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10 Holiday Gifts You Should Never Give

10 holiday gifts you should never give

With Christmas right around the corner, it’s time to start shopping, if you haven’t already, for gifts for those on your list. And, if you don’t want to be known as a sucky gift giver, take our advice and take a look at these twenty gifts you should never give.

10. UNDERWEAR

Unless you’re buying them for your significant other, this is definitely a no-no. Underwear is as personal as it gets, and if you give them to someone you don’t have that kind of relationship with, things could get really weird, really fast. Even if you do plan on giving them to your bae, it still might not be such a good idea–unless you plan on giving it to them when no one else is around. Can you imagine the looks on the faces of your family and friends when your significant other opens up the box and pulls out some racy underwear?

9. UGLY SWEATERS

Ah, the dreaded Christmas sweater. The gift we love to hate. Unless you’re a grandmother or a great aunt, this item shouldn’t even be anywhere on your Christmas gift list.

Advice: This is best given as a gag gift or for use at an ugly-Christmas-sweater party (yes, there’s such a thing).

FUN FACT
According to Time magazine, sweaters have been around since the 19th century, although the Christmas sweater didn’t become a thing until just a few decades ago. In fact, according to The Wall Street Journal, the Christmas sweater started being mass-marketed in the 1980s.

8. EXERCISE GEAR

If your girlfriend or wife has been asking you lately if she looks fat, regardless of your response (and we hope you gave the right response), it’s probably not a good idea to give her exercise gear for Christmas. While you’re at it, you can cross shapeware, workout apparel, bathroom scale, diet cookbook and gym membership off that list, too. The last thing anyone wants to hear is that you think they need to lose weight. Even if that’s not the message you’re trying to send, it will most likely be taken in that way.

7. PETS

Making the choice to get a pet is a big decision–and, it’s one that’s usually best left up to the one(s) who will be caring for the pet. Keep in mind that not everyone is ready for such a responsibility. So, unless you’re getting the pet for your kids or someone else who lives in your household, it’s not a good idea to give a living, breathing creature to someone else. Instead, try this tip from MSN: “Try a stuffed animal first, and see how friends do with that.”

6. RE-GIFTS

You know that gift that you got last year that you really didn’t like and now you’re trying to pass it off onto someone else? Yeah, that’s what a re-gift is. No matter how tempting it may be to re-wrap it and give it to someone else, don’t do it. Especially if you don’t remember who gave it to you. You could end up giving the gift back to the original giver, and that would be just plain embarrassing–for them and for you.

5. PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE GIFTS

We understand that you may not like your in-laws or step family, but that’s no reason to intentionally get them a sucky gift in the hopes of crushing their ego. Here are some examples of what we mean:

-The mother-in-law who gives her son a lavish gift but gives her daughter-in-law something cheap and tacky.
-The stepdaughter who gets her new stepmother a hideous shirt.
-The jealous friend who gives junk food to the friend she knows is on a diet.

4. CASH OR GIFT CERTIFICATES

Unless you’re planning on giving these to your teenager (trust us, they’ll thank you), it’s probably not a good idea to give cash or a gift certificate to your significant other. People like getting gifts that required some thought and effort on the part of the gift-giver. Even if you have to get creative and give them something homemade, it’s the thought that counts.

TIP: Cash gifts are often seen as tacky and awkward. Our advice? Just don’t do it.

3. CANDLES

Candles are the perfect gift to give to a co-worker or an acquaintance–not so much when it comes to your significant other. Candles scream “we’re just friends,” so unless that’s the message your trying to send to the person you’re romantically involved with, candles are a no-go. Besides, most people have a ton of candles in their home already, and the last thing they need is more candles–no matter how good they smell. Another thing to keep in mind is that strong-scented candles can be quite bothersome for people with sensitive noses.

2. CDs and DVDs

These gifts used to be all the rage at one time, but thanks to the growth of digital downloads and streaming services available through iTunes, Netflix, Hulu and the like, these once hip items are now outdated. Plus, giving CDs and DVDs to certain people might send a not-so-nice message. According to 99.3/105.7 KISS FM in Richmond, VA, giving CDs and/or DVDs to your co-workers can send an “I didn’t want this so I’m gonna give it to you” message.

