Do I Need A New Roof?

Do I Need A New Roof?

By Kensington Contracting, Akron Roofing Contractor

Here at Kensington Contracting we speak to a lot of customers about their roofs and roofing repairs, and one of the most common questions is “How do I know when I need a new roof; what do I need to look for?” Obviously if you are seeing water leaking, water spots or other signs of water damage on your ceilings or walls, you need to give us a call for a free inspection to evaluate the issues. But these are extreme cases of roofing repair issues. There are many other signs to look for on your roof to let you know when it’s time to consider a roofing inspection. We’ve compiled the following helpful list to give you some advice on what areas to keep an eye on with your roof.

Flashing

Flashing is commonly a metal material (aluminum) that is installed where your roof shingles meet another exterior surface such as your siding or your chimney. The purpose of flashing is to prevent water from entering the gaps between your roofing shingles and these other areas. Over time, flashing can break down and lose its seal allowing water to penetrate the gaps. This can simply be due to age or a weather even such as a high wind storm. If you are seeing interior leaking  on your walls or ceiling around your chimney or any place your roof meets siding, such as an attached garage on a colonial style home, it’s time for a roof inspection.

Roof Shingles – What To Look For

When looking at your roof, you should see uniformity across the slope. If you notice that some of the shingles appear to be lifted or raised, you should strongly consider getting a roofing inspection, as this is a strong indicator that your roof system is beginning to fail. If you notice missing shingles it is definitely time to contact a trustworthy roofing contractor such as Kensington Contracting to perform a roofing inspection and evaluate your needs. When you have missing roofing shingles it leaves your roof exposed and your home’s interior highly susceptible to water damage.

Other damage to your roof such as wind creases and hail damage are very difficult to spot from the ground; you may never know there is damage until it is too late. Kensington Contracting highly recommends regular free inspection of your roof system (annually or bi-annually). Contact us after a big weather event such as a wind or hail storm in your area.

Furthermore, we highly recommend against trying to patch your roof with those 20 year old shingles you have laying in your garage. If you patch your roof with mismatched shingles, your insurance company may no longer cover your roof for a full replacement should you incur storm damage. In our experience in dealing with insurance claims, your insurance company may only pay to replace the missing or damaged shingles, leaving you with some new shingles, and some old, soon to fail shingles.

What’s an Ice Dam?

Ice Dams are areas of your roof that are susceptible to ice buildup, such as in your roof valleys or spots where to different slopes of your roof meet at an inward angle. Ice Dams can also occur around your gutter lines. At Kensington Contracting we always install ice and water shields (which is a rubberized membrane that prevents these buildups) when replacing your roof. An ice and water shield must be installed in all valleys and two feet beyond all overhangs per roofing code in the State of Ohio. If your roofing replacement is the result of an insurance claim, we will make sure that your insurance carrier provides the funds to bring your home up to code.

What are Roof Vents?

The technology behind roof systems ventilation has come a long way in recent years. If you roof has “pod vents” or “turtle vents” it may be a sign of your roof’s age. These roofing vents look like small square or circular metal raised objects. More commonly today on newer roofs and new home construction, you will see what is called a “ridge vent”. Ridge vents are raised hard plastic vents usually made from PVC that are installed at the ridge, or peak, of your roof. This allows for air to flow up from your soffit and out of the ridge of your roof. Ridge vents will lengthen the life of your roof system and can even lower your energy bills.

Chimneys

In addition to the flashing issue mentioned above in this article, there are a few other issues to be aware of around your chimney. When examining your roof, you should never see pieces of broken brick or mortar laying on the shingles. If you do, this is a good indication that your chimney needs some work. Mortar can and will crack and break away with age. If you see this, contact Kensington Contracting for a complete inspection. It’s better to address this type of problem as soon as possible before any further damage is done. As mentioned earlier, chimney flashing is one of the most problematic areas on your roofing system that will allow water to enter your home. If you notice signs of interior water leakage on your walls or ceilings around where the chimney is positioned, give us a call.

Look in your attic for signs of roof failure

While in your attic, look at the decking or wood underpayment of your roof. If you see any cracks, splits, or daylight, it’s time to give Kensington a call. Be mindful also of any stains or signs of leaking, as water should not be penetrating this part of your roof.

