Sunday

Does your insurance cover emergency roof repairs

Does your insurance cover Santa Clara roof repair

As homeowners, we are not always protected from the weather conditions that may be prone to the area we live in. Anything from rains, snow, frost, humidity and storms, we have to be ready to protect our home. Your roofing insurance coverage may be able to provide the coverage for several roof damages. When you obtain the insurance, it is always wise to check with your insurance agent about your policy’s coverage as it relates to roofing insurance claims, and what is covered in the case of loss.
Homeowner’s policies do not contain coverage for "match" issues. Your policy says the company will pay "to repair or replace the damaged property with material of like kind and quality" (language varies by state). That means, they owe to replace the individual shingles or tiles that were damaged by a covered peril (wind, hail, etc) unless your shingles are old, brittle, and cannot be repaired. In that case, the company must pay to replace the affected slope(s). Over the years, lawsuits established precedents, claims settlement statutes in each state. These guidelines address match as well as other issues. In some states it is customary to replace only the individual shingles, unless there is a reparability issue or mechanical mismatch which makes it impossible. In some states, it is customary to replace only the slopes containing damage. In other states, line-of-sight guidelines prevail, this allows replacement of roof covering on one or more elevations. Please check with your agent for more details.
If the shingles that are currently on your roof are no longer manufactured, the company is responsible for replacing your entire roof. But if your shingles are manufactured and do not match the existing shingles due to weathering, the company is only responsible for replacing the damaged shingles, not the whole roof.
Some homeowners insurance make adverse underwriting decisions based on the make up or condition of the roof of a home. The type of roofing materials include, but are not limited to: wood roofs, multi-layered roofs (composition shingles over wood or several layers of composition shingles), asbestos shingles, and sheet tin or aluminum roofs.

Here are some tips to reduce potential damages and home insurance premiums, when it comes to roofing:
Hailstorms do not usually result in the catastrophic damage associated with windstorms or fire. However, hail does result in significant damage to homes. The main area of a home susceptible to hail damage is the roof. The following are ways that can help mitigate damage in the event of hail:
1. Roof Covering – The condition and materials of the roof covering can improve the impact resistance. Worn asphalt shingles are especially vulnerable to hail damage. Impact-resistant roof coverings designed and tested to improve roof performance during hailstorms are available.
2. Roof Decking – The roof decking provides the structural support for the roof covering. Solid roof decking improves the impact resistance of the roof. Material and construction techniques can improve the stiffness of the roof decking and help reduce hail damage.
3. Roof Slope – Angling the roof reduces the force of impact from hail. Hail hitting the roof at a 90-degree angle causes more damage than hail hitting the roof at an angle that deflects the force of the hail.
Hurricane/ Tornado
The main areas of a home that could be improved to help mitigate damages and losses in the event of a hurricane are the roof, the windows, the doors, and garage doors (if present). Hurricane loss mitigation efforts should typically attempt to prevent a structure from being penetrated by the wind. Keeping the roof intact, and keeping the doors and windows sealed shut are of utmost importance.
Roof - The type and condition of roof can be a significant factor in the amount of damage sustained by a structure in a hurricane or tornado. For instance, gable roofs are more likely to suffer damage from the high wind generated by hurricanes/tornados. Also, the quality of the construction can affect the performance of the roof in high winds. When the roof decking is not properly attached to the roof frame, the roof may not survive high winds.
Loose shingles or tiles increase the susceptibility of the roof to high winds. Once the roof structure is compromised, the integrity of the roofing is weakened and the interior of the house and its contents become susceptible to water damage or even the collapse of the roof itself. Loose tiles and shingles also become dangerous projectiles in the high winds.