1. GIMMICK GIFTS

Who doesn’t love a good laugh? But, that’s pretty much all you’ll get out of gimmick gifts. I mean, seriously, when is anyone ever going to use unicorn hand puppets or shaving cream that smells like bacon or a ‘knit your own beard‘ kit? You’ll just be wasting your money when you could have spent it on something more useful. Plus, it’ll probably end up in a corner somewhere collecting dust until the recipient decides to get rid of it.

CONCLUSION

Make sure you get your loved ones a gift they’ll like or else they’ll be forced to return it. And, that can make for an embarrassing situation, especially if they run into you while they’re returning it or at some point down the road you ask them if they’re enjoying the gift and they have to make up some lie to save themselves and you from embarrassment. Whatever you get, just be sure to put some thought into it. Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

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2018-2019 EL NINO WATCH

  • Posted On January 29, 2019
  • Categorized In News
  • Written By
El Nino Watch ADCO

Outline

Summary
Recent Evolution and Current Conditions
Oceanic Niño Index (ONI)
Pacific SST Outlook
U.S. Seasonal Precipitation and Temperature Outlooks
Summary

Summary

ENSO Alert System Status: El Niño Watch
ENSO neutral conditions are present.*
Equatorial sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are above average across most of the Pacific Ocean.
The patterns of convection and winds are mostly near average over the tropical Pacific.
El Niño is expected to form and continue through the Northern Hemisphere spring 2019 (~65% chance).*
* Note: These statements are updated once a month (2nd Thursday of each month) in association with the ENSO Diagnostics Discussion, which can be found by clicking here.
CLICK BELOW TO SEE THE FULL PRESENTATION.

ENSO watch update 01-26-19

 

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Another El Niño is Likely on its Way!

EL NIÑO ON ITS WAY

A winter return for El Niño?

It’s been a few years since one reared its ugly head, but from what forecasters are seeing in and above the Pacific Ocean, there’s a good chance El Niño will be back for this coming winter.

Based on the latest update from forecasters with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, dated August 9, there is now at least a 60 per cent chance that El Niño conditions will develop in the equatorial Pacific during the autumn months (September through December), and over a 70 per cent chance they will develop by winter (November through February).


The early August El Niño – La Niña probability forecast shows the percentage chances of El Niño, Neutral, or La Niña conditions developing during any particular three month forecast period. In 2017 and 2018, this forecast indicates  Credit: Columbia University’s International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI)/NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC)

As such, the El Niño Watch issued by NOAA forecasters remains in effect.

How Strong?

Whenever we talk about an El Niño developing, the discussion turns to the obvious question – how strong will it be?

Throughout 2015, we saw the development of a ‘super’ El Niño – which is now considered the strongest El Niño on record, even stronger than the infamous El Niño of 1997-1998.

The strength of an El Niño is ranked based on how warm it gets in the surface waters of the central equatorial Pacific Ocean, compared to the normal temperatures measured there. If the waters in this ‘Niño 3.4’ region reach just half a degree (0.5°C) above normal, at least, for a period of three months, this is the breakpoint for what forecasters consider to be El Niño conditions.

Since it takes some time for changing conditions in the central Pacific to spread their influence to elsewhere in the world, forecasters wait until they see three (3) consecutive three-month periods where Niño 3.4 temperatures are above that breakpoint, before they state that an official El Niño is in progress.


The ONI/Niño 3.4 region overlayed atop sea surface temperatures from November 11, 2015. Credit: NOAA CPC/Scott Sutherland

The higher that Niño 3.4 temperature anomaly goes, and the longer the conditions persist, the more extreme the El Niño is.

From 1997-1998, temperatures in the Niño 3.4 region peaked at 2.4°C above normal, and they remained above 0.5°C for a total of 13 three-month periods – from April-May-June of 1997 to April-May-June of 1998.

In 2015, the super El Niño peaked even higher, at +2.6°C in the Niño 3.4 region, and temperatures there were above the El Niño threshold for 19 three-month periods – from October-November-December of 2014, all the way until April-May-June of 2016.

According to the latest collection of computer model runs, rather than another ‘super’ El Niño, we will likely see a ‘weak to moderate’ one, where temperatures in the central equatorial Pacific could reach between 0.5°C and 1.5°C above normal.

