Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Roofing FAQ's
Don't ignore repairing or replacing your roof when signs show it needs work. It will damage the entire structure of your home as it becomes more exposed to the elements, which is detrimental to your siding, interior, and foundation.
If you notice leaks in your roof, it’s already compromised. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that you get your home’s roof inspected at least twice a year, preferably every Spring and Fall. Inspecting the roof for the following signs will help prevent total roof damage.
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Missing or cracked shingles
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Blistering or peeling paint
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Soggy and damp shingles
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Leakage in the attic
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Chimney leaks
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Discoloration of shingles
There are other signs that your home’s roof needs to be replaced. Our experts can inspect for them.
A roof's average lifespan is about 20 years. However, this may vary depending on the roof material and type, as some materials have a longer lifespan, and some types and materials last less.
It’s always best when replacing a roof to tear off the existing one rather than roof over the old one. Most of the time, we recommend that your old roof be completely removed, as we have to address the root of the problem before covering it up again. Unless the initial roof is a single, problem-free layer (which we check for), or a standing seam metal roof, it’s best to remove the old roof to avoid more problems in the future.
It’s hard to give an exact answer without looking at your roof, as the time it will take depends on the type of roof. With most residential properties, we can replace a roof anywhere from one day to a week.
We strongly recommend that you don’t try this, as the labor and logistics can be overwhelming for the untrained or inexperienced. Being on your roof is also very unsafe without proper equipment and training.
What is the best roof? Well, we wish we had a simple answer. What may be best for your neighbor’s place might not be best for you. It depends on your roof’s pitch, shape, and style. Our skilled team is always willing to take a look and help you decide.
Great question! We supply many certifications, credentials, references, and awards to help you feel comfortable. Roof Masters Plus LLC is also local and here to protect our community as best we can. It’s best to do your research and homework to learn more about Roof Masters Plus—or any roofing contractor you’re considering.
Metal Roofing FAQ's
Metal is one of the most practical roofing materials on the market today. It offers a lifelong alternative to more problem-plagued roofing materials like asphalt, clay, wood, and gravel.
Roof Masters Premium steel products are manufactured from Galvalume, the most rust-resistant coating on the market today. They are also painted with high-performance Kynar 500 or Hylar 5000 baked enamel.
All Roof Masters premium painted products carry a lifetime, non-prorated transferable warranty. The Kynar 500 / Hylar 5000 finish is warranted against fade for 35 years. There are metal roofs that have been protecting structures for over 100 years—and they’re still holding up.
One of the benefits of metal roofing is its lightweight, which allows it to be installed over existing roofing materials in some cases. Our team will need to assess to decide which would be best for you.
Metal roofing offers homeowners and businesses a lifelong solution. It’s an investment in the future. Over the lifetime of your property, metal roofing is probably the most economical roofing material because it could be the last roof you’ll install. Traditional roofing materials have a limited life expectancy before another installation is needed.
Metal actually reflects 70% of the sun’s energy. This minimizes heat retention. As a result, less heat is transferred into the building’s structure. Additionally, research done in 1985 by the Florida Solar Energy Center showed that metal experiences 34% less heat gain than asphalt shingles. Results also indicated that metal roofing offers an effect similar to R-11 insulation on the roof during sunny conditions.
Lightning is attracted to the highest point, not necessarily metal. A metal roof has no greater chance of being hit by lightning than any other type. A metal roof struck by lightning can help prevent your home from catching fire because it can dissipate the electrical charge. Very importantly, it is noncombustible.
Metal is a preferred roofing material in hail-prone areas. Hail causes extensive damage to roofs because it can break, split, and cause tear-off damage to traditional roofing materials. Hail will not penetrate a metal roof. In the most severe cases, the various styles and finishes available in metal roofing can even camouflage any cosmetic damage.
Siding FAQs
The cost is one of the most significant factors in installing vinyl siding. It’s half the price of wood, brick, and other materials. If the natural look is important, improvements in vinyl siding now allow for various colors and textures, including some types that resemble real wood. The value goes far beyond the look, however. Vinyl generally doesn't rot, dent, flake, scratch, blister, or peel. Not only does vinyl protect, preserve, and increase the beauty of your home, but it doesn’t conduct heat and provides great energy conservation.
The best feature of vinyl siding maintenance is that it’s minimal. The only regular maintenance required is cleaning, which can be done with the spray from a garden hose. You can use a soft-bristled, long-handled brush and some mild detergent for dirt or mildew spots that may build up where the sun doesn’t hit the home. Power washers can also be used to clean vinyl siding, but use a low-pressure setting.
Vinyl allows the material underneath to breathe, which helps resist mold and mildew while at the same time diverting water away from the sub-wall underneath, reducing water damage and making sure water doesn’t reach interior walls. Also, most vinyl is rated for winds up to 110 miles per hour. Nevertheless, should your vinyl be damaged, replacing vinyl siding is much easier than repairing or replacing other exterior surfaces.
