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Increase the Value of Your House—Metal Steel Roofing Pays Off the Highest Return

Many people have decided the best way to protect their housing investment and save money is to stay in their current house. There’s good news, you can increase the value of your house by carefully considering the maintenance investments you make.  One of the best opportunities for a great payback on your investment can be found in putting metal steel roofing on your house. If you’re looking at a new roof considering the change from asphalt shingles to metal steel roofing can provide a big payoff.

Here in the North Country our roofs are vulnerable to the weather and insurance claims.  We have wind, hail, and fire. You see asphalt shingles on neighbor’s roofs or other homes while out for a drive that are curled, splitting, and molding. For most of us that brings the question home: How old is my roof? Typically, your asphalt roof could last for 12-15+ years, but with the right weather elements. Plus putting snow, ice dams, snow weight on the roof causes a whole new host of worries that result from snow. Because when we get the heaviest wettest snows out come the ladders, snow rakes, the calls to the roof snow removal crews, and the envy of those neighbor’s with the heating rods on their roofs.

Lighten up your worries, time, and save your back with metal steel roofing from Quarve, the Minneapolis, Minnesota Remodeling Contractor who can install a Modern Durable Alternative energy efficient roof that will make your roof virtually resistant to weather and will increase your house’s fire resistance.  You may qualify for a homeowner’s insurance discount because your insurance company will know you put on a steel roof that is going to stay put and is maintenance free. Plus, you’ll get a green roof since metal steel roofs are made from natural and recycled materials.

Call Quarve 763-785-1472 today the Minneapolis exterior remodeling contractor to help with your roofing, siding, or replacement windows and doors for your St. Paul/Minneapolis home.

 

 

 


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Wind, Hail, Snow And Rain Storms Create Roofing Problems for MN Roofs; Quarve Resolves Them!

Inspecting your roof with binoculars after a storm isn’t the easiest thing to do. In Minneapolis and St. Paul and the surrounding Greater Twin Cities we can experience a 100-degree shift in temperature in one year. The resulting weather sometimes brings us wind, hail, snow, and rainstorms that can cause damages to your roof. Sometimes a homeowner can check on outside damage caused to their roof because they can see their shingles are cracking, curling, and missing. Or that their siding is dented and chipped. Other times they can see the damage inside because there are water leaks and water stains. But what we don’t recommend and what isn’t necessary is for homeowners to go up on their roofs for an update.

Let Quarve, the roofing storm damage expert serving Minneapolis and St. Paul and Minnesota do that for you. We can respond quickly if you call due to storms damaging your roofs, siding, and windows. Our on staff storm experts have the roofing and siding expertise to know what they are looking for and to work with your insurance company to resolve any claims efficiently.  Knowing what the “telltale marks” are for storm roofing damages is what our professionally trained employees do.

Reviewing your house every time there is any severe weather is what Quarve, the Minnesota storm damage roofing contractor recommends to all of the thousands of customers it has served for the past 27+ years. If you have had tornadoes, tornado like force winds, straight-line winds, hail, or heavy pounding wind-driven rain it’s time to have your entire exterior inspected by one of our experienced roofing and siding experts.

Hidden damage can be occurring even while your asphalt shingles look good, they could be letting a steady stream of insects and moisture in your roofing. Siding that looks fine could have damp areas beneath its seams, allowing rotting and causing mold. Take the guesswork out of determining how healthy your roof is call Quarve, the MN remodeling contractor to come out to review your roof.

 


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Top-Quality Asphalt Roofing for the St. Paul/Minneapolis Area

Your roof covers one of your most important investments – your home.  So shouldn’t what you protect it with be the best?  There are many options to roof your house - including steel, cedar shakes, tile, or asphalt.  While every one of these roofing products has its pros and cons, most homeowners traditionally have chosen asphalt roofing.  It’s the most popular residential roofing material, and one of the most economical as far as up-front costs go. 

At Quarve Contracting, one of the Twin Cities area’s leading roofing contractors for over 27 years, we specialize in steel roofing, but we also understand that some homeowners prefer standard asphalt shingles.  As so we’re happy to install asphalt roofing if that’s your preference, but we insist on providing you with the best products available.  That’s why we offer asphalt shingles from GAF/Elk and Certainteed

Why do we choose roofing from these two companies when there are many other asphalt shingle manufacturers?  In our experience, they simply provide the best products as far as ease of installation and overall wear.  They also offer excellent warranties.  GAF and Certainteed are recognized leaders in the roofing industry, and both companies stand behind their products.   So do we.  When you choose Quarve to install asphalt roofing from GAF/Elk or Certainteed, you can be assured you’re getting professional workmanship, quality materials, and excellent customer service.  Our crews are highly-trained and experienced roofing professionals, and we’ve been certified as installers by each company.  What that means for you is that you can be confident we’re following the manufacturer’s recommendations and specifications when we install their products. 

