Tremors and foundational issues shouldn't affect a roof above your walls and basement, right? Unfortunately, many people believe this is true. Roofs can endure damage during earthquakes and tremors because they will shake and dislodge certain parts that prolong their lifespan and maintain their performance.
Earthquakes and tremors can dislodge small roof components. Roof decking and sheathing foundations connected to walls will collapse and lose their structure due to violent shaking. Aside from earthquakes and tremors, roof decking and sheathing can loosen due to deep-ground excavations, leading to expensive roof repairs.
After your roof inspections, consider having whole-property maintenance. Ask an engineer to check your property's foundations and walls. Basement water infiltration can loosen and weaken your concrete foundations. If left unattended, this can cause your walls to collapse along with your roof.
Your gutter is another area that can shorten your foundation's lifespan. Flooding gutters will cause heavy rain to flow back on your asphalt shingles or to your yard. The soil will absorb the water, soaking the concrete layer of your basement for prolonged periods. When this happens, have an expert inspect your basement for any damage. You can also call a home drying and cleaning service to ensure your basement is free of moisture and mold growth.
One good way to maintain your basement walls is to have a structural engineer check for cracks, gaps, and moisture damage. If your aged siding had a delayed replacement, rainwater may have infiltrated the concrete walls and weakened their integrity. Have the engineer check for weakened spots or compromised structures that can affect your home and your roof.
Ancestral homes have seen multiple generations of your family. Most ancestral homes have basements in shambles. Have engineers or renovation experts repair or upgrade your basement accordingly. They can turn it into a family activity room, game area, or any facility you need. The renovators will lay down new foundations to support the appliances, items, and furniture you'll place inside. Furthermore, these projects will increase your property's market resale price.
If you're unsure whether it's time to demolish and remake your walls and basement, have renovators inspect their integrity. They know if any new updates have arrived for building codes, so they will check your property and point out areas that violate the regulations.
Your property's overall age determines whether it's time to have your home reinforced to give it new life. Ancestral properties over 50 will need major renovations and a new roof replacement. As you may expect, this is a very expensive process that you'll need to save up for quite a while. Alternatively, you might find suitable financing from reliable local renovators and roofers.
If you need excellent roof replacements, you can count on SJ Winn Construction to provide top-notch services with satisfying results. Our team has decades of experience servicing homes in your area and only aims to give you the best value-for-money service. Call us today to learn more about what we can do for you.
After a hurricane passes your area, you can expect your roofs to have suffered damage to an extent. You might see plenty of leaves, twigs, and debris above it. Roofers might also find hidden damage by tracing them based on telltale signs. To manage your roof's issues after a storm, here are a few things you can do.
If the news mentioned that the storm had winds ranging from 70-80 MPH, your roof will have suffered damage. Winds at this speed can pull asphalt shingle nails and off the roof. Severe wind speeds can topple power lines and trees.
Homes with large overhangs will endure much more damage than gable roofs with narrow overhangs.
Furthermore, after your roofer inspects the roof, they might mention having seen torn, curled, and bruised shingles. A large area of damaged shingles may require you to repair or replace your roof.
The hailstone's size determines the damage it can cause asphalt shingles. Softball-sized hailstones will cause pockmarks on shingles and dislodge their protective granules. The loss of them can cause costly and severe aesthetic and physical damage.
The hailstorm's length determines your roof's damage severity. If the storm lasted for 15 minutes, you can expect pockmarks or pierced roofing materials. To know for sure, call a roofer to have a complete assessment.
Heavy rains will cause immense water pressure that pushes debris, dust, and leaves to your gutter systems. Clogged areas can cause the material to sag and lip as water tries to push and escape from various directions. Once it lips and goes over, it can soak your asphalt shingles or siding material. Backflows will cause damage to your roofing material, underlayment, and sheathing.
You will need a roofer to unclog your gutters and ensure heavy rainfall flows straight to your downspouts. They will inspect the gutter's structural condition to ensure it functions efficiently before the next storm arrives.
Your local roofer knows your roof, neighborhood, and local weather better than anyone. They've helped numerous homes in your area for damage. With their trained eyes, they will identify visible and hidden roof damage. They will give you an estimate and have your roof restored to functional conditions afterward.
