• Is the estimate verbal?  Always get it in writing.  And if you have any questions before signing the proposal, now is the time to ask them. 
• Is the contractor licensed and insured?  Ask for verification.  Reputable contractors will be happy to provide proof of insurance as well as their Minnesota building contractor’s license. 
• If you have an older home, does the contractor have an EPA lead-safe certificate?  For homes built before 1978, this certification is required for many types of home repair and remodeling. 
• Will the contractor give you a list of references?  If not, this could be a warning sign.  And if you get references, be sure to follow up on them to make sure they are legitimate.  If a customer has agreed to be a reference for a contractor, he or she won’t have any problems telling you how their project went.  Be sure to ask about problems, call-back issues, etc. 
• Is the contractor a member of any oganizations such as the Better Business Bureau or your local Chamber of Commerce?  Even if they aren’t, you can inquire to see whether they have had any complaints filed. 
• Does the contract specify brands and/or specific types of materials to be used?  Make sure you’re getting what you pay for, not a cheap substitution. 
• Ask about both manufacturer and contractor warranties.  Is labor covered as well as materials?   If you have problems after your project is done, you may need to hire someone else to fix them if your “bargain” contractor won’t return your calls. 

You’ve made a substantial investment in your home.  If you’re looking to increase its value, replace deteriorated components, or add to its energy efficiency, make sure you’re getting a good deal in the process.  Often home improvement “bargains” can prove to be costly in the long run.  If you’re unsure, get a second (or third) estimate.  Most reputable companies like Quarve don’t charge for estimates.  And if saving money is your ultimate goal, contact Quarve Contracting today.  We’re fully license and insured.  And we’ve got a variety of options to suggest that can really help.

I recently moved to Minnesota from the South, and with winter beginning I’m hearing from my neighbors that I need to watch out for ice dams on my roof.   Why is this a problem?

Welcome to Minnesota’s winter wonderland, where our sometimes harsh weather can wreak havoc on roofs.  Ice dams are a prevalent problem in this climate.  You’re wise to find out about ice dams now before the cold really sets in.   Many Twin Cities area home owners are aware of (or have experienced) ice dams, but not everyone understands what causes them and their potential problems.    As the leading Minneapolis area roofing company, Quarve Contracting wants you to know the basics about ice dams. 

• What is an ice dam?  An ice dam is a block of ice or a row of icicles that forms by melting snow re-freezing at the roof’s edge.  The ridge formed traps more melting snow, which re-freezes and builds up the dam.  It can also spread under shingles or shakes.   Ice dams can also form when the bottom layer of snow melts and is trapped under a blanket of snow.  As it moves down to the edge of the roof, it refreezes, 
• What causes ice dams?  There are a variety of causes; the most frequent are poor attic insulation  and/or a lack of air circulation underneath the roof edge, but a leaky or damaged roof can also cause an ice dam. 
• Can ice dams cause damage to my roof, or worse?  Yes.  Since the melting snow can’t drain off the roof, it may back up under your roofing material.  This can cause a variety of problems, including wet insulation, mold, and leaky ceilings.  Left untended, major structural damage can result. 
• If I get an ice dam, can I remove it myself?  If you have an ice dam build-up on your roof, it’s best left to professional ice dam removal company like Quarve to remove.  You can, however, knock away icicles on the roof’s edge to keep more melting snow from freezing.  Never use a chipper on your roof; you could damage the roofing. 
• How can I prevent ice dams from forming on my roof?  The solution depends on the cause.  If ice dams are a problem for your roof, contact an ice dam expert.  

Ice dams are a serious matter, and can result in expensive winter roofing repairs, or worse.  If you have ice dams or believe they have already caused damage to your roof, contact the roofing professionals at Quarve Contracting today.  For nearly three decades we’ve been helping Minneapolis area home owners protect their homes with quality roofing installation and repair.   We can help you with professional ice dam removal and prevention.

