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At first, you might reasonably assume your roof is stable enough to support your weight as you walk around to make inspections, hang holiday lights, or clear off debris. The reality is, as strong as your roof may seem, given the protection, it offers to your home, not all roofing is created equally. It’s best to stay off of the roof and call Mikku & Sons for help. In this guide, we hope to explain the risks that go along with walking on your roof.

Damage Potential 

Professional roofing experts are trained to evaluate roofing materials, structural integrity, and hazardous conditions, while the average homeowner is not. Roofs are installed and built to precise specifications – simply stepping on the wrong area could result in an expensive repair. Your insurance company might even deny claims if your policy requires you to use only licensed professionals!

Most Arizona homes have clay tile roofs because of their strength and heat resistance. Tile is a long-lasting material, but the downside is that they can crack and chip easily, even by just walking on them. There are various types of shingled roofs in the Valley, but they also need to be treated with care. You may not see any weakness, but a professional roofer knows the signs of deterioration, knows building codes change, and has the experience, tools, and training to avoid causing damage while on the roof. Needlessly walking around can cause damage requiring extensive repairs, so we recommend staying off of it.

Prioritize Safety

Two-story homes are commonly found in Arizona, and roofs measure at an average of 20 feet off the ground – keep this in mind next time you are considering climbing atop your roof. Without the knowledge of where weak points may be, the dangers of slopes, and the proper safety equipment, there’s a serious risk of falling! We want you to be safe.

Safe Alternatives

We do not recommend you climb atop your roof if you’re looking for damage or leaks. Instead, we suggest:

If you find yourself facing damaged roof tiles, shingles that are cracked, leaking spots in your roof, or any other roof problem, then be sure to get a professional to inspect your home today. This is something Mikku & Sons has proudly offered homeowners across the Valley for over twenty years!

When it comes to leaks in your home, your gut reaction may be to simply put a stop to the leak. However, what is often overlooked is the process of identifying and permanently repairing the leak at the source. While many leaks are caused by roof damage, there are still other common causes of leaks that homeowners should consider.

Trees and Foliage

Shade trees are a premium landscaping feature here in the desert. You could have the most beautiful and full trees in your yard, but if they are not properly trimmed and distanced from your roof, you may experience damage from falling branches. Whether it may be from heavy winds in a storm that snap a tree limb, to being completely uprooted and knocked over, trees are certainly something you want to avoid damaging your home.

Fireplaces

Chimneys and fireplaces are constructed in a way that may allow small leaks to develop inside or as materials age over time. Things to check for include any sealing and flashing around your chimney as well as the chimney cap. When it rains, watch for water drops from inside the chimney, moisture where it shouldn’t be, odors, and anything else out of the ordinary.

Stucco

Your siding and stucco is prone to cracking under certain conditions; whether the material was improperly installed, is worn out and rotted, or affected by extreme weather conditions. Sealing these cracks and getting repairs made is essential to preventing further leaks.

Improper Draining on Roof

Sometimes roofs begin to deteriorate and will have issues draining. Should you notice water ponding on your roof, especially after any storms have stopped, then it may be a sign to call in an experienced contractor to take a look. Water damage on roofs is a major safety concern, as it can affect everything from your tiles or shingles having a reduced lifespan, to causing damage to the structural integrity of your home!

It’s important to repair leaks right away, and it’s even more important to stop them at the source. For help identifying leaks when you find moisture or water damage inside and around your home where it shouldn’t be, give Mikku & Sons a call today. We offer free, no-obligation roof inspections and outstanding roofing repair or replacement. If your roof is in great condition, we’ll refer you to the right place to get your home back in good repair.

Tile roofs are very popular among homeowners in Arizona. Not only do they offer that distinct southwestern desert look to your home, but they are also designed to withstand the heat of the harsh Arizona summers. As a result, these are very durable, but do come with their own set of issues.

One common issue is when tiles become dislodged and fall from your roof. This can indicate one of several problems, and will continue to lead into more problems if not fixed. When tiles fall off of your roof, a small portion underneath is left exposed. When it rains, this is a prime spot for leaks to develop and also allows for the surrounding tiles to lift and fall as well!

Three Reasons Tiles Fall From Roofs:

Poor Installation

Do you live in a new home, or have you recently had a roof replacement? If so, the chances of improper installation are high! If tiles were used that are not rated for the slope of your roof, or if they were not properly secured in place, they may slip and fall.

