Here, at Lindus Construction, our window crews only install windows and our roofing crews only install roofs.  This dramatically decreases the probability of installation errors because our crews have pretty much seen and done it all.

Here’s our list of amateur mistakes we’ve witnessed roofers without adequate training make.

Failing to Pull a Permit

More often than not, a permit is required when installing a new roof.  If the contractor fails to pull one, the liability still falls with the homeowner.  Consequences of not pulling a permit can include fines, being forced to remove the new roof, or your insurance company refusing to insure the new roof.

Being Underinsured or Uninsured

If the roofer performing your work is underinsured, or worse yet, uninsured, and property damage or a worker is injured on your property, you can be held liable.  A reliable roofing company will have no problem providing documentation of their insurance policy and their insurance company will be willing to confirm that they are insured for the amounts they claim to be.

Ignoring the Attic

It’s called a roofing system because shingles are just one part of a properly functioning roof.  Any contractor, who claims otherwise, simply does not have the experience to perform this type of work.  Skimping on attic ventilation can cause your shingles to fail prematurely, ruin your insulation and increase your energy costs.

Installing Multiple Layers of Shingles

In many municipalities, it is against the law to install new asphalt shingles over old ones.  Even if it is not, best practice is to remove the old shingles.  This allows the installing contractor to inspect the roof deck for weak areas.  Additionally, the weight of multiple layers of asphalt shingles can damage your home’s walls and roof structure.

Recycling the Flashing

Flashing is metal that aids to protect your roof from water intrusion where your roof meets a wall.  The intention of flashing is to defer the flow of water away from the home, rather than allowing your roofing and underlayment to absorb it, which can cause water damage.  As a cost saving measure, your contractor may reuse the old flashing.  This is a penny-wise, pound foolish mistake.  

While at the time of the roofing installation the old flashing may look salvageable, it does not mean that it’s going to last as long as the materials that have just been applied.  When compared to the cost of the entire roof, the investment for flashing is a minor expense.  Be sure to always install new flashing.

Mismatched Shingles

Asphalt roofing is produced in batches. Between batches, there can be varied color shades.  If you’ve got a roofer who doesn’t use a consistent dealer, it’s possible for them to end up with mismatched shingles from various batches due to purchasing from multiple vendors. This is a highly noticeable and frustrating problem that can be avoided completely by using a contractor who works with a consistent dealer.

Misapplication

If roofing installation had a cardinal sin, this would be it!  Each roofing manufacturer has strict instruction about items such as nail type and volume, amount of ice and water shield, and shingle exposure.   Failure to adhere to these standards can void your roof’s warranty.

Check Out the Installation Techniques We Use to Create a 50-Year Roof: 

For more information about our roof services, contact us today. Our team of professionals is ready to serve you.

Storm Damaged Roofs Can Occur In A Variety Of Ways

1. Hail Damage Roof

After a sizable hailstorm occurs, homeowners are often left needing to file roofing insurance claims for storm damage.  There are a few ways that a storm damage restoration company is able to identify hail damage.  This can include bruised shingles which will eventually lead to holes forming on shingles, which makes them unable to protect a home from interior damage.  Hail can also cause the granules to separate from the shingles.  With enough velocity, roof vents can become dented, and shingles can become cracked.

2. Windstorms

Heavy windstorms can pull shingles off the roof or cause tears in those that remain.  In some instances, wind damage can cause a roof’s shingles to curl.  Curled shingles that do not correct themselves over time are cause for alarm because it is likely that will suffer further damage over time.

3. Tornado Roofing Catastrophes

A home that is impacted by a tornado is likely to need a roof replacement.  That is because tornadoes can rip shingles off the roof.  In addition, tornadoes often cause tree branches to fall on roofs, causing significant structural damage.

How Can Homeowners Make It Less Likely That They Will Need Storm Damage Roof Repair?

