IMPORTANCE OF ROOF MAINTENANCE

Why is my roof leaking? There are many different reasons why this could be happening. Some of these reasons may be claimable while other reasons are due to maintenance issues that will not be covered by your insurance company. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your structure since it protects your whole house. Your home is possibly the biggest investment you will ever make so maintain your roof to keep it protected. Do not allow your roof to worsen overtime by leaving these issues untreated. Contact Rainbow International to address your property damage.

The Chicago land area seen a deep freeze this winter that caused havoc to many roofs. Storm damage issues that were not addressed after lasts falls storm have only worsened after this winter. We are expected to see a few days of rain this week which will cause many of these damaged roofs to leak.

Damages to your roof need to be addressed to prevent water from entering the home. This will continue to happen if your roof is not properly repaired. These damages will only worsen over time if your worn down roof sees severe weather. Another reason to make repairs to your leaky roof is because it can also lead to mold growth if water continues to enter the home and is left untreated. Maintaining your roof is essential in protecting your home. Many warranties can contain a clause that voids the warranty if you do not properly maintain it. Annual roof maintenance should include a roof inspection to check your shingles, flashing, chimney, skylight, roof ventilation and bathroom fan. If you have a leak then you should also be inspecting for mold growth. Having a roof inspection to identify maintenance issues can help you prevent costly repairs in the future.

Roof Damages That Are Often Covered By Insurance:

• Wind damage
• Hail damage - Hail causes an estimated $1 billion in damage every year.
• Ice dams

Please note: The insurance company will ONLY cover and pay out for the areas that were damaged. This does not mean you will receive an entire new roof if only a few shingles were damaged. This is often a misconception when people file an insurance claim. Speak with your agent before filing a claim to avoid unpaid claims on your C.L.U.E. Report. 

Roof Damages That Are NOT Covered By Insurance:

• Maintenance & neglect related issues
• Fraudulent hail damage (self-inflicted or inflicted by storm chasers)

Things To Look For:

• Curling shingles -  If the shingles are starting to curl or bubble then they are susceptible to tearing off during high winds.
• Deteriorating shingles - If notice a large amount of shingle granules in your gutters or near your down spout then this is often a sign that your shingles are nearing the end of their life span. These granules sit on the surface of a shingle see a lot of wear through years of severe weather.
• Missing shingles - Heavy storms or severe winds can pull shingles away from the roof.
• Flashing - Make sure your flashing is not rusted, damaged or missing.
• Stained shingles - If shingles are severely stained, streaked or excessively worn then they may need to be replaced.
• Attic - Check for water leakage that may be seeping in through your roof. This can cause staining as well as wood that may be rotting.
• Stained ceilings - Stains on the ceiling are often a good indicator that there is a moisture issue in that area. Moisture issues that are not addressed can lead to mold growth which can cause health concerns.
• Gutters - Gutters should be clear and free of debris. Things can build up over time that cause blockage in the gutter. If an entire gutter is blocked up then water cannot properly be directed away from the roof.  This can cause water to settle in areas that can cause damage.

BE WARY OF DOOR TO DOOR STORM CHASERS THAT ASK TO INSPECT YOUR ROOF. THESE PEOPLE WILL OFTEN INFLICT DAMAGES TO YOUR ROOF THEMSELVES BUT WILL INFORM YOU THAT YOU HAVE HAIL DAMAGE. THEY WILL OFFER TO WAIVE YOUR DEDUCTIBLE IF YOU ALLOW THEM TO FIX YOUR ROOF. FRAUDULENT CLAIMS ARE DETECTED EVERY DAY. YOUR CLAIM WILL BE DENIED AND YOU WILL BE REPORTED. This article is from 2010 but storm chasers continue to prey on people:

 http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2010_11/20101123.html

Rainbow International has been receiving numerous calls for inspections regarding leaking roofs and interior water damage. Insurance agents are often contact us to inspect their clients roofs. When storm chasers convince people to file an insurance claim we are often asked verify if there is legit hail damage or not. If you have a leaky roof or interior water damage contact Rainbow International to have your property inspected.

