Roof Repairs Archives

Do I Need to Replace My Roof Before Winter if it Has Hail Damage?

April 18, 2024December 1, 2023 by Ana

Do I Need to Replace My Roof Before Winter?

As winter approaches, many homeowners begin to worry about the condition of their roofs, especially if they’ve experienced hail damage. Hailstorms can be incredibly destructive, leaving behind a trail of dents and bruises on your roof. But IS it absolutely necessary to replace your roof before winter if it has hail damage?

Short Answer: No, no immediate replacement may be required.

The short answer is that you may not need to rush into replacing your roof immediately if it has hail damage. Hail damage can be unsightly, but it doesn’t always mean your roof will start leaking during the winter.

Here are some key factors to consider before making a decision:

If your roof is not currently leaking, it’s a good indication that it can still provide adequate protection during the winter. In many cases, hail damage won’t lead to immediate leaks, as the shingles are designed to withstand various weather conditions.

Typically, an insurance claim for hail damage is valid for one year. If you have recently experienced hail damage, your claim should still be active, and you can replace your roof in the spring. Additionally, you can often extend the claim by notifying your insurance company, giving you more flexibility in scheduling.

If you live in areas like Colorado and Wyoming, where winters can be mild or unpredictable, roofing work can be done throughout the winter months. The key is to evaluate the severity of your local winter conditions before making a decision. A milder winter may allow for roofing projects, while a harsh winter may be more challenging.

Common Winter Roofing Concerns

While it’s possible to roof during the winter, there are a few factors to consider:

Roofing during the winter, especially in open plains areas, can be tricky. Dust and dirt can blow under the shingles, preventing them from sealing down properly. This could lead to problems in the long run. Therefore, it’s important to ensure a clean and dust-free environment.

To avoid complications, ensure that your insurance claim remains active. The last thing you want is for your claim to expire before you get the necessary replacement done. Keep communication open with your insurance company to ensure you have the coverage you need.

If your roof has hail damage, there’s no immediate need to replace it before winter. The presence of hail damage doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is on the brink of failure. The decision to repair or replace your roof should be based on the extent of the damage, your current insurance claim status, and the specific weather conditions in your area.

If you end up having your roof repaired or replaced during the winter, it can be perfectly fine, provided you address the two critical concerns:

1. Ensure that no dust or dirt gets under the shingles during the installation to guarantee a proper seal.
2. Keep your insurance claim active and consider extending it if necessary.

In the end, the best course of action is to consult with your Project Manager who can assess the damage and provide expert advice tailored to your situation. They can help you determine whether a winter roof replacement is feasible or if it’s best to schedule the work for the spring. In any case, addressing hail damage promptly is essential to maintain the long-term integrity of your roof and protect your home.

https://www.coloradoroofing.org/news/how-to-prepare-your-roof-for-winter-in-colorado

What to Do When Your Insurance Company Will Not Total the Roof or Pay Enough for Replacement

November 15, 2023November 8, 2023 by Ana

It’s a situation no homeowner wants to find themselves in. Your roof has been damaged by a hailstorm, and you’re counting on your insurance company to cover the cost of repairs or replacement. But what do you do when your insurance company won’t total the roof or offers an amount that falls far short of what you need to get the job done?

When your insurance company won’t total the roof:

The first question we often encounter is when homeowners believe their roof is totaled due to hail damage, but their insurance company is reluctant to pay.

The first step is to have a reputable company like Excel Roofing inspect your roof. They will determine if there’s enough damage to warrant a total roof replacement. This discussion sometimes seems to take on a life of its own, that it’s some mystical thing about whether the roof is totaled or not. It’s straightforward on an asphalt shingle roof. If there are 9 to 10 hail bruises per square the roof should be totaled.
If Excel Roofing confirms that your roof is totaled, the next step is to authorize them to meet with your insurance company’s adjuster. This meeting onsite will allow both parties to assess the damage and hopefully come to an agreement. Excel Roofing rarely tells a homeowner that their roof should be totaled if there is not clear and definitive damage. Almost every one of our insurance company meetings is successful because of this.
If no resolution is reached with your insurance adjuster, it may be time to involve a public adjuster and go through the appraisal and arbitration process. Almost every insurance policy has a provision that if there is a settlement due to the homeowner, and the insurance company and homeowner do not come to an agreement then an appraisal and arbitration process is used to solve this situation. The homeowner is represented by the public adjuster and the insurance company is represented by their adjuster. Both sides choose a neutral arbitrator who will make a binding decision regarding the claim. The public adjuster normally receives 5-10% of the amount paid as payment for his services.
If the arbitrator rules that the roof is not totaled, you’ll need to accept the offer from your insurance company. However, if the arbitrator rules in your favor, they will decide how much should be paid to cover the cost of the roof replacement.
This structured process can help you resolve disputes with your insurance company regarding the total loss of your roof.

