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Author: Taylor McGlamery

How To Avoid Ice Dams

October 31, 2022 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

How To Avoid Ice Dams 1

Icicles on a roof with water dripping from below on home exterior.

Winter is almost here. It’s time to get prepared for snow, ice, and all the issues that can come along with them. If you don’t know how to prevent and avoid ice dams, we have the solution for you.

How Do Ice Dams Form?

Ice dams and icicles form when snow melts, it runs down your roof, and refreezes near the edge. This occurs when part of your roof is warm enough to melt the snow and the edge of the roof remains below freezing. Typically it is a result of a warm attic. In most homes, heat escapes into the attic which warms the wood and shingles above it. It results in melting the snow directly above the attic causing the water to run to the roof’s edge where it refreezes creating a rim of ice. The rim of ice can trap more water behind it, and you have an ice dam on your hands.

How To Prevent Ice Dams On Your Roof

Removing ice dams can be a headache to homeowners, so it’s important to prevent them from forming. The best and easiest way to do this is to keep your attic and roof cold. In order to keep your roof cold, you’ll want to follow these 3 steps:

Close up all attic bypasses

About one-third of heat loss can be attributed to hot air escaping through the ceiling into the attic. Most of that heat loss comes from air leaks from unblocked walls, gaps in drywall, and cracks around chimneys, light fixtures, access hatches, plumbing pipes, and more. To close up all the bypasses, you’ll need to go into your attic and plug the leaks.

Measure your home’s attic insulation level

While you’re in the attic, it’s a good idea to measure the depth of your home’s attic insulation levels. It’s a good idea to add more insulation if you have less than 8 inches and have had ice dam issues in the past.

Add roof and soffit vents to your home

A home’s attic ventilation will draw in cold outdoor air and flush out warm attic air. This cools the attic and roof in the process. Figuring out where to add vents to help flush out the air can be a bit complex. A good rule of thumb is to put an 8 inch x 16 inch vent in the underside of the overhang in every other rafter space.

Now is the time to get your roof prepped for the winter snow. We’d love to help you make sure your attic and roof are in shape to prevent ice dams from forming. At Precise Exteriors, we serve the Twin Cities and Northwestern Wisconsin. Contact us today to get help with your attic and roof!

 

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Leave It To The Pros: When To Avoid DIY Home Repairs

September 27, 2022 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

You’re probably considering a DIY home repair or roofing project to save some money. However, in the long run that will most likely not happen. A very minor and small mistake can lead to hundreds or thousands of dollars more down the road in future repairs than if you would have initially hired a professional contractor. Leave It To The Pros: When To Avoid DIY Home Repairs 2

 

You may now be thinking, “Well why should I leave it to the pros, I can easily figure out how to do my roof or other home repairs.” There is Google and YouTube after all, right? Not quite! There are 3 main advantages you get by hiring a professional and avoiding DIY home repairs:

1) Professionals provide the proper materials, tools, and training.

After a professional looks at your roof, they will know what they need and how much of it to fix the issue. However, with a DIY project, you could waste a lot of money playing the guessing game on what you need and how much of it. Not to mention the amount of time wasted in a home improvement store trying to find it, and possibly trips back and forth to get more materials. This isn’t to mention all the tools, equipment, and safety materials you will need to get the job done. Professional roofers also have the training needed to perform the job safely.

2) Professionals have knowledge and experience needed to complete the job.

Trained roofing professions understand roof systems, components, and proper installation techniques. A licensed contractor will inspect your roof and all components for signs of damage to ensure all the bases are covered. Even with using online resources like Google or YouTube, most likely you would not be able to spot any problem areas without the experience and training a professional has.

3) Professionally done work comes with liability coverage, insurance coverage, and warranties.

If you try to repair the roof on your own, your home insurance won’t cover any damage you do by trying to repair it yourself. There’s a possibility you may end up with a bigger you started with and everything would need to be paid out of pocket. Should professional contractors make a mistake, any reputable company will fix it without any additional charges and have insurance themselves to cover it. Professional roofing companies also offer warranty on their labor and use products that have product warranties through the manufacturer. You forgo these warranties when you decide to do DIY work.

One of the largest investments you will make in your home is your roof. Skip the DIY project and hire a professional to help you with your roof. At Precise Exteriors, we serve the Twin Cities and Northwestern Wisconsin. Contact us today to get help with your roof!

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3 Ways To Get Your Roof Ready For Fall

August 23, 2022 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

Now is the time to make sure your roof is in top shape before the cooler weather arrives! Fall is a great time for roof maintenance because it protects your home for the winter storms of ice and snow. 3 Ways To Get Your Roof Ready For Fall 3

Fall and winter roofing hazards include:
Leaves piling up in gutters
Downed tree limbs after a storm
Ice Dams
…and more!

