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Archive for the ‘Storm Damage MN’ Category

Three Mistakes Often Made When Purchasing a New Roof

1. Shopping for the Best Price

The price of a roofing repair or replacement in MN, especially after a storm, will vary greatly depending on the size and location of your home. If you shop around for prices and notice that a company is well below the average, there is probably a good reason why. Cost alone will not determine quality. Professionalism and quality workmanship should also influence your decision greatly.

Ask yourself, what is the total price of the job? Does this include sales tax? When are the payments due? Does the price include removal or disposal of the old roof? Are there any hidden costs?

Some smaller roofing companies may require a small deposit at the start of work. Most of the contracted amount should only be due after all of the work is completed in a satisfactory manner. Do not issue full payment for the job until all work has been completed. Lengthy projects may require progress payments, so just be sure the amount does not exceed the value of the work performed. The average payment plan is to issue payments in 1/3^rd’s’. That means they can have 1/3^rd up front, 1/3^rdhalfway through, and the last 3^rd after the job is all finished and cleaned up to your satisfaction.

2. Check For Insurance, and Verify It

It is also important to check the insurance of every company doing work at your home. A company should carry both workers’ compensation and liability insurance. Because of the dangers inherent in working on the roof, workers’ compensation and liability insurance are a significant cost to a roofing company. Since the cost of the insurance is high, some companies do not carry it. This practice is a shortcut some companies take to underbid the competition.

3. Don’t Go With a Company Just Because They Were the First To Respond, or Promise To Finish Right Away

A company that is quick to respond and pushes your to start your project immediately may be offering because they don’t have enough business or need the cash deposit for their own cash flow crunch. It is important to ask yourself why? Maybe they are a larger company, and can simply schedule lots of work in a productive way, but maybe they just want to get the deposit and come back later.

It is OK to ask how long this company has been in business, so you can be reasonably sure they will still be around if you have any warranty issues. Also, be sure to verify the warranties with them. Ask how many years of roofing experience they have, and if they will be doing the work themselves.

These are just three of the things you should be aware of, but if you give us a call at Iron River Construction in Minneapolis, and we will put all your concerns to rest. We have 15 years of experience, and have been there and done that no matter what comes up; so let us know what we can do for you. 952-442-1762

Tags: Minneapolis contractor, roof replacement minneapolis

Waconia MN had Little Storm Damage This Year

Even though Waconia, MN had little storm damage this winter, there was still enough wind and hail damage to warrant roofing inspections across the city. Once the warm weather got here, it brought with it a few spring showers and that pesky roof leak again. For many homeowners this scenario plays out year after year, but sooner or later they will have to have it fixed.

If you notice that there is a new water mark, or a larger one in the same spot, it is time to have your roof looked at by a professional. With Iron River Construction, roofing inspections are free, and they are usually covered by most homeowner’s insurance policies. There is no excuse to avoid having it looked at.

There are some homeowners that don’t want to know what’s going on up there, because they don’t want to have to face the possibility of replacing their roof. However, there is a very easy formula that determines a roof replacement, and you should be able to get an idea of where you stand by using it. If your roof needs more than 1/3 of it repaired, then it is time to have it replaced. If your roof needs less than 1/3 of it repaired, as most of them do, you can fix a few things, and will be good to go for another year. Most leaks can be corrected with a simple repair around the flashing and the chimney. The occasional missing shingle comes into play, but even these are easy to correct.

Find out where you stand with your roof, and find out if it is covered by your insurance or not. Irion River Construction has a dedicated staff that knows how to navigate these things, and will be able to tell you right away what your options are. Just give us a call, and find out today. 952-443-1762

Tags: free roofing inspection, Hail Damage Contractor Mn, hail damage in Minneapolis, Roofing Company Minneapolis, Storm Damage Company Minneapolis, waconia mn roofing, wind damage

Shakopee MN and Your New Roof

If your home is anywhere near a water source, then you have a few more considerations than the rest of the homeowners in Minnesota. Lakes and rivers have a more humid climate for at least 10 miles around it, than the rest of the area does, and this needs to be considered when purchasing a new roof, especially in Shakopee, MN.

Because Shakopee is located near the river bend, it picks up a lot of moist air that is blown across the neighborhoods in the area. It sounds great in the hot summer, but in the winter, it contributes to ice dams, and other winter hazards that we all dread each year. Ice dams are no joke; they can cause tremendous damage to a home, and literally rip roofing and gutters from a house in very little time.

