How to Prevent—or Handle—Frozen Water Pipes for Your Omaha Home

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Winter might be harsh outdoors, but when frozen water pipes burst, the real emergency conditions are, ever so suddenly, indoors. Whether you’re thinking ahead to protect yourself from this bad scenario—or you’re thinking on your toes in an actual pipe-burst situation—you can use the following helpful tips from Omaha home restoration experts to ensure that you act smart. Choose your scenario below.

Prevention Tips:

1. Insulate your water pipes.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not expanding ice from within a pipe that makes it burst; it’s the remaining liquid water finding nowhere else to go but out. Wherever your pipes are warm to the touch, insulation is likely needed. Insulating your pipes not only serves as a preventative measure for pipe bursts, but also reduces the cost you pay for hot water. Ask a local hardware store for pipe insulation that you can install yourself—quickly and painlessly. You can also receive federal tax credits in the process.

2. Seal those seams.

To keep cold wind away from your pipes, seal cracks and holes in your walls with caulking. Simply walk along the walls of your house and feel for drafts. And for fainter drafts, light an incense stick. When the smoke is offset, there’s a draft. 

3. Some doors are best left open.

Did you know? Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can keep warm inside air from reaching pipes under sinks or in adjacent outside walls. It’s a good idea to keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to let warm air circulate around the pipes to prevent freezing.

4. Don’t hesitate to use your taps.

As long as water is running and pressure doesn’t build up, there’s a far lower risk of freeze and pipes bursting. Also, it’s okay to let faucets lightly drip where you believe there could be risk of cold pipes. The slight relief in pressure prevents potential buildup within your pipes.

5. Leaving for a trip? Don’t over-lower the heat.

While understandably it saves money to lower your thermostat when you’re away from home, it’s important to not be overzealous and allow your home to cool excessively in your absence. A home kept reasonably warm will ensure pipes share the same cozy condition.

Emergency Tips:

In the event of a frozen or broken pipe, it’s best to call a certified professional and Omaha home restoration expert immediately. In the meantime, locate the main water shut-off valve in your home. Depending on where you live and your house type, your shut-off valve may be in a utility room (or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house), crawl space, basement or at the meter. Twist it completely clockwise to interrupt the flow of water.

While a pipe burst requires immediate assistance, you can also call a professional any time of year for additional precautionary tips on how to prevent this worst-case scenario. And for the best repair and restoration in the instance of water damage and other incidents, contact a certified, award-winning construction contractor serving homes and businesses since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Need a Roof Replacement or Repair? Three Helpful Tips.

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The roof is that part of the home or business that often goes neglected due to its location, but when it comes to comfort it means everything. While it’s important to address any issues with your roof promptly—you can also prevent any issues before they occur. Here are just a few simple tips to help make the process easier.

1. Timing is everything.

Roof Replacement.

With the warm season upon us, now marks the ideal time to replace your roof. The cold months and inclement weather often impede workers from being able to do the job, while late spring and summer are perfect times to perform work on your roof most efficiently and effectively.

Roof Repair.

Just as repairs ranging from hail, heavy wind damage, fire and other disasters require immediate attention, so does the slightest leak into your house. It’s more convenient to work with a contractor who works directly with your insurance company through an insurance claim center.

Roof Inspections.

While homeowners are encouraged to occasionally inspect their roof with a pair of binoculars, scheduling a professional inspection at least once a year—twice ideally—is far more effective and puts a professionally-trained eye on your roof that can better detect any signs of damage. The preventive nature of inspections make them a smart investment that could save you money when it really matters down the road.

2. Choosing a professional—look for proof.

A good reputation.

Has the company earned local awards to prove itself as a standout against the competition?

A sound roofing warranty.

This not only signifies a company’s faith in the high quality of its own work, but commitment to the satisfaction of each customer.

Testimonials.

