F A Q
Q: Do you deal with Commercial projects as well as Residential?
A. Yes. We specialize in both Commercial and Residential projects, big or small.
Q: If my roof is damaged by hail and/or wind, and I make an insurance claim, will my premium go up?
A: This is a common misconception. A homeowner making an individual claim does not affect insurance premiums because it's considered an "act of God". If insurance premiums in the area are increased, a blanket increase will affect all insured within the damaged area.
If we find damage to your home, our inspectors will point the damage out and instruct you on how to file a claim with your insurance company.
Typically, your insurance provider will send an adjuster out within the next week. At this time it is best to have us present for the adjustment. We will help the adjuster spot all the damage, and ensure that nothing is overlooked. Once your insurance company has concluded that your home has been damaged, Walter Construction will work with you to discuss replacement products, as well as, what you can expect to happen. After you have decided on your products and approved the replacement, your project will enter production.
Q: How do I know if my roof has sustained damage or has been compromised from a recent storm?
A: Hail as small as a nickel may cause damage to your roof. Most homeowners assume that their roof has no damage if there are no shingles missing. However, when hail hits a shingle, it may cause a "bruise". This bruise results in damage to the roofing shingle by tearing the asphalt matting and removing the roofing granules. The initial damage may be hard or even impossible to spot by the untrained eye and later, if left unattended, this damage will cause the shingles to deteriorate further from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The roofing granules on an asphalt roof are designed to reflect these UV rays. Once the granules are damaged, the newly exposed asphalt will start to deteriorate. This process begins slowly but progressively worsens; resulting in leaks and lessen the water shed integrity of your roof. When the wind causes damage to a rood, the wind tears the sealing tab of the shingle. Most homeowners assume that they only need to repair the missing shingles, when in-fact hundreds of shingles have been compromised. These shingles may not reseal, allowing wind-driven rain to enter into the attic of the house.
It is nearly impossible to see the damage from the ground, even from six feet away.
Each insurance carrier has a different set of criteria that they use to evaluate a roof. This is the reason why it is so important to have a trained professional inspect your home for damage. After completing our inspection of your roof, we will recommend whether it warrants filing a claim with your insurance company.
Q: What are the long-term effects of untreated damage?
A: Untreated damage will start to affect your roof immediately. Over time, your roof will be exposed to the harsh elements, allowing the sun to compromise the roofing system, which will result in long-term leaking problems, and possibly damage to the interior of the home.
Q: What is my out-of-pocket expense to have my roof completely replaced?
A: The only out-of-pocket expense should be your insurance policy deductible. We work as preferred contractors directly with your insurance company assuring you that the damage is assessed properly, and your insurance company covers the appropriate components needed to engineer your home's exterior back to its original condition prior to the storm.
Q: How do I choose a contractor?
A: It is important to choose a company that is experienced in advanced level claims management, offers a workmanship warranty, is fully licensed and insured, understands local codes, and most importantly – will go the extra mile to ensure that you are 100% satisfied. Another good test is assessing how well they answer their calls, texts, and e-mails in a timely fashion. It just underscores good business habits.
Q: When is Roof Repair Required?
A: The three most common reasons for roof repairs are leaks, weather-related conditions, and improper workmanship and/or installation. While some of these reasons are obvious to the property owner, many of these go unnoticed until the damage has already been done.
Q: Roof repair due to leaks?
A: Roof Repairs due to Leaks: To the surprise of many property owners, many leaks can exist for years before any damages become obvious to the untrained eye. These leaks are usually slow at first, and if they continue to go undetected, they can cause harmful growth of mold, structural damage and, in some severe cases, a complete roof collapse.
Q: Roof repair due to due to Weather?
A: Everyday, roofs are being exposed to the outside elements. Over time, your roof becomes damaged from the excessive heat, rain, wind, cold, ice, snow, and other various conditions and types of debris. By having routine inspections performed on your home by industry trained roofing experts are able to catch minor problems before they have a chance to become big, expensive ones. Some of these situations will warrant involvement from your insurance company; we're familiar with those situations and can advise you on the process at no cost to you.
Q: Roof Repairs due to Improper Workmanship/Installation?
A: Improperly installed roofs are more common than you may think, and approximately 90% of all roof leaks are caused by improper shingle installation. This facet alone can lead to larger, more expensive roof repairs like those caused by foundation erosion and water damage. You can be confident that your roof is being properly repaired (or replaced) when you select the trained professionals on staff.
The above items are just a few things that can make roof maintenance and repair necessary. Some of the others include leaking skylights, use of faulty material during installation, and improperly designed roofs. Our professional roofing experts are trained in all roofing areas and are masters of their craft.
Many Colorado roofing companies will insist you get a brand new roof and not even offer roofing repairs. Walter Construction will properly inspect your roof with our FREE 21-point roof inspection and determine whether your roof system requires repair or replacement
We will provide you with an honest and accurate assessment of your particular roofing situation, and we will explain all of your choices so that you can choose your best and most cost-effective option.