Concerned about environmental impact?  We are, too.  That’s why we’re committed to following green construction practices.  Also, asphalt shingles are manufactured from natural materials.  If you’re interested in covering your home with the best asphalt roofing available, contact Quarve Construction today for a free estimate.  We’ll review the options with you and together we’ll come up with the best solution for protecting your home with asphalt roofing. 

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Do You Have an Asphalt or Cedar Shake Roof? It Could Be “What’s For Dinner” For Mold, Algae, and Other Organisms

Dark or light stains on your roof might be more than discoloration.  They could be signs that your roof is infested with mold, algae, lichen, moss, or other small organisms.  It’s possible that all your roof needs is a good cleaning, but these organisms can cause (or be an indication of) underlying roof damage.   Only a trained roofing professional can tell for sure.   And if your roof has already suffered damage, it’s critical to have your roof repaired or replaced before the damage penetrates to the underlying structure and causes further deterioration. 

What all these have in common is a damp roof.  Asphalt and wood roofs can get damp, and if they stay that way in warmer weather, they can be the perfect breeding ground for things like mold.  Once any of these growths get a foothold in a spot on your roof, they will reproduce and spread, and will also attract others like themselves, as well as other organisms.   Moss, lichen and algae are like other plants – they have roots, and once they put those roots down into your roof, they will cause deterioration of the shingle.  Eventually the roofing is compromised, and you have a prime spot for a leak.

Why are some roofs prone to this?  There are many factors, but the common cause is a damp spot on the roof.  It could be that your roof has overhanging tree branches that keep it always in the shade, or your roof pitch is low and at times doesn’t easily shed water from heavy rainfalls.  Or perhaps your roof is already damaged or you have loose shingles that are trapping water.  Whatever the cause, and whatever the organism,  it’s important to have it inspected and taken care of right away. 

Even if your roof doesn’t need a repair, just a good cleaning, it’s only a temporary “fix.”  Unless the conditions are changed that caused the problem in the first place, it will recur.  Quarve Contracting, Inc., the St. Paul/Minneapolis area’s leading roofing contractor, has a great permanent solution for moldy and similar roofs.  Quarve highly recommends steel roofing.  By its very nature, steel is impervious to mold, mildew, and other infestations from damp conditions.  Microscoping roots can’t get a hold on it.  And steel naturally sheds water much better than asphalt or wood. 

Roof stains?  Don’t ignore them; Call Quarve Contracting today for a free evaluation.  Now serving Roseville and Vadnais Heights. 

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Make Sure Your Roof Is Ready for Upcoming Harsh Winter Weather

Weather forecasters are predicting a winter for this part of the Midwest that’s colder and snowier than usual.  Heavy snow falls can spell trouble for older roofs, especially those which are already deteriorating or have loose or missing shingles.  Is your roof ready to stand up to what Mother Nature has in store for Minnesotans this winter?  It’s not too late to contact Quarve Contracting for a free consultation.  Even though the colder weather is setting in, there’s still time to replace your old roof, and Quarve is just the contractor to do it for you.  For over 27 years they’ve been helping St. Paul and Minneapolis area home owners make sure their homes are well covered. 

Remember, the roof is your home’s first line of defense against snow fall.  Heavy snows–especially the wet ones this known for–are particularly hard on roofs due to the stress put on the roof and the underlying structure.  And depending on your location as well as factors such as roof pitch, your roof might be prone to ice dams as well.  Ice dams are notoriously hard on roofing such as asphalt shingles and wood shakes.  Not only does the ice cause damage to the roofing material, but melting ice can infiltrate the roof’s underlayment, which can result in interior ceiling damage and leaks.  Stop-gap measures such as roof rakes and heat tape can temporarily reduce the effects, but there are roofing options available to help drastically reduce or even eliminate the cause – built-up ice and snow. 

