According to houselogic.com, here is what you want to look for: 

• cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing. 
• buckling, curling, or blistering shingles as well as any missing or broken shingles; 
• cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.
• masses of moss and lichen, which could signal decay below; and 
• piles of colored grit from asphalt roof tiles in the gutters. 

Off the roof, you always want to be vigilant of signs of roof leaks which include: 

• dark spots on ceilings. 
• peeling paint underneath roof overhangs. 
• damp spots next to fireplaces; and 
• water stains on pipes that vent your water heater or furnace. 

It’s relatively easy and inexpensive to replace shingles and caulk flashing yourself. Be sure to also replace any rusty or failing flashing and vent boots. Recaulk any separated flashing around chimneys, skylights, and the attic vent. While on your roof in the fall, also apply a moss killer – make sure it is one intended for rooftops, as those for lawns contain iron which will stain your roof.

If you’re not comfortable being on your roof or with your home repair skills, call a professional. If your asphalt roof is older than 15 years, it may be time to replace it. While this is a significant expense, the National Association of Realtors reports that on average, homeowners recover a generous 105% of this cost when selling their home. 

The good news is, if you are looking to replace your roof for any reason, we can help you navigate the insurance process and get you the coverage you need to get the job done. We will work with you and your insurance company during the claims process and recommend the best action plan. Plus, you can get peace of mind with our wonderful warranties that cover your roof for years to come. Contact Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar right away to get your FREE roofing quote! 

How Long Does a Roof Last?

Roof’s aren’t built to last forever, but some can get close. Different roofing materials last longer than others. Here is the expected lifespan of each roofing type:

Asphalt Shingles: 15 to 30 Years Asphalt shingles are the most used roofing material in America and last for around 20 years on average. This doesn’t mean that a roof will need to be replaced at this time, but it does play into your insurance rates and coverage because 20 years is close to being considered “old”.

Flat Roof: 20 to 50 Years There are many different types of flat roofing materials, but for the most part, you can expect a flat roof to last anywhere from 20 to 50 years. The life expectancy of a flat roof is mainly dependent on its material and how it’s installed and maintained over time.

Wood Shakes: 35 to 40 Years Wood shakes are incredibly durable, but only when they’re properly maintained. Wood shingles tend to last around 35 to 40 years on average before needing replacement, if you maintain them and let any damage go unfixed for too long, you should be set for a while.

Metal Roofing: 50 to 75 Years Metal roofing is an increasingly popular alternative to asphalt shingles. It’s incredibly durable and costs less than other types of roofs, but it lasts longer as well — around 50 years on average, but up to 75 years with proper installation and maintenance.

How Does the Age of My Roof Affect Insurance Rates and Coverage?

There are three different ways your roof can significantly affect your insurance premiums. The age, condition, and location of your roof can all affect your insurance cost and coverage.

Your Roof’s Age: As we mentioned before, older roofs are usually more expensive to replace and insure. As your roof ages, your insurance premium may increase because your roof is at higher risk for damage every year, which costs the insurance companies more money when your damaged roof needs to be replaced. So, they may try to cover their butts by refusing coverage, raising rates, or even canceling your policy if your roof is years past its expected lifespan.

Your Roof’s Condition Regular wear and tear are unavoidable but maintaining the condition of your roof is critical to upholding its integrity and keeping your premiums low. A roof in poor condition is much more likely to have a claim denied. Damage due to negligence and wear and tear is seldom covered via a standard insurance policy, so you must take the necessary precautions to maintain it each year.

In fact, there are eight different insurance policies that cover different property types and coverage needs.

