Land Roofing OKC

Roofing is an industry that involves some risk of injury, whether that’s from falling off a ladder, getting injured when tearing off or putting on a roof, suffering a dog bite on a job, or some other injury. So what happens if a roofer (or any other contractor) gets hurt at your house?

You might be thinking, “Well, that’s not my fault.” But if the roofing company or other contractor doesn’t have the proper insurance in place, that worker could end up suing you to cover the cost of their healthcare and lost wages.

That’s why it’s important to make sure any company you hire to work on your home is properly insured. But what does that really mean? First, there are two types of insurance they should carry-workers’ compensation and general liability.

Worker's compensation

Workers’ compensation is what covers an employee who gets injured on the job. Accidents happen, even to people who focus heavily on safety. Workers’ compensation by the employer takes care of the medical bills in the event of an accident, which means a worker is far less likely to sue you as the homeowner to cover the cost of medical treatment.

General liability

The second type of insurance is general liability. It’s a broader coverage that protects you and your home. Let’s say an employee gets injured by falling from the roof and through the ceiling of your living room. Not only is the employee injured, but your home is damaged. While that repair may be pretty basic for the company to fix, more significant damage can happen, whether from an electrical contractor who starts a fire in your home or a rainstorm that pops up right as we tear off your roof.

If the contractor doesn’t have general liability insurance or enough cash to cover the cost of the repairs, you may end up filing a homeowner’s claim to cover that damage. If that were to happen, that contractor would probably go out of business, but you’re still stuck with the bill.

How do you check?

So how do you know if someone’s properly insured? In the state of Oklahoma, you can check their Construction Industries Board (CIB) number and ensure they’re in good standing. The CIB regularly verifies both workers’ compensation and general liability insurance for registered companies, so if they have a CIB number and are in good standing, their insurance should be sufficient.

The other option is to ask the company for proof of their insurance. If they refuse to show you paperwork to prove their insurance coverage, it’s probably time to find a new contractor. The industry standard for general liability coverage in roofing is a minimum of $1 million, although many roofers (including Land Enterprises Roofing) carry more than that.

Some trades are heavily regulated and must prove their level of insurance to a board of some kind, but other trades don’t have any regulation at all. We require the same level of insurance from all of our subcontractors to ensure both their employees and our customers are protected at all times.

Before a contractor does any work on your home, be sure to verify their level of insurance so you’re not facing a legal battle with an injured employee.

During the hot summer months, we see an increase in phone calls from people who say it’s unbearably hot in the second floor of their home and their air conditioner can’t keep up. When we go out and inspect their roof, the vast majority of the time we find inadequate roof ventilation.

Roof ventilation helps air circulate through your attic to control the temperature. Air comes in through the soffits under the eaves of the house, and it exits through some type of vent on top of the roof.

There are several types of vents, including power vents, powerless vents, and turbine-style vents. Powerless vents are the round or square domes you might see on a roof, while turbine-style vents are the kind that spin. Power vents can create a challenge sometimes because they require an electrician to install and there’s no way to monitor whether or not they’re working unless you inspect the roof.

Roof ventilation is a critical aspect of any roof installation, yet it’s often overlooked by inexperienced roofing companies or people who are cutting corners on time or expense.

Here are three reasons roof ventilation matters.

Energy efficiency and temperature control

Trapped hot air in your attic is never a good thing. It can quickly increase the temperature in your home and cause your air conditioner to run nonstop and still struggle to keep up. Not only will it increase your electric bill, but it also can mean extra repairs and a shorter lifespan for your overworked air conditioner.

Damage to wood, metal, or other materials in your attic or roof

Trapped hot air also means trapped moisture, which can lead to warping of your wood frame or roof decking, rusting of nails in the shingles or frame, and rusting of metal components of ductwork or other materials in the attic. Moisture can also lead to mold or mildew in your attic that can then seep into your walls and cause allergies or illness.

Buckled shingles and premature aging of the roof

When hot air gets trapped in your roof, it can create unnecessary heat beneath your shingles and cause them to buckle or cause your overall roof to wear faster. In some cases, it may also void the warranty on your roof. Quality roofing materials come with a manufacturer’s warranty, and if an issue arises with the roof, the manufacturer will send a representative to inspect the roof. If they find inadequate ventilation, they may refuse to cover the issue because of the possibility it was caused by inadequate ventilation rather than a manufacturing defect.