Your #1 Choice For Akron Roofing & Roof Repair Contractor

We hope this article is useful in helping you identify problem areas of your roof, and to know when to reach out to a professional roofing contractor. Our team at Kensington Contracting makes the process of getting your roof repaired quick and easy. We have the technical excellence to ensure your new roof installation will go smoothly and perform for many years. However, perhaps our most valuable asset is our ability to work with your insurance company to manage the process of making a roofing claim. We have been working with insurance companies for over 30 years on roofing repair claims and we intimately know how the process works. We will work tirelessly as your advocate to get your insurance claim approved. Additionally, we offer financing options to assist in making your roofing project affordable.

Call us today at 1-833-Kensington (1-833-536-7464) or fill out the contact form on this page and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you with your roofing repair needs. Kensington Contracting serves Akron, Medina, and the entire Northeast Ohio area. 

Need Help? Tell Us About Your Project Or Call Us At 1-833-Kensington (1-833-536-7464)






    Call Today:

    1-833-Kensington
    (1-833-536-7464)

    Contact Us

    Roofing Companies – What To Look For

    Akron, Medina, Canton Roof Repair

    Don’t wait for the next major wind storm to roll through the Akron, Canton and Medina area to address your roofing problems, contact the experts at Kensington Contracting today for a free, no obligation inspection of your roofing repair needs. Our team at Kensington is one of the most experienced roofing companies serving Northeast Ohio and can provide a detailed assessment of what your roof requires to bring it back to 100% both functionally and aesthetically. A new roof on your home or business not only provides necessary protection, but increases the beauty and “curb appeal” of your property.

    Owens Corning® Preferred Contractor for Roofing

    Kensington Contracting is an Owens Corning® Preferred Contractor and we have a wide variety of roofing products available for your home or business. We offer beautiful designer shingles that will give your home that extra touch of class. Additionally, we offer the Total Protection Roofing System® which seals and defends against water freezing, resulting into ice damming, wind driven rains and normal water flow and lets your roof breathe which reduces heat and moisture buildup. Visit our Owens Corning® Products page for more information, or call us today to discuss your options at 1-833-Kensington (1-833-536-7464).

    Your #1 Choice For Akron Roofing Companies

    Our team at Kensington Contracting makes the process of getting your roof repaired quick and easy. We have the technical excellence to ensure your new roof installation will go smoothly and perform for many years. However, perhaps our most valuable asset is our ability to work with your insurance company to manage the process of making a roofing claim. We have been working in the construction industry and with insurance companies for over 30 years on roofing repair claims and we intimately know how the process works. We will work tirelessly as your advocate to get your insurance claim approved. Additionally, we offer financing options to assist in making your roofing project affordable.

    Call us today at 1-833-Kensington (1-833-536-7464) or fill out the contact form on this page and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you with your roofing repair needs.

    request a consultation

    call today:
    1-833-Kensington
    (1-833-536-7464)






      Basement Flooded? Give Kensington A Call

      Water Damage from Basement Flooding in Akron, Canton, Cleveland Ohio

      There are few things that are worse for a home or business owner than basement flooding. Water damage from basement flooding can ruin items you have stored in your basement especially pictures and important documents, heirloom items, decorations, stock inventory, and many other items. Once these items are wet many times they can’t be fixed or replaced. Additionally, once wet and not dried out immediately, you have a huge potential for mold growth, a dangerous health issue as the mold can become airborne. Finally, standing water can become foul and odorous if not cleaned up immediately, and that smell can linger and infiltrate your entire home or business.

      Causes of Basement Flooding

      There are many things that can lead to a flooded basement. If you live in the city, sewer lines can back up causing a flooded basement. Additionally, severe rain storms with a lot of rain, (which is a common occurrence in the Akron, Canton, and Cleveland areas) can overwhelm city storm drains and sewer piping and the overflow will back up into your basement. In rural areas the most often cause of basement flooding is a failed sump pump. Your sump pump is one of those household items you never think about until it fails.

      My Basement is Flooded, What Do I Do?