Price estimates are based on many variables, such as how much of the current exterior needs to be removed or whether any damaged wood must be replaced. Although new vinyl can sometimes be layered over existing vinyl, there are occasions when the old vinyl must be removed, and this can increase costs. Overall, the maintenance costs, appearance, and durability far surpass that of other exterior options. You can also ask us about our Masters premium standing seam siding and see our comparison. Some prices are as low as vinyl.
Gutters FAQs
Gutters clogged with everything from leaves to twigs can cause expensive and dangerous repair nightmares. Rainwater washing over your gutters can accumulate in pools around walls and foundations. This can result in leaky and cracked foundations or blooded basements. Gutters prevent debris from collecting, allowing the water to run smoothly through the gutter and away from your home. Gutters also keep water from seeping down your home’s exterior, and in winter, they help prevent ice buildups on roofs.
There are several good reasons to consider replacement. Here are a few. If you’re still unsure, we’re happy to take a look.
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Clogged or leaky gutters are one of the biggest causes of basement leaks, mold, and other foundation problems.
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Standing water in gutters is one of the common places mosquitoes breed.
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Old worn-out gutters are unappealing and reduce the value of your property.
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Your old gutters may have become bent or dented or may be pulled away from your home so that they cannot be reattached or reworked.
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Your old seamed gutters may have begun to pull apart or have leaks, and you would like to replace them.
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You want to change the color of your gutters.
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Your current guttering's drainage is insufficient, so you want to install a larger gutter and downspout system. Most homes and commercial properties have 5-inch gutters with 2X3 downspouts, but Roof Masters Plus LLC only installs 6-inch gutters with 3X4 downspouts!
If, during rainfall, you hear the water slapping the ground and pouring over the sides of the gutter, there may be a blockage, or the gutter itself may not be aligned evenly. If you notice paint peeling or corroded wood, the gutter is most likely clogged, causing the water to overflow and run down the back of the gutter along the house's exterior walls. If you notice mold or see puddles of water forming around the outside of your house, it’s a sure sign of drainage problems.
All gutters are either sectional or seamless. They come in various materials, sizes, and colors. Roof Masters Plus LLC only installs seamless gutters with the hidden hanger system.
Yes! Most gutters come in several shapes and sizes called profiles. These include U-shaped and K-shaped configurations. In K-shaped configurations, the ogee-shaped front looks like the letter K allowing the system to have more of a crown molding look rather than a boxy appearance. Roof Masters Plus LLC gutters are a 6” K-shaped style gutter system.
Your conventional gutter was designed to be cleaned regularly. Cheaper box store add-on gutter covers often compromise the integrity of the roof. In the long run, your best bet is to choose a maintenance-free gutter guard by Roof Masters Plus LLC.
Certainly. If you’re a regular DIY-er and are comfortable on a ladder, you can install sectional gutters, but you’ll need a qualified professional to install seamless gutters. Seamless gutters leak far less than traditional ones.
Insurance FAQs
Indiana is known for its high winds and intense hail storms, which are more than capable of causing serious damage to rooftops and home exteriors. The untrained eye often overlooks most hail damage, which needs to be professionally examined. If the wind is high and the hail lasts longer than a few minutes, there’s a good chance that your roof could be severely damaged.
First, hail causes your roof’s shingles to lose the protective granule layer designed to defend the shingles from the sun’s intense and damaging rays. Then, the holes made by the hail eventually turn into pesky, unwanted leaks, eroding over time into larger ones bound to cause future structural problems to your home.
If there’s a slight chance that your roof has sustained damage, please call Roof Masters Plus LLC ASAP. It’s your legal right to have a professional represent you during an inspection, and we strongly encourage you not to depend on an insurance adjuster's bid alone.
The experts on our team will inspect your roof and point out any hail damage. Whether you have concerns or are just unsure, we’ll eliminate any of your worries before our inspection ends. After the inspection, you're not obligated to work with us. If we do not find any damage to your roof and provide you with the peace of mind we came to deliver, our job is done.
If there was a recent storm in your area, then no. Homeowners insurance does not work like auto insurance, and you won't be punished for filing a storm damage claim because it's considered an uncontrollable and natural event. Higher insurance rates are based on zip codes that experience statistically higher levels of storm damage. If you reside in an area that has sustained considerable storm damage, your rates may increase whether or not you file a claim.
With this appointment, the insurance adjuster will look at your property. They’ll inspect your roof and examine other affected areas for visible signs of storm damage. For the roof, they’ll measure out a “test square” (10’ X 10’) on different slopes of your roof. The insurance company will pay for a new roof if they find the necessary bruises or breaks for each square. There are also additional roof components that will be inspected and additional money that will be paid if damages are found.
After the adjuster's inspection, the insurance company will provide you with a Loss Statement that breaks down the damages and gives you a good idea of how much it would be willing to pay for those damages. They then formulate sums based on the age of the damaged items and calculate how much money you’ll receive before replacement or repair work begins.
Usually, seven to ten days after you receive the Loss Statement, you will receive your first check. This check is often called the ACV (Actual Cash Value) check. The ACV check should represent the actual cash value of the damaged item at its current age. For example, if you had a roof with a 30-year lifespan and your roof is 15 years old when it sustains the damage, the actual cost value of that roof would be depreciated by 50%. The first check to be sent out is 50% of the cost to replace your roof.