Model Predictions


This graph shows the collected computer model runs – dynamical and statistical – for the upcoming three-month periods. Bold lines indicate the model run averages, and the forecaster consensus. Credit: IRI/CPC

Forecasts are issued on a monthly basis, so this may change – going weaker or stronger – so watch for any updates to come.

WHAT IS EL NIÑO?

El Niño, the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), is a regular climate pattern that develops along and above the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

Normally, conditions in that part of the world see strong trade winds, blowing east to west, which push warm surface waters along with them, causing them to ‘pile up’ around Indonesia and northern Australia. Periodically, these trade winds weaken, and the whole system ‘relaxes’, allowing those warm waters to slosh back towards the central and eastern equatorial Pacific. This arrival of warm waters off the coast of Ecuador and Peru typically happened in late December, and thus the pattern was named El Niño, or The Child, in reference to Christmas. This occurs roughly every three to five years, and individual El Niño events are separated by periods of normal (or ‘neutral’) conditions, or by cold La Niña patterns, which have a similar pattern to the normal conditions (warm in the western central Pacific and cool in the east), but ramped up to more of an extreme.

Typical ENSO-neutral (left) and El Niño (right) conditions over the Pacific Ocean. Credit: NOAA

When an El Niño develops, all that warm water sloshing back towards the east changes the weather patterns over wide regions of the planet. Typically, it means a warmer winter for parts of Canada, as the added heat shifts weather patterns over and around North America further north and east for the duration of the event.


The typical effects of an El Nino on wintertime across North America. Credit: Climate.gov

The effects of each El Niño are different, however, as stronger or weaker patterns have a greater or lesser impact on the weather, and other large climate patterns (such as the North Atlantic Oscillation) exert their own influences.

Sources: NOAA CPC | Columbia University Earth Institute

Article sourced from www.theweathernetwork.com

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How To Reduce Your Energy Bill With No Sacrifice

Avoid Incorrect Hype When Trying To Lower Your Energy Bills

Lower Your Energy Bills

When you are a commercial property owner, it is understandable that you want to find one or more ways to lower your energy bills. After all, your heating and electricity payments take a big bite out of your monthly budget. But when you are searching for methods to reduce those bills significantly, do not fall prey to myths or out and out untruths about how to adapt to use less energy.

If you do not look at the many suggestions out there in an intelligent way and use your critical thinking skills, you may not only fail to reduce your heating and light bills, but you may also damage expensive appliances or run afoul of local rules and regulations. Let’s take a look at a few suggestions you may have considered following to rein in your monthly finances to see if you will reap the intended benefits.

Use Your Fireplace To Lower Your Heating Costs

When there was no central heating available it is certain that people used fireplaces to warm their dwellings. What you may not realize is that heating with a fireplace is generally not a very energy efficient way to accomplish that goal. In order for the fire to burn without loading the air around you with noxious gases and particulates, your flue and chimney system uses a flap called a damper to keep outdoor air flowing into the fireplace.

If the damper is closed, the smoke will not have an outlet — perhaps a situation you have experienced when starting a fire without checking that it is open. The cold air entering causes your HVAC system to work even harder and uses more fuel when you tend a fire in your fireplace. You may feel warm and toasty, but other areas are cold and your heat pump, furnace, or boiler kicks in more frequently to compensate. The result? A higher heat bill.

The Perfect Place For Your Freezer

Many people will try to convince you your freezer will operate better, and more cheaply, in a unheated garage. In addition to this making no sense at the height of summer when the freezer runs endlessly to block the heat, storing it in an unfinished and heated area has other problems.

The significant swings in temperature year-round mean your freezer is always working hard to stabilize the temperature for the items inside. You risk burning out the motor or damaging the coil when the temperatures are too extreme. It is best to keep your freezer in a cool area with fairly constant temperatures like your basement. It will last longer and the mechanical system will not cycle on and off which costs you more money.

Run Ceiling Fans 24/7

A ceiling fan is a great help to people gathered in the room within which it is operating. Its cooling effect is based on evaporating moisture from your skin, making you feel much more comfortable. When no one is in the room, however that effect disappears. If you run a fan constantly in an unoccupied room the temperature will not be affected and will do nothing to help cool areas. So, turn the fan off until you enter the room. This will reduce energy use and focus the energy you do use to a time and situation where the fan will actually do its job of making you and others feel cooler.

