Blog | Top O' Michigan Insurance Solutionshttps://tomia247.com/blog/2024-03-28T10:11:55+00:00Blog
Come back often for all the latest insurance news updates.4 Tips for Winter Roof Maintenance2020-12-30T14:52:11+00:002024-03-28T09:38:34+00:00Tyler Bartoshhttps://tomia247.com/blog/author/TBartosh/https://tomia247.com/blog/tips-for-winter-roof-maintenance/<p>The Michigan winters can bring a lot of rain, sleet, ice, wind, and of course <strong>snow</strong>. Depending on what side of the discussion you are on, the extra snow can bring heaps of fun or added work. Keeping your roof in good shape is truly a year-round job but it is especially important that you focus on solid roof maintenance during these cold-weather months. Between all of the precipitation and frigid temperatures, the winter weather can also bring on some extra wear and tear to your roof. Here are <strong>Four Winter Roof Maintenance Tips</strong> to help you prevent costly damage or losses at your property.</p>
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<h5><strong>Clear the roof and gutters of debris, leaves and branches before a major snowfall.</strong></h5>
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<li><strong>This is best completed before winter sets in. Be sure that you clear your gutters and roof of debris from the summer and fall. This can help avoid ice dams so it is important that water and snow can easily run off the surface and into your gutters.</strong></li>
<li><strong>Be sure that you also cut back any tree branches near or touching the roof. The ice build-up on the trees can cause them to hang lower or even break off causing additional damage or problems throughout the year.</strong></li>
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<li><strong><strong style="color: #01529b; font-size: 1.4em;">Remove snow and ice as soon as possible.</strong></strong>
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<li><strong>Although it may be a nice picture to look at, the snow and/or ice building up on your roof can be detrimental. The weight of snow and ice can lead to collapse or additional build-up creating ice dams. </strong></li>
<li><strong>If you can safely do so, be sure to remove all ice and snow from your roof as quickly as possible. Since these conditions can make it very slippery, it is best to hire a roof maintenance company to help take care of the snow/ice for you.</strong></li>
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<li><strong style="color: #01529b; font-size: 1.4em;">Check your attic.</strong>
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<li><strong>Pests can be one of the biggest problems a property owner can face throughout the year. Make sure that your home is "pest-proof" and that you keep an eye out for any signs that unwanted critters may have moved in with you for the winter. Some of these signs include noises in the attic, damage to gutters or holes/damage in your siding.</strong></li>
<li><strong>You will also want to make sure you have proper insulation and ventilation. These are critical to the roof when the weather begins to get colder. You may be able to notice common signs of ventilation issues such as heating/cooling issues or a build-up of condensation/moisture.</strong></li>
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<h5><strong>Get a complete roof inspection by a professional.</strong></h5>
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<li><strong>A licensed roofing contractor can provide a full inspection of your roof. They can then help identify any weaknesses or existing damage that needs repairs.</strong></li>
<li><strong>By hiring a professional, you can ensure that repairs to siding, flashing, shingles, gutters are done correctly.</strong></li>
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<p>It is always best to get this done before the severe winter weather hits but you can follow these four winter roof maintenance tips to protect your roof. Taking care of any small issues now can help prevent them from '<strong><em>snowballing'</em></strong> into a major catastrophe later in the winter. Not sure where to find a local roofing contractor, please reach out to any member of our agency for suggestions in your area. </p>
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<p><span><em class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-3g c2-s c2-o c2-3i c2-3j c2-3">This Blog/Web Site does not provide insurance or legal advice. This site is for educational purposes only as well as to provide you with general information and a general understanding of insurance, not to provide specific legal advice or specific contract advice. Viewing this site, receipt of information contained on this site, or the transmission of information from or to this site does not constitute a client relationship. </em></span></p>
<p><span><em class="x-el x-el-span c2-9 c2-a c2-3g c2-s c2-o c2-3i c2-3j c2-3">The information on this Blog/Web Site is not intended to be a substitute for professional insurance or legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed agent in your state pertaining to insurance and legal issues.</em></span></p>
<p><span>Author: Tyler Bartosh</span></p>
<h4></h4>Disability Insurance - How Much Do You Need?2019-05-06T21:06:54+00:002024-03-28T10:11:55+00:00Tyler Bartoshhttps://tomia247.com/blog/author/TBartosh/https://tomia247.com/blog/disability-insurance-awareness-month/<h3>How Much Disability Insurance Do You Need?</h3>
<p>May is Disability Insurance Awareness Month which means this is a great time to begin the conversation of how you can protect your ability to earn an income. One third of workers are concerned about becoming sick or disabled and not being able to work - yet only 20% have disability insurance. <sub>2018 Insurance Barometer Study, Life Happens and LIMRA.</sub></p>
<p>According to the Life Happens survey in 2018, 88% of employed Americans know much more about their favorite TV show than their disability insurance(41%). Often times, individuals don't imagine becoming disabled in their lifetime however, you actually have a 3 in 10 chance of suffering a disability that keeps you out of work for 90 days or longer at some point during your working career.<sup>1</sup> You may think if you don't work in a dangerous profession, that you won't need disability insurance. Keep in mind that 90% of disabilities are caused by illnesses, not accidents.<sup>2</sup></p>
<p>Are you thinking about disability insurance and how you can protect your financial future yet? So where do you start? The first step is determining how much disability insurance you need. You can use a simple worksheet like this:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="1567" scrolling="no" src="https://onedrive.live.com/embed?resid=A68573B9B4F90B3B%215387&authkey=%21AAttdfbPpLo6y0o&em=2&wdAllowInteractivity=False&AllowTyping=True&Item='DI%20Budget'!B1%3AE33&wdHideGridlines=True&wdDownloadButton=True&wdInConfigurator=True" width="700"></iframe></p>
<p>Once you've determined what amount you need for disability, reach out to your insurance solution provider to protect your income at 800-686-8664, <a href="mailto:ClientService@TOMIA247.com">ClientService@TOMIA247.com</a> or <a href="https://www.tomia247.com/about/contact-us/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">contact us here</a>!</p>
<p><sup><span>1 The Real Risk of Disability in the United States, Milliman Inc., on behalf of the LIFE Foundation, May 2007</span></sup><br/><sup><span>2 The Council for Disability Awareness, Long-Term Disability Claims Review, 2010</span></sup></p>