Blog Layout

Why Hiring an Insured Roofer is Important

Family Roofing • Oct 23, 2019
When you need roof replacement, you only want to work with the best. Experienced roofers give you the best chance of having the highest possible quality installation of your roof. But there’s another important reason to choose your roofing company carefully: You only want to work with an insured roofer. Why is this so important? Family Roofing has three reasons.

  1. Murphy’s Law is real – You’re probably familiar with Murphy’s Law. Things can – and often do – go wrong when work is being done at your home. Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs out there. Professional roofing companies want to protect their employees, so they carry insurance to cover any injuries or property damage that happen on the job site.
  2. It protects you, too – Hiring insured roofers is one way to make sure you’re not held liable in the event of an accident or damage to your home. If you take a chance and hire an uninsured roofer, you could be responsible for any bills for medical treatment or property damage.
  3. It’s a matter of trust – Roofing companies have insurance to show their integrity and trustworthiness. They’ll stand behind the work they do and the way they do it.

Our expert roofing contractors will install a new roof on your home while putting quality and safety first.
By Angela Coon 09 Jan, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
By Angela Coon 09 Nov, 2022
Family Roofing’s Process for Keeping Your Home Safe and Clean
By Angela Coon 02 Feb, 2022
Insurance Claims
By Angela Coon 04 Jun, 2021
.When you need roof replacement, you only want to work with the best. Experienced roofers give you the best chance of having the highest possible quality for your roof installation. But there’s another important reason to choose your roofing company carefully: You only want to work with an insured roofer. Why is this so important? Murphy’s Law is real – You’re probably familiar with Murphy’s Law. Things can – and often do – go wrong when work is being done at your home. Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs out there. Professional roofing companies want to protect their employees, so they carry insurance to cover any injuries or property damage that happen on the job site. It protects you, too – Hiring insured roofers is one way to make sure you’re not held liable in the event of an accident or damage to your home. If you take a chance and hire an uninsured roofer, you could be responsible for any bills for medical treatment or property damage. It’s a matter of trust – Roofing companies have insurance to show their integrity and trustworthiness. They’ll stand behind the work they do and the way they do it. Get insured roofers for your roof replacement by calling Family Roofing (864) 261-0841. Our expert roofing contractors will install a new roof on your home while putting quality and safety first.
By Angela Coon 13 Apr, 2021
Has your home or business been in the vicinity of a hail storm recently? It’s not easy to see from the ground if your roof has experienced any major problems. Always have a trained roofing professional determine the extent of your damage. Hail damage can seem harmless. However, over a period of time, it can cause serious damage to your roof. The damage causes the roof to break down, and rain leaks begin to come into your home. If you believe that there could be a chance your roof has suffered hail damage, you should have it looked at immediately. Shingles are made so that the granules block the UV of the sun and protect asphalt underlayment. As the shingles age, the granules fall off over time. As the asphalt is exposed to UV, it dries out the shingle. Hail damage does several things: • Accelerates granule loss • Accelerates shingle loss • Voids manufacturer’s warranties • Leads to other associated problems The nature of hail damage is that it may pose no immediate threat to the structural integrity of the roof. However, many insurance companies have a “statute of limitations” of how long a hail claim is viable. If you have experienced a loss such as hail damage, it is prudent to take care of the problem in a timely manner before it leads to other associated problems. Inspect Your Roof as Soon as Possible After a Storm Inspect your roof regularly, so that you can find and fix damage BEFORE it becomes a more costly leak. With regular inspection, you have information to compare roof conditions after a severe storm. You can document the date of damage and can establish whether the damage was or was not present before a particular storm. Any storm or wind alone can damage a roof. The sooner you inspect the roof after a storm the better you can avoid leak damage inside your home, which sometimes does not occur until months later. If an insurance claim for your roof is warranted, the documented damage you collected will provide supporting data of your claim. How do I know if I have hail damage? The first place to look is at the metal products that are on your roof (wind turbines, metal caps, etc). If they have noticeable dents in them, the shingles probably do also. Look in your gutters to see if the gritty granules on the face of the shingles have been knocked off and collected in the gutters. Look at your window screens skylights to see if they have been damaged. If branches have been broken from trees, damage has also occurred to your roof. What is the first thing I should do if I believe I have damage? Call a local roofing contractor to set up an appointment to come out and take a look at your roof to determine if there is damage. What is the insurance process if the roofing contractor tells me I have damage and need a new roof? Your first step is to call your insurance carrier and request an adjuster to come out to assess the damage you have to your property. Not just your roof, but your gutters, fence, outdoor furniture, window screens, air conditioning unit, pool equipment, and pool furniture for damage. The adjuster will explain the claims process to you, and will let you know when to expect your money, and how much to expect. We will help mediate your claim by working with your insurance adjuster on your behalf. Can I get the depreciation back? In most cases, yes. Depending on your residential policy, most insurance companies hold back depreciation. That will be provided to you after all the work is completed. There are many small details and factors that can apply to each specific claim. Still Have Questions? We're more than happy to answer any questions that you may have. For answers, or for a free quote, call Family Roofing (864) 261-0841 or fill out the quick contact form located on our contact us page.