Setting Thermostats Higher For Faster Heating

If you raise the temperature setting on your thermostat higher than a comfortable level you will not heat your building faster. All you will accomplish is requiring the furnace or other heat sources to run constantly, using more energy. Set it to a comfort level you prefer, and consider a timer so the heating level you need rather than trying to compensate.

To Plug Or Unplug

When your electronics are in their “off” mode they can still be using a trickle of power. This phenomenon is known as standby power, and when allowed to continue over days, weeks, and months raises your overall energy costs. Unplug rather than shut off electronics to ensure that you are not increasing your costs.

To Remain On Or Turn Off

A similar conundrum occurs when you reason that keeping your computer or other electronics on is more energy efficient than rebooting it every time you want to use it. The “re-entry” into operational mode is much less of an energy drag than in the past, so you will actually save electricity, and money if you turn your computer off between uses.

HVAC Systems Work Best When Vents Are Closed — Or Open?

Closing a vent in the hop the room affected will not be heated or cooled seems to make sense. Depending on how your HVAC system works, constantly managing vents will actually use more energy as the configuration works harder when the flow of air is blocked even in just one space.

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ADCO’s 2nd Annual Food Drive – You Can Help Too!

SOVA FOOD DRIVE

Our 2nd Annual Food Donation Campaign for the SOVA Community Food and Resource Program begins today. Thousands of men, woman, and children struggle with hunger and rely on food banks. This program responds to hunger in our community by providing children and their families with resources they need, including free groceries, case management, counseling, and other supportive services.

DEADLINE:

December 20th, 2017

GOAL:

250 lbs. of food

WAYS YOU CAN DONATE:

You can drop off your donations at either of our office locations, from 8AM to 5PM M-F. If you can’t drive to us, we can arrange a pick up from your location.  If you need any collection bins, we’ll be more than happy to bring them to you.

ADCO WILL WEIGHT MATCH ALL DONATIONS!

MOST NEEDED ITEMS:

Whole grain cereal Canned soup Dry beans
Peanut butter Canned tuna 100% juice
Powdered milk Dry pasta Rice
Tomato sauce Dry soup Canned meats

We also welcome other non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items and children’s books.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

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How Do Green Roofs Create Value?

green-roof-benefits-alta-roofing-los-angeles

green-roof-benefits-alta-roofing-los-angeles

 

Discover all the positive effects a green roof can have for energy costs, ecology, community and well-being. Read on to find out about the convenience of vegetation blankets, for rapid installation of a full-coverage green roof requiring negligible maintenance.

A Natural Air and Water Purifier

Your green roof will contribute to purifying and de-polluting the air, producing oxygen out of carbon dioxide and filtering particulates. It purifies rainwater too, and facilitates evaporation from the plants.

The plants and the substrate and drainage layers around them also provide a rainwater buffer. This has benefits for the local groundwater and sewage systems, delaying rainwater discharge and reducing the load and risk of flooding after heavy rainfall.

Cooling Effect

The plants on a green roof reduce the ambient temperature. They absorb one half of the sunlight that reaches them, and reflect another 30%. That makes a pleasantly cool climate, reducing temperature in the building’s immediate neighborhood.

Inside, the building’s cool air systems have less work to do, reducing energy bills and extending the life of your air conditioning. And if you use solar panels already, or take the opportunity to install them with your green roof, you’ll find the cooler roof surface provides conditions for the panels to operate more efficiently. Energy is channeled into your power supply instead of being lost as heat, and your energy costs are further reduced.

A Roof Saver

Upgrading to a green roof won’t just preserve your aircon. It could triple the lifetime of the roof itself. Protected from the strongest sun, rain, temperature extremes and wind the weather can throw at it, a roof structure can be good for 60 years. In maintenance costs alone, a green roof can recoup your investment in as little as 8 years.

Quieter, More Pleasant Environment

A green roof will act as a sound barrier, absorbing external noise with particular appeal in urban areas. It makes for a quieter environment outside as well as within the building. It’s a more relaxing space that promotes well-being. Greenery offers a positive environment that encourages people to unwind and reduce their stress level, whether it’s at the end of the working day or for convalescent patients. People can tolerate pain a little more in a healing, green environment and require a shorter stay at the hospital.

Plants, herbs and grasses in a green roof encourage biodiversity. It provides a habitat for birds, butterflies and other insects and will attract more life than any gray, concrete and glass building.