Wildfire
The two main areas of a home that could be improved to help mitigate damages and losses in the event of a wildfire are the roof covering, and landscaping. Fire loss mitigation efforts should typically attempt to prevent a structure from catching fire. Proper landscaping can keep the fire from getting close enough to the structure to ignite it, while proper roof covering can help prevent ignition from floating embers.
Roof Covering – The type of roof covering will depend on the other perils a home faces. Concrete or tile roofs are very fire resistant, but can be prone to hail damage. An asphalt shingle with good fire rating is often the most cost-effective choice a homeowner has. Wood shakes or shingles are to be avoided for homes exposed to wildfire, as these roofs are the most fire prone.
Winter Freeze
The easiest and most effective way to reduce potential loss from winter freeze is to conduct regular maintenance on your home and property. You should be aware of the potential hazards of seasonal temperature changes, and protect your home accordingly. The major areas of concern should be gutters, outdoor faucets, the maintenance of appropriate indoor and attic temperatures, as well as that landscape, whose proximity to your home might pose a winter freeze-related danger.
Gutters – To prevent or lessen the possible impact of a winter freeze, gutters should be cleared of debris and flushed out with a garden hose. This will help prevent ice dams from forming at the base of the roof, and in the gutter area.
We don't always know when Mother Nature will send forth her fury, but we can be prepared for unexpected disasters. Review your homeowners’ coverage every year and talk to your insurance agent if you have questions. Don't compound the disaster of losing your home by not having adequate insurance coverage to replace it.

Tanya is the a writer for this

http://www.roofdoctor1.com/
Stockton roof repair

Common Roofing Problems That Result In Leaks

A roofing problem is a subject that invariably reveals itself at the worst time. After all, when are you going to notice when your roof has a leak? Unless you are lucky to notice it ahead of time, the answer is inevitably during a rain storm - the worst possible time.

The roof of your home is something that is out of sight, out of mind. That is until it leaks. Is there any way to deduce if there are problems with it before a storm proves there are? Yes. The pat answer is to get a roof inspection done. Many people, however, just aren't going to spend money on something that "might" be a problem. With this in mind, there are some other steps you can take. Specifically, watch out for these common problems.

Americans love their televisions programs. Many of us are now buying satellite services so we don't skip a thing. After all, we really do watch those 900 channels, don't we?! Regardless, many satellites are being installed on roofs and damaging them. If you have to put the satellite on the roof, make sure it is properly waterproofed so the anchoring system does not become a water intrusion area.

Gutters. It is a better man than I who does not hate gutters. That being said, they serve a distinct purpose - water removal. The problem, of course, is they need to be kept clean so they don't back up. But why is this important? Most residential roofs are designed to use gravity to wick water down and off the roof. When gutters get clogged, water pools and comes back up under the edges of the roof. Water will actually move upwards, causing rot and problems down the road. Get out there and clean those gutters!

The simplest step you can take is to simply look up when outside. What do you see on the roof? Broken shingles must be replaced. Any warping is a sign of a underlying problem and needs to be repaired asap. Trees or other plant life lying on the roof must be removed as the scraping in the wind and simple growth patterns can cause roof failures.

I admit it. It is difficult to get fired up about saving your roof on a sunny day. Most of us are money conscious, so consider this fact/threat. If water gets into your home in a storm because of a roofing problem, it will ruin practically anything it touches. This means you will have to pay for roof repairs AND drywall, electric, insulation and perhaps carpet repairs and replacement as well.

In short, a little preventive work can save you big down the line.


About the Author

Aazdak Alisimo is with So Cal Roofing - a roofing contractor providing commercial and residential roofing services in Southern California.

