How to inspect your roof for storm or hail damage.

When it comes to the roof, a heavy storm can leave homeowners scratching their heads as to whether or not they’ve incurred damage. The following are a few easy methods to determine if parts of your roof have gone rogue or remained pristine. And you don’t necessarily have to climb a ladder to do it; sometimes a pair of binoculars and a pair of sharp eyes work best.

Look for missing or creased shingles.

Although these signs are not always obvious and usually require a professional inspection, whenever a gap or unsightly groove in your shingles is in plain view, it’s a telltale sign that it might be time for a new roof.

Look for granules that have been washed or forced off your roof.

These granules normally protect the asphalt layer under your shingles from UV damage, and losing them not only indicates damage, but also speeds the aging of your roof. You’ll spot them in your driveway or your gutters if there’s been damage.

Check if other parts of your home, yard, or car have hail or storm damage.

If they do, your roof most likely needs replacement. The roof has a vast amount of surface area and often receives the heftiest brunt of a storm. Think of any adjacent storm damage on your property as “symptoms” that can diagnose the wellness of your roof.

Look at your own neighborhood.

If your neighbors are having their roof replaced, or roofing contractors are suddenly visiting your neighborhood, there’s a good chance you’ve sustained damage.

While these are a few simple DIY tips that could save you time and possibly alleviate some concerns, you can always call the experts at Total Construction Services for a free assessment and the most capable, experienced craftsmen giving your roof the utmost scrutiny. Serving Omaha, Papillion, La Vista and surrounding areas since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Why adjusters call on Omaha’s Total Construction

Home damage happens. But when the storm season hits, insurance claims skyrocket. That’s why adjusters—amidst the frenzy of trying to handle case after case with unflinching accuracy and best practice—need a go-to Omaha contractor who’s equally reliable. Here are three reasons why many major insurance companies choose us and entrust us to uphold their great reputations.

1) On-site expertise.

With over 25 years serving our Omaha community, adjusters and homeowners have come to trust the Total Construction name. That’s why adjusters call us first for a ladder assist. When roofing is a touch too unstable, too steep, or otherwise troublesome, insurance companies rely on Total Construction to safely and efficiently evaluate any damage. Not only do we assist with on-site inspections in Omaha, we have an in-house insurance division that works directly with adjusters, often serving as a liaison between adjuster and customer. We’ll ensure the most accurate estimates, prevent any discrepancies between parties and make the process far simpler—and more accurate—for everyone.

2) HAAG Certification

All of Total Construction Services inspectors are HAAG-Certified. This might be jargon to most folks, but your insurance agent looks for this certification and so should you.

HAAG Certification ensures that contractors are a true authority when it comes to storm damage, especially when it comes to damage to your Omaha home’s roofing. Inspectors with certification can quickly and accurately inspect for damage and can evaluate appropriately. More important—these conclusions have true credibility. HAAG Certification is more than just experience. It’s the right kind of experience.

3) Award-winning service.

In addition to multiple awards, distinctions and customer testimonials for our work, Total Construction has also won the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award—twice. Amidst a vast choice of construction contractors and Omaha roofing contractors, we don’t just bring the promise of good work. We bring proof.

Insurance companies can’t afford to waste their time on subpar contractors and roofing companies. At Total Construction, we not only understand that, we’ve worked hard to demonstrate it for two decades.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Ice Damming Causes Roof Damage in Omaha

After the latest bombardment of snow storms, many households throughout the Omaha area had to deal with ice damming. Those nasty icicles, and the inches of snow that create them, can seriously challenge your roofing installation. After the snow melts, it is important to inspect your Omaha roof for damage.

Often times, these storms shed light on poorly installed skylights. After the melt, check the skylights for signs of leaking. Improper insulation, bad installation, as well as other factors, play a role in leaking and should be addressed immediately.

It is also important to inspect your roofing for warping. Warping indicates that the wood underneath the shingles may be compromised, creating a serious issue. Peeling, or bubbling, shingles are another sign that your roofing need attention.

If you think your roof has some damage, call your insurance provider to have the roof inspected. Total Construction Services in Omaha can inspect your roof as well. Our HAAG certified inspectors are a trusted source for insurance agents. We can diagnosis damage and provide a course of action to help protect your home.

Call us today 402.572.7457. | www.mytotalconstruction.com

Basement flooding and mold: what you should know.

Given this season’s torrential rains, a majority of homeowners in the Midwest have experienced water in their basements—which also leads to a buildup of mold resulting from the moisture. Thankfully there’s no reason to be concerned if you know what to do. Whether you have obvious sightings of mold or you’re unsure and need a proper assessment, here are a few pieces of wisdom that will help you get back to normal—quickly.

