Archives for March 2020

The Benefits of Hiring a GAF Master Elite Contractor

March 16, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Choosing the right roofing company for a roof repair or replacement project is very important. It’s very important because the quality of the installation will have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your entire roofing system. Our residential roof installers are the top choice for local homeowners because of our excellent workmanship. Recognizing our skills, GAF has named us a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor. Find out how this certification can benefit you and why it is one of the best certifications for roofing contractors.

What is a Master Elite Certification?

The Master Elite Certification is GAF’s factory certification program. With this certification program, it provides training for roofing contractors in order to provide assurance that your roof will be installed correctly and professionally. Just 3 percent of roofing contractors have been qualified as a Master Elite roofing contractor. Therefore, you can be assured that you’ll be dealing with a quality, dependable professional contractor.

What Does This Mean?

Infinite Roofing is qualified as a Master Elite contractor, which means we are able to provide our customers with the most inclusive warranties in the roofing business. With the warranties that come with a Master Elite certification, it gives our customers the peace of mind to know that no matter what happens, your roof will be taken care of. Even if you decide to not purchase any of our inclusive warranties, you should know that there will still be quality materials being installed on your roof and you will be receiving the highest quality workmanship in the business. Not to mention all of our work comes with a 10 year in-house warranty for all workmanship. Now that’s the Infinite Guarantee.

Exceptional Craftsmanship and Customer Service

When it comes to being a Master Elite certified roofing contractor, there are some strict requirements that are provided to qualify for this distinction. A few of the strict requirements are that they must obtain the necessary license in order to perform any roofing projects under the master elite certification. They should have insurance in order to protect homeowners from liability. More importantly, they should have a good reputation, such as a high rating with the Better Business Bureau. This is important because no one wants a roofer whose reputation is horrible working on their roof. Having met all these requirements, we can guarantee the best possible services for your project.

Wide Range of Product Offerings

The continuous training we receive through GAF has given us mastery level knowledge in the installation, repair and maintenance of GAF’s full line of roofing products. That’s why GAF has entrusted us to offer all of their products to our local customers. The shingles that we provide are available in a variety of different colors and are designed to enhance your home’s architectural style. Our high-quality roofing products will improve your home’s weather resistance and energy efficiency.

Warranties

GAF offers three levels of worry-free warranties. The Golden Pledge Warranty is the most inclusive warranty available. It covers 100% of all manufacturer defects for up to 50 years or the lifetime of the shingles. The Golden Pledge also covers workmanship defects for up to 25 to 30 years. This includes tear-off costs, as well as disposal costs. Any repairs needed due to manufacturer defects or poor workmanship will be completed by a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor, ensuring that you will get the highest quality work possible. Golden Pledge is a one-time transferable warranty.

The Silver pledge warranty is another warranty that is offered by GAF and it is the mid level warranty offered by GAF Master Elite contractors. Up-front coverage is 100 percent and extends up to 50 years for the entire roofing system. When it comes to the cost of installation and workmanship, labor is another thing that is included in the warranty. The warranty also comes with 10 years workmanship coverage which covers the misapplication of the shingles and/or the accessories that go with it. The Golden and Silver Pledge also have a 40 point inspection that is completed after the conclusion of your roof installation. It is performed by one of the independent Master Elite roofing inspectors to ensure that your new roof meets all the necessary and vital specifications that are approved under your warranty. Now, if you were to decide to sell your home or move to another region or area, your Golden or Silver Pledge Warranty is transferable to the next owner of your home. There are stipulations that must be approved under your warranty.

The Systems Plus Warranty is the lowest level warranty that GAF offers and does not require the contractor to be a Master Elite, but does require a basic GAF certification. It covers 100% of all manufacturer defects for the entire lifetime of the shingle, but does not come with any workmanship coverage. Systems Plus covers tear-off costs, but it does not cover the cost of disposal. It is a one-time transferable warranty.

GAF Golden Pledge Warranty

A professional roof replacement involves a significant amount of time and money. To make the most of this investment, make sure that your new roof system comes with a solid warranty. One prime example of extensive roof warranties is the Golden Pledge option from GAF, North America’s leading roof manufacturer. Only a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor like Infinite Roofing can offer the Golden Pledge Warranty to homeowners of the Capital Region. We’re not just your expert in roof repairs and replacements. When you turn to us for your roof replacement, we’ll make sure you benefit from this warranty’s rewarding features. Features such as the 50 year material warranty. With Golden Pledge, you’re guaranteed that your new roof can provide reliable weather protection and lasting performance. This option covers the entire roof system, offering a non-prorated, 50 year coverage on materials. You won’t have to worry about material defects, which can cause your roof to fail sooner.

There is also a minimum 25 year workmanship guarantee. GAF stands by our workmanship for more than 20 years. As a provider of expert roofing services, Infinite Roofing meets the stringent requirements and rigorous training set by this manufacturer. With the latest, most efficient roofing practices and methods, we’ll install your new roof perfectly the first time. Additionally, Golden pledge comes with a 40 point inspection by GAF’s independent inspectors. They’ll make sure that your new system’s installation adheres to their quality standards.

