before-during-and-after-what-to-do-when-severe-weather-strikes-texas

Before, During, and After – What to do When Severe Weather Strikes Texas

before-during-and-after-what-to-do-when-severe-weather-strikes-texasWhat to do When Severe Weather Strikes Texas!

It’s the time of year that leaves Texas standing in the front yard staring at the low, black clouds forming – or (more safely) taking shelter in their home. We know this as tornado season, but it’s not just limited to the spring. Texas is prone to tornadoes any time of year due to our proximity to the gulf coast and cold air that moves in from up north. This means we have to be prepared in the event of tornadoes, severe storms, and straight-line winds and know what to do when severe weather strikes texas! Read on to learn what to do before, during, and after catastrophic Texas storms, and how to protect your property.

Before – Get Prepped & Ready

Knowing when to prepare yourself, your family, and your property for an emergency storm can be a defining moment toward a safe and cautionary experience instead of a reaction. Checking your weather reports often during weather warnings and getting your storm kit prepped will allow ease of mind as the storm passes through. As you prepare everything for the storm heading to your area it is imperative to be sure when, if necessary, to take preemptive measures for when the storm hits.

During – Monitor your Home/Business, and Tornadoes

You’re in the thick of it, winds are howling, thunder is crashing, and you may be panicking a little and we understand that! It’s natural to be worried when severe weather strikes! The best thing you can do when severe weather is happening does you best to stay calm and think clearly. Pay attention to the news reports and listen to what’s going on outside. Be aware of the signs of an impending tornado as they are more likely to happen with spring storms due to the ever-shifting temperature that happens here in Texas.

If a tornado does occur:

DO stay inside, away from windows, in the centermost portion of your location. If you’re in a mobile home or out and about try to get to a nearby gas station or commercial building, like a hotel. Also, try to get some sort of helmet on and hard sole shoes.
DO NOT park under an overpass, go outside to look at the tornado, or try to “escape” it.

Once things have settled down from a tornado or a severe storm take a moment to assess your situation to ensure that it is safe to start moving around. If you have confirmed that it is safe to move around, your next step is to take a look at your property.

After – Call a Contractor First

After a severe weather storm is over and you can safely inspect your property for potential damage, you should always call a contractor for help. Not only will they find the damage promptly and efficiently, but they are certified to repair the damage at hand. More times than not, a great construction team like Classic can also help you when it comes to insurance claims as well as setting up various payment plan options, making it as cost-effective for you as possible. You should never feel alone after property damage due to a severe storm, and the Classic Construction team can help you pick up the pieces and make your property like nothing ever happened!

Now that you’re ready for the next time tornado weather strikes, you can rest easier. Remember to prep before the storms hit, monitor the news during stormy conditions, and afterward inspect your property and then call the experts! Classic’s expert team is ready to go with 24/7 emergency service available. Whether it’s roofing, windows, or other damage, we can stop the leak and restore your building.

dont-wait-to-file-an-insurance-claim

Don’t Wait to File an Insurance Claim After Hail Damage

dont-wait-to-file-an-insurance-claimDon’t Wait to File an Insurance Claim!

Most homeowners who have recent hail damage on their roofs can file an insurance claim and receive some compensation, yet far too many people fail to do this. Some of them don’t know they even have hail damage on their roofs, while others might not think it’s worth the time and money to have it fixed. However, the most significant reason why so many homeowners don’t file an insurance claim after a storm is that they simply wait too long to act. By the time they realize how severely their roofs have been damaged, it’s too late to receive any compensation from their insurance companies. They must pay for the repairs out of their own pockets, which can get very expensive very quickly.

How Long Can I Wait to File an Insurance Claim for My Damaged Roof After a Hailstorm?

That really depends on your insurance, but most companies allow you up to a year to file a claim. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you should wait for several months before taking action. Your best bet is to file a claim as soon as you think your roof has sustained damage in a storm. The damage is still “fresh” at this time, which means it’s unlikely that anything else has caused any further damage. This will make it easier to prove that it was the hail that damaged your roof, and it will be much easier to repair the damage sooner rather than later.

