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May 172013
 

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to diagnose a leaky roof on your own.  We can certainly appreciate the effort. With the unpredictable St. Louis weather, a roof leak can spring up suddenly – and it’s something you definitely want to address right away.

However, we recommend that you call a St. Louis roofing contractor to look at a leaky roof and have it diagnosed. Why, you ask?

1.  It’s safer to have someone else do it.

Attempting to isolate a leak, especially in the rain, can be dangerous.  Why put yourself at risk?

2.  It is free to have a roof leak diagnosed by a professional.

Olneya Restoration Group will travel anywhere in the St. Louis area, including Illinois, to diagnose a leak.  There is no obligation for the inspection.

3.  Having a pro isolate a leak may save you a lot of money.

Our staff of St. Louis roofing contractors not only diagnose leaks, they will also tell you if it has been caused by hail or other storm-related damage. If this is the case, they can often walk you through the process of making an insurance claim and repairing the damage completely.

4.  The source of a leak isn’t always obvious.

Water can travel quite a distance from the source of the leak. It will take you and one other person, even once the source of the leak is found inside the house, to then isolate where the leak is located on the roof itself.  When you can get the diagnosis for free from a St. Louis roofing contractor, why bother?

5.  You have better ways to spend your weekend than crawling around in an attic.

Time is the most precious commodity you have.  Spend it doing something you love.  Olneya representatives can often come to your house in a matter of hours.  Call (314) 432-6100 to contact an Olneya representative now.

Apr 222013
 

It’s never good news when the weather in Saint Louis gets severe. Severe weather often means gale-force winds, heavy hail and flooding. And right now, it’s flooding that is making life difficult for our neighbors in the Saint Louis area and others in Iowa and Illinois. As this is being written, this levees are holding back the water, but the river has not even crested yet. At a time like this we are very glad to be able to help people get their lives back on track by providing emergency restoration services.

This is a time we would rather not be needed – we’d rather hear that everyone came through this flood high and dry but we are already seeing that evacuations may be needed. Up the river in Clarksville and Louisiana, Missouri, some homes are already flooded or are in imminent danger. Fortunately, most of the rain seems to be over for the moment so the worst should be past us very soon.

 

Getting the Water Out Fast is Essential

In our years of doing roofing, we found that to help people return to their homes after storm damage, we had to offer more than just roof repair. So we expanded our services to include dealing with water damage. When a home has been infiltrated by water, it’s essential to remove the water and dry everything out thoroughly before mold can begin to grow. We’ve got the equipment, manpower, training and practical experience to get the job done fast and right.

 

Water Can Come from Anywhere

That’s the problem with water – it can come in your front door if there’s a flood, through the walls if your siding is damaged, around windows if they need repair, or right through the roof after hail or high winds. We can handle it all. If your home has suffered storm damage, we can draw on our many strengths to put it right again, allowing your family to return home while feeling safe and secure.

First the tornado in Hazelwood, now floods upriver. Please call on us if your home has been damaged by water, wind or hail. This is our home too, and we know how families can struggle after this kind of severe weather. You can be forced out of your own home after a tree limb falls or high winds take part of your roof. Whether your need is emergency restoration services or roofing, we can help.

Remember that not all storm damage is visible from the outside. For example, hail can create bruises in your roofing material that can turn into leaks. We know what to look for.

If you have any doubts about your roof, windows or siding, call us now for a free Healthy Home Visit. Call us even if it’s still raining – we’ll get an inspector out as soon as it’s safe to climb up on your roof. The sooner you call, the sooner we can inspect and reassure you or let you know exactly what you need to do to make it secure.

St. Louis prepares for flooding

St. Louis prepares for flooding

 Posted by at 10:48 am
Apr 152013
 

Last week was rough for the St. Louis area, especially for the folks in Hazelwood. With their direct hit by a tornado, there’s scores of houses damaged. Some houses that may not have suffered tremendous damage may have lost part of their roofs. Others that still have their roofs may have damage that’s a little harder to detect. What’s more, it looks like another storm day coming up next week! There are going to be St. Louis residents needing immediate roofing repair and restoration services all over the area in the coming days.

But if you watch the news, you may have seen comments from the city officials in Hazelwood talking about the out-of-state contractors already on the prowl, looking to drum up some business. These contractors may not be licensed in Missouri, they may not be insured and they may go door to door, offering a dramatically low price just to get jobs.

The problem is that these roofing contractors won’t be anywhere around when that roof repair fails and they have a leak six months from now.

 

Olneya is Here to Stay

We have built a reputation in this community for fair prices, fast service and quality work. We’ll be here next year and the year after so we have an interest in giving you storm restoration services that put your life back together fast and that provide many future years of protection.

