Roof leaks can be one of the largest expenses a homeowner has to address. But does homeowners insurance similar to what you can find through www.insurancequotes.com, cover a roof leak? The answer is Maybe. Insurance coverage depends on the reason for the roof leak. Leaks can be caused by several reasons if your roof has started leaking and has taken you by surprise, research the things on what to do if your roof is leaking. Some of the most common reasons for a leaky roof in southern Arizona are: Damage from Monsoon storms – With our strong summer monsoons come high winds and even hail. High winds can rip shingles loose and expose the roof to leaks. Hail can crack both shingles and flat roofs, creating divots that can allow water to stand and penetrate your roof. Tree Damage – High winds can cause limbs to break and fall on the roof, resulting in cracked shingles or even puncture the roof. Aging Shingles or Flat Roof Coating – As roofs are subjected to the intense UV rays of the Arizona sun, they deteriorate over time. Cracks and blisters can occur which can allow leaks. When it comes to insurance coverage, the general rule is damage from storms, wind, and actions beyond the homeowner’s control will be covered. With regular maintenance issues like wear and tear, the cost of repairs will more than likely be the homeowner’s responsibility. Consulting a reputable insurance agent is the best way to determine what is and isn’t covered. Either way, homeowners need to be proactive when it comes to identifying potential leaks. When caught early, a damaged roof may be repaired before major damage is done. Looking for roof penetration doesn’t always mean a drip inside. It can appear as a stain either on the ceiling or wall. It might even appear near a wall outlet, roof vent, chimney or skylight. For homes with an attic, inspect the attic with a flashlight. Look for damp spots in insulation or signs of mold growth. Mold thrives off moisture and means water is getting inside the attic. Use caution when moving around the roof and when handling insulation. Having a licensed, bonded and insured roofing company, like Universal Roofing Division in Tucson Arizona , do a complete roof inspection can help identify any potential issues early.

A normal indication of a roofing problem is water damage on the ceiling or worst, water dripping inside your house. Once you see the damage inside, you may be in for a major expense of a complete Tucson roof replacement. Watching for early warning signs will save you both money and hassle. Here are some potential problems to watch for. Splitting and/or Blistering – The intense sun of the Tucson & Arizona summers can cause the roof membrane under the shingles to shrink, crack or blister. Left unattended, the water barrier between your roof and the elements can become compromised and result in leaks Leaks and Water Damage – The same result as we discussed above can also be caused by other factors. Mold and rot can weaken the wood structure of the roof, allowing water to pool up and stand. Gravity will take over when water pools up and find a way into your home. Foundation Damage – Most people don’t realize that damage to your house’s foundation that it can also cause damage to your roof. If you feel like your roof has sustained damage for no obvious reason then it is best to contact roof professionals to take a look before you repair the roof. Animal Damage – Termites are a major cause of structural damage to your home. They eat away at the roof’s materials and can allow sags in the roof that damages the roof membrane. If you find that your home is suffering from a termite infestation, it may be worth checking out something like Termite Control Kansas City to make sure that termite colonies don’t damage your roof. Small rodents, birds, and insects can also weaken the roof structure. Overhanging Trees – Tree limbs that hang over the roof are another common source of problems. Tucson’s monsoon storms can generate strong microbursts that can easily uproot trees or break off large limbs. These dislodged limbs act like a dangerous projectile aimed at your roof. If they don’t penetrate the roof’s surface, they can still do hidden damage that can result in leaks from the weakened structure. Improper Installation – All roof installations are not equal. Poor workmanship can shorten the life span of the roof. Some issues may include poor adhesive application and wrinkles in the felt can result in shorter than the normal life expectancy of the roof. Check the reviews and ratings of your Tucson roofing contractor before hiring one. With over 30 years experience, Tucson Roofing Contractors Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, is locally owned, licensed, bonded and insured. We pride ourselves on doing the best job possible, the first time around.

