Minnesota is no stranger to severe weather, including strong thunderstorms, heavy snowfalls, and intense hailstorms. That also means that homeowners in Minnesota frequently have to deal with roof repairs—or even a roof replacement—due to storm damage. Of course, that process can get more complicated when you introduce insurance companies. In order to make sure that you get the insurance payout that you deserve, it’s important to make sure that you know how to file your claim and to have the right information on hand when you do. Get the tips and tricks to simplify that process in this roofer’s guide to working with insurance companies.

A Roofer’s Guide to Working with Insurance Companies

Start by keeping track of the dates that any storms occurred, so that you have a reference for when the damage may have happened. The next step is to find a roofing contractor you trust, like the roofers at Gold Star Contracting. Most home insurance policies require that you have your roof evaluated by a professional as a part of the claims process.

When you bring in a roofing expert at the beginning of the claims process, they’ll often be able to help you with the process of filing your claim. After your initial evaluation is done, you’ll send your claim to the insurance company.

When your claim is approved, you’ll need a quote from a roofing contractor. Ideally, this should be a company with a reputation for excellent work. Gold Star Contracting — which has been in business since 2007 and has built a reputation for quality workmanship — is a great resource for roof repairs. We’ll give you a straightforward, transparent quote. Once you accept the terms of your quote, your team will get started on the repairs or replacement.

Once the work is done, you may need your contractor to provide a letter of completion so that the insurance company can release any remaining funds held back in escrow. Gold Star Contracting will happily provide this and any other paperwork you might need.

Insurance and Roof Repair

Based on your initial roof inspection, you may not have sustained enough damage to make an insurance claim worthwhile. For instance, if you’re only missing a few asphalt shingles, your roofer should be able to easily replace them at a relatively low cost.

Other times, a roof repair may be more extensive. That’s when you’ll want to consider using your insurance to handle the bill. When you have large sections of shingles that have blown away, or if other, more significant damage has been done to your roofing system, it may be worth filing an insurance claim.

Depending on the deductible that you’d need to be able to use your homeowner’s insurance to place a claim, a contractor can help you to determine which option may be right for you.

Insurance and Roof Replacement

During the claims process, your insurance company may ask about the age of your roof. While that shouldn’t affect your repair claim, it is an important question for your roofing contractor. When your roof is more than 10 years old and it suffers from severe storm damage, it may be a good time to consider a roof replacement.

While your roof’s age shouldn’t prevent you from receiving an insurance payout to cover a new roof, you should be prepared to provide the supporting paperwork that relates to your roof. You’ll need receipts for any repairs you’ve had done, records of previous roof inspections, and photographs showing your roof before and after the storm.

It’s worth your time to be as familiar as possible with your insurance policy. The more you know about your policy, the more likely it will be that you’ll comply with the terms of your agreement. Most policies require annual roof inspections; without documentation, there’s a chance that the insurance company will decline to pay for your new roof, citing normal wear and tear as the reason for your damage.

This is why it’s valuable to have a roofing contractor that you can trust on your side. At Gold Star Contracting, we know all of the ins and outs of the insurance claims process. We can make sure that you dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s so that you can maximize your payout and get the work you need done.

Dealing with your insurance company doesn’t have to be difficult. With a little help from a company like Gold Star Contracting, it can be a breeze, and you won’t have to wait long to get your new roof.

A Roof Repair Specialist You Can Trust

With Gold Star Contracting, we understand that your repair isn’t just another project—it’s your home. We know how important it is to protect your investment, and we’re committed to making sure that you get a high-quality roof replacement and personalized attention to your insurance claim. Contact Gold Star Contracting today to get a free estimate for your roof repair or replacement!

Learn more about Residential Roof replacement at Gold Star Contracting.

Multifamily homes bring their own challenges when it comes time for a roof replacement or roof repair. There is much more to consider when you have multiple tenants to worry about disrupting during the project. Learn all the secrets about how you can make your multi-family roofing project easier for both you and your residents.

Communicate in Advance

Communication of any renovations to the property is important. The question many property managers ask us though is, “How soon should I tell my tenants that work will be beginning?”

While there is no hard and fast rule that says exactly when you should strive to give as much advanced notice as possible. We recommend at the minimum 2-3 weeks ahead of starting the project.

With many property managers using email and text message systems, communicating with the residents has become much easier, though we recommend putting some signs up or flyers in mailboxes to remind residents.

Additionally, we recommend reminding residents 2 to 3 days before the project is about to start. This allows anyone who may be working out of their home to make arrangements if they need a quiet space to work in.