Your roof, siding and windows must be strong and secure to protect your possessions from the damaging weather that is so common this time of year in St. Louis. We know Midwest roofing problems. We know what kind of damage high winds do and we know exactly how to find hail damage that may not be detectable unless you know just where to look.

 

Restoration, Roof Repair and More

Maybe you need to protect your possessions from further damage after a storm takes off part of your roof. Maybe you need to get things dried out fast before there’s lasting damage. Call Olneya.

For all those in Florissant, Alton, Sullivan, Hazelwood or other parts of the greater St. Louis area that were hit hard, we’re a neighbor and part of your community. We know the local suppliers and the staff in the permit offices. We’re here to help you get your life back on track. Call us today for a roof repair estimate, a free inspection or fast storm restoration service.  (314) 432-6100

Days after the EF2 tornado, residents of Hazlewood and Florissant begin cleanup.

Days after the EF2 tornado, residents of Hazlewood and Florissant begin cleanup.

 Posted by at 8:41 am
Apr 112013
 

We are standing by to assist those homeowners in Florissant, Hazelwood, the Hill, Hazelwood, Alton and Sullivan who have been hit by this latest round of storms.

Olneya Restoration Group has been servicing the St. Louis area for over 5 years, forming partnerships with homeowners in both St. Louis County and Illinois.

We are a GAF-certified contractor, a certification held by only 3% of all roofing companies.  This certification is testament to quality of both the workmanship and materials that we use at every job.

As the storms roll through, stay safe.  After the storm, let us help you get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.

  • Roofing
  • Siding
  • Water clean-up
  • Emergency services
  • Handyman services
  • Downed limb clean-up

Call today for a free estimate.  (314) 432-6100

 

 

Apr 092013
 

Have you visited a home or business recently that had water leaks or stains on the ceiling? Did this give you a funny feeling when you thought about your own roof and the fact that you have not had it inspected this year? We can help you put those concerns to rest. If you’re in need of a St. Louis roofing contractor, contact the experts at Olneya.

When a person doesn’t have a roof inspected BEFORE problems show up, they are really operating on hope or faith that their roof will keep them dry for another season. That can be the one of the most expensive mistakes you can make in home maintenance. You may not know that a leaky roof can destroy wallboards, carpeting, furnishing, appliances, and electronics – in other words, just about everything you own.

In the Midwest, spring is often a season of uncertainty. But as an experienced St. Louis roofing contractor, one thing we know is that there are bound to be some serious storms. The right time to call us for a completely free Healthy Home Visit is right now. The sooner you know there are problems, the better. We’ll inspect your roof, windows, siding and any other place the elements might invade your home and let you know how well-protected you are. We’ll give you a very fair quote but you are not obligated to have our workers correct the problems.

If all turns out well and your roof is sound, it’s one less thing you have to think about this year.

Now, suppose you don’t get around to calling us this week. Suppose the heavy thunderstorms predicted cause some flooding in your home. Did you know that we also do emergency cleanup and restoration as well as roofing? Of course, we’d rather prevent the damage but sometimes with heavy storms, that’s not possible.

If you do have water damage from a storm, the sooner you can get emergency cleanup services on the job, the more of your possessions will be protected from loss. Mold starts growing fast in carpets and wallboards so call us immediately to get your life and home back on track.

Saint Louis is our home too, and we take pride in offering these essential services to our neighbors. No home is safe and secure without a strong roof, sound windows and siding that will stand up to the elements. If we point out repairs that are needed, it can prevent tens of thousands in storm damage.

Contact Olneya today for more information about our St. Louis roofing and storm restoration services. Call toll-free 855-4-OLNEYA or in Missouri, 314-432-6100.

Apr 082013
 

(St. Louis, MO, April 8, 2013) – It has been a long, cold winter for St. Louis’ residents who are beginning to see the early signs of spring. But often with the blooming tulips and budding trees comes severe weather such as hail, thunderstorms, flash floods and tornados. Residents can better  prepare their families and their homes for the impending weather by following a few simple steps.

 1. Have a Plan

There is nothing more important than having a plan in place. Walk your children through the plan and establish emergency areas (a cross street in the neighborhood or a park) where the family can meet after severe weather to re-establish communication. Make sure everyone knows where to go for safety in case of an emergency. During a tornado, the safest place in a home is the storm shelter or basement away from windows. For homes without a basement, the safest place is a room near the middle of the home without windows such as a bathroom or closet. Quiz your children every six months to make sure they remember what to do.