Brings People Together, Reduces Vandalism

Everyone living in a green environment has a higher perception of their space and quality of daily life. They’ll naturally work together to maintain it. An environment people take pride in has positive social effects: more interaction and cohesion in the community. Greener areas are proven to suffer less violence, aggression and vandalism.

Vegetation Blankets Save Time And Maintenance

Direct-green mats pre-cultivated with greenery are delivered with 90% coverage, way quicker and easier to install than establishing a green roof with individual plug plants. An attractive green roof can be realized in a very short time.

Vegetation blankets bring great benefits going forward too. They make a solid top layer for the green roof that resists erosion, protecting substrate from blowing away in a storm. The nearly-full coverage means weeds struggle to get established, and very little effort and cost is required for maintenance.

Adding Value to the Building

A building with a green roof gains an attractive appearance with much more appeal than grey, man-made structures. Its strong, sustainable image adds value, as do the reduced energy and maintenance bills.

A green roof brings much more than just visual appeal to your property. It’s a sound economic investment which brings multiple savings in energy costs, maintenance and repair costs. You and other residents will benefit from clearer, cooler air, reduced noise and better climate proofing. And a green roof gives back to the local area, encouraging biodiversity and doing its bit to regulate the wastewater supply and ambient temperature.

 

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6 Factors that Affect Your Roof’s Life Expectancy

roof-life-expectancy

roof-life-expectancy

Even if you have a high quality roof, which will protect your home for a couple of decades, they do not last forever. You should always have regular inspections by a roofing contractor as well as periodic maintenance. Contractors can let you know when you can expect to have to replace the roof.

Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure your roof lasts a long time but there are six key factors that determine how soon and how often your roof may need repair or replacement.

  1. Roof Material

Each roofing material has different endurance and offers different life expectancy. If you have asphalt shingles you can expect the roof to last a few decades. The materials that provide even longer cover include clay or concrete tiles, slate shingles and membrane systems. When it comes time to replace your roof, consider using materials that have longer life expectancy. Work with you roofing contractor to determine the best materials to use for your building and local environment.

  1. Weather

Not something you can control but can be prepared for is the weather. Most systems are designed to endure heavy rains, strong winds even snow and hail, but this does wear them down. Extreme weather conditions can really take their toll on your roof, so depending on where you live your roof may be exposed to severe conditions that damage the structural integrity. Consider the climate you live in and keep your roof maintained accordingly. Perhaps check with local contractors for protective tips if you live in areas prone to harsh weather.

  1. Sun Exposure

The damaging UV rays of the sun can hurt your roof just like they hurt us. Some materials like metal or EPDM rubber membranes are more resistant to the ultraviolet exposure. Most roofing material will degrade with the repeated radiation. Continued sun exposure weakens the structural integrity of a roof by heating it. This causes thermal shock to the materials as well as contraction and expansion. Once this happens, the material degradation is accelerated causing roof repair and replacement to be sooner than expected. Since the sun is not something you can control, it is advised to check with professional roofers for any tips or protective additions that can be utilized.

  1. Roof Pitch

Longevity of a roof is also affected by its pitch or angle. Roofs that are flat and low do not get rid of water easily so it builds up. When rain or snow are allowed to accumulate on the surface it starts to wear away the materials. Pools of water cause the materials to lose strength which can cause leakages. A good way to offset the damage is to install gutter systems and make sure they are kept clear of debris build up, so they can efficiently remove water away from the roof.

  1. Ventilation

Every building should have proper ventilation. Regular air circulation through the house and attic prevents moisture from accumulating and also reduces the external temperature. When ventilation is poor, roof materials are weakened and not as effective. It is wise to consider which option works out better in the long run, replacing materials more frequently or investing in a good air ventialation system.

  1. Proper Installation

A quality installation goes a long way in roofing. When cheap or inexperienced roofers are used it is not uncommon for there to be premature repairs and replacement. While you save money in the beginning, you will have unexpected costs with leaks and other damage that occurs without proper installation. The use of lower quality materials also contributes to early degradation. You want to be sure you hire a licensed professional that uses high quality materials and ensures their work is up to all codes. In the event a genuine error occurs, professional contractors are always willing to return and make it right.

Roofing repairs and replacement is not cheap, so you want to make sure you get the most out of the roof you have. By investing the time to care for it and considering the above factors, you can expect to get more longevity from your roof.

