It’s not every day that we need to file an insurance claim with our homeowner’s insurance company to get a roof covered. Most people aren’t sure how insurance settlement works until they cross that bridge. The whole process can be a bit intimidating and time-consuming if you’re not sure what to expect. Eclipse Roofing has experience in helping local KC residents get new roofs covered in a timely and efficient fashion.

Help! A Storm Wrecked My Kansas City Roof!

If you suspect hail or wind damaged your roof, you should call a roof inspector to evaluate the situation. Since these no-obligation quotes are always free, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Having a professional opinion on your side is always a bonus when negotiating with an insurer.

Once you have a roofer’s assessment in hand, you should then call your insurance carrier’s claims office. The claim handler will assign a claim number and adjuster to your case. Be sure to keep all this information for your own records. Sometimes insurers ask you to get three different estimates from local KC roofers.

Get A Fair Insurance Settlement

The adjuster will schedule an appointment to come out and take a look at your roof. Inform your adjuster that you will have a roofing contractor present at the meeting (to serve as your advocate). Insurers, by nature, are looking to keep their costs down and  may not necessarily have your best interests at heart.

Once the adjuster has a look at your roof, he or she will provide a detailed summary of the repairs needed. In some cases, this may mean a whole new roof needs to be put on. The roofing contractor will compare this information to be sure no important details have been omitted. Any discrepancies will be negotiated with Eclipse Roofing’s insurance liaison on your behalf to ensure you get a fair deal.

Get Funding & Get Going

The initial check usually arrives with the claim summary. Sometimes additional paperwork is required by your mortgage company — a process which can take up to 10 days. Keep in mind, you will still be responsible to pay your deductible, whatever that may be. The total cost of the roof replacement will be covered by: the first insurance check, your out-of-pocket deductible, the amount of depreciation withheld by the insurance company, and any necessary supplements.  Once the roof has been completed, we will contact the insurance company to make sure any depreciation withheld is released and all the money promised by the insurer has been collected.

If you would like any more information about Eclipse Roofing’s insurance settlement work or a free roofing quote, please contact us at (913) 262-4700.

We come across many different types of roofing in Kansas City. Maybe you are looking to construct an all-new roof or perhaps you just need to re-roof the old roof. Either way, knowing what you want ahead of time can help move your project along quicker.

Roofing Styles

• Flat – These old roofs are not very popular in modern day, but can be easy to put up. On the downside, it can also accumulate water or dirt. It also costs more to service a roof without drainage.
• Sloping – This is the most common type of residential roof, as they let water and debris run right off.
• Gable  –  Homes that appear to have “multiple roofs” are called gabled and they are very popular too.
• Salt Box – A salt box roof is short on one side and long on the other, allowing water to run down an uneven side.
• Gambrel – Barns often have this type of roof that is almost octagonal around the top.
• Mansard – This roof often extends down below the uppermost windows on the home and is a historic style.
• Pitched – Steep a-frame roofs can be dangerous to roof, so not many contractors are willing to touch them. However, Eclipse Roofing specializes in this type of roofing job.

Roofing Materials

• Asphalt – These are by far the most common type of shingle. They are affordable, durable and last up to 40 years.
  
• Cedar Shake – These shingles are very attractive, but only last 15-20 years and are susceptible to insects and rot.
• Tile – This material is also very handsome, although it is heavy and more expensive. A good roof lasts 50 years.
• Slate – Durable, waterproof and fireproof, slate is a gorgeous look, but is the most expensive type of material.
• Metal – Metal is strong, durable and lightweight. It can last 50 years, but not everyone likes the look of it.

We specialize in affordable, long-lasting asphalt shingles that come in multiple shapes, colors and styles.