Other tips:

  • Don’t stand next to windows or watch the storm.
  • Post emergency telephone numbers next to phones.
  • Teach children how and when to call 911 or your local Emergency Medical Services for help.
  • Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
  • Show each family member how and when to turn off the water, gas and electricity at the main switches.
  • Check that you have adequate insurance coverage prior to a storm.
  • Teach each family member how to use the fire extinguisher and show them where it is kept.
  • Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms. Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

 2. Create a Survival Kit

Your survival kit should include at least two-week’s worth of supplies such as bottled water, dried and canned food, toilet paper, flashlights and batteries, a first-aid kit, prescription medicines, a digital thermometer, blankets, extra clothing, charcoal and propane for your grills, a lighter, lighter fluid and some firewood for staying warm and for cooking.

 3. Secure Your Valuables Before a Storm Hits

People often make the mistake of trying to grab their valuables in the midst of a storm. To save time and get to safety more quickly, keep your precious photo albums, family heirlooms, jewelry, computer backups  and important paperwork in a safe in the basement or purchase a lockbox at a bank to protect them.

 4. Invest in a Generator

Consider purchasing a gas generator to keep your refrigerator and freezers running to protect your food supply if you are without power. Make sure you have plenty of gasoline stored to run the generator, but don’t use the generator in the garage for fear of carbon monoxide poisoning. Buy a power pack for your cell phone and always have it plugged in so it is fully charged and ready to go in an emergency.

 5. Secure Large Outside Objects

Any unsecured, large objects outside the home such as patio furniture, potted plants and swing sets can easily become damaging missiles in strong winds. Prior to a storm, move these objects to a secure location if possible.

 6. Schedule a House Inspection

Following severe weather, be sure to have your home inspected by a certified contractor to determine if any damage has been done. Identifying and resolving any damage early will prevent more severe damage later on. Olneya offers residents a free Healthy Home visit once a year to survey a home for damage and to ensure that all of the components are working properly according to manufacturer specifications.

Are you prepared for severe weather season?

Are you prepared for severe weather season?

About Olneya Restoration Group

Olneya Restoration Group, headquartered in Maryland Heights, MO, provides experienced roofing, siding, window replacement, insulation, water removal and drying services, and 24/7 emergency restoration services to homeowners and commercial property owners in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Olneya Restoration Group was recently ranked 608 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies in America and has received an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. In 2012, Olneya Restoration Group received one of the world’s most coveted business awards – a Gold Stevie Award for Sales and Customer Service. Olneya is a GAF Master Elite Roofer and a Certified Slate Crafter with two HAAG Certified inspectors on staff. For more information about Olneya, visit www.olneya.com or call 855.4.OLNEYA.

 Posted by at 10:36 am
Apr 012013
 

Most people know that the way they eat and whether or not they exercise can influence how healthy they are. But it may not be well known how the condition of your roof relates to your health or lack of it.

In April and May, we are likely to get some heavy spring rains in the St. Louis area. If your roof is not in good repair, rain leaking into your home can set you up for severe and mysterious illnesses. Take a look at this story of a family who built their dream home in 1980, only to have to raze it to the ground after living in it for more than twenty years.

The entire family suffered from problems resulting from their mold infestation. Their son in particular had chronic problems with migraines and sinus and ear infections that could have been prevented if their home had been free from mold.

 Your Roof Not Only Protects Your Home, It Protects Your Health

Your roof is one of the primary barriers keeping water out of your home. If you have not had your roof inspected recently, you should call the St. Louis roofing experts at Olneya to do an inspection. Ideally, you should have an annual inspection of your roof. And not only your roof but also windows and other locations where water can creep in.

Fortunately for you, Olneya makes this process practically painless by offering a free Healthy Home Visit. If you need repairs to windows, gutters that lead the water away from your home or the roof itself, we will tell you and give you an estimate. You are not obligated to purchase those services from us.

Olneya is Much More Than Just a St. Louis Roofing Contractor

Of course we want to run a profitable business but what we are is so much more than that. Everyone lives under a roof and the safety of their family (and their health!) and possessions depend on that roof. We want to deliver peace of mind along with roofing services, window replacement and emergency and storm recovery.

Contact us for more information on our St. Louis roofing services or call toll-free 1-855-4-OLNEYA or 314-432-6100 to schedule your Healthy Home visit.

Olneya now offer Healthy Home Visits for FREE! Schedule yours today!

Olneya now offers Healthy Home Visits for FREE! Schedule yours today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mar 252013
 

“Excuse me, are you GAF certified?” What does this mean and why should you ask a St. Louis Roofing company this question?

GAF is a major roofing material manufacturer in New Jersey. They are the largest company of this type in North America and they’ve been around more than a hundred years. They have a list of awards as long as your arm and they have developed a certification system for verifying that a roofing company has the skill and the standards to install their materials properly.

Only three percent of the country’s roofing companies meet this standard but if they do, you know they hire only professional staff (not day laborers) who are fully trained and have the right experience to do your job correctly. What’s more, you can find reviews by homeowners who have used these contractors on the GAF website. A GAF certification gives you a good assurance of quality and professionalism.

