Archives October 2013

By now, every Kansas City resident knows that the sound of dozens of golf balls hitting the roof is not a good omen. After a big storm rolls through, calls about leaks flood the homeowner’s insurance companies. It may be your gut instinct to call the insurance company right away to file a claim, but did you know that calling a roofer first can help get your claim approved? Keep in mind that insurance specialists work for a company, while roofers work for YOU.

Step 1: Take Notes.

Be sure to log the dates of hail or wind storms. Take photos of the storm or do an internet image search to find Kansas City hail storm damage. Finding photos of people showing the size of the hail is most helpful, say insurance agents.

Step 2: Get A Qualified Opinion.

Getting a second opinion from a roofer will help build your case. It isn’t always easy to get homeowners’ insurance storm-damage claims approved. Roofers are more than happy to provide you with a free estimate on storm damage. They know how to tell the difference between wear-and-tear damage and immediate storm damage. A good KC roofer will come back when the insurance adjuster comes to assess the damage, acting as a mediator to ensure your claim gets approved.

Step 3: File The Claim.

When you call the insurance specialists, be sure to mention you’ve had storm damage professionals inspect your roof and verify that you need the work done. In most states, you have up to a full year to file a claim for storm damage, but it’s recommended that you call right away.

Step 4: Meet With The Adjuster.

The insurance adjuster will spend about a half hour taking photos and examining the roof damage. Having roofers and insurance specialists work together can often result in a settlement quote being issued right then and there. Other times, you may have to wait a couple weeks. The roofer and insurance company will compare notes and measurements to come up with a fair price. The roofer should leave you with a written quote as well.

Step 5: Get The Work Done.

If all goes as expected, your claim will be approved and the roofing contractor can start work. Ideally, you will only be out the deductible money and the insurance company will cover the rest of the cost for your roof repairs or new roofing system. Understanding how roofers and insurance specialists work together can help you navigate this complex process and get your claim processed with greater ease. Don’t try to go it alone!

Fall is an ideal time to think about your gutters. Falling leaves, twigs, pine needles and “helic0pter” maple seeds are chief causes of clogging. You’ll also want to peek at your gutter system in the spring, once the flowers begin pollinating and old dead winter tree debris has fallen. Gutters that are covered by a gutter protection system may only need cleaning once a year in the fall.

Neglecting gutters costs homeowners big-time!

We have a saying in the industry: “Gutter prevention is measured in pennies, while repairs are measured in dollars.” Clogged downspouts cause gutters to overflow water onto fascia, soffits, and roof shingles. Other times, a misplaced gutter may redirect water toward the basement, rather than away from the house. Pools of water in all the wrong places can cause leaks that lead to thousands of dollars in repairs. Often landscaping becomes the victim of improper drainage.

Can you clean your own gutters?

Some homeowners opt to clean their own gutters. If you choose this approach, be sure you are careful working on a ladder. A professional KC gutter cleaning company has workers who are fully insured, so you won’t have to risk life and limb or pay for injuries should there be a fall. Professionals are also better equipped to work with gutter guards. An estimated 20% of leaves and debris can get through a gutter cover, so it’s best to hire someone with experience at re-installing these protective covers.

How to hire a gutter cleaning pro in Kansas City…

Prices on gutter cleaning may range from $75 to $225, depending on the length of your gutters and the height of your home. New gutter cover systems typically begin around $1,500. We also install low-maintenance seamless gutter systems. To find the right person to do the job, you can check a trustworthy review site like Angie’s List and cross-reference it with the Better Business Bureau. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or proof of liability insurance. Call Eclipse Roofing for a free quote!

This month has seen a few heavy storms blowing through Kansas City. Ten days ago, heavy rain, lighting and wind gusts up to 40 mph ripped through the area, causing damage to some residents’ roofs. The damage stormy weather inflicts isn’t always evident with an immediate leak, which is why storm damage inspections are so important if you want to prevent costly repairs.

Storm Damage Inspections Save Money!

Storm damage inspections offered by a reputable roofing company are FREE. Preventing leaks by catching damage early puts money in your pocket. In many cases, you may choose to have your homeowners insurance cover the cost of storm-related roof damage. The sooner you inspect your roof after a major storm, the better.

Signs of Storm Damage

Our licensed, bonded and insured contractors will inspect your roof for tell-tale signs of storm damage, such as:

– Dents, cracks, or holes from hail

– Missing shingle granules

– Broken shingle strips

Best Roofs For Storm Damaged Homes

Kansas City sees a lot of storms, particularly with high winds and hail. That’s why we offer our customers Timberline® ArmorShield™ II Shingles, which pass the UL 2218 Class 4 impact test, and may qualify for insurance discounts of up to 30% or more. These tough shingles are warrantied to withstand winds of up to 130 mph! During product testing, a two-inch steel ball was hurled at these shingles at 70 mph and there was no evidence of tearing, cracking, chipping, or denting.

Call Now For A Free Storm Damage Inspection

Eclipse Roofing has serviced the roof repair and replacement needs of the KC area for the past decade. We’re a winner of the Angie’s List Super Service Award and we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. If you’re looking for exceptional service and workmanship, then be sure to call us at 913-262-4700 for your free estimate.

Once you get a new roof in Overland Park, aren’t you usually good for 10-20 years? Is a roof inspection really a necessary part of being a responsible homeowner? Here are 10 reasons why you may want to consider getting a roof inspection in Overland Park before the snow flies.

1. It’s FREE!

Why not have a guy climb up on your roof and give you the peace of mind that everything is in tip-top shape? We’d much rather perform regular roof inspections and periodic patches than be the bearer of bad news that your entire roof is shot. Estimates cost you nothing.

2. It’s Safe!

Sure, you could inspect your own roof for tell-tale signs of storm damage… but, then again, you’d have to get up on a ladder, climb up a few stories, and ultimately risk life and limb to be sure. We don’t mind taking the risk. We’re experienced and insured!

3. Free Repairs Could Be Waiting!

Did you know that storm-related damage is covered under your homeowner’s insurance if it’s detected in a timely fashion? That’s why we recommend at least two roof inspections per year. An insurance adjuster will have to come to the house to do an inspection before the claim is covered, but having our professional assessment documented can help you get your claim approved.

4. You’re Buying!

According to MSN Real Estate, leaky roofs are the #1 most-overlooked problem missed by a routine home inspection. Calling on a licensed contractor to inspect the roof before you buy a home is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself as a consumer. You may be able to negotiate the cost of a new roof in your real estate deal before closing.

5. You’re Selling!

Leslie Piper, consumer housing specialist for Realtor.com, told AOL Real Estate that it’s wise for sellers to get a pest and roof inspection before putting their homes on the market. “The costs of repairs or the replacement of a roof can vary and could be a big-ticket item a seller may want to be aware of before they choose the price they are hoping to get for their home,” she explains.

Need a roof inspection in Overland Park? Call (913) 262-4700.