Roofing Repairs

Are Hidden Roof Leaks Spawning Destructive Mold in Your Home?

Stachybotrys chartarum has been getting a lot of press lately, and homeowners should take notice. This is the Latin name for a destructive and very toxic greenish-black substance known commonly as “black mold.” Molds of all types are believed to cause respiratory and other medical problems in some individuals, but this particularly virulent strain can cause severe problems (such as lung hemorrhage in infants) and even death in some individuals. Some studies have indicated a connection with other conditions such as asthma and chronic fatigue syndrome. Once sufficiently established, black mold can be very resistant to attempts to clean it up and eradicate it, and some homeowners have gone to the extreme solution of burning their homes to the ground and rebuilding.

In addition to the health threats it can cause, homeowners have additional reason to be concerned, because this particular mold is incredibly tough, and if it is unnoticed and allowed to develop, over time it can cause rot severe enough to cause a collapse of any structural components made of wood, paper, or cellulose (which is most of your home’s building materials). This mold develops slowly, over time forming colonies in hidden areas exposed to moisture, and it appears unaffected by wide variations in temperature. It even has the ability to grow over other less dangerous types of mold. Once established, it releases spores into the air, which can make their way throughout your home and circulate through your ventilation system. In addition to causing problems inhaled, it is also toxic if touched or accidentally ingested.

What causes black mold to develop in a home? Moisture, particularly in the form of areas which stay damp for long periods of time. Flooding is the most obvious cause, but there are other things which may cause moisture to develop and remain unnoticed. One of the most common causes of hidden moisture build-up within the structure of a home is a small roof leak from an area that may not be noticeable, except on close inspection by a professional. Larger leaks produce more immediately-noticeable results – brown stains on your ceiling, or even dripping water. But smaller leaks may result in just a slow soaking of insulation and structural wood. That’s a scenario that’s tailor-made for the development of black mold.

And the picture gets even worse. With the rising reports of this toxic substance, some homeowners’ insurance companies now include clauses in their policies which either completely exclude coverage for clean-up and repair of black mold damage, or they limit the amount they will pay. Read your insurance policy carefully. Even if there is no specific black mold exclusion or limitation, most policies will not cover mold damage unless it can be directly related to an accidental occurrence such as water coming in a home following a tree crashing through the roof. And since this mold develops slowly, you’re not likely to be able to pinpoint the cause.

Next post: What To Do About Black Mold – Spotting Danger Signs and Prevention.

Commercial Flat Roof Repair – What You Should Know

If you own a commercial property with a flat roof, chances are you have already needed to make repairs at least once. If you haven’t, you probably will do so soon. Flat roofs are installed using a special technique, and not all roofing contractors have experience in working with them. Here are some things you should be aware of when it comes to maintaining and repairing your flat roof.

There are many factors to take into account to repair a flat roof – color, style, warranty. The best way to proceed is to seek the advice of a professional to make sure you’re getting the right materials and that your repairs won’t void your existing warranty.

Counsel with a roofing company that you trust. A larger roofing contractor may have plenty of experience, but you want one that is small enough to care about your job and helping you to maintain your roof; chances are you’ll need their help more than once. Your chosen company should be local and have been in business at least 5 years to prove that they are trustworthy and able to give you the service, and warranty service that you deserve.
Take a look at your roofing materials from at least 20 feet away. This will help to give you an accurate impression about what your roofing repairs will actually look like once installed. Make sure the color and its finish agree with the rest of your architecture and siding. Feel free to bring a sample of your siding and compare it to the samples in the store. This is a great way to narrow them down to the right choice.
Consider cost. Make sure you let the roofing professional know your budget and all your goals to ensure you get the end result you want. By communicating this information up front you will be helping to form the right plan for you. Don’t be pressured into doing things that you may not really need. If your roof requires more than 1/3 of it to be repaired, then is the time to start thinking about replacement. Flat roofing is very resilient, and an honest contractor will let you know whether your roof needs to be replaced or if repairs will suffice. Then you make the choice. Don’t get pressured into something you’re not convinced you need or can afford.

Replacing a roof – whatever the type – is no small matter, but as long as you use common sense and seek the advice of a flat roof professional, you should get a good result. Many commercial roofing materials come with a prescribed maintenance schedule to maintain the warranty, so you’ll want to ask your contractor about that as well.