FLOOD DAMAGE vs. WATER DAMAGE

Understanding which losses are covered and which are not will help you take the necessary precautions to avoid uninsured water losses. 

"Will my insurance company cover my water loss" is what we are often asked?  The type of insurance policy you have and how the water entered your home will determine if your water loss is covered. The two types of insurance policies that deal with property damage resulting from water are a homeowner’s policy and a flood insurance policy. Often one policy may cover what the other policy does not cover.

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE 

A homeowner’s insurance policy does not cover flood damage.  Insurance companies consider water damage has occurred when water has damaged your property before the water has made contact with the ground. Not all water damage is covered either. Depending on whether the water damage was caused by a covered peril, such as a storm, or if the water damage was a result of maintenance on the homeowner’s part can depend on whether the insurance company will choose to cover the loss. Where the water originated ultimately determines whether a loss may be covered or not.

Most homeowners insurance policies are classified as HO-2, which covers 16 types of damage, or HO-3, which covers any damage not specifically excluded, such as floods. Both types of policies cover accidental water or steam discharges or overflow from your plumbing, air-conditioning, and heating or automatic fire-sprinkler systems or from appliances.

The typical homeowner’s policy (HO-3, Special Form) covers all risks of direct physical loss to your property including water damage. There are exclusions and limitations to this policy though. Typically, your homeowner’s policy will pay for sudden and accidental water damage from an inside water source. This policy does not pay for losses caused by water that makes its way into your home from outside. In a HO-3 policy, Section I - Property Exclusions, it excludes “water damage” caused by:
(1)  Flood, surface water, waves, tidal water, tsunami, seiche, overflow of a body of water, storm surge or spray from any of these, whether or not driven by wind, including hurricane or similar storm.
(2)  Release of water held by a dam, levee, dike or by a water or flood control device or structure.

Although flood damage isn't directly covered by your homeowners insurance the damage left behind may be. An example of this would be if your home flooded and looters stole your property after your family evacuated, then the theft is covered even though it was indirectly caused by the flood.

FLOOD INSURANCE 

A standard flood insurance policy written by the National Flood Insurance Program provides coverage up to the policy limit for damage caused by flood. The dictionary defines a "flood" as a rising and overflowing of a body of water onto normally dry land. For insurance purposes, the word "rising" in this definition is the key to distinguishing flood damage from water damage. Generally, damage caused by water that has been on the ground at some point before damaging your home is considered to be flood damage.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
If your property is located in a floodplain and your community participates in the NFIP, you can purchase flood insurance coverage. Your lender may even require flood insurance as a condition of your loan. The NFIP is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which works closely with nearly 90 private insurance companies to offer flood insurance to property owners and renters through authorized property and casualty insurance agents. No other insurance will cover flood damage.

Examples of flood damage include: 

• The river banks overflow and wash into your home.
•  Soil around the property has washed away and cannot absorb the water quickly enough to prevent water from entering the basement.

Primary reasons it is necessary to exclude “flood” from a homeowners policy are:

• Flood losses are often devastating natural disasters that cause more property losses than any individual insurance company can financially withstand.
• Most surface water losses can be prevented with proper landscaping of a property that drains water away from structures. If these losses were covered, property owners would not go to the expense of preventative landscaping for the extreme weather events that occur in long cycles – like every ten, twenty or thirty years. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON WATER DAMAGE

SUMP PUMP OVERFLOW

Nearly all policies exclude or restrict water damage caused by the backup of sewers or drains. Typically it is stated in Section I – Property Exclusions, that water damage is excluded if caused by water or water-borne material which backs up through sewers or drains or which overflows or is discharged from a sump, sump pump or related equipment. This refers to overflows of water from sewers and backups from drains. See the article: Understand Sump Pump Overflow for more information.