When your insurance company offers insufficient payment

The second question that homeowners often face is when the insurance company agrees to total the roof but offers an insufficient amount for its replacement. Here’s how to address this situation:

Excel Roofing has a high success rate with this issue because we utilize the same software that insurance adjusters use to determine the cost of repairs or replacement. Excel Roofing can provide a detailed diagram of your roof and an exact Xactimate insurance settlement report, along with their estimate, to the insurance adjuster. This often resolves the issue.

If the insurance company continues to offer a low settlement that does not cover the cost of
your roof replacement, it’s time to bring in a public adjuster. They can negotiate on your behalf
and, if necessary, initiate the appraisal and arbitration process to secure a fair settlement.

Dealing with insurance companies when it comes to roof damage claims can be a complex and
frustrating process. However, by following these steps, you can increase your chances of receiving a fair settlement. Whether your roof is not totaled, or the offered amount is insufficient, seeking professional help from roofing experts and public adjusters can make a significant difference in ensuring that your home remains well-protected. Remember, you have the right to a roof that is in good condition, and your insurance policy should help you achieve that goal.

Navigating the Insurance Claims Process for Hail-Damaged Roofs

April 23, 2024October 4, 2023 by Excel Roofing

Navigating the Insurance Claims Process for Hail-Damaged Roofs.

Severe weather events can wreak havoc on homes, causing extensive damage that requires immediate attention and repair. One such weather event is hail, which can cause significant harm to roofs, leading homeowners to file insurance claims (with State Farm, for example) for necessary repairs. Understanding the insurance claims process can help homeowners navigate the intricacies and ensure a smooth restoration of their property. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in the insurance claims process for a hail-damaged roof.

1. Weather Event Occurs

The first step is to assess potential damage after the storm has passed. Call Excel Roofing In Denver, Colorado Springs, or Wyoming to schedule an inspection with a Project Manager.

2. Inspection

The Project Manager inspects the roof. There are three possible outcomes of the inspection.

No Damage: In some cases, the roof might have weathered the hailstorm without any significant damage. That may be because the hail was not big enough to cause any damage, or the homeowner has an impact-resistant roof.
Hail Damage: The roof may exhibit signs of damage caused by the hail, such as dents, cracks, granule loss, or broken shingles.
Unclaimable Damage: The roof may not have enough hail damage to file a claim, the damage is wear and tear, or the damage is old hail damage.

3. Filing the Insurance Claim

If hail damage is confirmed by the Project Manager, the homeowners can proceed to contact their insurance company and initiate the claims process. They’ll need to provide information about the extent of the damage and the inspection report, which may include photos.

4. Adjuster Appointment

After filing the claim, the insurance company assigns an adjuster to assess the damage. The Project Manager who originally inspected the roof will meet the adjuster at the property to discuss the findings.

5. Adjuster Writes the Estimate

The adjuster evaluates the damage and writes an estimate. This estimate is often created using industry-standard software, with about 80 percent of insurance companies using Xactimate and the other 20 percent using Symbility.

6. Choosing a Contractor

Following the estimation, the homeowner needs to send the insurance paperwork to their Project Manager, along with the adjuster’s estimate.

7. Project Manager Review

The Project Manager will review the insurance paperwork and adjuster’s estimate. There are two potential outcomes:

Adequate Insurance Bid: The insurance estimate is sufficient to cover the replacement cost, and work can commence accordingly.
Supplement Required: In some cases, the contractor might find that the insurance estimate is insufficient to cover the full roof and will need to submit a supplement to the insurance company.

8. Submission of Supplement

If a supplement is needed, the Project Manager submits the additional documentation, including updated estimates through Xactimate, relevant county codes, pictures, and other supporting materials.

Roofing Contractor Inspecting a Roof for an Insurance Claim

9. Supplement Approval

The insurance company reviews the supplement request and either approves or denies it based on the provided documentation.

10. Roof Replacement

Once the estimates are approved, the Project Manager proceeds with the roof replacement as outlined in the estimate.