Consult a water damage and mold remediation professional.

Mold is a notoriously resilient, airborne-prone fungus. That’s why it’s important to never disturb any mold growth visible on your home’s infrastructure, and never trust any DIY mold removal kits on the market, which often prove ineffective. In these cases, a professional is best instead of trying to tackle it yourself—namely, a full-service construction contractor who has experience with household mold and water damage repair.

An experienced professional will ensure you receive thorough mold remediation, from a knowledgeable expert that knows how to detect the presence of mold throughout your home and eradicate it using the proper equipment.

Above all, the best option is prevention.

Even if you’re unsure whether you have mold, or your home seems unaffected by this season’s downpours, remember: a professional can also offer a thorough inspection and preventive consultation to ensure that your home is free of unwarranted moisture. A mold-free home is a healthy one.

Unexpected water or mold in the home can lead to further problems. But thankfully, it’s also one of the fastest and easiest issues to alleviate in the hands of proper professionals.

For mold remediation and repair across Omaha, Papillion, La Vista and Bellevue, you can always call the experts serving the Metro since 1987.

Out with the mold, in with the new!

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

We handle insurance claims

After storm, water, or fire, damages your home, you should call us at Total Construction Services. We routinely work with insurance companies to provide accurate inspections and estimates, and work tirelessly to get your home back to normal.

In 2013 we handled claims from
• Allstate
• American Family
• Farmers
• The Hartford
• Nationwide
• Travelers
• State Farm
• USAA

In 2013 Total Construction Services handled over 1,500 claims in the metro alone.
Your provider not on the list? Ask your agent about Total Construction Services.

And if you are worried about hiring the right company…

Get ready for summer: De-winterize your home.

The summer sun is coming. Get your home ready.Winter is receding and the summer sun is teasing its way in. Now’s a perfect time to prepare your home with a few simple steps to maximize your comfort and minimize any issues this season.

Test your outside water lines. Turn your outside water line back on and check your outside faucets to ensure they’re working correctly. Reattach your hose and test it also. If there’s a small leak, you can easily repair it using a garden hose repair kit available at most retailers.

Check your home’s exterior. Now’s the time to see how your home handled the winter and preemptively address any needs before spring storms and summer swelter begin their annual barrage. Are there any shingles missing from the roof? Are there loose boards in the siding? Gaps in the windows? Torn or bent screens or any cracking in the foundation? Points where the snow leaked into the home? These are all things that can be promptly solved by a professional contractor before the problem grows more intense along with the weather.

Make sure your attic is properly ventilated. An attic that’s properly ventilated by professionals ensures that undue heat is never trapped in your home (poorly ventilated attics can reach 150ºF in the summer) while also preventing unwanted moisture. When moisture builds, it can form into mildew and molds on your infrastructure—which can sometimes become a health hazard. So let your attic breathe. The benefits may surprise you.

Get your HVAC system checked. Make sure you’re prepared when you revive the AC for another season of cooling. Professionals can check your unit to ensure it’s running correctly, locate any leaks and tune it to run most efficiently.

Test all of your outside electrical outlets. Are they working correctly? Again, a professional contractor can assist if you locate a dud, which may indicate a greater problem.

Know your market. It’s wise to be prepared. With the seasonal changes on the horizon, be sure to have a trusted contractor on hand in the event of a problem or emergency. You can ask your home insurance provider for a list of trustworthy names. But above all, look for someone who receives local awards and real testimonials indicating overall excellence and customer service.

A well prepared home decreases the likelihood of issues during the hot months, but more importantly, enables you to more easily enjoy the summer. After all, isn’t that the point?

If you have further questions on de-winterizing your home, or for anything home-related, call Total Construction any time to speak with a friendly representative.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

The Problem-Solving Power of Good Attic Insulation

Sure, most attics are just dark and unlivable spaces, so it’s easy to overlook their importance. But when given modern-day maintenance and insulation, these vacant areas of the home are actually packed with potential to keep your roof, siding and other components free of problems in the cold months—while saving you additional money.

Why a “Cold” Attic is a Good Attic in Wintertime.

Sounds odd right? But interestingly enough, a well-insulated attic or “cold” attic in the wintertime does its job by keeping warmth where it belongs: in your living spaces below. If poorly or improperly insulated, your attic will absorb unwanted heat, which can warm layers of snow on the roof in a stovetop effect. The result: Untimely melts and ice dams forming near the gutters—in other words, water that can creep underneath shingles and enter your home. Water loves to find a way in wherever it can, but an insulated attic is a great way to keep it out.

