Saturday, August 22, 2009

Welcome to the Florida Wind Insurance Savings Calculator!

This online tool provides homeowners and builders with a general indication of the types of wind insurance savings available from Florida insurance companies for building features that reduce damage during high wind events like hurricanes. Building features that reduce wind damage and can lower wind insurance premiums include:

Wind Mitigation Diagram for Insurance Savings Calculator

Most existing houses have one or more wind resistive construction features and may qualify for some insurance discounts. In addition, houses built after 1994 in Miami-Dade or Broward Counties and houses built after 2002 in the rest of the state have many wind resistive construction features and will likely qualify for credits.

By answering a series of questions about your home as it currently exists or based on renovations you are planning, the Wind Insurance Savings Calculator (WISC), will help determine what level of savings you may be eligible for.

The discounts found on this website are based on insurance filings approved through June 2008
Click "Calculate Your Savings" to begin.    

Buy supplies early to prepare for the storm. When the storm threatens, lines will be long and supplies short.

Timothy Parks Construction, Inc.

(407) 383-9118 Orlando Office

(727) 260-7344 Tampa Bay Office

(941) 270-2677 Sarasota Office

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Timothy Parks Construction, hurricane preparedness and tips, wind insurance savings calculator, wind mitigation report, wind insurance savings calculator (WISC)



Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Hurricane Tips

Disaster Preparedness

Before the Storm

  • Make sure you're covered – Insurance companies do not accept new applications or requests for increased coverage once a hurricane nears Florida.
  • Know what your policy covers – Flood and wind damage are often covered in separate policies. Decide if you need this protection and contact your agent for more information.
  • Make sure your coverage is adequate – You may have made recent home improvements or purchases. Consider increasing your coverage if your policy doesn't cover the current value of your home and contents.
  • Keep policy documents safe – In addition to information on your agent, you should write down   the name of your insurance company, policy number, and a telephone number to report a claim.
  • Fortify your home - Inspect your roof, making sure you have roof anchors installed on your home. Replace your windows and doors that don't pass the impact test, or cover them with shutters. A fortified home with the right doors, windows and shutters will save you money on your insurance premiums (link to discounts).
  • Secure your property and clear your yard of any debris, lawn furniture, tools or other objects that could turn into dangerous projectiles in high winds.

After the Storm

  • Immediately report property damage to your insurance agent and company.
  • If you must make emergency repairs, document them.
  • Maintain copies of your household inventory and other documentation. This will assist the adjuster in assessing the value of the destroyed property.
  • Take precautions if the damage requires you to leave your home. Let your agent or company know your temporary forwarding address and home number.
  • Beware of fly-by-night repair businesses. Hire licensed and reputable service people.
  • Know what kind of licensed adjuster you will deal with (i.e. company adjuster, independent adjuster or public adjuster). Ask for identification, and if a question arises, call the Department of Insurance hotline for assistance.
  • If you encounter any instances of price gouging, call the Florida Department of Agriculture’s Division of Consumer Services at 1-800-357-4273.

Financial Safety

When you hear warnings that a storm is near, you should also take precautions to protect your financial interests. These tips can help you secure your financial safety.

  • Remember to withdraw money before a pending natural disaster. Carrying or keeping large amounts of cash in your home, however, might put you at risk of being robbed. Also, you could lose interest payments if you take too much out of an interest-bearing account.
  • Normally, financial institutions will be closed at least two days after a direct hit, and ATMs could be out of commission even longer.
  • During all cash withdrawals, be aware of your surroundings and any suspicious persons.
  • Get receipts for cash purchases before and after a storm.
  • Have a credit card on hand with at least $1,000 available.
  • Use credit cards to finance minimal repairs when necessary. Document all these transactions.
  • If you pay bills by phone or online, pay them before a hurricane hits, even if they are not yet due. Otherwise, a hurricane could interrupt phone service causing you to miss payments and get late charges.
  • If you pay by mail, send payments at least two days before a hurricane, because the post office will not pick up mail within 24 hours of a strike.
  • Keep copies of all payments mailed within 3 days of a hurricane making landfall.
  • After a storm, contact those you've sent payments to and confirm they have received them.
  • Store important financial papers in a safe and accessible place.
  • Before you use any "fast-cash" lender, be sure you understand what the fees will cost for the service.
  • Beware of anyone offering to help after a storm, who wants cash only.