While it’s important to find a roofer that’s certified, it’s also important to locate solid customer testimonials that lend credibility to a company’s level of care, friendliness, and timeliness getting the job done.

3. Experience.

Total Construction has been providing service for roofing as well as complete restoration and remodeling needs since 1987. Whether it’s damage from fire, water, wind, or hail, the professional team at Total Construction provides the experience and dedication to quality craftsmanship for all types of restoration projects—for virtually any structure type.

Proper Attic Ventilation: A Breath of Fresh Air

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As the summer swelter takes full effect and temps rise to annual highs, the circulation of cool air is important throughout your home—as well as your attic. In fact, homeowners who understand the need for proper attic ventilation enjoy more efficient cooling bills, a longer lifespan for their roofs and the avoidance of costly problems down the road.

The Importance of Doing it Right.

Attic ventilation, done to professional standards, ensures a constant cycle of fresh air while keeping the attic cool in the summer. But here’s where it works hardest to benefit your home: Ventilation reduces the risk of fires, prevents wood from rotting, stops mildew from forming and equalizes your roof and attic temperatures to guard you from roof damage in the future. Even in the cold months, proper ventilation prevents the buildup of moisture, ice dams, and condensation that can allow mold to collect and damage the boards your shingles are nailed to.

It’s simple: A roof that breathes year-round enjoys fantastic protection and longevity that others do not. That’s not only good for you, but also good for any other parties involved in your roof, such as shingle manufacturers, who will often void a guarantee if the roof and attic don’t have proper ventilation.

For expert attic ventilation, roof repair, installation or any related service requiring professional attention, you can always call the roofing experts serving customers since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

4 Benefits of Replacing Your Old Windows

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There comes a time in the lifecycle of any house when you have to consider replacing the windows. You may be hesitant at first, especially if you don’t how much you stand to gain from the replacement.

  1. Energy Savings

Outdated windows cannot block thermal transfer as well as modern units. In most cases, they lack weatherproofing features, which allows drafts to seep in and increase your energy bills each month. Replacement windows can eliminate this leakage and help you enjoy better savings on utility bills.11222

  1. Enhanced Appearance

Today’s windows come in a wide array of colors and other options, which can be used to give your home a major facelift. No matter the style of your home, we are confident that you will find a window that suits your taste and budget.

  1. Noise Reduction

If you live near the airport or on a busy street, the noise in your house can become disturbing. Replacing your windows with dual-pane glass can make your home more soundproof. After all, who doesn’t want more peace and quiet in their home?

  1. Maintenance Ease

Windows endure the brunt of harsh weather conditions. If your old windows have wood frames, you probably know how hard it is to keep them looking good, especially after many years. Replacement units, on the other hand, tend to be very low-maintenance. A simple wipe every now and then will leave them looking clean and fresh.

With Total Construction Services, replacing your old windows is just one call away. We provide an exciting selection of siding, windows and other home improvement solutions to keep your home in top shape.

Give us a call today at (402) 572-7457 or fill out our online request form to get a FREE estimate on your next window replacement project. From start to finish, we will work with you to develop a plan that fits your exact needs.

How to inspect your roof for storm or hail damage.

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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.

Damage to Vents are an easy indicator of hail damage
Spotting dents in your vents is a great indicator that your roof has taken some hail damage.
Spot Shingle Damage Easily
The black marks on these shingles indicate areas where damage has occurred. A professional roofing company will mark and count the number of damaged areas.
Professional Damage Assessment Overview
Insurance companies will use a professional assessment to see how much damage has occurred to the entire roof.
Professional Damage Assesment
A good contractor will climb up on the roof and identify spots where damage has occurred by outlining damage with chalk.

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

Hardboard Siding: Is it on your Side?