For over 27 years we’ve been helping St. Paul and Minneapolis area residents protect their homes with roofing, siding, replacement windows and doors, and rain handling systems.  Keeping the exterior of  your home in shape is important both for protecting the underlying structure as well as making the interior comfortable.  The right siding products can help.  Quarve installs siding products such as seamless steel from U.S. Seamless as well as fiberboard cement siding from the James Hardie Company.  Both siding materials are extremely durable and will hold up well in Minnesota’s harsh winter climate.  And properly installed, these siding products can also help improve the insulating value of your home’s outer skin, reducing your heating bills in the process. 

Both of these siding products require very little maintenance.  One of the other benefits of seamless steel siding is that because of the lack of seams, there are no potential gaps for wind or moisture to penetrate beneath the siding.  And both siding materials are resistant to damage from insects and rodents who are seeking a warm home for the winter.  

If you’re concerned about the condition of your home’s exterior, contact the siding professionals at Quarve Contracting.  We want you to enjoy the entire home improvement experience, so  consultations are always free and cheerfully given.   Happy New Year from Quarve!

• Heavy, wet snow.  Inch for inch, wet snow weighs much more than dry snow, resulting in an increased weight load.  If your roof and/or its underlying structure are older, this could be a problem. 
• Deep snow build-up.  Even light snow, if left to accumulate to significant depth, can strain a roof.  Some home owners use roof rakes to periodically remove snow so that it doesn’t build up.  Unfortunately, when used improperly roof rakes can cause shingle or shake damage.  And then there’s the safety factor of crawling up on a ladder in snowy or icy winter conditions. 
• Wind-driven snow.  Snow accompanied by strong winds can be blown under the edges of shingles, causing them to lift up.  Repeated melted and re-freezing of the trapped snow can then damage or loosen them. 

One method many home owners use to keep their roofs snow-free is heat tape.  This electrical cable is installed at the lower edge of the roof and is designed to melt the snow above the roof’s edge.  While this can help prevent the occurrence of roof-damaging ice dams, it has its disadvantages.  It takes time to install in the fall and remove in the spring, and it is somewhat unsightly.  And it only deals with the snow on the lower portion of the roof. Also, there is the cost of electricity.  

Roof rakes and heat tape are just maintenance, not solutions.  For a permanent answer to the snow-on-the-roof threat, nothing beats a steel roof.  In addition to being the most durable roofing material available, there are no loose edges to trap snow or moisture, and snow tends to simply slide off the surface.  No more raking or energy-consuming heat cables. 

Steel bears up under the weight of heavy snow better than any other roofing material.  Plus, its virtually maintenance-free.  If you’re interested in finding out more about how a steel roof can help protect your home, call the St. Paul/Minneapolis roofing contractors at Quarve Contracting today.  For over 27 years we’ve been helping Twin Cities home owners keep a good roof over their heads. 

Leaks, moisture, blow-offs, tenting, billowing, ponding water, punctures, shingle blistering . . . these are just a sampling of what you’ll probably come across over time. During the winter, roof problems take on slightly different forms, ice dams being one type.

No matter what kind of roof-related issues you happen to stumble upon, you’ll be doing yourself, and your home, a huge favor by turning to the team of professionals at Quarve Contracting (763) 785-1472. Dedicated to serving each customer’s needs fully from the first phone call until your project is finished, Quarve is the #1 choice for every type of roof damage repair including ice dam removal services in and around the Fridley area.

Generally speaking, the main cause of ice dam formation on roofs can be traced back to improper insulation. Heat conducted through the insufficient insulation and warm air from the attic warms the roof and melts the snow on those areas of the roof that are above living spaces, but does not melt the snow on roof overhangs. And when an overhang that stays below freezing gets bunched up with snow, the melt water above can’t drain properly off the roof due to this ‘ice dam’ blocking its passage. If left in place for too long, this pool of trapped cold water can leak into your home and cause all kinds of additional problems to ceilings, insulation and walls. Then you’ve got a minor disaster on your hands . . .

