Alliance-Roof-Experts-Frequently-Asked-Questions

FAQ

We’re here to help answer your questions.

Alliance's roof inspections are great for insurance professionals.

Insurance Professionals

Insurance professionals need a trustworthy source of information when it comes to roofing claims. That’s where Alliance can offer support and expertise. We are an independent firm of roofing and leak-related experts that can provide objective information to improve your claims process for both you and your clients. Got questions? Great! We have answers.

How/where do I submit a project?

Projects can be submitted on our online form here. Please let us know what services you require on the project, and we will be in touch with you.

How much do you charge for an inspection?

We price all of our projects on a flat-fee basis to be established with you upfront. The fee will be determined by a variety of factors: location, roof-type, number of buildings and types of equipment needed. Further, the scope of services desired (e.g. CAD drawings, estimates, site verification and documentation, leak analysis, and extent of construction consulting) are taken into account.

What services do you provide for insurance professionals?

We provide of a variety of services for insurance professionals: roof inspections for storm damage, construction consulting, roof estimates, site verification and documentation, leak analysis, building envelope analysis, and training. Let us know what you need!

Are you exclusively residential or commercial roof experts?

We provide expertise for both. We have inspected thousands of roofs and all types of roofing systems. We are equipped to handle all types of roof claims, including small single dwelling family homes to large commercial and industrial properties and multi-building facilities.

Where have you worked?

We are a national company and have worked in almost every state.

Where do you travel to do an inspection?

We are a national company, and we will travel where you need. Yet, we do most of our work for the insurance industry within the Midwest. We have worked with insurance companies outside of the Midwest on large-loss claims and CAT claims in the past and can assist with projects where we are needed. Please refer to our area.

Do you work with Large-Loss and Catastrophe Claims?

We have worked with numerous large-loss and catastrophe roof claims. If you would like us to work with your large-loss and catastrophe teams, please contact our team.

Do you provide Umpire/Appraisal services?

Yes, on a selective basis we provide 3rd party umpire services. In these instances, we typically try to encourage all parties to resolve the claims before our services are required.

What happens after I submit a project?

Once we receive a project, our project coordinator will contact your client and let them know we have the assignment. A consultant will follow up with them and schedule the exact time and date we will inspect their property.

Do I need an Engineer?

There is no formal study in the field of engineering or architecture that includes specific training on roofing. Professional registrations in the roofing industry done through RCI (Roof Consultants Institute). Our staff includes Registered Roof Observers and a former member of the RCI educational faculty. In addition, we have other training and certifications and have been court-tested on numerous projects. Feel free to check our team page here.

Is your company comprised of professional engineers/are you engineers?

No, we are not professional engineers. There is no formal study in the field of engineering that specifically focus on roofing systems. Many professional engineers, architects, and roof/building envelope consultants receive their education on roofing, roofing systems, and building envelope post-graduation from industry and trade organizations that teach on these subjects. Further, we are members of RCI or the Roof Consultants Institute which provides roofing, waterproofing, and building envelope training, learning, and certifications for professionals in our industry. Finally, our staff has a combined 60+ years of experience in the roofing industry.

How do you interact with my client?

We make it a priority to interact with your clients at the highest professional level. Our philosophy is to “treat people the way you would want to be treated.”

How quickly do I receive my report?

Depending on the amount of services requested and after completion of the inspection, reports can be turned around between 3-5 business days.

Do you provide expert witness services?

We are court-proven experts. CVs available upon request.

Do you provide any roof training for insurance adjusters?

Yes, we have provided 300+ training seminars for insurance adjusters, property managers, and building engineers.

Building owners find a roof consulting partner with Alliance.

Building Owners & Representatives

Whether you own a property or you are representing a building owner, you’ll have questions when it comes to your roof. You’re probably tired of dealing with salespeople and bids from contractors. That’s where Alliance can help. Our team of experts doesn’t sell roofs, so we can get you the objective information you need.

Do you sell and/or install roofing materials or systems?

We are independent roof and leak analysis experts. We do not sell or install roofing materials and we are not owned by anyone who does. Our only purpose is to provide unbiased consulting on roofing and building envelope issues.

Do you prepare roof replacement specifications?

Yes, we write roof replacement specifications and bid documents for competitive contractor bids in the event the roofing system needs to be replaced.

Do you provide annual inspections for roof asset management?

Yes, we provide a variety of roof inspections for building owners and building representatives in managing their commercial roofing systems.

How do I submit a project?

Projects can be submitted on our online form here. When filling out the form, please let us know what services you require on the project and a representative we will be in touch as soon as possible.

Can you create estimated budgets for repairs and replacement schedules for roofs?

Yes, we have supplied estimated repair costs and prioritized replacement schedules for building owners and representatives with multiple buildings.

What is the building envelope?

The building envelope is a general term to describe the multiple building systems that separate the exterior of the building from the interior of the building. The building systems include: the roofing systems, exterior wall systems, floors, and any openings in the structure (doors, windows, skylights, etc.)

Can you inspect the building envelope as well?

Yes, we provide inspection services for the building envelope as well.

Do you provide quality assurance inspections during roof installation?