Monday

Different Roof Types: Which one is perfect for you

A roof has several purposes to cater starting from providing you shelter, protect you from scorching sun, icy wind blows, rain and many more. When its time to replace to your old roof tries to be a little stylish and trendy while selecting the new roof type. Roofs today are not only restricted to provide a shelter under which one can rest. Roofs are now more durable and attractive to give your home a remarkable effect. There are different roof types available, one can chose any one of them depending upon the individuals taste and roofing requirements. Here are some popular roof types available:

Slate Roofs
Slate roofs are excellent when you are thinking about upgrading your roof. Slate roofs are known for their long life as well as excellent fire protection. Slates make roofs last longer as well as they look attractive. Slate is a rigid material, usually looks like glass and is strong enough to resist hail storms. Depending on where the slated roof is built the color, the quality of the slate and longevity varies. Slate roofs are strong enough to last for centuries.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are the most trusted ones as they are extremely durable, hail, mildew and rot resistant, and come in an array of colors and shapes. Metal roofs are made by steel after recycling it. Metal roofs require professional assistance as they are difficult to install and they are comparatively expansive than other roof types. But when it comes to warranty period it seems to be a perfect investment.

Tile Roofs
Concrete tiles also make excellent roofing. Many different looks can be given to roofs with the help of concrete tiles. Concrete roofs can be given any style and color of your own choice. They are also excellent for fire protection as well as last longer. One major drawback of concrete roof is they are not hail storm resistance. Due to weight of tiles such roof structures requires specific constructing.

Rubber Roofing

Rubber roofs are the most durable, energy efficient and echo friendly. These roofs require low maintenance as well as are echo friendly. Rubber roofs can be installed in two different ways: a whole roof system and shingles. When it comes to repairing rubber roofs they are easy to fix. Shingles are easier to install and repair as compared to the whole roof system
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About the author:
Roof 101 provides specialist roofing contractors for all roofing services roofing needs, including all roofing types roof installation and roof repair, at highly affordable rates.

The Pros and Cons of Roof Installation

Everyone is dreaming to build a home, a home that reflects the state of the art infrastructure to reveal its strength and integrity. In fact, a home can give a safe heaven for your family. As a consequence, the construction of the building should be adequately solid to resist the unruly tornados of the Nature such as hurricane, cyclone, whirlwind, to name a few. When you think about such tornados of the Nature, it suggests that you are planning to install a full proof roof that can easily resist the rant and rave of the Nature. You can find metal roof, rubber roof and tile roof in the market, varying in durability, longevity, versatility, flexibility and safety value, and above all pricing. Hence, you must consider a roof installation on the basis of your budget and requirements.
Assuming that you are fully prepared and the roof construction is complete by filling all the gutters and vent pipes, you must install a roof that customizes the pitch of the roof. Make sure that the circumference of the pitch is no less than 3/12. It is pertinent to note that the roof you consider to install must be both water and fire resistant and will consolidate the existing structure of your home. In addition, you must concentrate on installing eco friendly and energy efficient roof to give you home an ideal place for shelter. In fact, roof installation is not an easy task and one must do pregnant research about the benefits and durability of various roofs before settling to one.

It is extremely important to contact a trained roofing contractor for your roof installation, since the work may put your home and family in jeopardy if you do it in your own. Moreover, if the installed roof shows up some roofing problems before the period of warranty, you can immediately ask the contractor to repair it, - a post installation service provided by an affiliated roofing contractor. Furthermore, the roofing contractors can provide cost effective roofing materials without compromising with the standard and quality of the roofs.

So if are going to install the roof of your home, seek immediate help from an experienced and qualified roofing contractor and get a long-term benefit of roof installation at an affordable price.
About the Author
Roof101 offers professional roofing contractors, each specializing in different roofing aspects, including allRoof Repair and roof installation types. We offer a wide variety of Roof Installation services for both flat and sloped roofs.

Wednesday

roof repairs

roof repairs
For instance, inspecting your roof a few times each year will let you see problems before they get bigger.
Never climb on your roof under the direct heat of the summer sun.
Those with chimneys should check out the area where the chimney flashing meets their roof.
If you see a bulge in your flashing, a simple roof repair is to place a piece of wood on that area.
If you see problems with your gutters, don't be tempted to fix them while you're on the roof.
Apply a protective coating to your roof to reduce the heat from the sun and improve its lifespan.