Even without roof problems, the holiday season is pretty costly for most, what with gifts, visiting relatives, and travel expenses. There’s no need to add ‘ice dam repair’ onto your Christmas wish list, so try and stay on top of them before one puts a damper on your holiday cheer.

• Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackelton and his crew of the Endurance spent an agonizing 2 (1914-1916) years locked in the vice-grip of hull crushing pack ice until finally being rescued from the furthest reaches of the South Pole . . .

• In 1998, one of the worst ice storms on record struck southern Ontario and Quebec, Canada causing roughly $6 billion in damage. Millions were left in the dark for periods varying from days to weeks, leading to a virtual shut down of activities in all the largest cities in areas stretching hundreds of miles in each direction . . .

So yeah, ice isn’t just something that keeps your tea cool in the summer. Ice has the power to inflict major damages, some on a scale approaching the truly colossal. Luckily for you and I though, any sorts of issues we might encounter with ice this coming winter probably won’t go much further than maybe slipping on the sidewalk. At least that’s what I’m hoping. Then again, there’s always the chance of an ice dam reeking a bit of havoc.

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from spilling off like it’s supposed to. The water that backs up behind the ice dam can leak into a home causing extensive damage to walls, ceilings, insulation, and nearby electrical outlets. Basically, they’re a huge pain.

But don’t worry too much . . . where there’s pain, there’s always a cure. Serving the St. Paul area for 27 years and running, Quarve Contracting understands the importance of helping their customers preserve what matters to them the most: their homes. For safe, experienced, and reasonably priced St. Paul ice dam removal services, give Quarve a call at (763) 785-1472.

I call ice dams ‘sly’ because melted water plays an integral part in their formation, and yet, who ever expects to find melted water right next to snow? Off hand, this doesn’t make a whole lot of sense right? If it’s cold enough outside for there to be snow, shouldn’t all the water be snow? Not necessarily. Ice dams normally form on the edge of your roof, and these roofs can be various temperatures, depending on how your home is heated. This heat travels to the roof’s surface in 3 ways:

• Conduction: Conduction is the transfer of heat between substances that are in direct contact with one another. The better the conductor, the more rapidly the heat will transfer. Copper, silver, iron and steel are the best conductors. That’s why you need something protecting your hand when lifting a hot frying pan off the stove. Near the roof, insulation helps reduces heat loss by conduction.

• Convection: This is the up and down movement of gases and liquids caused by heat transfer. Some good examples of this are: the way hot air balloons work, warmer water at the surface of a lake and swimming pool, or why the bottom floors of homes usually stay colder than the upper ones. In the same way, the surface of the insulation is warmer than the other surroundings in the attic. Therefore, the air just above the insulation is heated and rises, carrying heat by convection to the roof.

• Radiation: When electromagnetic waves fly through space, that’s radiation. When those same waves come into contact with an object, say like sunlight warming your shoulders, the waves transfer the heat onto the object in question. Light bulbs and roaring campfires are good examples of radiation as well. Depending on how hot the top of the insulation is compared to the roof’s temperature will ultimately determine how much of that same heat gets transferred via radiation.

Heat transfer from warmer objects to colder ones happens so regularly that we hardly ever stop to consider the possible negative ramifications of such everyday occurrences. Sure, it feels great when you get nice and toasty under a blanket, but what about when those same laws of thermodynamics bring about an unforeseen dilemma like an annoying ice dam? Easy fix. Call Quarve Contracting at (763) 785-1472. Minneapolis ice dam removal services are their winter specialty.

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can, over time, leak into a home and cause all sorts of damage to your walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas.

Now off hand you might think that the temperature on a slanted roof would be uniform all around. I mean, if it’s 24 degrees outside, doesn’t that mean that everything else must be 24 degrees too? Wrong. A portion of the edge of your roof may be well below freezing while an area directly above it could be above 32 degrees. Sounds odd I know but it’s true. When that snow melts and attempts to spill off the roof, it could get trapped behind the ice that’s still below freezing and voila . . . you have what’s not only called an ice dam, you have what could become a potential nightmare.