Disaster Tips

Want more information?

Visit the Disaster portion of the Insurance Library or call 1-877-MY-FL-CFO (1-877-693-5236)

Hurricane Tips

TP_name

(407) 383-9118 Orlando Office

(727) 260-7344 Tampa Bay Office

(941) 270-2677 Sarasota Office

Timothy Parks Construction, Inc. Website




Saturday, August 8, 2009

Can I Layer Shingles on My Roof? Yes, in Florida up to (2) layers.

Like many common home improvement questions, the answer is you can, but you need to decide if layering shingles is the best course of action for your home. It isn't uncommon to layer a second roof right over the first and then tear everything off before you put a third layer down. Building codes and most municipalities will usually allow you to overlay a second (though never a third) layer of asphalt shingles over an existing shingled roof. You will need to check with your building  inspections department to be sure.

Common Problems with Layering Shingles Owens Corning pc-logo-small
Layering shingles has a few drawbacks that you should take into consideration before you decide to lay new shingles over the old.

  • With (2) layers your not eligible for the greatest dollar reduction in your insurance premiums.  Contact your insurance agent for details!
  • If there's any curling of the old shingles, the new shingles will not lay flat.
  • Moisture can get trapped under the heavy layers and cause premature rotting of the wood.
  • You do add excess weight to the roof framing, which can cause the decking and/or roof joists to bow and cause a ripple effect in the roof.
  • Overlay will not work well at all with dimensional shingles, only three tab. Campaigner GAF ELK LOGO CE18239
  • If you do overlay, you have to cut off the tab of the first course which will give you a "bump" about 6" up the roof all the way around the shingle roof.
  • You must pull off both layers before you roof the next time. Many times the cost for a double tear-off is more than doing it two separate times.
  • Tear-off will give you the opportunity to examine the decking for any rot and make repairs now before it gets worse (and more costly).
  • If you do remove the old shingles, you will end up with a nice fresh layer of felt on the roof deck.

     

    Re-Shingle Roof as Part of a Larger Plan  Timothy Parks
    Despite these drawbacks, layering shingles can still be the best plan for your roof. One of the situations, where this option can make the most sense is for a temporary fix as part of a long term plan. Many of the common problems listed above can be avoided if you end up replacing your new roof in the next five or ten years. This sounds like an unwarranted expense, but simply layering shingles can make for a reasonably priced project. You can then invest your money and invest in a high-performance, energy-efficient roof in ten years that will last for the rest of your life.

    New Roofs

  • Metal roofs are water-tight, fireproof, energy-efficient roofs that will last 30-50 years. SMART MONEY
  • Tile roofs resist hurricanes, are a natural insulator, and can last 50 years or more.  Rubber roofs are weatherproof, energy-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and easily fixed.  Marcus Pickett Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.

     