Thursday

How to Choose a Metal Roofing Contractor


By: Kris Koonar
A metal roof is something that remains a part of your house for a long time. It is a sort of semi-permanent fixture that you cannot change frequently. You must therefore choose the right metal roofing contractor when you decide to install a metal roof. It is extremely important to find a qualified and reputable contractor because it is not the material but the contractor who will make the roofing job right or wrong. The right contractor is a key factor in your roofing job, especially when it involves steep slopes combined with heavy lifting that makes it potentially dangerous. If the roofing job involves sheet metal roofing, make sure that you select a contractor with at least three years experience in metal roofing installation. Roofing work puts your home and many people at risk, therefore do not forget to check if the roofing contractor you award the work to, is suitably insured. The contractor should have a Certificate of Insurance with your name as the Certificate Holder. If the contractor does not have Worker's Compensation Insurance and general liability coverage i.e. Property and Casualty Insurance, you may stand liable for any damage that he may cause or injuries sustained by him or by his employees. Your metal roofing contractor must be able to provide you with a roofing contractor's warranty for workmanship and materials for at least one or two year duration. This will bind him to repair any leaks etc due to faulty workmanship or for failure of the roof due to sub-standard material for the period of the warranty, which is the critical period during which most roofing problems will show up. If a problem crops up during this period, you can immediately ask the contractor to repair it. If he does not give a proper response, you can send a certified return-receipt letter with a specific time mentioned within which you expect the repairs to be taken care of. One way to get hold of a reliable contractor is to ask family, friends or neighbors who have had metal roofs installed in their homes. This may not be easy because metal roofs are fairly uncommon and there may not be many people around who have had one installed. Another way is to seek a reference from architects who have designed houses that incorporate metal roofing.Yet another way to find a metal roofing contractor is by logging onto the website of the Metal Roofing Alliance. This company lists metal roofing manufacturers, material suppliers, paint companies etc as members and is a good resource for information and details on everything related to metal roofing including locating experienced and qualified metal roofing contractors. You can also surf the net to find pre-screened metal roofing contractors. The National Association of Roofing Contractors (NRCA) is also an excellent resource to locate a reliable metal roofing contractor. The NRCA is over a century old and has a page on its website to help locate a good roofing contractor including one to install a metal roof. You just need to fill in the type of roof you need installed and your zip code and the radius within which you want to locate a contractor.
Classic Metal Roofs offers a variety of Metal Roofing products. Do you know if a hybrid car saves more energy that a Flat Panel Roof check out this website to find out. http://www.classicmetalroofs.com.

Metal Roofing- A Buyer's Guide

If your roof has started to fall apart, it is more than obvious that it needs your immediate attention, which in this case may as well be installation of a new roof for your home. Installation of a new roof is known to scare many customers away and when it comes to installing metal roofs, the buyers are all ready to run the marathon. The reason is pretty simple, metal roofs have a reputation of being very expensive. However, at the same time, it becomes pretty difficult for the buyer to ignore the benefits of installing a metal roof. Buyers usually have the impression that metal roofs only mean the tin sheets that they see at old factories and other warehouses. However, times have changed and all thanks to the advent of new age technology, buyers are soon waking up to realizing the importance of metal roofs. Metal roofs have come a long way and is soon becoming a popular choice among the buyers these days. One of the best advantages of metal roofing is that no matter what the style of your house is, metal roofing will look good. If you are one of those buyers who like to stick to a budget, then you also have the option of opting for cheap metal roofing installation. However, you shouldn't go by the term "cheap" since that word can be very misleading in this case. The reason is simple; cheap metal roofing is very sturdy and has a comparatively a longer life when compared to other roofing material. Therefore, you can say that metal roofing is probably the perfect solution since they are known to withstand the most severe climate; from extreme summer heat to torrential rains and the coldest of winters. The most exciting part about metal roofs is that they have completely evolved from the traditional tin roofs into something more like a high tech material. It does not only protect your house from the forces of nature, but it also gives your home the required insulation, makes your roof fire resistant and last but not the least, it makes your roof extremely durable. The high tech methods that are adopted by the roof manufacturers often stress upon making the roofing material light weight, which does not only help in easy installation but also helps to reflect the rays of the sun keeping the temperature in your home cool in summer and warm during winter. Metal roofs do have a fair share of disadvantages too. For instance, the cost of metal roof installation is an important factor that frightens most of the customers away. However, the noise and nuisance that metal roofs create during heavy rains and hail storms can easily be controlled. This can be achieved by installing sound barriers, which insulate the metal roofs thereby minimizing the sound effect. Even the nationwide association- National Roofing Contractors Association and roofing manufacturers have reported a considerable increase in the demand for metal roofs. These roofs do not only add to the exterior decor of the house but also act as an asset when you plan to sell the house in future and make a good profit out of it. However, it is important that you do your homework and collect all the information that you can with respect to metal roof installation in order to make sure that you don't go wrong and benefit from your ultimate buying decision.