Hail damage can take years to cause roof leaks and many homeowners put off getting an inspection or fixing damages. This is never a good idea. Here’s why:

  •  When hail hits an asphalt shingle it often knocks off the protective granule coating. Once the granules are gone, the protective layer underneath is exposed to the elements.
  • The sun’s ultraviolet light will weaken the exposed spots and make them brittle. These exposed areas are very susceptible to leaks.
  • Once leaks occur, the damage can be extensive due to potential damage from mold, electrical issues, ceiling and wall damage from water, and perhaps even personal property losses. The damage can also come very quickly and often is not initially detected.

Who is Responsible for the Costs of Additional Damage if I Decide to Wait?

While hail damage to your roof is covered by homeowner’s insurance policies, the additional damage caused by waiting to get repairs is not. Most insurance companies believe it is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain their homes and take action to prevent leaks and subsequent damage. Therefore, if you wait until your roof is leaking to make a claim you could be footing the bill for all the major repairs.

Preventing additional damage to your home is one of the reasons why some (but not all) insurance companies have time limitations to file a claim. In fact, most policies state that claims should be filed “promptly” or “as soon as possible”. We also always recommend having a professional contractor assess the situation to prevent further damage and costs. Don’t forget, that you can always rely on Classic Construction for your roof damage and repair needs. Feel free to reach out to us today for any restorations that need to be done to your damaged roof caused by hail storms.

Fall Homeowner Tips and Tricks

Resolutions Every Homeowner Should Have For Fall

With the kids back to school and fall in full swing, now is a great time to start thinking about catching up with things at home. During the summer, you were probably wrapped up in activities and the hustle-and-bustle, and tasks you were thinking of completing may have gotten put off. In fact, you probably don’t give much thought into being a homeowner on a daily basis. It’s second nature to pay the bills, fold the laundry, and put dinner on the table; however, we all know there’s much more to homeownership than that. The longer you’ve owned a home, the longer the to-do list becomes. Don’t let the small tasks like washing dishes and going to the grocery store distract you from tackling home improvements and projects you have put off, especially because as those small tasks are put off, small repairs can become big damage.

Now is a great time to get your goals in place! Here are three resolutions you can prioritize as a homeowner this fall.

Start those home improvement projects

If you’ve lived in your house for a while or if you live in an older home, you’ve probably accumulated and put off a laundry list of home updates either because you haven’t had the money to fund them or you simply didn’t have the time. You’re not alone — the average U.S. household has about nine home improvement projects waiting to be completed. And the longer you wait, the more costly they can become down the road.

This year, take on the projects that you’ve been procrastinating. Research experienced contractors, get quotes, or see what you could save money on by doing it yourself. While these projects might be daunting, some of the improvements you’re avoiding can actually be unsafe if not repaired. Therefore, it’s essential to get them done sooner than later. If money is scarce, you can find comfort in knowing that homeowners can use equity they’ve built in their home to acquire cash to put toward home repairs.

Cut back monthly expenses

Now is the prime time for you to reevaluate your spending habits. Homeowners have a running list of monthly payments from your Wi-fi, phone bills, utilities, to your mortgage payment. Add to that groceries, childcare, transportation, and any other home expenses, you might find that there’s not a lot of money left over to enjoy with your family or even store into your personal savings.

Look into ways that you can minimize your monthly expenses. For minor adjustments in your spending, search for more budget friendly products. For larger adjustments, you can also explore lower-cost options for major services you’re using like your wireless network or cable provider that could significantly decrease your overall spending. You can even consider going green, and investing in eco-friendly light bulbs, appliances, or even solar to not only improve your home but also save money on electricity. Any changes in spending, big or small, can successfully expand your freedom to spend or save with fewer concerns. The money you save can be put into some great low cost remodeling projects or help you redesign your kitchen and bathroom to get the space you have always wanted.