Reasons Roofs Leak During Heavy Rain
By Family Roofing 13 Feb, 2020
No one wants to go running for a bucket every time it rains. Because spring and early summer (and apparently February) bring heavy, windblown downpours in the South, this season is often the one when leaks become apparent. Keep an eye out for the following problem areas to avoid the need for buckets. Plumbing . Where there’s plumbing, you will find a vent pipe and flashing. A plumbing setup can make some houses more vulnerable to leaks during heavy rains. Something as simple as a ventilation fan duct can allow a leak to occur. Chimney . A house with a chimney is far more prone to roof leaks that one without. Rain can fall straight into the chimney itself, around the flashing between the chimney and roof, or through the masonry surface. Problems with roofing shingles only increase the likelihood of leaks. Skylights . Skylights are another common leak source, often due to damaged or improperly installed flashing, gaps around the framing, or condensation dripping off a skylight that hasn’t been properly insulated. Degraded roof shingles . Eventually roofing shingles will dry out and wear to the point that they can no longer keep water out. Roof leaks that happen during heavy rains may indicate the end of the shingles’ life. Metal corrosion . Cracks in metal and corrosion around fasteners can create enough space for water to leak. Over time, expansion and contraction can loosen the seams in a metal roof. This wear and tear may also lead to leaks. Condensation . Attics that are not properly ventilated can allow moist, hot air to collect in the attic. Another issue is condensation that collects on pipes that vent through the attic. The water then drips into attic and onto the ceiling. Heavy rainfall during temporarily warmer winter days will only make the situation worse. If you need a roof repair in the Anderson area, please call us (864) 261-0841.
Flat Roofs and Architectural Shingles Do Not Mix! anderson roofing
By Family Roofing 14 Nov, 2019
I want to talk a little bit about flat roofs and architectural shingles. In the last few years I have come across this issue several times. Most architectural shingle manufacturers do not recommend installation under a pitch of 4, many manufacturers will allow installation with a pitch of 2-4, but there are certain underlayment instructions that must be followed in order to not void the warranty. When architectural shingles are installed on a flat roof, water can become trapped under the shingle. On a pitched roof the water won't stay trapped. However, on a flat roof, there is no place for the water to go. This can cause the roof to become weak, and develop leaks more quickly. I have 2 encountered two roofs that had architectural shingles installed on very low pitch/flat roof in just the past two weeks. One was installed less than 3 years ago, the other was installed about 4 years ago. Both had been weakened over time from improper drainage and both had to have the wood replaced in those section. There is a huge misconception with shingle warranties. Shingle warranties cover mostly shingle malfunctions and defects, these are rare. The majority of issues with roofs that are less than 5 years old are workmanship issues. Your insurance does not cover workmanship issues. That company that gave you a great deal on your roof, but won't stand behind their work can cost you a lot more money in the long run! These two examples ended up with costly repairs that could have been avoided with proper knowledge and installation of an appropriate roofing product. Always find out about the workmanship warranty any roofing company offers! If you have any questions about low slope/ flat roof solutions or if you need a roof repair, give us a call (864) 261-0841. Anderson Roofing Roofing Anderson We proudly recommend Certainteed Flintlastic!