CRACK IN FOUNDATION

According to homeowners (HO-3) policy, under Section I – Property Exclusions, exclude “water damage” caused by water below the surface of the ground, including that which exerts pressure on, or seeps or leaks through a building, wall, bulkhead, sidewalk, driveway, foundation, swimming pool, hot tub or spa, including their filtration and circulation systems, or other structures. In order to keep homeowners policy premiums low and affordable for everyone, coverage is not afforded to losses that can be prevented by sound building practices or as a result of normal wear and tear rather than sudden and accidental events. 

Reasons it is necessary to exclude “water below the surface” from a homeowners policy are:  

• Current construction methods require the foundation to allow water to drain away from the home. Not all older homes have followed these methods. Due to the shifting of the soil and past rushes of water, water can then find a path to follow and collect underground and alongside of the home. If water intrusion, cracks in foundations, were covered by insurance then a home owner would have no incentive to correct the issue.  This would bring an abundance of repeat claims after severe weather.
• Every homes foundation settles over time. This leaves cracks and eventually the foundations starts to slowly deteriorate. Sometimes property owners have to excavate around the foundation to place drain tiles and patch or re-seal the foundation and the basements concrete walls. If these issues were covered was covered then a home owner would have no incentive to correct the issue.

Please note that the damage to your home as a result of a water loss is covered but the repair to the actual component that failed is not covered by your insurance. 

Example: Your homeowner’s policy will pay for the necessary costs to gain access to make the repair and to repair the damage caused by the water.  The actual broken pipe that failed due to wear and tear, decay, defective materials or methods of construction will not be paid for by the insurance company. It is the homeowner’s responsibility to replace these components. 

When water damage occurs, it is important that you locate a water restoration company that is well-trained and has the equipment to completely dry your home as quickly as possible. Water damage is progressive and items that could be restored within the first 48 hours of the water damage may not be restored if emergency response is delayed. Rainbow International is a IICRC certified water damage company can address any type of water damage. See photos of our work at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.211518835702126.1073741830.211496272371049&type=3

UNDERSTAND SEWER AND DRAIN BACKUP

Water backups do not only cause damage that is difficult and expensive to repair, but it also creates health hazards in your home. 

Most homeowner's insurance policies do not cover sewer backup unless specific sewer or drain water backup coverage is added to the policy. Typically it is stated in Section I – Property Exclusions, water damage is excluded if caused by water or water-borne material which backs up through sewers or drains or which overflows or is discharged from a sump, sump pump or related equipment. 

The insurance company does not insure the city against the consequences of its poorly maintained sewer lines. Clogged drains are considered a maintenance problem, not a "sudden and accidental" event. Many people may not realize that they are responsible for the maintenance and repair of their house or sewer pipeline between the city sanitary sewers main. According to many city ordinances, these lines are the homeowner’s responsibility and homeowners are responsible for making repairs to these lines. Some cities offer a sewer backup protection program that may provide financial assistance to homeowners who install systems to protect their homes from sewer backup during a heavy rain event. See if your city offers any type of program to help in the event of a sewer back up.

When sewers and drains back up into homes the damaged area must be addressed by professionals. Rainbow International addresses water damage due to sewer and drain back up by thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the damaged area to reduce the risk of disease. If you thought all water damage problems are cleaned up the same, Rainbow International has a professional perspective to share. As IICRC certified water damage restoration professionals, our job is to identify the water source, properly categorize the water damage situation based on the water source and time frame, and from there we have a plan for clean-up, following the ANSI/IICRC S500 guide to water damage restoration. Water damage is categorized level 1, 2, or 3. See the article: Water Damage - Categories of Water Loss.  Sewer back up is considered a category 3 water loss since it is highly contaminated and could cause serious illness. Water contaminated with sewage may contain a number of bacteria and viruses that can affect your health. The major health concern is related to organisms that affect the gastrointestinal tract. Our company uses special enzyme solutions that kill bacteria in sewage. This turns contaminated water into clean water.

The cost of restoring your property after sewer backup and drain backup can be thousands of dollars. You can avoid this out of pocket expense by adding sewer backup coverage to your insurance policy. A small premium every year is a small price to pay for significant peace of mind and protection. Rainbow International handles many sewer back and drain backup losses and we often find that many of the clients we service have to pay out pocket since they did not have this additional coverage in their policy. 

