Proper Attic Ventilation: A Breath of Fresh Air

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

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

Hardboard Siding: Is it on your Side?

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

Pro tips to warm up your home for winter.

Winterize your home with useful tips from Total Construction

With the winter chill fast upon us, it’s the perfect time to be proactive and prep your home to save on your energy bills. While there are dozens of things you can do to get your home ready for winter, we’ve trimmed down the list to a few simple and highly effective steps.

Change your furnace filter. This simple action is cheap, quick and serves a double purpose: enabling a more efficient, cost-saving flow of air through your home, and filtering your home from airborne bacteria, mold, viruses and pollen. With your windows sealed tight during the cold months, the quality of your indoor air can make a vast difference. For best results, avoid fiberglass filters and seek electrostatic and HEPA filters.

Turn down your water heater and thermostat. Most water heaters are set to 140º F—an often-needless amount of heat that converts to steam you don’t use anyways. Lower your water heater to 120º to reduce your costs by as much as 10%. Want to lower energy bills even more? Lower your thermostat. For every degree you go down, you can save an additional 3% on your monthly heating. Bypass high thermostat temps by wearing your favorite sweater instead—and the results will show.

Tax credits are everywhere. You could enjoy federal tax credits up to 30% when you do things like upgrade your insulation, install energy-efficient windows, or install an energy-efficient furnace—just to name a few. Contact a construction contractor for further advice on special offers that you can utilize. You’ll also be insulating your wallet in the process.

Install storm doors and windows. A new storm door can increase energy efficiency by more than 40%. And storm windows are no different in their effectiveness against cold winds. As you know, poor-quality windows and doors can become a freeway for cold air, which zaps your heat efficiency. A contractor can tell you the best options available.

Insulate your water pipes. Wherever your water 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.

Find a solid contractor. When it comes to fortifying your home for winter, nobody helps to better prepare you, answer your questions, or audit the energy use of your home like a good construction contractor. In addition to serving homes in Omaha and surrounding areas for decades, Total Construction has received the 2015 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award. Whatever your needs, or your queries, we’re here to help.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

5 things to consider when deciding on a new roof

When it’s time for a new roof, it’s also time to know a few tricks of the trade that will make your experience far easier. From enhancing the protective qualities of your roof, to lowering overall costs, you can prepare yourself with these five useful tips.

1) Alternative shingles are becoming the new trend.
While, of course, several homes still use wooden shingles, a growing amount are switching to alternatives that include concrete slate-type shingles and polymer plastic shingles, to name a few—not only for their homes, but for their insurance companies who highly approve. Ask a contractor about the non-flammable rating as well as options that are class 4 impact-resistant, which may qualify you for insurance discounts up to 30% or more. In the event of hail, a class 4 may even, in certain instances, cause insurers to waive your deductible.

2) Qualifications.
When selecting a roofing contractor, nothing outshines the competition like industry awards and local customer testimonials. Seek them both. In terms of quality, if the roofer has achieved GAF Master Elite Status, that already places them among the top 3% in North America. It’s simple: when you research a company, research its honors and distinctions as well.

3) Emergency response.
Another important factor to look for: experience. It’s always good to have a veteran roofing contractor holstered and ready in the event of emergency storm damage. Decades of regional experience show that they can work gracefully in the aftermath of a storm while being especially prepared for everything the local climate can deliver. Another sound indicator of good service? An in-house Insurance Claims Division that works directly with insurance to save you money—while saving you needless paperwork.

4) Double check your home’s insurance policy.
If you live where hail occurs more often—the Midwest being a prime example—a shorter lifespan on a roof is a common occurrence. While most insurance companies offer good comprehensive service, be proactive and educate yourself by looking for any changes in your renewal policy that may include:

  • Refusal to cover roofs over a certain age (like 10 years)
  • Adding a separate hail deductible that’s subtracted from what you’re paid on a hail claim
  • Excluding cosmetic damage like dents in metal roofs, siding, or copper trim
  • Not covering roofs made from obsolete shingles (thus making it different to buy replacement shingles)
  • Doing partial roof repairs instead of replacing your whole roof (possibly leaving you with a patch that’s different color than your original roof)

5) Warranty.
Of course, good roofing companies offer a long-lasting roof warranty, which is a prime indicator that they stand behind their level of quality.

Serving the Metro and beyond since 1987, Total Construction is prepared to handle all your needs—even if you just have questions.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Storm damage? Avoid a waiting list.

