Not all Kansas City roofing inspectors are created equal. At Brown Roofing in Kansas City, our roofing inspectors are not only experienced and professional, they’re Haag certified as well. What exactly does that mean to you? Walter G. Haag was a man with 25 years of civil engineering experience who founded a consulting company in Dallas, TX in 1924. Originally, this company valued properties after losses. As his reputation around Texas grew, customers started requesting that he also evaluate the reason for the loss. The business grew until 1946 when Mr. C. Wayne Parish, a WWII Air Force engineer, took over after Haag retired. Since then, the company has expanded to have a nationwide reputation as a multi-faceted forensic engineering and consulting company. Their dedication to technical knowledge and unwavering commitment to quality have solidified their reputation for excellence. Haag serves the legal industry, the insurance industry, corporations, manufacturers, private companies, and individuals through engineering, research and testing, education, and consulting.

So What Can Our Haag Certified Roofing Inspectors Do for You?

Specifically, having Haag Certified roofing inspectors gives you, the homeowner, several advantages. Because they have a thorough training, they can provide more accurate inspections.  Our inspectors use specialized tools available only to Haag-certified roof inspectors. They have been trained to use advanced tools like the Inclinometer, Pitch Gauge and Shingle Gauge which helps them be more exact. They can also provide better damage evaluations because they use findings backed by science. They can also give you a more precise cost estimate using these scientifically-based methods. Plus, in cases where there is a discrepancy between an estimate from an insurance adjuster and our estimate, the Haag certification adds validity to our claim. When you see the Haag Certified Inspector emblem, you know that you are doing business with an expert in the roofing business.

Brown Roofing Offers Free Kansas City Roof Inspections

So whether you need a roofing inspection for annual maintenance or you suspect damage from a storm, winds, hail, or tree limbs, go to www.brown-roofing.com or give Brown Roofing a call and we’ll send our Haag Certified roofing inspectors to give you a free roof inspection and upfront quote. There are never any surprises with Brown Roofing, so call us for your free roof inspection today and avoid any surprises with your roof as well.

Myth 1: Pea-Sized Hail Will Damage Your Roof
Here in Kansas City, we all know the not-so-friendly sounds of hail hitting the siding of our homes, or we’ve watched it bounce off our patio furniture, like popcorn popping behind the counter of the movie theatre. You may be surprised to know that it will take more than just a pea size hail hit to cause damage to your roof, or even the glass tables of your lawn furniture. In fact, according to Haag Engineering, it will take almost an inch and a quarter sized hail stone to start damaging your prized outdoor possessions. This is also known as ping pong, golf ball, or bon-bon sized. It gets even more in depth than that. Damage also depends on the age, type, and slope of your roof. Don’t be afraid to call Brown Roofing to at least come take a look, and give our expert opinion. We offer free Kansas City roof inspections year round.

Myth 2: Filing a Hail Claim on Your Roof Will Raise Your Insurance Rates
After these events, the first thing people are wary about doing, is filing an insurance claim for roof damage caused by the nasty storm. They feel it will be treated much like a car accident claim, with the inevitable premium increase. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.  The insurance companies consider this, in their insurance language, “an act of God”. This means, in laymen’s terms, that nobody is at fault, except maybe your better judgment for not putting your car in the garage. Furthermore, premium increases are illegal to apply on a customer-to-customer basis. The only thing the insurance giants can do is raise premiums regionally, which happens somewhat rarely.

Myth 3: You Must Get Three Bids from Roofing Contractors
The final myth that needs busting is that you should get three bids before choosing a contractor. This would be like saying, be sure to take out three different dates, before you make the correct selection. This doesn’t need to be a bad episode of the Love Connection. The only reason you may want to seek three different contractors, is because you didn’t trust the two previous contractors who entered your home with tar on their boots, and a severe lack of professionalism and deodorant. Trust is by far the most important factor in choosing the correct roofing contractor. Here is the main reason why…they are not just there to repair your shingles, siding, and gutters. They are repairing the structure which protects the most important thing in your life, your family. Do your research and choose a roofer with a good reputation.

You want a professional roofing company that will do the job right. Brown Roofing Company has been building our reputation in Kansas City since 1995. We are locally owned and operated and a member of NARI – The National Association of Remodeling Contractors. When you need a roof inspection or a roof replacement, call Brown Roofing.