Impact-Resistant Roof Replacement

When getting roof replacement estimates, it is important to understand that shingles are offered in a variety of impact-resistance classes.  Homeowners opting for a Class 4-impact resistant roof are investing in the shingles that have been certified by Underwriters Laboratory to have the lowest probability of needing new roof installation due to hail.  Examples of Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are GAF Glenwood® and Timberline® AS II Shingles.

See A GAF Glenwood® Shingle Roof Replacement:

Best Shingles For High Winds

The average shingle that most roofing services offer is not meant to withstand the impact of high winds.  However, homeowners living in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin should seek out wind resistant shingles for their roof to reach the maximum possible lifespan.  One such example is Timberline® HDZ shingles by GAF asphalt roofing.  The shingles are manufactured with a larger nailing area than ordinary shingles.  This added step makes them much less likely to pull up in periods of heavy wind.  For this reason, GAF is able to offer the industry’s first roofing shingle with no maximum wind speed limitation.

Well-Known & Trusted For Roofing Services

Since 1979, Lindus Construction has served over 100,000 happy customers in Western Wisconsin in the Twin Cities with home improvements, including roof replacement.

As the most trusted roofing company in the area, you can depend on our craftsmen to install GAF asphalt roofs that are accompanied with a 50-year non-prorated warranty on labor and materials.  Streamline your roofing project and get a complimentary estimate today.

Flashing

Flashing is the thin metal sheet; strip, angle or fitting that covers a seam or transition point in a roof. Flashing is the most common area of your roof to leak. With the harsh weather in the Midwest, it is easily damaged or corroded over time. The flashing on your home could also be poorly installed or of a lower quality than you thought you were having installed.

Learn More About the Components of GAF’s 50-Year Roofing System

Chimney

Your chimney creates a huge hold in your roof and it also collects water on the surface, which can trickle down and get into the smallest cracks. The leading cause of chimney leaking is failed flashing. Water can pool at the base of your chimney and having pooling water on your roof is never a good thing.

Skylight

Having skylights really adds ambiance and natural light to your home, but when not built or installed properly, it can cause more of a headache than bliss. If you have a skylight that is older a problem with a leak is almost inevitable. If you notice that the downhill slope of your skylight is filling with water more easily, you will be dealing with a leak in the near future.

There’s No Worry of Leaky Skylights With Our Expert Installation Techniques

Shingle Damage

Your roof most likely is not top of mind if it’s functioning properly, but you have to remember that your roof will not last forever. How many years has it been since your roof was installed? Roofs that were built 30 years ago were made of much different and less durable materials, than what is used today. Old shingles will start to crack causing your roof to leak.

Plumbing

Common plumbing issues arise when having to drill holes in your roof. Plumbing vent pipes, exhaust flues for appliances, attic vents and ventilation ducts are among the most common necessities that have to exit through your roof. Cracked or worn flashing around these pipes and flues are the most common leak source on your roof when it comes to plumbing.

If you notice these or other signs of damage on your roof, don’t wait. Contact Lindus Construction today.

Common Winter House Problems Can Include:

• Drafty windows
• Clogged gutters
• Leaky roofs
• Paint failure (cracking, chipping, peeling)

Overwhelmed and not sure how to prepare your home for the winter?  Check out our detailed tips below or reference this easy-to-understand winter home preparation checklist to get started!

Complete A Roof Inspection For Missing Shingles

Missing shingles from winter storm damage or heavy winds can seem like a minor issue.  Left ignored, ice, snow, and rain can penetrate areas on your roof.  This can lead to wet attic insulation, mold, dry rot, and ruined drywall.  Roof leaks can also compromise plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, and your overall energy efficiency.

To prepare your roof for winter, an inspection should take place. Homeowners uncomfortable with getting on their roof can view it with binoculars, or if there are questionable areas, a roofing contractor can offer a complimentary inspection.

Winterize Windows & Perform A Wet Hand Test

To prepare your windows for winter, the exterior molding should be inspected.  A straightforward way to test a suspected air leak is to wet your hand and hold it a few inches from the edge of the window. If there is a leak, you’ll feel air blowing on your hand.