How to Assess Roofing Estimates Before You Sign

With winter looming in the near future, some Minnesota homeowners are planning roof repairs or replacements prior to the snowfall. If your roof is not in the best shape, it’s wise to get it taken care of prior to the cold weather, because mid-winter roof repairs can be costly. If you are planning roof work, here are a few tips to help you evaluate proposals before you sign a contract.

Read the contract or proposal carefully; if there are any provisions you don’t understand, ask.
Is the estimate detailed or vague? If the scope of the work proposed to be done is not spelled out, you can’t be sure what to expect.
Are there provisions for contract modifications if unseen damage is uncovered in the course of the work? You will want to know how the contractor proposes to handle such situations; be sure to get it in writing.
Make sure your contract specifies exactly what kind of roofing material and what manufacturer will be used.
Ask about warranties – both the manufacturer’s and the contractor’s
Ask for references, and then call them to see what kind of feedback they give about the roofing contractor
Ask for proof of insurance as well as current license
Does the contract include free annual roof inspections following installation? This is important, because many roofing manufacturers require yearly inspections to keep the warranty in force

For a major expense such as a roof replacement, it’s often advisable to get more than one estimate. Be sure the estimates are based on the same type of material and cover the same scope of work; otherwise it is difficult to compare. If the estimates are drastically different, that should be a red flag for you. Costs of materials are fairly standard, and if one estimate is substantially lower, it may not include everything the more expensive estimate does. Also, a “cheap” price may be an indication of just what quality of work you can expect. This is where following up on references can be helpful.

A roof replacement is a major expense, and it’s one you shouldn’t enter into hastily. Don’t be hesitant to ask for references and documentation. Reputable contractors will be happy to provide you with the information you request. Communication between a homeowner and a contractor is important, and if there are difficulties at the proposal stage, don’t assume it will get better once you sign the contract. If you have questions about roof repairs and replacements, contact Iron River Construction at 952-442-1762.

Is Your MN Roof as Energy Efficient as It Could Be?

Energy-efficient homes just make good sense, both for the environment and for your finances. They cost less in heating and cooling bills and the cost of operating appliances, which means they use less natural resources. You may have considered energy efficiency when buying things like water heaters and air conditioners, but have you considered energy efficiency in terms of your roof? A roof inspection can be the first step in determining whether or not your roof is a potential money waster. Roof leaks – even small ones – can do more than just let in moisture. Leaks can mean a problem with the insulation. Leaks can also mean air escapes from your home, which means you’re essentially paying to heat and cool the outside.

One common misconception is that venting makes the roof energy efficient. Venting needs to function along with regular maintenance as well as all the other roofing components so that the vents function as designed. Proper air circulation can prevent build-up of moisture which can cause mold or mildew, but it doesn’t necessarily indicate proper insulation or that all the components of your roof are in good shape. A qualified professional roofing inspector can assess all the factors related to energy efficiency in your roof – air circulation, insulation, and structural integrity.

Iron River Construction provides free roof inspections in the Minneapolis and surrounding greater Minnesota with no obligation. If repairs are needed to increase the energy efficiency of your roof, they can make recommendations and give you an estimate. Give them a call today - 952-442-1762

Prevent Ice Dams and Roof Repairs By Making Sure Your Home Can “Breathe”

Just like people, houses need to breathe, too, and that should be the function of a good eave system. The eaves are the underside of your roof’s overhang,and they may extend out just a few inches or a couple of feet. Whatever their size, their purpose is much more than cosmetic. They should do more than just finish off your roof and give you a place to mount the gutters. They also keep water from running off the edge of the roof onto the outside walls. And well-designed eaves should have vents that allow air to circulate into your attic space. This allows your home to “breathe.” This is especially critical in the winter.

Ice dams are a problem for many Minnesota homeowners, especially those with older homes which are not well insulated. The main cause of ice dams is a warm attic, which means the upper area of the roof is much warmer (causing snow melt) than the cold, lower portion of the roof (where the melted snow freezes and forms an ice dam). When attic air is close to the same temperature and humidity level as the outside area, it makes it much less likely that ice dams will form in the winter.

