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Common Roofing Problems and Their Solutions

Aerial,View,Of,Roof,Work,Done,On,A,Home.

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and it’s essential to keep it in good condition to ensure the safety and longevity of your property. Over time, various roofing problems can arise, but the good news is that most of these issues can be addressed with timely repairs. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common roofing problems homeowners encounter and the solutions to resolve them effectively.

Leaky Roof:

  • Problem: Water leaks are a common issue, often caused by damaged or missing shingles, deteriorated flashing, or worn-out sealants.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the leak and promptly repairing or replacing damaged roofing materials can resolve this issue. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to preventing leaks.

Shingle Damage:

  • Problem: Shingle problems, such as curling, cracking, or missing shingles, can leave your roof vulnerable to water infiltration.
  • Solution: Replacing damaged or missing shingles and addressing the underlying causes, such as poor ventilation or inadequate attic insulation, can restore the roof’s integrity.

Moss and Algae Growth:

  • Problem: Moss and algae can grow on your roof, causing aesthetic issues and potential damage.
  • Solution: Cleaning your roof and applying treatments to prevent regrowth can help maintain its appearance and longevity.

Ice Dams:

  • Problem: In colder climates, ice dams can form on your roof’s edge, leading to water backup and potential leaks.
  • Solution: Proper insulation, ventilation, and regular maintenance can prevent ice dams. Additionally, removing snow buildup from your roof can help mitigate the risk.

Roof Ventilation Issues:

  • Problem: Poor ventilation can lead to temperature imbalances, moisture buildup, and premature aging of roofing materials.
  • Solution: Ensuring proper roof ventilation through vents and soffits can maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level in your attic, extending the life of your roof.

Flashing Problems:

  • Problem: Damaged or improperly installed flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights can allow water to seep in.
  • Solution: Replacing damaged flashing and ensuring proper installation is crucial to preventing leaks in these vulnerable areas.

Sagging Roof:

  • Problem: A sagging roof may indicate structural issues that require immediate attention.
  • Solution: Consulting a professional roofing contractor is essential to assess and address any structural problems, which may involve reinforcing or replacing support beams.

Gutter Clogs:

  • Problem: Clogged gutters can lead to water overflow, damaging the roof and causing foundation issues.
  • Solution: Regular gutter cleaning and maintenance can prevent clogs and ensure proper drainage.

Regular roof inspections and maintenance are vital for identifying and addressing common roofing problems before they escalate. Whether it’s a minor repair or a more extensive renovation, acting promptly can extend the life of your roof and protect your home from costly damage. If you encounter any of these issues, don’t hesitate to consult a professional roofing contractor for expert solutions.

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The Sobering Stats: Drunk Driving and Its Impact on Insurance Premiums

The_Sobering_Stats

Drunk driving is a pervasive issue that not only poses significant risks to road safety but also has lasting consequences on individuals’ financial well-being. The following show sobering statistics of drunk driving and how they correlate with increases in auto insurance premiums.

The Alarming Statistics
The numbers are stark and alarming. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving contributes to a considerable portion of road accidents. In recent years, nearly 10,000 people lost their lives in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers, accounting for nearly 28% of all traffic-related fatalities.

Impact on Insurance Premiums
For those caught driving under the influence, the financial impact goes beyond legal fines and court fees. Insurance premiums take a substantial hit. On average, a DUI conviction can result in a staggering 80% increase in auto insurance premiums. This spike in costs is attributed to the heightened risk that insurers associate with drivers who have a history of impaired driving.

Risk Assessment by Insurers
Insurance providers meticulously assess risk when determining premiums. A driver with a DUI is statistically considered a high-risk individual due to the increased likelihood of accidents and claims. This risk assessment translates directly into higher insurance premiums, reflecting the potential financial exposure that comes with covering a driver prone to impaired decision-making behind the wheel.

Regional Variances
Statistics also highlight regional variations in the prevalence of drunk driving and its impact on insurance premiums. States with stricter DUI penalties and enforcement tend to have lower instances of drunk driving accidents and may see comparatively lower insurance premium increases for those convicted.

Age and Gender Disparities
Studies show that certain demographic factors, such as age and gender, play a role in drunk driving statistics. Younger drivers and males are more likely to engage in risky behavior, including driving under the influence. Consequently, this demographic may experience more substantial increases in insurance premiums following a DUI conviction.

