Infinite Roofing & Construction Roofing Blog

Roofing, Siding, Guttering and Solar info and topical blog - Capital Region NY

Guide to Hail Damage for Homeowners

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Living in an area with hot summers, weather in the north or south, you wouldn’t expect hail to be a major concern but it is more common than you would think. Hail storms can bring tremendous damage to your property, preparing for a hail storm before it happens can help decrease long term damage. The northeast alone has experienced hail storms on over 150 occasions in recent years. It is important to understand that even storms which produce small sized hail can still cause damage to your roof and other items on your property.

After a storm occurs you should call your local roofing contractor for a full inspection to be sure the structural integrity of your roof is still in good shape. For insurance purposes it is important to keep a record of inspections to optimize collecting when necessary. 

What should I do after a hailstorm?

Once the storm has passed you should contact your local roofing contractor and set up an appointment for a roof inspection. It may be a few days before they can make it out to you so make sure you keep a record of the date of the storm in case you have to let your insurance company know.

If you are able to see your roof and there is visible damage, try and snap some photos. If you have other items on your property like vehicles, or a grill with indentations from the hailstorm be sure and get photos of them as well. In some cases hail pieces will cause major damage resulting in your roof leaking. If this happens, take pictures and tell your local roofing contractor and insurance agency. When hailstorms happen usually strong winds accompany them so don’t forget to check for damage to gutters, fallen shingles, and even broken windows. 

If you have major leaking or broken windows you should contact your local roofing company to handle any emergency repairs. A roofing contractor will address severe leaks and roof damage, if you are not able to get someone out in a timely manner then try and patch the issue for a temporary solution. Make sure you find a reputable roofing company to schedule your roof inspection, oftentimes inspections are free with an estimate especially if your roof needs to be replaced. 

Even if you see no obvious damage there could be hidden issues which affect the integrity of your roof. After you have had your roof checked out by the best roofing company in your area depending on the outcome you may need to file an insurance claim. If you have significant damage your insurance company will send out an adjuster to examine your property to assess the damage. If they decide that your claim will cover the effects of the hailstorm, your selected roofing contractor will meet with the adjuster or send them the estimate of what the replacement cost will be. 

How to know if you have hail damage:

  • Check out your gutters, if they have obvious dents that were not there before then you most likely have hail on your roof as well. 

  • It is also a good idea to look at your vehicle and assess any denting from the hailstorm, if the hail was large enough to dent your car then it has definitely affected your roof.

  • If you have access to viewing your roof easily, climb up and take a look. You might see large obvious signs like large circles from hail balls or just minor granule loss. Hail damage is much more obvious in clay tile roofing.

  • We also suggest that you take a walk around your neighborhood if you don’t have access to your own roof. If you have a neighbor with the same type of roof material as you, try to see if they have severe damage or not. This can give you a better idea of your own roof’s condition.

Cosmetic Vs. Functional hail damage

The best roofing company can easily identify the main difference between cosmetic and functional hail damage. This is mainly used to determine the differences in insurance claims. The more severe of the two is functional hail damage and this is oftentimes more covered by an insurance company over cosmetic. 

  • Functional hail damage: When the hail damage has resulted in shortening the lifespan of a roof with water shedding capabilities.
  • Cosmetic hail damage: The lifespan of the roof is not affected or the ability for it to function, the appearance may be altered.

Each type of roofing material will be affected differently by a severe hailstorm. While no roof is damage proof, some roofs hold up better than others. Metal roofing in Albany NY tends to dent and create dimples in a hailstorm resulting in cosmetic damage. Shingle and clay tile roofs can easily crack during a severe hailstorm but it is easier and more cost efficient to replace a few shingles or pieces of clay over metal panels.

How hail size effects roof damage

Hail size small and large can cause damage to your roof, it all depends on how severe the storm was. When the hail balls are about the size of a dime, it can impact your shingles. This can result in a few years taken off of the lifespan. When hail reaches to be the size of a quarter it can break tile and slate roofing material. This will result in moderate impact to your roof. Once the size of hail grows to be as large as a half dollar significant damage is done to your roof.