If your roof is in need of repair, or if your roof has had problems with ice dams in previous winters, talk to a roofing contractor such as Iron River Construction about installing vents that will help conduct cool air into your attic, thus reducing the likelihood of an ice dam developing. Remember, your roof is a system, and the eaves are an important part of it.

Take Care of Your Roof and It Will Last A lot Longer

If you are like most people, then you most likely take the roof of your home for granted. If it looks ok, you assume it is working fine. This is usually true, but it is the little things that collect after every storm and add up over time.

Roofing is much more than just a bunch of shingles. There are layers of roofing material that need to work together to channel water away from your house in order for it to work right. If the flashing or trim is somehow pulled away from its intended place, even a small amount, this will allow water to collect and sit. Standing water can cause rot, mold, and mildew, as well as attract insects and rodents.

Small, unnoticed damage to your roof build up over time, gets worse with each storm and each passing season. In the winter, water gets into small cracks and crevices,freezes and expands, and breaks it apart even more. Before you know it, what was a small divot holding a few ounces of water has become an opening to the inside of your home. This is why roofing contractors will draw your attention to these little things. They are not trying to sell you something; they know that this is how the real problems get started. Taking care of small roof problems before they take a foothold is the best way to get the most out of your roof.

Whether your roof is old or new, an inspection should be a part of your schedule every year. In fact, most roofing warranties require them. And after a severe storm, it’s a good idea to give it a once-over as well. With Iron River Construction in Minneapolis, inspections are free. Call for a roof inspection before winter.

What To Look for On Your Roof After a MN Hailstorm

If you live in Minnesota, you’re probably familiar with the damage threat hailstorms pose. What is hail? Hail begins as water droplets in the clouds. As it freezes and moves around in the clouds, it collects more moisture, which then freezes on the existing ice ball. Hail can be pea-sized, or it can grow to the size of a grapefruit. Eventually it gets too heavy and falls to the ground from thousands of feet up. Hail is known to destroy crops, cars, and particularly roofing.

The roof takes the brunt of the impact during a hail storm, and if it is accompanied by a driving wind, this damage can escalate significantly. The only way to determine the extent of hail damage after a hail storm, no matter how brief, is to go up on the roof and take a look around. While many people rarely do this, homeowners should be aware that hail storms will bring damage. Even very small hail can cause problems. Don’t wait until you have a ceiling leak for evidence:

Dented or loose vents and metal flashing
Split, broken, or missing shingles
Severe roofing granule loss (check your downspout bases – the granules will accumulate there
Don’t forget to check your siding for cracks or other damage. Also inspect your A/C unit.

While newer shingles are better made to withstand hail damage; and underlayment has been improved to help absorb the impact of hail, it will still take a trained eye to make sure your roof was not compromised.

In recent years, roof shingle manufacturers have been listing products that conform to Underwriters Laboratories test standard UL 2218, which classifies the resistance of a particular product to hail damage. While this is a relatively new testing method, it does have some important key factors to consider while purchasing new products.

If you have had hail damage on your roof and your insurance company agrees to a replacement, make sure you go with a roofing contractor that is up to date with what’s going on in the industry. Iron River Construction is here to help you get the best product, at the best price, with the least amount of hassle. Call us today- 952-442-1762

MN Emergency Roof Repairs – What You Should Know

No matter how good or new it is, any roof can be damaged from Minnesota’s sometimes severe or extreme weather, and such damage often may require an emergency repair. Quick action is necessary to prevent further damage to your roof and/or other areas of your home, inside and out. If you’ve suffered storm damage to your roof, here’s what to keep in mind:

Don’t attempt repairs during the storm, or you may be facing injury from high winds and lightning. It’s best to evaluate roof damage in the clear light of day once the storm is over.
Have your roof professionally inspected. Even though you may be able to handle minor repairs yourself or take steps to prevent further damage, it’s best to call a professional roofing contractor to evaluate the extent of the damage. Roofing inspectors can spot damage you may miss, and they are best qualified to recommend needed repairs.
Minimize further damage: A damaged roof can result in roof leaks. Water entering the interior of your home can cause structural damage. A roofing repair expert can be of great help with this.
Locate the source of any leaks and stop them if you can. You may be able to plug leaky areas until repairs can be made. Patches, rubber sheets, sealants, and other materials can be helpful until a roof repair expert can step in to make permanent repairs.
Choose a professional roofer. A qualified roofing contractor should provide you with a license, proof of insurance, references, and information on warranties. Be sure you get a detailed written estimate.