Get organized

Did you know that the typical American household contains approximately 300,000 items? That said, it’s no wonder that our homes get a bit messy every once in a while. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to wait until spring to do your spring cleaning – you can do it way more often and with much less stress!

When you have free time (it could even be just 10 minutes a day), start decluttering by going through one area in your room and setting aside a few items like clothes or household items that are old, worn, or unused.

Some of the things that are easy to part with (they don’t hold much sentimental value) can be resold, recycled, or even donated to a good cause. If there are items that you have a strong emotional connection to, you can store it in a separate location from your main living space, perhaps in the garage (off of the floor and preferably on a rack or shelf to prevent mold growth) or in the attic in a plastic bin for safe keeping. Make sure to keep it tightly closed to protect from bugs or rodents just in case! Remove items you can live comfortably without and look into new and creative storage techniques if you’re short on space. Either way, decluttering is great for keeping your home spic and span and a great way to keep you feeling refreshed in your own home.

In Conclusion

Home ownership is never a walk in the park. With everything on your plate, it’s no surprise that some projects get pushed to the back burner. Take the fall time as an opportunity for a fresh start. Be proactive, get motivated, and find ways to balance life so you can live happily and stress-free in your home now and transitioning into the holidays. If you need help with updates and repairs to your home, call Classic Construction & Restoration, Inc, for fill out our contact form for a quote!

Kitchen island affected by water damage is being dried using a strong powered fan.

How to Deal With Water Damage

If you are dealing with water damage, make sure you take care of it immediately with water restoration! Waiting can be devastating to your home and can cause additional damage that will end up costing you more. Water restoration is a specialized service that removes water and helps restore your home after water damage. Find out what you can do before a water restoration team goes out, what you can expect and ways that our team can help keep your home safe.

A house in Houston suburb flooded from Hurricane Harvey 2017What You Can Do

The first thing you need to do is to get in touch with an emergency service contact. Many companies will provide customers with emergency services which are available 24/7. Water damage is considered an emergency service because of the damage it can cause if ignored. 

The next thing that you can do is to provide our team or the team you may be working with all of your information such as your contact information, address, insurance information, information regarding the flood (when it started and what caused it). After all of the information is provided it is important that you let the team take care of the rest. 

What You Can Expect: If You Ignore

If you ignore water damage you can expect the moisture to create bacteria and mold growth. Certain materials can be severely damaged due to the bacteria or growth which will cause additional repairs or replacement. Something that is more concerning is that many times, people begin to experience allergic reactions or illnesses because of water damage exposure. 

What You Can Expect: Water Restoration

By being proactive and scheduling water restoration services you can expect the following to be done 

  1. Inspection Assessment 
  2. Water Removal
  3. Drying and Dehumidification 
  4. Cleaning and Sanitizing 
  5. Restoration and Repair

We understand that every water damage situation is different and some situations seem like they can be dealt with by yourself, it is best to trust professionals and schedule a water restoration service or quote before attempting anything yourself. If you have more questions and would like to speak to a specialist, contact us today!

holiday lamp with candles that are lit close to a mirror.

Fire Safety During the Holidays

holiday lamp with candles that are lit close to a mirror.Holidays are prime time for fires; being prepared is the best way to help prevent them. Our team at Classic Construction has put together a list of ways you can be safe during these holidays! We hope you find our tips helpful and that they help you stay safe these holidays. 

Being Alert 

When cooking 

When you are in the kitchen, be sure that you are alert and know which burners are on, keep flammable items away from the heat, and stay in the kitchen while cooking. 

When handling flammables 

Make sure flammables are kept a safe distance from any source of heat. Flammable things include liquids such as gasoline, acetone, and alcohols. Some flammable items are bedding, paper, drapes, and rugs. 

