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Categories News, Roofing Contractors, Roofing Safety Tips

The dangers of Ice Dams, and how they can damage your home

The dangers of Ice Dams, and how they can damage your home

The cold winter weather can be tough on your home. Heavy snowfall can cause the roof to collapse. Even the snow melting can cause issues, because of the phenomena of ice dams.

What are ice dams?

Ice dams are a buildup of ice along the edges of a roof caused by melting snow turning into water. This can happen from temperatures outside increasing or by the warm air inside the building heating up the underside of the roof enough to melt the snow. These buildups will slowly grow over time. Eventually, the ice will grow tall enough to create a dam, blocking future snowmelt from falling off the roof. Because the water has nowhere else to go, it will pool next to the ice and stay there, either freezing into more ice or seeping into the roof itself.

How do ice dams create issues for your home?

The first major issue of ice dams is the water. With nowhere else to go, it will seep into the roof, damaging the shingles and supports. After that, the water can then spread further into your attic, leading to in-home water damage. This can result in major structural damage to your home, from rotting wooden support to water leaks from damage shingles.

In addition to that, the large ice buildup of the dam can cause its own set of issues. For starters, the dam can grow icicles, which if large enough, can cause damage if they fall. The buildup of ice will also be very heavy, which can cause damage to the eaves or gutters it grows on. Heavy buildup of ice can bend the eaves and gutters, making them unable to work properly. In a worst case scenario, the ice dam can become too heavy for your gutters to handle, bringing them down and needing a total replacement.

How to prevent ice dams?

There are multiple ways to prevent ice dams from forming, but their degree of success and difficulty can range quite a bit. The easiest way is to keep your gutters clear of fall debris that can create blockages that help ice dams form. This isn’t a perfect solution, as it only lowers the risk and won’t completely mitigate it. Another simple measure to lower your risk is to use a rake or similar object to remove snow buildup from the edges of the roof, making it easier for the melting snow to fall off.

For more complex solutions, installing heating cables on the roof or gutters will help ensure the snow melts before it can ice over, keeping your house free from ice dams. There are also special venting installations that can be installed in the attic in order to keep the roof the same temperature as the eaves, preventing the warm air inside the home from warming the roof. These methods are more complicated, but they offer much better protection against ice dams.

Despite these prevention measures, there is no way to guarantee an ice dam won’t form. Be sure to regularly check your attic in the winter for any leakage, in addition to checking the eaves and gutters for large ice buildup. If you do find any damage from ice dams, give Aloha Construction a call! Our experienced professionals can restore or replace your roof and gutters to keep your home safe from the elements.

Categories News, Roofing Contractors, Vinyl Siding

Aloha’s 15th Anniversary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11th 2022

Aloha Construction Company Celebrates 15 Years in Business

LAKE ZURICH, IL – The harsh reality is that approximately 20% of new businesses fail during the first two years of being open, 45% during the first five years, and 65% during the first ten years. Only 25% of new businesses make it to 15 years or more.

These menacing statistics give companies who hit the milestone of their 15th year in business good reason to celebrate – and Aloha Construction is celebrating just that this year! Aloha opened its doors in 2008, one year prior to the great recession. Through much hard work, keen management and skilled craftsmanship, they survived this tough period and eventually strived.

Serving all of Chicagoland and southern Wisconsin, Aloha Construction also has a division in Bloomington, IL. Aloha’s president, Dave Farbaky, shares the fact that they have over 25,000 completed projects, which is an impressive number.

Aloha Construction focuses on exterior residential work, such as roofing, siding, gutters and windows. Farbaky notes that they are also experts in working with the homeowner’s insurance companies, which is something most homeowners really appreciate.

In 2014, Farbaky found himself asking “What about homeowners who have issues inside their homes, such as flooding, mold or fire damage?” The answer to this stream of thought was to create Aloha Restoration, which handles water, mold and fire damage mitigation as well as restoration.

When asked what has kept Aloha in business for so long, Farbaky claims it’s the careful orchestration of business planning, strong marketing and most importantly, building a team of great crafts-people. He also states that it’s critical for a company to reward hard work, the importance of continuing education and providing opportunities for career advancement for all employees.

Please join Aloha Construction in celebrating their 15th anniversary celebration at AlohaBuilds.com, where they live by the motto “We Reign When It Storms.

Categories News, Roofing Contractors, Vinyl Siding

Does your home’s exterior need a Refresh?

There are so many factors that contribute to giving your home’s exterior a refresh.
Outside from normal aging, the speed and friction caused by winds and rain can result in damage to Cedar Shake and Asphalt Shingles. When is the last time your had your home’s exterior inspected?

Our services include:

  • Roofing
  • Siding
  • Gutters
  • Windows
  • and more!

We Reign when it Storms!

Categories Uncategorized

How do you know when it’s time for a new roof?

While sometimes an act of nature or a specific event (such as a heavy storm or tree branch falling) will bring on the need for a new roof. However, it’s also very common for a roof to naturally reach the end of its life without failure. It may even look worn and old over time, even though you have been doing the proper preventive measures to keep your roof in good condition through the years. Roofs, like everything else, have a lifespan and typically for shingled roofs that’s about 20-25 years (depending on shingle type), and for cedar shake roofs is 7-15 years.