 Hail damage and insurance claims

Review your homeowners insurance and immediately contact Infinite Roofing to report the hailstorm, so we can send someone out to assess your damage. Your insurance company can deny your claim but once you get an estimate it can help your contractor get damages covered. There is a time frame in which you must file for a claim, every insurance company is different but we suggest you file right away. 

If you are able to find the hailstones after the storm, grab a tape measure and snap a picture for reference. It is important to use the best roofing company that you can trust to present the estimate to your insurance company. This will give you a more accurate idea of costs and also improves your chances of having the claim approved by your insurance company. With most companies even a small percentage of 25% damage can result in a new roof.

Preparing your roof for a hail storm

There is no way to completely eliminate all damage from a hail storm but you can prepare for one. Be sure to have adequate insurance that will cover you if you know you live in areas prone to hail. If you have regular roof inspections this will be much easier to gauge the actual damage done by the hail storm. Be sure to routinely clean out your gutters and drainpipes to avoid leaking and other damage. If you have a garage and you are aware of a storm coming don’t forget to pull your vehicles inside and any other items you have that are a concern. 

Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park & Albany Commercial Roofing  

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When deciding on what type of commercial roofing system is ideal to install or replace on your  current commercial roof, there are many options to choose from. For starters, your location is as important as choosing a roofing material. Residing in a warmer place with tropical storms and high temperatures, choosing a roofing material such as metal or EPDM have very different effects. Clay tile roofing is one of the most popular roofing materials, but on a commercial building it may not be the easiest or cheapest choice. When making the decision on which material to choose on a commercial building usually price is the number one factor. So although clay tile roofing is number one the price tag is not, so the next best option is a metal roofing system. 

Some other roofing material options to consider for a commercial building are EPDM, TPO, PVC, and BUR. Again always remembering your location and climate to be important factors, each of these materials have many positive attributes and some negative downsides. Most often a commercial building is very large in size and has a flat roof with no slope. 

On a large commercial building having a sloped roof would be extremely expensive to build because there would need to be a massive amount of materials and the height it would reach is unrealistic. A roof with valleys, peaks, and other features require more complexity and therefore cost more. 

HVAC Equipment: Most commercial buildings have HVAC and other types of equipment located in multiple areas of the roof, because it must be a secure location that is also compatible of heating and cooling, it would be near impossible to install on a sloped roof. 

Solar: Becoming more and more common, solar is located on commercial rooftops and it is necessary to have a smooth flat surface. Solar panels are positioned to take the fullest advantage of the sun’s tracking across the sky, a large flat roof is perfect real estate for the large panels. A “flat” roof is never completely flat, it must have a slight slope for drainage. 

Built-up Roofing (BUR) systems

The BUR system is a type of roofing that is built on the rooftop by a professional roofing contractor. Layers of synthetic material or felt are put together with hot asphalt or weathering and commonly covered with gravel or other types of stone for more protection. This protects the materials from the UV rays of the sun and other types of weathering. When installed correctly by the best local roofers these gravel surfaces will also provide a high fire rating for safety. 

Modified Bitumen Membranes

This type of roofing has evolved from built-up roofing, made from factory manufactured fiberglass asphalt sheets. A “built-up” roofing roll is installed in single layer sheets and sometimes multiple layers. There are two types of modified bitumen that exist and they both have different installation methods. One method includes melting the roofing material on an approved underlayment using an open torch and mopping it down with extremely hot asphalt or a cold cement. Using an open torch can be very risky for obvious reasons including setting not wanted fires on the rooftop. 

Modified Bitumen products are in their own class of commercial roofing systems that are called “single-ply.” These single plies are flexible sheets of the synthetic materials that are manufactured from different varieties of compounds that include bitumens, fillers, polymers, stabilizers, plasticizers and many other elements.  

Thermoset Membrane Roofing

This is better known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a rubber type of material that provides elasticity on the roof. EPDM sheets are chemically set and manufactured making them difficult to bond. These membranes cannot be softened by using heat so an adhesive is required for the installation process. These systems come in two colors, white and black. A local roofing contractor will use a fully adhered approved substrate to mechanically attach screws and plates to the roofing deck. When doing a re-roof a structural engineer should be consulted to approve the installation of 12-15lbs per sq ft.