Prioritize the Resident’s Needs

As a property manager, it is important to understand that your residents have needs too. With work at home being very common, they may have different needs now. Additionally, it is important to consider that more people are home now than ever before during the week.

Our team understands that there may be conflicting needs to complete your multi-family asphalt roofing project. That is why we work with you and your residents to make the project run as smoothly as possible. Our goal at Goldstar Contracting is to get your roof replaced with as little of an interruption as possible.

Set Clear Expectations

Let’s face it, there is not really a quiet way to replace a roof. Additionally, our team may take up extra spots in the parking lot or force residents to use alternative entrances. While we do our best to minimize these disruptions, sometimes it is unavoidable.

As we mentioned above, Communicate in advance. Remember at the end of the day this minor inconvenience will help keep the property protected for the residents. Be upfront and with residents about the minor disruptions and focus on the positives for the residents.

Clear Signage is Critical

Will entrances be blocked off? Do spots need to be reserved for materials or crew? Will sidewalks or walkways need to be blocked? Do people need to stay out of certain areas?

Using effective signage will help keep residents safe as well as informed during the project. If at all possible, try to put signs up in advance to notify residents early. We recommend the day before work is going to begin on a building.

Be Available During the Project

Even the best laid out projects can come across hiccups. We typically don’t run into issues on the roof that we didn’t anticipate, however, sometimes residents do have questions. While our team does their best to answer them, we sometimes need to divert those questions to the property manager or owner. It helps us and it helps your residents if you can have availability during the project to field those questions.

Scheduling Your Multi-Family Roofing Project

Ideally, we like to schedule our multi-family roofing projects out a few weeks to provide proper planning and notification. Our goal is to have a 2–3 week lead time for your roofing replacement project.

Unfortunately, when emergencies happen, you don’t always have that luxury. In that case, we will work with you to ensure that your multi-family roof replacement goes as smoothly as possible.

Use the Best Quality Products

The fact is that multifamily roofing projects impact all of your residents. They often don’t have control over when it is done either. By using the best quality roofing products, you can extend the life of the roof, reducing interruptions for your tenets later on. Choosing commercial-grade asphalt shingles is often a great investment for your multi-family property.

Learn More about Multi-Family Roofing

Learn more about how our experts at Goldstar are helping multifamily property owners and managers take care of all their roofing needs. Our team can help navigate multi-contractor insurance claims as a result of storm damage. We will help you make the process smooth so your residents can return back to normal life.

Contact us today!

It is getting to the time of year where the temperature drops and the snow starts flying. Before you have a foot of snow on your roof it is a good idea to do a roof inspection to avoid any unexpected surprises this winter! If your roof is older than 10 years old, it is considered an aging roof. Use our quick guide for aging roofs below.

A Quick Guide For Aging Roofs

Since your roof typically has a life span of 20 years, it is easy to forget when you last replaced it. We also fathom that you are here to learn about it because you are not a roofing professional yourself.

There are several visual inspection items that give roofing professionals a good indication of not only the age of your asphalt roof but about how much life it has left as well.  If you are comfortable with getting on a ladder, these are some of the things you can look for on your own roof.

Blistering

During the manufacturing, process air may become trapped in the layers of the shingle.  When the sun hits the shingle it can cause those pockets of air to expand and create blistering marks. It is important to note that these air pockets are not a manufacturing defect and blistering can be avoided.

If your roof has excessive blistering it can be related to improper ventilation in your attic.  If you see signs of excessive blistering it may lead to other problems with your roof.

Flaking

Like Blistering this is something that is caused by the manufacturing process.  This is typically a defect in the shingle and if you are noticing it in a lot of shingles on your roof system it could mean you have a bad batch of shingles.

We strongly recommend contacting the roofing company that installed your roof to inspect it for a possible warranty repair.

Granule Loss

Over the life of your roof, you will experience shingle granule loss.  This is a normal occurrence.  A good place to start looking for granule loss is in your gutters.  This is where the granule will typically collect.

Don’t be surprised to see some granule in the gutters, however, there should not be a lot of it or any kind of buildup.  If you notice buildup in the gutters then you may have more serious roofing issues going on.

As we mentioned long-term granule loss is ok, but when you start noticing a significant loss in a short period of time, we recommend having your roof inspected to determine the cause of the granule loss and if roof replacement is necessary.

