When you have roof damage from a storm, there are many questions you may have. Who should I call first? How long will the repair take? Will they be covered by my homeowner’s insurance?

First, most damage caused by storms will be covered on your homeowner’s policy, with the applicable deductible. However, the damage  determined to be gradual or happening over time is usually considered to be a maintenance issue, or normal wear and tear, which is not covered by most homeowner’s policies.

What To Do First

Call your insurance agent first. Go over every detail and every damaged spot that you can find. Take photos of the roof damage if possible. In most cases, an adjuster will be sent to look at the damage, and decide how much the repairs might cost.

After notifying your insurance company, research roofing companies in your area, looking for experience and knowledge of your roofing material and coinsiding roof damage. Prusak Roofing has extensive knowledge of all roofing types and materials and can provide any estimates that the insurance company may require.

Your adjuster may want to have a meeting with your roofing company to hash out costs and material needs. Make sure through every step of your roof repair, you keep receipts, estimate notes, discrepancies, and supplement filings to ensure that your claim is handled properly.

You roof storm damage doesn’t have to be a pain. Proper record keeping, notification, and research will help to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Most homeowners know that water damage is one of the biggest reasons your roof could need to be repaired. However, did you know that another major cause of residential roof damage is a lack of proper ventilation? Your attic should stay at a warm temperature while resisting moisture buildup. Ventilation is necessary for both of those conditions, as regular airflow maintains the temperature and humidity. If the airflow is unbalanced, your attic is susceptible to overheating. When your attic overheats, the extra heat will filter down to the rest of your house, and if your attic accumulates moisture in the cooler months, you can get mildew and other damages to your insulation.

Poor Roof Ventilation Leads to:

• Weakened Insulation
• Mildew And Mold Growth
• Warping Of Your Roof Deck
• Warping Of Your Roof Frame
• Ruined Siding
• And More!

These problems are hard to notice at first, and incredibly costly to repair. The longer these issues go unnoticed, the worse they can become, even going so far as to damage the structure of your home. Yearly roof inspections are a great way to prevent long-term damages to your roof and home, as a qualified inspector can find signs of weakness in your roof with ease. If you’re worried that your home has poor roof ventilation in Bridgeview, IL, give us a call today at (708) 422-2624. Our licensed roofers can repair or replace your roof at an affordable price!

Have Your Roof Inspected Annually!

When choosing to update your roofing system, it can be a lot to take on and a lot to consider. Aside from any potential specialized framing and specific instructions, the actual roofing material is something to take major consideration in. Not only can the right roofing material improve the overall appearance of your property’s exterior, but it can also increase the market value! We know…this seems like a lot to take on all at once, but know that you’re not in this by yourself. the experts at Prusak Roofing are here to guide you through the entire process and we even have some things you should keep in mind when deciding on the best roofing material for your home.

• Are there any specific instructions for installation or maintenance?
• Does this roofing material meet the fire codes of my particular area?
• How is this roofing material expected to perform during severe weather that’s common in my area?
• Is this a hefty material that may call for specialized framing?
• Is this product available in a variety of colors and styles that will assist in communicate your home look and feel?
• What’s the warranty included with the roofing material?
• What is the expected lifespan of the roofing material?
• Will the cost of this material be within my budget?

When you’re able to check off each of these questions from your list, you’re just about ready to have your brand new roofing system installed. So if you’re in the market for a quality roofing installation in Bridgeview, IL, or just looking for some professional advice, call us at (708) 422-2624. Prusak Roofing is always here for you.

When it comes to roof maintenance, it is important to remember your gutters! After a basic visual check from the ground you can usually determine when it is time for a thorough cleaning! Make sure your gutters are ready for the rainy season with the following gutter maintenance tips!

Keep Your Gutters Ready For Anything With These Gutter Maintenance Tips!

Gutter Maintenance Tips in Bridgeview, IL

Inspect On Foot

After heavy wind or rain, it is a good time to check out your gutters. Walk around your house, and look at your gutters. Look for signs of rusting or leaking, and if any areas are sagging or appear loose. Also look on the ground, and watch for pooling water around your foundation. If you notice any of these problems, it is safest to call a professional roofer to help you repair these problems, but you may be able to repair them yourself!

How Clean Are Your Gutters?

If you have a few trees in your yard, or your neighbor’s yard, you likely have to pick up leaves from your lawn fairly often. It is very likely your gutters catch a good amount of leaves too. All of the debris that falls from your roof often gathers in your gutters. It is important to clear your gutters of leaves, twigs, acorns, dirt, and more! Remember that your gutters protect your roof, so you want to keep them clear and draining properly. After removing the debris, use a water hose to clean them more thoroughly.

While you are up on the ladder, take some time to check the spikes that secure your gutters to your roof to make sure they are properly attached. If they are loose, they may need to be replaced.