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The majority of us don’t live in Beverly Hills, so it’s understandable that we install what we can afford when it comes to our siding. However, in the eyes of top construction contractors, this explains the unfavorable trend of hardboard siding that can be seen on homes everywhere that were built new over the past few decades. While this product still has the appearance of real wood and several homeowners who use it have dodged the bullet thus far when it comes to water damage, today’s generation of contractors are receiving a growing number of calls about aging hardboard siding that has fallen victim to rain or water damage, swelling and patches of deterioration.

Smart Solutions to Siding.

The good news? Good contractors. They can make the process of siding selection, repair, or replacement far less daunting—even enjoyable. They understand what modern materials and woods are affordable and best resistant to water. They can adeptly handle your siding complaints, communicate with your insurance, and quickly restore your home’s precious coat of armor.

As siding options are growing—from time-tested woods to newer, modern-day-engineered materials—smart homeowners can explore products that not only look better, but offer greater protection, equity and coverage from insurance. Simply put, there’s an option that can be tailored in the interests of your home and your wallet.

In the storm-prone Midwest, it’s important to remember that when it comes to siding, never just go skin deep—you could be inviting water into your home years later. Hardboard siding may have a nice-looking shell, but underneath you’ll find heat-compressed wood fibers, wax and resin, which require more maintenance down the road and offer less performance than other brands. Ask any professional.

Questions about siding?

Whether you’ve incurred siding damage or you’re looking to upgrade to a better option or receive consultation, you can always call a certified contractor serving homes in Omaha, Papillion, La Vista and Bellevue since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Home Improvements Can Lower Insurance Premiums

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Whether it’s roof replacement, new siding or simple repair work, improvements to the home not only increase your property’s value and comfort, but can also decrease your insurance rates. Savvy homeowners can take advantage of this one-two punch to ensure that equity is flowing into their homes–while money is flowing back into their wallets. So if you own a home, or if you’re simply scouting for a new home, the following are some helpful pointers to remember.

A simple phone call could do wonders.

It’s important to realize that, while insurance providers try to be accurate, they’re not always able to see and know everything. If you make an upgrade to your home, whether major or minor, let them know. In one case, a homeowner’s insurance rose 30% at renewal time, prompting him to call his provider. In a turn of events, he discovered that they were unaware he’d hired professional roofers to install a new roof. The result? They decreased his rate to 10% lower than it was originally. One phone call made a difference of 40% in his premium, proving that a little communication can really go a long way. When it comes to the house, if you improve it, announce it.

A few good questions might lead to insights.

Even right now one can look at a home for possible savings opportunities. Here’s one good question to ask: Is the roof new? Nothing speaks better to an underwriter than a roof with proof. New roofs are safer for you, but safer for insurance providers to cover. And if a roof is constructed of impact-resistant shingles, you could qualify for further discounts–especially if you live in a region prone to occasional hail or high winds.

Another good question to ask: How’s the siding?
Insurance companies will check a building’s exterior material before insuring the property–and materials such as brick, stone, and concrete or cementitious siding are fire resistant and could attract greater discounts. On the other hand, an exterior such as EIFS siding (which looks like traditional stucco but is actually different underneath the surface) is not as fire resistant, or impact resistant, thereby drawing a higher insurance rate. You can always contact a construction professional to get the clearest answers.

And when you do search for the best contractor, ask them: Are they a Haag-Certified Roof Inspector? Do they hold a current certified installer accreditation from the shingle manufacturer? Choosing the right professional with experience already puts you at an enormous advantage in several ways, including insurance. In fact, that’s worth repeating.

A trusted contractor pays off when it comes to insurance matters.

It’s common knowledge that finding a company with experience and great references is crucial in any roofing, remodeling or restoration project. But here’s a lesser known fact: Working with your insurance provider on any home issue becomes far simpler, and more cost effective, when you hire an ethical construction contractor. They not only work with your best interests in mind, but earn the trust of your insurance company and ensure that all parties are on the same page.