11. Invoice Submission

Upon completing the roof replacement, Excel will send an invoice to the insurance company detailing the work done and the associated costs.

12. Depreciation Release

After reviewing the invoice and ensuring the roof replacement meets the policy terms, the insurance company releases the depreciation amount.

13. Receiving Payment

With the depreciation released, the homeowner receives the final payment from the insurance company, and Excel collects the checks from the homeowner.

What You Should Do If Your House Gets Hit with Hail

July 7, 2023June 12, 2023 by Excel Roofing

Hail season in Colorado is here. It starts in late April and goes on until September or sometimes October. Hail can be damaging to your roof and other parts of the exterior of your home. Normally if the hail stones that fall are .5” or larger this is when you can expect your property to take a beating. In this blog post, we will discuss the necessary steps you should take if your house gets hit with hail, including when to file an insurance claim, how to identify hail damage, choosing the right contractor, mitigating leaks, and the benefits of impact-resistant shingles.

When to file an insurance claim:

After a hailstorm, it is crucial to assess the damage to your property before you contact your insurance company. Most people don’t love being on the roof, if this is you call Excel Roofing to have an expert assess the damage. One of our Project Managers will take a look at the possible damage and give you an honest assessment on if you have enough damage to file an insurance claim. Insurance policies have specific time limits for filing claims after a hail event, so it is essential to act promptly to ensure coverage.

How to tell if your roof has been damaged by hail:

Determining if your roof has sustained hail damage requires a thorough inspection done by someone with trained eyes. Some signs to look for include:

Bruised shingles
Dents or divots in shingles
Missing granules in circular form
Cracked or split shingles

Choosing the correct contractor:

Use a local contractor with an established track record. A company’s track record is the best indicator of how they are going to perform.

Make sure you get a written bid specifying the materials and costs of the job. This should include all your expectations of the work to be performed.

Read the fine print and do not sign a contract with a cancellation fee. The only reason a cancellation fee is included is to hold you hostage in case you want out of the deal.

Your contactor needs to have liability and workman’s comp insurance. This will protect you if they damage your property or if one of the workers gets hurt.

Make sure your contractor pulls a building permit and has the work inspected.

Most importantly, never pay a contractor any money until the job is finished. Don’t pay for material up front. If things go wrong with the job, you will have all the money to pay someone to fix it. This is the best protection a consumer can have.

If you end up signing a bad contract and want to get out of it. Read our “How to Get Out of a Bad Contract” blog for more information. https://www.excelroofing.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-bad-contract/

Best way to mitigate an active leak:

If your roof develops a leak after a hailstorm, taking immediate action is crucial to minimize further damage.

Place a bucket under the leak to collect the water and help prevent it from damaging your interior.
If you see a bubble in your drywall, poke it with a pencil to drain the water out to prevent it from collapsing.
Contact a professional roofing contractor to assess and repair the damage promptly.

Deductibles are changing, so file a claim now:

Insurance deductibles for hail damage can vary, but it’s worth noting that in recent years many policies have transitioned to a percentage-based deductible, typically around 1% of the insured value of your home. This change means that the deductible amount will increase as the value of your home does. If you’ve been hit by a hailstorm and have significant damage, it is wise to file a claim sooner rather than later to take advantage of the current deductible structure.

Impact Resistant Shingles:

To better protect your home from hail damage in the future, Excel Roofing strongly considers installing impact resistant shingles. These are specially designed shingles that are made to withstand hail impact and are often rated for their resistance to specific sizes of hailstones. Impact resistant shingles can reduce the risk of damage during severe weather events, providing greater peace of mind and lowering your insurance premiums.

Every type of shingle goes through a testing process to receive a rating. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) is a non-profit independent testing organization that provides the knowledge and expertise to help consumers make informed decisions on the best products.

UL developed a test called the UL 2218 Impact Rating to rate the strength of roofing materials. The test uses steel balls ranging from 1.25 inches to 2 inches in diameter that are dropped from various heights.

To meet the acceptance criteria of UL 2218, the roofing material, back surface, and interior layers must show no evidence or tearing, fracturing, cracking, splitting, rupture, or other evidence of opening of the roof covering layer. Based on how the roofing material performs, it will be classified as Class 1, 2, 3, or 4.

Class 4 is earned if the sample does not crack when hit twice in the same place by a 2-inch diameter steel ball. Products that receive a Class 4 rating are the most resistant to hail damage.