Common Causes of Granule Loss

• Uniform Granule Loss: Over time shingles will start to lose the granule on them.  It is considered part of the aging process for asphalt shingles.  The rate of loss depends on the shingle and climate.  As long as the loss is uniform it is typically a result of normal weathering.
• Loss on one slope: Granule loss on one slope or slopes facing the same direction is common.  Often South and West facing slopes take more of a beating from the weather than other slopes.
• Foot Traffic: Do you climb up on your roof to decorate for the holidays every year or to clean out your gutters?  Excessive food traffic on your roof can wear shingles prematurely.  Look for signs of a consistent path of wear around the area of heavy foot traffic.
• Batch Problems: Each batch of shingles may have slight differences in how they were manufactured.  This can cause uneven wearing on the roof.  As a result, you may see an area of your roof that has more granule loss than others.

Damage from Hail or Storms

Hail and storms can damage even the best roof.  Unfortunately, there is no way to stop it from happening either.  Look for signs of impact on the roof.  They often will be associated with some sort of granule loss as well.  If you see significant damage contact a roofing company like Gold Star Contracting to help you evaluate the damage and take the steps to repair or replace your roof.

What Should I Do If I See These Signs?

Do an interior inspection of your attic space looking for signs of moisture penetrating the roof.  The next thing to do is to contact us at Gold Star Contracting.  We will set up a time to do a complete roof inspection. Our roof inspectors will give you the straight forward truth on what your roof needs.  Lastly, sit back, relax and trust that you are in good hands for your roofing project.

Why Choose GoldStar Contracting

Gold Star Contracting is proud to offer gold star quality service, products, and workmanship, all at a fair price.

We will take the time to help you understand the process so you are prepared for the service. We also strive to provide you with the least amount of disturbance possible.

Roof replacement is one of the big jobs regarding home improvements. Luckily, in many cases, the roofing repair or even the roofing replacement jobs can be completed while you are at work.

This means you could go about your day in the usual way and return home to a freshly repaired or replaced roof.

At Gold Star Contracting, we finish all jobs with a final quality inspection and professional cleanup. See our BBB Rating and read what our clients have to say!

If your roofing repair or replacement can be claimed through your insurance company, we are happy to help you navigate these otherwise complex processes.

Get your roof inspection scheduled today!

You hear all across the country and all over google that it is not a good idea for a roof replacement during the winter months. While that may have been true 20 or 30 years ago, technology in roofing materials has changed and the concerns are a lot less for a cold-weather roof replacement.

So, why do so many roofers shy away from winter roofing work whenever possible? The reality is while a roof can be properly installed in the winter there are a few extra steps that add up to additional time and energy.

That is why many roofing companies will tell you emphatically that they will only do repairs in the winter and not full replacements.

Right now you may be asking yourself, “but I can’t wait till spring what do I do?

The good news is there is still about another month till mother nature makes it difficult to replace your roof. Ideally, a clear blue sky and temperatures above 45 degrees meet the requirements for a standard replacement. We understand that your roof and mother nature may be on a different schedule, so what happens when roofers don’t have that perfect day.

Why Do Many Roofers Shy Away From Winter Roof Replacements?

There are several parts to answering this question. Don’t worry we will get to them all, we promise.  What we want to make sure you understand is that these factors may lead to an increased cost to your roof repair or replacement.

Sealant Used On Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles have an adhesive on them to help your roof create a better seal for your roof. Under normal installation, the heat from the sun activates this sealant resulting in a quick and easy installation of your new roof.

When the temperature drops below 45 degrees, this adhesive needs to be heated with a propane torch to activate it. While the propane is not a large cost it can take a significant amount of time to seal an entire roof. This may cause an increase in the labor needed for the roof replacement.

Air Tools Are Less Effective

The days of roofers swinging a hammer to install your roof are all but gone. Roofers now use air tools and power nailers. This allows them to do twice the work in half the time (no they are not losing quality for speed).

When the temperature drops these tools become more difficult to use and sometimes inoperable. This is due to the condensation that occurs naturally in many of these tools. As that condensation builds up it can restrict the operation of the tool. Don’t be alarmed when you see the trusty roofing hammer come out as the temperature drops.

Surfaces Become Slippery

During the summer it is not uncommon to have a roofing crew start as early as 7 or 8 in the morning. As the temperature drops, dew and frost become a concern because they make surfaces slippery. It usually means that roofers will need to start later in the day.

They also need to consider extra safety precautions in these conditions. That usually means things like extra roping and harnesses or carrying less weight up and down ladders. Keep in mind that typical winter.

