You may overlook your roof, but it's one of the most important structures of your home – and the most vulnerable. It protects you from the elements like rain, snow and sun, but it won’t last forever!

It’s important to check your roof a couple times a year to make sure incremental damages don’t become serious problems. Healthy roofs can help prevent storm and hail damage, and consistent repairs could potentially save you money in the long run. Keep reading to learn what signs to look out for to help determine if your roof needs repairs, or replacement.

How long does a roof last?
According to many sources, like Good Housekeeping magazine, shingle roofs should last between 15-30 years (if you have a different type of roof, such as metal or clay tile, you may have to follow different rules). If your home is new or the roof was recently replaced, you should be in the clear. However, it doesn't hurt to do a checkup after getting hit with severe weather like a hailstorm, ice and snow, strong winds, or crazy rain.

What are some signs of roof damage?
Depending on the type of roof your home has, the signs of damage may vary. Asphalt shingle roofs are said to be especially susceptible to wind damage; they can be a cost-effective option, but they’re lightweight and may require more frequent maintenance. You’ll want to be aware of loose or missing shingles, or moss or algae growing on the roof. Other roof types, such as metal or concrete tile, can offer greater protection due to their durability, meaning the roof can withstand higher winds and stronger weather before risking damage. For these roofs, you will want to watch out for cracks, clogged gutters and signs of water damage from leaks.

Regardless of your roof type, frequent inspections can help prevent long-term damage, catching leaks, cracks and rot early in the process. Some professionals recommend checking your roof twice a year – once in the spring, and once in the fall – to help ensure your roof is ready to withstand more severe weather during winter and summer storm seasons.

Here are six warning signs that you may have roof damage:

Loose or missing shingles

​Wind and hail can cause serious damage to your roof, especially if you have a shingle roof. By regularly checking the shingle tabs on your roof, you can potentially catch minor damages before it causes a larger issue – like leaks, ceiling damage, or flooding.

Cracked or curling shingles

As roofs age, heat and moisture can cause shingles to crack or splinter. You may be able to see this from the ground. The shingle can curl up at the edges, preventing efficient sealing from rain, snow and debris. Durable shingle roof materials, such as slate or concrete, are less susceptible to warping, and could be a good investment if your area experiences large volumes or rain or high temperatures. Metal roofs don’t have shingles, but it’s still important to check for cracks or curling edges to help ensure a proper seal from the elements.

Shingles covered in moss or algae

Built to withstand the elements, roofs provide a barrier between your home and the world around you. But they are still susceptible to damage from vegetation and debris, such as moss and algae. These small plants prefer dark and humid environment, and the ridges of a roof provide an inviting home. As the plants grow beneath your roof shingles, they can cause gaps in the sealing structure, leading to water damage or broken/missing shingles. It could help to consult a roof professional if you have vegetation growth on your roof to see if there are options to prevent further damage.

Holes or water damage in attic

You may love to see the sun shining, but not through the roof. If you have an attic space in your home, it can be helpful to check the roof from inside. If you notice sun shining through the roof, you may want to check outside to see if there is damage to the shingles in the area or a crack in the roofing material. Signs of water, molding or rotting in your attic may also be a sign that there is a problem with the roof. A roof specialist can help determine where the damage originated.

Extensive leaking

Leaks and unexpected water damage are one of the most tell-tale signs of issues with your roof. All types of roof damage have the possibility of breaking the roof’s seal, creating an opportunity for water and snow to get through and collect in your home. Ceilings may become discolored or stained, begin to warp, or show signs of rot and molding. If you notice any of these signs, it’s helpful to contact a specialist as soon as possible, as damage has already begun to occur.

According to Home Advisor, a roof replacement can range anywhere from $6,000 to $12,000. The size of your home, the materials used and your location will affect that price range. It's no small sum, but in return for the investment, you'll likely add thousands of dollars to the resale value of your home and ensure a safe and habitable dwelling for years to come. Don't need a new roof right now? Do a quick check at least twice a year to see if maintenance is needed. If you notice problems like missing shingles or signs of water damage, it would make sense to call a roofing specialist to make the repairs as soon as possible – it could save you a bundle by prolonging the life of your roof and stopping costly leaks in their tracks.

Content courtesy of Foremost Insurance Company

Moles don't come above ground often. But when they do, they make their presence known. Unfortunately, the renovations they make aren't always the most desirable.