Reasons for sewer and drain backup

• Combined pipelines
• Aging sewer systems
• Blockages from tree roots
• Blockage in the sanitary main
• Abundance of rainwater from heavy rain storms

WHY IS MY ROOF LEAKING?

There are many different reasons why this could be happening but the most likely cause is due to ice dams. The Chicago land area has been in a deep freeze and winters weather has been causing damage to numerous homes. 

Ice dams are formed when heat from the attic melts snow at the ridge or peak of the roof causing an "avalanche" of snow and ice to overflow the gutters. The melted water can then back up under the shingles and work its way into the house.

This issue can cause numerous damages to your property inside and out:

• Damaged gutters, soffits and fascia
• Raised shingles
• Leaky roofs
• Moisture inside the home
• Moisture that is left untreated can lead to Mold

We have been receiving numerous calls for inspections regarding leaking roofs. The snow has melted but property damage has been left behind. These issues will need to be addressed to prevent further damages. Speak with your insurance agent before filing a claim to make sure your damages will be covered and they exceed your deductible. In most cases, the insurance company will cover damages to the interior and exterior of the home that are a result of excess weight from snow and ice dams. The insurance company will ONLY cover the areas that were damaged. This does not mean you will receive an entire new roof if only a few shingles were damaged. This is often a misconception when people file an insurance claim.

Understand the C.L.U.E. Report: The C.L.U.E. Report is a report of the history of insurance claims or losses on a specific property or an individual that is based on the information in a national, computerized database of loss history information. If you file a claim and the insurance company does not pay out money for this claim it will still end up as an unpaid claim on your C.L.U.E.report. These unpaid claims will remain on your report for 7 years and can affect your policy rates when you are looking for a new carrier.

Underwriters for insurance companies can access your report before providing you with a quote for your property insurance.
Visit: http://oci.wi.gov/pub_list/pi-207.htm for more information.
Visit: https://personalreports.lexisnexis.com/fact_act_claims_bundle/landing.jsp for more information.

It is recommended that you speak directly with your insurance agent before filing a claim. Your insurance agent can verify your coverage’s, your deductible and let you know if it is worth proceeding in filing a claim. In doing this you will avoid any unpaid claims on your C.L.U.E. report.

HAVE YOU SEEN MOLD IN YOUR HOME?

Mold initially comes from environmental sources and it plays its part in nature by breaking down dead organic matter outdoors. Mold found indoors is a cause for concern! Mold spores travel through the air and can grow on virtually any organic substance as long as moisture and oxygen are present. If these materials are porous then it can grow inside the material instead of just on its surface. Simple household solutions cannot permanently resolve this issue so professional mold remediation is required to prevent any further damage to your home or your health.

If you have visibly identified or can smell mold in your home you can assume that it may be growing in other places that are out of sight. It is commonly found inside walls because there are often spaces of confined humidity or moist air. In order to locate hidden mold we use invasive inspection methods or mold testing.

Things to look for that are associated with mold growth are:

• Odor
• Cracked or peeling paint
• Discoloration in paint
• Bulging in walls
• Peeling wall paper
• Areas in which water damage has occurred

These are all causes for concern that there could be a moisture issue which could eventually lead to the growth of mold and mold removal is then necessary.

WHY YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT MOLD?

Attention should be focused on the importance of good indoor air quality and its effect on your health. When mold is touched or inhaled it can cause adverse health effects in susceptible people regardless of the species of fungi or the extent of contamination. If there are abnormally high quantities of mold spores within your home they can cause hazardous health risks that include irritants, allergic reactions, respiratory problems, chronic sinus infections and in worse cases fungal infection and toxins from substances known as mycotoxins. In some cases, death is even a result of exposure to mold. Some 15 to 30 percent of cases of building-related illness have been associated, if not directly linked, to indoor fungal or bacterial contamination. Long term health problems are a cause for concern if mold removal is not performed.