 

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Would You Trust a Drone Service for Your Roof Inspection?

drone inspection

drone inspection

You really shouldn’t invest in a new building or home until you’ve had a roof inspection, even if you think you’ve found the one. You don’t want to buy a building or home with weak or damaged roofing, then find yourself with hefty bills to repair leaks and structural damage.

One of the latest technologies inspectors are often using to evaluate a roof involves using a drone.

But roofing contractors perform this importantl task differently, preferring a close-up, hands-on examination. Can you trust a drone inspection? Or should you hire a roofing contractor instead?

How Roof Inspections Work with a Drone

Many home inspectors today don’t actually get up on the roof to check its condition. And many of those who do climb up may stay on the ladder and look at the roof from there. The high cost of liability insurance is the most common reason cited for this worrisome trend.

So to avoid injury to the inspector — and to prevent damage to the building — many roof inspections are performed with a drone.

How does that work? A drone pilot flies a helicopter-like machine, that’s outfitted with a camera. The drone can be adjusted to view different angles, and it can hover to zoom in on selected areas on the roof. As the drone flies, it takes photographs and videos to allow the inspector to evaluate the roof’s condition.

How Roof Inspections Work with a Professional Roofing Contractor

A professional contractor doesn’t rely on drone photos or videos to determine the structural integrity of your roof.

Roofing contractors actually climb up on the roof to look at the roofing materials, underlayment and, if applicable, the roof decking itself.

During a professional roof inspection, the contractor also evaluates the condition of the flashing around the chimneys and vents as well as the soundness of the rain gutters, drains and downspouts. He also examines the deck and structural supports from the attic side.

Professional Roof Inspection vs. a Drone Inspection

A drone inspection gives results that are easy for inspectors to review. And pictures or videos often speak louder than words. With a drone inspection, buyers and sellers can see any roof damage for themselves.

That said, relying on a drone service may not be the best plan. Overhead photos cannot adequately assess any underlayment or deck issues, nor can drones check from inside for water damage or structural support problems.

A roofing contractor will perform a much more in-depth analysis of the roof, manually testing the strength and flexibility of the shingles or tiles as well the other materials. Drone pictures can let you see the rooftop, but only a professional roof inspection will provide you a clear view of the structure’s condition.

Property buyers and sellers throughout Southern California trust our experts for professional roof inspections. To schedule yours, contact us today.

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How To Avoid a Roofing Scam

how-to-avoid-roofing-scams---commercial-roofing-los-angeles

how-to-avoid-roofing-scams---commercial-roofing-los-angeles

Good roofs are a great investment. Not only do they protect you better from harsh weather but they also make your building more valuable. For this reason, you do not want inexperienced or illegitimate roofers handling the repair of your roofs, and we cannot deny that we live in a world full of scammers, who can come to you claiming to be professional roofing contractors. How do you know that you are dealing with a scam, and what ideas should raise the red flag that you are being scammed? Read on as in this text are some of the signs to tell you that you are dealing with a scam.

  1. Roofers who offer to repair your roof at no charge

This is the first tip to tell you that you are dealing with a scam. No roofer should come knocking on your door and offer to repair your roof on the basis that your insurance company will pay for it. After all, how would anyone know about your insurance policy? A reputable roofer should come to your office or home and inspect the damaged roof even before the repair. Moreover, if your insurance company will pay for the expenses, it shouldn’t happen fast and without being notified. You need to be there and sign the documents required before the roofer repairs it. So be aware of storm chasers and do not allow anyone who claims to be a roofer to fix your roof until you can guarantee that the contractor is genuine.

  1. Contractors who say that they want to inspect your roof

You need to be aware of roofers who come claiming that they want to inspect your roof when they do not have the necessary licenses. No roofer should come to you home requesting to examine the extent of the damage, while they cannot tell you the company they work with or if they do not have the licenses. Avoid allowing any roofer to get to the roof as some scammers want to damage your roof so that they have something to repair. Also, do not believe any repair man who comes down with some pictures claiming that that is the extent of damage after inspecting the roof. Some people come along with pictures just to convince you that you need a fast repair so that you do not hesitate to hire them.

