7 Questions To Ask When You Need To Hire A Roofing Contractor But Don’t Know How:

If this is your first time requiring a roof replacement, you may not know how to hire a roofing contractor. The best way to determine whether a particular roofing company is a good fit is to schedule a quote. Then, while the roofing contractor is looking over your home and roof, strike up a productive conversation. Here are seven key questions you can ask to learn more about roofing businesses, their services, and how equipped they are to work on your home.

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Home Exterior Upgrades Can Be Expensive. Is It Possible To Finance Your New Roof & Siding? What Are Your Options?

A new roof boosts your home’s value, energy efficiency, and curb appeal. New siding has the same benefits; plus, it can improve your building’s structural integrity and reduce painting and maintenance costs.

Professional exterior companies, like Allstate Exteriors, offer roof and siding installation services in exchange for payment. Hiring our services is indispensable for many reasons, including reliability, cost-effectiveness, and safety. Several financing options are available to help you pay for a new roof and siding, including the ones discussed below.

Cash

If you have enough cash at your disposal, paying outright instead of financing your new roof and siding will be within your means. This option is the most convenient for homeowners because it involves fewer documents and processes than other alternatives.

Most roofers encourage cash payments by offering discounts to homeowners who choose this financing option. Why? By paying cash, customers help roofing companies to avoid the gateway payments and fees associated with most e-commerce transactions and credit cards. It also reduces paperwork and the time they must wait for payment. Using cash to cover a new roof and siding is also advisable because it attracts zero interest, unlike credit cards and loans.

Personal Loan Financing

Various institutions and platforms offer personal loans, including online lenders, conventional banks, and credit unions. This option is a lifesaver to most people, especially when home improvement projects like roof replacement or new siding installation are involved.

Using a personal loan to pay for a new roof and siding may be a good idea because it comes in a lump sum. This aspect makes it easier for you to cover significant expenses without making countless applications. Most institutions also offer personal loans with minimal documentation and zero collateral requirements.

To get a sizable loan in an area like South Florida, you may need a good credit score (at least 610). Also, a lender can request proof of address, income verification, and identification documents. Keep such items within easy reach.

Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan allows you to seek financing and use the equity you have in your home as collateral. Simply put, financial institutions that offer this option let you tap into the value of the financial interest you have in your property.

A home equity loan can help you pay a roofer to install a new roof and siding. Using this financing option is advisable because, compared to alternatives like personal loans, a home equity loan option like a HELOC attracts significantly lower interest rates. Moreover, a home equity loan has predictable payments and potential tax benefits. Most financial institutions offer home equity loans to homeowners who meet specific requirements. These often include a 15% minimum equity and a credit score of 620 or above.

Cash-out Refinance

Did you know you can convert your home equity into cash? All you have to do is opt for cash-out refinancing. Different institutions let you use this financing option, including mortgage companies, credit unions, and banks.

Once you’ve converted home equity into cash, you can use the proceedings to pay off any existing mortgage and request a new loan. You can direct the surplus cash towards home improvement projects like installing a new roof or siding.

Choosing cash-out refinancing can be a good move if you want access to a large sum, predictable payments, and reasonable interest rates. But to enjoy this option in South Florida and many other regions, you may need a 20% minimum equity in your home, a good credit score, and income verification.

Credit Card

Most people use credit cards to buy household appliances, electronics, travel tickets, groceries, and fast food. But many don’t know they can use the same financial instruments to pay for a new roof and siding.

A credit card can come in handy when financing your new roof or siding urgently, but you don’t have enough cash or time to apply for a loan. It can also be a lifesaver when other alternatives fail to deliver the necessary financing.

Using a credit card to pay your roofer comes with its fair share of benefits. First, you can earn mile points or cashback. It also boosts your purchasing power. Remember, some credit card companies support interest-free cash withdrawals. If you have a credit card with a low-interest rate, this may be an option for you.

Government-Insured Loan

Entities like the Federal Housing Association (FHA) have enabled homeowners to seek government-insured loans for home improvements. One of the government-insured financial solutions you can use to get a new roof and siding is an FHA-insured Title I loan. This option is for low-to-moderate-income homeowners who don’t qualify for a conventional home equity loan but have critical home improvement projects.