Emergency roof repairs don’t have to be a source of panic when you’ve got a local MN roofing contractor on your side. If a storm has affected your roof, contact Iron River Construction today for a free inspection and repair estimate. Call us at 952-441-1762.

Tags: MN roof damage, roof repairs Mpls, roofing contractor Mpls

Minnesota Gutter Maintenance: Common Problems

With the sometimes heavy rainstorms we get here in the Minneapolis metro area, gutters and their maintenance are extremely important to keep your home in good condition. Gutters that are not well maintained won’t function as they should, and sometimes can make the problems worse. Here are the major problems that can occur:

Missing or Loose Sections: Wind, rain, snow, and weight of debris can dislodge gutters. When parts of your gutter system are loose or missing, water damage can occur on your roof and/or your siding. If you notice loose or missing gutters, it’s important to contact a professional roofing contractor immediately.

Clogged Gutters: Lack of regular gutter maintenance is the major cause of blockage. Clogged gutters can result in the formation of ice dams at the edges of your roof, allowing water to seep in under your roofing, causing damage and roof leaks. Leaves and other debris, as well as mold, can build up in your gutters and block them. The recommendation is to have your gutters professionally cleaned out twice a year. Also, having a leaf barrier product installed on your gutters can substantially cut down on further clogs.

Leakage: Cracks can result from a variety of conditions, from strong sunlight to heavy rains. Small cracks or holes can be fixed with a gutter sealant, but if the holes or cracks are large, replacement of gutter sections may be necessary.

Missing or Damaged Downspouts: The downspout is a critical element – this is what directs water away from your home. Missing, damaged, or bent downspouts can cause water to pool up around your foundation, resulting in water damage. Damaged or missing downspouts should be repaired or replaced immediately.

Age and Wear: Even though today’s gutters are designed to be long-wearing, they will not last indefinitely. At some point, normal wear and tear will result in gutters that are no longer economical to repair. A professional roofing contractor can help you choose the right replacement system.

Iron River Construction, a full-service roofing contractor serving Minneapolis and surrounding communities in Minnesota. If your gutters are in need of repair (or if you’re not sure how effective they are), contact them today for a free consultation and estimate. Call 952-442-1762.

Tags: gutter installation MN, gutter repair Mpls

When Is It Time to Replace Your MN Roof?

Let’s face it – the prospect of a leaking roof, particularly in the middle of the winter or a heavy rain, is a scary proposition. There is no arguing that a brand new roof will provide you with a greater sense of security than repairing a damaged roof once it reaches the end of its useful life. The question is, where exactly is that point?

Because most homeowners don’t know when a roof is worn out, some roofing contractors that will use scare tactics to get homeowners to opt for a new roof replacement versus a repair on a roof that actually still has plenty of life left in it. A quick review of a few indicators will help you feel more confident if you are considering replacement versus repairs.

First, you need to evaluate your roof’s condition. Is it damaged, or is it just dirty and stained? If you’re in doubt, have your roof professionally inspected.

Then if the primary reason you think it is time for a new roof is because of a leak, there are some additional points to consider. Determine whether the roof leaks in a single or multiple locations. Next, ask yourself whether it is in a location that has leaked and been repaired before. A single location, leaking for the first time, usually is not by itself an indication that you need a new roof. It is more likely that a single component of the roofing system such as flashing, a vent, or a misnailed shingle has failed but the rest of the roof still could be in decent condition.

Leaks in multiple locations will tell you a much different story. If multiple locations are having shingles come loose, nails rise, and flashing fail, these are indications that the roof needs to be replaced. The general rule of thumb is that if the roof is over 15 years old, and has more than a third of it is in need of repair, an entire roof replacement is recommended. Why? When your roof reaches this point, things are not going to get any better, and you will be facing multiple roof repairs in the future. On the other hand, with a new roof, everything will be covered with a warranty for 20 years or more. In addition to this, roofing today is much better that that of even 15 years ago. The warranties are better, the materials are better and if you go with a reputable roofing contractor, installations are much better as well.

If you have any questions about whether your roof needs repairs or replacement, the licensed roofing professionals at I River Construction will come out and inspect your roof for free to help you decide. With us you will get the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 952-442-1762

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