Early fall is the best time.

With the Autumn chill soon upon us, now marks the best time to have a professional contractor look at your attic—not only to inspect the spread of your insulation, but also the type of insulation you have installed. Like any building material, attic insulation materials have evolved into much better and budget-savvier options that cut costs and keep temperatures pristinely balanced. And by doing it now, you’ll be staying one step ahead of latter part of Autumn, the time of year most prone to fluctuating cold temperatures, attic-bourne moisture and ice damming. (For the same reason, early spring also sees high occurrences.)

Stay tuned.

Attic insulation is just one of several professional pointers in our series of fall home maintenance tips yet to come—some widely known, some lesser known—and a great way to face the approaching cold months head on. As always, if you have any questions or issues regarding repair, roofing, remodeling or any seasonal adjustments to your home, call a licensed contractor. And keep an eye out for more tips in future blogs!

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Mold problem? Don’t Wait. Seek a Professional Solution.

Mold can happen anywhere in your home—just add water. With nearly 100,000 varieties, it’s no wonder homeowners might find it colonizing on wallboards, in vents, behind air conditioning units, around windows and roofs that leak, or under any carpeting that may have become wet. But when treated effectively, this notoriously resilient, airborne-prone fungus can be eradicated, and your home can be quickly restored to clean air, clean walls and even a cleaner bill of health for your lungs.

What causes mold?

Any damage to your home where moisture has infiltrated can lead to mold. Think of it like this: Plants only need moisture and sunlight, and mold only needs moisture and cellulose—a substance commonly found in many building materials. Obviously, wetter seasons of the year see greater occurrences of mold.

Is mold threatening?

Not always—certain molds help to age cheese to perfection—but the types of mold that grow within your home pose a risk and should not be taken lightly. If you spot any blemishes or large patches that are usually darker green to blackish in color, contact a mold remediation professional immediately to get an assessment. It’s also important to never disturb any mold growth visible on your home’s infrastructure, and never trust any DIY mold removal kits on the market, which often prove ineffective. Mold contains spores that can go airborne and, in some cases, cause respiratory health problems for a building’s residents. That’s why it’s important to address it right.

The best option is prevention.

A certified, independent contractor is usually your best bet for not just mold remediation, but also inspection and prevention before it happens. With water being a main ingredient for mold to occur, it’s smart to hire a water damage expert to provide the repairs or preventive consultation needed to help keep your home at its healthiest.

For professional remediation and repair across Omaha, Papillion, La Vista and Bellevue, you can always call the experts serving the Metro since 1987.

Out with the mold, in with the new!

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Roof Repair: Seek Integrity, not just Instant Quotes.

Get a Free Estimate from Total Construction ServicesWhile the storm season can seemingly produce hail out of nowhere, it also produces another sudden phenomenon: An outbreak of advertising leading you to websites offering fast free bids, instant quotes, instant roofer comparison lists and overall instant alleviation from your worries as a homeowner with roof damage.

And while these websites can sometimes yield a few good roofers with a click of your mouse, the fastest option is not always the best. Wise consumers know how to sort quality from quantity when they’re comparing which roofer is best for them—and can still fit an expert repair into a busy roofing schedule when it seems as though several contractors are backed up for months.

Be enticed by solid repair, not speedy repair.

While you’re understandably looking for an available roofer fast, it’s important to reiterate: Always look for the indicators of a great roofer first and foremost. Does the company have a good local reputation that’s backed by awards and testimonials? Do they offer a solid warranty? Do they have experience that proves their longevity in the industry? Do they work with an insurance company who can vouch for them? The roof is a literal investment over your head. It’s important to have it done right—and you’ll be much happier down the road.

You can still have both—quality repair and no waiting list.

After you’ve weeded down your options by asking the above questions, you can fine-tune your comparisons from there. And if the roofers you contact are too busy to serve you now, there’s a smart option not widely known to the public called a third party—a network of local, regional and national roofing contractors who serve much like an elite national guard wherever roofers are needed (especially right after heavy storms). And you can always ask your insurance—as well as the roofers you’re contacting—for companies that they can refer.

So if you’ve received recent hail damage to your roof, chin up. The roofing industry is evolving fast, better options are becoming available, and there’s no longer a need to settle for speedy subpar options. You can still get the best service for your roof—on time and on budget!

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Or learn more about Third Party Management.