Repeat Offenders
Another concerning statistic is the rate of repeat DUI offenses. A significant number of individuals who have been convicted of driving under the influence continue to engage in risky behavior. Repeat offenses not only result in more severe legal consequences but also lead to higher insurance premiums, as insurers perceive an elevated level of risk.

The statistics surrounding drunk driving and its impact on insurance premiums underscore the importance of responsible decision-making behind the wheel. The financial ramifications of a DUI go beyond the initial legal penalties, affecting individuals’ ability to secure affordable auto insurance for years. By understanding these statistics, individuals can make informed choices, prioritize responsible driving, and contribute to safer roads for everyone.

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Why It’s Important to Replace Your Roof for Your Homeowners Insurance

Whether it’s raining, hailing, or windy outside, your roof takes the brunt of all the harsh elements. However, if your roof has been neglected and isn’t in tip-top shape when bad weather hits, then you could be putting your home at risk for leaks or other potential severe damage. If your roof is old, faulty, or on its last leg, your home may be categorized as high risk. This also means you may be paying a higher premium for your policy. Here, we’ll review what’s typically covered for roof damages and why a new roof could decrease your homeowners insurance.

Keeping your roof well-maintained is a general best practice to avoid extensive repairs or premature replacements of your roof. Typically, insurance policies may cover the following roof damages:

• Rain

• Hail

• Wind

• Fire

• Fallen objects

• Hurricanes

• Tornadoes

Some insurance companies will provide discounts to homeowners after they’ve installed a new roof. An asphalt shingle roof that’s 15 years old is more prone to leaks simply due to the fact that it’s near the end of its lifespan and has taken the brunt of 15 years of weather. For this reason, older roofs can be categorized as high-risk since homeowners are more likely to file a claim for damage, which results in a higher insurance premium.

On the other hand, a newer roof is less likely to be susceptible to weather damage simply due to the fact that it’s new. Different states and different insurance companies have their own discounts for new roofs, so you’ll want to consult with your insurance agent to determine how much of a discount you can receive as each insurance company has its own set of requirements for what qualifies for a new-roof discount.

Getting homeowners insurance will allow you to protect your home in the case of unexpected damages during storms or inclement weather. However, the price of protection can be hefty if you have an older roof. Some insurance companies will offer discounts for new roofs simply because it’s a new roof that hasn’t taken the brunt of ever-changing weather. In addition, some insurance companies will offer discounts for impact-resistant roofs. Fortunately, new technological advances in the roofing industry have allowed manufacturers to develop roofs that can withstand high winds, are resistant to moisture-related growth, and are resistant to impact from falling tree branches. Contact (Agency Name) at (phone number) or visit our website at (homeowners insurance link) to see how your homeowners insurance policy is affected if you decide it’s time to get a new roof.

Source: https://www.stateroofing.com/blog/roofing/why-a-new-roof-will-decrease-your-homeowners-insurance/

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Homeowners Insurance Facts

When you decide you want to buy your first home, homeowners insurance may not be the first thing you think about. However, most mortgage lenders require you to have homeowners insurance before they will approve your loan. There are a few things you should know about homeowners insurance.

Certain losses are excluded from most homeowners insurance policies. Standard homeowners insurance policies don’t cover floods or earthquakes. If you want coverage for flood or earthquake damage, you will need separate policies for those. If you are in a flood zone, your mortgage lender may require you to purchase flood insurance.

We all know that our credit score is important for many things. Did you know it can also affect your homeowners insurance premium? Some states have banned this practice; however, in most cases your credit score can affect your insurance premium. The better your credit rating, the lower your premium. So while you’re spiffing up your credit rating to get a good deal on your mortgage loan, you should maintain a good rating to save money on your homeowners insurance.

Poor home maintenance may cause a claim to be denied. Not all damages are covered by homeowners insurance. If the damage that occurred to your home is due to your failure to properly maintain your home, your claim may be denied. When it comes to home maintenance, don’t be a procrastinator!

While you are living in your new home, you will acquire new valuables, personal possessions, and may do some home improvements. You should always report these to us right away so we can ensure your coverage is sufficient for your investment. Enjoy your new home, you deserve it!

Source: https://www.hsh.com/first-time-homebuyer/facts-about-home-insurance.html

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Vacant Property Insurance 101

If your home is left unoccupied for weeks or months at a time, your standard homeowners insurance policy might not provide coverage in the event of a claim. Any damages or losses that occur would have to be paid out of pocket unless you have vacant property insurance. 