Quarve recommends steel roofing as the best defense against winter snows (and other harsh Minnesota weather as well).  Because it is steel, the roof surface has much less “rough” area for snow to build up.  In some cases (depending on roof pitch), snow simply slides off and does not collect in significant amounts.  Also, steel roofing works well as a reflector of sunlight, meaning snow falling on your roof will melt faster.  And because there are no shingles or shakes to come loose, the threat of leaks from melting snow is also eliminated. 

If you aren’t sure your roof can hold up to another snowy Twin Cities winter, call the roofing professionals at Quarve today.  There’s still time to make sure your home is well-covered against winter’s threats. 

 

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Going Green? Lots of Options Are Available

If you’re like many people, you’re concerned about the impact your lifestyle and your home has on the environment.  And with the rising costs of just about everything, you’re probably also concerned about reducing those heating and cooling bills.  The good news is that there are many building products manufactured from sustainable resources, and there are also a variety of products to help conserve energy. 

As  one of the St. Paul/Minneapolis area’s leading exterior home remodeling contractors, Quarve Contracting specializes in green remodeling.  We’re concerned about the environment, and we’re also very concerned about what is important to our customers.  That’s why in addition to roof installation and repair, we offer a number of other exterior home remodeling services that can help you reduce your energy use and improve the “greenness” of your property.  We install such diverse products as natural cedar siding, roofing materials produced using renewable resources including steel and asphalt, as well as a number of Energy-Star rated products.  In addition to being environmentally friendly, remember that installing Energy-Star certified materials can quality you for both state and federal tax credits. 

Completing a home energy audit can help you determine where your home is losing heat (and air conditioning in the summer) via heat transfer.  We can identify those problem areas and then help you choose the appropriate products such as well-insulated and properly installed siding, roofing, and replacement windows.  Cutting down on your energy use by reducing heating and cooling consumption makes sense both economically and environmentally. 

If improving the environmentally-friendly state of your home as well as reducing your energy expenditures appeals to you, call the full-service home remodeling experts at Quarve Contracting today.  Consultations are always free.  Also, if you’re heading out to the Minnesota State Fair this  year (August 25-September 5), visit us at the Eco Experience exhibit.

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Damaged or Deteriorating Roof? Only A Professional Can Tell For Sure

MN Roof damage repair is a hot topic here in the Twin Cities, especially following severe weather like this past May’s hail storms and tornadoes.  But asphalt roofs can be compromised by a  number of factors, not all of them storm-related.  Your roof may have been improperly installed, or it may simply have reached its life expectancy.  Or it may indeed have suffered storm damage.  You’ll need an inspection by a qualified storm damage expert like Quarve Contracting.  For over 27 years we’ve been assessing storm damage and repairing roofs for St. Paul/Minneapolis property owners. 

While not all roof problems are apparent to the untrained eye, here are some things you can look for which indicate your roof may need repair or replacement:

  • Missing or loose shingles.  This could be the sign of either high winds or improper installation.  If installn is the source of the problem, this could indicate that the integrity of your entire roof is in question.  However, a few loose or missing shingles might just need a simple repair and a little roof cement.  But only a roofing pro can tell you for sure. 
  • Blistering.  This is an indication that water has penetrated the shingle itself.  It may cause the surface of the shingle to break open, which would require repair. 
  • Rotting Shingles.  Rotting is a sign of water damage.  If only an isolated area is involved, repair to the affected area may be all that is needed.  If it is more wide spread, your entire roof may need to be replaced. 
  • Missing Roofing GranulesBare spots are a sign of roof damage or deterioration.  It may be time for a new roof.  You’ll need a roofing pro to tell you for sure. 
  • Curled Shingles.  This could indicate improper installation (nails sticking out, too many roofing nails used, etc.) or it could mean poor ventilation under the roof.  Spot damage can be corrected with a simple repair. 
  • Ceiling Stains.   Water stains on your ceilings are usually an indication of a roof leak.  Ceiling stains should not be ignored.  Whether your roof has been damaged by storm or is simply old and deteriorated, you probably need a new roof.   Water penerating through the roof into your home’s structure can translate into rotting and extensive damage, which translates into potentially extensive repairs. 
  • Algae growth (black or dark brown discoloration of your shingles.)  Algae is airborne and can affect roofs.  You may need a chemical cleaning of your roof, or the algae growth may indicate that your shingles have absorbed moisture, are damaged, and need to be replaced.   Algae growth is sometimes mistaken for dirt or tree droppings – have a roofing pro inspect the area to be sure. 