Excel Roofing suggests Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration Storm or Flex. These shingles come in a variety of colors. Duration Storm uses an extra backing called a scrim to achieve its rating, and Duration Flex is made with a blend of SBS polymer modified asphalt. This rubber-like material allows the shingle to be more pliable and flexible, making the shingles hail resistant. Both of these asphalt shingles are Class 4 and qualify for an insurance discount with the provided certificate. Talk to your insurance agent about the discounts they might offer. Excel Roofing always provides the Class 4 Roof Certificate if the roof qualifies.

References:

https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/blog/roof-hail-damage

https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/shingles/trudefinition-duration-storm

https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/shingles/trudefinition-duration-flex

https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us

I have a leak in my ceiling what should I do?

April 18, 2024March 5, 2020 by Excel Roofing

I Have A Leak in My Ceiling What Should I Do?

Get a bucket to catch the water. If a large area of ceiling is leaking, a tarp can be hung from the ceiling creating a large funnel draining the water into the center of the tarp to a bucket.
Use a screwdriver to make a hole through the drywall for the water to drain.
Call Excel Roofing for help.

Estimates are Free. Excel’s minimum charge to work on a roof is $350.00. Our average roof repair cost is $600.00.

After extreme storms when there are holes through skylights or the roof tarps are used to stop further water damage. Installing temporary tarps can be extremely dangerous, never get on a wet roof without proper safety equipment! As part of our roofing services, we provide emergency tarp services at an average cost of $500.00. Insurance will normally pay for the cost of emergency services.

The most common indicator of a moisture problem is spots or discoloration on ceilings and walls. Not all moisture problems are leaky roofs. About 30% of the moisture problems we see are not roof leaks.

There was so much condensation in this attic Icicles were forming on the nails!! This was caused by the Homeowner using a humidifier at too high of setting, and poor attic ventilation. The water spot on the ceiling looked like a roof leak, but was really the result of attic condensation.

A water test is the best way to identify a roof leak. This is normally done with one person spraying water on the roof, and another person in the attic identifying where the water is coming in.

Once it’s confirmed the roof is leaking, get it fixed to prevent further damage. Most homeowners should call Excel to fix the problem. Getting on roofs is dangerous, and requires specific knowledge to fix the leak. This is how we do it. Excel will diagnose the problem, and give the homeowner 1 price to fix the problem. We will guarantee our work for a year, and if it leaks during the warranty will come back and fix it no charge. If our fix does not solve the leak, we’ll give you your money back.

Keep your Gutters Clean

Clogged gutters are often mistaken for roof leaks. Excel Roofing has been called many times because Homeowners think they have a roof leak. The water will be leaking behind the gutters, through the soffit, and into walls because the gutters are clogged. If you have trees around your home you should have the gutters cleaned twice a year. Once in the March before the spring rains, and also in Late October after the leaf’s have fallen off the trees. Excel has not seen a gutter protection system that works effectively in Colorado and Wyoming. Gutter protection magnifies ice problems and our opinion is they cause more problems than they are worth. Check out our gutter cleaning services.

Ice Dams

As the snow melts, the water runs down the roof, where it is stopped by the snow that hasn’t melted on the cold overhang. The result: an ice dam at the overhang that backs up the water, causing a leak in your house.

Shoveling the roof, and removing the Ice dam, and applying ice melt to roof and gutters is the best immediate solution. Excel offers roof shoveling services. Roof shoveling average cost is between $500.00 and $1,000.00 based on $75.00 per man hour. The time is calculated from when the crew leaves the Excel shop to their time back.

Electric Heat Cable is a solution for roofs that have Ice Damming problems.

The best long-term solution for a problematic roof that has chronic Ice Damming problems is a cold roof. A cold roof is a system that has a dead air space between the attic decking and the roof decking. Applying electric heat cable to cold roof systems are a good idea for a backup option in extreme conditions. If gutters are installed on a cold roof system it is required for the gutters to be heated with Heat cable.

The most important maintenance tasks to reduce and potentially avoid roof leaks are:

1. Clean your gutters in the spring and fall

2. Make sure ice dams are removed in the winter

If you have any questions or concerns call us at Excel Roofing and we’ll send an expert out to inspect your roof. We have been dealing with leaky roofs and other roofing issues for years and have the knowledge and experience to get the job done!

Insurance Discounts With Impact Resistant Roofing

February 11, 2022January 31, 2020 by Excel Roofing

class 4 impact resistant roof homeowners insurance discount

How does your roof affect your insurance premiums? You probably never think about your roof, but your insurance company certainly does.