A few of the most common strains of mold found in homes are:

• Aspergillus and penicillium – These are allergenic molds that can cause many diseases in humans and can be found in the dust in your air conditioning system. Aspergilus and Penicilium have very similar spores that cannot be distinguished from each other.

• Cladosporium  - This particular strain grows on dead plants, paint and fiberglass air ducts. This mold can cause nail fungus, asthma, pulmonary conditions and skin rashes in humans.

• Memnoniella – This strain of mold is usually found on cotton, paper and wood products. Memnoniella can also develop toxins that are very harmful to the health of animals and humans. Some of the effects are cognitive disorder, numbness and tingling and severe muscle weakness.

• Stachybotrys – This is commonly referred to as toxic black mold can produce toxins that are very harmful to your health. It is known for causing cancer, asthma, and headaches. This type of mold is commonly found in the back of walls, under ceilings and behind baseboards.

WHY MOLD HAS BECOME AN EPIDEMIC?

Evidence of mold and mildew inside of homes has become an increasing regularity because homes are not being built like they were years ago. Homes that were once built were able to breath and were built to have a steady air flow. These days’ homes are being built so that they no longer breathe which in turn eliminates air flow. Homes that were once loose houses that were able to breathe are now being renovated so they have become tight houses where there is very little fresh air flow. Air flow is needed to prevent moisture from lingering within the home.

Normal indoor conditions provide a suitable environment for the growth of a wide range of fungal spores. The presence of moisture or high relative humidity that accumulates in buildings or on building materials is what causes growth of these spores. If moisture problems remain undiscovered or unaddressed it can eventually lead to mold growth.

Things that can contribute to increased humidity in the home are:

• Drying wet clothes inside
• Steam from hot water
• Improper ventilation
• Untreated water damage

The most common causes of mold colonies in homes are:

• High humidity from improper air flow
• Condensation
• Water leaks that are often hidden inside walls

If water leaks become visible or known water damage has occurred do not underestimate the severity of additional issues that can occur. Stagnant water leads to fungus growth and mold removal is required to prevent future health and property issues.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO IF YOU HAVE MOLD:

The EPA does not recommend you use bleach for killing and removing mold. OSHA is the first federal agency to announce a departure from the use of chlorine bleach in mold remediation. Bleach is a chemical, and it is better to use natural mold killing solutions instead. Do not use bleach to kill mold that is growing on non-porous materials like drywall and wood because it does not penetrate into the non-porous substance. Bleach will only kill the mold growing above the surface of these materials leaving the roots of the mold alive so they can grow back. Aside from not being a good solution for mold remediation bleach can damage your lungs due to its gas, cause chemical burns on skin, deteriorate materials and cause dioxins that are highly toxic and carcinogenic when it has been applied to particular materials.

• Because mold is a contaminant you should never touch it and should wear gloves if needed. If the problem has become widespread do not enter the room unless your eyes, nose and mouth are properly covered to protect irritation.

• Do not paint over mold that has not been treated because it will continue to grow and eventually appear visible again.

• Ultimately, do not leave a mold issue untreated because it will only continue to worsen and contaminate other areas of your home.

WHAT TO DO TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE:

Before treating the mold you need to first understand why it's there and fix the problem causing the mold growth. If you clean up the mold but do not address the initial source of moisture or humidity then it is most likely that your mold problem will come back.

Because mold can grow on any type of surface material if is best to have a professional handle mold remediation. If you believe you have a mold issue call our team of experts in mold testing and mold remediation to set up a free and thorough on site consultation.

At this time we will:

• Inspect your property
• Find the source the problem and address the concerns
• Discuss mold remediation
• Inform you on how you can prevent mold from returning
• Provide you with a remediation estimate

DID YOU KNOW…..

It is impossible to get rid of all mold spores indoors. Mold spores can always be found floating through the air and in house dust. These mold spores are not a great cause for concern and will not grow if moisture is not present. Indoor mold growth can and should be prevented or controlled by controlling moisture indoors. 