A contractor with a sound insurance claim department can communicate directly and knowledgeably with your provider to reach optimum results. They speak the language insurance companies use, and know which materials will fetch greater cost savings for you. Moreover, a good contractor will work on your behalf and make your satisfaction a top priority–unlike, for instance, a public adjuster who works for a percentage of a settlement which becomes needless money out of your pocket. And by working with a company who has simultaneous expertise on both the construction end and the claims end, you’ll achieve results while avoiding any wedge that a public adjuster can drive between you and your insurance provider, hampering your relationship.

At Total Construction, we’ve served homeowners since 1987 with expertise in roofing, remodeling and repair. We work entirely on your behalf to ensure all projects completed on your home–and the savings you receive–are equally satisfying.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Youth Sponsorship- Shannon Marley

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Shannon Marley, 13, with her sponsorship check

Total Construction Services has awarded 5 youth with a $500 sponsorship in the activity of their choice, whether it be a sport or a camp. This is our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much since we opened in 1987.

Shannon Marley is 13 years old and going into the 8th grade at Glenwood Community Middle School. Shannon’s big interest is music. She is learning the piano, but is most interested in vocal performance. She is an alto in her middle school Honor Choir and was featured as a soloist in her school’s last choral concert. Shannon auditioned and was selected for a place in UNO’s Middle School Honor Choir with students from all over Nebraska and Southwest Iowa.

“This was a big achievement for her and a lot of time, effort, and practice went into getting her ready for it,” Shannon’s father John says.

Shannon would like to take voice lessons to further her talent, and this is what the sponsorship funds would go toward.

Total Construction’s Youth Sponsorship Program is just another way that we are giving back to the community and the people who are a part of it. We hope to continue this going forward.

Youth Sponsorship- Sierran Nutter

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Sierran Nutter pictured with Total Construction President Kevin Jackson

Total Construction Services has awarded 5 youth in Nebraska and the surrounding areas with a $500 sponsorship in the activity of their choice, whether it be a sport or a camp. This is our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much since we opened in 1987.

At the age of 12 Sierran Nutter decided to give her life to Christ. The following summer she went on her first mission trip with other members of her youth group at Capital City Christian Church in Lincoln. Following the devastating storms that hit Joplin, Missouri the kids did as much as they could in four days to help. The helped with laundry for those who had no resourced to do it themselves anymore and helped sort donations of personal care items and then distributed them.

Since then she has continued to grow in her faith. She has attended camps in Colorado, Indiana and Nebraska. She helped pay her way to many of these by working at the fireworks stand at her church. She has recently signed up for a trip to Table in the Wilderness in Centennial, Wyoming where she will share the gospel and fellowship with other youth. This will likely be her last ‘church camp’ as she just graduated Norris High School, but she is looking for other missions opportunities. She plans to attend college at Wayne State in the fall majoring in Pre-Physical Therapy. There is a thriving student ministry there and she is looking forward to joining.

The sponsorship will go towards her camp and any other mission trips she is looking to do this summer. Sierran is just one of the many amazing youth that Total Construction is sponsoring.

Total Construction’s Youth Sponsorship Program is just another way that we are giving back to the community and the people who are a part of it. We hope to continue this going forward.

Youth Sponsorship- Laynee McAlpin

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Laynee McAlpin, a sophomore at Millard West, pictured with Total Construction President Kevin Jackson

Total Construction Services has awarded 5 youth in the Omaha area with a $500 sponsorship in the activity of their choice, whether it be a sport or a camp. This is our way of giving back to the community that has given us so much since we opened in 1987.

Laynee McAlpin is going into her sophomore year at Millard West High School. Last year she started her golf career as a freshman on the Millward West golf team. She was the only freshman to medal at a tournament this past season, which is a great accomplishment. The sponsorship is going to help her pay for private lessons and tournaments this summer to make sure she is ready for the season in the fall.

Total Construction’s Youth Sponsorship Program is just another way that we are giving back to the community and the people who are a part of it. We hope to continue this going forward.