You should check out government-insured loans because they have lenient qualification criteria and down payment requirements. For instance, the FHA Title I Property Loans Program has no specific credit score requirements and doesn’t require borrowers to have home equity.

Financing Your New Roof and Siding

You can use many financial avenues to install a new roof or siding. But if you want to enjoy stress-free financing options, let Allstate Exteriors & Restoration Services LLC help you. We’ll guide you through the process and explain your options in a way that is easy to understand.

We are experts in roof and siding installation. Our elite professionals have served thousands of homeowners in many areas, including the Columbus Metropolitan Area. Contact us today and get a free, no-obligation estimate.

Recent Prices Through The Roof? How Professional Roofers Determine The Price Of Replacing Your Residential Roof

A new roof protects your home from harsh weather conditions and helps to keep your family safe. However, homeowners sometimes find an estimate for a roof replacement is higher than expected and need help understanding why. Here are items you may see on your estimate and why these expenses are necessary to install a roof properly.

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Cost Comparison: Residential Metal VS Shingle Roof! Which One Is The Best Deal?

When it’s time to replace your home’s roof, it’s easy to grow overwhelmed by the variety of options available. Asphalt roofing shingles have been the go-to residential roofing material for a long time. But more recently, metal roofing has become increasingly popular among homeowners, making it the second most popular roofing material.

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Is Financing Your Roofing And Siding Project Possible? How Does It Work? What Is The Best Option?

Destruction often strikes when you least expect it. For instance, strong winds may blow away a sizable chunk of your roof and lead to significant leaks. Or, your roofing system may show warning signs of collapsing after a raging storm.

Sadly, nightmarish roofing problems can manifest when you don’t have enough to pay for repairs out of pocket. The Allstate Exteriors & Restoration Services team is familiar with this issue. For this reason, we’d like to introduce several financing options. They will help you cover most roofing and siding projects if those projects become necessary.

Common Roofing and Siding Financing Options

Below are viable financing solutions for roofing and siding projects:

Home Improvement Loan vs. HELOC

HELOC is short for Home Equity Line of Credit. This term refers to a revolving line of credit designed to use your home as collateral. Therefore, unlike home improvement loans, which are often unsecured, a HELOC requires you to put your property on the line.

A Home Equity Line of Credit has two periods:

Draw period: During this period, you can seek and use the funding from your line of credit. Once it’s over, you can’t borrow any more funds.
Repayment period: As the name suggests, this is when you must repay your loan balance. It can last 10-20 years.

Home Improvement Loan vs. Refinance

Do you have an existing loan? If yes, here’s some good news: you can revise its terms, including payment schedules and interest rates. This is made possible by a financing option known as a refinance.

Simply put, a refinance lets you switch current loan terms and get more favorable ones. For instance, you can refinance your loan and take out a new mortgage with lower interest rates.

Various refinance loan options are available today, including cash-out refinance. Generally, a cash-out refinance loan allows you to convert your home equity into cash and use the funds to pay off an existing mortgage. Once you’ve covered the loan, you can use the money left to pay for projects like roof repairs or siding replacement.

Home Improvement Loan vs. Credit Card

Many roofers accept credit cards.

What’s more, by using credit cards to cover roofing and siding projects, you may reap benefits like:

Improved credit
Cash-back rewards
Redeemable points

Despite those benefits, using credit cards over a home improvement loan to pay a roofer can have one major downside. Credit cards can accrue enormous fees and interest charges over time.

Home Improvement Loan vs. Mortgage

Mortgages are tailored for homebuyers. Many don’t know they can use these loans to cover extensive projects like roof replacement or siding installation.

But to get a mortgage for roofing and siding in an area like Southwest Florida, you must meet specific requirements. For instance, you may need a good FICO score (at least 620) and an acceptable DTI (debt-to-income) ratio.

Here’s the differentiating factor between a home improvement loan and a conventional mortgage. You take out the former when home renovations are necessary. On the other hand, a mortgage can help you buy a property or pay for projects like maintenance, siding replacement, etc.

Home Improvement Loan vs. Line of Credit

A line of credit (LOC) consists of a predetermined loan limit you can tap into whenever necessary and repay in a lump sum or over a specific period.