Yes, we can provide quality assurance inspections during re-roofing projects. Let us know if you would like us to write a re-roof specification or just provide quality assurance inspections.

Do you provide any training for property managers?

Yes, we can provide training for property managers and building engineers on roof asset management and maintenance. Let us know what topics you would like to learn about and we can put together a training to suit your needs.

Do you work with General Contractors/Construction Managers?

We work with construction managers on installation/construction defects on roofing systems as well as tracking down leaks that are occurring in the building envelope. If you need help on a project, please feel free to submit a project here.

How quickly do I receive my report?

Depending on the amount of services requested and after completion of the inspection, reports can be turned around between 3-5 business days.

Is your company comprised of professional engineers/are you engineers?

There is no formal study in the field of engineering or architecture that includes specific training on roofing. Professional registrations in the roofing industry done through RCI (Roof Consultants Institute). Our staff includes Registered Roof Observers and a former member of the RCI educational faculty. In addition, we have other training and certifications and have been court-tested on numerous projects. Feel free to check our team page here.

Alliance's roof consulting services provides attorneys with an expert witness.

Expert Witness

If you need an independent consultant to serve as an expert witness, Alliance is here to help. As court-tested roofing experts, we are here to answer your questions and serve as a resource for you on your next case.

Are you court-tested experts?

Yes, we are court tested experts in our field. We have been retained and used as roof experts for 60+ legal cases involving roofing and leak related issues.

Can you help assess the strength of my case?

We can review technical documents, and give you a professional opinion to the merits of your case.

What is the scope of your services?

We can provide field inspections, review depositions, review witness statements and technical documents.

Do I need an Engineer?

There is no formal study in the field of engineering or architecture that includes specific training on roofing. Professional registrations in the roofing industry done through RCI (Roof Consultants Institute). Our staff includes Registered Roof Observers and a former member of the RCI educational faculty. In addition, we have other training and certifications and have been court-tested on numerous projects. Feel free to check our team page here.

Is your company comprised of professional engineers/are you engineers?

No, we are not professional engineers. There is no formal study in the field of engineering that specifically focus on roofing systems. Many professional engineers, architects, and roof/building envelope consultants receive their education on roofing, roofing systems, and building envelope post-graduation from industry and trade organizations that teach on these subjects. Further, we are members of RCI or the Roof Consultants Institute which provides roofing, waterproofing, and building envelope training, learning, and certifications for professionals in our industry. Finally, our staff has a combined 60+ years of experience in the roofing industry.

Alliance provides independent roof inspections.

Roof Inspections

Do you need an objective opinion? Our independent roofing experts can provide insight that is not swayed by the desire to sell you a product. We provide complete roof inspections for insurance professionals, building owners, attorneys, and more.

Do you sell or install any roofing materials?

We are independent roof and leak analysis experts. We do not sell or install roofing materials and we are not owned by anyone who does. Our only purpose is to provide unbiased consulting on roofing and building envelope issues.

Do you repair roofing systems?

No, we are not roofing contractors; we are independent consultants.

Can you tell me why my roof is leaking?

Yes, we provide leak analysis services to our clients.

Do you provide causation/forensic inspections?

Yes, we have conducted 7000+ causation/forensic inspections for the insurance industry to determine if a roof has been damaged by wind, hail, ice dams, and weight of ice and snow.

How do I submit a project?

Projects can be submitted on our online forms here. Please let us know what services you require on the project, and we will be in touch with you.

Do I need an Engineer?

There is no formal study in the field of engineering or architecture that includes specific training on roofing. Professional registrations in the roofing industry done through RCI (Roof Consultants Institute). Our staff includes Registered Roof Observers and a former member of the RCI educational faculty. In addition, we have other training and certifications and have been court-tested on numerous projects. Feel free to check our team page here.

How much do you charge for an inspection?

We price all of our projects on a flat-fee basis to be established with you upfront. The fee will be determined by a variety of factors: location, roof-type, number of buildings and types of equipment needed. Further, the scope of services desired (e.g. CAD drawings, estimates, site verification and documentation, leak analysis, and extent of construction consulting) are taken into account.

Do you provide annual inspections for roof asset management?

Yes, we provide a variety of roof inspections for building owners and building representatives in managing their commercial roofing systems.

Alliance Consulting & Testing can help you identify your roof repair options.

Roof Repair/Replace Consulting

Since we do not sell or install roofing systems or materials, we can become your expert and determine whether your roof can be repaired or needs to be replaced.

Can you provide repair estimates to lengthen the useful service life of my roof?

Yes, we can provide estimate costs of repairs based off what we observe on the roofing system, and prioritize which repairs need to be done to extend the useful service life of the roof.

Can you estimate the useful service life on the roofs of my buildings?

Yes, we provide service life estimates for our clients on a regular basis. Our estimates are intended to help owners or property managers establish a budget for replacement.

If I have multiple buildings, can you provide a replacement schedule for all of the roofs I own/manage?

Yes, if there are multiple buildings involved we can provide replacement schedules based off which roofs are top priority in terms of replacement.

Can you provide annual inspections to ensure that repairs are being made and the roof is performing?