There are some signs to be aware of when a roof is nearing the end of its useful life and you will soon need a new roof!

  • Shingle edges are curled or cupped

  • Cracked or missing shingles

  • Shingles are covered in mold or algae

  • Your roof is at least 20 years old and appears old and worn

  • Neighbors are getting new roofs – Homes built around the same time period may need new roofs around the same time

  • Leaks and water damage – If you are noticing dark streaks and sagging areas on the inside of your home, call Aloha Construction immediately!

If you think you are in need of a new roof, the expert team at Aloha Construction can perform a vigorous 9-step inspection process to identify issues and the overall integrity of your home’s roof. Don’t wait until you can see physical damage, replacing an old roof is the first step to a safer house!

Categories Uncategorized

How to frame a room – Answers inside…

Being experts in Interior Home Remodelers, no basement remodeling contractors take care of you like we do. In fact, this blog post takes the first step in basement remodels – How to Frame a Room – and shows you the ropes! If you’re looking for quick DIY info on framing interior walls or building a wall frame, follow these simple steps:

The 1st step to framing walls is to Plan your Layout

First, take accurate measurements of the room. Next, ensure all measurements are taken correctly. Mark the inside edge of the wall you want to frame onto the concrete basement floor. Finally, clearly mark the location of any doorways or openings. Contractors build walls from the ground up, so this planning step is important.

The 2nd step to building a wall frame is to Install your Bottom Plates

First, cut pressure treated 2” X 4” boards to length. Then, lay them along the chalk line. Use a hammer drill with 3/16” masonry drill bit to drill a hole through the wood AND into the concrete floor. Drive a 3” Tapcon screw through the hole just created using an impact driver. Finally, repeat at the other end of the board, repeat at every 16” along the bottom plate, and repeat this step for all the bottom plates you laid out.

How to frame a room | Install the top plates

Before moving forward, it’s crucial to understand something about this step. Knowing how to frame a room takes a lot of attention to detail. Because of this, the top plate’s installation depends on which direction the bottom plates you installed are running in relation to the floor joists above.

Do the joists run perpendicular to the bottom plate? Well, you need to nail the top plates to the joists where they intersect. Do the joists run parallel to the floor joists? If this is the case, attach 2” X 4” blocking boards between the joists so they can have something to nail into.

Ensure the bottom plate is aligned with the top plate before nailing it to the joists/blocking. Repeat whatever method you chose for the remaining top plates

Frame a wall – Mark stud placement & Install Studs

When installing wall studs, they are typically put in at 16” intervals. In this step, go from one end of the basement wall to the other. Mark the location of the first stud and then use a tape measure to mark out the location of the remaining studs. Next, transfer those locations to the top plates. For this part, use a laser level or plumb bob. Finally, measure & cut another 2” X 4” so it tightly fits between the bottom and top plates. Place the stud between the plates. Ensure it is plumb. Attach the bottom and the top plates using 3” nails.

Finally, Install blocking!

Using 2” X 4” boards again, fit and install them between the wall studs. Do this around the room about 4’ from the floor using 3” nails.

AND that’s it.

Does this all seem complicated? Are you hung up on a step? Knowing how to frame a room usually requires a expert knowledge and we have no problem lending a helping hand.

Take advantage of our free in-home assessments! We are just one call away for all your basement remodeling needs!

Categories Giving Back

Fill a Heart Donation

During the challenging and uncertain times of COVID-19, Dave Farbaky, President of Aloha Restoration strongly believes in giving back and supporting local communities, organizations and businesses. Farbaky stated “our goal is to raise awareness of local charities, organizations and businesses to help everyone in our community.”

For Farbaky, the Fill a Heart 4 Kids organization holds a special place in his heart. In Lake County alone, thousands of children are living in foster care with no hope of finding a family of their own. Fill a Heart 4 Kids mission is to help unaccompanied homeless youth and foster children educational support, necessities and positive experiences to help them heal and achieve a brighter future.

“To put it simply, our children are our future. We’re going to do our part to support every last one of them.” Farbaky said.

To support the Fill a Heart 4 Kids organization, Aloha Restoration donated $11,860. “We are so honored to be able to help this amazing organization, that’s why for every job Aloha Restoration completed in 2019, we donated $5 to the Fill a Heart 4 Kids Charity.” Farbaky stated.

This donation will help Fill a Heart 4 Kids update their foster children’s facility. We are proud to support such a great organization.

Categories Local Roofers

Prevent Cancellation of Homeowner’s Insurance for poor Roof Maintenance

Decay-of-roof-shingles-aloha-construction-inc-bloomington-lake-zurich-il
Decay of Roof Shingles (Lake Zurich, IL)

When a nasty wind or hail storm travels through the area of Indianapolis, our homeowner insurance providers are supposed to help repair the roof damage. In fact, many of our local Lake Zurich & Bloomington, IL roofing projects are the result of insurance claims and have developed great relationships with most of the insurance companies in the area. However, if you don’t maintain your property correctly, you risk having your insurance policy cancelled. When a wind or hail storm blows through and wind blows off a bunch of shingles, do not procrastinate. Remember, your roof protects you from all of the elements. Outside of emergencies though, how much thought do you give your roof? When there isn’t a storm or any damage to your shingles, you probably don’t give your roof a second thought. On that note, please be mindful. A recent trend in insurance companies cancelling policies due to improper roof maintenance has forced policy holders to pay closer attention to the status of their roofs.