The eight types of homeowner’s insurance are:

• HO-1: The most basic type of insurance policy for single-family homes.
• HO-2: This policy is an upgrade from HO-1 policies, covering six more types of damage.
• HO-3: Most homeowners have an HO-3 policy with broader coverage than the previous two.
• HO-4: This policy type is for renters, not homeowners.
• HO-5: The most comprehensive policy and is the second most popular policy type for single-family homes.
• HO-6: This policy type is strictly for condominium owners.
• HO-7: This policy type is for those who own mobile or manufactured homes.
• HO-8: For homeowners who don’t meet any of the other standards, they can get an HO-8 policy that focuses more on the home’s actual cash value vs. the cost of replacement. It also covers much fewer instances of damage.

What You Can Do to Mitigate Risk

In summary, to combat higher insurance rates, you can:

• Perform regular inspections and maintenance
• Know when it is time to replace your roof
• Do your research before choosing a roofing material to avoid added costs or limited coverage
• Read your insurance policies very thoroughly, so you know what to expect

The good news is, if you are looking to replace your roof for any reason, we can help you navigate the insurance process and get you the coverage you need to get the job done. We will work with you and your insurance company during the claims process and recommend the best action plan. Plus, you can get peace of mind with our wonderful warranties that cover your roof for years to come. Contact Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar right away to get your FREE roofing quote!

Local Weather

The local weather determines the weather elements the roof will experience on a regular basis. Precipitation, in the form of snow, hail, and rain, are the major elements to worry about. Some pitches handle snow and rain better than others.

For example, a pitched roof makes sense if your area regularly experiences heavy precipitation. Hailstones, rainwater, or snow can easily slide off the roof. Apart from precipitation, the wind patterns in your locality also matter. With frequent heavy winds, you should opt for a relatively steep roof to reduce wind suction forces.

Roofing Materials

The type of roofing materials also determines the roof pitch. For example, flat or low-slopped roofs can have:

• Built-up roofing such as tar and gravel
• Rubber membrane
• Standing seam metal

Roofs with steep slopes can have:

• Asphalt shingles
• Wood shingles
• Slate tiles

The relationship between the pitch and material depends on various factors, such as water penetration. For example, asphalt shingles on a flat roof would allow water penetration, so the material is best for pitched roofs. Your roofing contractor will advise you on the best pitch for your chosen material.

Maintenance Considerations

All roofs require regular maintenance. However, the pitch determines the frequency, cost, and nature of these maintenance practices. For example:

• Pitched roofs rarely develop drainage problems
• Debris, such as tree leaves and windblown debris, easily accumulate on flat or low-slopped roofs
• Flat-or low-slopped roofs are easier to walk on during maintenance and repair

Talk to your roofing contractor about roof maintenance practices. That way, you will be able to prolong your roof’s lifespan irrespective of its pitch.

Attic Considerations

A pitched roof increases your house’s square footage if you include the attic. Most people use their attics as extra storage spaces. You can even finish the attic and use it as an extra bedroom, library, or playroom.

Even if you don’t use your attic, it can help you by regulating your home’s temperature. During the summer, the attic insulation minimizes heat penetration from outside. During the winter, the attic insulation prevents heat to escape from inside. You only get an attic in a roof with a suitable pitch. Thus, you must install a pitched roof if you need an attic.

Budget Issues

Flat or low-slopped roofs are cheaper to install than pitched roofs. For a pitched roof, you need your roofing materials to cover more surface area than they would in a flat roof. More materials mean increased costs. Secondly, the design and risk of a pitched roof raise the labor charges. Thus, your roofing budget can also affect your roof’s slope.

Rooftop Installations

Consider a flat roof if you plan to install things on your roof. Some of the things you can install on the roof include:

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) units
• Solar systems
• Gardens
• Rooftop patio

Some of these things, such as solar systems, also work on pitched roofs. However, they are easier to install on flat roofs.

Aesthetic Considerations

Lastly, your roof pitch also determines your home’s curb appeal. For many people, pitched roof designs look better than slow-roof designs. Besides, once you raise the pitch, you can experiment with more designs than you would with a flat roof. In the end, however, aesthetics is subjective, and you should choose what is best for you.