At this writing, the Midwest is being hit hard by Winter Storm Virgil. When the snow flurries die down, there are going to be  St. Louis roofing companies knocking on some doors, looking for business.

St. Louis Spring Snow Virgil

If you have any concerns about damage to your roof from the past winter’s storms, I recommend that the first words out of your mouth are: “Are you GAF certified?” If the roofer says he is, I then suggest you ask them to wait while you verify it on the GAF website.

Of course, if you are in the Saint Louis area, we recommend you call us with any concerns. If you are in another area, this procedure will help you find a qualified, professional company.

This is the time of year you want to have your roof checked. Now that winter is over, we can get your repairs done but it’s a good idea to have any needed work done before Spring tempests can cause water damage. We know that most homeowners are concerned about costs, which is why we offer a Healthy Home Visit – a free analysis of what might be needed to protect your investment. All you have to do is call us and tell us you want the free analysis.

Now, you KNOW we are GAF certified! It’s a way we can give you confidence in our staffing, our training procedures and our personnel. Call us toll-free at 1-855-4-OLNEYA and in Missouri, call 314-432-6100 to schedule your free inspection.

 Posted by at 10:30 am
Mar 182013
 

In 2011, about a third of home buyers were first-timers! Buying one’s first home can be a nerve-wracking experience because there’s so much to learn. Then once new homeowners have moved in, they usually work hard for months, fixing those homes up just the way they want them and learning how to deal with all the minor emergencies that come up – and the not-so-minor emergencies.

 

Learning how to deal with major emergencies is part of your new responsibilities as a homeowner. After all, a home is most people’s biggest financial investment. A home that is as prepared as possible for harsh weather stands a better chance of coming through undamaged.

 

Olneya welcomes you to homeownership in this area and wants to help you learn how to protect that home you worked so hard to acquire.

 

First, there’s our radio show. Every Saturday at 2 PM on KTRS 550 AM, you can listen to one of our key staff answer homeowner questions about roofs, weather damage repair, insulation, window replacement and other key homeowner concerns.

 

Second, we invite you to schedule a Healthy Home Visit. This is an hour-long inspection by one of our trained professionals. The inspector will look at your roof and gutters, windows, siding and insulation to ensure that you’re in good shape to get through spring storms and summer heat.

 

One of the additional benefits of the Healthy Home Visit is that you will already know our staff and we’ll know you if you ever do need emergency restoration services including water removal or home repair.

 

Let us help you learn the ropes of home ownership while you also gain peace of mind, knowing that you’ve prepared for any unexpected weather that might come along. Call Olneya today to schedule your Healthy Home visit. Call toll-free 1-855-4-OLNEYA or 314-432-6100 today.

 

And since roofs are so critical in keeping your home protected, here’s some excellent basic information on roofs from the National Roofing Contractors Association. You can get an immediate start learning basic roofing terms and about all the different materials used: http://www.nrca.net/consumer/fyi.aspx.

 

We look forward to working with you to keep your home healthy for as long as you are in our community!

 

 Posted by at 10:25 am
Jan 222013
 

Whether we like it or not, the hardest part of the winter season in St. Louis is about to hit, making residential and commercial roofing a challenge. We all know that ice and snow can be dangerous on the roads, but how many of you think about the potential hazards that accumulating ice and snow can have on a home? As a professional St. Louis roofing company, we like to keep our clients educated as best we can.  Here are a few tips to help avoid damage to your home due to ice and snow.

Winter Exterior Maintenance

  • Clean Gutters - This is one of the easiest ways to prevent ice damning in the winter. Ice damning occurs when there are blockages in the gutters and downspouts, which prevent ice and snow from moving freely. This is dangerous because ice can fall at any time, resulting in injury. Ice damns can also be responsible for water coming into the home and damaging painted surfaces.
  • Extend and bury drain spouts - It’s important to divert water five feet away from your foundation. Neglecting to do so could result in the softening of the soil around your foundation that could lead to the earth separating from the foundation itself.
  • Disconnect garden hoses - Disconnect and drain the leftover water from garden hoses. This will help prevent ice building up in the pipes. This step is vital to prevent pipes bursting when the temperature fluctuates.
  • Inspect and seal roof openings - If you have skylights or sun tunnels, inspect the weather stripping around these openings.

These tips are simple and don’t take a lot of time. By performing preventative maintenance on your home, you can rest easy knowing you’ve done your part to avoid unnecessary and costly damage to your home. We know too well that St. Louis weather can have a mind of its own, which is why it’s so important to do your roof a favor and prepare it for the worst Mother Nature can throw at it.

Questions? Contact Olneya today for more information about our roofing services.