Temperature Is A Factor

Shingles and tools are not the only things affected by cold temperatures. Roofers are people, not robots. As the temperature drops, they risk themselves by being out in the cold all day. Common issues include hypothermia and frostbite.

Both of these can occur rapidly and unexpectedly. Planning additional stops to warm up may increase the time it takes to install your new roof. Additionally, they may work shorter days.

Is A Winter Roof Replacement A Good Idea?

As you see there are many additional considerations that roofing contractors take during winter, but the short answer is yes. You will not be stuck with that leaky roof till spring. Keep in mind that your roof replacement or repair may take longer than normal in the winter and average costs may be higher based on the factors above.

Why Choose GoldStar Contracting

Gold Star Contracting is proud to offer gold star quality service, products, and workmanship, all at a fair price.

We will take the time to help you understand the process so you are prepared for the service. We also strive to provide you with the least amount of disturbance possible.

Roof replacement is one of the big jobs regarding home improvements. Luckily, in many cases, the roofing repair or even the roofing replacement jobs can be completed while you are at work.

This means you could go about your day in the usual way and return home to a freshly repaired or replaced roof.

At Gold Star Contracting, we finish all jobs with a final quality inspection and professional cleanup. See our BBB Rating and read what our clients have to say!

If your roofing repair or replacement can be claimed through your insurance company, we are happy to help you navigate these otherwise complex processes.

Get your roof replacement Scheduled today!

Don’t wait until you have expensive water damage or your roof is caving in! Here are 10 warning signs your roof needs to be replaced

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home. It protects the interior from the elements 365 days a year while taking a beating any time there’s a storm.

It’s easy to take this for granted! More times than we can count, we speak with clients who had no idea that their roof was in need of replacing.

It wasn’t until they came across expensive water damage on their ceilings, or they noticed their roofing was buckling, that they took action.

To help you avoid the worst-case scenario, here are 10 things to look for when inspecting your roof so you can avoid these mistakes. As well as save money, and gain peace of mind knowing that your home is protected.

10 Warning Signs Your Roof Needs To Be Replaced

1. Missing Shingles

After a storm, there’s a chance you’ll find shingles in the yard or missing from your roof. If so, that small part of your roof is vulnerable to intruding water and rotting of the underlying elements.

If you’re noticing shingles in the yard after a storm, or simply see there are missing shingles, we offer a free estimate for you to determine whether you’ll need a roof repair or total roof replacement.

2. Curling Shingles

This is one of the most common signs of a rapidly deteriorating roofing that is in need of replacement. There are a few reasons this could be happening, such as poor installation, unusually cold winters, inadequate attic ventilation, and more.

Your shingles will ultimately become so rigid, they fall off. Causing problems like water leaks and mold. Roof replacement or roof repair is the next step.

3. Granules in Your Downspout

If you’re noticing large piles of granules in your downspout, especially after a hail storm or thunderstorm, it’s time to call a professional.

This only happens when your shingles have reached an age where the protective coating has worn so thin it’s nearly gone. Unfortunately, a roof replacement is usually necessary to solve this problem.

4. Rotting Fascias

The fascia is the wood board that your gutter system is mounted on. If your gutters are clogged or damaged, or your shingles were improperly installed, the overflowing water causes that board to rot.

If your fascia is rotting, it’s likely other elements of your roofing are rotting too. This is one of the more obvious signs you need your roof inspected for damage.

5. Missing or Damaged Flashing

Flashing is the sheets of metal, sometimes plastic, which protect different elements of your roof from water seeping in. You should be able to spot your flashing around the chimneys, vents, and skylights.

If your flashing is damaged or missing, you can expect to find leaks in your attic eventually if not already. Don’t ignore this problem, water can cause considerable damage to your home.

6. Water Stains on Your Ceiling

This is one of the more obvious signs you need your roof replaced. Spotting water stains on a ceiling in your home indicates a serious problem.

In order for water to make its way from your roofing and down through your ceiling, there needs to be a considerable amount of water. Meaning there is a major roofing issue that’s gone unresolved for too long.

7. Leaks or Daylight in Your Attic

Normally, sunshine is a good thing. But not if you can see it coming into your attic! Daylight shining into your attic indicates there are openings for water or snow to pour in.

When you walk around your attic, check if the floor is quite spongy or bouncy. If it is, this indicates the floor is retaining water from the leaks. This is a serious problem that calls for roof replacement, or roof repair.

8. Droopy, Sagging Roof

This sign is certainly easier to spot than some of the others listed here! However, it’s a little more difficult to figure out exactly why your roof is not flat like it should be.