While inadequate roof ventilation often causes significant heat in the second story of a home, it can impact single-story homes as well. If your air conditioner is struggling to keep up in the summer and a service company can’t identify a problem with the unit, it’s probably time to have your roof inspected for proper ventilation.

Oklahoma is known for its wild and unpredictable weather. From the wind sweeping down the plains to pouring rain to blazing hot sun to snow and ice, Oklahoma weather can be rough.

We often take for granted the buildings that protect us from the elements. Consider for a minute that your home may be your biggest financial investment and housing your greatest asset. Now consider that your roof is the best protector your home can have. Wouldn’t you want to do everything in your power to keep your roof in great shape?

Many new homeowners are under the impression that because they have a brand new roof, they don’t need a maintenance plan. That’s a scary thought! Think about when you buy a new car-you still need to change the oil. If you neglect oil changes, you’ll be stuck on the side of the road waiting for help to arrive. If you want to keep your roof looking new and prevent leaks, you have to maintain it as well.

Can’t I just inspect it myself periodically?

There’s come a point in time where most homeowners realize it’s been a while since they’ve really looked at their roof. While it can be tempting to grab a ladder and check it out, we recommend leaving roof inspections to the professionals. First, they know exactly what they’re looking for in terms of damage or other concerns. Second, they know how to safely navigate the roof.

How do I protect my investment?

Taking care of the small issues before they become large (and expensive) is the best way to protect your investment. A lot can happen to your roof if no one is paying attention. A small issue like a slow leak in the attic can become an emergency when it becomes a major leak and damages priceless belongings.

If a small leak goes undetected for a period of time, it can easily turn to mold and cause your family to become ill. To protect your roof and everything underneath it, every repair is important, no matter how small. If getting to a small issue before it becomes a bigger issue is good, imagine getting to a teeny tiny issue before it becomes even a small issue. That’s even better.

While it’s true that many roofing companies only replace roofs, there are many companies, including Land Roofing, that happily complete repairs of all sizes.

What is a maintenance plan?

Having a maintenance program is a bit like having roof radar. Experienced professionals will be your eyes in the sky looking for any existing or potential issues to protect the overall life of your roof.

A good roof maintenance program should offer twice yearly inspections for damage from environmental factors, like high winds or trees rubbing against your roof. The maintenance program also helps identify and fix any gaps or entry points where animals could burrow into your attic and cause a significant amount of damage.

Our roof maintenance program also qualifies you for discounts on any necessary repairs. We know that small problems can turn into large problems if they aren’t addressed quickly. If you’d like to request a small roof repair or have questions about our maintenance program, give us a call.

Let’s face it-you have a lot of expectations out of life. But you have even more expectations from your roof.

You may not have thought much about it before, but a roof’s job is hard. It’s about so much more than a pretty shingle color to make your house look nice. Yes, we want our homes to look great, but your roof’s job exceeds that. It keeps you dry and warm all while protecting your largest investment-the people under it.

Since most homeowners are not professional roofers, they may not really know what’s over their heads. Hint: it’s much more than just shingles! A roof and a roofing system are significantly different, as we discussed in last month's blog. A roofing system has many layers, each designed with a specific purpose to aid in a long-lasting roof.

Why the process matters

Each roofing manufacturer creates a roofing system, which includes materials specifically designed to work together. The manufacturer has high expectations for their product. To ensure their product is efficient and lasts, the system must be installed properly.

The manufacturer offers trainings and literature to contractors who will be installing their roofing system. After a contractor has completed the certification, the manufacturer offers a warranty on the roofs that the contractor installs. This process ensures that you as a homeowner are receiving the best materials possible, constructed in the most efficient manner possible, with a lifetime warranty just in case it’s needed.

That is what I call protecting your assets!

Make sure you’re protected

When your home needs a new roof, how do you decide who will install the roof? Do you call a couple of friends and head to Lowe’s or Home Depot? That sounds dangerous. Do you call an on-the-side roofing crew a friend recommended? Hopefully not. Although your friends are great, they are not certified.