Thermoplastic Membrane Roofing

This type of membrane is a PVC or TPO formulation first introduced in the 1960s. Different from EPDM roofing system because it does not set, only softens and “flows,” when being heated. This allows the membrane to be “hot air welded” seaming the material together, it is very light weight and typically comes in only the color white to be highly reflective of the sun’s UV rays. Using the color white results in massive energy savings, depending on the climate the commercial building is in. In  warmer locations we highly suggest using white on most roofs when available.  

PVC Membranes

Polyvinyl chloride roofing membrane is a popular thermoplastic choice for many commercial flat roofs. This type of roof provides top of the line chemical, oil, and fire resistance and also seamless seaming ability in almost all different types of climates. White PVC membranes are used to be highly reflective because the PVC does not cure on each rooftop, it stays weldable for many years following installation. Another major benefit to PVC over other types of roofing is that it can be installed all year round.

TPO Membranes

TPO was specially developed to combine PVC and EPDM, taking the best qualities of both roofing systems and putting them into one. TPO can have a spotty performance but it has been a fast growing system in the U.S. 

Chemical Roofing coating

Choosing a chemical roof coating can be a good temporary option for commercial roofing systems. This can extend the lifespan of a low slope roof and these coatings can be installed on a large variety of existing roof surfaces. It can also be a large energy saver on expenses by reflecting the sunlight and is much less disruptive than a complete roof tear-off to re-roof. 

Some ways you can improve your  commercial roofing system is by scheduling regular inspections to ensure productivity. It is always wise to make sure you have an annual roof inspection done to catch any issues that may arise. There are numerous ways that a roof can become jeopardized which can lead to water intrusion and damaging the interior of the commercial building. By scheduling annual inspections you are taking preventative measures to avoid expensive repairs. Once you have had your inspection done it’s a good idea to determine the remaining life of your roof. This is important for budget reasons, so you are ot caught off guard when it is time to think about doing a re-roof which is costly. 

Be sure you have a reliable upstate roofing contractor that is available for emergencies when needed. Do plenty of research when choosing a local roofing company you can trust and read reviews before hiring. Infinite Roofing of Saratoga Springs New York was built on the principles of trust and integrity. We always treat our customers with respect and give professional service only using quality roofing materials and exceptional safety practices. 

Types of Standing Seam Metal Roofing Systems

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Standing seam meatal roofs are commonly used for commercial, industrial and becoming more popular residential roofs. This type of roofing system is a very versatile option offering advantages like durability, long lifespan, cost efficiency, and a variety of design options. Most commonly a metal roof has previously been installed on commercial buildings but because of the most recent design options, it is increasing its popularity with homeowners.

A standing seam metal roof is typically installed in a vertical line pattern running from the eave to the ridge. They feature a raised interlocking system which connects adjoining panels. This ensure that the fasteners are hidden for a sleeker look, because the fasteners are not visible most people prefer a standing seam system. Another reason a standing seam roof is desirable beyond its approved appearance, the panels require much less maintenance and a longer lifespan. Metal roofing system with exposed fasteners on their panels allow water to penetrate causing damage over time. These roofs require yearly maintenance which ends up costing more than a stand seam roof.

Type of Standing Seam Metal Roofs

How each panel is physically attached is call the attachment method, the panel attach to the roofing deck, purlins and rafters. There are two different styles of attachment: clipped and fastening flange.

Clipped: The clipped system attaches to the substructure with a heavy gauge steel clip that is designed to integrate with a male and female panel. A clipped system is typically installed over a solid deck or an open frame like on a pre-engineered metal building. These clips offer a more significant space for expansion and contraction. Because of this commercial and industrial applications with long panel runs are a better suited match. Weather tightness warranties are common with clipped panel systems based on panel design and installation.

Fastening Flange: These panels are attached directly to the roof by the fastener through the slotted flange. The following panel then snaps into the top and covers both panels with the fastening flange and a screw. This type of panel is the most affordable standing seam system but there are some limitations. This system is not suited for projects that require a weathertightness warranty and require a roof deck to be present. The slotted flange has limits on expansion and contraction unlike the clipped attachment method. Fastening flange panels are best suited for residential projects and smaller commercial buildings.

