Assessing Roofing Conditions

COMMENTARY

• Roofing is a hidden but vital home maintenance task often overlooked by homeowners
• Preventative roofing maintenance saves money avoiding costly water damage remediation
• Tile roofs can fail due to underlayment deterioration that you can’t see from ground level
• Age is a key factor in roof health with roofs around 15 to 20 years old typically need attention
• Being pro-active with a visual inspection after a weather event

Storm Chasers Are Bad News

COMMENTARY

• All roofing tiles must be nailed due to updated wind resistant codes up to 115 MPH

CALLER

• Mike’s homeowners insurance company wants him to replace his roof before renewing. He got bids ranging from $15,000 to  $56,000! BUT on the $56,000 bid the rep said if he signed right now with senior discounts and manager permission the cost would be $32,000. Highly suspect the rep was a ‘storm chaser’
• Storm Chasers are ‘contractors’ who follow storms to solicit inflated roofing bids often without proper licensing
• Using aggressive door-to-door sales tactics offering large discounts for immediate contracts pressuring homeowners
• Never sign contracts on the spot!
• Contact licensed local contractors and insurance companies are best protection for homeowners

Roof Measurement & Inspection

COMMENTARY

• Roofing is measured in squares (10 ft by 10 ft), not square feet to account for roof pitch and other features
• Roofers use satellite imaging software for highly accurate roof measurements
• Experienced roofers personally conduct most evaluations ensuring knowledgeable assessments
• Free roof inspection especially for roofs 20 years or older or visible issues