Call MIdwest Exteriors of MPLS for Storm damage in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul Area

Storm Damage to your home.

The storm has blown over and now it is time to determine if your home has sustained any damage.  Here are the steps you need to take…..

·         Interior :

o   Check ceilings and walls for water stains

o   Check floors and basements for pools of standing water

o   Check air-conditioning/ furnace area for water

·        
Exterior:

o   Check gutters, down spouts, and siding for signs of hail damage

o   Check your roof for damaged or missing shingles

o   Check windows and screens for hail damage

 

If you or someone you know has storm damage, call us FIRST! After a storm often there will be a swarm of out-of-town contractors in the area that set up shop at local hotels and such. Make sure you research your contractor before signing anything. Don’t be afraid to ask for references and testimonials. Also, the BBB is a great source for researching contractor. Consider a local contractor with a solid track record like Midwest Gutter & Siding, Inc. We pride ourselves as BBB Accredited with an “A+” rating!

Call Midwest Exteriors of MPLS (formerly known as Midwest Gutter and Siding) at 763-550-1685 so we can perform a complete inspection of the exterior of your home to check for storm damage. If damage is found we can meet with your insurance adjuster to ensure all damage is identified.  Check us out on the web at:   www.mwexteriors.com

Why Do Roofs Deteriorate?

 There are many reasons why roof materials fail.  It may be from lack of maintenance, damage from storms, weathering from exposure to the elements, or compromised flashing systems. 

 It is very important that you maintain your roof and keep if free from organic materials like leaves and branches.  Organic materials attract moisture, bugs and other debris that can break down roofing material over time, allowing water to seep in.   If you maintain your roofing material by cleaning off the debris including the gutters in the spring and fall, you can extend the life expectancy of your roof and prevent expensive repair bills.

 Storms can cause significant damage to your roofing materials by weakening the fasteners from the roof deck.  Storms can create vacuums of pressure in your home which push up on the bottom side of the roof causing fasteners to fail.  This makes your home susceptible to moderate to strong wind storms. It is important to have your roof inspected after a major storm that involves high wind or significant hail.

 Homes with additions often have valleys and issues where old and new house join.  It is very important when re- roofing your home or repairing your roof that you communicate problem areas to your contractor. This allows the contractor to assess the situation proactively and prevents the new roof or repaired roofing area from experiencing the same issues. 

 Humidity and harsh weather conditions can shorten the life span of a roof and generally cannot be prevented.  It is important to research roofing materials for the climate that you live in.  Homes in arid climates generally have different roofing requirements than homes that are exposed to snow and heavy rains like we get in Minnesota. 

 Flashing problems may cause quick deterioration of your roof because flashing provides a water tight area between roofing materials and other parts of your home.   If flashing fails, it allows water to migrate into attics, siding and other undesirable areas of the home.

 If your roof shows signs of deterioration or water intrusion, it is important to contact a roofing professional.  Midwest Exteriors of Mpls, Inc. provides a free no obligation consultation.  Contact Dan at 763-550-1685, or check us out on the web at http://www.midwestguttermn.com 

Gutter sale Minneapolis St Paul area

Midwest Gutter and Siding is offering a 10% discount on all seamless gutter installations made before May 1, 2013.  Contact Dan Mack at 763-550-1685 or find us on the web at www.midwestguttermn.com. 

Midwest Gutter and Siding is a leader in the installation of seamless gutters. We have an A+ rating on the BBB and we won the Super Service Award on Angie's list for 2012. WE look forward to hearing from you.

Ice Dam's

 

Information Regarding Ice Dams

Causes of Ice dams:
Ice dams form when heat escapes through your ceiling and melts the snow on your roof. As the roof surface warms, the snow melts and water runs down to the surface of the roof (below the snow). When water reaches the lower part of the roof, which is cooler, it refreezes, trapping water and causing water to get under your shingles. Once water is inside the roof, it can cause serious damage to your home. Typical damage includes:

• Wet insulation
• Damaged ceilings
• Damaged dry wall & plaster
• Damaged windows
• Dry rot
• Mold

Ice Dam Prevention:
Ice dams can be prevented by making sure your attic is properly insulated to keep it cool so that heat does not escape through your roof. It is also important to make sure that your attic is properly ventilated. Many older homes lack proper insulation and ventilation. Gutters are often blamed for ice dam issues but inadequate ventilation and insulation is usually the cause of ice dams.

University of Minnesota Article on Ice Dams

Ice Dam Removal Services:
Midwest Gutter and Siding provides Ice Dam removal services including steam removal or rooftop shoveling. Rooftop shoveling is usually the first course of action as it may solve the problem and is a less expensive option.

 

Please contact Dan Mack at Midwest Gutter and Siding, Inc   www.midwestguttermn.com

Phone number 763-550-1685

Wood Peckers Damaging Siding

Woodpeckers Damaging Siding

 

There are many reasons why woodpeckers select siding to peck including attracting a mate, defending a territory, looking for a place to build nests or to search and find insects.  Woodpeckers tend to love cedar, rough pine, red wood, plywood, Masonite,  and synthetic siding.  It is important that you deal with woodpecker issues quickly  because woodpeckers are hard to deter once they develop a pattern.  Woodpeckers are protected by the state and federal government and cannot be killed or trapped.  It is important to try a variety of techniques to help them move to a new pecking place. Here are some suggestions:

1.       Fix the area that has been destroyed by the bird.

2.       Repair holes with aluminum flashing or metal sheathing painted the same color as the home.

3.       Bang pots and pans or other loud noises that startle the birds

4.       Hang metallic objects, balloons or small mirrors near drumming sites

5.       Use caulk around the grooves where insects hide

6.       Purchase wood preservatives that kill insects and taste bad to the pecker

7.       Create a nesting area somewhere else in your yard and provide food for the wood pecker

It is important that you take action before the woodpecker has done significant damage to your siding.  If you need to have your siding repaired, Midwest Gutter and Siding will provide a free no obligation consultation.  Please contact Dan Mack at 763-550-1685 and we can help you fix the damage.

Copper Gutters

Copper gutters are a wonderful addition to any home, adding beauty and setting your home apart from others in your neighborhood. In addition, they are durable, eco-friendly, recyclable, virtually maintenance free, and offer many designs and styles.  Investing in copper gutters will add value and ‘old world charm’ to your home.

Midwest Gutter and Siding offers traditional ‘K’ style copper gutters and half round copper gutters with soldered joints.  Call Dan Mack at 763-550-1685 for a free no obligation quote or find us on the web at www.midwestguttermn.com

Curb Appeal

The first impression of your home is very important especially when you decide to sell your house.  The average family spends at least 10 years in a home.  Why not enjoy the curb appeal of your home while you are living there?  There are many ways to improve the curb appeal of your home:

·         Replace dated siding with new vinyl siding, steel siding, or fiberboard siding

·         Install a new roof

·         Paint your front door

·         Replace painted brick exteriors with veneer stone products

·         Replace old drafty windows with some of the beautiful window products now on the market

·         Use decorative trim around windows or change the color of your shutters

·         Add columns or other dramatic features to Ramblers and Two story homes

·         Trim overgrown shrubbery or replace it with new landscape

·         Replace your front door and screen door with some of the new energy efficient products available today

·         Replace your old mailbox with a new decorative style

 Our sales professionals at Midwest Gutter & Siding are experts on exterior home restoration.  We would love to meet with you help you update the exterior of your home by providing a free in home consultation. Call us at 763-550-1685 or check us out at www.midwestguttermn.com