Clipped: Different than fastening flange, clipped panels attach to the substructure using a heavy steel clip with male and female legs. The clipped standing seam system are installed over a solid deck or an open frame. Some buildings that have open frames include pre-engineered metal commercial buildings and industrial buildings. The clipped system allows for contraction and expansion unlike the fastening flange system. As a result the clipped panels are best suited for long panel roofs commonly found on commercial, industrial and educational buildings. This panel design has installation requirements where weathertightness warranties are applied.

Engagement Methods

Mechanically Seamed: In this method a seaming machine is required to mechanically press the panels together for the metal roof installation. This process involves two folds pressing the panel legs together and this bond form as very strong connection. This method is most commonly used on slow slope roofs that have a high wind uplift and where weather-tightness is required. There are two types of seaming machines, single pass and bi- directional. A single pass machine can complete roughly 10 feet per minute and as you can imagine a bi-direction pass can complete about 50 feet per minute. A bi-directional seaming machine can go along the metal panels in both directions, while a single pass will only run from eave to ridge.

Snapped: In this engagement method snapped panels make use of their male/female legs and are simply snapped in place. When pressure is applied their vertical legs being positioned over one another become engaged because of the design and snap together. This can be done my just using a gloved hand or a rubber mallet can be used.

For a standing seam metal roofing system there are two different types of metal panels, symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical panels are the exact same on both sides and in comparison, the legs on asymmetrical are different. Symmetrical standing seam panels are the most popular because of their initial and long term savings. They are more economically friendly in terms of labor and the reduced chance of damage from leaking.

Asymmetrical panels need to be installed from one end of the building all the way to the other in a sequence. Compared to symmetrical panels that can be started from anywhere on the roof, making it easier to skip sections also. Asymmetrical panels are less convenient and flexible. Symmetrical panels end up have much less scrap or waste and reduced costs when being compared to asymmetrical panels. This is because symmetrical standing seam panels do not have male/female connections. These seams mirror image each other and a seam cap covers them to allow for easy removal if a replacement is needed for individual panels.

In order to replace single panel of symmetrical standing seam roofs an un-seaming machine must be used. This machine will open the cap back to the original shape leaving the panel undamaged. Once removed the panel can easily be replaced and reinstalled. With all the benefits of symmetrical seam panels you might expect them to be more expensive because they offer an easier installation, but you should always factor in building design, codes, and future building modifications.

Which Type of Metal Roof is Best?

Galvalume roofing material combines three metal, steel, aluminum and zin, and is then coated in silicone to protect it from the elements. This is the least expensive type of metal roofing and come in a large variety of colors. Galvalume is corrosion resistant, recyclable and can be installed over any roof.

Aluminum is a popular choice because it performers well in in sea and saltwater environments, and also is the most sustainable material in the world. It does the best in harsh weather conditions and is one of the most predominant metals used worldwide. Aluminum is light weight and does not rust or corrode, it has a medium price point and is readily available.

Copper is another choice for metal roofing but comes at the highest price point. It is a beautiful color and very durable, also one of the lightest weight metals but is about $1,000 per square.

If you still are not sure which metal roofing panels are best for you home or project, give us a call at Infinite Roofing and we can help you out. Standing seam metal roofs offer home and building owners all the advantages of a standard metal roof with a large variety of design and color options. If you are looking for a new roofing system that will save you money and last a very long time then a metal roof might be for you. Another advantage to choosing a standing seam roof for your home or business is that your insurance company looks favorably on them since research has shown they don’t get as damaged and are fire resistant.

Top Roofing Shingle Colors For 2021

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Choosing the best shingle color for your roof has come a long way over the last few years, you no longer need to use a cookie-cutter style or look for your home. There are so many options you can now choose from that make a huge impact on the aesthetics of your home. Long gone are the days of a boring gray roofing shingle, you can now pick from a wide variety of colors to make your home POP. This creates more of an inviting feel while boosting your curb appeal, to surely make your neighbors envious.

There is no “Best color for roofing shingles,” only the best color for your particular home. This will depend on the color of your home/siding, the style of your home, and the surroundings. There are some top trending shingle roofing material colors of 2021, and they include:

  • Light brown hues like sand, desert,taupe gray.
  • Blues such as sky, denim, blue-green.
  • Greens like forest, moss and hunter.
  • Off whites, especially in hot climates.