Classic Metal Roofs LCC offers Metal Roofing and Flat Roofing in Southern New England including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Southern New Hampshire. Want to save big on your energy cost? Read about energy cost at our website http://www.classicmetalroofs.com/.

Getting The Best Deal On Your Metal Roofing

By: Kris Koonar
There is no doubt that your roof adds a lot of value to your home, which makes the roof installation process less of an expense and more of an investment. Therefore, if you ever happen to find any dents or an area that seems to be rusted, it is high time that you install a new roof. The least that you can do in this matter is contact a good roof-repairing agency in order to prevent further damage of any kind. This is exactly the kind of situation where you might start having second thoughts, which may usually be centered around factors like your budget, getting the best deal, etc. With respect to getting a new roof installed, one of the most important issues is how to get the best roof installed at the lowest possible bid. The first step that you can take in this matter is by observing how the professionals work. When you appoint a roofing agency, the first thing that the contractor does is conduct a thorough inspection of your existing roof. During his inspection, he will take an account of the number of gravels and dents on the roof, whether the decks at the bottom of the roof are damaged or not and last but not the least, the area of the roof that needs immediate replacement. Once the contractor is satisfied with his inspection, he gives you an approximate figure with respect to the cost likely to be incurred for the installation of a new roof. One of the most important advantages of the contractor examining your roof is that with the help of his estimations, you can also get a rough idea about the costs that could be incurred with respect to the roofing material that is to be used and the installation expenses. The roofing material would include nails, tar paper, etc. A major advantage of installing a metal roof is that it is not necessary to get rid of your entire existing roofing. You can simply put the new metal roof over the existing one without any hassles. Therefore, if the metal roof were laid carefully, your home would never face any problems with respect to your roof weathering due to high humidity levels. The approximate costs of the roof installation would include aspects like the roofing felt and could range anywhere between $7 and $9 for a single roll. However, the cost may vary a bit according to the thickness of the roll that you opt for. In case of shingles, it could cost anywhere from $18 to $25 for a bundle. However, if you opt for heavier shingles, you may want to know that they are rather expensive than the standard ones. However, you can remain assured that if you opt for the expensive ones, you are bound to get better value for it. That's simply because it is obvious that the expensive shingles will last longer than the standard ones. In order to get the best deal for a metal roofing installation for your home, you can do a little bit of research yourself on the Internet. This gives you an opportunity to compare all the prices offered by the roofing contractors and select the one that suits your budget.
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Classic Metal Roofs LCC offers Metal Roofing and Flat Roofing in Southern New England including Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Southern New Hampshire. Want to save big on your energy cost? Read about energy cost at our website http://www.classicmetalroofs.com.