As water freezes it expands and this expansion will break apart anything that is trying to stop it, even stone.

This is why a proper roofing system is so important in areas like Shakopee, MN where the air is so moist. Gutters need to be kept clear, and the water needs to be channeled away from the property so that it will not just collect at the base of it, and cause more problems there, too.

Moving snow and ice is like moving earth. It can’t just be dropped anywhere. It needs to be placed in a place where it will drain away, and not clog up all the drains when it refreezes at night.

Managing water, snow, and ice is a skill that roofers need to understand if they are going to give you a new roof that will serve you for the next 20+ years. Only experience will teach people how to manage the elements, and at Iron River Construction, we have 15 years of it ready to be put to work. Or service will take into consideration all the nuances of your property, and make sure that everything will be in good working order, ready to take on winter no matter what comes. If you would like to know more about how to maximize your home’s exterior, give us a call for your free inspection. We do much more than just install new roofing in MN. 952-442-1762

Tags: repairing hail damage, roof replacement minneapolis, Roofing Company Minneapolis, Roofing Company St Paul MN

What Are Some Signs of Aging in MN Roofing Shingles?

Not all shingles will age at the same pace. The best place to start looking for the expected lifetime of your roof is to look at the manufacturer’s warranty. This will give you an idea of the typical lifetime you can expect. In addition to this, take a look at the environment your roof will be living in. Is there a lot of moisture? Are their trees that are rubbing against the roof? Do you tend to get harsh weather such as direct sun, wind, hail, and lots of snow? If the answer to any of these is ‘yes’, than you can expect your roofing quality to be diminished slightly with each passing year.

However, there are ways to counteract these acts of nature. Routine roofing inspections are the best way, as these will spot and repair minor damage before it becomes more extensive. The typical roof inspections take place with every change of season, or about 2 to 3 times a year; certainly, after any episodes of severe weather. Hail in particular will bring a certain amount of damage that is not easily seen from the ground.

Snow and ice will also comprise a roof by allowing cold water to get into cracks and crevices, and then freeze, expanding the roofing materials apart. Water weighs something like 8 pounds per gallon, so all this weight sitting on the roof will also take its toll over the years. Ice dams are another form of damage that will limit the life of your roof, not so much from the dam itself, but from the poor soul that goes up there and tries to chip them away with a hammer and chisel. There are much better ways to remove these dams, ways that don’t have to risk life and limb, and ways that won’t damage your roof.

If you are ready to protect your investment, and make the most out of your roof, get in touch with Iron River Construction. We will begin to include you in our family of services that will protect your roofing like few others can. Our team of professionals will know what to look for and when. Give us a call today so we can get started. 952-442-1762

Tags: Minnesota Storm Insurance Claims, roof repair, roof repairs Minneapolis, Storm Damage Company Minneapolis

What To Do After Wind or Hail Damage in MN?

If you live in the Minneapolis or St. Paul area, you have undoubtedly run into wind and hail storm damage here or there. Hail is one of the biggest causes of damage to our State, and one of the biggest repairs we deal with at Iron River Construction. Hail is most famous for damaging roofing materials like nothing else can. Along with the hail, there are usually lots of high winds that will get under shingles and pull them loose, or even take them off altogether.

If you have experienced this type of weather, or should I say when you do, make sure to have us come out and inspect your roof free of charge. Damage like this is not always apparent, but will open the door to other more serious issues that can snowball later on. Even if no shingles were actually removed, flashing and other parts of the roof can be compromised, allowing water from snow and ice to gradually enter the home. This kind of damage is easy to repair, but if left alone can easily turn a simple repair into a full blown remodel.

There is a strip of adhesive that holds shingles in place. This helps to prevent wind and water from blowing up under them. If this is broken, or significantly damaged, it can warrant a roof replacement. While it may look like nothing to the average person, it can lead to very costly repairs, much more than the cost of a new roof, and this is why insurance companies are willing to replace them rather than wait for more serious damage.

No matter what, if you have experienced hail, then you will definitely need to have an inspection soon after the storm. Hail is made up of small ice pellets that subject your roof to a firing squad of hits that will leave some damage, the only question is to what extent. Since roofing inspections are free at Iron River Construction, it makes no sense to not have one. Give us a call, and lets work together to get your home in top condition. 952-442-1762

Tags: commercial roofing Minneapolis, free roofing inspection, insurance claims and roofing, Roofing Company Minneapolis

What to Expect From Your Roofing Insurance in MN

American’s spend a lot of money on insurance. We may never know exactly how much, but no matter what this number is, we expect our insurance company to cover our losses whenever they occur. Because Iron River Construction is in the MN roofing and home improvement business, we need to deal with insurance companies fairly often. Depending on who you have, collecting a claim can be very frustrating to say the least.