Yes, we provide annual inspections for many of our clients to help them maintain their roofing systems and establish budgets for future maintenance and roof replacement.

Can you provide roof CAD drawings that verifies the roofing system and where repairs need to be made?

If requested, yes we can create roof CAD drawings to identify repairs on roofs and to aid your contractor in making the necessary repairs.

Through Alliance's roof replacement oversight, you can rest easy knowing your new roof is properly installed.

Roof Replacement Quality Assurance

Quality assurance is to ensure that the roofing contractor is performing his daily quality control and that you are getting what you paid for. The experts at Alliance have performed hundreds of inspections for the purpose of quality assurance.

What is a quality assurance inspection?

Quality assurance inspections are spot inspections that occur during the installation of a roofing system. These inspections help ensure that the roof installation is being met according to a published specification and/or the industry guidelines. Quality assurance inspections are not to be confused to be daily quality control.

What is the difference between quality assurance and quality control?

Quality control is the roofing contractor’s daily responsibility during roof installation. Quality assurance is inspections from an independent party to ensure that quality control is occurring.

How many inspections would you recommend during an installation of a new roof?

Varies depending on the size of the roof and the complexity of the roofing system being replaced. We will discuss this with you before we establish the number of QA inspections for your specific project.

Alliance Consulting & Testing provides construction consulting services.

Construction Consulting

Storm-related damage can be difficult to assess. We can help you assess the extent of damage and give you an accurate estimate.

What construction consulting services do you provide?

We provide a variety of services ranging from verification of building measurements to identifying the extent of damage to roofing and building envelope components. Further, we can provide you with cost estimates for repair or replacement to settle your claim.

What types of reports do you provide?

We can provide Building Envelope Condition Assessments, Estimates, Site Verification and Documentation, et al. Check out our services here.

Do you provide moisture testing?

We utilize multiple types of testing equipment, depending on what is needed on the project.

Alliance provides leak analysis to help you maintain your roof.

Leak Analysis

Building leaks can be frustrating to identify. Typically, contractors or material suppliers have a biased approach. As an independent expert, Alliance can provide an unbiased approach to locating the source of your leak.

Do you suggest repair options to mitigate leak issues?

Yes, we can provide recommendations for repairs to mitigate the leaks on a given property.

Can you inspect more than just the roof for leaks?

Yes, leaks can occur in more areas than just the roofing system. We can inspect the building envelope for leaks as well.

What type of leaks analysis do you provide?

We can inspect the roofing system and building envelope for the source of the leaks.

Are you court-tested experts?

Yes, we are courted test experts in our field. We have been retained and used as roof experts for 60+ legal cases involving roofing and leak related issues.

Do you provide moisture testing?

We utilize multiple types of testing equipment, depending on what is needed on the project.

What types of moisture testing do you provide?

We provide non-destructive moisture testing with moisture probes, deck scanners, and wall scanners.

Alliance Consulting & Testing provides quality roof spec writing and bid analysis.

Roof Spec Writing & Bid Analysis

Since we do not sell or install materials, we can help you identify the roofing system best suited for your needs. We will write specifications that allow quality-focused contractors to competitively bid your project to save you time and money.

How do you determine which contractors get invited to bid the project?

We will work with you to establish a list of quality-focused contractors to bid on your project. We have the ability to identify quality contractors in your area that would be best suited for your project.

What types of specifications do you write?

The majority of our specifications are focused on re-roofing projects. We will help you identify the roofing system best suited for your building.

What happens after you write the spec?

We will put the project out to bid; conduct a pre-bid meeting and consult with you as you select the contractor for your project; and provide quality assurance inspections during the installation.

Do I have to have quality assurance inspections if you write the specifications?

Yes, quality assurance inspections are a requirement for us writing a specification for a roof replacement project.

Alliance's independent roof inspections let you know what's going on with your roof.

Building Envelope Analysis

The building envelope includes the roof, walls, windows, door systems, air and water barriers, floors, et al. We take all of these components into consideration when analyzing moisture intrusion or storm damage.

What is the building envelope exactly?

The building envelope is a general term to describe the multiple building systems that separate the exterior of the building from the interior of the building. The building systems include: the roofing systems, exterior wall systems, floors, and any openings in the structure (doors, windows, skylights, etc.)

Can you recommend repair options for exterior walls to prevent leaks?

Yes, based off an inspection of the property in question, we can provide recommendations of repairs to prevent leaks.

Through roofing education and training, Alliance can help you learn more about your roof.

Education & Training

We excel at teaching people about roofing and leak-related issues. Our extensive experience enables us to help you make complicated issues understandable.

What type of education and training do you provide?

We provide trainings on roofing systems and the building envelope for professionals who desire education in roofing and leak-related issues.

Can you train my claims team/property management staff on site?

Yes, please submit your information here and we can meet your staff on-site to provide a training.

How long do trainings last?

Our minimum training is 60 minutes long. More extensive training is available for you and your staff.

Is there a cost for onsite trainings?

Depending on location, travel time, expenses, and how long the training lasts, we will assess a flat fee for training your staff.

Do you provide online training?

Yes, we provide online training that can be accessed here.

Can Alliance become your expert?