Safety First

When you are using a ladder, be careful! Many people are injured each year from improper ladder usage. Make sure the ladder is securely stable, and do not climb the top two or three rungs, as this can make the ladder too top heavy. Do not overreach while on the ladder, as you can imbalance it if you do. However, remember that it is safer to use a ladder than to try and clean your gutters from a top the roof!

If you need gutter repair in Bridgeview, IL, call Prusak Roofing at (708) 422-2624. Our professional roofers can upgrade your gutters to a new, rust-resistant material and even provide more tips on roof and gutter maintenance. We even offer professional inspection services, if ladders just aren’t your style!

When thinking about home maintenance, many homeowners fail to consider their roof until there is an obvious problem or leak. If you want to ensure the longevity of your roof, annual maintenance inspections are critical.

Having your roof maintained annually checks for a variable of problems, and prevents many small issues from becoming big issues. If you are a new homeowner, or have never had your roof inspected, here are a few key things you need to know.

What Does Roof Maintenance Include?

When it comes to roof maintenance, there are several things you cannot afford to ignore. First and foremost, trying to climb on your own roof is very dangerous, so your maintenance should always be handled by a fully insured, professional roofing company.

When the technician examines your roof, he or she will start by looking for obvious issues, such as cracked and warped shingles, or otherwise damaged or missing shingles. A reputable technician will also remove any debris form your roof, such as branches or leaf litter that can cause costly damage if left on the roof. Additionally the tech will take time to examine corners and eaves for signs of leaking or water damage, and scan the roof for protruding nails or other bumps that may indicate a lose shingle.

Why does Roof Maintenance Matter?

Roof maintenance is a great way to prevent little problems like debris on your shingles, from turning into serious damage, like moisture build up and mold growth. Your roof is the first line of defense that your home has from the elements. Failing to maintain your roof can lead to structural damage, or premature roof replacement.

If you need your annual roof maintenance done, or any other roofing services in Bridgeview, IL or surrounding areas, give Prusak Construction and Roofing a call today, at (708) 422-2624!

Dealing with a roof leak can not only cause a lot of stress but it can create a lot of expensive repairs too. We’ll go over some of the common issues that result in leaks in your roof structure and how to prevent them.

Shingles are susceptible to damage caused by aging, storms, debris, etc. The damage comes in many forms too. It might be a small dent, a crack, or a few shingles being torn off. Any of these can create an exposed area of your roof that will allow water to seep in. Checking up on the condition of your roof is a good way to ensure that these types of damage don’t exist to harm your home.

The rain gutters can cause a lot of trouble when they aren’t maintained properly. When debris like leaves and twigs start piling up in the gutter system, it prevents water flowing to the downspouts. The water begins to overflow onto the roof and sides of the house which can result in leaks and wood rot. Making sure to clear out your gutters, especially in the autumn while leaves are falling, will prevent water overflow from damaging your roof.

Having your roof inspected by a roof inspector, will ensure that your roof is well maintained and damage free. A professional roofer can thoroughly check the shingles and gutters for any signs of cracks forming or small dents that could get worse over time.

If you need roof repairs in the Bridgeview, IL area, give Prusak Roofing a call at (708) 422-2624.

When winter arrives, we always prepare our cars, our outdoor features and tools, and even our gardens. But what about the roof? Your roof is key in how your home handles a winter and is protected from damage and wear. Preparing your roof for winter storms, snow and ice should be a part of everyone’s routine. It is understandable that it sometimes falls to the wayside, but it is always better late than never to get your roof ready for the cold weather. In order to best prepare, we have compiled a short checklist for getting your roof in ship-shape.

Winter Roof Checklist

1. Take a Quick Look.

It is always a good idea to look at your roof once a month. Look around for any missing shingles or materials. These bald areas will be weaker than the rest and may cause leaks in the future. Take note of these areas and have them repaired when you are able.

2. Ensure Your Gutters are Clean

Gutters are crucial to how your roof handles the winter. Make sure they are clean. During the day, these will carry away the melting snow and ice, preventing your roof from receiving water damage. Once clean, you may consider installing a gutter guard or leaf shield to prevent tree leaves from getting caught in them.

3. Inspect Your Attic

Your attic houses the insulation for your home and roof. If there is a leak or damage, it may become apparent after you inspect your attic. Take a look at your insulation and keep an eye out for any drafts. Replenishing your insulation will help your home be more energy efficient during the winter.

Our final step is to get a roof inspection. A roof inspection will allow you to ensure that all potential problems you have seen during your winter preparation are taken care of. This will fortify your roof, giving you an extra layer of protection and less worry during these long winter months. Do you need a residential roof inspection or repair? Call Prusak Roofing today at (708) 422-2624 to get started!

A lot of homeowners have misconceptions about residential metal roofing. However, it offers many benefits and is a great option if you want a durable, long lasting roof. Here are a few myths and benefits of a metal roof!