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Tuesday

Residential and Commercial Roofing Services

We usually don't think of our roofs much. The only time when we would be concerned about our roof is when we discover that there is a leak or when some serious damage has already been done to it. An inspection on your roof might reveal signs of roof problems, like cracked or missing shingles, peeling wallpaper, or loose seams. When this happens, contacting a roofing company offering residential and commercial roofing services would be the right thing to do. In fixing and maintaining a useful roofing system, all roofing companies offer four types of roofing services that can be done on all kinds of roofs, especially residential and commercial roofs. Residential and commercial roofing services are especially in need of repairs and maintenance to protect the home or establishment for a very long time. Roof Replacement: Roof replacement is not to be taken lightly. This is very serious work and is very complicated as far as roofing companies are concerned. Replacing a roof is not as easy as it sounds. The roofing company has to check your roof and give the details special attention. This is because no two roofs are the same. Each roof has features that are unique from other roofs and the roofing company has to take these into account if you want your roof to be exactly as it was. Another thing that the roofing company has to consider is the amount of time and inconvenience the process may cost you. The company has to make sure that they are able to complete the roof replacement without causing more problems and annoyance for you. Roof Repair: Be aware that roof repair isn't just about putting on some tar or covering up the holes with another layer of roof tile. Most repairs are not solved like this because these are only temporary help and will not contribute to a long and strong life for your roof. And if you're going to have your roof repaired, it would be better and more cost-efficient to opt for a repair that will prolong your roof's useful life. Roof Maintenance: With roof repair, also comes preventative measures against any threat to your roof. Maintenance options are also offered to improve the useful life of the roof. It is very important for every homeowner to perform roof maintenance procedures if he or she wants a roof that can last long and withstand harsh weather and situations. Roof maintenance should be done at least 1 to 2 times a year. At the very least, have your roof inspected for any damage and to prevent future problems. Enforced roof maintenance will add to your roof's longevity, which will help you become more cost-efficient and save more money.Roof Inspections: You should hire a professional roofing consultant to make a roof inspection at least one or two times a year. Roof inspections will consist of a thorough examination on your roof and some recommendations for any improvements and corrections needed. The roofing company will provide you with a report of the inspection, with some notes on what to watch out for and what actions to take to prevent any roof damage. All roofing companies offer these roofing services, especially for residential and commercial homes and buildings. So once you find that you are in need of help for your roof, help is not that far away.
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The author of this article is a webmaster from http://www.agentsofvalue.com/ and is currently working on in http://www.murrayroofing.com/ . Feel free to contact her at keywriterm@gmail.com for any inquiries or concerns.Article Source: UnArchived Articles

Lincoln Blackwood's Runaway Success

Contributed by pamela Hewitt
Lincoln boasts an entirely new vehicle to redefine the American luxury car by the name Blackwood. Said model was derived from the 1999 concept of the same name. So far, Blackwood's grace has proved to be a runaway success. Critics are saying that conveys an ultimate urban performance and feel. The car is based on the 'image truck' idea nonetheless it was given an air of style and performance. Image truck concept incorporated to the car a bolder, badder and more rugged appeal. On the other hand, a refined ergonomics made it more classy that the other vehicles in similar segment. Critics are expecting that Blackwood is the vehicle that can rescue Lincoln from the Town Car demographic abyss. However, other critics are saying that the 4-door, 4-passenger, sybaritic, pickup will not represent the future of Lincoln's future cars. Lincoln Blackwood is made more exclusive because it only has 10,000 units of production annually. It shares the Navigator's platform and powered by 5.4-liter DOHC V-8. It also has quality Lincoln Blackwood parts such as control-arm front suspension, jounce bumpers, slightly stiffer spring rates and slimmer anti-roll bar. At its rear portion are the leaf springs and air springs that work in parallel. Dave Reiche, vehicle dynamics engineer said, "The key to our system is engine management. The software recognizes deformable surfaces and allows up to seven percent wheelspin, because sometimes you need to let the tires dig into snow or sand just a little bit to gain traction." Moreover, Blackwood uses bespoke Michelin eighteen-inch all-season rubber, standard traction control, and a limited-slip rear differential. Lincoln Blackwood is also equipped with standard in-dash six-disc CD changer and Alpine stereo. Aside from that, it is features rear bucket seats, which fold down to form flat cargo shelves, leather-upholstered console and a huge flank. In a nutshell, Blackwood exudes Navigator's appeal only that it is made more handsome. Article Source: http://www.articlematrix.com