Caulking around leaks can lower heating costs and is a vital step to winterizing windows.  Many homeowners complete this task without the help of a professional.  If you have to caulk your windows each year, it may be time to consider full frame window replacement.

Bonus Read: A Word About Winter Insulation & Window Installation

Gutter Maintenance Before Winter Should Include Checking For Clogs

An important part of gutter maintenance before winter is ensuring they’re clog-free.  Gutters that are filled with leaves, twigs, and organic debris are a recipe for disaster.  This is because clogged gutters can cause damage to your home’s foundation, your landscaping, and more.  That’s why it’s so important to prepare your gutters for winter.

Although clogged gutters don’t directly lead to ice build-up, they can make the situation worse.  As a roof begins to heat up, and the snow melts, the water that is created needs a spot to exit.  If gutters clog, they cannot disperse water away from the home. Instead, the water will push back up on the roof causing the ice dam to grow. Icy sidewalks and driveways can be the result of gutters that don’t channel water too far from a home– and can also be dangerous to both the homeowner and their neighbors. Learn more about ice dams and how to get rid of them forever.

Look For Chipped, Cracked, Or Peeling Paint When Doing A Siding Inspection

Siding maintenance for winter should include the inspection of the exterior walls of your home.  If you see peeling paint, it’s a sign that the existing paint film is no longer protecting your home. If you leave it, the siding is at risk of deteriorating. While the siding can be painted, the process is tedious, expensive, and rarely long-lasting.

Two types of siding that offer the ultimate peace of mind are LP® SmartSide® and steel siding.  Both are durable, long-lasting, and enhance a home’s curb appeal.  Each stands the test of time and do not need continuous upkeep.

How To Prepare Your Home For Winter

Every season provides an opportunity to verify if a home’s gutters, siding, and windows are performing at their best. Our home winter preparation checklist can remind you to perform the maintenance needed to preserve your home. Bear in mind that if any of these items are out of your comfort zone, it’s wise to work with a reputable contractor.

One of these protective components is called flashing.  Likely, flashing is not something that is top of mind when it comes to re-roofing your home, but failure to pay ample attention to it can dramatically shorten the lifespan of your roof and lead to water damage in your home.

What Is Flashing?

Flashing is metal that aids to protect your roof from water intrusion where a roof meets a wall.  The intention of flashing is to defer the flow of water away from the home, rather than allowing your roofing and underlayment to absorb it, which can cause water damage.

Types of Flashing

Kick-Out

Its primary purpose is to protect your home’s structure, windows and siding.  Additionally, it prevents water from going behind your siding where your roof meets a wall.  This type of flashing is installed over the edge of your roof.  Without it, the water that drains down your roof will come crashing down your roof and splash onto your windows & siding.  As this process repeats, mold, rot and structural damage can occur.

Valley

On a roof, a valley is an area where two adjoining sloped roof planes intersect on a roof creating a “V” shaped depression.  Valleys can be common sources of roof leaking because they catch water speeding down two roof planes; they disperse more water off a roof than does any individual roof plane.  Inadequate or improper installation of valley flashing can result in circumstances such as your roof caving in or your roof decking rotting. Valleys come in two varieties.  They are: closed valley & open valley.  

A closed valley is where the metal flashing is installed first and then the shingles are placed on top of it.  An open valley is where the flashing is laid first, followed by the shingles.  The tin is left exposed.  Additionally, three rows of ice and water shield are placed in this area.  Some homeowners feel that the closed valley is better because the metal is hidden from sight, therefore making the roof more aesthetically appealing.  An argument can be made for the open valley because the valleys of your roof handle more water than any other part of your roof.  Over time, this can cause the granules on your shingles to erode off.  Open valleys add an additional protectant so that this process is slowed.

Step

Step flashing gets its name because it is comprised of several pieces of flashing that “step up” the roof with each progression of shingles and when the process is completed, the flashing looks like steps going up a wall.  Step flashing is important because it is a protectant against leaking where a roof & wall come together.  Improper step flashing can also lead to leaking where a chimney and wall meet.