Roofing Brands

• GAF/ELK – Founded in 1886, GAF/ELK is the largest manufacturer of shingles in America with $3 billion in annual sales. They have received many positive accolades from builders and contractors alike. Their Timberline shingles are an especially popular type of roofing in Kansas City.
• CertainTeed – Founded in 1904, CertainTeed is a leading manufacturer in shingles within North America, employing more than 6,000 employees at 65 manufacturing facilities across the country. They are another name we trust. You’ll see their Landmark line of architectural shingles around Kansas City quite often.

We deal with only the best manufacturers and are certified to install their products, so your warranty will be upheld. Please call to schedule a free estimate for your KC roofing job.

More than 56,000 people are without power in Kansas and Missouri following a devastating winter storm that is slowly pummeling its way across the Midwest. Heavy rains followed by freezing and blizzards have created extremely heavy weights resting atop trees and roofs. In nearby Shawnee, the roof of a horse arena collapsed. Macy’s at Melcalf South in Overland Park was evacuated this morning, with fears that the roof may collapse. You can see some of the photos where roofs have collapsed in on themselves. We have been fielding calls left, right and center to deal with the massive number of homes damaged by the storm. While we are extremely busy, we have enough professional roofers in Overland Park to take your call.

What We Can Do…

• First, we will get up on a ladder and take a close look at your roof to inspect for damage.
• If possible, we will repair shingles that have been hit by hail, ripped up by wind, or washed out by rain.
• If necessary, we can reinforce weak structural beams that could be in danger of collapsing.
• We can install ice dams on your gutters to prevent build-up of snow and ice that puts weight on your home.
• We are also trained to put on a full new roof when it’s needed.
• If you would  like to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance policy, we can help you get it approved quickly.

Our Materials…

We work with the very best roofing material manufacturers in the country. GAF/ELK is our preferred dealer. The company was first founded in 1888 and now boasts annual sales exceeding $3 million. They are renowned for their top-notch “Master Elite” training program, which is one of the toughest certifications to obtain. They were also the first company to offer a Lifetime Limited Warranty on their products. Consumers like that there are many different styles, colors and price points to choose from and we are confident you’ll be satisfied with this product.

Our Service…

In addition to the manufacturer’s warranty, you will also receive a 5-year guarantee on our craftsmanship. Click here to learn more about our company. We hope you will call us at 913-262-4700 for a free estimate.

GAF Announces Groundbreaking Lifetime

Limited Warranty On All Of Its Laminated

Roofing Shingles

Homeowners To Benefit From Multiple Decades Increase In Warranted Performance*

WAYNE, NJ (1/2011) – GAF, North America’s largest roofing and ventilation manufacturer, is announcing groundbreaking changes to its laminated shingle warranties.  Effective January 1, 2011, every GAF laminated shingle, including all Timberline^®shingles—the #1-selling shingles in North America—will be covered by a lifetime ltd. warranty when installed on single family residences (see ltd. warranty for complete coverage and restrictions).  GAF will no longer offer any laminated shingles with just a 30-year or 40-year warranty, a first for any roofing manufacturer.

This revolutionary change has been made possible by GAF’s Advanced Protection^™ technology, which was first introduced in 2007.  This innovative shingle technology has resulted in shingles that offer improved performance, including superior durability and wind resistance.  GAF is so confident in the performance of its Advanced Protection^™ shingles that it has decided to make this unprecedented improvement in its warranties.

“As a company, we are committed to advanced quality, industry-leading expertise, and solutions that make our customers’ lives simple — which is what this warranty upgrade is all about,” stated Bob Tafaro, President and CEO of GAF. “Contractors will benefit from knowing that they can stand with confidence behind every installation of GAF laminated shingles.  Homeowners will benefit from knowing that their installed shingles are warranted for a lifetime, adding significant value to their home.”

GAF has also upgraded the coverage of its Golden Pledge^® and System Plus limited warranties, which are offered exclusively by its GAF-certified contractors.