Replacing a roof is a large expense that no one wants to do until they have to. The question is “Can I get by with repairs or is a replacement my best option? In this episode of Tucson Roofing tips, we will attempt to answer that question. First we start with the obvious – is the roof leaking in a single, isolated area? If so, a repair might be all that’s needed. Does the roof show any signs of visible damage at or near the area where the leak is? Things like missing or broken shingles, nails that might have protruded through the roof, or creacked seals at flashings around vents and fireplaces may be trouble spots that can easily be repaired. However, if the roof is showing signs of aging, repairs may only be a bandaid on a problem that will only get worse. Asphalt shingles have the lowest life expectancy of the roofing solutions for a pitched roof. With the intense sun we get in Arizona, the asphalt shingles won’t last as long they will in other parts of the country. There are various grades of asphalt shingles and their lifespan ranges from 10 – 30 years. Signs that it’s time to bite the bullet and replace those asphalt shingles are things like curling or buckling shingles, granules in the gutters and downspouts and obviously, multiple leaks when it rains. To be sure, have an inspection done by a reputable roofing contractor. Tile and slate roofs can last 50+ years but the felt underlayment will need replacing before that. Usually, the felt will need replacing after 15 – 20 years. It’s always a good practice to have your roof inspected periodically. A good roofing contractor can spot signs of wear that can extend the life of a roof. Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, helps their customers make the right decision when it comes to repairing or replacing their roof.

In this week’s Tucson Roofing Contractors tips, the decision to hire a roofing contractor can be a very stressful process. Not all contractors are alike. The right contractor can save you thousands over the life of your roof. Here are some tips to consider when hiring a roofing contractor. 1. Cheapest is not always the best – The old adage, “You get what you pay for”, holds true when hiring a contractor. A bid that substantially lower than other bids may indicate inferior materials, workmanship or guarantee. All contractors pay basically that same price for the same materials. If they are a licensed and bonded contractor, they have overhead costs that will be similar. So a cheap bid means you’re not getting something. A contractor that’s undercutting costs of either labor or materials probably won’t be around in a few years to warranty problems they may have caused. The lowest bid today may mean a higher cost over the life of your roof. 2. Avoid Storm Chasers – During monsoon season, door knocking contractors come out of the woodworks. Their sales pitch talks about them being your neighborhood roofer, but after the job is done, they are nowhere to be found. They use urgency and high-pressure tactics to get you to sign a letter of intent. NEVER, sign anything without first investigating. Check their ratings in sites like Google, Better Business Bureau, and Home Advisor, to see what other people are saying. Call a reputable roofing contractor and ask them for an inspection and quote. You may find that the major problem the storm chaser reported required only a minor repair. 3. Make sure your bids are quoting apples to apples – When choosing from multiple bids, make sure all quotes include the same roofing materials. If there’s a difference, ask what the differences are. Things like warranty and product life can make a huge difference in the price. Don’t assume that the contractor with the lower price is quoting the same product. You may end up replacing a roof sooner. 4. Licensed, Bonded and Insured – It’s always preferable to hire a roofing contractor that is licensed, bonded and insured. Contractors that are licensed with the state Registry of Contractors have to meet higher standards. When it comes to selecting the right contractor, do your homework. Ask people you know, check online reviews and time in business. The cheapest bid may cost you the most. Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, is a licensed, bonded and insured roofing contractor serving Tucson and southern Arizona.

With the official start of monsoons in Tucson upon us, it’s also the time that the storm-chasing roofers appear. You know the ones I’m talking about. They flood the neighborhoods with their flyers or door knocking sales people. And while it may appear “timely”, make sure you understand what you might be getting. First thing you need to recognize is that the person standing at your door is a paid sales person, whose job it is to get you to sign a contract. They are not roofers, roof inspectors or contractors. They don’t know whether your roof needs replacing or repairing. All they know is you have a roof and there was a storm in the area. Urgency and fear are their sales techniques. Secondly, assuming you do contract with one of these companies, do you really know what you are getting? The quality of the materials, warranties, and workmanship varies greatly. Places like the Better Business Bureau are full of complaints for companies that didn’t deliver what was promised. Thirdly, what happens a couple of months down the road when a problem arises from faulty workmanship or materials? Will you be able to find this company again? And even if you can, will they answer your communications and take responsibility for their work? Instead, do your due diligence and research reputable roofing companies in Tucson. Check their reviews on Google, BBB, Angies List, Home Advisors, Yelp, etc and see what others say about them. Sure, their prices may be higher than the storm chasers, but the old adage, “you get what you pay for” stands true. If you think hiring a professional to do a job is expensive, wait till you see what it will cost you when you hire someone not a professional. Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, strives to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients roofing needs in Tucson and southern Arizona.