Maintaining the integrity of your roof is important to preserving the investment you’ve made in your home.  If you have a question about the state of your asphalt roof, contact the St. Paul/Minneapolis area roof repair pros at Quarve Contracting today for a free estimate.   We’re proud of the job we do helping Minnesota home owners protect their homes with quality roofing installation and repairs.

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With Asphalt Roofing From CertainTeed, You’re Covered for a Lifetime

The recent trend among manufacturers of roofing materials has been to upgrade their warranties.  While strong warranties are great marketing tools, the manufacturers of CertainTeed roofing have always had warranties on their shingles that are among the best in the business.  But good warranties don’t always indicate top-quality roofingThe CertainTeed company offers features in its warranies that are unique in the industry, but they hope their customers don’ t ever have to use them.  They are committed to producing quality roofing materials, and they are so confident in their products that they are willing to cover them with the best warranties available. 

As a leader in roofing and roofing repair in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area for over 27 years, Quarve Contracting has dealt with quite a few roofing manufacturers.  And among makers of asphalt shingles, we highly recommend CertainTeed.  In fact, we’ve chosen to qualify for designation by CertainTeed as one of their Select Shingle Roofers.  Only a small percentage of roofing contractors can claim this distinction.   We know that their warranty covers a great product, and we’re proud to recommend CertainTeed to our customers who desire an asphalt roof that will last.  And these products are guaranteed for a lifetime. 

All of CertainTeed’s lines of shingles installed since January 1st of 2011 are covered by their Enhanced Limited Lifetime Warranty, which carries several features that other roofing manufacturers just can’t touch.  One of these is tear-off and disposal reimbursement.  Other companies don’t have this coverage.  They will pay for replacement and repair of defective shingles, but they won’t cover necessary tear-off and disposal.  That can be a large expense.  It’s a labor-intensive process, and heavy shingles are costly to dispose of.  CertainTeed is so confident in the quality of their products as well as in the quality of the training of their recommended contractors that they are willing to go above and beyond other roofing manufacturers with their warranty – because they trust you’ll never need it. 

A roof  should look beautiful as it stands up to the elements.  Another warranty feature unique to CertainTeed is their guarantee against aesthetic manufacturing defects.  They not only guarantee that their shingles will perform well, they guarantee that they will also come from the factory looking great.  No other shingle manufacturer does that. 

If you’re interested in protecting the investment you’ve made in your home with new asphalt roofing, contact Quarve Contracting today to discuss why we carry CertainTeed roofing products, and why their warranties can give you peace of mind – for a lifetime.

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Lakeville Hail Storms Could Spell Trouble for Your Asphalt Roof

Minnesota’s severe weather season has arrived,  as the recent hail storms in Lakeville indicate.   Roofs are the most likely area of your home to be damaged by hail, followed by gutters and siding.   And since your roof is your home’s first line of protection against the elements, ignoring possible spring storm damage could mean big trouble later on this year. 

Large-size hail is the most likely to cause damage, but even small pea-sized hail can chip your shingles.  And a hail storm accompanied by high winds and heavy rains is even more threatening.  Has your home been affected by May and June storms?  One of the most noticeable telltale signs is an accumulation of roofing granules at the base of your downspouts.  It is not unusual to find some granules on the ground following a roof installation – it’s a normal side effect of the installation process.  But these granules are an important part of the integrity of your roofing material, so if you’re finding more than a small amount on your lawn, you may have have trouble up above. 

Not all damage is immediately visible, especially to an untrained eye.  A roof inspection by an experienced storm damage expert like Quarve Contracting is important if your home is in an area which has been hit by one of those frequent Minnesota spring storms.  Even if your Lakeville home has suffered no damage, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your roof is intact.  An inspection following a severe storm is especially important if your roof is older, since deteriorating roofs are more susceptible to damage.  At Quarve we’ve had a lot of experience assessing and repairing storm damage.  And if we find damage, we’ll work closely with your insurance adjuster to make sure your claim is handled properly and that you have the compensation you’re entitled to. 

Don’t ignore the possibility that hail has caused some damage to your roof.  Timely repair of minor damage can avoid extensive problems down the road.   Call the roof repair pros at Quarve Contracting today for a free inspection and estimate. 

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Types of TPO Roofing Available in MN | Commercial Roof Repair

TPO roofing material is probably one of the most common types of commercial roofing material available these days. It is easy to install, affordable, and has a very good track record. It can be fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted in its application, and even carry with it some “green” roofing properties.