Walking On Your Roof

Unlike shingles which can withstand the weight of someone walking, tiles are easily broken and will likely break or crack under you. Make sure you do not walk on your tile roof – if you have recently had someone service your roof or climb on top for something like a satellite dish installation, then there is a chance something cracked or loosened out of place.

Desert Climate

Living in Arizona means you have to deal with intense heat through the summer. Although clay tiles can withstand extreme temperatures and light, they’re not completely immune to it. After some time, it’s worth looking to see if the elements have gotten the better of your tiles – typically clay tiles lay over gaps that could lift up during times of heavy winds, like our current monsoon season!

Tips For Preventing Falling Tiles

This may actually be easier than you would expect. The biggest thing you can do to take care of your tile roof is to avoid walking on it unless it is absolutely necessary. Monitor your roof for tiles that look like they are loosening, and if you find any, call a professional roofer to get it taken care of right away. Depending on your home warranty, tile replacements may be covered! Mikku Roofing has over 20 years of experience laying tile and will help to inspect your roof for any damages needing to be fixed. Call today or fill out an online form to get started with a free roof inspection!

Don’t Panic!

With all of the potential causes of roof leaks, you tend to panic at the first sign. It may not be as bad as you think. 

Most leaks just need minor repairs and aren’t indicative of your roof failing or needing to be replaced. Most of them are easily rectified, and expensive repairs or even replacements are unnecessary.

You should remedy roof leaks as soon as you find them though because it will keep your roof from the further deterioration that could lead to mold, mildew, and interior damage, as well as possibly needing to replace. There are several different ways to repair or patch a leak, such as using roofing tar on flat roofs.

If you do find a leak, you can use this list of the 7 most common causes of roof leaks in the Valley to figure out the issue and fix it before it gets worse. We also have a list of the Common Roof Problems.

If you don’t vent your attic properly, warm, moist air from below can gather and in time, condensation can build up and leak back down through your ceiling.

7 Most Common Causes Of Roof Leaks

Faulty Flashing

The number one cause of roof leaks is flashing, the thin metal sheeting around openings in your roof,  that is either faulty or cracking.

Flashing doesn’t last forever and it will split or crack before you need a new roof, which is why leaks here are so common.

To fix it, you just pull up the shingles that are covering the edges of flashing, and then remove the faulty piece.

Your roofer will place a new flashing around the opening by nailing it down. Cover the nail heads with sealant and the repair is made. Then they’ll seal the nail heads and area around the opening and replace the shingles. A simple repair.

Broken and Cracked Shingles

Cracked, broken, and missing shingles can cause problems. You can spot them easily and they’re not difficult to replace.

They can be cracked by hail or flying debris, or just simply wear out and start to crack. If the rest of the roof is in good shape, you can usually just replace the faulty ones. 

Your roofer will lift up the shingles that cover the edges of the broken ones and remove it. Then, they place a new shingle in, nail it down and replace the shingles that were lifted up to expose it.

Bad Vent Boots

Vents, for gas as an example, are pipes that stick out around 2 feet over your roof. There’s a boot around the base that keeps water from getting through around the vent.

This boot, over time, will crack or split and allow moisture to get through. The roofing company will pry up the old boot and remove any nails and the adhesive holding it down. Then they slide a new boot over the vent and use caulk to seal it to the shingles.

Debris in Gutters

Your gutters are there to direct water away from your roof and foundations. If they get clogged with debris they will cause water to back up and get beneath your shingles and roof underlayment.

If you have a leak that's close to a gutter, it could be caused by water backing up out of it due to debris.
To fix it, just remove whatever debris or leaves are causing the backup and get the water flowing through them smoothly again.

Attic Condensation

Your problem could be in your attic and not your roof. If you see indications of mold or mildew, you’ve probably got a condensation problem in your attic. The solution is getting attic ventilators installed that will circulate the air and keep it dry to prevent moisture and mold from getting a foothold.

Normal Wear and Tear

The shingles on your roof could lose their protective granules over time and normal wear and tear, causing leaks. You could cause this issue yourself by doing things like retrieving items from your roof, fixing or installing things like satellite dishes, or just casually removing debris. You might need a new roof at this point.

Don’t go up on your roof any more than you absolutely have to, because these types of leaks are the kind that most often lead to replacement. You’ll need a roofing contractor to come out and inspect your roof to determine if this is your problem.