Clay tile roofs are beautiful and add a unique style to any home, but clay tile, like all roofing choices, does require some maintenance. The weather in Kansas City can wreak havoc on all roofs, but clay tile roofs are particularly susceptible to wind damage, hail damage and ice damage. Tile roofs will crack and chip over time and those tiles should be replaced to prevent leaking. With proper maintenance, tile roofs can last 50 to100 years, so make sure your roof is inspected annually to prolong its lifespan.

One of the most common maintenance issues with tile roofs is debris. Branches, leaves, and other organic materials can build up in key areas, soak up water, and create leak issues. This buildup can also block drains and gutters allowing water to back up and damage the roof. Snow is actually a great insulator and as long as snow guards are properly installed, the snow will keep your home warmer and drain off the roof without causing any damage. The best thing you can do to keep your tile roof in good working order is to have it inspected at least annually and to have any debris removed and broken or cracked tiles replaced. Late autumn is a great time to have your roof inspected because falling leaves and twigs mean debris is at its heaviest and it is removed in time to keep snow from getting caught behind it. 

Tile roof maintenance mainly consists of keeping an eye on your roof and conducting routine checks to look for chipped, cracked, or broken tiles or piles of debris. However, because foot traffic is hard on tile roofs, it’s not recommended that you walk on your roof. Not only is it dangerous, but it will almost always result in damage if you don’t know the proper technique. In fact, if you have any work done on your roof, by chimney sweeps, painters, or other maintenance people, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected for damage afterword. Call Brown Roofing for a free roof inspection anytime you suspect damage from foot traffic, storms or wind. We’ll make sure everything is up to par, and give you an estimate for repairs if they are required.

Did you know that some gutter guard systems can actually void your roofing warranty? Homeowners must be careful to choose the right system or they may run into trouble if they have home roofing repair problems later. We don’t recommend any kind of gutter cover systems that are integrated into the roofing system. It doesn’t matter if it is merely tucked under the first layer of shingles or nailed to the decking under the shingles. Either type can render your manufacturer’s warranty on your roof void. Considering how expensive roofs are, we don’t want you to make a mistake that could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars simply because you didn’t know any different.

At Brown Roofing in Kansas City, we offer two different types of gutter guard systems that won’t interfere with your roof or your roofing manufacturer’s warranty:

The first is the E-Z Lock^TM Gutter Screen. This system features a screen that is locked into place with a built-in spring action. Available in standard or small hole versions, E-Z Lock is made of heavy duty galvanized steel .028” thick. It is powder coated to protect it from the elements and ensure its longevity. It has been the industry standard for over 20 years so it is tried and tested.

The other option is called GutterCare. It is made from an exterior grade foam (not a sponge) that consists of 92% air allowing water to flow freely through it. It has greater porosity and a higher compression factor than other similar foam systems. It sits over the hangers and supports, so it can be installed without any special tools and will not cause icicles in the winter. GutterCare is not only better but more economical than “capped” type products.

If you have questions about gutter guards or roof warranties, see our gutter guard page on our website or call us for more information at (816) 410-0976.

Roofs are easy to ignore. You see them from far away when you’re driving up to or pulling away from your home or business. Usually, you don’t go up on your roof for a close inspection unless there is a problem that you notice inside – most commonly a leak. Even then, unless you are a do-it-yourself-type who’s not afraid of heights, you probably call a professional to go up and take a look rather than climb up there yourself. The point is, most homeowners really don’t know what shape their roof is in.  So how do you know it’s time to replace your roof? There are a few signs to look for that may indicate you have a problem. These signs may indicate problems with your underlayment, your flashing, your shingles or poor attic ventilation. You may need a whole new roof, but sometimes, if these problems are caught early enough, you may just need roof repairs.

1. Dark areas on your roof – these can be caused by environmental pollutants in the air, vegetation growing on the shingles like algae or fungus, or it could be caused by lack of granules on your shingles. The roof can be cleaned, but if the dark spots are due to a lack of granules, your shingles may not be able to protect your home like they should. Leaks could occur soon.

2. Missing, cracked or curling shingles – when roofing shingles become old, they lose their elasticity and ability to maintain their shape. Edges curl and crack. Wind can break these off and rain can get underneath.

3. Shingle and siding decay – when shingles are old, they cannot keep rain and snow out and it gets underneath. This can cause the siding to soften and expand, peel or flake off. Check your siding just under your roofline and eaves for signs of damage.