If you have health concerns than make sure your indoor environment is moisture free and look into obtaining a HEPA filter. HEPA filters trap small particles that may cause problems for allergy sufferers and those with health problems. Reducing or eliminating those particles will create cleaner air for the residents of your home. 

WATER DAMAGE - HOW TO CATEGORIZE A WATER LOSS

In a water loss situation it is critical to understand what kind of water you are working with.  The water that comes from a broken water line in the house and has affected a wall and carpet is different from water coming up from a drain in the floor.  If the water sits in the carpet for three days it may change from a category 1 to category 2 or 3. The risk of bio-hazards becomes part of the assessment process.  This assessment of water damage is critical for the home or business owner as well as the restoration professional.  The commonly termed categories for water damage have led to some misconceptions.

• Category 1 - Clean Water
• Category 2 - Gray Water
• Category 3 - Black Water

*One could assume that if the water is "clear" then it is safe. That is incorrect. If you see water that is coming up from the floor drain and it is clear don't necessarily think that water contaminated materials are thus safe for handling. The category definitions are more complex than we often think and this affects the decision process for everyone involved.

Category 1 Water – That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water may become progressively contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, sub flooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Examples are burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances and vertically falling rainwater.

Category 2 Water – That which begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. As with Category 1 water, time and temperature can cause Category 2 water to become progressively more contaminated.

Category 3 Water – That which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. There are two ways in which water enters a building as a result of wind storm damage: The first involves falling or windblown rainwater that enters as a result of damage to roof components or wall assemblies. The second involves horizontally traveling ground surface water (Category 3) containing silt and soil contaminants that infiltrate into structures, generally through doors or around foundation walls. This ground surface water (storm surge) may accumulate to a depth of several inches or several feet. When structures are partially submerged or remain substantially flooded for weeks, far more elaborate procedures usually are required.

UNDERSTAND WATER BACKUP  COVERAGE

Coverage for your sump pump is different than flood insurance so it does not cover damage due to a flood. This coverage is called backup of sewer and sump pump overflow endorsement. This coverage protects you from water or waterborne material that overflows from a sump, even if the backup of water is due to the mechanical breakdown of the sump pump. Coverage includes damage to covered property but excludes the sump pump and any related equipment that has broken down. Most people are surprised to learn that a standard home policy does not provide coverage for water damage that is the result of a sump pump overflowing or water backing up from a sewer system. In order for these losses to be covered, you need to purchase separate a separate endorsement. There are several versions of this coverage, based on where you live.

When choosing your coverage, consider all of the items in your basement from appliances, electronics and furniture to the flooring and carpeting beneath them. If you have a finished basement you want to make sure you have accurate coverage to restore your living space to pre loss conditions. Be sure to include expenses for mitigation costs in the total as well.

The Chicagoland area often falls victim to heavy rains that cause over worked sump pumps to give out. Damages stemming from sump pump over flow can be devastating and costly. Mitigation services to clean up water damage can cost thousands of dollars. If you do not have coverage for your sump pump then you will be expected to pay for these services out of pocket. Because the water that entered the home is considered a category 2 water loss it will be classified as grey water. This refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants that causes discomfort or sickness when exposed or even consumed. A mitigation specialist is needed to properly treat this water damage to make sure your home is returned to a safe environment and to prevent mold from forming. Most people are not aware that a self clean up can lead to further damages since mold can form as soon as 24 - 48 hours. Water damage is progressive and items that could be restored within the first 48 hours of the water damage may not be restored if emergency response is delayed. Although you might be tempted to use a shop vacuum or call a company that only has equipment to dry carpet, you should consider that water will wick up walls and travel under base molding and sill plates. It will penetrate through floor coverings into sub-floors, even causing water damage in rooms below. In addition, if humidity inside the structure is not controlled, items that were not damaged from the original water damage could be damaged as a result of absorbing moisture from the air. Structures that are not dried out quickly and properly can become a food source for mold growth. Certified water restoration professionals can prevent this from happening if contacted in a timely manner.