  • Insulating the attic  Click here for details

     TP_name

    (407) 383-9118 Orlando Office

    (727) 260-7344 Tampa Bay Office

    (941) 270-2677 Sarasota Office

    Timothy Parks Construction, Inc. Website

    Markets Served: Sarasota FL, Orlando FL, Tampa Bay Fl

    Cape Coral, FL Sarasota, FL
    Bonita Shores, FL Ellenton, FL
    Longboat Key, FL Palmetto, FL
    Palm Harbor, FL Anna Maria, FL
    Winter Garden, FL Holmes Beach, FL
    Pine Island, FL Gibsonton, FL
    Siesta Key, FL Bradenton Beach, FL
    Seminole, FL Brandon, FL
    Deltona, FL Tallevast, FL
    Bayshore, FL Council, FL
    Lake Mary, FL Indian Shores, FL
    Pinellas, FL Bradenton, FL
    Sarasota, FL Estero, FL
    Fort Myers Beach, FL Riverview, FL
    Cape Coral, FL Oneco, FL
    Sarasota, FL Sanford, FL
    Tampa Bay, FL Lakeland, FL
    Fort Myers, FL Largo, FL
    Apopka, FL Myakka, FL
    Dunedin, FL Davenport, FL
    Lake Wales, FL Bonita Springs, FL
    Venice, FL Clermont, FL
    Gasparilla, FL Oldsmar, FL
    Oviedo, FL Haines City, FL
    St. Petersburg, FL Osprey, FL
    Winter Haven, FL Coconut, FL
    Manasota Beach, FL St. Cloud, FL
    Boca Grande, FL Clearwater, FL
    Ocoee, FL Dundee, FL
    Ruskin, FL Nokomis, FL
    Auburndale, FL North Port, FL
    Lakeland, FL Orlando, FL
    Tampa Bay, FL Cape Coral, FL
    Orlando, FL Port Charlotte, FL
    Sanibel, FL Englewood, FL
    Altamonte Springs, FL Plant City, FL
    Captiva, FL Parish, FL
    Lakeland, FL Tampa Bay, FL
    Orlando, FL Cape Coral, FL
    Port Charlotte, FL Lakeland, FL
    Tampa Bay, FL Orlando, FL
    Sanibel, FL Englewood, FL
    Plant City, FL Parish, FL
    Altamonte Springs, FL Captiva, FL
    North Port, FL Auburndale, FL
    Ruskin, FL Boca Grande, FL
    Ocoee, FL Manasota Beach, FL
    St. Petersburg, FL Winter Haven, FL
    Gasparilla, FL Oviedo, FL
    Lake Wales, FL Venice, FL
    Dunedin, FL Coconut, FL
    Apopka, FL Haines City, FL
    Fort Myers, FL Oldsmar, FL
    Nokomis, FL Clermont, FL
    Dundee, FL Bonita Springs, FL
    Clearwater, FL Myakka, FL
    St. Cloud, FL Davenport, FL
    Osprey, FL Largo, FL




  • Energy Savers: Attic Insulation

    Call Timothy Parks Construction today for a free consultation.

    (407) 383-9118 Orlando (727) 260-7344 Tampa Bay

    (941) 270-2677 Sarasota

    Attic Insulation 

    Properly insulating and air sealing your attic will help reduce your energy bills. Attics are often one of the easiest places in a house to insulate, especially if you'd like to add insulation.

    Before insulating or deciding whether to add insulation to your attic, first see our information about adding insulation to an existing house or selecting insulation for new home construction if you haven't already.

    Warning: if you think you have vermiculite insulation in your attic, there's a chance it could contain asbestos. Don't disturb it. Only insulation contractors certified to handle and remove asbestos should deal with vermiculite insulation.

    Attic Insulation Techniques

    logo_pink_is_green Loose-fill or batt insulation is typically installed in an attic. Although installation costs may vary, loose-fill insulation is usually less expensive to install than batt insulation. When installed properly, loose-fill insulation also usually provides better coverage.

    Before installing any type of insulation in your attic, follow these steps:

    • Seal all attic-to-home air leaks. Most insulation does not stop airflow.

    • Duct exhaust fans to the outside. Use a tightly constructed box to cover fan housing on attic side. Seal around the duct where it exits the box. Seal the perimeter of the box to the drywall on attic side.

    • Cover openings—such as dropped ceilings, soffits, and bulkheads—into attic area with plywood and seal to the attic side of the ceiling.

    • Seal around chimney and framing with a high-temperature caulk or furnace cement.

              • At the tops of interior walls, use long-life caulk to seal the smaller gaps and holes. Use expanding foam or strips of rigid foam board insulation for the larger gaps.

    • Install blocking (metal flashing) to maintain fire-safety clearance requirements (usually 3 inches) for heat-producing equipment found in an attic, such as flues, chimneys, exhaust fans, and light housings/fixtures unless the light fixtures are IC (insulation contact) rated. IC-rated lights are airtight and can be covered with insulation.

    • Make sure insulation doesn't block soffit vents to allow for attic ventilation.

    • Check the attic ceiling for water stains or marks. They indicate roof leaks or lack of ventilation. Make repairs before you insulate. Wet insulation is ineffective and can damage your home.

    Also insulate and air seal your attic access if it's located in a conditioned part of the house.

    You'll want to properly insulate and air seal any knee walls—vertical walls with attic space directly behind them—in your home as well.

    Finally, if you're constructing a new home or remodeling, make sure any attic decking, which provides additional storage space or a platform for an HVAC unit or hot water tank, is raised above the ceiling joists to ensure proper insulation depth. The decking then should be installed securely to the top of the raised lumber after the insulation has been installed.

    Other Considerations 

    If you live in a hot or warm climate, you might consider installing a radiant barrier in your attic along with the insulation.