Not Fixing Leaks Quickly

When you have a leak, the tendency is to sometimes put it off because you might think it will cost too much. Unfortunately with roof leaks, this is the worst thing you can do, because the issue will just get worse over time, making it even more expensive.

So, the most cost-effective and cheapest option is usually getting your leaks fixed as soon as you find them. Keep in mind that a leak can have several causes, so don’t automatically think it's a worst-case scenario. Every time you find a leak, make sure to have a professional inspect it to pinpoint the cause.

Don’t Brush Off Bad Weather

Living in Arizona means that once our monsoon season hits, many homeowners will brush off the news of bad weather until it’s too late.

Rather than be left in a panic over a storm with greater impact than anticipated, make sure your roof is prepared for the season now and get your roof ready for storms! No matter what type of roof you have, you want to be sure it’s ready to face heavy rains, wind, and thunderstorms.

Secure All Doors and Windows

Should debris come flying through the air, you want to be sure all openings to your home, including windows and doors, are sealed shut and are securely in place.

If a window breaks, the pressure inside your home will increase, which puts it at greater risk for even bigger damages! The last thing you want is to have to get a house window replacement!

Take Inventory of your Property

After a monsoon storm, you may find yourself looking at damages around your home. In order to properly prepare for your insurance company to send an adjuster to you, start taking photos and videos of your belongings along with their condition.

Secure Loose Objects in your Yard

Anything that is capable of being lifted by wind has the potential to fly into your home or into a neighbor’s home.

You should properly secure any of these items outdoors, or move them inside if that isn’t possible. Things like patio furniture should be put into a garage or shed, and even your vehicle should be kept safely undercover and away from trees that could topple over.

Keep Tree Branches Away from your Roof

Tree branches should be a minimum of six feet away from your home. When winds are heavy, the branches can lash out like a whip and cause large amounts of damage.

Even outside of storms, branches that go without being properly maintained offer other critters and pests access to portions of your home that would be otherwise inaccessible.

Keep Your Insurance Policy Current

You should be sure that your payments are made and that you have no gap in coverage. If something like a tree falls and damages your home, be sure to contact your insurance company immediately, followed up by a call to a professional and licensed tree service.

Getting the tree removed and roof tarped is the first step, then a trusted roofing contractor can help to repair damages!

Before the Storm

Prepare for Strong Winds

Before any storms, make sure your home has been properly taken care of. You’ll want to “batten down the hatches” since the strong wind will be the top factor that affects your roof. Follow these steps to help ensure your roof will be secured against leaks.

Prepare and Repair or Restore

Having a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof for weak areas that can cause issues during a severe storm is an important step to take, and it’s something we offer for free here at Mikku & Sons.

Here are some indicators that roof repair or restoration is required, according to your roofing system material:

Shingle Roofs

All flashing should be sealed, properly aligned, and checked for rust, corrosion or separation. Shingle tabs that are curled or lifted from a poor seal or prior wind damage, or those that have lost their protective granules, need to be replaced or resealed.

Your roofing company should also check any vent turbines for proper seal and functionality.

Tile Roofs

Fasteners, tiles, flashing, ridges, and risers must be in working order. Chipped, delaminated, slipping, or sliding tiles must be repaired, restored, or replaced. Flying tiles can become dangerous projectiles during high-speed winds.

Metal Roofs

Metal that buckles, fasteners that are the wrong type or are no longer functional, and unsealed or unseated flashing are signs of problem areas on your metal roofing system.

Flat Roofs

An emergency roof repair inspection for a flat roof means checking for ponding or pooling water, torn, cracked, or broken surfaces, improper or non-functioning fasteners, buckling, poor seals, and overall flashing problems.

Emergency Roof Repair Services

To a residential insurance policy business, the roof is the most crucial component of your residence. In more than 90 percent of hailstorm or high-wind cases, there is a payment family member to the roofing cover, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

Figuring out that your roof covering has to be replaced or fixed can be bothersome for lots of home owners. Taking care of insurance policy cases, speaking with insurance adjusters and seeking compensation for all covered problems is a complicated procedure. Several home owners are just unclear how to file a claim, where the procedure can be troublesome, what sorts of paperwork they require, or what to anticipate.  We’ll try to help in this article by offering some roofing insurance claim tips.

Roofing Insurance Claim Tips That Will Make Things Easier

Know Your Policy Coverage

Some policies will use roofing damage coverage up to the depreciated worth, no matter the age of your roof covering. Other plans will cover the price of repair or replacement at the time of the insurance claim, despite the age .