A roofer's storm damage assessment qualifies as evidence in insurance claims. Include it in your documentation to speed up and maximize the amount you can claim. The roofer will include their assessment of the gutter, vent, windows, attic, and ceiling in the documentation.
Insurance companies in your area may respond to their clients faster than national insurance companies. Before calling, have the roofer's assessment on hand and refer to your policy's claims guidelines and necessary supporting documents.
Most insurance companies will send an adjuster to help you. They may also call local roofers (like yours) to inspect your roof. If you've called the roofer ahead of time, the insurance adjuster will finalize the details of your claim and discuss the schedule of repairs with you and your roofer.
SJ Winn Construction is a trusted name for roofing in your area. We've helped numerous homes and properties achieve high-quality roofing installations and storm repairs. Count on our decades of experience and knowledge to help you in the best way possible. Call us today.
Roofing lasts because of two things: excellent installation and top-tier roofing materials. High-quality shingles have excellent resistance and a full-fledged support system keeping their structure intact through the most challenging storms and extreme weather conditions. That said, if you live in an area prone to weather problems, you need reliable roofing for decades.
Top roofers also play a huge role in the quality of installation. For instance, certified or Master Elite ranking GAF roofers can install the most intricate and comprehensive systems from the manufacturer. With trust from GAF, the roofers can provide warranties that guarantee the performance of the roof system for up to five decades in most cases.
Cohesive and long-lasting systems made by GAF have advanced designs that use various extra roofing components, such as sheathing, ridge caps, starter strip shingles, and more. Here's what you get by working with a dependable roofer.
Roofing systems work with various components acting as protection and support systems. The protection system is made up of asphalt shingle roof, gutters, and coating that adds algae or UV resistance. Next, the sheathing, rafters, leak barriers, underlayments, and ridge caps are the support systems that prolong and ensure the system will last for decades, protecting your home.
Quality roofers and materials ensure the roof is well-installed and can last for decades. By hiring roofers trusted and certified by the manufacturer, they can confidently guarantee your roof's performance for a set number of years. For instance, a GAF Golden Pledge can have a 50-year warranty that ensures your roof will last and have no defects for 50 years facing the harshest weather and the presence of moisture
Master Elite roofers, GAF's top contractors, have well-grounded practices, all essential equipment, and fully guaranteed installation results. They're trained by GAF to install their roofs in the best possible way. Only two percent of roofers across the US are Master Elite roofing companies, while only a small population of roofers nationwide are certified.
Variety is crucial to improve your roof's aesthetics and functionality at the same time. Most roofing manufacturers with a high reputation, such as GAF, have a wide range of quality materials with outstanding variety and style. You can choose from various shades of asphalt shingles or have your contractor recommend the best one suitable for your home's existing color scheme.
Reliable roofers care about their local community. They're genuinely helpful, approachable, and always willing to advise you on any areas that may need improvement based on their observations. They started their venture to fill the lack of a roofer in their neighborhood. With this in mind, their values and mission align with the intent of genuinely helping local houses like yours get top-tier roofing services.
If you need a quality roofer, SJ Winn Construction is a dependable GAF-certified roofing company with decades of experience helping the local neighborhood. We have always answered the call for a top-notch roofer that can achieve outstanding GAF roof installations in your area. Call us today for a roof inspection, maintenance, or repair at any time.
Raccoons, rats, and other small animals use your downspouts to climb up to your roof and nest in your attic or gutters. Small animals love creeping into small areas with moisture and warmth. As they grow comfortable, they would bring in materials from the site to create nests and multiply. Here are several ways to keep raccoons away from your downspouts.
Leaves, twigs, and debris are everything small animals need to nest in your attic. Remove them from your gutters regularly. Furthermore, any scattered paper, cartons, wood, and other materials in your attic can also be a source of materials that small animals use to create their nests.
Beautiful tree branches improve your aesthetics but also need trimming on a scheduled basis. Branches serve as jumping platforms for raccoons, rats, and mice, like your downspouts. During a storm, tree branches can also bend, break, and damage your roof after landing with intense impact. Trim them regularly and keep your roof safe and your attic free from small animals.