      Call Kensington Contracting immediately! Call our emergency number 24×7 at 330.237.9999 we can be on site in 1-2 hours and begin immediate treatment services. In the meantime, turn the water source off if it’s a pipe. If you have a sump pump, make sure it’s running to pump the water out. Additionally, make sure all floor drains are clear and not plugged up.

      Will My Insurance Cover Water Damage From A Flooded Basement

      Unless you have it excluded on your insurance policy, most insurance companies will cover damage to a certain extent. However, most policies have limits on their coverage. It’s a good idea to review your coverage amounts with your insurance agent or provider and make sure you have enough coverage based on what you have stored in your basement, or how you use your basement (for example, if your basement is finished and you use it as a living space). Many insurance policies only have $5,000 of coverage, which is not nearly enough to cover an extensive flooding incident or water issue.

      What Can I Do To Help Prevent Water Damage From Basement Flooding

      Your sump pump is an important item in your home. Be sure to check frequently that your sump pump is working, and check your basement for signs of initial water issues. Many of our customers throughout the Akron, Canton and Northeast Ohio areas keep a spare sump pump on hand as an emergency replacement. Additionally, sump pumps require electricity to operate, so if the power is out so is your sump pump. It’s a good idea to have either a UPS backup power supply, or even a small power generator to provide enough power to keep your sump pump operational even during power outages. Furthermore, keep all drains clean and clear. If you have slow running drains in your home, contract a plumber to visit and snake out all drains and get the drains cleared before they become a bigger issue. Also, check on old rust piping in your basement including all connections.

      Call us today at 1-833-Kensington (1-833-536-7464) or fill out the contact form on this page and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you with your basement flooding and water damage.

      Need Help? Tell Us About Your Project Or Call Us At 1-833-Kensington (1-833-536-7464)






        Call Today:

        1-833-Kensington
        (1-833-536-7464)

        Contact Us

        We are an Owens Corning® Preferred Contractor, and here’s why!

        Owens Corning Preferred Contractor Medina, Ohio

        Beautiful Shingles, Outstanding Technology

        Owens Corning Certified Roofers

        Kensington Contracting is proud to be an Owens Corning® Preferred Contractor and Certified Roofer serving the Akron, Canton, Medina and Northeast Ohio areas. In our professional opinion as a roofing contractor, Owens Corning® offers the best shingles available on the market. From an aesthetic standpoint, the Owens Corning® Designer Shingles provide a wide selection of beautiful shingles to choose from for your home or business.

        But what really gets us excited here at Kensington Contracting is the technology incorporated into the shingles. There’s a line between a good shingle, and a great shingle. Owens Corning® SureNail® Technology features a wide, highly visible engineered fabric strip in the nailing area which offers a consistent, quality installation. And, the unique product design provides outstanding gripping power and wind resistance up to 130 mph. SureNail® has 2.5 times better nail pull through resistance than any other shingle on the market. And as a patented innovation, SureNail® is only available through an Owens Corning® Preferred Contractors or Certified Roofers such as Kensington Contracting. To learn more about SureNail® technology, visit https://www.owenscorning.com/roofing/surenail or give us a call at 1-833-Kensington (1-833-536-7464).

        Dependable Warranty

        In addition to the beauty and technology that is incorporated in the Owens Corning® shingle products, we feel that Owens Corning® offers the best warranty options on the market for our customers. A lifetime warranty is standard on all of the warranty options, which means as a single family homeowner, lifetime coverage is in effect for as long as you own your home. Additionally, a warranty is also offered on the labor for Preferred Contactors and Certified Roofers such as Kensington Contracting. To learn more about the warranty options visit https://www.owenscorning.com/roofing/warranty/ or give us a call at 1-833-Kensington (1-833-536-7464).

        A Partnership You Can Trust

        Our team at Kensington Contracting is confident that you will find our partnership with Owens Corning® an effective and trustworthy solution for your roofing repair or replacement needs. Contact us today for a free, no obligation inspection of your roofing needs. Give us a call at 1-833-Kensington (1-833-536-7464) or fill out the form on this page.

        request a consultation

        call today:
        1-833-Kensington
        (1-833-536-7464)