When using heaters

When you are using heaters, make sure that you are in the room where it is being used and once you leave the room, make sure you have turned it off. One crucial aspect commonly overlooked is the surface that the space heater is placed over; always make sure that it is on a non-flammable surface.

Be Proactive 

Do not smoke in the house 

If you are a smoker or someone in your household smokes, make sure they smoke outside of the home. A way to help consolidate the smoking is to have a designated area outside of your home where those who do smoke can safely do so. 

Check all cords and replace frayed wires. 

While reusing lights, decorations with plugs or extension cords, make sure that your cords are not frayed and that they do not have exposed wires.  

Check fire alarms 

Fire alarms are the best way to be proactive! Ensuring that your fire alarm has batteries and is working correctly can help you be ready if a fire does happen. 

Have a plan 

Learn how and when to use a fire extinguisher

Having a plan is about being proactive and safe, and one of the best ways to be safe is by learning how to deal with a fire. Fire extinguishers are only useful if you and a few members of your household are able to use them. 

Fire escape plan 

If your fire isn’t able to be put out by a fire extinguisher, make sure that you and your family know where to go. Having a clear plan of escape and knowing your exit options can help you get out of your quickly if there is an emergency.

Have important phone numbers on hand 

Having numbers saved on your phone if disaster does occur is essential. After a fire, emotions can be everywhere, and if you have one thing less to worry about, the better. Of course, you would call 911 for a fire emergency, but one number to consider saving is Classic Construction’s number. Our team is available 24/7 for emergencies and are quick to reply and help you rebuild. Rebuilding a home is challenging, and our team knows that, and we are ready to make the experience smooth for those experiencing it. 

Living room in a cabin style home with a fireplace and holiday tree set up

Protect Your Home During the Festivities

Living room in a cabin style home with a fireplace and holiday tree set up

As we approach the last weeks of the year, it is essential to protect your home from the festivities and weather that occur. As you celebrate with your friends and family, plan dinners and gatherings to make sure you prioritize your home’s safety. If you are overwhelmed with all the activities that occur, our team at Classic Construction & Restoration has curated a list of ways you can protect your home during the festive season. Please note that if your home experiences any. 

1. Install and Test Smoke Alarms 

Installing and testing your smoke alarms are vital any time of the year but necessary during the festive season. According to the National Fire Protection Association(NFPA), you should install a smoke alarm in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. If you have more than one level, there should be a smoke alarm on each level. After installing your alarm, you should test it to ensure that it is working correctly. It is suggested that you test your alarm once a month and change out the batteries at least twice a year. If you need help with installing or testing your alarm, feel free to contact our team at Classic.

2. Have Fire Extinguishers 

Choosing a fire extinguisher and comparing each model to see which is the best can be daunting but can save you and your home from damages or losses. We recommend that the fire extinguisher in your home is an ABC fire extinguisher model and that one be placed on every level of your home and a bonus extinguisher in your garage. The reason behind the UL lettering on the extinguisher is that each flame has a designated letter, and your extinguisher should be rated according to the fire it that is effective against.

3. Ensure your Space Heater is Safe  

As the weather drops, we understand there is a need for space heaters, but one of the biggest mistakes is keeping it on all day long. According to NFPA heating equipment is a leading cause of fire in U.S homes. When you are not in the same room or leave the house, make sure to turn the space heater off. Another commonly overlooked item is keeping the space heater at least 3 feet away from curtains or bedroom furniture or bedding, or other combustible materials.

4. Unplug Electric Blankets 

Electric blankets are also a form of heating equipment that people tend to forget to turn off. According to healthine, most electric blankets that are ten years old or older run a higher risk of starting a fire. If you are using an electric blanket, make sure that the blanket is approved by Underwriter Laboratories (UL). If you are finished using your electric blanket, make sure that you store it properly, and as a safety precaution, do not sit or lie on top of it. 