Small animals climb your downspouts to reach your roof. You can use pest spikes, baffles, or grease to make your downspouts challenging to climb.
Install pest spikes to deter raccoons from climbing without hurting them. Create vertical strips of pest spikes on all three sides of your downspouts. If pest spikes do not sit well with you, disc-shaped metal or plastic baffles prevent raccoons from climbing if placed high enough.
Animal-safe automotive grease ensures raccoons, rats, and other small animals will safely slip down on your downspout each time they attempt to climb. You can use alternative products that do not evaporate or get washed away easily.
Food left for pets outside should be kept inside. Small animals will smell your pet's meals and eat them when they're away, or no one's looking. They may also follow the scent of the meals indoors, encouraging them to climb your attic and nest inside.
Environmental and animal-safe repellents will discourage small animals from nesting inside gutters and attics. Consult animal control specialists about products that keep small animals away without harming them.
Birdhouses encourage animals to nest inside of them instead of your gutters. You can find them in most hobby or hardware stores, and they have clear construction and installation instructions. While they're not always effective, they're a great way to divert most birds that fly straight to your windows, gutters, or attic.
Guards for gutters originally prevent twigs and leaves from entering your gutter system. The guards can also prevent the entry of small mice and birds into the gutter. Use patented gutter technologies instead of chicken and mesh wires to ensure it has a long lifespan and top-notch performance.
If you have yet to find a dependable roofer to help improve your downspouts or fix any gutter and attic issues, you can count on SJ Winn Construction to help with your needs. We've spent decades assisting homes in your neighborhood with our outstanding specialist team and dedication to high-quality workmanship. Call us today to get started with your roofing service.
Roof replacements give you a fresh roof to protect against harsh weather and environmental harm. A sturdy roof can prolong your home's lifespan and increase its value because buyers know its worth. That said, you'll want a top-notch roofer to install a new one for your property. But be sure they're certified, insured, and licensed companies that can perform their tasks properly. Many neighbors may recommend a roofer who has no certification but can install a roof – think twice before hiring them.
Companies who lack the qualifications to install roofs will offer to do the job at a bargain price. They may have the skills of professional roofers or may even be made up of members from a former certified and insured company, but their lack of proper license and insurance will leave you with problems. For instance, if one of their team surfers an accident on your premises through no fault of your own, they can still hold you liable. Without workers compensation, you'll be the one to pay for their hospitalization and personal accident bills.
That said, high-qualified roofers with certification, insurance, and license always offer a contractor's liability insurance and workers compensation.
A contractor's liability insurance ensures the company will pay for any damage to your property due to their worker's actions. It establishes the roofer's recognition of extreme danger in their occupation and importance of effective training for their team members.
Insurers only cover companies with contractors' liability insurance by asking about their licenses and certification. Well-trained and extensively knowledgeable roofers understand the right way to install the roof, keep themselves safe, and ensure there's zero damage to anything on the property.
Certification from manufacturers gives professional roofers further ways to drive down their contractor's liability insurance premiums. In-depth certification programs, especially at the elite level, reduce the risk of error and any accidents on the homeowner's premises. Plus, certified roofers give homeowners the maximum manufacturer's warranty available.
Contractor liability takes care of any damage to your property, while workers compensation ensures you won't be at fault when a contractor's worker is injured in your home. Uninsured roofers may have you pay for any personal injury that can happen. That said, workers compensation protects homeowners and roofers.
Roofing is a dangerous occupation mitigated by proper training and mentoring by professional companies. Workers compensation is a recognition by your roofer that accidents can still occur despite their safety operating procedures, knowledge, and experience.
Your contract should explicitly state the name of the company and the homeowner's name. It should mention that the homeowner isn't responsible for any accident that happens to any worker, and then your roofer must write the name of the workers compensation provider that would handle all employee-related accidents in terms of compensation and hospitalization.
You probably want to work with a certified, licensed, and insured roofer at this point. Turn to the best in the business. SJ Winn Construction is a dependable roofing contractor with decades of experience servicing homes in your neighborhood. Our roofers are ready to go above and beyond your expectations. Call us today to get started.