Water damage could have caused rotting on the structural elements. Or, excess weight from snow or pooling water could have compromised the roofing.

Most of the time, a caving roof is not an immediate threat. But it certainly needs to be addressed as soon as possible. A drooping roof is best handled by a professional due to its complexity, and Gold Star Contracting is here for you!

9. Moss or Mold, Dark Streaks/Spots

Do you have unwanted plants growing on your roof? We hope not, but if you do, your roofing has likely been subjected to water damage over an extended period of time.

Dark streaks or dark spots are simply algae that have built-up and made a home on your roofing. A properly installed roof that doesn’t need to be replaced is not an environment where moss and algae will grow.

10. Your Home’s Had Its 20th Birthday

Birthdays are usually a time for celebrations. This isn’t the case with a roof, however. As roofing ages and is subjected to the elements day in and day out, even the best-installed roof will have issues.

Even if you don’t know the exact age of your roof, you’ll want to keep an eye for your neighbors getting roof repairs or replacements. This way, you can avoid water leaks, mold, and any of the other issues caused by a deteriorating roof.

Noticed Any of These Signs on Your Roof?

At Gold Star Contracting, we pride ourselves on providing quality materials, superior workmanship, and outstanding value. With 13 years of experience, you can trust that when you work with Gold Star, your roof is in good hands.

How many of these warning signs your roof needs to be replaced have you spotted?

If you are ready to start your roofing project today click the button below and contact our team so we can get you started.

Start my roofing project!

The fact is choosing the right roofing company can be a challenge for many homeowners.  Unfortunately, the decision for choosing that roofer is often made when tragedy has already struck and you have a leak that needs to be addressed.  That means for most there are not weeks to make a decision on who the right roofing contractor should be. As a result, we have put together a 2-minute guide to help in selecting a roofing company for your next roofing project.

2-Minute Guide to Selecting a Roofing Company

Get Referrals:

Did your neighbor or friend just get a new roof on their home?  Ask them about their experience with the company.  Chances are they will give you a much more honest review than the salesman knocking on your door.  Here are a few questions to ask that will get you the right information

• How did you find them?
• What did you like about working with them?
• What did you dislike about working with them?
• Did they provide any warranty or guarantee?

Remember your neighbor and friends will tell you if you should steer clear of a contractor they used on their roof replacement or repair.

Look For Reviews:

Online reviews are a great source of information.  The keyboard warriors are typically not afraid to say what is on their mind about businesses.  While one bad review is probably not something to worry about (unless they only have a small number of reviews), Several bad reviews may tell you a story.

• Read the reviews, especially the long ones
• Look for similarities and differences between reviews
• Look for responses from the company

Check for Licensing and Insurance:

Almost everyone has heard a horror story about an unlicensed or uninsured contractor (If you have not, check out this Reddit thread). Unfortunately, unlicensed contractors slip through the cracks and take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners all to often.  To protect yourself do the following.

• Request a copy of their business license and insurance.
• Validate it with the city or county you live in (Whoever issued it).
• Review any complaints filed against the company (Including The Better Business Bureau).

Be a Liaison Between the Insurance Company and the Contractor:

Did you know it is considered insurance fraud for your contractor to waive the deductible in most states?  Last time I checked you don’t want to get yourself into that type of a mess.  To prevent that from happening, be the liaison between your contractor and the insurance company.  To avoid any challenges from your insurance company and the roofing contractor check these tips out:

• Allow the insurance company to inspect the roof as well.
• Any deductibles need to be reflected in the invoice and paid directly to the insurance company.
• Don’t let a contractor pressure you into submitting an unnecessary insurance claim.

The Best Are Manufacturer Backed

All of the major shingle manufacturers have great warranties on their products. Likewise, all the manufacturers also have contractor certifications.  These certifications are typically linked to what warranty the contractor can offer and what the manufacturer is willing to pay for in the unlikely event of product failure.

• Ask if they have any manufacturer certifications.
• Ask about product warranties.
• Ask about workmanship guarantees.

Learn About the Material Options for Your Home:

What material and color you put on your roof may not only impact the look of your home, but also the value of your home.  According to HomeAdvisor you can expect a 63% return on your roofing project.  What is more important to point out though is that your old and tired roof may be the difference between a full price offer and a low ball offer when selling your home.  Additionally, it may help additional buyers qualify to purchase your home as it will reduce the likelihood of building inspection issues.  Choosing the wrong material or color could have an adverse effect on your sale as well.