Great Insulation

Metal roofs provide excellent insulation and energy efficient benefits to any home. Because of the reflectivity of the metal, sunlight does not get absorbed like it does on an asphalt shingle roof. This can keep your home cooler in the summer months. This feature also helps keep you home warmer in the winter, insulating you from the frigid temperatures outside. And you don’t have to worry about loud rain or hail on your roof! Many people think metal roofs are extremely loud when their insulation actually dampens noise.

Durability

A typical residential metal roof can last 50+ years on average, and it built to withstand all kinds of damage. Resistant to water, termites, fire, high winds, and more, you can rest easy with a solid metal roof over your head. They also stand up against earthquakes and hail! Unlike asphalt and wood roofs, metal does not deteriorate over time due to exposure to the elements. It’s wise to check your roof every now and then, especially after heavy storms, for signs of severe damage or rust.

Style And Colors Options

When most people think of a metal roof, they think of the classic silver, standing seam roofs found on many barns and warehouses. However, residential metal roofing has come a long way! You can find residential metal roofs in red, green, or brown, and can even find metal shingles that resemble traditional ones. If you like the benefits of a metal roof but want a classic looking roof, this is a great option!

If you’re interested in residential metal roofing in Bridgeview, IL, call the experts at Prusak Roofing! (708) 422-2624.

There are many commercial roofing materials available, and to the outside they sound very similar. Here are a few tips to help you choose which is best for your business!

TPO

An extremely popular commercial roofing material, TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) roofing has many benefits. It is one of the more affordable options and most commercial TPO roofs last 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. TPO is a rubber roofing material that comes in rolls. Your roofing contractor will roll out the TPO and can be mechanically fastened, heat welded, or glued onto the roof. Because it is white, it is generally more reflective than a black roofing material like EPDM. This can help keep your roof cooler and reduce your building’s cooling load.

EPDM

EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) roofing is a synthetic rubber material, most commonly found in black. You can also find EPDM roofs with a white layer on top to help increase reflectivity. EPDM roofs have been known to last 40+ years and stand up well against environmental effects. There are three methods of installation: ballasting, fully-adhered, and mechanically attached. Talk to one of our roofers to determine which is the best option for your building.

PVC

Different than the rubber roofing membranes, PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is a plastic roofing material. It is heat welded at the seams and can be adhered with various techniques. It is more expensive than the other membrane roofing options and has a life expectancy of 20+ years. PVC maintains high UV resistance and durability.

Metal

Metal roofing is certainly the most expensive option, but it is also the most durable. Metal roofs can easily last 50+ years and require very little maintenance. It has superior durability, reflects sunlight, and helps insulate your building. Most commercial metal roofs are standing seam roofs, and you may even see this style on residential buildings. Another bonus: many insurance companies provide tax credits or discounts to businesses with metal roofs, up to 35%. Compared to membrane roofs, metal is a solid, excellent choice. However, metal may not work on all commercial buildings and the cost may be too much if you have a large building.

Not sure which material is best for your business? Call your local commercial roofing contractors at Prusak Roofing at (708) 422-2624. We’d be happy to answer your questions and help you find the perfect commercial roofing materials!

Just like your roof, your gutters may need maintenance from time to time. From a quick visual inspection from the ground to thorough cleaning, make sure your gutters are in top form. Follow these gutter maintenance tips to keep them in shape for years to come.

Ground Inspection

Every now and then, especially after heavy rain or high winds, walk around your house and check your gutters. Are they leaking or rusted? Do they sag or are they securely fastened? Is water pooling around your foundation? If you notice any of these problems, you may need gutter repair or replacement. Unless they are completely rusted, you can typically repair any gutter problems on your own or you can call a professional roofer.

Keep Them Clean

If you have large trees around your house, you have probably dealt with cleaning leaves out of your gutters. If not, now’s the time! Any debris that runs off your roof can get stuck in your gutters. You may find leaves, acorns, pine needles, shingle granules, twigs, bird nests, and more. Remove any debris and pay special attention to the downspout. To make sure water is flowing properly and for an extra cleaning, use a water hose to run water through the downspout. If you notice a clog, you may need to call a professional.

While you’re up there, check the spikes to make sure your gutters are securely fastened to your home. You may need to replace them if they have worked themselves out of the rafters.

Stay Safe!

Whenever you are using a ladder, you should follow the instructions and be careful. Make sure the ladder is secure before climbing, and stay off of the top two or three rungs. Do not reach too far while using the ladder. Tip: It is easier and safer to clean your gutters from a ladder rather than from on top of your roof.

If you need gutter repair or replacement in Bridgeview, IL, call Prusak Roofing at (708) 422-2624. Our expert roofers can upgrade your gutters to a new, rust-resistant material or provide more tips on roof and gutter maintenance.