For many, home insurance may seem like just another expensive box to check to satisfy your mortgage lender.

Did you know that the average annual cost of home insurance in Colorado is $1,813? So why aren’t more homebuyers taking this protection against the unexpected more seriously?

In the last 10 years, hailstorms have caused more than $3 billion in property damage in Colorado and Wyoming, mainly to roofs. As a result, 30% of a home’s insurance cost is reserved for a new roof.

As a result of the huge losses, insurance companies are demanding more and more impact-resistant roofing materials on the market. To incentivize consumers, some insurers are offering discounts of up 25% on a homeowner’s insurance premium with impact resistant roofing.

“Insurance companies love to see their policy holders install hail-resistant roofing, “said Jackie Lanier, insurance consultant. “It saves money for the homeowner and it also keeps insurance premiums manageable – it is a win-win proposition.

As a responsible homeowner, knowing your options and doing your research can benefit you in the long-term. Don’t choose your home insurance blindly and spend some time to review resources such as this homeowners insurance article from money.com on the best companies for homeowner insurance, which also explains why they are ranked in that specific order.

How Long Have Impact Resistant Roofing Materials Given Insurance Discounts?

In 1998, Texas was the first state to make it mandatory for insurance companies to offer discounts to homeowners with hail-resistant roofing. A homeowner with the lowest resistant rated roof (Class 1) in a part of the state with the least hail would only get a 1% discount. But for a homeowner using Class 4 materials in that portion of the state that regularly gets pelted with hail at least 6 times a year, the discount was a whopping 35% annually.

While it has yet to become mandatory in other states, a number of insurers including State Farm have voluntarily decided to offer insurance discounts in other states like Colorado and Wyoming where hail and high winds tend to be a problem.

If you’re planning to get new asphalt shingles and you live in a high-wind zone, ask the installer to use six nails per shingle (Excel Roofing always does this). You may get a discount by using six nails per shingle instead of four, which increases the wind-resistance rating of your roof. Make sure to check with your agent about any discounts before signing a roofing contract.

Impact-resistant roofing materials are tested and given a rating of Class 1 to 4, with Class 4 being the highest rating. The test, called UL 2218, was developed for the purpose of testing roofing materials. Most Class 4 roofing material also has a limited lifetime warranty to cover manufacturer’s defects. When Excel Roofing installs a hail-resistant roof, we always provide the necessary documentation to the homeowner so they may qualify for the discount. If you need a free roof inspection or have any questions about hail-resistant roofing, contact Excel Roofing!

Attic Ventilation

February 11, 2022January 24, 2020 by Excel Roofing

Attic ventilation is critical to getting the most life out of the roof covering. Attic ventilation also play a large role in keeping the home cool in the summer, and the prevention of condensation and Ice Dam problems in the winter. Attic ventilation is an important part of the roof system. The 3 components of the roof system are Roofing Material, Attic Ventilation, and Attic Insulation. Attic Ventilation is a key component in this system.

Attic ventilation is a simple concept. The fresh, outside air should enter the attic preferably on the lower part of the roof, and then exhaust the hot or moist air near the upper part of the roof. It’s best to have 50 to 60% of the vents low and 40 to 50% of the vents as high as possible.

3 Things You Should Know about Attic Ventilation

1. An improperly vented attic can reach a temperature of up to 160 degrees when the outside air temperature is in the 90s. Proper ventilation can reduce the attic temperature by as much as 60 degrees.

2. An under ventilated attic will “cook” asphalt shingles, and cause them to prematurely fail, this will void manufacturers warranties.

3. A properly ventilated attic will make the house cooler, and cost less to Air Condition.

attic ventilation during winter months — During winter months, proper ventilation prevents moisture from getting trapped in the attic and causing problems.

attic ventilation during summer months — During summer months, proper ventilation cools and reduces the heat penetrating the home, through the attic.

Attic Exhaust Vents

There are many types of vents used to exhaust attic air. The important thing is to not incorrectly mix too many vents of different types. This is often done by overloading the upper roof with vents, and not providing enough air inlets. The term for this is called, “short-circuiting the ventilation”. This can actually cause the attic to become hotter! Click here for more: Fans and Ventilation

Slant Back Roof Vents have closely spaced louver openings allowing for exhaust air.

Solar Powered Attic Fans move a tremendous amount of air and have almost silent operation.