If hail or high winds have affected your property, don’t fret—expert repair services are available to you at a minimal wait. Total Construction is operating at fuller strength than ever to address this season’s first wave of major storms. From handling homeowner’s claims across Omaha, to claims across the Midwest including the aftermath in Red Oak, Iowa, our company carries the proven capacity and experience necessary to get you back to normal fast—wherever you live, whenever a storm hits.

Want efficiency? Seek experience first.

To ensure that we can serve you quickly—and complete the job thoroughly—our fleet operates in conjunction with our in-house insurance claims center and veteran estimators. It’s a one-two punch of experience that can expertly address both your property needs and all paperwork that arises. We’re also affiliated with a network of top third party roofers in the nation, giving us greater experience handling emergency situations and providing faster—yet finer—repairs to each home we serve. We can eliminate the obstacles that often cause delays or discrepancies in the repair process. It’s a part of our skillset.

Want more proof? Seek awards.

Total Construction has been serving Omaha and surrounding areas for 27 years. In that time, we’ve been awarded the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award and been honored as a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor—a feat that only 3% of North America’s roofing contractors have ever achieved. Add that to a list of satisfied customer testimonials that continues to grow.

When a storm hits, it’s our duty to inform you that better options are available. Because we’ve seen the grief a damaged home can cause—but moreover, seen the joy when a home is well repaired, on time.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

A trend that’s lowering premiums and growing fast.

Alternative shingles can lower premiums and lessen storm damage.

Modern-day homeowners (thanks to modern technology) are catching on to an emerging piece of wisdom in the construction world: a roof can now provide more than just protection. It can also lower insurance costs, resist fire, resist the impact of hail and enjoy greater longevity.

In other words, the age of traditional wooden shingles (or “shake” shingles) is slowly giving way to alternative shingles that are better for the home and the wallet. And that’s exactly why new-option shingles are fast becoming a trend: there’s no sacrifice on safety, quality, value or aesthetical appeal. It’s a win-win—and then some.

The alternative to wooden shingles: a new tradition for homeowners.

While, of course, several homes still use wooden shingles, an increasing amount are switching to alternatives that include concrete slate-type shingles and polymer plastic shingles, to name a few—not only for their homes, but for their insurance companies who highly approve.

How you can educate yourself.
If you’re looking for proof or where to begin, start by asking the right questions. You can ask a qualified construction contractor about the non-flammable rating when looking at potential shingle alternatives. You can also ask for options that are class 4 impact-resistant, which may qualify you for insurance discounts up to 30% or more. In certain hail events, insurers are even known to waive your deductible if you use class 4 shingles.

It’s also good to check with your homeowner’s association for the neighborhood standards when it comes to roofs. Older neighborhoods may use neutral tones (which alternative shingling can often match in color). But newer neighborhoods, at a growing rate, are exploring bolder, more colorful options than the earthy monotones of the past. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter roofs. Variety is becoming the new standard.

But above all else, a better roof is all about the insurability and longevity of your home. And that’s something that all homeowners can agree on.

For more information on exploring roofing alternatives and lowering insurance premiums, you can always call the experts at Total Construction serving the metro since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Aging loved ones struggling to live at home? Try stay-at-home remodeling.

Senior couples can live easier at home with stay-at-home remodeling

It’s hard for seniors to abandon home sweet home. And it’s just as hard on their kids struggling to find an answer for what to do next. But countless people are surprised—and relieved—to discover how flexible a home can truly be in the hands of an experienced contractor. Contractors not only can modify a space to accommodate your aging parents’ needs, they can also make a home more livable, exciting, even fashionable.

Home remodels can fit the exact needs of seniors.

Of course, seniors and retirees still want to live their fullest lives. That’s the beauty of stay-at-home remodeling. It can solve very real problems with highly customized solutions to ensure that a home always feels like home. Yes, remodels often entail luxurious add-ons like walk-in closets or increasing the charm of a home’s exterior, but the purpose of stay-at-home remodeling is slightly adjusted to be more functional. Capabilities include:

  • Kitchens. Adjusted cabinetry levels, rollout cabinets and drawers, lowered sinks, tables and countertops, layered lighting for better seeing, handicap-accessible islands, painting and coloring to suit.
  • Bathrooms. Walk-in bathtubs, slip-resistant surfaces, reachable water controls, added accessibility.
  • Everything else. Fully-customized projects can include handicap lifts in any section of the house, added space, full additions, fully-accessible rooms, easier-to-use appliances, easier-to-use handles, safer flooring and more.

Remodeling: The sky’s the limit.

From senior citizens, to young families and everyone in between, Total Construction has served the Midwest since 1987 with stunning professional remodels. Whether exterior solutions, siding & windows, kitchens, interior updates, bathrooms or other modifications, we can address it with veteran expertise.

If you have more questions about stay-at-home remodeling for your loved ones, call to speak with a friendly representative.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Times are changing: Important information about your roof in 2014.

2014 marks new changes in the roofing industry.

As winter recedes and gives way to the storm and hail season, it’s also important to be aware of some other changes that could affect your roof. From insurance changes, to emergent roofing scams, to valuable information on securing a better roof for your home, the following tips will help you protect your finances while protecting the longevity of your home.

It’s time to double-check your home’s insurance policy.

If you live where hail happens most often—the Midwest being a prime example—a shorter lifespan on a roof is more likely. Insurance companies are aware of this and while most offer good comprehensive service, some are looking to cut their losses by limiting your roof coverage. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, hail-related claims increased 84% between 2010 and 2012.

Look for these changes in your renewal policy:

  • Refusal to cover roofs over a certain age (like 10 years)
  • Adding a separate hail deductible that’s subtracted from what you’re paid on a hail claim
  • Excluding cosmetic damage like dents in metal roofs, siding, or copper trim
  • Roof inspections that note the condition and age of your roof before issuing a policy
  • Not covering roofs made from obsolete shingles (thus making it difficult to buy replacement shingles)
  • Doing partial roof repairs instead of replacing your whole roof (possibly leaving you with a patch that’s a different color than your original roof)

Also, as another note of caution, be weary of insurers paying actual cash value rather than replacement value for roof damage. This means insurance will discount your roof claim based on how old your roof is—leaving you with a lower claims payment and a higher-dollar roof replacement bill. A great way to find out if this applies to you? Read the declaration page of your policy—or simply call your insurance agent.

Get wise to reduce vulnerability to hail—and scammers.

If you live in areas prone to hail, your roof will likely need to be replaced every seven to 10 years compared with every 20 years in less stormy areas. That’s why it’s good to educate yourself with a few tips when you choose materials to upgrade, repair, or replace your home’s exterior components. For example, look for roofing materials rated by UL 2218 or FM 4473 as class 3 or 4. It’s like a code that says they’re proven to withstand hailstorms. Choose materials rated for the wind speed in your area. You can even ask your insurance agent if you qualify for a homeowners insurance discount for using storm-resistant building materials. But above all, use an experienced contractor (ideally one who has an insurance claims division to make the process smoother) who can properly install a roof to withstand high winds.

But it’s not just hail that can damage your roof; it’s also fraud. Be skeptical of any roofers who show up after a hailstorm offering to check your roof for damage. Once they’re up there, they may further damage your roof, or worsen what the storm did, then offer to make repairs. The best way to protect yourself? Only allow reliable, experienced, licensed contractors to examine your roof—who are even more credible if they’ve won local awards. Don’t respond to offers claiming you can get a “free” roof (the scammers are assuming your insurance will pay for it), and make sure anyone you hire to repair your roof uses proper storm-resistant materials.

Have more questions or just need some simple answers? Call the roofing experts serving the Midwest since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

6 useful tips to prevent pipes from freezing

Where there's frozen water, frozen or burst pipes can follow.

It’s no mystery in the winter: the main culprit of bursting pipes is frozen water. Namely, how frozen water blocks the normal flow of liquid through the pipes, causing backup and pressure to build. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not expanding ice that actually makes a pipe finally burst: it’s the remaining liquid water finding nowhere else to go but out. Using this knowledge, there’s a few simple tips you can follow now to prevent any watery disasters in the future.

1. Ensure your pipes are insulated. Sure, homes in the north are often equipped with well-insulated pipes. But regardless of latitude, homes throughout the Midwest, especially farther south, should ensure their pipes are properly insulated—especially in vulnerable areas such as attics, crawlspaces and outside walls. If this year’s frigid cold has taught us anything, it’s this: where the cold is less commonplace, so is preparation. So don’t be a victim: avoid costly emergencies by adopting a mindset of better safe than sorry. For advice on insulation, you can always contact a construction contractor.

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 and prevent freezing.

4. Unfasten your hose. If a hose is hooked up to your backyard or the side of your house, remove it and shut off the valve that leads to your outdoor hose. By shutting off your valve and ensuring all water has dripped out, it removes the risk of a freeze.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Aside from the obvious pipe burst, a telltale symptom of winter creeping into your infrastructure is lowered water pressure—or worse, no water activity whatsoever when you twist your faucet on. While this requires immediate professional assistance, you can also call a professional ahead of time for additional precautionary tips on how to prevent this worst case scenario.

For the best repair and restoration in the instance of water damage and other incidents, contact a certified construction contractor serving homes and businesses since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com