“We are especially excited to announce this warranty upgrade, given that 2011 is GAF’s 125th anniversary as a company. At a time when Americans are facing so much uncertainty about the future, you can be sure that GAF will be there decades from now to stand by the performance of our roofing products.  This warranty upgrade will reinforce both our leadership position in the industry and our promise of excellence to our customers,” said Tafaro.

Complete details about these changes, including certificates confirming coverage and explaining the new terms which contractors can use with homeowners, can be found at www.gaf.com/upgrade.

*See www.gaf.com for specific warranty terms and conditions

Overland Park Roof Repair

Before you go to the expense of calling in a contractor, see if you can analyze and repair your roof problem yourself. The best possible time to repair your roof problem – is as soon as you realize that you have one and if the weather is calm enough to climb up onto the roof. In fact, this could be further qualified by saying that the best and most economical way to a trouble-free roof, is to inspect the roof regularly, so that you see the problem developing.

Your Roof Repair could be inexpensive or it could be more than you hoped.

A leak from one dislodged tile is a small and inexpensive matter, but if you do not inspect your roof regularly, this will go unnoticed. By the time that you DO notice it, it may be because water is dripping into your spare room! This means that this whole area of the roof structure is soaked, the ceiling will need to be replaced and hopefully the flooring will recover.

Always check your roof after a wind storm, as most roofing is not designed to withstand fierce winds. Scrutinize the tiles for cracks, splits and torn-off corners; also check for lifting. Lifting is a common cause ofleaks, and can be easily rectified. Be aware of multiple tiles lifting, as this could be a sign that the roofing material is too old and is warping from all the weathering.

Climb into your attic/loft and ensure that any insulation that you have in your roof is not right up against the roof itself. There has to be a gap for air to circulate; also when a roof heats up and there is insulation directly behind it, this heat is thrown back into the roofing and excessive heating like this can damage and warp the roof.

Another weakness in all roofs is the flashing. Flashing is designed to provide a watertight junction between roof materials and structure, especially if the roof projects out or changes design (as with extension roofs). If you are installing a new roof, it is worthwhile to get the flashing ‘inspected’ as it is a common failure area.

It would be worthwhile to call a reputable repair company to inspect your roof for any problems.

Often the simple fact that the gutters, leading into down pipes from the roof, are blocked with leaves and twigs can cause a problem. Roofs must have adequate run off, especially in the areas which may have snow. Water trapped in the gutter will mean that it will back up the roof for a few inches and have time to seep into the edges of the roofing tiles. Not all homes have adequate perimeter protection on their roofs, although this is one good feature to ask for on a new roof.

Quite often homes incur roof leaks all at the same time (often after strong gales winds and torrential rain etc). This can mean that all contractors are busy and you have ‘stop up the leak’ until you can get help.

If you do get a leak, and you have placed buckets under the dripping water, be aware that the leak may be in a completely different place than it would seem. Locating the source is difficult, as water can run along horizontal timbers and appear to be leaking from a place that is sound. Getting up into the attic and actually looking for a wet spot on the roof decking will be an accurate way to tell.

If you can find the spot an emergency patch can be made applying roofing felt and using plastic cement to hold it until you can call in a contractor. You can also attempt to try repair yourself, if it is just a shingle that is damaged.

Although if you aren’t certain what steps to take, it would be wise to call a roof repair company in Overland Park.

You can carefully prize up the roof shingle by removing the three or four nails that are holding it in place; next, apply a generous coating of tar beneath the tear in question, and also coat the underside of the shingle with a with a coat of tar before putting it back in place. Add a spot of tar to each nail head. Most Overland Park roof repair companies advise against the ‘liquid’ asphalt repair products.

Roofs can also be temporarily repaired using roof membrane and sealants. Care must be taken to clean the roof surface first to ensure that the sealant will stick and keep the leak protected from rain etc. In fact, as long as the roof is clean and dry, the wonder of the 20th century – duct tape – can also be stuck onto the roof!

To receive a free home roof inspection and a free estimate, please contact your Repair company, Eclipse Roofing at 913-262-4700.