The most critical thing to understand is what’s covered and what’s not.  This is done by calling your insurance policy service provider.

If your roofing system is less than 10 years old, you may be covered entirely for the expense of fixing or replacing the damaged area at the time of the claim. If your roof covering is more than 10 years old, you may only receive compensation for the depreciated value of the damage.

Produce Documentation

To simplify the claims procedure and help in getting the appropriate compensation for your loss, take a collection of “past” pictures of your roof covering as well as outside your residential or commercial property. Having all of these details on file will help make your claims procedure problem-free and as smooth as possible.

Pick a Roofing Contractor with Insurance Expertise

Look for roof repair contractors with experience in supplying roofing system estimates for insurance policy cases and also assisting customers navigate the procedure of obtaining their roof repair service to be covered by their insurance policy company.

If your roofing system has been damaged, you should get an evaluation by a roofing contractor as soon as possible. Figure out the degree of the damages immediately. This will help accelerate the claim and help prevent more issues that wouldn’t be covered under your plan.

Your professional roofing contractor should help you navigate your claim with your roofing company’s procedures. Look for service providers with experience in offering roof covering estimates and insurance coverage cases.

An Intimidating Process

Finding out your roof is damaged and needs repairs or replacement can be stressful for a homeowner. Handling insurance claims, dealing with adjusters and ensuring you get paid for all covered damage is an intimidating process. Many property owners aren’t confident about filing a claim, process issues and what kinds of documentation they will need.

To an insurance company, your roof is the most critical feature of your property. If its damaged, it can lead to much larger damage claims. The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety has stated that more than 90% of hail or high-wind claims result in a payout relative to the quality of the roof cover. Insurance companies check roofing claims with great scrutiny and expect homeowners to provide correct documentation and accurate information in order to process the claim.

Three Important Things To Do

Provide Documentation for Your Claim

To make the claims process experience easier and to help you get the right settlement for your damage, take some photos of your roof and exterior property before they are damaged. Then, when you have some damage from a storm, update the photos when you need maintenance or repairs completed. Once the roof is damaged take another set of photos showing the need for repairs. Document and record the damages and any quotes, estimates or bills you get in relation to the damage. Having this info on file in one place will ensure your claims process is a smooth and easy experience.

Hire a Roofing Contractor with Insurance Experience

Before you file your insurance claim completely, you’ll need an estimate from a professional roofing contractor. Most of the time you can pick the roofing company of your choosing. Your contractor should help you make your way through the sometimes complicated roof insurance claims process. Some roofing companies have adjusters on their staff that can deal with your insurance claim for you. Try to find a contractor that has a lot of experience providing roofing quotes for insurance claims.   They should help through the process of getting a roof repair or replacement covered by the insurance company.

Know Whats Covered in Your Policy

Keep in contact with your insurance agent and company. Its the best and most simple way to be aware of what’s covered or not covered in your homeowners policy.

Some policies use the age of the roof and take it into account when it gets damaged. If your roof is under 10 years old, you could be covered for the entire cost of repairing or replacing the damaged section at the time of the claim. If it’s more than 10 years old, you could be paid for the depreciated value of the damaged roof. The depreciated value takes wear and tear and age of your roof into account. This could mean the value has lowered before the damage occurred.

Some insurance policies will offer damage coverage only up to the depreciated value, no matter what the age of your roof is. Others will cover the entire cost of repairing or replacing the damaged section at the time of the claim, no matter the age of your roof. Most of the time, your insurance company will send out an adjuster to your property to inspect and verify the claim. If the damage is found to be from age, normal wear and tear, or the poor condition of your roof, it will probably be classified as normal maintenance, and won’t be covered under your policy.

The most critical thing to remember is if you think your roof has been damaged and needs repair, you shouldn’t wait for the inspection by a roofing contractor. Determine how much damage you have as soon as you can. This will help move along the process expeditiously and help you avoid more damage that might not be covered under your policy.

Storm Chasers

Roofing scams happen far too frequently, especially after severe storms.  When there’s a lot of damage property owners become impatient with professional roofing contractors get backed up. The most vulnerable are the elderly and handicapped who might not be able to easily assess the damage themselves. Because of this, its important to make sure to get background checks on any roofing contractor you’re dealing with.  Make sure they are legitimate licensed and insured contractors.  It is also important to check out the quality of their past work.