The most common type of line of credit available for homeowners is the HELOC. However, other options exist, including:

Personal lines of credit
Business lines of credit
Demand lines of credit

The main difference between a LOC and a home improvement loan is the former lets you take out small sums of money whenever necessary, while the latter offers a lump sum, upfront payment.

Home Improvement Loan vs. Second Mortgage

As the name suggests, a second mortgage is a loan you take out on a property with an existing debt obligation. It comes from any other source besides the original lender.

As a homeowner, you have access to 2 common types of second mortgages:

HELOCs
Home equity loans

Both can help you cover significant expenses like siding replacement and roof installation.

Home Improvement Loan vs. Cash

Cash is the most straightforward and readily available option for paying for roofing or siding projects. And luckily, some roofers offer discount prices to homeowners who pay using cash because they do not have to wait for loans to be approved.

Also, cash can be a superb payment option because it doesn’t come with interest charges or throw you into debt from which you can’t recover. Moreover, some home improvement financing solutions can front you the money you need to pay for roofing or siding with cash.

Which is the Best Roofing and Siding Financing Option?

The best roofing and siding financing option depends on your needs and preferences. For instance, cash should be your go-to if you want to pay less for your project. On the other hand, if your goal is bolstering your credit and know you have the ability to re-pay, your plastic cards can come in handy.

Considering the above, factor in the following while choosing the best financing option:

Interest rates
Repayment term
Type of debt (revolving vs. installment)
Projected monthly payments
Additional fees

The factors we’ve outlined above should help you zero in on a suitable option based on all perceptible benefits and drawbacks.

We Can Help

At Allstate Exteriors & Restoration Services LLC, we offer exceptional roofing and siding services in various areas, including Ohio and Florida. Our experts can tackle roof inspection and repairs. We can also help you upgrade your siding.

Additionally, we offer financing options for diverse projects, including roofing and siding. Contact us now for more information and get a free estimate!

First things to do after a storm damages my roof?

Wind, hail, heavy rain, and snow can cause damage to your roof. While roofs are made to handle most weather conditions, an unusually strong storm can cause problems. After the storm is over, you will want to make assess the condition of the roof and gutters. The first step is to inspect the interior for leaks. If you see any leaks or water stains, you can stop there and immediately schedule an inspection with a qualified roofing contractor.

The next step is to walk around the exterior and look for missing or damaged shingles, gutters that have been pulled away from your house, and tree branches or debris on the roof. Some damage can’t be seen easily, so you will want to schedule an inspection to be safe if you have any concerns about possible damage. Don’t be tricked by storm chasers, who try to find homes with storm damage and quickly have you sign a contract for repairs. You risk having shabby work done and possibly voiding a warranty. These fly-by-night operators will disappear quickly after being paid.

Signs a Professional Inspection is needed

Missing or Damaged Shingles – Damage to shingles might not be obvious. Curling of the edges due to high winds can lead to water leaks.
Water leaks Inside or Outside – You may see dark streaks on interior walls or around the ceiling. The siding may be stained or have watermarks.
Flashing is gone– Look around your yard for pieces of flashing that were carried by the wind. You may see sections partially bent and pulled away from the roof.
The sealant is cracked– This is hard to spot from a distance. If you are not comfortable climbing around your roof, leave this to a certified roofing contractor.
Dents and dings from Hail– There may be sections of your roof with extreme hail damage and other areas almost untouched from a storm.

The Effects of Roof Damage

Water– Missing or damaged gutters can prevent water from being channeled away from your home. Standing water may become a problem and enter unprotected areas. Moisture in your walls and ceiling can turn into a mold growth problem and cause a health threat to family members with asthma or other related conditions.
Hail– The hail pounding the shingles will knock off the granules. There may be damage from the sun’s rays with this protection gone. Your roof will lose its appearance and look old and worn without the granules. Hail storms generally do not last long, but the damage occurs quickly.
Debris– Large tree branches can cause ripping of the shingles leaving vulnerable areas just like a hail storm. Moisture can enter these areas.
Wind– Shingles can be ripped off the roof exposing the underlayment or roof deck. High wind will force the edges of shingles to curl and lift. This eliminates the overlapping and gives water a path under the shingles.