• Explore multiple options for materials types so you can be informed
• Think about color and style so that they match your home
• Remember you get what you pay for and the cheapest option is not always the best choice for your home

Do your Homework

We know that when disaster strikes with your roof you may not have time you want to spend weeks mulling over the decision of who the best contractor is for your roof. Taking a few minutes to do your due diligence can save you time and money in the long run.  After all, you don’t want to have to go through this hassle again next year.

Our last bit of advice is something that we often don’t think about when making large and important decisions like a new roof.

Trust your gut!  If something doesn’t look or sound right then don’t risk it.

Why Gold Star Contracting

If you are here there is a likely chance that you may be shopping for a new roof.  Honest companies like ours are not afraid to tell you what to look for in a roofing contractor because we have answers to all your questions and your best interest in mind. We hope our 2-minute guide to selecting a roofing company helps you make the right decision.

At Gold Star Contracting, we deliver dependability, longevity, and building strength. We stay ahead of the competition through high-quality roofing services. Whether you are looking for a new roof installation on your property or you’ve recently experienced a major storm in your area, our highly trained roofing contractors have you covered.

No one expects you to be a roofing expert, and you don’t have to be. That’s where we come in.

Our home base is Shakopee, Minnesota but we often travel to roofing jobs up to 100 miles away. If you are wondering if we cover your area, give us a call to discuss your roofing needs. We look forward to serving you in the future.

If you are ready to start your roofing project today click the button below and contact our team so we can get you started.

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Dealing with roof insurance claims is a chore at best. But it’s often necessary after your roof sustains some damage due to poor weather conditions.

Damage from a seemingly routine wind and hail storms can compromise the integrity of your roof. What makes this worse is that hail damage is often not easily noticeable.

This is because damage from storms can often come in small incremental chips. Eventually causing tears and dents across your roof.

Minnesota recently made a national list, coming in at number four of states most affected by hail damage in the last four years. So we’re no strangers to heavy hail.

Should the worst happen, these steps will help you get your insurance claim dealt with seamlessly while your roof gets repaired in no time!

Keep Accurate Dates and Time of Storms

If you know for sure that hail damage has occurred as a result of a storm, make sure you write down the date and time of storms responsible.

This date will help you in filing a claim. If you didn’t remember to take photos of the storm at the time, Google photos of your city and the keyword “hailstorm”.

You will most likely see photos displaying the size of the hail from that day. Save those photos as additional evidence so that you can show them to an insurance agent.

Seek Professional Advice for Roof Insurance Claims

If you suspect that your roof has been damaged by a hailstorm, you must seek a professional evaluation from a qualified roofing company.

At Goldstar Contracting, we have years of experience assisting customers with roof insurance claims. We have completed dozens of successful insurance applications, and know the process very well.

While storm damage is welcome, we want this experience to be as seamless as possible for our customers. We will work closely with your insurance provider to ensure that you and your property are well taken care of.

File Your Claim

This step is a simple part of the process. When you’ve had a professional evaluation and told to go ahead, you can file a claim against your homeowner insurance.

Your insurance provider will ask you for some information regarding the damage and information about your home and advise you of what the next steps are.

Remember the date of the storm and the additional information we talked about earlier? Make sure that you have that information when filing your claim.

Also, don’t worry about how old your roof is at this point, it doesn’t matter. Your insurance company will assess the damage while settling your claim, regardless of how old your roof is.

After the Insurance Adjuster

After you reach a favorable settlement with your insurance company, it’s time to get a written quote from the roofing company that you’re interested in working with.

When selecting a roofing company to carry out the work, make sure you think about more than just the cost of repairs.

Most importantly, ask yourself; “Do you feel comfortable with the company you are choosing?”, and “do you trust them?”

Based on your research, does it look like they have a good reputation? Your roof protects you, your family, and your home. It’s vital that you employ a company you trust when choosing someone to make repairs on it.

At Gold Star Contracting, we’re proud to tell people we have a reputation for excellence. We can supply excellent customer references on request.

We are continuously striving to improve the quality and the value of the products and services we offer. Our commitment to each project has allowed us the opportunity to experience ongoing growth.

We started Gold Star Contracting in 2007. Since then, we have helped over 1,000 families and businesses by providing roofing repairs and replacements.

Get the Work Done

Once your insurance provider approves your claim, you will get the funds needed to complete your project.

You may not be happy with the proposed settlement. In this case, it’s worthwhile talking this through with your chosen roofing company to see if they can help.