Roofs must look great and function efficiently. A functional roof can look beautiful and appealing. Fortunately, numerous manufacturers always keep these two principles in mind. Still, homeowners can mess it up with the wrong combination of trim and siding color. While it doesn't seem like a huge issue because buyers will still want an excellent roof, its aesthetic should always be a huge consideration.
Here are several reasons why the color, shape, and texture of your roof play a huge role in the property's overall appeal.
A property with excellent siding, trim, and roof color considerations always fetch a high offer from buyers. Buyers want a good roof, but it should look great, sophisticated, and never tiring to look at. Furthermore, a good-looking home's exterior photos are easy to market and find qualified leads.
Here are several considerations for your roof replacement's aesthetics.
Your roofs should match the existing color of your trims, siding, and local environment. For instance, if there are plenty of distant trees, a high-contrast color against leaf green or wood brown can make your property stand out. Choosing the best ones to match your local environment can be tricky, so call your roofer for the best environmental match.
New roofs always make your property look great. Buyers trust homeowners who have replaced their roofs before selling than otherwise. Moreover, you can't take good photos of an aged roof with cracks and splits clearly showing themselves in every shot.
Realtors can brief you if your existing roof material finds qualified leads. Reliable ones have a network of qualified leads looking for homes with new roofs and are willing to pay a high price for a hassle-free property purchase.
Many top-notch roofing material manufacturers always have a collection of textures that go well with any siding, trim, and environmental color combination. Fortunately, a certified roofing contractor can give you their suggestions and install this roof with full manufacturer warranties. You can also ask them for the best options suitable for your property.
A balance between function and aesthetics is a good roofing investment. A roof solely for aesthetics and with no functional capabilities will have a short lifespan. Here are several considerations for a function-oriented roof.
High-quality roofs must look good and provide top-notch protection. It must protect the sheathing, rafters, and underlayment of your roof and drain rainwater to your gutters without causing any leaks. Furthermore, excellent asphalt shingles will protect your home against the entry of heat and UV rays.
High-quality roofing materials will help lower your heating and cooling costs. Light-colored roofs reflect sun rays, while dark-colored materials help preserve and retain heat. The material you'll use may depend on your local weather condition.
You can count on SJ Winn Construction to provide excellent roofing aesthetic and functional recommendations for your home. Call us today to learn more about our products and services.
A beautiful roof is easy on the eyes and makes the home much more photogenic. It shows buyers you guarantee a smooth transition when they buy your property. Furthermore, they have confidence that your home will protect them from long-term extreme weather damage.
Understandably, many homeowners forgo fixing their roofs because it costs a fortune, but the returns are undeniably exceptional. You can quickly sell your home, and your realtors can quickly find you leads. Furthermore, buyers would bookmark your property because it looks great.
Here are five benefits of fixing your roof before selling the property.
Buyers won't find a newly replaced roof questionable. For example, a new GAF roof system has a 20-30 year lifespan guarantee. Moreover, it would ensure top-notch protection against the elements if a GAF Master Elite roofing company installed.
SJ Winn Construction is a GAF Master Elite company with decades of experience installing the manufacturer's products. The roofs we've installed in your neighborhood last for decades and protect them against extensive storm damage.
You'll easily pass a building inspector's requirements with a high-quality system. For example, GAF's algae-resistant system will make your roof last for decades because it won't incur mold and water damage like the manufacturer's average roofing materials.
Building inspections determine if a buyer will push through with their deal with you. If a building inspector deems your property dilapidated and due for demolition, buyers may pull out or negotiate a lower price because they have the upper hand.
A new roof has a vibrant color that grabs the attention of potential buyers. A photogenic property is easily noticeable in digital and realtor listings. Buyers may quickly bookmark your home with a new roof as a potential property to buy.
Property marketing relies on images and photos of the interior and exterior. Many homeowners renovate their kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms to increase their property prices. Successful realtors who have sold refurbished properties highly recommend replacing the roof for easier marketing and finding qualified leads.
You want sure buyers with the means to pay for your home. By highlighting you had a new roof replacement, you'll reach more qualified buyers willing to look through and offer a sum for your home. Furthermore, they'll appreciate that the roof can protect them for decades from snow, hail, and rainstorms.
