches or remove the tree if it poses a large problem. If you can’t easily reach the branches or don’t have the right equipment, call a professional tree service for help.

Make Sure the Attic is Properly Insulated

Was last winter a little chilly? If your heater is having a hard time keeping up with the chill, lack of insulation in the attic could be partly to blame. Now is the perfect time to inspect your attic and see if more (or better) insulation is in order. You can use mineral wool insulation or spray foam to add protection and keep your family comfortable this winter while cutting down on heating costs.

Check for Damages

If you haven’t given your roof a visual inspection all summer, it’s time to do so. There have been plenty of Midwest storms in the past few months and you may not know about damage until it’s too late. Visually inspect your roof for missing shingles, holes, broken gutters, damaged flashing or any other signs that it has been compromised. Though you should be able to spot any major damage, there are plenty of other red flags that you might miss. This is why having a professional inspection before fall is recommended. An exterior specialist like those at Hometown Roofing know what to look for when it comes to roof and exterior damage. If they find a problem, they can either recommend repairs or work with your insurance company to negotiate
a new roof.
Making sure to prepare your roof for fall when the season changes is a good way to keep your home safe and comfortable and take care of small problems before they become much larger ones. To schedule your inspection, call the Omaha exterior specialists Hometown Roofing today.

How to Maintain Your Roof

a brick home at sunset

Roof Maintenance

No one wants to pay for a new roof if they don’t have to. This leads many people to ask the question, “What can I do to maintain my roof ?” to reduce the cost of repairs and to prolong the need for a new roof as long as possible. Though no roof will last forever, there are certain steps you can take to maintain the integrity of the roof for the maximum amount of time. Here are the most important:

Get Regular Inspections and Needed Repairs by a Qualified Omaha Roofing Company

Storms and general wear and tear take their toll on your roof. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may or may not be able to see it. That’s why it’s important to have routine inspections from a qualified Omaha roofing company. We generally recommend customers get their roofs inspected after particularly heavy storms and each spring. We look for missing or damaged shingles, loose or missing flashing, stains on interior ceilings, leaks, cracks, and much more. This is a great way to have peace of mind that your roof is intact and able to keep your family and possessions safe. It’s also a way to address issues early when repairs are still possible.

Remove Moss and Mold

Moss and mold can build up during humid weather and tends to linger where there has been standing water. You can spray a moss remover and cleaner on the affected areas and hose it off to remove as much of it as possible, then brush the rest away with a broom or handheld brush. To prevent moss and mold from growing, make sure you remove debris as soon as possible and trim back any nearby trees that have overhanging branches.

Remove Loose Debris

Loose debris can accumulate on your roof and is common after a storm or during the fall season when leaves drop. To prevent as much debris as possible, you can trim back trees that have branches that hang over your roof. You should also remove any loose debris such as leaves and branches whenever you see it on your roof. If you don’t feel comfortable getting on your roof, you should hire a professional who can do the work for you.

Clean Gutters

Don’t neglect gutters when it comes to roof care! Clogged or damaged gutters can cause a lot of damage as they allow water to accumulate and get underneath the roofing structure. Make sure they are regular cleaned out and consider installing gutter guards. There are plenty of local professionals who specialize in gutter cleaning if you don’t feel comfortable getting on a ladder and doing it yourself.

Prevent Ice Dams

An ice dam occurs when ice builds up on the eaves of a sloped roof and is the result of melting snow under a snow pack reaching the eve and freezing there. This is common in Omaha and around the Midwest during the winter. The first defense against ice dams is a tightly sealed roof and adequate insulation. You can also try to remove the snow from your roof between storms by using a rake to dislodge snow within about four feet of gutters if possible. Leave any ice alone as prying it off can cause more damage.

No one wants to spend the money on a new roof if they can help it. The answer to “How can I maintain my roof ?” is a simple one. By taking the above preemptive measures, you can maintain the integrity of your roof for as long as possible. If you’d like a roof inspection by a professional Omaha roofing company, please reach out to Hometown Roofing. We’d love to help!