Moles dig up dirt to create tunnels and to find insects. This can damage your grass and any plants you may have nearby.

If you start to see mounds of dirt scattered around your lawn, there's a good chance you have a mole infestation. If you want to know how to get rid of moles in your yard, you may find some helpful tips in this article.

1. Get rid of their food source.Moles love eating insects. So, eliminating them from your yard can stop moles from wanting to visit. After all, who likes visiting places with no food?
   Insecticides are a great way to keep your yard bug-free. However, they can kill your grass if used incorrectly. Be sure to pay close attention to the instructions.
   
2. Try home remedies.Castor oil can be a great way to get rid of moles in your yard. Apparently, castor oil upsets their digestive tracts. Home Depot and other online sources note that castor oil does not kill moles, however.
   To create a castor oil-based mole repellant, it's suggested to mix three parts castor oil with one part dish soap. Then, add four tablespoons of the mix to a gallon of water.
   Pouring the mix into the entrance of the moles' tunnels will encourage them to leave, since they can't stand the castor oil.
   If you don't want to create a repellant mix yourself, you may find that buying one is a great alternative.
   
3. Use plants and rocks to create barriers.Plants like daffodils and marigolds produce a scent that's said to deter moles. They look good too, which can make the investment well worth it for some people.
   You can also dig trenches near the area the moles like to hang out, then fill them with rocks. The rocks are likely to stop the moles in their tracks and send them back the way they came.
   
4. Irriate them.Moles like areas that are peaceful and quiet. Any disturbances can cause them to flee. There are sonic spikes you can insert into the ground that use electronic pules to create sounds moles hate to hear.
   If you have any pets, you can also have them treat the moles holes with urine. It may sound wild, but the scent can do a great job of making moles leave.
   It's also one of the least invasive methods on this list, so it may be worth a try.
   
5. Trap and release.There are traps you can use to capture moles without killing them. This is called a trap and release. If you opt for one of these, be sure to carefully read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
   
   Each of these methods is a potential solution for handling mole activity. Please use your best judgement in determining the best way to get rid of moles from your lawn.
   
   Once you succeed in removing the moles, you may have some patching up to do. If so, you may be interested in our list of front yard landscaping ideas.
   

If you're looking for A Better Insurance Experience®, you can get a quote with Foremost® today!

You probably don't want to go camping in a camper infested with mice.

They can cause all kinds of trouble, including damaging your furniture or belongings, chewing wires or even getting into your food! Not to mention, they can carry parasites and diseases too. But how you do keep them out?

This article will provide some suggestions.

How to mouse proof a camper. Before trying to mouse proof your camper, it's important to know how they get in in the first place.

Here are a few places a mouse could squeeze through to nest in your RV:

• Holes in the floors
• Cracks in the doors
• Cracks in the walls
• Gaps around wires and plumbing

Mice can squeeze through almost any small opening.

Mice are said to have flexible rib cages which allow them to flatten themselves out and fit through small spaces. Typically, if their head can fit through a space, the rest of their body likely can too. Knowing where those openings are in your camper is key to keeping mice out.

Here are some strategies you can use to keep mice out of your camper:

1. Close up any access points. You'll have to examine your entire camper very carefully, both inside and out.
   When you find access points, you can close them up with:
   • Steel wool
   • Spray foam
   • Mesh screens
2. Keep your food put away. This one might be a given, but you should never leave food out if you want to keep mice away.
   If you're in your active camping season, it may be too much work to keep taking 100% of your food out every time you leave your camper. But removing anything that you can’t reseal is a good idea.
   And sweeping up crumbs off the floor can go a long way.
3. Use mice deterrents. Mice deterrents are solutions with smells that mice don't like. Some options include:
   • Mothballs
   • Peppermint oil
   • Fabric softener sheets
   • Professionally made products
   Professionally made products may work best, but consider doing in-depth research on multiple solutions to determine which one(s) you want to try.
4. Keep it light and bright. Mice are nocturnal, meaning they enjoy the dark.
   You can consider using small nightlights in your RV, to make it less attractive to them. You can also consider having bright lights on the outside of your RV, so they never want to come near in the first place.
   Now you know how to keep mice out of campers (or at least how to try), but what if they're already in?