It’s important to remember that you should not be alarmed if your insurance company lowered the amount awarded for repairs because of the roof age. Usually, they are merely holding the money back until work is complete.

For example, they may hold back $700 for reduction and the actual cost of work is a little more than they sent you.

In this case, send them a letter of completion from your contractor with the exact amount when the job is done. They should then send you the difference.

At Gold Star Contracting, we stand by our work. We know reliable and reputable roofing contractors provide free roof inspections and roof replacement estimates – which is exactly what we do with no obligation.

If you suspect damage has occurred to your roof, please contact us today to set up a time that works for you for us to carry out a professional evaluation.

Contact us today!

The need for quality residential roofing products is essential for any property housing a family.  Besides, installing, repairing, or upgrading a roof requires you to meet safety requirements. This is the reason why it is so important to be able to choose the best materials when you are making this decision.

There are many choices available, and roofing services are usually going to give you a rundown on the pros and cons of these materials. Still, it’s always essential to learn the basics before you start the hunt for the perfect roofing material for your home.

We are going to give you some vital information on the top residential roofing products for 2020 and why they have become the most popular choices available for residential roofing.

Asphalt Shingles

This is probably the most popular choice in many areas, and there are plenty of good reasons for that. The asphalt shingle has two common presentations. One uses a fiberglass mesh covered with asphalt. The other is organic and uses paper saturated in asphalt.

The main difference between the two is that the fiberglass version is lighter, but the organic version seems to offer more stability when strong winds hit. The fiberglass asphalt shingle got upgrades that make it the clear winner, and the organic shingle has been out of the market for over a decade.

Some of the main advantages of the asphalt shingle include:

• Easy to install
• Plenty of colors to choose from
• Little maintenance needed
• The most affordable quality option

Wood Shingles

The clean-cut and smooth surface of the wooden shingle has always made it one of the best choices available. This is a choice that is more appealing to those who want to give a more rustic look to their property, but they also want a roof that is durable and safe for their home.

There are several types of wood used for shingles, and the most commonly seen include cedar, pine, cypress, and redwood. This continues to be one of the most popular residential roofing choices available. Style and value are probably the most appealing reasons why people choose this option.

There are several things that you can consider if you want to get a wooden material for your roof, but some of the features are very attractive.

Some of the advantages of wood shingles include:

• A more natural and appealing look for your home
• Natural resistance to insects and moisture
• Great insulation value
• Recyclable once there is need for a replacement

Metal Shingles

Many people end up getting metal shingles when they get any kind of roof repair done. The element of durability is probably the most significant appeal with the metal roofing option as it is an outstanding choice that is going to last decades with proper maintenance.

Different types of metal are used for this purpose. The most common include steel, zinc, and aluminum. Some people also choose copper, but this a costly choice.

The metal shingle continues to be an option that is very popular in many areas, and it makes perfect sense due to how durable it can be. We are talking about a lifetime of durability if adequately maintained.

The advantages of metal roof shingles include:

• Metal Shingles can look like asphalt and slate shingles
• They come in a variety of colors
• Rain and snow shed better on metal
• Outstanding durability that beats other options

Roof Tiles

Roof tiles can be one of the most popular choices in some areas, and it is an ancient and traditional way to put a roof over a home or business. The conventional material was clay, but the new versions of these tiles include cement and concrete with a more durable mix.

A waterproof coating ensures that the tiles can handle rough weather for a longer period of time. This is a great option that many people find to be the most appealing.

If you need more details on tile roofing, you will be happy to know that this type of roofing material has plenty of advantages.

The advantages of tile roofing:

• A good level of durability only surpassed by metal shingles
• Great resistance to insects and fire
• Very appealing look
• They are recyclable
• They help reduce heat
• The Tesla Solar Tile

This is a new option for the future. We only mention this as it seems to be part of roofing services that will be available in the coming years, though we do not know how good or durable they are.

Choosing the Best Materials

There are many reasons why people are going to want to choose the most affordable and durable roofing. All of the roofing materials we have mentioned here are of high quality, but they do have their pros and cons. It is crucial to consider your location, the weather, and other vital factors to make your decision.

Looking for a good local roofing contractor?

Finding the right roofing contractor in your area is always very important because you want your installation to go smoothly. Take the time to look at a few locations and then consider their prices and the quality of their customer service to choose one that is ideal for your needs and budget.

This is also very important when you require roof repair services. You have to make sure that you can find a business that can provide the best possible results.

If you do not want to spend hours looking for the best residential roofing products yourself, you can search for a reliable roofing service that can get the job done right and provide the best guidance at an affordable cost. Send us a message right now to schedule an inspection today!