When it’s time to replace an old roof in Tucson and southern Arizona, you may be debating between shingle roofs or tile roofs. There are pros and cons of both roof types. Here are some things to think about when considering a change. Asphalt (or composite) shingle roofs are the least expensive roofing option . That’s the reason new home communities are often built with asphalt roofs (and offer tile roofs as an upgrade.) The number of roofing contractors that install shingle roofs gives you a greater choice of roofing contractors. The durability of shingle roofs and the choice of colors and styles also add to the attraction of asphalt shingles, although if you’re looking for a roof for an extension or conservatory then might be the best way to go. Despite the advantages listed, there are some negatives to asphalt roofs. To prolong the life of an asphalt roof requires more regular maintenance than other types of roofs. Quality of the shingles will also affect the lifespan, ranging from 20 years to 50 years. Since air flow is also restricted, heat can’t escape from your home making it harder to cool down. That means higher energy bills. Clay tile roofs offer a more attractive, southwestern look for your home. The advantage of tile roofs is the longer lifespan, with roofs lasting 40 – 50 years. Tiles aren’t affected by the scorching Arizona sun, so they don’t deteriorate, rot or discolor like asphalt shingles will. The downside to tile roofs is the initial cost. Considerably more expensive, tile roofs cost more when installed, but spread out over the longer lifespan, the lifetime value of the roof would be lower. Another consideration in replacing shingles with tiles is the structural integrity of the roof. The weight of tiles is much more than shingles and if the roof structure wasn’t designed to handle that weight, it may require adding structural support. Another consideration when analyzing the shingle vs. tile roofs is the fragile nature of tiles. Walking on the roof can result in cracked or broken tiles. While roof tiles are durable, the underlayment that waterproofs the roof is not. That felt needs to be replaced every 12 – 20 years. That requires that the tiles be removed, new felt put down and the tiles reinstalled. When it’s time to reroof your home, weigh the pros and cons and decide which roofing material best meets your needs. If cost isn’t a concern or you are planning on your home being your last home, then a tile roof may be the best option. But asphalt shingles can still create a great curb appeal for the budget. Talk to a trusted, experienced roofing contractor in Tucson and southern Arizona for help choosing the right roof for your home. With over 30 years experience, Tucson Roofing Contractors Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, is locally owned, licensed, bonded and insured. We pride ourselves on doing the best job possible, the first time around.

Fascia boards are the boards that run along the roofline and attached to ends of the rafters or trusses. They provide more than just a finished edge to the roofline. The facia boards act as a moisture barrier for the home, keeping water from entering the attic or getting underneath the roofing material. When a fascia board becomes cracked or damaged, water can penetrate the interior of the home and cause serious damage as well as mold growth. Some of the causes of damaged fascia boards can be clogged gutters and improper shingle installation. Facia boards should be repaired or replaced when they show signs of deterioration or rot. Regardless of whether a visible crack or hole has appeared, rotten wood is an indication of long term exposure to water which may have penetrated through to the interior. There’s no point spending money on lawn care and expensive if you’re going to ruin the image by letting your fascias go to rack and ruin. Once replaced, metal drip edges can be installed to protect the fascia board in the future. A drip edge is an L-shaped metal piece that nails into the roof decking and hangs over the facia board to keep water runoff away from the fascia board. Simple gutter maintenance can also help protect the fascia boards from water damage. Clogged gutters or downspouts are common causes of water spilling over onto the fascia board. During the rainy, monsoon season, it’s important to check your gutters and downspouts frequently. It takes very little to create clogs. Tall trees that stand higher than the roof are the most common culprit. Even if they aren’t on your property, monsoon rains and winds can block leaves from neighboring trees that collect in your gutters and block the entrance to the downspouts. The heavy volume of water has to go somewhere and down the fascia board is the closest point. Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, offers roof inspections that will point out potential problem areas for Tucson roofs.

When it’s time to choose a Tucson Roofing Contractor, whether you are repairing or replacing a roof, be sure to ask the right questions. A reputable roofing contractor will not be offended by you asking some of the following questions. Does the contractor have insurance? Worker compensation and liability insurance are 2 essentials to ask. Without them, the owner may be responsible for medical bills and other costs should a worker get injured while working on their roof. You might even ask to see a copy of the insurance certificate. Is the contractor licensed in your state/city/county? Licensed contractors are held to higher standards and understand the city/county/state codes and laws. Arizona requires that roofing contractors be licensed with the state Registrar of Contractors (ROC). There are different classifications for commercial and residential roofing. When interviewing a roofing contractor ask for the ROC license or their safety at heights ticket. FYI – a business license is NOT the same thing as a contractor’s license. A business license is only for tax purposes and has nothing to do with the proficiency of the contractor. What are the company’s full name and address? Using the registered company name, you can check the Better Business Bureau and other places to see what their reputation is. If they don’t have a physical address, it might be cause for concern. Does the contractor use roofing subcontractors? If so, you will want to ask the same questions of the subcontractors as above. Ask for references – Local references are great but often contractors are hesitant to give our information from previous clients, to avoid invading their privacy. Online references can be helpful, but you need to use them carefully. Positive online reviews are difficult to get since happy homeowners forget or fail to take time to write reviews. But unhappy customers are quick to write negative reviews for the least things. Read each review with an objective eye, looking for irrational comments by the reviewer and responses by the contractor. Is there any warranty on roofing work? Manufacturers usually offer a product warranty but what does the roofing company warranty on their workmanship? You might also want to know where they’re getting there materials from, are they from trusted companies like, https://tradefixdirect.com/building-roofing?   Being informed and treating the roofing estimate as an interview will potentially save you thousands of dollars from roofing contractors that are more interested in getting your money than building a strong reputation in the area. Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, is a licensed, bonded and insured roofing contractor for both residential and commercial roofs in Tucson and southern Arizona.