An experienced roofing contractor will give you more in-depth information on roof pitches and help you select the best pitch for your case. Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar have decades of experience in the roofing industry. Contact us today 800-681-4169 about your roofing needs so that we can advise you and install the best roof for you.

What Type of Credentials Does the Roofing Company Offer?

As a local and licensed roofing company, Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar can help homeowners appreciate the importance of finding a certified and insured roofing company.

Since your roof is one of the most integral elements of your home, you deserve to work with a professional roofing contractor that’s had extensive training and earned the industry qualifications required to handle any roofing problem, no matter how big or small.

Has the Roofer Earned Any Industry Accolades?

Several different professional organizations work alongside exterior home remodeling companies to evaluate their services. When you find a roofing company that’s earned accolades, membership, and titles from these establishments, it speaks well for their commitment to quality service.

For example, our award-winning team of local roofers has earned:

• BBB-accreditation
• National Roofing Contractors Association Membership
• The Title of an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor
• 5-Star Customer Rating
• Inc. 5000 Top Roofing Company in America

Does the Contractor Offer Detailed Inspections?

When someone tells you that you need a new roof or expensive roof repairs, it’s not always easy to know whether they’re honest or not. That’s why Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar conducts free comprehensive inspections of your property before any decisions are made.

As a part of this inspection, we’ll provide your videos and photographs of any problem areas our licensed roofers find.

What Type of Warranty Programs Do They Offer?

While many roofing materials companies, such as Owens Corning and GAF, provide quality warranties on their products, you need more than that. Make sure to hire a roofing company that also offers dependable warranty programs on their labor, as well.

Learn More About Finding the Best Minneapolis Roofing Company for Your Project

Not only is hiring a Minnesota roofing company a hard job to do, but it’s also an important one. That’s why it’s crucial to find a licensed and insured crew of roofers that will go above and beyond to assist you with your roofing needs.

If you’d like to learn more about what it takes to be a top-rated roofing company in the Greater Minneapolis area, give Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar a call today 800-681-4169.

Hail Storms And Your Roof
Hail occurs when cold air and drops of water in the atmosphere meet, causing small balls of ice to form and hit the ground. When it comes to your roof, hail is one of the most common causes of serious damage.

The scope of hail damage to your roof can include things like loose or broken shingles. The impact of heavy hail can cause the shingles to become dislodged or loosened, or it may even cause them to break off completely.

As soon as a shingle comes loose, it damages the seal between the shingle and the roof. Once that seal is broken, water can easily leak into your home.

Damaged shingles are also a common cause of mold growth and mildew. Once the mold or algae penetrates your roof, it can easily infiltrate your home, causing health problems and other issues.

Don’t ignore roof damage after a hail storm. If you do, you may experience drafts, difficulty keeping your home insulated, mold growth, or a leaking roof.

Check your gutters after a hail storm and look for signs of loose granules. The tiny granules will build up in the gutters, which is a clear indication that something is wrong, and that damage has likely occurred.

Once the hailstorm passes, you should contact a professional roof repair company right away. They can assess the damage, make recommendations for repair, and give you a complete report that you can give to your home insurance company if you need to file a claim.

The Consequences Of Hail Roof Damage
Storm damage to your roof can range from mild to severe, which often depends on the intensity and duration of the storm. Your roof is the home’s first line of defense against the elements, and that’s why any form of damage should never go ignored.

You might not even realize your roof is damaged by hail until years later when it starts to leak. To prevent this from happening, it’s best to contact a local roof repair service right away so they can locate any type of damage and make repairs before it gets out of control.

When hail hits the shingles on your roof, it can knock off some of the protective granules. As soon as these granules disappear, your roof is officially exposed to things like moisture, snow, and direct sunlight.

If a roof is exposed to the sun without protection, those exposed spots will become weak and brittle. This results in possible leaks that can plague you for years if they’re not fixed as soon as possible.

A roof leak can cause a myriad of problems including damage to your ceiling and walls. It can also cause electrical issues and may even pose the threat of a possible house fire.