5. Avoid overloading your sockets

Overloading sockets is something that can easily happen if you are using a single socket and extensions. While extension cords are great to have on hand, you can easily overload it and cause a fire due to overheating. One thing that you can do to prevent this is to limit the number of connected appliances to each socket. A rule of thumb that the National Ag Safety Database has is limiting each outlet to two appliances. 

6. Get your chimney/fireplace inspected 

As we mentioned in our previous blog, Winter Checklist for Your Home, it is important to get your chimney/fireplace inspected before turning it on. A clogged chimney can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, which is responsible for around 10,000 cases of carbon monoxide-related “injuries” each reported each year.

7. Be cautious of your candles 

Candles are used avidly during this season, and while they provide a sense of comfort and smell, they are often forgotten. If you fail to turn off your candle before bed or leaving the house, it can cost you your home. According to NFPA, candle-caused fires can cause an average of up to $278 million in home damages a year. 

8. Avoid distractions while the stove is on

Preparing dinner for a gathering with friends and family can be a series of ups and downs, but one thing to never forget is to keep collected and be aware of your stove when it is on. If things get out of hand with a kitchen fire, make sure to get out of the kitchen! 

9. Save Classic Construction’s contact information

While you should ALWAYS call 911 if you have a fire emergency, another reliable number to have after the damage has occurred to your house is Classic Construction. We are available 24/7 for emergency services and are ready to help you. You can contact us over the phone (insert emergency number here) or through our website. We are here to help you and when you choose us, know our team is On Time. On Budget. That’s Classic. 

Three Classic Construction managers on site after a storm which caused severe damage to the homes behind them

Good Contractors in My Area: What Makes a Contractor Stand Out From His Competition?

When you have a construction project that needs to get done, you want to hire a contractor that can get it done on time, on budget and on a high-quality level. That’s just common sense. But what makes a roofing contractor, a restoration contractor, or really any kind of contractor better than his competition?

There are three key traits that set the great contractors apart from the ones you never want to hire again, and they are:

Likeability

The most enjoyable contractor to work with is the one that you as a property manager, or maybe your HOA Board, actually likes. Construction projects can take a long time and it’s very likely that at least one thing will go wrong, causing problems for you and your residents. Make your job easier by picking a contractor you enjoy speaking with and receiving phone calls from. Most of the time, you’ll find it easier to do repeat business with a contractor you like than one you dread calling, whatever the reason. If you find yourself a contractor that you or your Board “just clicks” with, make sure you also vet them for this next trait.

Excellent Communication

Have you ever met a person you really liked who just never called you back? It’s such a shame when that happens. But this disappointment can quickly become a much bigger issue when it comes to construction. The best contractors will be the ones who take your calls, even when – no, especially when – things have gone wrong. This is a sign of trustworthiness and accountability that you might take for granted until you realize too late how important it is. If you’ve found yourself a contractor you like who answers your calls and emails, hooray! You’re 2/3 of the way to being sure you’ve got a great one. But can he meet the trifecta?

Professionally Knowledgeable

You might think this trait should come before communication skills, but if you can’t get the guy to talk to you, you’ll never get a chance to find out if he knows what he’s talking about. And you definitely want your contractor to know what he’s talking about. A likeable guy can con you into hiring him with his charming tongue, then leave you hanging out to dry when the project goes south. The best contractor for the job will be the one you like who communicates well with you and can demonstrate his professional knowledge for you before, during and after the project is complete. And if he truly is the trifecta of contractors, he’ll be able to explain the trickiest parts of the job to you in a way you can actually understand.

Here at Classic Construction, we believe in the importance of each one of these traits not just individually, but as a combination as well. If you’re looking for the trifecta of contractors, reach out for a free quote for your next project!

Three roofing contractors removing the old tiles before replacing with new shingles on a home

What to Do When a Resident Has a Problem With Construction

Classic Construction, roof being repaired on two story home with yellow tractor and workers below We’ve all had to deal with that one unreasonable resident.