    Energy Savers: Attic Insulation

    (407) 383-9118 Orlando Office

    (727) 260-7344 Tampa Bay Office pink_panth_machine_lg

    (941) 270-2677 Sarasota Office

    Timothy Parks Construction, Inc. Website

     

    Markets Served: Sarasota FL, Orlando FL, Tampa Bay Fl

    Cape Coral, FL Sarasota, FL
    Bonita Shores, FL Ellenton, FL
    Longboat Key, FL Palmetto, FL
    Palm Harbor, FL Anna Maria, FL
    Winter Garden, FL Holmes Beach, FL
    Pine Island, FL Gibsonton, FL
    Siesta Key, FL Bradenton Beach, FL
    Seminole, FL Brandon, FL
    Deltona, FL Tallevast, FL
    Bayshore, FL Council, FL
    Lake Mary, FL Indian Shores, FL
    Pinellas, FL Bradenton, FL
    Sarasota, FL Estero, FL
    Fort Myers Beach, FL Riverview, FL
    Cape Coral, FL Oneco, FL
    Sarasota, FL Sanford, FL
    Tampa Bay, FL Lakeland, FL
    Fort Myers, FL Largo, FL
    Apopka, FL Myakka, FL
    Dunedin, FL Davenport, FL
    Lake Wales, FL Bonita Springs, FL
    Venice, FL Clermont, FL
    Gasparilla, FL Oldsmar, FL
    Oviedo, FL Haines City, FL
    St. Petersburg, FL Osprey, FL
    Winter Haven, FL Coconut, FL
    Manasota Beach, FL St. Cloud, FL
    Boca Grande, FL Clearwater, FL
    Ocoee, FL Dundee, FL
    Ruskin, FL Nokomis, FL
    Auburndale, FL North Port, FL
    Lakeland, FL Orlando, FL
    Tampa Bay, FL Cape Coral, FL
    Orlando, FL Port Charlotte, FL
    Sanibel, FL Englewood, FL
    Altamonte Springs, FL Plant City, FL
    Captiva, FL Parish, FL
    Lakeland, FL Tampa Bay, FL
    Orlando, FL Cape Coral, FL
    Port Charlotte, FL Lakeland, FL
    Tampa Bay, FL Orlando, FL
    Sanibel, FL Englewood, FL
    Plant City, FL Parish, FL
    Altamonte Springs, FL Captiva, FL
    North Port, FL Auburndale, FL
    Ruskin, FL Boca Grande, FL
    Ocoee, FL Manasota Beach, FL
    St. Petersburg, FL Winter Haven, FL
    Gasparilla, FL Oviedo, FL
    Lake Wales, FL Venice, FL
    Dunedin, FL Coconut, FL
    Apopka, FL Haines City, FL
    Fort Myers, FL Oldsmar, FL
    Nokomis, FL Clermont, FL
    Dundee, FL Bonita Springs, FL
    Clearwater, FL Myakka, FL
    St. Cloud, FL Davenport, FL
    Osprey, FL Largo, FL

    Friday, August 7, 2009

    Leaky Roof Repair Services in Sarasota, Florida :: Fix Leaks, Water Damage, More

     Leaky Roof Repair Services in Sarasota, Florida :: Fix Leaks, Water Damage, More

    Sarasota Roofs Services: We Fix Leaky Roofs

    It’s the moment we all dread: Looking up at your ceiling and finding a large wet spot. Sarasota Roofs understands the anxiety you feel when you realize you may have a leaky roof, and we’re here to comfort you at a moment’s notice.

    Roof leaks often occur long before your roof needs re-roofing or replacement—it’s often due to everyday wear and tear or severe weather conditions. More often than not, roof leaks are the result of damaged flashing, which is sheet metal installed at breaks in a shingled roof to stop leaks. Roof leaks can also manifest as localized damage that includes injury to shingles or shakes. Many times, these shingles or shakes are either torn, cracked, curled or even missing altogether.