Vent Pipe

It’s not uncommon to see a vent pipe sticking out from numerous places along your roofline.  Vent pipes can be for bathroom vents, sewer vents, hot water heaters, furnaces, etc.  Over time, due to nature’s elements, the seal between the pipe and roof begins to erode.  Installing vent pipe flashing defends against water damage to your home.

Chimney

Like its name states, chimney flashing is positioned around a chimney for the purpose of sealing it off against water.  One type of chimney flashing is called “chimney cricket”.  This piece of metal is installed on the back side of the chimney with the intention of diverting water away from it, as chimneys are an area that can easily leak.  If you notice stains on the walls that are in close proximity to your chimney, it’s quite likely that your chimney flashing has been compromised.  Prompt attention should be paid to this matter to avoid further damage, including mold growth.

Skylight

When a skylight is installed, a hole is cut in your roof to accommodate it.  Skylights must have flashing installed around them.  Without it, leaking can occur, damaging the interior of your home.  Many skylight companies offer flashing kits that are specifically designed for their product.

Drip Edge

Drip edge flashing can be installed on your roof’s gable edges and eaves. It will preserve the fascia board from windblown rain.  Additionally, it assists in bolstering roof shingles from sagging into your gutters or being broken should a tree branch fall on it.  Drip edge flashing also serves as a preventative for shingles being pulled off the roof during heavy winds.

Explore The Components of A GAF Asphalt Roof:

Sidewall

This type of flashing should be installed where a section of roofing meets a vertical wall.  This will add an additional level of protection to prevent water from leaking behind your walls, siding, etc.  This can lead to rot, mold, etc. which can end up causing a homeowner thousands of dollars.

For more information about our roof repair and replacement services, contact us today. Our team of roofing professionals is ready to serve you.

Take Your Time When Choosing Roof Shingle Colors

This is not a decision that should be rushed; it’s okay to take some time to give it serious thought.  Consider if your color choice will be what you want years down the road.

2. Talk With Your Roofing Estimator

They’ve likely overseen hundreds of roofing jobs and can speak to which colors will best compliment your home’s structure and current siding.  It’s easier to change your roofing than your siding so be sure the shingle color you have chosen does not clash with the siding and trim.

3. Carefully Review All Shingle Color Options

Go over all of the options.  Use your home’s architecture as a guide for whether your new shingles should be a singular color or a blend of multiple colors.

4. Compare Shingle Colors Virtually

A lot of roofing manufacturers have software that allows customers the ability to download a photo of their home or select a housing style and drop in different colored siding and roofing options.  In fact, we even offer a virtual remodeler tool to help homeowners narrow down choices.

5. Examine Life Size Samples Of Your Top Shingle Choices

Holding them up against your current shingles will allow you to see how much the new choices vary from what you currently have.

6. What Color Are Your Neighbors’ Roofs?

It’s important to be sure that your selections compliment your neighborhood.  A choice that is not complimentary to neighboring homes may make selling your home more difficult down the road.

7. Shingle Colors Should Complement Your Home’s Style

Evaluate your home’s style to decide what are appropriate colors and what are not.  For example, a Spanish style home is going to look out of place with blue shingles.  Home magazines can also be helpful in showcasing different styles of homes and the shingle colors that suit them the best.

Educate Yourself on All of the Components that Make Up a GAF Roofing System:

It’s In Your Best Interests To Partner With Local Roofing Companies

Roofing contractors in the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin often have the expertise to know the difference between hail damage to asphalt shingles and an old roof installation that has reached the end of its lifespan.  Reputable, local roof installation companies are also able to inspect both asphalt and metal roofs for damage.  They often can determine whether a metal roof installation has enough hail to warrant an insurance claim or if the sun’s rays will pop out the minimal dents over time.