Every village and subdivision has a different set of qualified leads. Affluent villages typically appreciate more interior and exterior renovations. On the other hand, middle-income and low-income neighborhoods have their respective target clients. Catering to their need will help you find buyers willing to purchase your home.
Banks and creditors will finance homes that they believe will increase in value over time. A home with a new roof and quality-of-life improvements receive financing quickly. Buyers have more courage to buy a property with an assured financial institution that can quickly help them.
If you need high-quality roof inspections and replacements, you can count on SJ Winn Construction's experienced and well-equipped roofers. We've taken care of and continue to help homes in your area with our top-tier roofing services. Call us today to set an appointment.
Asphalt shingle roofs become ripped and wavy over time. As they age, the composite materials curl and split, creating a wavy appearance. Asphalt shingles within five to eight years of protection will have suffered from wavy or rippled asphalt shingle roofs.
You might find it odd that asphalt shingle roofs also turn wavy and rippled when newly installed. The shingles must settle next to each other, lie flat, and look consistent in a week. Otherwise, call a roofer to evaluate its condition.
Here are five reasons why your asphalt shingle is wavy or rippled.
Asphalt shingles remain in excellent shape during the first weeks of spring and summer. The stable temperatures will ensure your shingles have the manufacturer's prerequisite sizes before installation.
During hot summers, asphalt shingles will expand. Roofers will have to adjust spacing due to the expanded shingle size. Winter can shrink and contract the shingles and make traversal challenging for roofers due to the slippery surface and chilly weather.
Roofs become wavy and rippled due to hurricanes, tornadoes, and storms with strong winds. They can push against its edges and curl it up or down from the middle.
Rippled shingles can happen when your installation team uses the wrong nails. Manufacturer-issued nails are long and dig through the underlayment and sheathing. Incorrect nailing will loosen or dislodge asphalt shingles, causing them to go missing and drench your sheathing and rafters due to water leaks.
Trapped hot air in the attic is full of moisture that your sheathing, rafters, and asphalt shingle will absorb. The shingles will increase their size due to moisture and absorb them. Once the temperature increases, the water inside the shingles will pop and cause blisters on the shingles. Moreover, asphalt shingle thermal expansion will force the material to push against each other, causing the rippled appearance above the roof.
Avoid this by having good ventilation. Let roofers evaluate your existing system so hot air can escape and the attic can take in cool air that keeps your roof temperatures stable. Furthermore, good ventilation improves your home's energy efficiency.
Perfect asphalt shingles do not exist. Even with the best manufacturing practices, brands cannot ensure their products perform as they did in test environments. However, the more tests a material has gone through, it would likely have an excellent performance.
For example, GAF roofing materials are high-quality materials with excellent durability and a 50-year installation guarantee if installed by a GAF Master Elite Roofer. Their algae-resistant coating ensures your roof will have excellent water and leak resistance.
GAF-certified contractors have undergone extensive training and certification tests to achieve the manufacturer's preferred and certified installation method. Amateur roofers with no certification to install GAF roofs may commit mistakes, such as poor shingle spacing, incorrect nailing, and inability to identify defective materials.
GAF only covers certified installations with its long-term warranties. For example, a GAF Master Elite installed your algae-resistant roof, meaning your roof has a Golden Pledge warranty lasting 50 years.
SJ Winn Construction is a GAF Master Elite roofer from Torrington. We guarantee well-installed roofs under GAF's top-notch warranty and renowned in your area for top-notch roofing that lasts for decades. Contact us today to get started.
A new roof is important to protect your interiors. Modern roofing systems from reputable manufacturers have top-notch moisture and algae resistance and help your property extend its lifespan and performance.
Unfortunately, a new roof is a huge financial commitment. It will cost thousands to tear off and replace the entire system – more so if it includes replacing rotted sheathing and rafters. Furthermore, if you don't know when to replace your roof, it can be tricky to save up cash for it.
Financing has been helpful for many homeowners to fix their roofs and restore their condition. Here is everything you need to know if you intend to use them.
You can use four ways to finance your new roof. Here is each one of them.