The Estimate and Inspection

Now it’s time to call a professional roofing contractor for an estimate for the repairs. Make sure to get the estimate in writing. You will need it to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance.

These contracts are complicated. If you need help concerning insurance coverage, an experienced contractor can explain the details about what type of repairs are covered in the policy. Hail, rain, and wind damage are usually covered by these policies. Extreme storm damage sometimes called ” Acts of God” is normally included in your coverage. This would include hurricanes and tornadoes.

If you replaced the roof, check your warranty, but there may not be covered for weather-related damage. Sometimes, only manufacturers’ defects are covered in warranties.

Ready to begin Repairs

Once you have completed a professional inspection, have a written estimate, and filed a claim if possible, you are ready to begin repairs. A reputable contractor will work with the insurance company to get the best deal for you. Schedule the repairs as soon as possible. The damage can escalate quickly if you wait an extended amount of time. A small leak can grow quickly to include a mold problem and structural problems if left untreated over time.

Please contact Allstate Exteriors & Restoration for a free estimate and inspection after a storm. We have been proudly serving customers since 2002 with locations in Central Ohio and Southwest Florida. Don’t delay repairing storm damage. A small repair can escalate very quickly into an extensive restoration if leaks are not repaired for an extended length of time. Let’s get those repairs done so you can enjoy your home again!

The most important things to do when you have a roof leak

Your roof needs to be as watertight as possible. Unfortunately, outside elements, such as rain and snow, can find their way into your home. When your roof is leaking, there’s never time to spare. A leak can cause extensive damage to your home, especially if it goes unfixed for too long.

That’s why it’s important to spot potential issues early and call a reputable, local roofing contractor ASAP to get the problem under control. Taking immediate action can mitigate the damage – and the cost of repair.

Common Causes of Roof Leaks

Determining the underlying cause of a roof leak is necessary to fix the problem and prevent similar future issues.

Old Age: Once the roofing materials age beyond their expected lifespan, they become brittle and break down over time. As a result, your roof becomes less effective at keeping water out.
Compromised Shingles: Roofing shingles that are compromised in any way can’t do their job correctly, leaving the other components vulnerable when rain, hail, or snow hits. Improper installation, faulty roofing materials, or extreme weather can cause damage. A fallen tree branch can also puncture the roofing materials.
Damaged Flashing: Flashing is a piece of metal that goes over seams and joints to protect from leaks. Flashing that is not installed correctly can move out of position and allow water to enter. It can also crack, corrode, or get damaged over time, letting water in.
Improperly Driven Nails: A roofing nail can back out of a shingle if it isn’t driven in far enough or is driven in sideways. When it rains, water will follow the nail right inside.
Clogged Gutters: Sticks, leaves, and other debris can cause water to pool up on the roof, back up under the shingles, ad seep into your home.
Ice Dam Buildup: Ice dams occur when ice lines the edge of your roof due to poor attic ventilation. Ice dams allow water to leak into your roof through any weak points or cracks.

How to Spot a Roof Leak

Never climb onto your roof to assess its condition. Instead, look for telltale signs of a leaky roof from the ground and from inside the attic.

On the outside, you should look out for the following:

Actual dripping
Water stains on walls and ceilings
Dark spots
Bulging on walls
Sagging
Standing water or puddles
Damaged insulation
Musty smells or moldy odors around roof rafters and sheathing
Places where lights shine through

On the outside, keep an eye out for the following:

Missing or damaged flashing
Mold on exterior walls
Damaged, cracked, or missing shingles
Damaged plumbing vent boots
Clogged or slow-draining gutters
Loose material around vents and chimneys
Rust is you have a metal roof

As soon as you suspect or spot a leak, your best course of action is to reach out to a roofing contractor. The roofer will thoroughly inspect your roof to determine the cause and location of the roof leak, as well as the extent of the damage. They will also recommend and make whatever repairs are necessary.

What Could Happen if You Ignore a Roof Leak?

Now that you’ve spotted a roof leak, what’s the worst that could happen if you ignore it until it’s a better time for your budget or schedule? To start with, that leak isn’t going to self-repair. And leaving even the most minor leak unaddressed can and will result in more severe issues down the line.