Sunday

Are Your Words Failing to Help You Accomplish 20 Times More Improvements

Are Your Words Failing to Help You Accomplish 20 Times More Improvements?
According to Hollywood legends, Mr. Cecil B. DeMille spared
no expense to part the Red Sea for his epic production of
The Ten Commandments. Actors, engineers, horses, and
assorted other animals were everywhere. The dust, heat, and
noise were ferocious. Finally, everyone was ready to go and
DeMille called out, "Roll the cameras" and "Action." After
he finished shooting the scene, DeMille called to a
cameraman on a high cliff to check on how that part of the
filming had gone. The cameraman reportedly yelled back,
"Ready when you are, C.B.!"

If the story were true, DeMille should have checked to see
if the camera was rolling before shouting "Action."

You should do the same. Check first to see if your message
is received and correctly understood before going into
action. Ask people what they heard and what they plan to
do, and keep repeating the message in different ways to
reinforce your point.

Seeing and Doing Is Believing

In the 1980s a top U.S. producer of roofing materials
decided to improve its operations. Since it was
prohibitively expensive to ship such materials to the
United States from Asia, the division president often
visited noncompeting plants there to get ideas.

On one trip to Japan, the president discovered something
unexpected. While using the same equipment that his company
employed, the Japanese manufacturer was able to operate a
production line with 8 employees rather than the 30 that
the U.S. manufacturer used. The president returned elated
by the opportunity to reduce his costs. But when he told
his manufacturing chief what he planned to do, the man
said, "Baloney!"

So the president took the manufacturing chief to Japan. The
man immediately grasped the point, turned to his boss and
said, "You're right!" The two came back and told the
company's plant managers to make the change. The plant
managers said, "No, no, you don't understand what you saw.
What you describe is impossible."

Back to Japan again went the president and the
manufacturing chief, along with the plant managers. Soon,
the plant managers were floored. They said, "You know, you
are right! But the guys at the plants won't believe it.
Let's make a videotape to show the shift supervisors."

The documentary was made, and the shift supervisors watched
it. "Nonsense," they said. "It cannot possibly be true. You
missed something when you made the video."

The division president said, "We'll go to Japan one more
time. But on this trip, I'm going to ask the Japanese to
let us operate one of their factory lines for two weeks.
We'll man the operating line jobs and see what happens."
Back to Japan they went. Everyone, including the
supervisors, worked on the line for two weeks. Then, and
only then, was the division president able to make the
change to eight-person lines. In this case, seeing and
doing created belief. No amount of talk could make the
message credible.

No News Is Not Good News

Some managers are ingenious at conveying a message. Others
make no attempt to pass on important ideas and information.
While employees do not react well to poorly conveyed
messages, they are usually angered by feeling that
management doesn't care enough to even try. Lack of
communication is viewed as disrespect.

Other executives try to take the high road and end up at a
dead end. These jovial people are so eager to be liked that
they try to build relationships by avoiding conflict.
Critical problems go unaddressed and organizational results
suffer. Employees learn not to trust these glad-handers who
put jobs at risk by keeping problems from being discussed.

STALL ERASERS

Overcoming Hostility and Establishing Relationships

Sometimes hostility and competitiveness induce a
communications stall, such as during a negotiation
involving people who don't know and trust each other.
Changing the ground rules can help. Focus first on getting
acquainted, and everyone soon has a sense of what
perspective each person brings to the situation. Each
person then listens with respect, and progress follows.
With a positive atmosphere for communications,
organizations work better.