Choosing a roofing company that offers certified contractors ensures that they know how to apply each individual layer of the roofing system properly. Each layer-and each system-has different application methods, and if it’s not done right, it could void the warranty. Even worse, an improperly installed roof could put you at risk. Make sure you protect your greatest investment by choosing a certified contractor to install your roof.

In 2010, we had an extremely severe winter, and we noticed something when spring arrived. Several homeowners who hadn’t had problems in previous winters called to report leaks and damage to their roofs. What had happened? In prolonged, severe winter weather, snow accumulation can lead to ice dams and create some serious problems for your roof. But they aren’t the only type of severe weather that can compromise shingles.

Ice dams

In the winter as snow accumulates on a roof, the lower layers of the snow pack will usually slowly melt during the day. A constant runoff of meltwater comes off the roof and drains into the gutters. At night when temperatures drop, that meltwater will freeze again.

Eventually, this small-scale glacier will fill the gutter and act as a dam to the draining meltwater. With nowhere to drain, the water backs up and seeps beneath shingles, where it can breach the roof and cause leaks and damage. While gutters may make it easier for an ice dam to start, large ice dams can occur on roofs with no gutters. Winter snows, however, aren’t the only hazards your roof faces.

Sideways rain

Another way nature can compromise shingles is when horizontal wind gusts blow rain sideways. The wind can lift the front edge of the shingle and spray the rain beneath it. Like meltwater from ice dams, this can lead to damage on the exterior and interior of your house.

Shielding your roof

After a harsh winter in 2010, we researched how we could better protect roofs from extreme weather conditions. We began experimenting with a product called Grace Ice & Water Shield®. It’s a self-adhering membrane that we install between the roof and the shingle that shields the roof with two waterproofing materials: rubberized asphalt and high-density, cross-laminated polyethylene film.

Since that time, we’ve been installing Grace Ice & Water Shield® as a value-add to the roofs we replaced. A few winters later, conditions were severe enough for large ice dams to form again. This time, the following spring, we didn’t receive many calls from our clients about leaks. The shield had lived up to its name by adding an extra layer of protection of the homeowners.

This winter, before the heavy snows hit, call your trusted roofer to come and assess your roof and discuss whether an ice and water shield is a good option for your home.

The seasons are changing, and the cooler months are upon us. It’s the time of year when we gather in our homes to celebrate the holidays and to stay warm.

But when thinking about protecting their homes, many people overlook the roof. Since the roof is essentially a solid cover protecting your home, it plays a crucial role in preventing damage to the inside. Caring for the inside of the home is important, and we should take care of the outside as well-especially the roof.

Ignoring the small things can lead to large problems down the line. A tiny leak in the roof can quickly turn into a nightmare that can cause structural damage and destroy belongings inside the home. An undetected leak can also cause mold, which is extremely hazardous to your health.

So just as you fix things inside the home, make sure the roof is getting the same attention. Regular roof maintenance can save you time, money, and stress in the end.

Overgrown trees touching the roof or simply extending over the roof are a common problem we often see. When a wind, ice, or snow storm hits, those trees can cause significant damage that will require repair or even replacement. Being aware of the trees in your yard is vital to the protection of your roof. Branches grazing against the roof can rub granules off the shingles that contribute to unnecessary wear and tear.

In the cooler months, animals love to burrow. Things like rats, raccoons, squirrels, bats, and snakes begin to make their way to warmer places. For some people, the thought of such creatures living in your attic may be a nightmare all its own. And if not addressed, it can certainly be a nightmare for your home. From animal feces to chewed wires, animals burrowing in the roof are a safety hazard for you and your home.

To prevent fires that could damage your roof and entire home, there are a few things to look out for. Is your dryer vent clogged? Have you had your chimney inspected this year?

Clogged gutters and debris in the valley of the roof are a problem, but the process of cleaning these areas can also be dangerous. Often, our loved ones want to get on the roof to address these problems. We believe strongly that you should not risk your life for your roof. Instead, let a qualified professional perform the necessary upkeep tasks through a maintenance program.