Roofing scams are usually initiated by a someone going door to door offering repair jobs for an unusually low quote. They may say their crew has leftover supplies from another “project” they just completed in the neighborhood, which will let them pass the savings on to the next lucky customer. This “contractor” will usually ask for a cash deposit in advance. They won’t leave bonafide contact information, credible references, and won’t even attempt to produce a business license. The work they do will be poorly completed or left unfinished.  The “roofing contractor” and his crew will leave before the property owner figures out what has happened.  This leaves the property owner with little or absolutely nothing to go on.

How to Avoid Being Taken

Look for Warning Signs

Tips for Avoiding Scammers

Beware of Pushy Contractors

Finally, remember that a scammer will usually want the work to be done immediately since they don’t want to give you any extra time to figure out who and what they are. If the representative insists on starting the project as soon as possible, be sure that you have checked the company out completely before handing over any of your hard-earned money.

Call A Professional

When you need an emergency roof repair service, we don’t recommend that homeowners try to tarp or repair a roof on their own. It is work best handled by an expert repair company that has a lot of experience with it. However, there are times when professional cannot be found immediately and a property owner may need to take drastic action to preserve their property.

Tarping a roof is a project to be completed only when a professional roofing contractor is not available, and the situation needs immediate attention to prevent further damage. This type of emergency roof repair is a temporary fix for a major roof leak and should only be attempted in a safe environment with the right array of safety equipment being used. Make sure you have at least one additional person to help in the repair. Final repairs are best left to a roofing professional that has the equipment and expertise to do it safely and permanently.

Helpful Tips When A Tarp Is Necessary

Rooftops are dangerous when wet, especially with tarps. Tarps can even be slippery when they are dry, so extreme caution is advised at all times. Be careful.

Roof Tarping Basics 

Identify the Roof Leak’s Origin

Finding the exact spot that is causing the leak might be hard if an obvious damage spot is not clearly seen. Storm damage can range from large, highly visible damage or tears to almost undetectable penetrations. Even small types of damage can hurt the surface of your roof and lead to bigger problems over time. Leaks look like they start in one area, but water usually moves in ways that you don’t expect.

Start by checking the underside of the roof for water stains. Go up into the attic, if you have one, and see if you can spot where the water is coming from that is leaking into your property.

Roof Tarping Instructions

Find the problem area in question on the roof.

Make sure to install your material over the ridge.  If the material is installed just shy of the ridge, it allows water to run freely right under the plastic and, again, inside your house.

For more tips and tricks on how to measure your roof, take a look at our guide!

What to Look For After the Storm

First Line Of Defense

Among all the components on your property, the most useful and critical among these is your roof! Designed to protect you, your family, and your belongings, your roof is the first line of defense against the elements! The summer heat and monsoon storms (along with the wind that accompanies them) are particularly harsh on roofs. Should you find yourself with roof damages and need an emergency fix right away, give these tips a shot!

Your roof is one the most vulnerable features of your home, so a roofing system is usually exposed to changing weather extremes which erodes the quality over time. This also increases the odds of damage and can facilitate an emergency roof repair scenario.

Here Are Some Key Emergency Roof Repair Tips

Timing is Important

If your roof was damaged during a storm by wind, rain or hail, the best thing you can do is wait until the storm is over before assessing any damage. Once the storm is over and you have good lighting, go and take a look – it’s never worth the risk and danger to inspect during a storm.

Do a Quick Inspection

Once the whether improves, you should go check your roof. If it has not been damaged too badly, you may be able to get away with minimal DIY repairs to fix up anything basic. For greater damages and breaks, a roof contractor will be able to help you.

Get Some Temporary Cover

As one of the most critical steps, buying a protective cover or tarp for your roof can help to minimize further damages and keep items inside of your house safe and secure. If you fear that water will still find its way inside, make sure to move any furniture and belongings into another room and out of harm’s way.

Preventing Water Damage

If you find a pool of water on your roof, make sure to get it removed as fast as possible. Still water that collects on your roof is not just harmful to your roofing system, but also attracts various pests who like stagnant water, such as mosquitoes!

Hiring an Expert Roofing Contractor

If your roofing system has to undergo heavier repairs, do not try and attempt them yourself. Skilled and licensed contractors should be able to help, even in an emergency. Putting off repairs can cause your damages to grow and should never be put off!

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