The Importance of a Properly Flashed Chimney
By Family Roofing 30 Oct, 2019
A fireplace is a wonderful feature for a home. It can provide heat on cold winter days; it can also give you and your family that cozy, homey feeling. If you have a fireplace, it probably has a chimney to exhaust smoke and fumes – and around that chimney should be flashing. Here, our chimney flashing repair professionals explain the importance of this flashing: WHAT IS CHIMNEY FLASHING? When a home builder builds a chimney into a roof, there is a space between the chimney structure and the roofing structure. This space needs to be sealed, so the builder installs layers of sheet metal around the chimney to seal it. These layers are what we call “flashing.” WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? Chimney flashing provides a layer of protection for your roof. Your roof is what shields you from rain, sleet, wind, snow, and other natural elements; if there’s a space between it and your chimney, it gives these elements a way into your home. Quality chimney flashing seals this space and keeps water, wind, and debris out. CHIMNEY FLASHING REPAIRS Chimney flashing that is rusted, damaged, missing, or old could mean trouble for your home. This is also true if your home has just gone through a severe storm. Improper flashing can cause leaks and create water damage. When water damage occurs in your roofing structure, attic, and even the interior parts of your home, it compromises their integrity. We can make sure your flashing is in good condition. We’ll inspect the area and make sure there’s a proper seal. We’ll check each layer and focus especially on the corners (we know corners are more vulnerable to leaks or damage) to make sure your home is safe. If we find any issues, our experts will make the necessary repairs to restore the quality of your flashing. Don’t let chimney flashing be the reason for water damage – call our experts today (864) 261-0841!
Do You Need A Roof Repair or a New Roof?
By Family Roofing 28 Oct, 2019
You have some shingles missing. Or the flashing around your chimney is damaged. Or water is leaking into your attic. You know you should get a contractor to look at your roof and write up an estimate, but you are hesitant because you’ve been burned by less-than-outstanding roofers in the past. You are also worried about the cost and what else the contractor might find wrong with your roof.—the potential for more damage to your roof and your overall property increases the longer you wait. Homeowners should not out off roof repairs. The repair process starts with the estimate, which isn’t just a slip of paper but should be a dialogue between homeowner and the contractor. Asking the right questions not only provides you the best idea of how much the job will cost, but also establishes the parameters of the repair. With this information, you can feel comfortable knowing the job will be done correctly—or that you should get an estimate from another roofer. Many roofers have minimums for repairs, Family Roofing does not. Here are several questions you should ask any contractor giving you a roof repair estimate: Have You Inspected the Whole Roof? Although just part of your roof may be damaged, a quality contractor will look for other issues while atop your home. After all, missing shingles might be a sign of a greater problem, and a leak may be trickling in several feet away from the actual drip. Asking “What else did you see?” should provide a basic assessment of the state of your roof. How Long Will the Job Take? Some repairs take longer than others. Unfortunately, some roofers take longer than others to complete the easiest of repairs, adding to your cost and inconvenience. Get a firm time frame from the contractor so you can plan around the repair and reduce any stress if the job takes longer than originally expected. Are You Insured and Bonded? A fully insured, licensed, and bonded contractor provides a layer of protection and added peace of mind to the repair. Any damage occurring to your home during the repair will be covered, of course, but perhaps more importantly, the liability for any injuries sustained by the contractor’s employees on your property will not fall to your homeowner’s insurance. What If the Weather is Bad? You need your repair completed soon, but unfortunately, the weather does not always cooperate. Be sure to ask if the roofer has a plan if bad weather postpones the job. A rainy day or two shouldn’t make you wait weeks before the contractor can finish the repair. What About Unexpected Costs? Unexpected roof costs understandably frighten homeowners—nobody wants to be quoted a price and be told, on the day of the repair, that the job will cost an extra grand. Don’t sign anything until you have a full understanding of every cost involved with the repair. How Long Will the Repair Last? Repairs could be temporary or serve you for the remaining lifetime of the roof. Knowing this information will better guide your decision on whether or not to make the repair and whom to hire for the job. How Do You Stand by Your Repair? If something goes wrong with the repair after the contractor leaves, what recourse will you have for the repair to be corrected? Asking a roofer how they stands by their work and what you can expect if a problem arises can prevent costly headaches later. Should I Consider A New Roof Installation? You might be apprehensive to ask this question because shadier contractors might jump on the chance for a more lucrative job by saying, “Yes, you need a new roof!” (Some contractors may suggest this before even explaining your repair options.) However, if your roof is older and/or continually causing problems, you should be asking if a replacement roof is a smarter option. The best contractors will walk through the pros and cons of each choice and never pressure you into a decision you aren’t comfortable with. If you are interested in a repair or a new roof, give us a call (864) 261-0841 or email info @callfamilyroofing.com Call a roofer!