STALLBUSTERS

The most successful managers describe how they cannot
communicate too much, too often, or in too many ways. Focus
on ways to communicate easily, effectively, and
efficiently, and you'll soon discover 2,000 percent
solutions (ways to accomplish 20 times more with the same
time, effort, and resources) bursting out all over.

Build on Success

Using sources such as employee surveys and individual
feedback you have received, select a few examples where
communications have worked better than usual. Then ask
these questions:

• Why were these particular communications more effective?

• How can these lessons be applied to other communications?

• How can the same results be achieved more easily and
effectively?

• What was missing from the problematic communications?

Focus on Effectiveness: Results Are Where the Rubber Meets
the Road

Look more broadly for successful communication models by
asking questions such as the following:

• Who is or was the most effective communicator you have
ever heard?

• Why was she or he effective?

• What aspects of that effectiveness can you capture for
your organization's communications?

Communications Tips

Here is a list of items to consider as key elements for
effective communications:

• Reduce how many different messages you try to get across.

• Simplify the messages.

• Provide powerful experiences along with the messages
(like the trip to Japan described in this chapter).

• Establish many more regular channels and patterns of
communications.

• Get more feedback on how well the message is being
understood.

• Increase the frequency of repeating communications.

• Compress the frequency into shorter periods of time.

• Vary the delivery by using different formats.

• Add indications of the message's significance to
underscore your point (yelling "Fire" in a crowded theater
in the presence of fire and smoke will quickly empty the
room).

• Change the leaders' behavior so that their deeds match
their words.

• Adjust rewards and feedback to emphasize the message.

• Have more people spread the message (ideally everyone in
the organization spends some time communicating - both
talking and listening - to everyone else to reinforce
the message).

• Arrange for those who are most credible and influential
to repeat the messages in their own words to those who
respect them the most.

Copyright 2007 Donald W. Mitchell, All Rights Reserved


About the Author:

Donald Mitchell is chairman of Mitchell and Company, a
strategy and financial consulting firm in Weston, MA. He is
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Thursday

The Pros and Cons of Roof Installation by Vikas

Everyone is dreaming to build a home, a home that reflects the state of the art infrastructure to reveal its strength and integrity. In fact, a home can give a safe heaven for your family. As a consequence, the construction of the building should be adequately solid to resist the unruly tornados of the Nature such as hurricane, cyclone, whirlwind, to name a few. When you think about such tornados of the Nature, it suggests that you are planning to install a full proof roof that can easily resist the rant and rave of the Nature. You can find metal roof, rubber roof and tile roof in the market, varying in durability, longevity, versatility, flexibility and safety value, and above all pricing. Hence, you must consider a roof installation on the basis of your budget and requirements.

Assuming that you are fully prepared and the roof construction is complete by filling all the gutters and vent pipes, you must install a roof that customizes the pitch of the roof. Make sure that the circumference of the pitch is no less than 3/12. It is pertinent to note that the roof you consider to install must be both water and fire resistant and will consolidate the existing structure of your home. In addition, you must concentrate on installing eco friendly and energy efficient roof to give you home an ideal place for shelter. In fact, roof installation is not an easy task and one must do pregnant research about the benefits and durability of various roofs before settling to one.

It is extremely important to contact a trained roofing contractor for your roof installation, since the work may put your home and family in jeopardy if you do it in your own. Moreover, if the installed roof shows up some roofing problems before the period of warranty, you can immediately ask the contractor to repair it, - a post installation service provided by an affiliated roofing contractor. Furthermore, the roofing contractors can provide cost effective roofing materials without compromising with the standard and quality of the roofs.

So if are going to install the roof of your home, seek immediate help from an experienced and qualified roofing contractor and get a long-term benefit of roof installation at an affordable price.


About the Author

Roof101 offers professional roofing contractors, each specializing in different roofing aspects, including allRoof Repair and roof installation types. We offer a wide variety of Roof Installation services for both flat and sloped roofs.