If your roof is damaged in any way and needs repair, now is the time to get it taken care of before it becomes more of a problem. Fixing these problems while they’re still minor issues helps ensure that your roof has the longest lifespan as possible.

Add these 3 tasks to your autumn to-do list to ensure your roof is ready for fall:

Clean Your Gutters

Clean gutters are necessary to keep water flowing properly from your roof. Clogged gutters can splash the water back on the roof. This can lead to cracking, mold, and other damages. It’s important to clean your gutters before the fall leaves come down and clean them again after the leaves have fallen.

Install Gutter Guards

Gutter guards are a great way to reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning out your gutters and are affordable. The guards go over the gutter to prevent any leaves from falling inside. There are small holes in the caps for water to get through, but any other debris will blow away with not a ton of cleaning left for you.

Get A Roof Inspection

It’s always a good idea to have someone look at your roof before the winter season to check for any issues and get them repaired. It’s a lot easier to have a roof repaired in the fall when there isn’t snow or ice on the roof to worry about. Fixing these small issues before they grow more urgent will save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

Remember, safety first! Hire a professional to help you with your roof. You should never try to get on your roof by yourself! At Precise Exteriors, we serve the Twin Cities and Northwestern Wisconsin. We offer roof inspections, repairs, gutter installation, and more. Check out our full services list on our website here.

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Hear What Our Customers Have To Say

July 13, 2022 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

When it comes to roofing and siding in Hugo, MN & Northwestern Wisconsin, Precise Exteriors are the best in the business. But you don’t have to take our word for it – see what our customers have to say about their experience with Precise Exteriors! Hear What Our Customers Have To Say 4

“I can’t say enough about our experience with Precise Exteriors. Doug, DJ and their team are top notch and great about communicating the entire process. We initially started out contacting them for a window install and while Doug was out doing the review of our windows he pointed out damage we had to our garage shingles. Doug and DJ walked us through the entire process of filing an insurance claim step by step and stayed in contact with our adjuster as well for an all around smooth process. The install crew for the shingles also did a great job. They were fast and professional and made sure everything was cleaned up once the job was finished. I have no doubt in my mind we will be doing business with them again in the future.”

  • Jon E, ★★★★★

“I can’t say enough about Doug and his team. They were exceptional in all aspects…responsive, caring, professional etc. I do not hesitate to recommend Precise Exteriors. Hands down, one of the best companies I’ve dealt with. Thank you Doug.”

  • Carmello C, ★★★★★

“We highly recommend Precise Exteriors! Quality work that was done timely and everyone was respectful of our property.”

  • Courtney P, ★★★★★ 

Precise Exteriors was amazing to work with! Doug was super responsive and came out to inspect our roof shortly after calling him. He was able to have someone out to our house within days to replace shingles that were damaged due to high winds and put our minds at ease. I highly recommend Doug and Precise Exteriors. We will be using them for any issues in the future.

  • Jade S, ★★★★★

“Doug was amazing!! He helped me through figuring out what I wanted and kept me informed along the way. Personally made sure everything was done perfectly. Always scary making a large investment like this but his quote was more than reasonable and the work was great.”

  • Kimberli S, ★★★★★

“They went beyond the call of duty and made many follow-up calls to me to make sure that the project was complete and to my satisfaction. I would not hesitate to recommend this company for a small or large project.”

  • Bob F, ★★★★★

From roofing to siding, windows, gutters, and storm damage, Precise Exteriors has the quality service to fit your home repair and installation needs. We offer professional grade service with top-notch quality products and satisfaction you can count on! Contact us today to get started.

 

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Determining If You Have Storm Damage

June 28, 2022 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

After a storm has passed, it is important to examine your roof and look for even the smallest amount of damage to your home. You never know when a small issue can turn into an expensive problem for the roof if left unaddressed. Determining If You Have Storm Damage 5

For example, when hail hits asphalt shingles, the granules can be shaken loose without the damage being apparent from the ground. The hail will then push the granules into the matting which will expose the shingles to UV rays and the outdoor elements. Over time this leads to premature deterioration for your shingles. If you wait to check your roof and let minimal damage become a problem, your homeowner’s insurance claim could be denied. This may leave you with a steep repair bill you weren’t planning on.

Here’s what you need to look out for after a storm:

  1. Missing Shingles
  2. Visible Granule Loss
  3. Visible Water Leaks
  4. Hail-Damaged Shingles
  5. Clogged Or Broken Gutters And/Or Downspouts
  6. Ice Dams

3 steps you need to take to protect your home after a storm:

  1. Stay Aware – It’s important to stay vigilant, because you never know what could be damaged or loose from the storm.
  2. Take Notes And Pictures – Once it is safe, document any damages you can easily see. Write them down and take pictures for proof, because your insurance company will need this information.
  3. Call A Professional Roofing Contractor – Once you have gathered what you can see, call a professional roofing contractor that you trust to come evaluate the damage.