Contactors local to Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Western Wisconsin should be trusted over out of area roofing contractors that may not be well-versed in local code.  In addition, out of area contractors scam homeowners going through hail damage insurance claims.  These roofing installation contractors often utilize vague contingency contracts and fail to fully complete the roof replacement as promised.  Local companies that offer roofing services tend to offer longer warranties on their roof shingles and offer installations that stand the test of time.

It’s Important To Hire A Licensed, Bonded, And Insured Roofing Contractor

Unlicensed roofing companies have not gone through the proper channels to ensure that they can offer a legal and code compliant roofing installation.  For this reason, they are unable to be insured as a roofer.  Because they do not carry the proper levels of insurance, they can often offer to repair hail damage to asphalt shingles at an unbelievably low price.  However, this type of roofer cannot be trusted.  Even more frustrating is that if their employees damage a homeowner’s property during their project, the homeowner can be financially liable.

Don’t Forget To Look At Online Reviews

One of the most important facts to know about storm damage restoration is that online reviews can often tell the story of whether a company is reputable.  While it can take additional time to research potential partners, it often saves stress down the road.  Friends and family members that can provide first-hand accounts of how a company handled their hail damage to asphalt shingles can also be extremely helpful.

We Can Assist With Hail Damage Insurance Claims

For over 40 years, Lindus Construction has been assisting homeowners in Western Wisconsin, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond with roof replacement due to storm damage.  The below infographic gives further details on how to ensure you’re partnering with a local and reputable contractor that can restore your home to better than its original condition.  Contact us for a complimentary storm damage estimate.

Seven Reasons Why You Should Leave Roof Replacement to the Professionals

From the ground, a roof’s slope may appear non-threatening.  However, simply climbing the roof is just the beginning of the project. Installing a new roof also involves carrying heavy shingles and tools.  A fall from a roof can even cost you your life.

Manufacturer Warranties

Roofing manufacturers offer warranties on their materials.  However, the warranty is voided if the person installing the roof fails to install a roof inside the manufacturer’s strict stipulations.  This means if the roof fails prematurely due to shoddy installation practices, the roof’s warranty is voided, and the homeowner is left paying for a new roof out of pocket.  Common rookie roofing mistakes can lead to mold, structural, damage, and wood rot.  Reputable roofers are known for offering lifetime workmanship guarantees that stipulate if a roof fails prematurely due to installation, they will replace it free of charge.

Material Acquisition

Quality contractors have good working relationships with material suppliers.  This means they can get reliable materials at affordable rates due to the massive quantities they buy.  Because homeowners are buying shingles for a single time use, they are less likely to get top-notch shingles at the prices contractors can buy them for.

Time

When local contractors install roofs, they have teams of factory-trained technicians that do the work.  Even with this background, it can take a few days to install a large roof.  DIYers are often left completing roof installations on their own, making their projects drag on for longer than they should.

Insulation & Ventilation Concerns

Proper insulation and ventilation are critical to a roof lasting its full lifespan.  Without them, shingles can wear out faster than they should, and the roof deck can rot.  In some cases, improper levels of insulation and ventilation can lead to interior mold and mildew issues.  Amateurs often don’t have a working knowledge of how to properly insulate and ventilate a roof. By the time their mistakes are noticed, it’s commonplace for thousands of dollars of damage to have occurred..

Having to Call a Contractor to Fix Your Work

The best contractors are in high demand and book out weeks or months in advance.  In the event you start your roofing project and get in over your head, you will have a difficult time getting prompt professional assistance.  Some contractors will refuse to pick up a project midway through.

Learn More About GAF Glenwood® Shingles: 

Insurance Issues

Insurance companies are unlikely to pay a claim on a roof that was installed incorrectly by a homeowner.  They also may not be willing to fully pay a claim if a homeowner opts to install a new roof on their own after a hailstorm.

Contact us today to get started on your next home improvement project.

The two biggest determinants of a home’s curb appeal are its roofing and siding.  This makes it imperative that they complement each other to provide a cohesive look.  Here’s what you need to know about making selections that will stand the test of time and add to your home’s value.