If left unchecked, the water being blocked by the ice dam could find cracks and openings in the exterior roof covering and flow into the attic space. From the attic it could meander its way into exterior walls or through the ceiling insulation and stain the ceiling finish. Water also doesn’t mix too well with electrical wiring either. So you can see where this is going . . . the goal is to stop it well before it gets out of hand.

There’s no need to let a little ice dam along your roof ruin the calming splendor of the season. Just give the folks over at Quarve Contracting a call in case you should happen to notice one. Since 1983, Quarve’s been the number one choice in St. Louis Park and beyond for speedy and professional ice dam removal service. Call today: (763) 785-1472.

• You have the right to great customer service, beginning with your initial inquiry.  Whether you send us an e-mail or call, you have the right to expect a speedy, personal response.  Our employees – not answering machines – pick up the phone.  Our estimates are always free and cheerfully given.  You can expect a quick response to call-back needs, if you have any.  And you have the right to expect your home and your property will be protected. 
• You have the right to quality products.   At Quarve, we’re homeowners, too, and we only use products we’d use on our own homes.  We sell and install building materials we believe represent high quality and which have great warranties. 
• You have the right to have trained professionals work on your project.  Quarve crews are overseen by our own employees, not someone else’s.  Our crews are certified by the manufacturers we work with, and we’re fully licensed and insured.  We’ve been in business for nearly three decades, so we bring a lot of experience to each job. 
• You have the right to get the results you want.  We believe in listening carefully to our customers to find out what’s important to you and what you’re looking for in your project.  And if what you’ve got in mind won’t produce the results you’re looking for, we’ll suggest alternatives that will.  Don’t know what you want?  We’ll help you figure that out as well. 

Hundreds of Minnesota homeowners have exercised their rights with Quarve Contracting, and we’ve got the testimonials to prove it.  If that sounds a little like bragging to you, we want you to know we’re proud of our long list of satisfied clients.  Interested in your rights as a homeowner for your next project?  Contact Quarve Contracting today.  Whether  you need a new roof, want to replace your old windows, your siding is falling apart, or you’ve decided it’s time to add gutters, we’ll help you enforce your rights. 



For instance, we highly recommend steel roofing, even though the product cost is higher than traditional asphalt shingles.  Still, steel roofing can be your most economical choice.  Why?  Steel is exceptionally durable, and no other roofing material withstands severe weather like heavy snow, wind-driven rain, and hail like steel.   Because of its durability and noncombustability, many insurance companies offer discounts to home owners who install steel roofing.  Also, steel roofing reduces heat transfer, so you could realize significant savings on your heating and cooling bills.  Finally, due to the lighter weight of steel roofing when compared to other roofing materials, steel can usually be installed over an existing roof, saving the cost of roof tear-off and disposal.  Roof removal can be a substantial part of a roof replacement cost, but not when you choose steel roofing. 

Replacing your windows?  If you’ve chosen an inexpensive option, those cheaper windows may cost you more money in the long run in terms of window maintenance as well as heating and cooling loss.  And they may not last as long as windows whose up-front cost is higher. 

If your goal is to enhance the value of your home, you should know that not all home improvement products provide that benefit.  While some may improve the outward appearance of your home, they will provide absolutely no increase in value.  An experienced home improvement professional like Quarve Contracting can help you make choices that will actually improve your home’s value as well as allowing you to recoup your return on investment quickly in terms of maintenance and energy savings. 

And then there’s the cost that you can’t really put a price on – the service you get from your contractor.  That low-ball estimate you received might be an attractive price, but will you get the top-notch service you need and deserve?  Will that contractor promptly return your calls, or will you feel like you’re chasing him down?  How about callbacks?  For us, if they are needed, they are a priority. 

At Quarve Contracting, we’ve been helping Minneapolis/St. Paul area residents save money on their home improvement projects for nearly three decades.  Contact us today to see how we can help you.