With monsoon storms popping up almost daily, some things are certain. One – roofs will get damaged and cause leaks. And Two – storm chasers will try to scam you out of your money. Here are some do’s and don’t’s when monsoons hit. Do contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. If there’s a big storm, chances are good that yours wasn’t the only house damaged. The insurance companies often mobilize adjusters from surrounding areas to come in and assess the damage as quickly as possible. Getting your name on the list means repairs can get authorized sooner. Do Not give your information to a door-to-door contractor without first checking them out. When storms hit, unscrupulous contractors will play on your emotional distress. They canvas neighborhoods hard hit by the storm. They may claim lower repair costs, faster repair times or additional services to “help you” during this stressful time. But be aware – they are often not licensed contractors, may use the cheapest materials, and less than professional labor. Yes, they may get a roof repaired but problems may show up within a year or two. Do check the references of contractors that give you quotes – Start with the Better Business Bureau. If they aren’t listed, that should be a huge tip-off. Nearly all businesses, at least ones that are licensed, will have a listing at the BBB. Ask for the Registrar of Contractors number (ROC number). Arizona required contractors to be licensed. That ensures work is done to at least the minimum standard set by law. Do Not try to clean up or make repairs without first checking the area thoroughly. Tree limbs may cause downed power lines. A limb that goes through the roof can damage the electrical wiring in the house that could cause fire or electric shock hazards. It’s always best to have a professional assess the damage and let you know when it’s safe to return. Do document the damage with pictures and descriptions of the damage. They give you a baseline you can refer to during and after the repairs. Do Not pay someone in advance for clean-ups. A reputable contractor will not expect nor request payment upfront before beginning work. Some may request a deposit but only hand over that after you have thoroughly investigated the contractors. When storms disrupt your world, the best advice is to slow down and relax. Don’t make any decisions in haste without first exploring all your options. Universal Roofing, Roofing Division, is a licensed, bonded roofing contractor in Tucson, Arizona.

Roof cleaning is a routine part of home maintenance. It gives your Tucson house an aesthetic facelift, adding to its overall value, and prolongs the lifespan of the materials. While neglect can cause shingle deterioration, using the wrong cleaning techniques can also damage the roofing system. Cleaning a roof is dangerous work and can create more problems, so follow these tips for DIY roof maintenance tasks and when to call in a roofing contractor. Clear Away Yard Debris A roof’s valleys and gutter system can trap pine needles, leaves and fallen branches that obstruct rain runoff. This pooling water not only nurtures mold and algae growth but also contributes to water damage outside and inside the home. A good roof cleaning starts with removing this accumulated waste. You should also trim back branches on nearby trees, pull off climbing plants and make sure roots are not close to the ground drainage systems. Use the Soft Wash Method Unsightly black streaks or dark splotches often wash away with a scrubbing. Professional cleaners lightly spray the areas with a mixed solution of bleach water and other biodegradable chemicals. Unlike pressure washing, this soft wash method prevents damaging the shingles and substructure. A rinse with a garden hose is fine, but pressurized sprays can push shingles out of place or force water underneath the tiles. Never direct a hard water stream at the edge of the roofline. Cover landscaping near the house to protect it from the runoff. Don’t Void the Warranty If your roof is under warranty, then check the manufacturer and installer’s guidelines for roof maintenance and cleaning. Each material requires a different approach, and DIY methods may void the clauses. Additionally, a quality roofing contractor will provide a workmanship warranty when cleaning the roof. Contact Universal Roofing to learn how we can help your roof look its best with our safe, environmentally friendly cleaning methods and annual preventive roof inspections.