It can be applied by anyone, even unskilled labor; although we don’t recommend that. If not installed correctly, TPO can bring nothing but headaches for years, or if done properly, can be an easy, low maintenance roof that will protect your building and everything in it for decades.

TPO or Thermoplastic Polyolefin single-ply roofing is a type of material that can be fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted. Fully adhered TPO roofing describes a system that places 1 layer of insulation that is ‘fully adhered’ to the roof with bolts, or rivets, then covered with your TPO roofing material. The TPO sheets and seams are “fully adhered” with a special adhesive; seams are taped closed; and the roof is ready to do its job.

Mechanically fastened TPO roofing is the same as “fully adhered” TPO roofing, but instead of simply taping the seams together for the final product, they are fastened together “mechanically”, with insulation plates and fasteners to the roof decking. This provides an added protection in all types of weather.

Ballasted TPO roofing is also similar to fully adhered, but the final stage includes laying down a payer of river rock over the entire surface to help keep everything in place, and provide a rock solid layer against the elements.

TPO systems are available in white, black, or grey colors to make them more “green” in their thermo conductive qualities. Darker colors attract heat in colder climates, while lighter colors reflect it in the hotter ones, either way TPO roofing a very efficient and socially responsible roofing system no matter where you live.

If you would like to know more, simply give us a call at Quarve Contracting and we will show you all the options available to you and for your building. 763-785-1472

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After a hailstorm, we needed to repair our siding, fix our roof and replace some storm windows. We were fortunate to find Quarve as we couldn’t find another contractor who was willing to take on the entire job. The best part about with working with Pat Quarve was the attention to design detail. Quarve was also able to work with the insurance company to help negotiate a fair settlement.
Linda and Jim, Anoka

From the beginning, we had a very positive experience with Pat Quarve. It was less about the sale and more about how well Quarve was going to put the finishing touch on our project. We were also impressed at how well the crew worked together, as a team, efficiently doing the job right the first time! Should any prospective clients wish to see Quarve perfection, we invite them to come past our home and see for themselves.
Paul & Libbie, St Anthony

Denise and I want to let you know how pleased we are with our new roof. Even more important was the whole experience with your company. The crew was terrific as were the people in the office in helping us manage all of the communication and paperwork with the insurance company, mortgage company and the city. We would definitely work with you again and recommend you to others.
Steve, Eden Prairie

Thank you and your staff for partnering with us on our green project. You went above and beyond to educate us, provide options, guide us from start to finish and help us make decisions that worked for us as well as the environment. We felt that Pat was genuinely concerned about meeting our needs and providing products that are environmentally friendly. We will enjoy the improvements for years to come.
Chuck & Kathy, Roseville

We want to thank you for the recent work Quarve Contracting completed on our home. The roof, gutters and shutters looks great! Pat suggested a new roof color and shutters that have really updated the look of our home. Many friends have commented on the new look and we couldn’t be happier! We will call Quarve Contracting again if another construction project is needed at our house.
Tammi and Randy, Blaine

We would like to thank you for a great job on our house. We chose Quarve because they displayed professionalism from the start and we knew they were very quality driven. Anybody can up siding, roofing and gutters but is it going to last and meet state codes? This is important to protect our investment. Quarve exceeded all of our expectations. Thank you to Quarve for a great job!!
Bob and Rachelle, Cambridge

We want to let you know how very impressed we are with how you handled replacing our roof after hail damage. It seems to be a rare occasion that you can hire a contractor who is not only professional and innovative in business practices but also used top quality products and actually does what they say they will do! You helped us see there really is a difference in who you hire as a contractor – you take the cake! To us, Quarve Contracting stands for integrity, quality and professionalism.
Leo and Lisa, Lino Lakes

The quality of Quarve Contracting’s work and the professionalism of the crew was outstanding! We’ve recommended Quarve to three friends, all of whom selected Quarve to do their siding. Each homeowner was impressed with the completed work. We continue to recommend Quarve for their unwavering commitment to customer service and quality workmanship at a fair price.
Jim and Jill, Shoreview

Our house looks great and the whole experience was pleasant and hassle-free. We loved the work they did so well that we hired them on another project and recommended them to friends and family. Quarve Contracting is not only a step above the rest in the construction field, they are leaps and bounds above the rest.
Kevin and Julie, Elk River

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