Interior Damage

Excessive moisture accumulation can cause significant damage to your roofing system, insulation, ceiling, walls, and personal items. Ignoring that leak gives water more time to corrode and compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Health Problems

When water seeps into insulation, walls, and ceiling, it creates the perfect condition for mold growth. Not only is mold unsightly, but it can also cause several health problems. Mold can cause allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and skin irritations. Mold removal can be a costly undertaking.

Reduced Roof Lifespan

Regardless of the size, leaks that get overlooked weaken the roof system and necessitate a complete roof replacement much sooner than you would expect.

High Energy Bills

Moisture can soak your insulation, reducing its ability to prevent heat transfer. As a result, your HVAC will work harder to keep indoor temperatures at a comfortable level. Heat or conditioned air can also escape through gaps or leaks in the roof.

Leave Leak Repair to the Professionals

No matter how much you trust your DIY skills, trying to fix the roof yourself may lead to more problems. If your roof is leaking, contact a reputable, local contractor instead of going at it on your own. Here are the reasons why:

Roofers are experienced; they know exactly what the problem is and how to fix it
They have proper safety measures and equipment to prevent injury
They can spot problems that are not obvious to the untrained eye
They follow building codes and manufacturer’s guidelines to keep your warranty intact
They can quickly respond to any damage
They have the tools and manpower needed to get the job done
They deliver professional results
High-quality roofing service will extend the lifespan of your roof

Turn to Allstate Exteriors & Restoration for Exceptional Roof Repairs

Who should you call when you have a roof leak? Allstate Exteriors & Restoration! We can stop any roof leak and give your roof the TLC needed to deliver optimal performance. Contact us today to schedule an estimate for your roofing project. We serve homeowners in Central Ohio and Cape Coral, FL.

How To Know What A Roof Ice Dam Looks Like

A roof ice dam can cause costly repairs if not caught early. There are signs to help you identify you have a potential problem. A simple walk around your home to do an inspection can reveal that ice dams are forming on your roof. You can do this without climbing onto the roof. Most of these signs can be seen from a walk around at ground level.

Here are several warning signs that you may have a roof dam:

Water stains on exterior walls- This is done from inside your home. Take a walk along the exterior walls and take note of any water stains or signs of moisture. Keep track of the location so you can match the area with the section of the roof that may be leaking because of an ice dam. The moisture may be entering from another spot, but this will give you a starting point.
Icicles around the gutters- If you see icicles hanging from the gutters, don’t assume that an ice dam has formed at that location, but it is a good indication that one may be starting to form in that area. Keep track of that spot to do further inspection.
The area around the skylights- This can be hard to see from the ground so you will want to contact a roofing contractor to get a closer look at the roof. Don’t attempt to climb up to the roof yourself.
Water running down the siding- An ice dam can block your gutter so water cannot properly drain. Instead, there may be places where water overflows the side of the gutter and down the outside of your home. This usually leaves stains that can be seen when examining the siding.

Many people routinely clean the gutters every year to prevent ice dams. If you suspect ice dams are forming that may cause a water leak on the roof or siding, you must take action quickly. Damage to interior walls or wood structures may occur if left untreated over time. Roofing contractors have tested methods to eliminate the forming of ice dams. Please consider contacting Allstate Exteriors with any questions about ice dams or other roofing and exterior concerns. We have been proudly serving customers in the Central Ohio area since 2002. Schedule an inspection early before the winter arrives and keep your home protected during the winter months.

3 Reasons Why You Should Winterize Your Home & When To Start

Winter is hard on homes. From falling snow to cold temperatures, this season can lead to roof damage, siding damage, leaky pipes, and more. You can’t keep Mother Nature from having her way, but there are steps you can take to prepare your home for the challenges of winter. This process is often known as winterizing. Continue reading “3 Reasons Why You Should Winterize Your Home & When To Start”

How To Winterize Your Home With This Easy Checklist

The winter season will soon be upon us. You will be getting out suitable clothes for the cooler weather and making other preparations. Don’t forget to also get your home ready for the change of seasons. There are some simple steps you can take to ensure you don’t get surprised with any costly repairs during the winter. Continue reading “How To Winterize Your Home With This Easy Checklist”