Eligibility Requirements for the Golden Pledge Warranty

You must install a full roof; roofs installed on portions of buildings such as half a roof on a duplex structure do not qualify. Your roof must be installed by a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor. The roof system must not be installed over an existing roof. All existing materials must be removed to the deck. You must use the GAF Leak Barrier in valleys and around dormers, side walls, firewalls, chimneys, plumbing vents, and skylights . Leak Barriers are highly recommended but not required at all roof rakes and other vulnerable leak areas.You can learn more about the eligibility requirements on GAF’s website.

Why Should I Choose a Master Elite Roofing Contractor?

Professional Installation and Repair

The number one reason you should seek out a Master Elite roofing contractor is that you will be certain to receive the highest quality service imaginable. Keep in mind that a Master Elite roofing contractor needs to have a customer satisfaction rating of 99 percent, therefore, this means that every client that we come across will be happy with what we have to offer. Since they will continue their education and training, any Master Elite contractor you hire will be able to continue providing high-quality installation and repair services.

Superior Protection and the Best Warranties

Since a Master Elite contractor will always be able to provide the best possible service, they will also be able to provide some of the best warranties in the roofing industry. These warranties will ensure that your roof is kept up to GAF factory standards, with many including the option for a factory inspection of your finished roof.

As for physical protection of your home, a Master Elite contractor will be able to provide one of the industry’s leading products in home protection thanks to GAF’s Weather Stopper Roof Protection System. This system is designed to deliver a lifetime of protection from severe weather thanks to a state-of-the-art leak barrier, attic ventilation, and ridge cap shingles to keep your roof safe and dry even during the worst storms of the summer or winter.

The Safest Option

When you have a new roof installed in your home, or have your existing roof repaired, you want to make sure that it is always safe for you and your family. That is a big part of providing high-quality roofing service, which is why hiring a Master Elite contractor is the most reliable option for your home. Our Master Elite contractors must be certified in all safety standards set by the NRCA and OSHA.

How Does a Contractor Become a GAF Master Elite?

In order to become certified as a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor, a roofing contractor needs to show that they are properly licensed by their state or province to perform roofing work and have a minimum of 7 years as a professional roofing contractor. The roofing contractor should be adequately insured for their protection. They should be able pass all of GAF’s financial background checks as well as having a proven reputation for providing quality roofing services throughout the community. Lastly they should be committed to ongoing professional training to ensure ongoing quality installation.

How To Find Chimney Leaks

March 5, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

As a homeowner, you know that keeping the mechanisms of your house regularly maintenanced and well groomed is important. This is extremely true when it comes to your fireplace and chimney. As a chimney being part of your homes structure, if your chimney is damaged or leaking it can lead to some serious costly problems if it is left neglected. A regular maintenance and inspection from your trusted Albany roofers is a greater way to catch and fix any problems that may have occurred without your notice.

Now, you may be wondering what are the common chimney failure points, well the most common areas that chimneys fail are

Base Flashing (where the roofing and chimney meet)
Step flashing that is installed under the shingles and over the ice and water barrier.
Counter flashing
Within the brick veneer, stone veneer, and exterior insulation
Chimney cap
Vent stacks and flues

Is it normal for rain to come down the chimney?

If there is a sound of dripping coming from your chimney after a heavy rain storm or you notice moisture and stains on the wall there is an issue. Therefore, you must contact either a qualified roofing installer or a chimney repair specialist. Rainwater trickling into your fireplace is not normal. In fact, it is a telltale sign that there is an issue within your chimney system. The chimney is a much more complicated structure than most people realize. For this reason pinpointing the exact source of the leak can be challenging. Therefore, when it comes to detecting the source of the problem, contacting any professional roofers in your area, especially roofers in Albany is the best resort. Below are some signs to look for and the reasons why your chimney would be leaking.

Signs of water in your chimney

To fix a leaky chimney the first thing that should happen is finding where the problem is and how it happend. Some appear extremely obvious leaving puddles in your fireplace. Then there are the less obvious signs of chimney leaks which most likely is damaging your chimney. Visually inspect the bricks of your chimney. When you are visually inspecting the chimney, you should be looking for spalling. Spalling is when the surface of the brick is flaking away, it looks cracked, broken and is missing some or a lot of bricks. With that being said you would see some pieces of brick or stones on your roof. The reason that spalling happens in your chimney is because it sustained water or moisture damage. Too much moisture penetrating the mortar can result in spalling.

The other sign of water damage is efflorescence. When it comes to efflorescence it is a lot easier to spot because it results in white residue on your chimney bricks. The white residue is salt deposits that are caused by the migration of salt to the surface of your bricks. It also can occur due to rain, but it can also come from condensation forming within your chimney.

The reason that chimneys leak

If there is a pool of water or signs of water in your chimney, there could be a few things that are going wrong. The easiest way of detecting and repairing a leaking chimney is calling your local roofing contractor. If you feel safe on a ladder or have easy access to the chimney then these are some signs to look for yourself.