Storm Damage To Your Roof And Homeowner’s Insurance
Most homeowners’ insurance policies will cover some or all of the cost to repair a roof after a storm. However, if you see roof damage and ignore it, the policy might not cover any more intense damage in the future.

As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain your roof and to make any repairs or file a claim as soon as you see the damage. Failing to address the issues as they occur could cause your next claim to be denied.

If you wait until your roof collapses or until the leaks are out of control, you could end up stuck paying the repair bill. Therefore many major insurance carriers have a time limit when it comes to filing a claim. It’s best to contact your insurance company right away once you confirm there is storm damage to your roof.

Each type of storm and every season creates varying degrees and types of roof damage. A professional roof inspector will be able to tell whether the roof damage is new, or if it happened during an earlier time of the year or a previous storm.

Don’t wait to call the pros if you think your roof may have hail damage. The sooner you can contact someone to confirm the problem, the greater the odds are that your insurance claim will be approved.

Another reason not to ignore roof damage is that once it starts, things can “snowball” quickly. Something as minor as a few missing shingles can easily lead to serious leaks and other major problems fast.

Don’t Ignore Your Roof After A Storm
Whether it’s hail or a serious wind storm, you should never ignore roof damage, even if you think it’s minor. The sooner you can confirm there’s damage, the sooner you can make the necessary repairs to protect your property and your wallet.

Contact the best roof repair services near you to confirm the damage and to help you process a claim so that your home can get back to normal.

Hire a Professional to Install New Roofs
Installing new roofs is a worthy investment that will not only make your home look great, but also save money on energy costs. Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar offer roof inspection, replacement, and installation services in the Greater Minneapolis area. Give us a call today at 800-681-4169 for a free inspection and estimate or get useful advice from our roofing experts.

Saving Energy Costs with New Roofs
With energy costs expected to continue rising, installing a new roof can be a great way to reduce your electricity and gas usage. New roofs are more efficient than older ones, which are already outdated. Asphalt shingle roofs have a lifetime of 20 years in Minnesota. As they get older, the roofs lose their ability to keep out the heat in warm seasons. As a result, air conditioners or furnaces are forced to work harder, leading to higher utility bills. Installing new and modernized roofs will help you resolve this problem.

Roof Ventilation
Ventilation helps in regulating the airflow between the attic and roof. Since attics are largely unoccupied areas, they easily heat up during warm seasons, increasing the temperature of living spaces inside the house. If your house is poorly ventilated, it lacks enough airflow, and the heat forces its way into the attic. Installing a new roof allow more airflow, making it easier to keep the home cold during the hot summer months.

Solar Reflection
When your roofs effectively reflect solar light away, they make the house cooler and save energy. In fact, roofs with high solar reflection can cool the surface temperature by as much as 30%. If your roofs are old and cannot reflect sunlight away, the shingle will absorb the solar heat and transfer it to the living spaces below. Installing a new roof will help keep the home cool are they have a higher reflectance value compared to older models, allowing you to save more on energy costs.

Color and Modernized Shingles
The color of your roof should vary based on the local climate of where you live. While lighter roofs are ideal for homes in a hot climate to deflect sunlight, dark shingles help keep the homes warm in cold-weather areas. At the same time, using modern shingles will prevent energy loss by protecting the home from strong winds with increased mental content, offering better dimensional stability, and improving your home’s resistance against heat flow.

Hire a Professional to Install New Roofs
Installing new roofs is a worthy investment that will not only make your home look great, but also save money on energy costs. Heartland Roofing Siding and Solar offers roof inspection, replacement, and installation services in the Greater Minneapolis area. Give us a call today at 800-681-4169 for a free inspection and estimate or get useful advice from our roofing experts.

1. Update Your Insurance Policies
   As you prepare for seasonal storms, look over your current insurance policies to ensure you got adequate coverage for losses from storms and other natural disasters. Although floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes are not covered under the homeowner’s policy, they may be covered in other specific policies.