The perfect financing depends on your circumstances and regular income. For instance, mortgage refinancing is optimal if you have a stable income that can handle the interest rate and principal payment. Alternatively, a HELOC is helpful if your property's value is high and you can handle its interest rates.
Keep in mind that financing with equity or debt can be stressful if you fail to pay. An equity loan, for example, gives banks and creditors repossession rights to your property if you default on the financing. Another is a personal loan's immense interest rate burden from several missed payments.
Some roofing companies work with creditors to provide roof replacement payment plans. It is advantageous for homeowners because of the simplified process. They will explain the terms of their financing contractors, and you just need to sign the best one for you.
However, a major disadvantage of in-house financing is you're limited to one interest rate and regular payments. The roofer will look for the best rates among their creditors, which means you're also limited only to their offers.
The roof's issues will worsen the longer you delay roof replacement. Small roof leaks can evolve into torrential passages that cause severe attic water damage and mold growth. Furthermore, it can drip to your interior walls and ceiling and damage your electric lines, appliances, and more.
Mold growth and small animal infiltration are added costs to restore your roof's condition. Mold can cause allergies with their spores upon maturity, while small animal infiltration will let mice and squirrels burrow and nest inside your attic.
You've saved and found the best funding and installation payment for your roof, so you want the best roofers to install it. With SJ Winn Construction, your roof is in good hands. Our roofers have successfully installed and maintained roofs in your neighborhood. Contact us today to get an estimate.
Rough weather will cause asphalt shingles to suffer severe damage. Strong winds can lift them off their nails. Plus, tree branches can come from anywhere and damage your roof. If you're unsure about what to do after a storm passes, here are a few things to keep in mind.
Storms cause various types of damage. Let's learn more about each of them below.
Winds higher than 74 miles-per-hour, also known as gale-force winds, will loosen asphalt shingle nails and blow them off. Roof geometry and material dictate the roof's resistance to strong weather. For example, gable roofs with narrow overhangs have good wind resistance, but an aerodynamically designed hip roof endures wind damage better.
Wind damage signs to watch out for include torn, curled, and bruised shingles. Outside the roof, check the local surroundings for toppled trees and power lines.
Hailstones can cause dents and bruises on asphalt shingles. They also cause small hidden pockmarks that dislodge protective shingle granules and weaken the material. That said, hailstorms are a homeowner's nightmare because it causes severe aesthetic damage to roofing systems.
Hailstorms are destructive; even a 15-minute deluge can cause severe roof damage. That said, call a local certified roofer to inspect and assess your roof's current condition.
Water runoff can clog gutters with dust, debris, and leaves. The pooled water on clogged systems will cause lipping and sagging by pushing against all directions. Furthermore, the water can soak your underlayment, sheathing, and fascia.
Your roofers will use ladders to head up to your gutters, clean the debris, and remove clogging. Then, they will inspect the gutter's structural condition and other issues. After their maintenance repairs, your gutters will work well and effectively by the next storm.
Storm damage can shorten your roof's lifespan without immediate repairs. However, if you follow these steps, you can claim roof insurance and restore your roof's condition without paying for anything. Learn more about each step below.
Call your local roofer for roof inspections. They can identify visible and hidden roof damages. Most offer free roof surveys and will bring ladders to check your roof's exterior condition. Their assessment serves as initial data you can use to make an insurance claim.
The roofer will check your roofing system's top layer of asphalt shingles or roofing materials for damage. Then, they'll check the gutter, vents, windows, attic, and ceiling for possible damage and issues.
After your roofer assesses and makes emergency storm damage repairs, you can contact your insurer. Refer to your policy's claims guidelines with this step. Most often, insurers will have you call them and then send them the roofer's photos and documentation of damage. Then, your insurer will conduct their own inspections, discuss repair or replacement details with your roofer, and set a date for repairs and replacement.
Count on SJ Winn Construction to help you with storm damage roof repairs. Our experienced team of professional roofers ensures excellent results in all our roofing projects. Call us today for emergency storm damage repair and general roof services!
156 Torrington Rd., Winsted,
Connecticut 06098
Phone: 860-379-8863
Email: [email protected]