Digital Renderings Are Game-Changers

Gone are the days of simply looking at siding and shingle samples and trying to imagine how the colors would look on your home.  The technology now exists for reputable contractors to provide digital renderings of all sides of your home with various roof and siding color combinations.

Warm vs. Cool Colors

Warm colors often tend to be shades of red, yellow, and orange and are named this because of their association with items like fire and the sun.  Cool shades are hues of blue, green, and magenta and are often tied to natural elements like water, grass, and the sky.  Homes that have the most cohesive look utilize a roof and siding that both come from either the warm or cool side of the color spectrum.

Color Brightness Matters

If your home’s square footage is on the smaller side, selecting a lighter color for the roofing and siding will create the illusion that your home is slightly larger than it appears.  Another advantage of using lighter colors is that they showcase contrasting architectural points of interest.  However, there is the argument for dark, dramatic siding and roofing colors when the goal is to highlight the spaciousness of a home that’s surrounded with rolling hills or stately trees.  Unsure which route to go?  Medium tones are a safe bet on almost any size or style of home.

Avoid a Direct Color Match

Some siding manufacturers offer custom colors which would allow for exact matching of the roofing and siding colors, this option is not recommended.  Instead, complimentary colors should be used because they establish an optical difference.  For instance, a home with pale brown siding benefits from the installation of a roof with a burnt brown hue because of the contrast between the two shades.   

Opt for a Darker Roof

In most scenarios, it’s best practice to select a roof that’s in the same color palette as the siding, but a few shades darker.  This is the most aesthetically pleasing approach, as the eye most often takes in the beauty of a home from the top to the bottom.

Contact us today to get started on your next roofing or siding installation project.

What Are Visible Signs I Need a New Roof?

Cracked, curling, missing, or loose shingles are evidence that your roof is at the end of its lifespan.  A roof leak can also act as evidence that roof replacement is necessary.  Many times, hail damage also creates the need for a new roof.

My Roof is Leaking; Does That Mean I Need a New One?

While a leaky roof can signal that a new roof is needed, it doesn’t always mean that is the case.  For example, a roof leak can be a red flag that your roof’s flashing needs replacement.  This is often the case when a roofing contractor reuses preexisting flashing on a new roof.  However, if a reputable roofing contractor verifies that hail damage is the origin of your roof leaks, a new roof is a must.

Go Behind the Scenes on a Twin Cities Roof Installation by Lindus Construction: 

How Long Should a Roof Last?

There’s no hard and fast answer to this question because of the factors involved.  GAF, the nation’s largest manufacturer of asphalt shingles offers roofs that are accompanied with a 50-year, non-prorated warranty that covers both labor and materials. However, this warranty is voided if the installing contractor fails to adhere to GAF’s stringent specifications.  Cheaper builder grade roofs have lesser lifespans, proving the point that you do get what you pay for.  Cedar shake roofs can have a lifespan of less than a decade if not properly maintained.  When it comes to metal roofs, the industry’s premier metal roofs can have a lifespan of up to 50 years, though the finish warranty is typically no more than 35 years.

I Need A New Roof.  Does My Homeowners’ Insurance Policy Cover That?

In one word, sometimes.  In the event that a natural disaster occurs, your insurance policy should cover roof replacement.  Common examples include hail, hurricanes, wildfires, and fallen trees.  However, if your roof requires replacement due to its lifespan being exhausted, the replacement cost is the responsibility of the homeowner.

My Roof’s Shingles Are Curling.  Why Is This Happening?

There are two likely reasons that your roof’s shingles are curling.  The first is that your roof’s levels of ventilation is incorrect, and moisture and heat are being trapped in the attic, wreaking havoc on your shingles.  Shingles can also curl when a roofing contractor installs new shingles on top of old ones, rather than tearing off the first layer.  Defective products, old shingles or improper shingle installation can also be reasons roof shingles curl.

Contact us today to get started on your next roof replacement project.