2. Care for Roofing
   Inspect and maintain your roof all year round to prevent it from storm damage. Remove snow and ice during winter, clear away tree branches and fallen leaves during autumn, and clean your gutters during summer. It may be a good idea to have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof as the stormy season begins.

3. Install Steel Doors
   Installing steel doors can make a difference by adding an extra layer of storm protection. Tornadic winds can easily tear through weak doors, leaving your home interior with little protection from the storm effect.

4. Trim Landscaping
   Attending to any dead or loose tree limbs or shrubbery will play an important role in protecting your home’s roof, doors, and windows from hail damage repair. When left unattended, the loose tree limbs can cause life-threatening damage when blown by strong stormy winds. If the surrounding bushes are not firmly planted, they can also create destructive debris during heavy storms.

5. Inspect Foundation
   One of the most important ways of preparing for the stormy weather is protecting the foundation of your home. Inspect your home for any cracks in walls or ceilings, separations or gaps, or windows that no longer fit their frame. Check your crawl space or basement for any cracks along the mortar lines. This may be a good time to have a professional contractor check the foundation in detail and offer appropriate recommendations.

6. Store Yard Furniture
   Leaving anything loose in the yard can be disastrous because it can be lifted and blown away during a storm. Secure yard ornaments, lawn furniture, or flower pots and store them. If any of these items were to be blown by high-speed winds, they can damage your windows and other exterior home features.

7. Plan for an Emergency
   Plan for any possibilities that may occur during a seasonal storm. Keep a backup generator, a radio, extra batteries, and a flashlight in case the electricity fails. You may also stock up on anything you may need, such as blankets, bottled water, and non-perishable food items.

Working With Heartland Roofing

If you are looking to work on your roof, you will need a roofing professional to walk with you. With many factors to consider, working with an expert ensure that your roof is in good condition. Heartland Roofing is a trusted and experienced roofing contractor offering services in the greater Minneapolis MN. Think you need repair or want a professional opinion about your roof’s health? Call us at 800-681-4169 or on our CONTACT PAGE to request an appointment from one of our trained professional inspectors.

Why Spring?

Roof works can be done any time of the year. However, spring presents the best season to hire a contractor to work on your roof. Several reasons can be attached to checking your roof during spring:

1. Good Weather – The weather in spring is relatively good compared to other seasons. The season is not as cold as winter and neither is it hot as summer. Therefore, roof contractors find it easier to work on the roof and produce better products than in any other season.
2. Not as Busy as Fall – Springs presents a period that is not as busy as fall, allowing many homeowners to work on their roofs. During fall, many homeowners are quickly trying to get the work done in preparation for winter. But in Spring, you can easily schedule a contractor to work on your roof, whether for emergency repairs, small-sized jobs, or big projects like installing concrete tile roofing.
3. Convenience – Spring is a convenient season to work on your roof after they have received damage from the harsh winter weather. Usually, snow can pile up on the roof and can cause damage to the roofing materials or ice dams that cause gutters to clog. Therefore, spring is the best time to inspect, repair, or replace your roof. This is also the period when homeowners manage their finances, get their tax refunds, or file tax returns.

Working With Heartland Roofing

If you are looking to work on your roof, you will need a roofing professional to walk with you. With many factors to consider, working with an expert ensure that your roof is in good condition. Heartland Roofing is a trusted and experienced roofing contractor offering services in the greater Minneapolis MN. Think you need repair or want a professional opinion about your roof’s health? Call us at 800-681-4169 or on our CONTACT PAGE to request an appointment from one of our trained professional inspectors.

1. Start With an Overall Inspection
   Your spring home maintenance should start with an inspection of the exterior. Walk around the property to find out anything that may have been damaged or needs to be repaired. You may find that winter may have made some elements of your home exterior to become susceptible to damage. Elements such as the deck, gutters, windows, and roof tend to be the common culprits.

2. Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
   Make sure that your gutters and downspouts are clear and free of leaves and debris. Any clogging can cause the gutters and downspouts to rot, which makes them ineffective. Simply spraying some water on the roof with a hosepipe will help you determine whether there are any leaks and whether the gutters are draining properly. If your area had been hit by heavy snow, you may need to check whether the weight of the snow caused the gutters to detach from the house.

3. Inspect the Roof
   Be sure to inspect the roof for any damages caused by the winter storms. You do not have to grab a ladder and climb to inspect how well the roof is. Simply walk around the property checking for any visible damage. You may also use a pair of binoculars to identify specific damages on the roof. You should be looking for missing or cracked shingles, damaged flashing, or anything that does not seem right.

4. Inspect Exterior Walls and Siding
   Depending on your type of siding, you can make it look as good as new with power washing. This will remove all the mold and other outdoor stains that may have accumulated during winter. While washing the exterior walls, check for openings and cracks as they may provide habitat for small insects like termites that can get inside the wall and cause more damage.

5. Clean the Windows
   When cleaning the windows, start by looking at the seals, caulking, and weather stripping. Any cracks or damages on either of these can lead to unwanted water and air entering your home. Once you have established that these are intact, you can start cleaning your windows using appropriate cleaning solutions. You can also make your own solution by mixing white vinegar, alcohol, and water.

6. Check Porches and Decks
   Inspect your wood decks for rotting or deteriorating wood as it can cause a serious safety hazard if left untreated. Try to make it a habit of pressure washing the deck once a year using the lowest pressure. Remember to check for any damages from pests such as termites.

7. Inspect Foundations
   Check the foundation walls, concrete, floors, and masonry for leaks, cracking, or deterioration. Do not ignore even the smallest cracks as they can allow water to enter your home and cause more damage.

8. Revamp the Landscape and Vegetation
   You also need to check your home landscape and vegetation for that complete look. Shrub back and trim your trees to prevent any protruding branches to cause damage to your property exterior. Consider raking up any twigs or leaves that scatter across your lawn.

9. Get Professional Help
   A complete spring home exterior maintenance is not as easy as it sounds. You may need a professional to check certain things for you or you simply lack enough time to do everything by yourself. Heartland Roofing Siding and SOLAR offer quality home maintenance services to residents and businesses in Minneapolis MN.  Call us at 800-681-4169 or on our CONTACT PAGE to request an appointment from one of our trained professional inspectors.

1. Check for Flashing Damage
   The first thing you need to look for is the flashing, which connects different elements like windows and skylights to your roof. The flashing may also be the point at which two slopes of your roof meet. Check for any cracked caulking that may need to be re-caulked or replaced if there is rust.

2. Examine the Shingles
   With Shingles, you may not be able to see any damages from the ground, especially when you do not know where to look. Getting a professional to have a look at the roof’s shingle will help in ensuring everything is working. Our Heartland Roofing Siding and Windows professionals will examine whether the shingles are damaged, curling, or loose and determine whether they need replacement.

3. Clean the Gutters
   With the end of the cold season, your roof may be cluttered with debris, which will prevent rainwater from running safely off your roof. As the spring season starts, have your gutters cleaned and see if they if any damages need fixing. Working with our team of roof professionals can help you in examining the gutter and repairing any damages found.

4. Look for Water Damage
   The winter season can be extremely harsh and leave lasting damages on your roof, if you have noticed water damage or leaks on your ceiling, your roof is probably damaged. This could have been caused by ice dams formed during winter or debris that was lying on your roof. Even if it is a small leak you have noticed, it needs to be fixed as soon as possible. Failure to address the problem can result in your roof rotting and destroying the insulation.

Work with Heartland Roofing, Siding, and Windows here in Greater Minneapolis MN.

If you want a professional to work on your roof during this winter season, reach out to us.

Think you need repair or want a professional opinion about your roof’s health? Call us at 800-681-4169 or on our CONTACT PAGE to request an appointment from one of our trained professional inspectors.