Ridge Vents are a great way to vent all attics and the only way to vent attic cavities on a vaulted ceiling. Ridge vents help prevent snow from blowing into the attic. Ridge Vents are never allowed below a pitch of 4/12!

Wire Powered Attic Fans have a control box that turns the fan on at a set temperature, or if moisture is in the air.

Gable Vents

Gable vents are another way to vent an attic. However, the usually don’t prevent enough ventilation on their own. The best way to get adequate ventilation with gable vents is to install an electric gable vent fan at one end and create an “air tunnel”.

Air Intake Vents

Soffit Vents

Soffit vents are installed into the underside of your home’s eaves (soffit). These vents allow fresh air from outside to be drawn into the attic.

Eave Vents

Eave Vents are the simplest way to vent a home without proper soffit vents. These vents should be installed on both sides of the house and should run the entire length. Eave vents must also be installed above any insulation.

Proper Attic Ventilation

Ensuring your home has proper attic ventilation is an important step in the roof system. At Excel, our roofing professionals are educated on proper ventilation techniques and they care about the comfort of your home just as much as you do. If you plan on getting a new roof, updating or adding to your ventilation is a good plan. If you need a free inspection you should contact an A+ rated BBB company like Excel Roofing.

At Denver’s best roofing company, “You Don’t Pay A Cent Until You’re Content”! If you have any questions, or need an estimate schedule an inspection with the cool roofing experts at Excel Roofing!

Tips To Make Sure Your Roof Deck Is Up To Code

February 11, 2022January 24, 2020 by Excel Roofing

Keeping Your Decking “Up To Code” Coverage

Recently one of our project managers was called out to a property to provide a roof estimate and answer some questions for a homeowner. He inspected the roof decking and spoke with the homeowner, and he came back to the office with this story.

Preface: Before plywood was used for roof decking, 1×6 wood planks were used, usually leaving a gap (1/8 to 3 inches) between the planks.

Redecking a roof is costly and adds thousands of dollars to a roof estimate.

Background: This home was built in 1895 and had spaced plank decking.

The customer had her roof replaced about 10 years ago and instead of re-decking the roof, the contractor filled the gaps between wood planks with 2x2s leaving a ¼ inch of space.

This is strongly against the manufacturer’s installation specifications and violates code.

Story: Last summer, a huge hail storm hit her neighborhood. She knew that her roof was totaled, and that she would also have to redeck the roof. So the homeowner contacted her insurance company to file a claim and get her roof replaced. Later she found out some bad news.

As it turns out, the homeowner didn’t have Code Upgrade Coverage on her home insurance policy. Code Upgrade means that in the event of an insurance claim, the physical structure of the home will be replaced according to current code. With Code Upgrade Coverage, these costs are included as part of the settlement money. No Code Upgrade Coverage = No insurance money to redeck the roof.

Unfortunately, this homeowner will have to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for redecking.

Conclusion: Every homeowner should make sure they have Code Upgrade Coverage. It costs almost nothing (1-2% of the total policy) and can end up saving you thousands of dollars in an insurance settlement.

Call your insurance agent today to make sure you have Code Upgrade Coverage! And call Excel Roofing for any questions about redecking or any of your roofing needs.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CLUE REPORT

Most insurance companies subscribe to a service called CLUE (Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange) generated by LexisNexis.

CLUE is a claims history database that enables insurance companies to access historical consumer claims information. This national database clearinghouse not only tracks claims made by individuals, but also tracks claims made for a specific property, giving you a report similar to a credit score.

CLAIMS MONITORING AND YOUR CLUE REPORT

The claims you file, including roof inspections that you request from insurance companies (even the ones that don’t result in a paid claim) will most likely be part of your CLUE report. At renewal time, your current insurer will review your claims history as well as your current CLUE report to set your premiums, and may cancel you if you have a bad report like having too many claims. If you decide to shop for new insurance, the other companies have access to your claims history through your CLUE report.

Your claim history follows you just like a credit score.

So even if you buy a new house and move, your past claim history follows you. Information is also tracked about specific properties.

If a property is identified as having hail damage from the storm 5 years ago (yes, storm history is also tracked), and then a new claim is later filed for the damage, your insurance company will know the property claim history and if fraud is being attempted.

Because filing a claim (requesting a roof inspection from your insurance company triggers a claim) will adversely affect your report, you shouldn’t call your insurance company unless you’re sure they will pay you a claim. The Door-Knockers are always going to tell you to call your insurance company, guaranteed.

