An Old Leaky Roof Caused Hidden Structural Damage

An Old Leaky Roof Caused Hidden Structural Damage

BEFORE

The Problem

Wauwatosa homeowner, Meg, was looking for a contractor to replace her nearly 30-year-old roof. It was leaking intermittently for multiple years to the point where they had removed sections of drywall to allow it to dry and breathe.

Wanting to prevent any additional damage to her home, Meg sought out a company to replace the old roof with a new one. Because she and her husband both worked full time, she became frustrated with how much time it took to collect multiple estimates. Meg explained “We wanted to be able to trust this person to put us in a good position for the future. We didn’t want to have to make repairs on our roof and we hope this is the last roof we put on.”

The Solution

Selecting Guardian to install a standard roof system was an easy choice. She explained, “Patrick was very knowledgeable about every aspect of roofing that we needed detail on, which inevitably made us trust him. He provided us an education on this project and we wanted to be as informed as we could when spending this kind of money. Guardian did cost more than most, but it was a risk we didn’t want to take. There was no sales pitch and the process was purely educational. My husband and I appreciated that he didn’t try to sell us on any particular option but gave us pros and cons to each option that made us find the right project for our home.”

AFTER

The Result

The project, which was originally quoted a 12-16 week timeframe, was completed in 4 weeks. Meg was made aware of the possibility of delays due to material and supply availability.

When we asked her thoughts on the result, she explained that the “Workmanship looks great, Guardian pays excellent attention to details. They uncovered hidden, concealed water damage, immediately brought it to our attention and repaired it. We had some areas of major structural damage and Guardian handled these unforeseen damages quickly, concisely and with the utmost respect. Reviewing the photos with our Project Manager, I am grateful the issues were found and addressed.”

Flat Roof Fix for Mitchell International Airport

Flat Roof Fix for Mitchell International Airport

BEFORE

The Problem

The FAA Building at Mitchell International Airport was to install new, larger, air conditioning units on their roof. Due to the size of the new units, the roof needed additional support installed while keeping the integrity of the TPO roofing system.

Initially, they were looking for a contractor that had HVAC and roof work both in house but were unsuccessful in the search, so the next goal was to find two separate contractors that would work in tandem to avoid any delays, as the equipment housed in the building was temperature sensitive. It was crucial that the work be completed in a timely manner.

The Solution

Guardian was selected for a few reasons: top ratings, exceptional warranty, and the willingness to work alongside the HVAC company.

“I am not sure if Guardian always sends a sales manager out to their sites, but it was a nice change to have someone onsite who had extensive product knowledge and the apparent experience that we expected to see on a project of this magnitude.”

AFTER

The Result

The job moved quickly and smoothly. Guardian cut the roofing, set the new curb and re-flashed into the existing roofing with TPO Flat Roofing materials as scheduled to ensure that the A/C units could be installed the same day.

“When it comes to customer service, we were very satisfied with Guardian. From the start when the sales manager personally came to the site to develop a plan, to the project manager who was onsite throughout the process to ensure there were no issues, it was a very pleasant experience throughout. Guardian even noticed some other issues while they were out that had nothing to do with the work they were conducting and notified us right away, giving us options on what kind of repairs could be done to resolve the issues, preventing an emergency situation in the future. Because of that, we are looking into getting some more work completed with them in the near future.

I would recommend Guardian to anybody that is looking for commercial roofing repairs as well as residential. The way our commercial project was handled from start to finish gives us the confidence to recommend them for residential work as well. We were kept very informed and at no point felt as if we were just another paycheck for them. Instead we felt that our opinions were taken into consideration and we were an important part of the process.”
– Mitchell International Airport Representative

Properly Fixing a Recurring Leak that Other Companies Could Not Fix

Properly Fixing a Recurring Leak that Other Companies Could Not Fix

The Problem.
Waukesha homeowner, Gerry, had a leaking chimney and needed the problem permanently fixed. The leak was a recurring problem. Over the years, several contractors came to repair the leak, but none of them were successful at completely stopping the leak.

“I had several contractors come look at it over the years, and none were able to completely stop the leak,” stated Gerry. “I was concerned that I would be charged again for repairs that did not completely solve my problem… many contractors had attempted to solve the problem, failed, and still charged me for the work.”

The Solution
Gerry contacted Guardian and we conducted a thorough inspection. Additionally, based on the problem at hand, they determined that a water test needed to be conducted to fully establish the root-cause of the recurring leak.

Based on the findings from the inspection and water test, Guardian concluded that the proper solution to permanently stop the leak was to reconfigure and replace the valley and re-side the chimney. Ultimately, the valley was the root-cause of the leak.

Gerry explained, “the damage to the chimney was more extensive than we had anticipated, but Matt L. informed us every step of the way. As soon as he discovered more rotted wood underneath our siding, he brought it to our attention so we could address it. He also explained in depth why the valley was the root cause of our leaking issues. The drainage from the valley was directly diverting water underneath the “cricket” (designed to divert water) installed on the chimney. The valley was not installed properly when we had our roof done years ago. We had not heard this before from any contractor, and it was good to finally get an answer.”

The Result
With the cause of the leak fixed and the damage repaired, Gerry can finally find relief in knowing that his roof is fully and properly repaired. Gerry expressed gratitude for the constant contact and communication throughout the project, “everyone was in constant contact. If I had a question, I could call a number of people for an answer.”

