The Categories of Water Damage

Aaron’s Restoration is a member of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration. According to IICRC Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration, there are three categories of water damage to buildings.

Category 1 Water Damage Cleanup – Clean Water

Water that originates directly from a sanitary source is considered Category 1 water damage.

When Humans are exposed to Category 1 Water Damage – through the skin, inhaled or ingested – it does not cause harm to humans. Category 1 Water Damage is free of harmful bacteria or toxins.

Examples of Category 1 Water Damage:

• Burst water supply pipes
• melted ice or snow
• rain water
• tub or sink overflows

Category 1 water, however, may become contaminated as it mixes with dirt, passes through walls, decking, subflooring or picks up toxins or bacteria. Time and temperature can also cause bacteria to grow in Category 1 water.

Category 2 Water Damage – Gray Water

Category 2 Water has with bacteria present, but does not contain solid waste. Category 2 water can cause discomfort or sickness if inhaled or ingested by humans or pets.

Examples of Category 2 Water Damage:

• dishwashers or washing machine overflow
• toilet bowl overflows (urine without feces)
• seepage due to hydrostatic pressure
• sump pump failure or backup

Category 3 Water Damage – Black Water

Category 3 Water contains pathogenic agents and toxins. Category 3 water can cause extreme illness – or even death – ingested or consumed by humans. Sewage contains fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites. Exposure to sewage is particularly dangerous for people with weak immune systems,

Examples of Category 3 Water Damage:

• raw sewage and sewer backup
• burst waste disposal pipes
• toilet bowl overflows (with feces)
• ground surface water
• rising water from rivers or streams.

When you experience water damage, the longer you wait, the worse it can get. Never allow the water to sit because the risk of bio-hazard increases with time and temperature. In less than 2 or 3 days, category 1 water can turn into category 2 water – and eventually it will become category 3 water as other bacteria and pathogens begin to grow and multiply.

 Call Us 24/7 for Immediate Water Damage Cleanup: 888.442.2766

Roof Damage Repair:
About Laying New Roof Shingles Over Old Shingles

Some roof repair companies layer new shingle over old ones for convenience and cost. But if you hire a roof repair company that skips the tear-off stage of your roof repair project it will end up costing you money in the long run.

At Aaron’s restoration we never “layer” old shingles over new ones – and here’s why:

Why You Should Not Layer Shingles when Repairing a Roof

The process of removing the existing layer of shingles is called a tear-off. A tear off is time consuming and labor intensive. So when a roof repair company cuts corners and doesn’t do a tearoff, the roof project goes quicker and they save money.

But if your roof repair company takes this shortcut and layers instead of properly tearing off the existing shingles, within just a few years your new roof – which should last 25 years or more – will start to fail.

Double Layers of Shingles Reduces Roof Repair Lifespan

Shingles are designed for flat surfaces. So if you try to adhere them the gaps, dips, humps, and textures of the existing shingles they will not stay on over time.

Shingles can weigh 350 to 450 pounds per 100 square feet of roofing, installed). And your roof structure was only designed for a dead load of one layer of shingles (with a safety margin for snow). Installing new roof shingles over old shingles doubles the weight of the roofing, and your roof structure may not be able to handle the extra load.

In fact, building codes commonly prohibit “double shingling” or limit re-roofing to no more than two layers – for safety reasons. So layering shingles can actually be a code violation.

Without a tearoff, the roof repair company cannot see what condition the decking is below the existing shingles – so they will miss underlying structural repairs that are needed to the structure below. This can result in leaks and even collapse.

Also, layering roofing may affect the warranty on the new shingles. Additionally, layered shingles are going to be a red-flag on any inspection report of you ever sell the house!

Call Us for Fast, Affordable, Quality Roof Damage Repair: 888.442.2766

Michigan Tornado Damage:
What You Should Do to Keep Safe!

At Aaron’s Restoration we have repaired residential and commercial roofs, walls, garages, barns, fences, outbuilding and more as a result of tornado damage. Here are a few facts about Michigan’s tornadoes.

Tornadoes form when winds of different temperatures and humidity clash. In Michigan, warm, wet winds move north from the Gulf of Mexico in the spring and summer – slamming into the cold, dry, winds coming south from Canada.

The warm air tries to rise, but the cold air traps the warm air beneath it. And because the warm air can’t move upward, it begins to rotate -creating a rotating column that can rotate at speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour!

What to do in a Tornado

• In a home, go to the basement if there is one
• If no basement, take cover in the center of the house, on the lowest floor, in a small room, closet or bathroom
• Seek shelter under sturdy furniture
• Keep away from windows and glass
• In a mobile home, evacuate if there is time and go to a prearranged substantial shelter.
• In a mobile home, If there is no shelter nearby, leave the trailer and lie flat in a ditch or ravine
• Protect your head by covering it with your arms over it.
• In a vehicle, get out of the car and lie flat in a ditch. Do not get under the car.
• In buildings: Follow tornado plans & move to interior hallways or small rooms on the lowest floor.
• Avoid areas with wide, free-span roofs.

Most homeowners’ insurance policies do cover tornado damage. And tornado damage is also typically covered on car insurance policies if you have “comprehensive coverage” (collision coverage) on the vehicle.

If you have experienced tornado damage in Wayne, Macomb or Oakland COunty,We will work with your homeowners insurance company to have your tornado damage claim rapidly assessed. We will rapidly complete your repairs – and work closely with your insurance company to ensure that you receive the maximum payout allowed by your homeowner’s policy.