How to get rid of mice in a camper. Some options include:

• Mouse traps
• Rat poison
• Glue traps
• A professional exterminator

These methods, like many others, each have pros and cons.

For example, some of the ones listed above can be cruel and even fatal for mice. We recommend using humane mouse traps or calling in a professional exterminator whenever possible.
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And of course, you should always do your own in-depth research to decide which one you want to use.

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Before applying paint, paper or other covering to your walls, you need to repair any holes.
Before you get startedFill nail holes and small punctures with spackling compound. When dry, sand lightly. If the hole is next to an electrical outlet, you may be able to conceal the damage with a larger outlet box or an oversized outlet cover plate. For larger holes, you will need to patch the damaged area.
CAUTION! Determine where the electrical wiring is located before cutting into a wall.
Small Dry Wall Patch HolesIf the hole is no bigger than two inches, repair with fiberglass tape. Stretch tape across the hole. Apply two or three coats of joint compound and sand between coats.
Step 1: Enlarge and Square UpCut a square area larger than the hole with a utility knife or keyhole saw.
Step 2: Prepare Backer BoardsCut two backer boards so they are 2 to 3 inches wider than the hole.
Step 3: Secure Backer BoardsPlace a backer board inside the hole at top edge. Secure with 1-1/4 drywall screws, holding the board in place as you work. Tighten until screw heads are below the surface. Place second backer board inside lower edge of opening. Secure with screws.
Step 4: Install PatchCut patch to fit opening. Screw patch to the backer and tighten until screw heads are below the surface.
Step 5: Tape SeamsApply strips of fiberglass tape over seams.
Step 6: Apply Joint CompoundCover tape with a thin coat of compound. When dry, sand lightly. Apply two more coats. Feather and sand each coat until the surface is smooth.
Patching Large HolesFor holes larger than 8 inches, cut drywall back to middle of the studs bordering the hole. Butt backer boards to studs and secure behind drywall with screws. Fit patch into opening. Secure to the studs and backer boards with screws. Finish with fiberglass tape and joint compound.
Materials you will need:

• 2 pieces of 1 x 3 inch scrap wood for backer board
• Drywall scrap for patch
• 1 and ¼ inch drywall screws
• Self-sticking fiberglass tape
• Joint compound
• Fine-grit sandpaper

Tools you will need:

• Measuring tape
• Utility knife or keyhole saw
• Wood saw
• Screwdriver
• 6-inch taping knife

Content furnished by Foremost Insurance.

Whether you bought a new or used mobile home, odds are that when you purchased it the design wasn't exactly what you wanted. Builders may not use the most high-end materials on new builds, and if it's an older model, it may be time for an update. If you ever plan to revamp a room in your mobile home, consider starting with the kitchen. It can make your mobile home look more modern, and they can have some of the best return-on-investment rates.*
If you're not sure where to start in your kitchen or if you're looking for inspiration, you're in the right place. Foremost® has done some research for you and put together a list of ideas you can use to give your kitchen a more updated look!

• Paint your cabinets.
  This can be a great option to give your kitchen a completely new look. If it's in your budget, consider having professional painters do the job. However, if you're up for the challenge, there are plenty of step-by-step tutorials online that explain how to prep and paint your cabinets. You can definitely save some money if you go this route, but it is not an easy task!
• Add an island.
  This could be a nice way to add more counter space without doing extensive work. We've learned that there is such a thing as a mobile kitchen island. They have wheels and will allow you to move the island where you need it. There are a wide variety of styles to choose from, so you are likely to find one that matches your kitchen.
• Update the lighting.
  Switching out your light fixtures can be a game changer. Replacing the light fixtures with more decorative options is a simple change that can make the space look trendier, more unique and improve the overall style of your home. If you want to save a few dollar bills on your electric bill, consider going with energy saving LED lighting.
• Paint the walls.
  This can be an inexpensive way to change the look of any room. With kitchens, you typically want to brighten up the space, so you may want to go with a lighter color. The wall color will depend on what your cabinet colors are, so make sure you pick one that pairs nicely. White is timeless (and popular right now), so that is a color you can't go wrong with!
• Install backsplash.
  Adding backsplash to your kitchen or switching out your current backsplash can instantly give the space a facelift. If you're into DIY projects there is plenty of free information and videos online that explain how to install it. However, if it looks too intimidating, it may be best to get it professionally installed.
• Switch out the hardware.
  Replacing the knobs and handles on your kitchen cabinets is an easy, inexpensive way to give your kitchen a new look! There are tons of different colors and styles to choose from; you can visit your local hardware store to see what your options are or search online.
• New window treatments.
  Giving your windows a more polished look can really complete the look of your kitchen. There are certain styles that are popular for kitchens right now and will be sure to make a statement in the room whenever you have guests over. Window treatment styles to consider are: Roman shades, faux wood blinds, wood shutters and roller shades.

