FREQUENTLY ASKED ROOFING QUESTIONS

If you suspect you have roof damage, you need to do the following:

1. Stay safe — avoid going on the roof to check for the damage yourself and instead contact a professional roofer.

2. Inspect your attic for leaks or water damage. Also, if any water stains appear on your ceiling or walls, you likely need repairs or a roof replacement.

3. Look for signs of storm damage from the ground. Check for missing shingles or missing pieces of metal fascia, including any metal pieces displaced from around your chimney. Also, assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys, outer edges, or angles where the roof meets the walls.

4. Obviously, you'll notice if a tree falls on your roof. If so, stay out of your home until a professional can determine whether any structural damage occurred. Consider hiring a general contractor or roofer with a general contractor's license if your home suffered structural damage, as you'll need more than roof repairs.

The following are things that may indicate that your roof needs replacing:

• Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
• Blistering or peeling paint
• Shingle, sheathing, or siding decay
• Leakage in the attic after heavy rains
• Stains on interior walls or ceilings
• High energy bills

The answer to this question depends on many factors. For a commitment-free quote, please contact us at 904-714-1907.

Storm damage can be tough to see at times from the ground level. Your shingles may be pulling up, and it not even be visible. Some leaks, especially in crickets or flashing, can go invisible to a homeowner for years. Unlike many types of roofing damage, hail damage is not always apparent, especially if you have a textured roofing material such as dimensional or architectural shingles. The outer roofing material may have shallow dents that aren't readily visible. If these dents are deep enough to "bruise" the waterproofing layer, the minor puncture could allow rainwater through the roof deck and into the attic, causing significant water damage.

The nature of the damage caused by storms can vary depending on the type of storm. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home and check for signs of damage. If you are unsure if your roof is damaged, call a roofing professional. One thing to remember is before you start your insurance process, call Ron Russell Roofing to come and do a free inspection.

You do not have to have a roofing contractor to file a claim; however, it is beneficial to have a trained contractor on-site to meet with your adjuster, so nothing is overlooked, and hey two pairs of eyes are better than one.

Gutters should be cleaned at least once in the summer and twice in the fall.

Most home improvement stores sell mildew cleaner that can be applied to your roof with a sprayer. Avoid using pressure washers that could cause premature granule loss.

Energy Star is an international standard for energy-efficient consumer products. Roofing materials that carry the Energy Star logo can help reduce your heating and cooling bills by up to 30% on average. At Ron Russell Roofing, we are actively involved with Energy Star products, and we look forward to helping you use less energy, save money and protect the environment.