At Precise Exteriors, we’re here to help you keep your home safe! We proudly serve Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin as the roofing company with full exterior remodeling, repair, and insurance claims services.

Contact us today for a free inspection of your home for storm damage. Our professional roofers will inspect your roof and deal with your home insurance. You can get the repairs started on your home while we deal with your homeowner’s insurance company over the small details that will only stress you out. By contacting us right after a storm you can rest easy knowing your roof and family will be taken care of!

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After The Storm: When To File A Roofing Insurance Claim

April 13, 2022 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

When a storm rolls through and leaves a path of destruction in its wake, your roof may be left in a less-than-ideal state. Wind, heavy rain, hail, snow….Mother Nature’s worst is often the catalyst for calling a contractor and starting the process of replacing or repairing your roof. Most  home repairs following bad weather come with the unavoidable reality of filing an insurance claim. If you suspect roof damage, don’t wait! Getting a jump on the inspection process will help you quickly understand the extent of the damage and start working with your contractor and insurance company to restore your roof to tip-top shape. After The Storm: When To File A Roofing Insurance Claim 6

To help ensure a smoother process, keep these tips in mind when preparing to file an insurance claim:

Assess The Damage

Once the storm has passed (and ONLY if you are able to take the proper safety precautions), the first step you should take is to assess the damage done to your roof. Start by walking around your house and checking your roof for debris, obviously loose or missing shingles, or water pooling in places it shouldn’t. If you have access to your attic, look for leaks on the inside of your home and note what part of the roof they seem to be coming from. This info will help your contractor know what your primary concerns are when beginning the inspection process. 

Document Everything

Here’s where attention to detail comes in! Write down any info that might be needed when filing the insurance claim: record the date of the storm and take as many pictures as you safely can of visible damage. These insights may come in handy later when you’re racking your brain to recall specifics to include in your claim. Keep all your notes in one place, such as a cloud-based filing system or a note on your phone so that you won’t have to scramble to pull everything together later.

Understand Your Policy

Knowledge is power, and the more you understand your insurance policy and what it covers, the more likely you are to avoid costly mistakes in the filing process. Know whether you have an RCV (replacement cost value) or ACV (actual cost value) policy and understand what the deductible is before making a claim. Keep in mind that the RCV allowed by an insurance company is only an estimate, and plan accordingly.

Ask The Experts

Contact Precise Exteriors and schedule a free inspection. Our team will perform a full inspection of your roof & siding. Once we’ve assessed the damage, we will work with you to place a claim & get your home’s roof back to normal.

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The Dangers of Ice Dams

April 8, 2022 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

As winter weather continues in Minnesota and Wisconsin, we can expect more cold temperatures and icy precipitation. The heavy snows and uneven temperatures can cause ice dams on your roof. Unfortunately, ice dams can cause damage to your roof, shingles, gutter system, attic insulation, and drywall. If they are left untreated, ice dams can even cause mold and mildew growth. In this blog, we’ll look at how ice dams form, the damage they can cause, and how you can prevent them.

The Dangers of Ice Dams 7

How Ice Dams Form

Ice dams are caused by accumulated snow and uneven temperatures on a roof. During the winter, the upper area of a roof is warmer than the lower edge. The snow then begins to melt and run down the slope. Once it reaches the colder lower edge, it refreezes and creates a block of ice called an ice dam. An ice dam prevents snow from melting and draining. It causes water to pool on the roof which can eventually back up under your shingles or cause damage to your roofing system and home’s interior.

How Ice Dams Affect a Roof

Once an ice dam has formed, it can cause significant damage to your home if it is not removed. As a whole, ice dams can cause damage to your roof, shingles, gutter system, attic insulation, and drywall. If unknown and left untreated, they can even cause problems within your home including uneven floors and rotten wood. If they do not dry out properly, it can lead to the right conditions to cause mildew and mold.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

You can prevent ice dams with proper winter maintenance, snow removal, proper attic ventilation, and insulation. Before winter arrives, have your roof properly inspected by a professional roofing contractor. They can tell you what maintenance needs to be done and provide specific recommendations to help you prevent ice dam damage to your home.

As the winter weather wraps up in just another month or two, it’s important to get the ball rolling to prepare for the next round of winter weather. It will be here before you know it! Contact Precise Exteriors to have your roof inspected and create a plan on how to prevent ice dams at your home.

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Meet Precise Exteriors

April 8, 2022 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

Precise Exteriors is a family owned and operated local roofing contractor, siding contractor, and storm damage restoration expert based in Hugo, Minnesota. We serve Twin Cities, Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin.