    Technorati Tags: roofing,painting,replacement windows,new windows,replacement doors,new doors,metal roofs,dimensional shingles,Owens Corning,GAF, Certainteed, handyman,handymen, Sarasota roofer, North Port roofer, Englewood roofer, Nokomis roofer,osprey roofer,extended warranty

    (407) 383-9118 Orlando Office

    (727) 260-7344 Tampa Bay Office

    (941) 270-2677 Sarasota Office

    Timothy Parks Construction, Inc. Website

     Leaky Roof Repair Services in Sarasota, Florida :: Fix Leaks, Water Damage, More

    Leak-FREE Roof Certification 941-270-2677 Roof Inspection

    Our roof inspectors are available 24 hours a day to search for both necessary roof repair work and for conditions which might cause a roof leak in the future. We produce a written report with pictures, High Definition video, and detailed notes upon the completion of every roof inspection. Our reports indicate to the homeowner, (or homebuyer, home seller and their real estate agents) what is needed. All of our roof inspections include the detail and professional opinion (typically missing from home inspection reports) that is needed by mortgage lenders, homeowners insurance adjusters and roof riders on home warranty insurance policies.

    Have your client obtain a Leak-FREE Roof Certification from Timothy Parks Construction, Inc. (www.tprci.com) to help with negotiations while relieving both you and your client from disclosure risk. Did you know that roof leaks are the number one source of claims against home inspection reports and that the consequential damages can cost thousands of dollars?If you are worried that the age or appearance of the roof might put off potential buyers or complicate negotiations, certifying the roof can really help. It's sure a lot cheaper than recovering the roof.

    Our Leak-FREE Roof Certification is a binding, transferrable service agreement providing potentials buyers with professional assurance that the roof will do its job for at least one more year. Before the roof can be certified, it must pass our patent-pending rooftop inspection process. If the roof fails inspection, we will discuss our findings and necessary repairs providing a detailed report including digital photographs and High Definition video.

    Your client - or the buyer - will have all the information they need to move forward. The easiest thing to do, of course, is to have Timothy Parks Construction, Inc. perform the repairs and issue the certificate.

    If you think the home inspection has this covered, think again. In order to avoid claims against their E&O coverage, most home inspectors include language in their reports deferring the opinion on the roof via a recommendation to bring in a roofing professional. When the home inspector excludes the roof, the disclosure liability falls back on the seller and you - the listing agent.

    GAF Elk Certified Roofing Contractor CE 18239
    http://www.tprci.com/pdfs/gafelk18239.pdf

    Corning Preferred Roofing Contractor ID 209189
    http://www.tprci.com/pdfs/oc209189.pdf

    Customer Testimonials
    http://www.tprci.com/pdfs/testimonials.pdf

    Financing Options
    http://www.tprci.com/financing.html

    (40) 383-9118 Orlando Office
    (727) 260-7344 Tampa Bay Office
    (941) 270-2677 Sarasota Office

    Markets Served:
    Cape Coral - Sarasota - Lakeland - Tampa Bay - Orlando

    Cape Coral, FL
    Port Charlotte, FL
    Lakeland, FL
    Tampa Bay, FL
    Orlando, FL
    Sanibel, FL
    Englewood, FL
    Plant City, FL
    Parish, FL
    Altamonte Springs, FL
    Captiva, FL
    North Port, FL
    Auburndale, FL
    Ruskin, FL
    Ocoee, FL
    Boca Grande, FL
    Manasota Beach, FL
    Winter Haven, FL
    St. Petersburg, FL
    Oviedo, FL
    Gasparilla, FL
    Venice, FL
    Lake Wales, FL
    Dunedin, FL
    Apopka, FL
    Fort Myers, FL
    Nokomis, FL
    Dundee, FL
    Clearwater, FL
    St. Cloud, FL
    Coconut, FL
    Osprey, FL
    Haines City, FL
    Oldsmar, FL
    Clermont, FL
    Bonita Springs, FL
    Myakka, FL
    Davenport, FL
    Largo, FL
    Sanford, FL
    Fort Myers Beach, FL
    Sarasota, FL
    Pinellas, FL
    Lake Mary, FL
    Bonita Shores, FL
    Longboat Key, FL
    Palm Harbor, FL
    Winter Garden, FL
    Pine Island, FL
    Siesta Key, FL
    Seminole, FL
    Deltona, FL
    Bayshore, FL
    Oneco, FL
    Riverview, FL
    Estero, FL
    Bradenton, FL
    Indian Shores, FL
    Council, FL
    Tallevast, FL
    Brandon, FL
    Bradenton Beach, FL
    Gibsonton, FL
    Holmes Beach, FL
    Anna Maria, FL
    Palmetto, FL
    Ellenton, FL

    Leak-FREE Roof Certification 941-270-2677 Roof Inspection