There are basically two types of insurance claims offices;

1. The independent insurance operator, and

2. The regional representative of a national chain.

The difference between these two is like night and day. The region representative is usually on a salary, and is paid to keep his claims low, in order to save the company money. The independent insurance representative is paid on commission, and is motivated to make claims high. In the end, it is the independent insurance representative that will serve you better if you should ever have any serious damage.

The next thing to consider about your property insurance is what your deductibles are. This is the amount of money that you need to pay out of pocket first, before the insurance pays a claim. Usually between $100 and $1,000, this is the amount that you need to pay for yourself, before any extensive repairs begin.

Lastly, another important feature to consider is the extent of work that the insurance company will cover. Some policies will require that you clean up after a bad storm, and agree to only repair the actual storm damage. In reality, this means that if a tree falls on your home, you will need to remove the tree before they will agree to repair it. Many homeowners will agree to this line item thinking they are saving some money in the long run, but if you ever need this service, you will be so glad you have it. Just take a look around your property, and see if there are any large trees or something that might fall on your property, if you can’t move it yourself than don’t agree to these terms.

The best thing you can do when dealing with your insurance company is to use a roofing contractor that will deal with them for you. At Iron River, we have lots of experience at this, and will be able to streamline your repairs so that you won’t have to. Give us a call to find out more. 952-442-1762

Tags: insurance claims, insurance claims and roofing, Minnesota Storm Insurance Claims, Roofing Company Minneapolis

Roofing Inspections and Replacement in Minneapolis MN

Whether purchasing your first home or making a foreclosure investment, one of the most important things on your list should be getting a home inspection. This procedure is tax deductible, and many times vital to securing a mortgage loan. In particular, a roofing inspection because this is very often one of the largest expenses a new property owner faces.

One of the most important things to have is a digital camera, because “A picture is worth a thousand words”. Taking pictures of the main items like the kitchen and baths, the roof, all the major expenses that new homeowners want to know about, you will be able to help make the purchase decision that much easier.

When beginning your inspection, begin with the exterior to the interior, top to bottom. To start with, get a ladder, and inspect the roof. If the roof is not too steep, walk around up there. Wear on the roof may be readily apparent, but if not call your MN local roofing contractor to come out and take a look for you. With Iron River Construction, these inspections are free and will give you a wealth of information.

Roofs that are just starting to age can be difficult to spot, but there are some telltale signs for someone who knows. Items like a few missing or loose shingles, thin shingles, or too much gravel in the gutters are all obvious signs, but there are also places that an experienced roofing contractor will know to look for. These areas include the peak, flashing around vents and fireplaces, and in gullies. These will all show signs of age first, and should be the first thing to look at.

Walking around on the roof will also tell the roofer what kind of condition the underlayment is in. If there are soft spots, these will need attention right away. This means that either water is somehow getting under the shingles, or the plywood was irregular to begin with. Either way, soft spots will need to be corrected to maintain a sound roof. Finding the right contractor is easy in Minneapolis and St. Paul, just contact Iron River Construction and we will have whatever you need. 952-442-1762

Tags: free roofing inspection, Minnesota Storm Insurance Claims, roof repairs Minneapolis, roofing inspections, roofing system

James Hardie Zone Siding for Your Minnesota Home

One of the best things about James Hardie siding is that they have engineered their products to be suitable for each specific zone around the country. Based on where you live, they have the perfect product for your home. Their products are made from concrete, and can withstand any range of temperatures, and they are tailor made to work best in your regional climate.

Installing siding for your home is a big consideration, as you will be living with it for 20 years or more. It is important that you understand what you are installing, and why, or it may not last as long as you prefer. Vinyl siding is always cost effective, but it tends to come apart easily, and will fade over the years. A James Hardie cement board has the color woven throughout the product, so it won’t fade or show dings quite as much. Because its cement board, it will also stand up to flying debris in the air. What would naturally dent the average home siding won’t even make a dent on cement board. Cement boards are also more resistant to wind, when installed properly. They are an engineered siding, meaning that they are designed to fit together tightly, so no wind and driving rain can get behind them. If by some small chance some water does seep in, the drainage system will make sure that it has an escape, so you won’t be stuck with any standing water behind the wall. You won’t have to be concerned about any high wind and driving rain storms the next time they come along.