Cracked or torn chimney flashing. The flashing is the material that surrounds the part of your chimney that meets with the rooftop. Flashing is typically aluminum, sealed with tar, which bends over the sides of your chimney and shingles. Flashing keeps water from entering the cracks between your chimney and roof. If you see cracks or tears in your flashing, this could be allowing water to enter during rainstorms.
Deteriorating mortar. The mortar that holds the brick, stone, or stucco of your chimney together plays an important role in waterproofing the system. If your mortar is cracked, missing pieces, worn away, or otherwise damaged, it could be allowing water inside. Cracks in the mortar can occur naturally over time. Repairing mortar right away can prevent worse water damage from occurring.
Lack of chimney cap. The chimney cap is an accessory, not a necessity. However, buying a chimney cap that fits your chimney can prevent rain from falling straight down the chimney stack and into your fireplace. A chimney cover can prevent water leaks and other things such as falling leaves or birds from clogging your chimney.
Cracked chimney crown. The crown of your chimney is the surface as its very top, typically made of cement. If you see cracks in your chimney crown, this could be the source of water in your fireplace. Cracks can allow water to seep through the flue lining and enter the chimney, causing potential damage to your walls and ceiling. If caught soon enough, a professional can seal cracks instead of having to replace the crown entirely.
Issues with wood siding. Your home’s siding could affect the performance of your chimney and fireplace. If you have wood siding that’s warped, peeling away from your home, or missing, this can allow water to get behind the siding and leak into your chimney. Replacing or repairing your siding can prevent these types of water leaks.
Check the chimney cap. If you don’t have a chimney cap then you will need to get one. Without one, water can easily get into the firebox and drip down the walls of the flue liner at will causing your fireplace to drip and sometimes pool water. Damage to an existing chimney cap can also be a water issue and may need to be repaired or replaced if the damage is beyond repair. If you need to replace a cap get one that is rust resistant like a stainless chimney cap. Rusting caps are always a problem and will eventually break down and need to be replaced. If you get the right one the first time you should not have to deal with this issue again.

Is chimney waterproofing necessary?

Masonry chimneys are mainly built with bricks or stone bonded with mortar, a cement material, that forms a sturdy and practically impenetrable structure. But like most structures, water is a mortal enemy that can bring down a chimney like a falling deck of cards. However, keep in mind that all masonry chimney construction materials, except for stone, will end up suffering from accelerated deterioration, due to prolonged contact with water.

The reason is because bricks are composed of clay which is a soft and porous material. During the brick-making process a waterproof hard outer shell is backed in to prevent the bricks from soaking up water. However, if the material continues to be exposed to periods of different temperatures and wind, rain and snow, it can take a beating that will eventually begin to pierce the outer layer of the bricks. Without waterproofing the chimney tine holes will begin to form in the brick surface like a sponge that will gradually grow larger allowing water to penetrate the flue and damage other chimney components.

In addition, excessive exposure to moisture will also soften the mortar. Left untreated it will eventually melt away where you may notice gaps between the bricks or stone masonry that will also enable water leak inside the chimney. In extreme cases where chimneys have not been maintained for years it is not unusual to spot missing bricks and mortar. The chimney may also begin to lean as the foundation shifts due to its weight. This can also damage the structure of the home as the chimney pulls apart from flashing material attached to the roof.

As a result chimney masonry should be protected from exposure to water. That’s why many chimney professionals recommend homeowners apply waterproof sealer to protect the chimney from water damage. It’s important that the waterproof coating will wear over time and gradually lose its effectiveness. So for optimum performance, waterproofing should be reapplied every five years by your local roofer in Albany or any roofers in your area if you are not located in the Albany area.

Coated or painted chimneys

If you own a chimney and have had the copper flashing replaced you should reseal the existing chimney to prevent any further leakage. Hiring the wrong contractor, any old painter, or someone who uses a sealing product that is not meant for exterior masonry can cause more issues down the road if it counteracts with cement. Coating the chimney is meant to be used as a last resort and should only be used for sealing a leaking chimney and will not be of any help for structural support or loose bricks.

How do I stop my chimney from leaking?

When you have roof flashing around chimneys it can separate from the brick, therefore, allowing rainwater to leak inside the house. If your chimney flashing is leaking or loose here are some things you do. First thing is to clean any leaves or other debris out of the gap between the flashing chimney. You should use a chisel to remove any hardened roofing cement. Apply roofing cement behind the flashing and use masonry nails or screws to reattach the flashing tight against the chimney.

Last Thoughts!

Water in your chimney is not a normal thing, and it is certainly not anything that should be ignored. A leaky chimney can cause a lot of damage as mentioned above. To avoid any moisture damage that would cause your bricks to collapse into the chimney and clog it, contact your local roofers in Albany. If you’re not in the Albany area just simply search roofing companies near me and find the roofing contractor that will work on your chimney. No homeowners should have to deal with a clogged chimney that can further create a dangerous situation like carbon monoxide leaks in your home.