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We hope some of these suggestions fit into your budget and give you the motivation to get started. Good luck on your DIY journey!

Every time I'm in my house and hear the rain start to pound on my roof, the only thing that goes through my mind is…gutters. Were you expecting me to say, lush greenery or a beautiful rainbow? The fact is, my home doesn't have rain gutters and it needs them, badly.

My husband built our house about five years ago and though he did a beautiful job creating our roof which has a pitch of 12x12, he forgot to add the one thing that would stop the water from drowning my flowerbeds to the point of no return, damaging our walkway made of cement and eroding the soil around our foundation.

Of course, gutters are not necessary for every house, but most houses need some kind of rain guttering system. If you notice the erosion of soil around your foundation, cement breaking up or dirt splattered on your siding, don't wait like we have, your house is telling you it needs gutters to stay healthy.

Gutters are not necessary for every house, but most houses need some kind of rain guttering system.

Buying gutters is an important aspect in taking care of your home and should be considered. They are most often installed by professionals, but there's no reason you can't make it a do-it-yourself (DIY) job. This Old House has some great DIY videos on how to install rain gutters. (I think I might accidently leave a couple of these playing on our home computer for my husband). There are also countless professionals that install gutters on a daily basis and can tell you what kind is right for your home.
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If you are still questioning why your home needs gutters, here's a list of what these rain catching devices will do:

• Gutters direct water from your roof. If water is left standing on even the smallest flat area on your roof, it can lead to structural damage and leaks into your home's interior.
• Help keep water away from basements, walkways and patios.
• Keep your home clean by keeping mud, sand and water from splashing onto your siding, windows and doors.
• Gutters protect wood decks, doors and garage doors from excessive water damage.
• Diverts water from concrete to prevent sinking and cracking.

Having a good and reliable gutter system installed on your home will help prolong the life and structure of your home.

Source: www.foremost.com

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​Your mobile home is prone to coming out of level, simply because of how it’s built. Here are a few things that may indicate your home is not properly leveled:

1. The floor shakes when you walk on it.
2. The siding or roofing is starting to buckle.
3. Your windows are difficult to open or close.
4. Cabinet doors stay open, or they'’'re hard to close.
5. You'’'re starting to see signs of erosion and tipping.
6. Your tie-downs and anchors are loose (if they are, here’s how you can properly install them ).

Here are a few things that can cause your home to come out of level:

1. Your home was not installed properly.
2. There is leftover damage from an earthquake.
3. Water has loosened the soil below your home.
4. The ground below your mobile is moving upward (aka heaving).

What can you do if your mobile home is not leveled properly?If your home is still under warranty, you might be able to have the manufacturer and installer re-level it for free.

If your warranty has expired, it might be best to hire a professional.

Other things that can cause your mobile home to shake:

1. There’s a lot of wind outside.
2. There’s an earthquake happening.
3. There’s a lot of road traffic where you live.
4. Your washing machine is on, and it’s pretty strong.

You may or may not be able to stop those things from shaking your mobile home.

When it comes to the weather and other things going on outside, all homes may experience shaking from time to time.

The only difference is, you can perceive that shaking a lot more in your mobile home because of how it’s built.

While you may not be able to permanently eliminate the shaking, these things might help minimize it:

1. Upgrade the quality of your floor covering.
2. Reinforce the floor under your washing machine.
3. Check your tie-downs and anchors three or four times a year.

Keep in mind this article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to be a comprehensive guide. These are a few reasons your mobile home could be shaking, and a few possible solutions.
Form number: 9025745
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Sources:
https://architecttwocents.com/why-mobile-home-shake/
https://freedomresidence.com/why-your-mobile-home-is-shaking-and-what-to-do-about-it/

Source: Foremost Insurance www.foremost.com