Our roof maintenance program means we inspect the roof so you do not have to risk life or limb by getting up on your roof. We want you and your roof in one piece. We know Uncle John likes to help, but let’s protect John and your roof by getting a professional to do the maintenance.

Scam alert road sign

When a damaging storm hits, the last thing you should have to worry about is insurance scammers. But they are out there and will try to con you out of money when you are stressed and vulnerable. In fact, The Oklahoma Insurance Commission warned of phone and door-to-door scammers who hit neighborhoods after storm damage in Elk City and Perkins.

Here are six ways to protect against insurance scammers and fraud, according to Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak.

1. Ask for references-and check them. This is a simple initial step, but it could save you a lot. If the potential scam artist cannot or will not provide references or tries to talk you out of checking references, it should be a big red flag.

2. Work only with licensed and insured contractors. You would be surprised at how many times a homeowner doesn't ask to see the licensing credentials of the contractors they hire. Be vigilant and ask. Take pictures of or jot down their licensing information.

3. Get everything in writing. This is always a good idea, even if you're dealing with a legitimate service provider. It sets expectations and gives you a document you can refer to in case of a dispute.

4. Ask to see the salesperson’s driver’s license. Write down their license and plate numbers. Scammers will probably try to avoid providing you with this information.

5. Never sign a contract with blanks. This is the equivalent of endorsing a blank check and handing it to a stranger.

6. Never pay in full until work is completed. This seems like a no-brainer, but con artists can be charming and convincing. Even if they seem above-board and trustworthy, never pay a roofer or sales person in full before the work is done and meets your satisfaction.

It's also important to find a roofing contractor you know, like, and trust. Once you have identified a trusted contractor, that company can work with your insurance company to ensure your home is repaired correctly and back to new. If a roofer talks about how they can help you make money through your insurance claim, that's likely a scam that also classifies as insurance fraud.

Follow these tips when approached or called by people who say they represent insurance companies. It may help you avoid losing money to those who prey on storm victims.

If you live in Oklahoma and have questions about contractors, you can call the Oklahoma Insurance Department at 1-800-522-0071. If you live outside the state, you can check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners for your local organization's contact information.

Storm season is here again. If your roof gets damaged by hail, or if you’re worried that it may have already been damaged, what should you do? It’s always helpful to review the steps you should take after a severe storm. Hopefully, you won’t need this information-but if you do, you’ll be prepared.

1. Call your roofer

Do this even before calling your insurance company. It’s possible that there is no damage, and most homeowners we’ve spoken to are happy to avoid starting a claim unnecessarily.

Have a trusted, experienced roofer inspect your roof. Even if you’ve gone up to check things out and they look okay to you, there are things that a roofer might find that you wouldn’t know to look for. If your roofer says that your roof is okay, you can both toast your roof for being defiant before Mother Nature! On the other hand, if your roofer says that there’s sufficient damage to make a claim, proceed to step two.

2. Call your insurance company

Call and make a claim. Be ready to provide the date of the storm. Your company will send an adjuster to inspect your roof. They will make the final determination whether the roof needs to be repaired or replaced. We can’t speak for other roofing companies, but we’re happy to offer insight about your roof or attend the inspection at this point.

3. Decide when to replace the roof

If the roof is so damaged that it needs to be replaced right away, then of course, replace it as quickly as your roofing company can get to it. Otherwise, you have a choice to make. Many people opt to wait until the spring storm season is finished and have the roof replaced in summer. Others wait longer until the fall storm season is finished and have the roof repaired before winter sets in. If you want to wait, it’s still best to call your insurance company and schedule it ahead of time.

We hope that the storms pass by you this year. But what happened in Plano, Texas, last year could easily happen here, too. One brutal hail storm was followed by two more that caused billions in damages. It’s always good to know what to do and who to call when the hail drops.

For most families, their home is their largest single investment. What’s the best way to protect that investment? Taking care of the small issues before they become humongous (and expensive).

But as far as roofs go, we know homeowners worry whether or not a roofing company will even come out for a small repair.