You know the one I’m talking about. He shows up to every meeting, chimes in on every issue, and takes it upon himself to act as the neighborhood watch. Every Board member knows him by name which means that you as the property manager do too. He probably even has your cell phone number!

It can be hard to know what to do when this resident has a problem with construction, but we here at Classic Construction and Restoration, Inc. have over 80 years of experience handling resident/construction conflict.

We’re here to help.

Complaint #1: Noise

Perhaps the biggest construction-related resident complaint is that of the noise. The number one way to help prevent these complaints before you receive them is to make sure your contractor knows that work is only to be done during business hours. Then inform your residents of when work will begin and approximately how long it is expected to last. Most residents understand that when construction is necessary, there will be some loud noises involved. But they do have a reasonable right to expect a quiet, relaxing community after business hours. Try to assure them that you will do your best to provide them this quite time during the construction process.

construction cones blocking walkwayComplaint #2: Detours/Blockades

The second biggest complaint from residents usually involves the inconvenience of having to change up their morning and afternoon commutes. Humans are creatures of habit and having to add an extra 5 minutes to our morning drive is just excessive. (I mean, really!) To help residents adjust, make sure you know in advance where the detours and blockades will be located. Speak with your contractor before construction so that together, you can come to a solution that allows him to complete the work and you to cause the least inconvenience to your residents. And if there’s no way around the inconvenience, let your residents know well in advance about the detours and remind them why it is necessary or why this temporary inconvenience might even be desirable (ie nicer roads, prettier landscaping, etc).

Complaint #3: Jobsite Cleanliness

This complaint is not unreasonable for any resident to have. Messy jobsites are not only displeasing to the eyes, but can also cause problems in the community. Debris in roads and driveways can cause flat tires. Trash could attract nocturnal critters. Carelessly placed equipment can block roads or access to community amenities….the list goes on and on. When you receive a complaint from your residents about the mess the contractor’s crew is leaving behind, take it seriously. Let your contractor know about the issue and ask him to make sure that his crew is cleaning up after themselves daily. Contractors worth keeping should take this complaint seriously as well and strive to improve the condition of their jobsites.

Complaint #4: Quality of the Work

Again, this complaint is not unreasonable at all. Heck, you might even have the same concerns as your residents! If you notice that the work performed by your construction crew is of inferior quality, don’t be afraid to make him aware of it immediately. This is true at each stage of construction. It is better to ask your contractor about the work as you go along and catch some tiny mistakes now before the project is completed. This will save your contractor lots of money and will shorten the length of time you and your residents must deal with the construction. Before releasing final payment to your contractor, you should also make sure you or your residents are satisfied with the work. Most contractors accept this as a business process; if yours doesn’t, you might seriously consider hiring a professional contractor next time.

Classic Construction condo fire restoration project, new windows, roof and doors have been replaced.

Managing Construction Projects During COVID-19: HOA Tips

Construction project for Classic Construction HOADue to the nature of the Coronavirus quickly changing the world we live in, the way our residential communities are managed has changed drastically. These days, community managers must determine if a service is essential before they can decide whether they and the board want to move forward with it or not. While determining the nature of needed services as either essential or non-essential is not easy, it is important that these decisions be based on official stay-at-home orders and COVID 19 construction guidelines.

At the time of this writing, residential construction is still considered essential. This means that repairs that need to be made to homes, whether they be single or multi-family, can still be scheduled if certain social distancing and PPE protocols are followed. While this process sounds simple enough – keep 6 feet apart, wear face coverings, gloves, etc – it is easier said than done. Some smaller construction companies might not be able to acquire the gear necessary to perform the work according to these guidelines as the demand for these supplies steadily increases. Or on the other hand, some homeowners might not feel comfortable letting workers into their home without being able to supervise from a close distance.