Does Your Roof Have Hail Damage?
By Family Roofing 28 Oct, 2019
Strong winds, heavy rains, scorching sun– your home’s roof takes a beating throughout the year. All of these weather events can leave you with a damaged roof and even cause leaks that can impact your home’s interior. What storm damage might look like Sometimes, the signs of a damaged roof are pretty obvious, like water spots on a ceiling or curled, buckling or missing roof shingles. You may also see broken or damaged roof flashing, wet walls, or water issues around your home’s exterior. What to look for: Shingle condition . Missing shingles are one obvious sign, but pay attention to the granule buildup on your shingles as well as early signs of damage. Hail storms can cause dings and dents in asphalt shingles and should be noted as well. Missing flashing along the edges of the roof and along skylights, vents, and chimneys. Loose or peeling sealant along those same penetration points. Water damage in the attic or along the ceiling. Other time, the signs aren’t so obvious, which is when it might be time to call in a professional roofing expert. The National Roofing Contractors Association recommends that homeowners get their roof inspected by a professional twice a year—once in the fall and once in the spring. How to start the process of roof replacement Once you’ve assessed the damage, the next step to replacing your roof is to request an estimate. At Family Roofing, an expert will sit down with you and your family to select the perfect roofing materials — from the protective underlayment to the shingles that will cover your whole roof system. We’ll also work through financing options, discuss warranty packages, and accommodate your schedule to find the perfect day to complete your new roof installation. What your homeowners insurance covers Figuring out what your homeowners insurance covers and does not cover can be confusing. Homeowners insurance covers your roof in cases where it is damaged for reasons outside of the homeowner’s control – a few examples are fire and vandalism. Your policy will also usually cover damage from extreme weather events or “acts of God” like hurricanes and tornadoes. Similarly, roof damage caused by moderate weather incidents such as hail, wind, and rain are often covered by homeowners insurance. When filing a claim, it’s important to thoroughly document any damage that occurred. Also, make sure you keep receipts for all work done on the home. Many policies will cover these expenses when submitted with a claim. However, keep in mind that coverage will often depend on the age of your roof, the area you live in, and may other factors. The easiest way to know what’s covered or what’s not when it comes to storm damage is to contact your insurance provider and go over the specifics of your policy, including what’s covered and what your deductible may (or may not) be. What your warranty looks like When you purchase a new whole roof system, that roof will come with its own warranty. But not all roof warranties are the same. In fact, many homeowners learn the hard way that most roof warranties only cover the cost of materials or just manufacturer or installation defects—not weather-related issues. Family Roofing is one few companies that can offer SureStart PLUS® roofing warranty can cover your roof up to 50 years. The cost of shingles and labor for repairs is 100 percent covered, coverage is not prorated over the course of the protection period, and the warranty is transferable to a new owner Beware of storm chasers The last and final point we’ll make about natural disasters is that they can be a magnet for dishonest contractors. “Unfortunately, severe storms can bring out the worst in people, especially unscrupulous roofing contractors who scam consumers needing to repair or replace their storm-damaged roofs,” the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety said after Denver’s record-breaking hail storm in 2017. “These fraudsters will often make false promises, insist on full payment before work begins or is completed. Sometimes, they will even create damage where none existed.” Do your due diligence when choosing a roofing contractor. Check with local and state agencies to find out if your anticipated contractor is licensed and qualified to do the work. Did a storm leave you with a damaged roof? Give us a call. If you need a roof replacement, you need an expert that takes the time to thoroughly inspect your roof and works with your lifestyle and finances. After we take a good look at your home, we will work with you to put together the perfect roofing package for you – including our 50-year warranty. We bring trust and peace of mind to every Family Roofing roof. Contact Family Roofing at (864) 261-0841 or visit callfamilyroofing.com to get a price, schedule a free, in-home consultation or find answers to any home roofing questions. We specialize in hail damage, roof repairs and reroofs.
Share by: