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Recent news in construction: more expensive materials and labor shortage contribute to bigger construction costs

The costs related to doing business in the construction industry are escalating and represent a concern, not just for now, but also for the years to come. The new generation of materials are better and more durable, but they also tend to be more expensive. Besides, it is common knowledge now that there is a shortage of workers in this industry, especially those who are skilled Flagstaff roofing contractors in the state, which is expected to continue.

It started in 2008, the recession forced many people in constructions to find another job; even if now the industry is booming again, many of them did not returned anymore and neither the amount nor the quality of craftsmanship are not the same anymore. Population growth demands higher investments in infrastructure; skilled construction workers are needed to build homes, roads, commercial buildings etc., but their number is simply not enough anymore. For example, in the state of Colorado, one of the states with the lower unemployment rates, there will be more than 90,000 vacant jobs in constructions, by 2025.

Construction companies already fight for skilled Flagstaff roofing contractors and other crews and, as a consequence, median hourly wages keep growing by the year. Home prices are also expected to grow, as well as the material costs.

  Article Source on: Recent news in construction: more expensive materials and labor shortage contribute to bigger construction costs

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How Do You Know that You Have Damage on Your Roof?

If the area where you live has been recently hit by hail or you see the signs of other weather-related damage on the ground, chances are that your roof also sustained at least mild damage, it’s time to call locally owned and operated Flagstaff roofers. Weather damage, especially the damage caused by hail on roofs is not even nearly as conspicuous as the damage caused by the weather to objects on the ground, so here are a few signs that indicate damage up there:

The metal components of your roof are the most sensitive to hailstones, so check the gutters, the downsprouts and the gutter screens for dents that were not there prior to the hail storm,

Roof vents, skylights and chimneys are also sensitive to the weather – look for dents and chipped surfaces and run a piece of chalk on the surface that you only suspect to be damaged,

The damage sustained by asphalt shingles is somewhat more difficult to identify – don’t expect clearly visible signs, look for displaced or completely missing surface granules (it is indicative of damage that is deeper and more serious that just a few damaged shingles),

If your roof is made from wood shingles, clay or slate, look for cracked and chipped pieces,

The signs of hail damage on a metal roof are the same as the signs you can see on gutters and other metal components – dents and holes.

  First Posted here: How Do You Know that You Have Damage on Your Roof?

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Why Install Metal Roofing in Arizona?

Metal roofs are among the most durable and most resistant roof types and they are also suitable for any climate, even for regions that get extreme weather. If you are currently looking for the best roofing material for your Arizona home, here are some of the benefits that metal roofs offer:

Durability – metal roofs can last for over half a century,

Enhanced fire resistance – metal does not ignite, not even when it comes to contact with high heat or flames, so it is the best solution for arid and fire-prone areas,

Weight – the alloys that the sheets or shingles used for metal roofs are made from are lightweight, therefore metal roofs are suitable for buildings that would be unable to support the weight of heavier roofing,

Variety in terms of design – metal roofing components are available in various shapes and colors, making it easy for homeowners to find the style that suits their tastes as well as the properties of their buildings,

Low maintenance – metal roofing is corrosion-proof and the alloys are resistant to variation and in humidity as well as to impact, so owners don’t need to perform any maintenance on their metal roof as long as the roof lasts. 

For more roofing product advice, ask a qualified Flagstaff roofing company to do a free roof inspection, and make a wise choice for your home.

  Original Post over here: Why Install Metal Roofing in Arizona?

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Replacing Windows to Reduce Cooling Costs – Facts and Tips

If you live in a home that has old, drafty windows, you are probably aware of the amount of energy that slips out through your imperfectly sealing windows. What you are probably aware of as well is that replacing the old windows with new, modern ones would reduce your heating and cooling costs significantly and the new windows would also improve the comfort of your home. You can also call on a great roofing company like Polaris Roofing Systems to install insulation in your attic for added energy savings.  If you have been considering replacing the old windows, but the high costs of the replacement seem discouraging, here are a few facts and tips that might help you make the best decision:

New, Energy Star-qualified, double or triple paned windows reduce the energy loss through the windows by half,

Depending on the size of your home and the number of the windows you have, you can expect to save between 120 – 460 dollars per year on energy bills,

The new windows might be expensive, but you can apply for federal tax credit to get help financing the replacement without being required to replace all the windows on your home, so it is a good idea to check the details of the support program and to do the math, factoring in the tax credit as well.

Originally Posted here: Replacing Windows to Reduce Cooling Costs – Facts and Tips

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The Best Shingles for Arizona

If you are currently building a new home in Arizona or you are planning to replace your old roof with a new one that uses affordable, yet durable and weather-resistant materials, roofing shingles make the best choice. Shingles are nowadays gaining more and more popularity because of their excellent weather-resistant qualities that make them suitable for any climate – here are the most common varieties you can choose from:

3-tab shingles – the most widespread variety is made from three layers, each from a different material to increase weather-resistance. These shingles are inexpensive, durable and able to withstand any weather and even the widest temperature variations, but they come with a relatively short warranty time and they are available in only one size and shape,

Architectural shingles – available in various shapes and sizes, architectural shingles are thicker than 3-tab varieties, thus offering more protection to your home. They come with longer warranty periods, but they are also slightly more expensive,

Slate shingles – slate offers enhanced fire resistance and a lifespan that exceeds 50 years, but being the heaviest variety, it is not suitable for any building and it requires professional installation,

Metal shingles – another durable and weather-resistant solution, metal is a long-lasting material and it is also the easiest to install because it can be simply laid on top of the old roof.

Rather than making this decision on your own, contact roofers in Flagstaff for great advice.  With replacing your roof and it being such a big investment make sure you choose the right roofing material.

Article Source on: The Best Shingles for Arizona

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The Most Practical DIY Roof Repair Tips You Can Use

Some of the main tasks associated with ensuring that your roof has a long life should include fixing or replacing individual shingles, checking for damage and replacing the entire roof, if needed. Here is what you need to know:

  If your roof is leaking, or you suspect it was damaged after a powerful storm, check for roofing damage by using a sturdy ladder and checking for visible signs such as curled, broken or missing shingles. Also make sure to evaluate the structural integrity of the materials and fixtures around the chimney, and to check the flashing for damage.

You need to remove the nails of rotten or irreparably damaged shingles using a hammer or pry bar. The shingle should then easily slide out, making way for its replacement. Once you fasten the new shingle in place, make sure you plant galvanized roofing nails and hammer them into place in each corner of the shingle.

If your roof is old or extensively damaged, you might want to fully replace it. Although the complete project might require assistance from one of the professional Flagstaff roofing contractors found locally, removing the shingles can be done as a (more or less) straightforward DIY project. With the old roof cleared away, you and your contractor will have the freedom to fully check on the structural integrity of the decking and other elements, before moving on to installing the new roof.

  These simple guidelines should help you out next time your roof needs fixing. While not all situations are the same, a reliable local contractor should also be able to assist you whenever a DIY project is just not enough.

Original Post over here: The Most Practical DIY Roof Repair Tips You Can Use

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How to Find a Good Insurance Company That You Can Trust

When it comes to insurance companies, you can’t usually know what you get until you actually have a loss or your property is damaged. Because of the importance of finding a reliable insurer, however, it is essential to do all your homework before considering any company – no matter how great their reputation – as your insurance company.

  The first thing you should do is get a clear picture of the type of coverage you need and the budget you have at your disposal. What type of insurance do you need? How much coverage will you require? What specific details do you have to keep in mind? All these questions have to be answered before you proceed to the next steps.

  Once you have that information, it’s time to start looking for insurance companies. Make a list of local insurers, and make sure to also include national insurance companies that are well-known among local homeowners or car owners.  Contact some of the well known Flagstaff roofers in your area, as they can tell you from their experience which insurance companies are the best to work with.

  Next, you have to check which of these companies offers reliable coverage in your pricing range, and compare the coverage they provide. Check online reviews and testimonials for any complaints regarding the process of filing claims, then narrow down your search based on the results. After getting a quote from each of the remaining companies on your list, and talking to them in person or on the phone, you should have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Article Source over here: How to Find a Good Insurance Company That You Can Trust

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Helpful Insurance Claim Tips You Should Always Keep in Mind

Filing an insurance claim is usually a lot harder than it may seem. Most experts, however, can give you some pretty clear and concise recommendations regarding what you should do and why:

  Be active from the start. Contact your insurer, attorney and public adjuster as soon as possible, and try to find all the evidence to support your claims while the damage is still “fresh.”  Note too, that roofers experienced in roofing Flagstaff homes can often be the Liaison between you and your insurance company.

Document all your claims. Call in experts to assess the damage, and make sure you get all the estimates and assessments on paper.

Avoid exaggerating your claim. Don’t try to get more than what the damage is worth, since that will usually just end up blowing up in your face.

Don’t sign anything without consulting your lawyer. Some insurers will try to convince you to sign various documents that will take the responsibility off their shoulders.

File all your complaints in writing. Don’t settle for phone calls. File official complaints and go up as high as possible on the chain of command.

Hire a reliable public adjuster to do the work for you. If you can’t, or simply don’t have the time and energy to deal with the problem in full, make sure you call in the experts so they can do all the work for you.

  If you follow these simple tips, the process will go a lot smoother, and you’ll soon find yourself in the possession of the money you need to regain your bearing and cover all the repair or renovation expenses.

Article Source on: Helpful Insurance Claim Tips You Should Always Keep in Mind

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Why Would You Really Need to Use a Public Adjuster?

You may have heard in passing about public adjusters and what they do. However, most of us don’t really look into what public adjusters actually do, until we are faced with unhelpful insurance agents who hang up in the middle of a phone call.

  In most cases, the process of filing an insurance claim seems simple. If there’s damage to your car or property, you simply have to contact your insurance company, and an agent will listen as you list every damage that you’d like compensation for. Once the insurance company finishes evaluating the situation, however, you’ll usually get a call that gives you some bad news: only a small percentage of the amount you were expecting will actually be provided.  When in need look for a known Flagstaff roofing company that has years of experience and will work with your adjuster.

  What a public adjuster does is to make sure you get exactly the amount that you deserve. If your insurer is trying to get rid of you, your adjuster will fight on your behalf, do all the necessary legal research, and find the loopholes that the insurer hasn’t taken into account before concluding that the damage isn’t worth a higher compensation than they’d offer.

  Once your adjuster finishes the job, you will have the compensation you need at your disposal, and your money will be enough to take care of all your most pressing needs – a vital advantage when you also have to cover medical bills and other important expenses.

First Seen on: Why Would You Really Need to Use a Public Adjuster?

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Fun Things to Do This Summer in Flagstaff

Flagstaff is located on the southwestern side of the Colorado Plateau, and on the western side of the largest forest of pinus ponderosa on the planet, at an altitude varying between 2,106 - 2,120 m. The town really comes to life in the Summer, so you will find plenty of things to do here, during your vacation: festivals, events, nature, farmer`s market and more. Flagstaff offers many opportunities to be outside and enjoy the sun and the warm weather.

Here are some examples:

Cultural & Theme Tours

     •    Grand Canyon Complete Tour from Flagstaff or from Sedona      •    Ancient Spirits of the Canyon Tour      •    Haunted Downtown Bike Tour      •    Monument Valley Tour

Museums

     •    Lowell Observatory      •    Museum of Northern Arizona      •    Meteor Crater      •    Northern Arizona University      •    Pioneer Museum      •    Fort Tuthill Military Museum

National Parks in Flagstaff

     •    Walnut Canyon National Monument      •    Wupatki National Monument      •    Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument      •    Coconino National Forest      •    Red Mountain Trail      •    Wet Beaver Creek

Festivals not to miss

     •    Flagstaff Hullabaloo      •    Flag Wool and Fiber Festival      •    Made in the Shade (beer tasting festival)      •    Blues and Brews Festival

Other popular attractions in Flagstaff include many outdoor activities organized during the summer season (hikes, scenic drives, extreme adventure courses, river expeditions and other recreation programs).  If you are thinking of living here, you can know that the roofers Flagstaff is home to are truly some of the best around.   Take a look at some of the neighborhoods while you are here and consider making Flagstaff your home.

First Seen over here: Fun Things to Do This Summer in Flagstaff

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Best Neighborhoods In Flagstaff

With a population that exceeds 70,000 people and 17 constituent neighborhoods, Flagstaff is a medium-sized city of the state of Arizona. If you plan to relocate here, you surely like to know about the neighborhoods considered the best and most desirable.  Amongst the many great roofers look for the top Flagstaff roofing company.

First of all, you need to know that real estate here is amongst the most expensive in the country, so before deciding which neighborhood is good for you, you will have to determine what price or monthly rent are you comfortable with as well as other particular preferences. There are many great neighborhoods near the country club, also nice areas on both the north and the south side of town; there are also historic properties around Flagstaff.

Flagstaff neighborhoods listed as the most expensive include City Center, Country Club, Kachina Village/ Valle, Munds Park/ Mountainaire, Elden Pueblo etc.

If you have children, you should also consider the schools in the neighborhoods. Westside is one of the best neighborhoods for people with younger kids.

If you are a professional, being close to downtown is probably a priority so you should consider Skyline, Cherry Hill or Linwood Heights.

If you like being close to the mountains, consider neighborhoods such as Swiss Manor, Linwood, Cheshire or Appalachian (Shadow Mountain).

Original Post here: Best Neighborhoods In Flagstaff

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Top Real Estate Areas In Arizona

Even if statistics show a slowdown for the national real estate market this year, the western US is still the region that leads in sales and prices.

The top housing market, in 2017 so far, has been Phoenix metropolitan area, with its tighter new home market and home buying trends, growth in sales and prices that climbed from 6 to 7 percent.  You can be reset assured that we have some of the best Flagstaff roofing contractors taking care of your investment.

If you are interested in moving to Arizona, here are the other places listed by specialists as very good for home ownership, after analysis based on different parameters including population growth, job opportunities, median monthly household, home ownership rate etc.:

•    Maricopa - situated in the Gila River Valley •    San Tan Valley, in the southeastern Phoenix suburbs •    New River •    Queen Creek •    Buckeye (a suburb of Phoenix) •    Marana (located 25 miles northwest of Tucson) •    Anthem (situated half an hour north of downtown Phoenix) •    Green Valley (located about 30 miles south of Tucson) •    Goodyear

If you are looking for real estate areas in Arizona that deliver on affordable living, here are some other suggestions:

•    Flagstaff (average home price - $260,000; average household income $48,000) •    Chandler (average home price - $235,000; average median household income - $73,000) •    Oro Valley (average home price - $260,000; average household income - $48,000) •    Gilbert (average home price - $230,000; average household income - $81,000) •    Prescott (average home price - $265,000; average household income - $46,000)

First Posted on: Top Real Estate Areas In Arizona

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Finding The Best Schools In Arizona

If you consider moving to Arizona with your family, one of the priorities is surely finding the best school system in your area. You will find many websites that rank schools all over the country; with their help, you will soon discover that Arizona is home to many schools that score very well at a national level.

Comparing schools is easier and provides accurate results if you also consider the periodic analysis from the national Department of Education; they are performed according to relevant parameters: academics, culture and diversity, teachers,  parent and student overall experience reflected in surveys,  health and safety, clubs and activities, resources and facilities, with Flagstaff roofers taking great care of the buildings here, and sports.

Each of these factors is detailed in the public schools ranking methodology. Here are the school districts in Arizona that obtained an "A" as overall niche grade during the last evaluations:  

•    Catalina Foothills Unified School District (8 schools and almost 5000 students) •    Chandler Unified District (43 schools and more than 42,000 students) •    Heritage Academy (2 schools and 650 students) •    Vail Unified School District (20 schools and more than 12,000 students).         There are also several school districts that have obtained an overall B+ grade: •    Agua Fria Union High School District •    Gilbert Unified School District •    Peoria Unified School District •    Amphitheater Unified School District •    Scottsdale Unified School District •    Deer Valley Unified School District •    Tempe Union High School District

First Seen over here: Finding The Best Schools In Arizona

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Stick to the Latest Trends in Exterior Remodeling and Make Your Home Look Brand New!

Whether you’re in real estate and thinking of buying and selling new homes, or you just want your home to become the most fashionable property in the neighborhood, keeping up with the latest trends in exterior remodeling is absolutely essential according to roofers with expertise in roofing Flagstaff homes.

  Overall, 2017 has been an exciting year when it comes to exterior remodeling. The following tips should help you get your home to become quite fashion-forward:

  The main trend this year is to take traditional designs and turn them modern by switching to unique colors and textures, and choosing materials such as vinyl, metal or concrete.

Vinyl replacement windows are all the rage, and they can be quite affordable as well as easy to install. They will also make your home feel a lot cozier and more protected.

Add a new set of French doors, and make sure you choose the styling that fits in perfectly with your home’s exterior.

Vinyl and concrete are the best choices when it comes to sidings. While vinyl is the more fashionable choice, concrete can be longer lasting, and also comes in stunning, unique color choices.

Add more exterior upgrades to make your home energy efficient and give it a modern look.

  In most cases you won’t have to go through a lot of expenses or extensive installations to get your home looking brand new. Local contractors can give you the additional recommendations and support for getting the most out of your home and making sure your new installations are made to last.

First Seen right here: Stick to the Latest Trends in Exterior Remodeling and Make Your Home Look Brand New!

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How to Keep Your Gutters Clean – Are Gutter Screens Worth the Money?

With the necessity of cleaning, repairing and replacing gutters more and more prevalent in certain areas, if you ask a reliable Flagstaff roofing company they will tell you, they have begun recommending that homeowners use gutter screens, guards or covers to protect their gutter installations from excessive debris.

  Gutter screens act as a filter preventing debris and dirt from going through and clogging or otherwise damaging your gutter system. Although most screens will not keep smaller debris from going through, they can be extremely effective in the fall, when leaves and other large debris may threaten the structural integrity of your gutters.

  Since the costs involved are usually between $7.50 and $10 per lineal foot, a typical home with about 200 feet worth of gutters installed will normally require a cost of $1,500-$2,000.

  So, ultimately, are gutter screens worth the money? The answer is that it will depend on your home’s unique needs and factors such as the location where it’s built, the length of your gutters and the amount of debris you can expect to fall every year on your roof and gutters.

  For homeowners who have a great deal of trouble with excessive debris clogging their gutters every year, and who require the services of professional roofers and gutter specialists to clean their gutters 1-2 times each year, purchasing gutter screens is definitely worth the expense. These products will not only eliminate the hassle and cost of having your gutters cleaned so often, but they may even increase your gutters’ lifespan, keeping them safe much longer.

First Posted here: How to Keep Your Gutters Clean – Are Gutter Screens Worth the Money?

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Keeping Cool in the Summer – Do I Need More Insulation in My Attic?

Attic insulation can be a serious matter in the summer. While you can usually cope without the most modern types of gutters and with one of the more basic, affordable types of roofing systems on the market, your home might be at risk of serious damage if you don’t have enough insulation.  Expert Flagstaff roofing contractors say it can cause the lifespan of your roof to decrease as well.

  Fortunately, there are a few simple methods for determining whether or not your attic insulation is inadequate:

  The first thing you can do is head up to your attic and check what kind of insulation you already have. For batt insulation you’ll usually find the information printed on the insulation itself, while with the more common loose fill insulation you can have either fiberglass, cellulose or green fiber insulation.

Most homes built during the past decade have met minimum standards with an R-30 rating. However, if you want the best performance, you will have to go up to R-60. Check to see whether the insulation used is top quality, and think about purchasing additional greenfiber or fiberglass insulation to bring it up to the highest standard.

When it comes to upgrading your insulation you can either choose the more affordable (but far more difficult) path of DIY, or contact a local contractor and ask them to do the job for you.

  Although DIY would only cost a few hundred dollars, most experts would recommend hiring a reliable service to have your new insulation installed. All you have to do is get in touch with your local contractors and they’ll do the rest.

Article Source on: Keeping Cool in the Summer – Do I Need More Insulation in My Attic?

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What Are the Most Important Practical Advantages of Concrete Siding?

If you’re in need of a resilient type of siding that will never fail and provide you with long-lasting resilience even under adverse conditions, concrete siding is one of your best choices. Despite being heavier, concrete siding has many unique practical advantages when compared to other varieties, and its cost is quite accessible as well:

  Intense heat that normally damages or bends vinyl siding out of shape will not affect concrete.

It also has a class 1A fire rating, ensuring that you have nothing to worry about in the event of a fire.

Unlike wood, it is impervious to insects and rot, so you can expect your concrete siding to be virtually maintenance-free.

Concrete siding holds paint for a very long time, and it often comes pre-painted from the factory, so you don’t have to worry about painting it yourself.

Its durability can be compared to that of cement, and most manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty on their concrete siding products.

Because of the impressive durability of concrete siding, insurance companies also tend to offer better premiums, so the cost of the siding itself is not the only benefit you can expect.

  As you can see there are plenty of remarkable benefits associated with this type of siding. If you want to have your new concrete siding installed as quickly as possible, just contact your local contractor for a quick quote at a short notice.  Most Flagstaff roofers experienced in siding and roofing love it.

Originally Posted on: What Are the Most Important Practical Advantages of Concrete Siding?