4. Excessive energy costs – this can be a sign of a poorly ventilated attic. Attics that aren’t ventilated properly cause heat to build up making it harder to cool in the summer. In the winter, moisture can build up causing internal leaks. This excessive moisture can cause exterior paint to blister and peel.

5. Leaks in the attic after a driving rain – if shingles have lost their flexibility, wind can cause them to lift and driving rain can penetrate underneath. Also, your underlayment may be deteriorated or it could be a flashing problem. It’s a good idea to check your attic after a storm with strong winds.

6. Stains on interior walls or mold or mildew growth – if you don’t check your roof regularly, sometimes this is the first indication that a homeowner has that there is a problem with their roof.

At Brown Roofing, we offer free roof inspections, so if you’re not sure what condition your roof is in, just give us a call and we’ll send one of our professional roofers to inspect it and give you a full report. If you catch a problem in time, it can save you a significant amount of money over replacing the entire roof. Call us today at (816) 410-0976.

Front Door with Siding Removed

In this photo, you can see we had to remove and replace almost all of the materials surrounding the front door of this home.  The culprit was the flashing.

When it comes to residential roof repairs in Kansas City, the main purpose is to create a barrier between the interior of the home and the weather and outside elements.  Water is the most difficult element to control. Roof flashing is the last line of defense in the battle against water penetration.  That’s why proper installation is so critical.

Flashing is critical where different levels of roofs intersect and where roofs end.  The most common locations for roof flashing are at valleys, chimneys, eaves, skylights, ridges, and at roof-to-wall intersections – basically, anywhere there’s an edge or a break in the plane of the roof.  These are the areas where gravity, surface tension and wind pressure will encourage leaks.

In this particular home, the step flashing, where the roof above met the wall, and specifically the “kick-out” flashing at the bottom of this roof caused rot in the sheathing, siding, trim and the door itself.  We do lots of repairs like this one that happened to be on a home of one of my next door neighbors.

Make sure when you hire someone to repair or replace your roof, it’s a professional with a proven track record.  Otherwise, in a few years, you may be repairing damage to other areas of your home. Call Brown Roofing for all of your roofing repair and replacement needs at (816) 410-0976.

What’s the worst thing about storm damage?  Knowing who to call?  The inconvenience of cleaning up?  The money it costs?  Strangers in your home for repairs?  Well, in many cases, people tell us it’s dealing with the insurance company.  At Brown Roofing in Kansas City, we take care of all of that for you.  Not only do we professionally settle your claim making sure you receive full value for every item, we deal with all the paperwork too.  We’ve been doing this kind of work so long, we’re experts when it comes to negotiation, paperwork and getting you the most for your claim.

The insurance adjuster is not an independent third party, they work for the insurance company, and their job is to arrive at a settlement you’re happy with. This can leave out small, not-so-noticeable details and sometimes even major components, which you may not recognize as damaged. Our experience proves that in the majority of claims, there are covered components missing in the initial insurance estimate.   The question is: Can you fully assess the damage on your own, and will you get what you really need from the insurance company to repair your home completely?  What if your claim is denied and the adjuster says there isn’t enough damage?

One call to Brown Roofing, and your worries are over.  Most of the time, storm damage is not just to your roof. It affects many parts of a home: paint & caulking, window sills, sashes, screens & metal wraps, siding, fascias & trim, guttering, vent hoods & flu caps, air conditioner/heat pump coils, light fixtures, even decks, stairs & fences.  We meet the adjuster on the initial inspection and go over all the damages. That makes everything go more smoothly right from the start.

So if you have storm damage, give us a call and we’ll make sure you get all of the damage reported, and receive the maximum amount for the settlement.  Our special storm roof damage response team is standing by ready to get your claim reported quickly. Plus, we’ll take care of all the ugly paperwork. Just give us a call at (816) 410-0976.

We’re Brown Roofing. Since 1995 our motto has said it all: “We Make Your Home What You Want It To Be.”   We offer full-service roofing and we are certified as GAF Timberline Authorized Residential Roofing Installers.  Skylight Repair is one of our specialties.

Our Design/Build Remodeling Division specializes in “original-look” room additions, functional and elegant kitchens and baths, basements with attitude, and historical restorations.  We also repair, restore or rebuild following fire, water or storm damage, and offer insurance negotiations as part of our service.

We have architects and designers we partner with to bring you a diverse team to help transform your ideas into viable plans. If you’ve already chosen a design professional, we’re more than happy to work with them to turn your dreams into reality.  We are Kansas City roofing experts and a whole lot more!