The best advice is to call a reputable roofing company, like Excel Roofing and have them do an honest inspection of your roof before you call your insurance company.

If you’re interested in having Excel Roofing come inspect your roof, contact us today!

3 Steps For Getting Out Of A Bad Roofing Contract

February 11, 2022January 22, 2020 by Excel Roofing

Read More About Dishonest Roofers

The aftermath of a hailstorm doesn’t always end when the clouds break.

Over the years, we have had a lot of experience talking with many homeowners who signed roofing contracts, but quickly regretted their hasty decision.

The reason for the buyer’s remorse is because after further research, the buyer discovers that the company they’re working with now sounds like a bad decision.

The contract with the “bad company” almost always contains a 15% to 20% cancellation fee and requires that the contract be cancelled within 72 hours in order to avoid the fee.

YOUR RIGHT OF RESCISSION

According to Colorado law, any roofing contract signed at a consumer’s home may be cancelled within 72 hours without any cancellation fee. This 72-hour right of rescission is supposed to be listed on every roofing contract; often times it’s not. If the homeowner is within the 72 hours, they should immediately send a cancellation letter and email to the roofing company. They should also contact the company by phone to let them know they’re canceling the contract.

According to Colorado law, there’s a number of other reasons that a consumer can cancel a roofing contract without paying cancellation fees. Click here to read more about the Colorado Roofing Law SB-12-038.

THE ISSUE WITH MONEY UP FRONT

The ability of a homeowner to get out of a contract after the 72-hour right of rescission period, without paying a cancellation fee, is determined by another external factor: whether or not the consumer paid the roofer money up front. If money has been paid up front, the homeowner is most likely stuck in the contract and unfortunately does not have very many options. On the other hand, if no money has been paid up front, we have some good advice about how the homeowner can get out of the bad contract.

3 STEPS TO GET OUT OF A BAD CONTRACT

The consumer should call the roofing company and ask to speak to the owner or manager and nicely tell them they have changed their minds and would like to cancel the deal without paying a cancellation fee. If the company agrees, put it in writing and the homeowner is out of the deal.
If the contractor refuses to cancel the deal, the homeowner should advise the contractor that they are going to hire an independent roof inspector. This inspector will inspect each and every detail of the roofing job. Then advise the contractor that they are going to be looking for perfection. Anything done wrong will be redone, and the contractor will have the independent inspector’s fee taken out of their pay.
Finally, the homeowner should advise the contractor that after a very long and painful process to get every single detail right, the homeowner will take forever to pay.

SAMPLE LETTER FOR GETTING OUT OF A BAD CONTRACT

Either download the letter as a PDF, or copy and paste the letter into an email. Next, make your personal adjustments. Lastly, send it off to your current contractor.

DOWNLOAD SAMPLE LETTER

 John Smith
12345 Main Street, Springfield Co 81073  303-123-4567

DATE:	9/30/2020

RE:	Roof Contract Cancellation

Dear Roofing Contractor,

I hereby notify you that I’m cancelling the contract we engaged in.  After further consideration I’ve realized that I do not want you working on my property.

I have also become aware of Colorado SB12-038, the Residential Roofing Consumer Bill of Rights.  According to this Colorado Statute the contract you presented me to sign is in violation of the law and therefore invalid.  Some of the specific items required by law that you failed to put in the contract are:
1.	 The scope of work and material to be used for the new roof
2.	The cost to do the roofing job and approximate dates of when the roof will be installed
3.	Your address, phone number, and insurance company information must be listed on the contract
4.	My right to cancel the contract within 72 hours must be written on the contract
5.	Notice that the contractor cannot pay, waive, or in any other way cover the consumer’s deductible if the roofing job is being paid from an insurance claim
6.	Notice to the consumer that any money paid in advance will be held in a special trust account until the material is purchased
7.	Notice to the consumer that if any part of the insurance claim is rescinded in whole or part by the insurance company that the consumer will have another 72-hour right of rescission to cancel the contract

I will also advise you that if you try to force me to use your services, I’m going to be the pickiest most difficult customer you have ever had.  I will hire an Independent Roof Inspector to inspect the job in progress, and that they will be looking for perfection.  If the Independent Roof inspector finds anything wrong, you will have fix any problems and will have the Fee for the Independent Roof Inspector taken out of your pay.  I will also be in touch with the City Inspector, and make sure they do not pass the roof if anything is found wrong by my Independent Inspector.

