Author: Taylor McGlamery

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.

 

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!

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.

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.

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!

“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.

 

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 
• 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!