Notice Ugly Black Streaks on your Roof?

If you do, when it comes time to make your claim, your policy might be canceled or your claim may be rejected. The problem is that large concentrations of bacteria grow on your roof, specifically on north-facing surfaces and shaded regions. This mold and mildew eats away at your shingles, eventually causing the need to have your roof replaced. Insurance companies don’t like this. Many Lake Zurich & Bloomington homeowners we interact with are under the impression that Moss and Algae on your roof is simply a cosmetic issue and is supposed to happen. For reasons like these, it’s important to regularly maintain your roof, pay attention to it, and call in the Indianapolis roofing experts when you think something is up. While keeping your roof maintained has additional benefits such as increased curb appeal and an overall increase in value of the home, perhaps the most important reason of all is to properly maintain your roof to avoid cancellation of your insurance policy or denied future claims. By being informed and proactive, homeowners can take measures to prevent rejected claims and to eliminate the threat of cancelled insurance policies.

Do you think you need help? We provide FREE PROPERTY INSPECTIONS for any Lake Zurich & Bloomington, IL roofing repair questions you may have!

Categories Giving Back, News, Uncategorized

This year’s finalist winner Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics is Aloha Construction, Inc!!

Last year, we took home the honorable mention. This year was a different story. From the Better Business Bureau: The Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics is the most prestigious award the Better Business Bureau can present to a business. Being a recipient indicates the business not only believes in high standards promoted by the BBB, but consistently demonstrates and integrates them into daily business practices.Receiving a Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau is an honor to select businesses. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award honors businesses that have been “Doing It Right – Ethically.” Competing against other amazing companies such as American Sale, Empire Today, Fox Valley Auto Group, Lake Shore Recycling Systems, and Perma-Seal; we are truly honored and humbled!

According to Steve J. Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Companies receiving the Torch Award have distinguished themselves as businesses that operate in an ethical manner,”  “They know the importance of their customers, employees, community members and other stakeholders to their business’ success. This is at the heart of why the BBB conducts the Torch Award program. We want to encourage businesses to do their best because it benefits everyone.”

An independent group of 15 judges decided to give us the 2018 Torch Award For Marketplace Ethics (and the 2017 honorable mention) for our charitable work in the field and our forward thinking company culture; however, this award is more about the people who helped us get here. If you are reading this, we just want to say: THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT!!

For the full news release (as featured by Business Insider), follow this link: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/aloha-construction-receives-torch-award-from-the-better-business-bureau-for-admirable-business-ethics-1027730151

 

Categories Giving Back, News

Aloha Construction Inc’s donates $1965 to Camp One Step by Children’s Oncology Services via Illinois State University Athletics!

This past month, our Bloomington, IL roofing team took on another charitable initiative presenting this charity donation of $1,965 to Camp One Step by Children’s Oncology Services! Since the start of the academic season, we were were looking ways to make more of an impact and, as those of you who follow us know, we came up with the Aloha Construction “Building Better Communities” program in which we were continuously donating $5 for every assist recorded in an ISU Men’s basketball game!

Want to learn more about the unique cancer charity that is Camp One Step?

Learn more about what we’ve been up to by check out the full news release here: Aloha Construction Inc & Bloomington roofers donate to Camp One Step!

*pictured above is Aloha Marketing Director Martin Parsley & Camp One Step Senior Counselor Janine Delaney*

Categories Giving Back, News

Aloha Construction, Inc. receives Better Business Bureau 2017 Torch Award for Ethics!

Receiving a Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau is an honor to select businesses. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Torch Award honors businesses that have been “Doing It Right – Ethically.” This year, we are pleased to announce that we have received one of nine 2017 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics!! As we always say, being local roofers and siding contractors is simply the tip of the ice berg. Our goals and aspirations are so much more!

“Companies receiving the Torch Award have distinguished themselves as businesses that operate in an ethical manner,” says Steve J. Bernas, president & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “They know the importance of their customers, employees, community members and other stakeholders to their business’ success. This is at the heart of why the BBB conducts the Torch Award program. We want to encourage businesses to do their best because it benefits everyone.”

We won the 2017 Torch Award For Marketplace Ethics for our charitable work in the field and our forward thinking company culture. A panel of 15 independent judges highlighted our partnership with Omni Youth services the all-expense paid Christmas shopping spree for children in need, our work sending a child with Congenital Heart Disease and 12 of his friends to their first Bulls Game, our efforts with the Bloomington, Illinois Boy’s and Girl’s Club, and our internal employee incentive programs as just a few reasons why we received this coveted award.

For more information, check out the full news release at: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2017/12/prweb14980092.htm

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