Finally, after I make this long painful process for you, I’m going to take forever to pay.

I look forward to your confirmation of the cancellation of this deal.

 John Smith
303-123-4567
1234 Main Street
Springfield, CO  81073

Normally at this point even a bad contractor will know when to cut his losses, cancel the deal, and move on to easier targets.

Obviously the best way to avoid this difficult situation is to use a reputable contractor that does not play any of these games. If a homeowner uses a company like Excel Roofing, they will never experience any of these problems.

Excel lets customers out of the deal at any time and never charges cancellation fees. We do ask that the homeowner pay for the permit and any restock fees on materials.

Most importantly, we never ask for any money up front. With Excel Roofing, You Don’t Pay a Cent Until You Are Content!

The Best Time Of Year For Roofing

February 11, 2022January 22, 2020 by Excel Roofing

Fall is the best time of year for roofing, roof replacement, or any type of roof repair.

Cooler days and less rain are the ideal conditions to replace a roof. Working on top of a home where there is no shade is much more comfortable in fall. The dryer days make it easier to schedule jobs and keep projects running smoothly and on time.

Fall is also the busiest time of year for roofing. Homeowners that need a new roof will want one before winter sets in. Others may have an old insurance claim with a chance of losing depreciation on the claim. Or perhaps the homeowner simply put off the roofing for the better part of the year. All these factors add up to roofing’s busy season.

Chances are any good roofer is going to have a backlog at this time of year. That’s normal. In fact if a roofer says he can get to the job right away, this is a red flag. Because all the good roofers have a wait list, your job may be done after the frost has arrived.

What About Roofing In Spring?

If your home was damaged by late-summer hailstorms, unless there is immediate damage such as a leak, hole, exposed decking, etc, you may be better off waiting until the spring. This is due to roofers busyness in the fall, and the challenge of roofing during winter. An asphalt roof that has been damaged, but not severe enough to cause immediate problems, will hold up until the warm weather returns. The damage to an asphalt roof becomes more apparent as time goes by.

Waiting until spring will allow the roofer to see any other potential problems your roof may have.

If you have a damaged shake roof, however, you should start the claims process as soon as possible. The marks and split wood on freshly damaged shakes will age in a month or so, and hail damage will be harder to see and prove. You can still wait on the roof replacement as the roof will hold up through the winter, but you will want to start the claims process right away.

Take your time to select the right contractor, and remember these three steps:

Get all roofing details and promises in writing
Don’t ever sign a contractor with a cancellation fee
Most importantly, never give a contractor any money up front

Contact Excel Roofing Today! Excel Roofing has been in business for over 24 years, we know how to work all year long.

Do I Need to Replace My Roof Before Winter?

Common Winter Roofing Concerns

When your insurance company won’t total the roof:

When your insurance company offers insufficient payment

Navigating the Insurance Claims Process for Hail-Damaged Roofs.

1. Weather Event Occurs

2. Inspection

3. Filing the Insurance Claim

4. Adjuster Appointment

5. Adjuster Writes the Estimate

6. Choosing a Contractor

7. Project Manager Review

8. Submission of Supplement

9. Supplement Approval

10. Roof Replacement

11. Invoice Submission

12. Depreciation Release

13. Receiving Payment

When to file an insurance claim:

How to tell if your roof has been damaged by hail:

Choosing the correct contractor:

Best way to mitigate an active leak:

Deductibles are changing, so file a claim now:

Impact Resistant Shingles:

References:

I Have A Leak in My Ceiling What Should I Do?

Estimates are Free. Excel’s minimum charge to work on a roof is $350.00. Our average roof repair cost is $600.00.

Keep your Gutters Clean

Ice Dams

How Long Have Impact Resistant Roofing Materials Given Insurance Discounts?

3 Things You Should Know about Attic Ventilation

Attic Exhaust Vents

Gable Vents

Air Intake Vents

Soffit Vents

Eave Vents

Proper Attic Ventilation

Keeping Your Decking “Up To Code” Coverage

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CLUE REPORT

CLAIMS MONITORING AND YOUR CLUE REPORT

YOUR RIGHT OF RESCISSION

THE ISSUE WITH MONEY UP FRONT

3 STEPS TO GET OUT OF A BAD CONTRACT

SAMPLE LETTER FOR GETTING OUT OF A BAD CONTRACT

What About Roofing In Spring?

Take your time to select the right contractor, and remember these three steps:

Most Trusted Roofer in Denver

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