Unoccupied and vacant homes present a greater insurance risk than an occupied home. The emergency response time is slower and there is an increased probability of a break-in occurring. This increased risk has resulted in the exclusion of these properties in a standard homeowners insurance policy. If you own an empty or vacant house, you should purchase vacant property insurance to protect yourself and your home.

Generally speaking, if your home is left unattended for 30 days or more you’ll want to purchase vacant property insurance. Before leaving your home vacant for an extended period of time, you should contact your insurance agent and discuss how your insurance carrier defines vacancy. Below are some scenarios where a homeowner might find the need for vacant property insurance.

  • You own a vacant home that you only visit a few times per year.
  • You’ve purchased a home, but won’t be moving in for several weeks.
  • You’re constantly traveling for weeks at a time.
  • You’re remodeling your home and won’t be living there during renovations.
  • You’re renting out your home and you’re in between tenants.

Source: https://www.valuepenguin.com/unoccupied-and-vacant-home-insurance

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Summer Fire Safety Tips

According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are an average of 385,500 residential fires every year. While taking out a Homeowners insurance policy with fire insurance coverage will help protect you from the costs incurred from a house fire, following these fire safety tips can help prevent a fire from starting in your home. 

Fire Safety Tip #1: Don’t Smoke Indoors

Smoking indoors can cause more damage than you may realize. Over 18,000 fires are started by smoking materials annually, causing $476 million of property damage. While it’s best not to smoke indoors or on exterior balconies or porches, if you do, be sure to completely extinguish any cigarettes and never smoke when there’s a chance you might fall asleep. 

Fire Safety Tip #2: Keep Your Dryer Clean

It may surprise you but completing common household chores like cleaning the lint trap in your dryer can help prevent fires. In 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to almost 16,000 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. In addition to keeping your washer and dryer clean, it’s best to only run them when you will be home to supervise, that way if a fire starts, you can take immediate action. 

Fire Safety Tip #3: Practice Summer Grill Safety

Over 10,000 house fires a year are attributed to grills and fire pits. Whether it’s because people use their grill too close to their home or they use the wrong fire starter to ignite the charcoal grill or fire pit, practicing summer grill safety can help prevent fires from starting. This includes everything from grill placement, making sure your grill is clean, safely disposing of charcoal briquettes, and never leaving your grill on while unattended. 

Fire Safety Tip #4: Don’t Leave Candles Unattended

Candles can create a relaxing ambiance for your home, but unattended candles can be incredibly dangerous. In fact, from 2011-2015, over 8,500 fires a year were started by candles, with $295 million in property damage. Never leave candles in a room unattended, especially if you have children or pets, and always make sure to clear the area around a candle of anything that could possibly ignite, including decorations, curtains, papers, etc. 

Fire Safety Tip # 5: Practice Firework Safety 

Fireworks and sparklers account for roughly 15,000 fires per year, including house fires, vehicle fires, and outdoor fires. To avoid injury and potential fires, it’s important to practice firework safety, including only using legal fireworks, having a designated area for setting off fireworks, only lighting off one firework at a time, only letting responsible adults use sparklers and fireworks, and properly disposing of firework remnants after they’ve been used. 

Fire Safety Tip # 6: Create a Wildfire Defensible Space

While wildfires are powerful and unpredictable, there are safety tips you can try if you live in an area threatened by wildfires to help create a wildfire defensible space, which could prevent the spread of wildfires. To do so, you might consider actions like keeping your lawn and plants watered, clearing away brush and debris, using fire-resistant shrubs and plants, storing firewood away from your home, and keeping your roof and gutters clear of leaves, needles, and debris. You’ll also want to practice additional fire safety if your area is experiencing a drought like nearly half of Washington state.

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Smart Homes

Smart technology and devices continue to revolutionize how we live. Most people want to stay up to date on the latest trends and technologies. It is estimated that there will be over 73 million smart homes by 2021. So if you want to be one of these trend setters, you will want to read this list of how you can start to make your home a smart home!