Why Precise Exteriors?

We have made it a habit of treating our customers like we do our own family, which is why our customers rely on us for all of their home’s exterior remodeling and repair needs. We are proud to service our clients with the best roofing and siding services in our area.

Roofing Contractors Lino Lakes MN - A New Roof on a Two Story Home

We have been in the roofing and siding business for a long time, and we have strict standards when it comes to installing, repairing, or restoring a customer’s roofing system. We take pride in delivering the highest quality craftsmanship in our industry, and our customer satisfaction rate and your repeat business is our top priority!

We have very high standards when it comes to protecting the investments of our customers. That’s why we only use the best materials from America’s best manufacturers for every job. If you need any part of your home’s exterior repaired, replaced, or restored from any time of damage or wear, Precise Exteriors can help.

Here are just a few ways we can help you:

  • Roof Installations
  • Roof Repairs
  • Roof Restorations
  • Siding Repair and Replacement
  • Storm Damage Repair
  • Insurance Claims

If you have been the victim of storm damage or you are looking into making improvements on your home’s exterior, we are here for you! We operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 5 PM, and we’re open until noon on Saturdays as well. We offer competitive rates, the best craftsmanship in the business, and friendly customer service that you can count on. Schedule your free estimate here, and let’s get together to discuss your project at your convenience.

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Dos and Don’ts of Home Repairs after a Storm

July 31, 2018 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

Raging thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, flooding rains, and pelting hail. It may not happen every day here in the Twin Cities, but when a hail storm hits, you’re probably going to remember it for a long time to come.

At Precise Exteriors, we’ve seen our fair share of hail damage. And we’ve made it a point to give you some dos and don’ts when it comes to fixing your house after the storm passes.

The Don’ts

flood damaged homeIt’s easy to find a contractor these days. Finding a good contractor who does quality work for a fair price is a whole other ballgame. Here are a couple of things to avoid when you need home repair in the Twin Cities area.

  • Don’t hire someone who goes door to door after a big storm offering home-repair services. This is a huge red flag and almost always a sign that you’re not dealing with a professional.
  • Don’t try to DIY it. Painting a bedroom or even hanging some drywall can be great projects for the ambitious homeowner. Climbing onto a damaged roof is something entirely different. If you suspect roof damage after a hail storm, call a pro to check things out and get a repair estimate.

What should you do after a damaging storm?

There are some great tools for finding a quality contractor these days. Looking at BBB ratings can give you some pretty good insights into a contractor’s reputation and professionalism.

All reputable contractors should be able to give you a written estimate including cost and time to completion. Doug at Precise Exteriors has the experience and expertise to handle your repairs. Give us a call and let’s work on getting your home back to pre-storm conditions.

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5 Tips to Budget for Your Home Renovation

May 24, 2018 by Taylor McGlamery Leave a Comment

At Precise Exteriors, we love home renovations. When a house is transformed into a dream home and we get to be a part of the process, it’s a good day at the shop. But, we know that all renovations cost money. Consider these five tips to stay within budget so your home renovation is everything you want it to be:

  • Set a limit on your spending and stick to it. It’s easy to add small adjustments to your original plan, but the more you add, the more likely you’ll overspend. Be realistic about the cost and, before making any adjustments to your original plan, consult the budget.  
  • Break down how much you money should be spent per room. By doing this, you won’t spend the bulk of your money in a room that won’t pay you back in the future. You can determine how to budget by knowing the value of each room in relation to the value of your house.
  • Add a 20 percent cushion to your budget. This cushion isn’t meant for the unnecessary add-ons, but for the unexpected twists and turns that may arise during a home renovation. If you give your budget a cushion, your wallet will thank you later. arrowline-7-400x300
  • Spend your money in all the right places. If your house has a draft, consider replacing the windows and siding. Your new windows and siding will not only look beautiful but also save you money in the long run.
  • Consider the “10-year-rule” before spending money on a certain room. For example, if your bathroom has been remodeled within the last 10 years, renovating that room won’t pay you back if you choose to sell. However, remodeling a room that is older than a decade is a wise financial decision.

Don’t hesitate to call us at (651) 206-9168 with questions about our services. We look forward to hearing from you and being part of your home’s transformation!

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Contact Us

Phone: (651) 206-9168
Phone: (715) 718-4020

Serving the Twin Cities
14023 Fountain Ave. N.
Hugo, Minnesota 55038

Now Serving Northwestern Wisconsin
11564 S Steinhilpert Dr
Solon Springs, WI 54873
Better Business Bureau Accredited Business

Copyright © 2023 · Precise Exteriors. All Rights Reserved.

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