Again, once the board has decided to move forward with a construction project, you might run into issues with scheduling. Many homeowners might be working from home and do not want to be disturbed by the noise construction crews often make while working. Others might be at high risk of contracting the Coronavirus and therefore not give workers consent to enter their home. In either of these circumstances, the board then has to decide if the construction project is urgent or serious enough to override the desires of the homeowner, if this is even within the board’s power to do so.

All in all, scheduling and performing construction projects is no easy feat in these trying times. Some tips to help you determine whether you and your HOA board should press forward are:

  1. Look to your bylaws and guidelines

If your bylaws state that certain projects must be done yearly, monthly, etc, then it’s probably best that you look into whether you can schedule these services or not. In this event, you should just follow the next tip which is to…

  1. Make sure you comply with CDC guidelines and local ordinances

If you or your board believes that a project must get done, then make sure it gets done in accordance with the law. Just be sure your construction workers understand and follow these instructions as well.

  1. Work with your residents

If you have set forth community guidelines and protection protocols for the safety of your residents, then they will better be able to trust that you are doing all you can to protect them while maintaining their home and community. If you find yourself dealing with a particularly difficult homeowner, try gently explaining to the importance of completing the project and the measures you are taking to ensure their safety. If this fails, you might have to start back at tip number one and determine if this really is an essential job or not.

Classic Construction employee standing next to a ladder outside of a brick Texas home which is going through a roof inspection due to heat damage.

The Top 3 Ways the Texas Heat and Humidity Can Cause Damage to Your Home

heat damage to Texas home going through inspection with brick layer, Classic Construction employee standing next to a ladder outside of the homeIt’s no surprise to anyone who’s lived here from May to August that North Texas summers are hot and humid. What might surprise you is the damage that the summer heat and humidity can cause to your home. That’s why today, we’re going to share with you the top 3 ways that heat and humidity damage your home – and what you can do about it.

Foundation Damage

Perhaps the biggest threat the Texas heat poses to your home is the threat of foundation issues. Your foundation is designed to gather moisture from the soil around it to help it maintain itself. In the heat, the soil around the base of your home dries up and shrinks away from the foundation, causing an imbalance in the delicate foundational support system. Furthermore, having large trees with large root systems near your home can cause further foundation damage as the roots spread out in search of water. A good way to keep your foundation damage-free is to make sure the soil around your home is continuously moistened by a sprinkler system and to remove any large trees from near your home. You might also consider bringing in more soil if you find that the soil or mulch around your home is already receding.

Roof Damage

heat damage to roof, cracked shingles Here at Classic Construction, we are unusually passionate about regular roof maintenance, and for good reason. Your roof is your first line of defense against the elements, and the heat and humidity in summer can cause damage to your roof that can affect other areas of your home as well. The heat can cause shingles to crack, making them more likely to leak. A good summer shower can come along and then cause unbearable humidity in your attic which, when combined with the heat, can cause the shingles to deteriorate at an even faster rate. The humidity can also cause the insulation in your attic to breakdown. To help prevent damage to your roof, we suggest scheduling regular roof maintenance to keep it properly maintained.

Sealant Damage

heat sealant damage to home roof flashing damage causing the roof to lift up from heat damage to the home. Roof raised a bit to see damageSealant essentially prevents moisture from entering your home or escaping your plumbing. Areas in your home that require sealant include your roof, pipes, windows, doors, tubs, and any openings that lead to the exterior of the home or are near the plumbing. Sealants typically have only a 6-month shelf life before they start peeling or become cracked enough to become ineffective. With the Texas heat and humidity, this shelf life becomes even less. Once moisture enters your home, you can have interior damage from the leaks such as stains on your ceiling or even more serious damage such as rotted wood or buckling hardwood floors. Furthermore, the humidity created by the combination of the leaks and the Texas heat can cause mold and mildew to grow. To prevent any of this from occurring in your home, we (again) suggest regularly scheduled maintenance and a healthy dose of vigilance.

If it’s been a while since you had someone come out and inspect your home for signs of heat damage, reach out to us here at Classic Construction today for a free quote!