It is our opinion that James Hardie cement board siding is the best siding product on the market, able to withstand the weather better than any other siding, and should be the first consideration when a homeowner is looking for new siding. If there were something better, Iron River Construction would be offering it. So if you are ready to take the step up to premium siding, give us a call and let us wrap your home in the most durable siding product there is. 952-442-1762

Tags: Minnesota Storm Insurance Claims, siding, siding contractor, siding materials, Siding Repairs Minneapolis, wind damage

Roofing in Prior Lake MN

New Roofing in Prior Lake, MN is a thriving business because too few people go up on the roof, and this allows simple roofing repairs to progress to the necessity for a full blown project. Many roofs will need a little maintenance each year, and this can help you to keep them viable for almost twice as long. A simple caulking here and there; a simple replaced shingle now and then, they all add up to a sound roof that will stand up to the seasons with ease. This is particularly true in Prior Lake because being so close to the lake this area has moist air ,and this can bring a host of unique issues that homeowners want to consider.

I won’t call them problems, because they are not really problems, just issues that need to be considered. Moist air can get trapped in attic spaces and rust nails and other metal parts, compromising their life significantly. This air can also cling to houses and freeze into ice that will expand and contract, breaking apart inch by inch, the small cracks and crevices throughout your home. There is no way to avoid these things, they just need to be managed, and managed by someone who can recognize them for what they are.

By making sure your attic is properly ventilated, homeowners can greatlyminimize some of the issues that homes can have in areas like this. By making sure your roof is tightly sealed and caulked is a responsibility Iron River Construction takes very seriously, otherwiae we know it the open door mother nature is looking for.

Our technicians are well trained in what to look for, and how to handle it. We want to build our reputation as the most responsible roofing company in Minneapolis. We are not so interested in being the biggest, just the best, so that you will never have to go anywhere else to maintain the quality of your home. Homeownership is not always easy; but with our help our clients find it easier. Call us anytime, with just a question or for extensive roof maintenace support. 952-442-1762

Tags: heavy snow on roof, replacing shingles, roof maintenance, Roofing Company Minneapolis, Roofing Company St Paul MN

The Best Qualities in a St Paul Siding Contractor

There are not many, but there are some in our area that have had bad experiences with a local St Paul roofing and siding contractor, and with any luck they will learn from their mistakes. Hiring someone because they had the cheapest price is rarely the best way to go. You will eventually feel this maneuver sooner or later, but always long after the contractor has left your project.

The most important things to watch out for are;

Are they legally licensed and insured to work on your home?
Have they been in business for at least 5 years?
Can they provide at least 3 references?
Obtain at least 3 written estimates before you decide on one in particular.
Take a look at how they present themselves and their approach to discussing your particular needs and concerns.

If you are not satisfied with each one of the answers to these questions, then you should probably not go with this contractor. Without a license, contractors can turn around and sue you if they, or anyone they bring onsite, gets hurt. Even though it sounds frivolous, it happens every now and then, and the hassle factor alone is simply not worth using an unlicensed contractor in any field.

If they have not been in business for at least 5 years, then you will be running the risk of them not being completely competent at their job. While some will say “I have been roofing since I was 8 years old…” their responsibility on the job may not have been much more than the errand boy.

Providing references is probably the best way to make a determination about a company. Without a track record of their successes, how can you expect anything from them without knowing this first? If they have been in business for any length of time, they will certainly have a few happy customers that are glad to share their experiences.

Make sure you are comparing apples to apples; and oranges to oranges when going over your contracts. There are some who will nickel and dime you to death; and end up charging you more in the long run than if you had simply gone with another slightly higher bid. This is a common problem with contractors. They will come back to the homeowner after the job has started and tell of some ‘unforeseen circumstance’ that is now going to cost a few hundred; or even thousand dollars more. Make sure there is a provision that caps your costs somewhere in the contract.

Lastly, take a good look at how they maintain their materials. Their tools are their livelihood, and should be treated with respect. If they don’t respect their tools; chances are they will not respect the job either. Be smart, take notice, and make sure you call Iron River Construction when you are ready to replace your St. Paul siding. We have been there and done that including many excellent references… you can be sure you will get the best of everything, every time we come over. 952-442-1762

Tags: Siding Installation St Paul MN, siding materials, Siding Repairs Minneapolis

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