Call Us 24/7 for Tornado Damage Cleanup & Repair: 888.442.2766

Repairing Different Types of Roofs
in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County

When it comes to roofing materials used in in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County homes and businesses, one size does NOT fit all. Many businesses and homeowners are now choosing less traditional roofing materials for their building projects. In some cases, roofing materials may be selected because they are more durable – in other cases the roofing material choice is for strictly decorative purpose.

While these roofing choices may look great and/or be more durable, using non-traditional materials (wood, slate, tile, metal, etc.) on your structure’s roof can lead to some issues when it is time for repairs. Because the vast majority of commercial and residential buildings in Wayne County have more traditional asphalt & shingle roofs – finding the right company to repair your wood, slate, tile or metal roof can be challenging.

At Aaron’s Restoration we have decades of experience repairing ALL types of roofs – including metal, tin and steel wood, slate, tile or metal, steel & aluminum. If your metal roof was damaged by a rain or snow storm, high winds, fire, hail, a tornado, falling tree – or other unforeseen event – we can PROPERLY repair your roof rapidly & affordably.

We will also work with your homeowner’s insurance company to help obtain the maximum insurance coverage for which you qualify – making your roof repairs as quick and painless as possible.

Different Types of Roofs

1. Asphalt Shingle Roof Repair

Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive, so they are generally the most frequently used type of roofing material in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County. However, while asphalt shingles tend to be less expensive, they also have a relatively short life span. Most asphalt shingles only last 20 to 30 years – or far less if they are subject to severe snow or rain storms, high winds, hail or tornados.

2. Tile Shingles Roof Repair

Tile shingles are some of the most expensive roofing materials to purchase and install. However, they are one of the longest-lasting and most durable roof materials – and can last more than 50 years. They are also very beautiful – adding a Spanish or Southwestern design flair to a home or commercial building. Not all homes are able to structurally support tile shingles because of their weight.

Most roofing repair contractors do not have the skill, experience or tools to repair tile roofs, and you will need a specialized roof repair company like Aaron’s Restoration.

3. Metal Roofs Repairs

Metal roofing is becoming increasingly popular in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County because of its durability and cost-effectiveness. Best for buildings with flat or steep rooflines, metal roofing can either be solid or constructed from metal sheets or shingles.

Like tile roofs, however, repairing a metal roof requires a specialized roofing repair contractor – like Aaron’s Restoration – to get the job done properly.

4. Wood Shingles Roof Repair

Wood shingles are more expensive than asphalt, but are growing in popularity in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County because of their natural appearance. Hardwood roofing – such as cedar or redwood – can last from 30 years to as long as 50 years.

But, again, repairing wood shingles must be done by an experienced roof repair contractor like Aaron’s Restoration.

5. Slate shingles Roof Repair

While more popular in the Northeastern portion of the United States, design-forward architects and homeowners in Wayne, Macomb & Oakland County are increasingly using slate shingles. Synthetic slate roof materials are also now available at a lower cost. Slate shingles are extremely durable – lasting 50 years or more.

However, because they are unique and somewhat rare in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County, only a few very experienced roof repair companies – like Aaron’s Restoration –  are qualified to properly repair slate roofs.

Roof Repair in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne County

Whether your roof is covered with asphalt shingles, wood, slate, aluminum, steel, copper or other alloy – and whether it is experiencing a small leak due maintenance issues, or extensive damage due to a disaster – we have the experience to repair your roof for you!

Repairing Different Types of Roof Leaks
in Wayne, Macomb & Oakland County

It’s no secret that Wayne, Macomb & Oakland County receive more than their fair share of rain, snow, wind storms . . . and even hail. So roof leaks are a pretty common occurrence. But tracking down the source and location of your roof leak can be tricky business!

This is because water can enter a leaky roof in one spot – and then trickle down through nooks, crannies and channels, and appear in a completely different spot that is several feet away from the actual leak!

As experienced roof repair contractors, we have the skill, the experience and the specialized tools to rapidly find the source of your roof leak – and repair it quickly and cost effectively. And, if the cause of your leak is covered by your homeowner’s insurance, we will work with your homeowners insurance company to help you obtain the maximum coverage to which you are entitled!

Common Types of Roof Leaks Repairs

Plumbing Vent Boots Leak Repair

Plumbing Vent Boots can be all plastic, all metal or a plastic and metal hybrid. Plastic vent boots can crack and metal vent boots can develop broken or separated seams. Then rubber boot surrounding the pipe can also rot or be torn away. Any of these situations can allow water to work its way into the house along the pipe.

Roof Air Vents Leak Repair

Cracked housings on plastic roof vents and broken seams on metal roof vents can also cause a roof to leak.  Caulking will only fix the problem very temporarily – and the roof vent should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further leakage.

Step Flashing Roof Leak Repair

Step flashing is used along walls that intersect the roof to channel rain water over the shingle and down and away from the roofline. However, rusted, lose or torn off flashing allows water to run behind it, and into the house. Rusted or missing flashing needs to be replaced immediately to prevent roof leaks from causing damage.

Brick Chimney Roof Leak Repair

Many causes of roof leaks can develop around brick chimneys. Flashing around chimneys can rust through, become loose, or even completely tear off in high winds. Mortar in or around the chimney bricks can degrade and create channels that let water into a house. Although less common, the shingles around a chimney can also have problems.

Determining the exact cause of a chimney leak can be tricky – and a professional contractor should be used to find the exact source of the leak and properly repair it, to prevent a future deluge of water into the house.

Roof Leak Repair in Wayne, Macomb & Oakland County

No matter what the source of your roof leak – and whether you are experiencing a small leak due to a cracked part, or a larger breach due to a disaster – Aaron’s Restoration has the experience to repair it for you!