  1. The first, and most important, step to making your home a smart home is to get a smart home digital assistant. The two most popular home assistants are Amazon Echo (with Alexa) and Google Home. You can purchase either one of these at www.bestbuy.com 
  2. Adding smart light bulbs is another great way to make your home smarter. Using your smart home digital assistant you can control all the smart lights in your home via voice control or by the push of a button. You can also have different settings for the lighting in each room, and turn lights on and off when you’re not home!
  3. Installing a smart thermostat is a great way to automate the temperature throughout your home and can even save you money on your electric bill! Some smart thermostats can learn your favorite temperatures and even sense when people aren’t home to regulate the temperature.
  4. Replacing your regular doorbell with a smart doorbell is another step to making your home smarter and safer. Smart doorbells come with HD cameras so you can see who is at your door via your mobile device. You can also communicate through your smart doorbell if you need to.
  5. If you hate running the vacuum, you will definitely want a smart vacuum. High quality smart vacuums come with great sensors that allow them to navigate throughout your home and clean autonomously! Some also come with Wi-Fi connectivity so it allows you to control it via your smartphone.

Source: https://thesmarthomer.com/how-to-make-your-home-a-smart-home/

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Why Is Flood Insurance Important?

flood

You don’t have to live in a flood-prone area to encounter flooding in your home. This can happen at any time to anyone! Flooding can be caused by more than just natural disasters. If you own a home, you need flood insurance. There are two different types of flood insurance: the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood insurance. The area you live in will determine which type of flood insurance is best for you. 

The National Flood Insurance Program is a flood insurance that is offered through FEMA. If you are located in one of the 21,000 communities that participate in this program, you should be eligible for both types of coverage offered by the National Flood Insurance Program. The two types are building property coverage and personal property coverage. Building property coverage is “replacement cost value” coverage. This means that building property coverage covers the cost to repair or replace your home up to $250,000. Personal property coverage replaces up to $100,000 of items in your home. 

The other type of flood insurance is private flood insurance. Private flood insurance premiums vary based on the insurance companies that offer it. Speak with your insurance agent regarding cost and coverage plans. 

You may qualify for both the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood insurance. Depending on the value of your home and contents in it, you might be better off getting both to protect yourself in the event of a flood. 

Flood Facts: 

  • Just one inch of water can cause more than $20,000 in damage. 
  • It takes just six inches of fast-moving water to sweep an adult off their feet and 12 inches of water to sweep a car away. 
  • Flash floods typically carry water between 10 and 20 feet high. 
  • If you live in a 100-year flood plain, your home has a 1% chance of flooding each year. 
  • Moving water at 10 mph carries the same pressure as wind blowing at 270 mph. 
  • If your home is in a flood plain and you have a federally backed mortgage, you are required by law to carry flood insurance.

Source: https://www.daveramsey.com/blog/need-flood-insurance

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Spring Home Maintenance

🌷Spring is here!  🌸  After a long dark and cold winter, the bright sun and warm winds of the spring are a breath of fresh air! The only downside? All that sunlight helps you see your leaf-filled gutters, cracked sidewalks, and dead plants in the flower beds. Get your home in shape for spring with this checklist!

1. Examine Roof Shingles: Examine the roof to see if any shingles were lost or damaged under the winter snow and ice.

2. Check the Gutters: Loose or leaky gutters can cause improper drainage, which can lead to water in your basement or crawlspace during the spring rain.

3. Inspect the Concrete: Inspect concrete slabs for signs of cracks or movement. Fill cracks with concrete crack filler or silicone caulk, power-wash, and then seal the concrete.

4. Remove Firewood: Firewood stored near the home for winter should be moved at least 18 inches off the ground and at least 2 feet from the structure.

5. Check Outside Faucets: Check outside faucets for freeze damage. While you’re at it, check your garden hose for dry rot.

6. Repair Window Screens: You will want to open the windows to let the fresh air in. Ensure small holes and tears are repaired so bugs don’t get in.

This is just a short list of items you can do to prepare your home for the spring. Winter was nice and cozy but, we are ready for the spring sunshine! While you are preparing your home for the spring, it is a great time to review your homeowners insurance! 

Source: https://www.hgtv.com/lifestyle/clean-and-organize/10-home-maintenance-tips-for-spring-pictures

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A.C. Marmo & Sons, Inc.

Fairfield Location:
350 Passaic Avenue
PO Box 11115
Fairfield, NJ 07004
973-340-9100

973-340-2254

info@acmarmo.com

Lavallette Location:
1605 Grand Central Avenue, Suite #3
Lavallette, New Jersey 08735
(732) 793-7530


(732) 733-7534

We are licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Send us an email

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