When it comes to small roof repairs, many people assume roofing companies won’t take their job because it’s just too small. While it’s true that many roofing companies operate this way and only do roof replacements, there are many, including Land Roofing, that happily take on repairs of all sizes. To protect your roof and everything underneath it, every repair is important, no matter how small.

What do we mean by “small roof repair”?

If you have any issue with your roof, call us to check it out. For example, we’ve come out to repair a single shingle on a roof. We’ve also repaired tiny leaks on skylights and vulnerable spots around fireplace flashing.

Consider a maintenance program

If getting to a small issue before it becomes a bigger issue is good, imagine getting to a teeny-tiny issue before it becomes even a small issue. That’s even better.

Having a maintenance program is a bit like having roof-radar. Experienced professionals will be your eyes in the sky looking for any existing or potential issues. This regular maintenance extends the overall life of your roof.

What should you look for in a maintenance program?

When you’re choosing your roofer, ask if they have a maintenance program. If they do, make sure the program offers:

• Bi-annual inspections
• Cleaning and removing debris from gutters
• Inspection of all rubber plumbing boots
• Checking for buckled roof decking
• Inspection of all attic vents for cracking, flaking, and rusting
• Looking for animal damage or roof penetration
• Examination of shingles for curling, cupping, flaking, tearing, splitting, and blistering

Our roof maintenance program covers all these points and even qualifies you for discounts on repairs.

We know that small problems can turn into large problems if they aren’t addressed quickly. If you’d like to request a small roof repair or have questions about our maintenance program, give us a call.

A few years ago, a homeowner contacted us for an assessment of their roof after a hail storm to see if it should be replaced. We inspected it, and it wasn’t ready. And that was that.

But for several weeks after that, other roofing companies stopped by their house and insisted they needed a new roof.

The homeowners didn’t bite.

After another storm hit, months later, we were the first roofer they called. This time, the roof needed to be replaced. They chose us to do the job. Why? Because we had earned their trust.

That’s not an uncommon story. We make it a point to be honest when we talk with homeowners, even when being honest means that we may lose business. Usually, that goes against most people’s expectations of the roofing industry.

Here’s another example of why honesty matters, from the words of a client:

“The first time I called Brian out to my home, I was referred to him by a neighbor who was using their company for a full roof replacement. The whole neighborhood was getting new roofs because of a recent hail storm.

Brian came out and advised me that my roof was not damaged (possibly because my house is newer than some of the surrounding ones) and he said it would be better for me to not file a claim.

A couple of years later, some roofers stopped by my house and told me my roof was damaged and I should let them inspect my roof. Instead, I called Brian and when he came out, he reassured me that it was still not damaged at that time.

Two more years go by and again, another set of roofers came through my neighborhood. They told me the shingles on my roof were discontinued and I should have it replaced. When my husband and I looked at the roof, we noticed a missing shingle so I called Brian again.

This time, Brian advised me that the roof was damaged and we did need a replacement. We hired Brian and Land Enterprises because he was honest in the previous two inspections. He could have made money off an unnecessary roof replacement, but he didn’t.

After the roof replacement, my mom told me there would be nails in my yard, and that I should inspect my yard for them so my dog didn’t get hurt. To my surprise there wasn’t a single nail on the lawn.”

– Linda Sharo, Edmond homeowner

When everyone in Linda’s neighborhood was getting new roofs, it’s possible an insurance adjuster would have gone ahead and stated her roof was totaled as well, but it’s more likely that a claim would have been denied if she’d made one.

Once you make a call to your insurance company, you’ve filed a claim, even if it turns out your roof wasn’t really totaled. Often, the adjustor will in fact find dented gutters or vents but most deductibles are so large that the customer won’t receive any money from their insurance company for the repairs.

And the next time their roof is totaled, the insurance company probably won’t give them any money for the gutters or vents if they already had done so in the past. That will have to come out of the homeowner’s pocket.

This dynamic doesn’t affect roofers nearly as much as it affects homeowners, and in fact a lot of roofers won’t discuss this with their clients. But we think that’s dishonest.

Sometimes, that means we lose out on business, but other times that means we gain loyal customers down the road. And for us, honesty and loyal customers make for a pretty good combination.