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With storm season well on its way, it is important to understand how to detect and repair storm damage on your roof.

We put a lot of trust in our roof to protect our home from storms. Unfortunately, hail storms, tornados, high wind, debris, and heavy rains can jeopardize our roofing system. Mother nature is more powerful than we give her credit for and when she decides we have no choice but to hope for the best.

After the storm comes through the first step is to inspect your roof for signs of damage. If you find roof damage it is important to reach out to a qualified roofing company to assess the damage and help you through the roof repair or roof replacement process.

Let’s explore what to look for when mother nature throws a temper-tantrum near your home.

What Does Storm Damage Look Like?

Roof damage from a storm can show itself in obvious means like a tree on your roof or large areas of missing or damaged shingles. Other times storm damage can go unnoticed for weeks or months in the form of a small leak from damaged flashing. Either way, if you don’t catch it in time the replacement cost and repair can be significant.

Hail Damage

Hail storms can cause significant damage to your roof. With hailstones as small as a pea to as large as baseballs, there is a large range of severity that you could be looking at. Depending on whether you have metal roofing of asphalt roofing the damage can be very different.

Here are a few of the common things to look for with hail damage:

• Random damage with no pattern typically covering large areas of your roof.
• Holes or black spots in asphalt roof shingles that are soft to touch.
• Dents on metal roof panels from hailstone impact.
• Split wood, wood rot, or stone and asphalt shingles from impacts.

Wind Damage

Tornados can do large amounts of hail or wind damage to a roof very quickly. The challenging part of wind damage is it can affect very small areas that are almost unnoticeable to very large areas. Depending on the storm there may also be challenges with rain or hail as well.

What to look for with wind damage:

• Missing shingles after a storm. Look both on your roof and on the ground around your home.
• Curling shingles are often seen around corners on the roof, near the chimney and the ridge. These are much harder to spot than missing shingles
• Lifting shingles are often hard to spot unless you are out during the storm. Look for shingles that are lifting as the wind blows.
• Fallen power lines

Damage from Debris

Having a tree or branch fall on your roof can cause more damage to your home than is often visible from the outside inspection. When something hits your roof you need to look for obvious signs like holes or damaged shingles. You also need to check your attic and look for more serious signs like cracked or broken rafters or sagging portions of your roof.

How to spot Damage from Debris:

• Look for damaged shingles and holes as you remove debris
• Inspect your roof from the attic to look for signs of broken rafters
• Look for portions of your roof that are sagging

You Found Storm Damage: What Now?

Once the storm has passed, take time to inspect the exterior. Once you have assessed your roof for structural damage, the next step is finding a qualified roofing contractor to provide an estimate.

Storm damage could result in a simple roof repair to a small section of your roof, or a full roof replacement. The costs to replace is much higher than a repair but may be necessary due to several factors listed below.

• Age of roof
• Availability of roofing materials
• Size and severity of damage
• Insurance company requirements

As you come up with unexpected repairs like this from storm damage, it is important to remember that a qualified roofing contractor can often help you with financing options and navigating a claim with your insurance company.

Working With Your Insurance Company

Understanding what is covered or not covered in your homeowners’ insurance can be confusing, to say the least.

There are many factors involved in determining what roofing costs will be covered by your insurance company. Hiring a roofing company that is familiar with working with insurance can make your roof damage repair or replacement go smoothly. When working with your insurance company keep these tips in mind

• Know what is covered and what is not covered
• Save all receipts during the process to get properly reimbursed
• Ask your insurance company about coverage questions before approving repairs.
• Remember many policies also cover reimbursement for expenses related to being displaced from your home

Beware of Storm Chasers

It is no surprise that there are dishonest contractors out there that look for an opportunity to take advantage of consumers after natural disasters.

These fraudsters, use a disaster to scam consumers needing a roofing repair or replacement. They usee tactics such as making false promises, or create damage during an inspection. They also usually require payment in full before starting work.

Do your diligence when choosing a roofing contractor. Verify they are licensed and insured. Also, check to make sure they are qualified to complete the type of roofing project you need to be completed.

If you question a contractor’s qualifications, be smart and schedule them to come back. Do not let them on your roof to complete an inspection.

Did a Storm Leave Your Home With roof damage? Give us a call.

Are you still having trouble trying to detect and repair storm damage? Give us a call to set up a free thorough inspection of your roof. Our team is here to help you through your roof replacement and roof repair from storm damage.

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