The second check is called the Depreciation Check. (Depreciation is defined as a reduction in the value of an asset over time, due in particular to wear and tear.) After the replacement or repair work is completed and the roof is back to new, the insurance company will issue a second check for the recoverable depreciation minus the deductible amount.
Most insurance companies have a 180-day limitation on collecting the recoverable depreciation check. You must inform the insurance company that the work is complete before receiving the second check. In many cases, homeowners do not get the depreciation check back because they do not understand the process and/or the contractor they chose did not understand or adhere to the proper procedures.
WATCH OUT FOR ROOFING COMPANIES THAT ADVERTISE NO DEDUCTIBLE!
Due to recent storm damage claims, ‘shady’ roofing companies, and dishonest contractors, insurance companies are now auditing some insurance claims and distributing funds.
INDIANA SENATE BILL 12-038 SECTION 1 ARTICLE 22 states that “THE ROOFING CONTRACTOR CANNOT PAY, WAIVE, REBATE, OR PROMISE TO PAY, WAIVE, OR REBATE ALL OR PART OF ANY INSURANCE DEDUCTIBLE APPLICABLE TO THE INSURANCE CLAIM FOR PAYMENT FOR ROOFING WORK ON THE COVERED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY.”
In other words, you cannot profit from your insurance claim. Every Loss Statement has a lawful disclaimer informing the homeowner about insurance fraud. Paying or waving a deductible falls within the grounds of insurance fraud. According to INDIANA BILL 12-038 SECTION 1 ARTICLE 22, you cannot profit from a loss. Insurance fraud is a Class 3 felony that is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and can be followed by extensive fines.
The answer to this question is no.
Your insurance company has a well-defined price list they will use. Your Insurance will only pay the actual costs for repairs per their price list (regardless of what bids you might get). If something was missed on the Loss Statement, we will work directly with your insurance company to ensure you are given the proper supplementation with new and corrected prices.
Now, take a step back and ask yourself this. What reward will the insurance company provide you with for finding the lowest price for them? Then, ask yourself if your insurance company will lower the price of your premium. The answer to both these questions is NO. Your insurance company will pay the contractor a “fair market price.”
Shopping for the cheapest price only saves the insurance company money and costs you and your home the quality treatment it deserves. DO NOT LOOK FOR THE CHEAP BID, ALL YOU HAVE TO PAY IS THE DEDUCTIBLE AMOUNT! Your insurance company is responsible for the rest. Going with a cheaper bid does not lower your deductible.
The best way to get a good ROI (return on investment) is to get a reliable contractor who will use the best materials and do the job right the first time. Going with the cheapest price can cost you more time and money in the long run. A roof is not something that you want to have to install twice. Get the best roof possible and put some equity into your house!
This is one of the biggest questions you will face during this process, and our best advice is to find a trustworthy contractor with a good reputation but, most of all, someone you feel comfortable with. You should never be placed in a predicament where you feel forced or rushed to decide. Look for a licensed and insured contractor.
Also, remember that large hail storms bring out-of-state contractors who lack knowledge of the area and local building codes. You must hire the right people to install the best products and assure yourself that the weather stays outside where it belongs. Hiring Roof Masters Plus LLC will ensure the best quality of work for you and your insurance company. We have the experience and know-how background needed to work on your behalf.
Step 1: Get your roof inspected by a local roofer with a good reputation. A lot of homeowners call the insurance company before calling a roofer. However, if there wasn’t a recent hail storm in the area and you do not have any damage, some insurance companies will hold it against you and may even raise your premiums. The best way to start your roofing process is to contact a Roof Masters Plus expert who will let you know how to move forward. We provide a no-obligation roof inspection and a detailed inspection report.
Step 2: If you have damage, call your insurance company to make a claim. Most of the time, your insurance company will ask if you have had your roof inspected and if you have selected a roofing contractor. You can confidently submit our inspection report to your insurance company and start the process.
Step 3: Set a time for your insurance adjuster and RMP representative to examine your roof together. As the saying goes, “Two sets of eyes are always better than one.” When Roof Masters Plus and your insurance agent work together on the project, everyone saves time and completes the rebuilding process faster.
Step 4: Pick a good date to install the roof or complete other exterior projects. After the details are worked out with your insurance company, we will give you a call and/or email you to let you know when your materials will be delivered. We will then provide you with a start date (weather-dependent). Most of the time, a normal roof replacement may take 1-2 days to complete
Step 5: CHECK THE COST! The ONLY cost to you is usually the cost of your deductible. Following the completion of the project, we will send out an invoice stating that the work has been completed. When you receive the invoice, we ask that you pay us the amount of your first check (actual cash value check) plus the amount of your deductible if a Material Deposit has not already been requested.
At this point, we will send an invoice to your insurance company, letting them know that we have completed the agreed-upon work and will ask them to release the depreciation check. The check will then be sent to you and should arrive within 1-2 weeks. Once your second check arrives, we send you the final invoice with the remaining balance. Remember that there may be occasions when the mortgage company must endorse the check.