“The experience couldn’t have been better,” added Gerry. “Guardian guarantees their work so at the off chance that the chimney leaks again, at least I know they will be back to fix it without charging me again.”

An Improperly Installed Roof Fails Prematurely

An Improperly Installed Roof Fails Prematurely

The Problem.
Percy and Vonn purchased their Milwaukee home a couple years ago: “One of the reasons we purchased our home just two years ago was because the asphalt shingle roof had just been replaced. (Important note: Guardian did NOT install the roof at the property). The realtor used this as a selling point. We hired Guardian right after purchasing our home to replace the small flat rubber roof on the breezeway of our home last year with a TPO system. That project went off without a hitch. However, the real trouble came this past winter, when we arrived home from work and found a large portion of our asphalt roof gone. We called the Guardian office and they responded as if it was a 911 emergency.”

It turned out the “new roof” was actually defective due to being improperly installed as a result of high nailing. The shingles were nailed outside of the nailing zone, causing them to tear and eventually come off with weather.

The Solution
Having already worked with Guardian, Percy and Vonn reached out again during this emergency.

According to Percy and Vonn, the process was simple, “We called Patti in the office, she walked us through applying for financing, and she immediately sent Eric out to temporarily protect our roof, we picked a shingle and the roofing replacement was scheduled. All this transpired in a matter of days.”

The Result
Eric, the Project Manager, took the time to explain to them what was wrong with their roof and why it happened. The crew properly fixed the roof and Percy and Vonn no longer need to worry about their roof’s condition.

“I still can’t believe how quickly and professionally we were taken care of … we are planning on having [Guardian] roof our garage this summer. We are Guardian customers for life. Thank you for coming through when we needed you.”
– Percy and Vonn, Milwaukee, WI

Roof Leak Holdup

Roof Leak Holdup

The Problem.
Marissa had been working on an interior remodeling project when her roof began to leak unexpectedly. Her roof was old, buckling, and was leaking around the skylights. As a result of the leak, she had to place the remodeling project temporarily on hold and repair the leaking roof within a very short timeframe so that the interior remodeling project could continue.

“Our biggest concern was whether or not we could afford a new roof. We have multiple projects and were on a strict budget,” Marissa explained.

Additionally, Marissa’s homeowner’s insurance required a full roof replacement before they renewed their coverage, which added to an already very stressful situation.

The Solution
Guardian was able to accommodate her need for expedited work as to not lose their homeowners insurance coverage as well as provide a perfect shingle to put on their home.

“We needed a contractor that could help us find a shingle of good quality that would “pop” on our roof. Our house is very unique, and our Representative Patrick found us the perfect shingle,” said Marissa.

“Patrick was not at all pitchy or pushy, which we had encountered when looking at our interior contractors,” Marissa added.

The Result
She continued to explain that the process “… was exceptional despite a little hiccup regarding the roof-to-wall transition.” Marissa was informed of the situation and the reason as to why these components are important. She added, “the Project Supervisor and Manager took the time to explain exactly what it is and why we needed it.”

When asked about the Guardian’s customer service, Marissa stated, “It was attentive and responsive. If we had questions, they answered them right away. If we had concerns, they addressed them right away. What more could you ask for?”

“The whole process was seamless. Thank you Guardian!” – Marissa

Help! My Insurance Company Will Not Fully Cover My Damaged Porch

Help! My Insurance Company Will Not Fully Cover My Damaged Porch

BEFORE

The Problem.
“A tree had fallen on my front porch, punching the support right through the roof,” described Menomonee Falls homeowner, Jacob. “I don’t know a whole lot about roofing, or building components in general, and needed to trust in what the contractors were telling me needed to be done. I was also on a budget, but wanted the repair done right.”

However, while getting estimates, he found a trend of contractors trying to sell him a new roof for the entire house rather than addressing the porch and the actual structural problems.

When asked why he chose Guardian to repair his roof, Jacob responded, “They did not try to sell me a whole new roof! And they were upfront about what they may find once the damage was open to see. They took an investigative approach to the repair. They also helped me understand what was needed so that I could accurately communicate with my insurance company. In the end, my insurance company did cover the full repair, when before Guardian became involved, they gave me a partial reimbursement.”

Regarding his experience with Guardian, Jacob added, “It was a no pressure situation, and they were interested in solving my problem, not upselling me on a new roof. “

AFTER

The Solution.
We made structural repairs to the roof and porch posts, replaced shingles, and replaced/re-pitched his home’s gutter.

When asked about the how the project went, Jacob responded “the crew was wonderful and helpful in that they went over everything they were doing, and everything they found, step by step. In addition, Guardian discovered that the damage from the tree went much further than what showed on the surface and what the insurance company adjuster had originally included in their estimate. They were able to not only repair the damage, but also help me explain to the insurance company the extent of the damage in order for me to receive proper and full reimbursement.”

The Result
Jacob was happy to have Guardian on his side, working with him and his insurance company to grant additional coverage as additional damage was found once the area had been opened up that the insurance adjuster couldn’t see and did not account for.

“They worked with me before, during and after the project. When the insurance company lagged on the increased payment, the Guardian Project Manager spoke to them, supplied pictures of the additional damage. When I told them the payment was late from the insurance company and I could not afford to cover the balance owed without the insurance payment, they worked with me – so I could sleep at night!”

Jacob says Guardian “took care of me, my house and they warranty their work. I will absolutely call Guardian in the future if I need them. Thank you Guardian!”