  1. Roofers who request to assist with your insurance

Some scammers will come and ask to sign your insurance benefits, on the claim that they are well connected with your insurance company and that they can make your compensation fast. Avoid falling a victim of such scams. While this deal may seem great and one to save you much time and money, avoid to accept it. You might end up losing your entire compensation to such people, and even end up losing contact with them.

  1. Roofers who want you to sign a contract immediately

Be wary of a contractor who asks you to sign a contract with them once you meet them. Think about it, why should someone seem to be pressuring you to repair your roof? Maybe, their service quality is not that good, or they do not offer quality material meaning that they just want you to help them earn as they do not get many customers. So, do not sign a contract until you have visited the company’s place of work and even talked with a variety of clients who have benefited from the services of your roofer. Also, do not sign any contract without fully reading and understanding it. Remember, once you sign a contract without agreeing with several issues stated in it, you will be held liable. So, stay away from people who ask you to sign their contract unless you fully agree to it, and you are sure that you are dealing with legit roofers.

  1. Roofers without the proper credentials

Reputable roofing contractors always walk with their business cards, licenses, and insurance. So, do not fall prey of people who come requesting to help repair or replace your roof, while they cannot provide you with these documents. How do you prove that such a person is authorized by the state to repair your roofs, and how can you be sure that you will be insured should a damage result? So, if someone who proves to be a roofer cannot prove that he is, do not allow him/her to your roof. Also, if such roofers come with a vehicle that isn’t branded with the company’s name, that should be an indication that they are not legit.

  1. contractors who promise to replace your roof at a very low cost

This is another trick that scams use. It is no doubt that many homeowners will prefer to hire a contractor who can repair or replace a roof at a low cost, as most people look at the saving factor. However, do you know that you might end up losing more money and even spending more by undertaking such an action? Avoid persons who promise low prices, as this may be an indication that they are not qualified, or that they use inferior materials. You need to research the authenticity of such persons thoroughly. Ask them for references and their certifications. If they cannot provide you any of these, stay away as you do not want to fall a victim.

 

If you come across contractors with these behaviors, you should have the idea that you are probably dealing with a scam. Always be cautious and avoid giving in to such individuals. Do not let promises blind you, as giving in to promising people may just be the beginning of your problems. Take time to assure yourself that you are dealing with reliable people, and only then, sign an agreement.

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How To Get Your Roof Ready For Solar Panel Installation

solar-panels-on-flat-roof-los-angeles

solar-panels-on-flat-roof-los-angeles

When you’re planning solar panel installation at your home or business, you must make sure that your roof can support your sustainable energy goals.
Take these three simple steps before installation of your new photovoltaic array, and you can rest assured that your roof will be ready to support your solar panel installation.

Step One: Contact a Licensed Roofing Contractor and Schedule a Free Roof Inspection

Do you know if roof can support the weight of a photovoltaic array? Solar panels are pretty heavy — each weighs about 40 pounds, not including the mounting racks and hardware. To provide enough power for your building, you may need dozens of solar panels. And your roof must have the right structural support in place to bear the weight of all that equipment. The best way to figure out if you have enough structural support is to schedule a roof inspection. A licensed roofing contractor can assess your roof’s condition.

Step Two: Get The Roof Repaired Before Installing Solar Panels

If during inspection the roofing contractor finds that your roof has some obvious damages, you need to address those problems now. It’s important that you have all repair work done before installing a photovoltaic array. Solar panels last at least 25 years, and most continue to provide power for much longer than that. Therefore, your roof must be in good condition if you want it to last for the life span of your photovoltaic array. Don’t be tempted to skip roof repair if the damage is slight. Small problems can easily grow into big and costly problems over time. And if you need repairs in the future, it will be expensive to remove your photovoltaic array to address the problem. You’ll have to have the solar panels reinstalled, which will cost you even more.

Step Three: Address Roof Obstacles before Solar Panel Installation

Shading can largely affect your photovoltaic array’s output. Roof penetrations like chimneys can result in unwanted shading, and they can also interfere with panel placement. To reap the most solar energy production, it’s important to address these issues now rather than later.

During your roof inspection, ask your contractor to see if any of the roof fittings or penetrations are likely to affect your solar panels. Some, like antennas and satellite dishes, can usually be moved to a better position if needed. Chimneys and vents can be more difficult to move, but may be possible.

Contact us to schedule an inspection to be sure your roof is ready for solar panel installation.

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