There is of course nothing wrong with the average gray roofing shingle colors, particularly when that is the only color that matches with your home and when your home’s details really stand out. 

This home has many pops of white which draw the eye to the trim, having a neutral colored gray roof allows the home to let the details shine on their own. If this owner chose a white roof the aesthetic would not be the same. If you look closely at the siding color it matches very nicely with the color these homeowners chose for their roof. Choosing the right color can be a very tough decision, consulting with your local roofing company is a good start to get some ideas. Most companies will have larger samples available to be viewed in their showroom, this will help give you a better idea of what the overall roof will look like. 

Have you ever decided on changing the paint color in a room in your home, only to get one wall done and it looks nothing like the tiny swatch that you choose? This can be a similar process, sometimes a dark charcoal looks great until you see your entire roof looks black and that may not be the look you had in mind. Starting with the color or your home’s siding or whether it’s brick, or even stone, is a good place to consider which colors you might choose.

The best color combinations for your roof and siding 

If your home is red or brick colored then the best color combination would be a darker hue for the roof. You can choose between shades of black or darkest gray that would compliment the house color well. If your home is white or light colored, choosing primary colors for the roof is best. Having a white home gives you many options when deciding on the shingle roofing material color, you should take note of the types of details that are on the outside of your home. Do you have a certain color stone or trim? It would make these details pop by adding that detailed color to your roof, even matching the shutters is a great idea. 

If your home’s siding is gray, a very common color  combination you will see is a gray roof of another shade that doesn’t exactly match the siding of your home. You don’t want the entire house to look like one color blob, you want there to be some dimension. A common choice for homeowners is to choose a darker roof gray than the siding like pictured above. Of course gray is not the only option for the roof, some other colors that work beautifully are hues of blue and light shades. In the more recent years blue siding has become very popular and gives the home a very unique look when done properly. If you are stuck on deciding which color will go great with your blue home, try shades like dark charcoal or lighter grays that will make your home stand out. 

Brown homes that have light beige or tan roofs work well or if you would like something less traditional a dark green roof is a unique blend. As we have pictured above a woodsy type of setting is perfect for a combination of a brown home and green roof. As you can see pairing light and dark colors together creates the perfect balance to set your home apart from the rest. If you think of it like putting together the perfect outfit, this can give you a different perspective on what will go together. The key to boosting your home’s curb appeal is making your color choice stand out. You don’t need to own a massive home to make it beautiful and eye-catching, it’s all in the details.

When you should use a dark or light hue for your roofing shingle material

Continuing with the trend of creating contrast between your home’s siding and roof, there are a few do’s and don’t-s when choosing the perfect color for your home’s roof. In general you want your home to stand out in the neighborhood when being compared to other surrounding homes. It creates great resale value for you and overall looks much better than blending in with the crowd. When you get a new roof dark colors are more eye-catching than a lighter dull shade.

Darker shingle roofing materials work great for multi-level homes, this is because it draws more attention to the various levels giving it overall dimension. By using darker tones you can create a balance especially with low pitched roofs. Be cautious of using dark hues on a high pitched roof because it will distract from the rest of the home and take over where the eye follows.

Along with the most popular trends of roofing shingle material colors comes other categories like metal roofing, solar roofs, and even flat roofing colors. Some of these other types of roofing materials are becoming popular and very diverse in the color options that are now available for you to customize your home with.

Just because your home has a flat roof doesn’t mean you are stuck with only one option, you have the choice of choosing various colors or even an Eco-friendly green roof. These “green roofs” have so many benefits for your home and the planet. Of course this would be very different than a traditional shingle roofing installation, if a green roof interests you then contact your local roofing company and get more information.

How to Land More Roofing Jobs Than Your Competitors

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Each year the roofing industry continues to grow and each year over the past five years it has grown on average 3% consecutively. This has led to a burst of new businesses that are taking full advantage of the roofing industry. Landing more jobs and increasing your sales can seem like a difficult task but by implementing a few key strategies you can gain the upper hand. We have a few tips that will give you a sales advantage and get ahead of the competition.

One of the most important things you can do to grow your roofing business is to stay on top of your leads. If you don’t use a roofing CRM stop right here and get one. You need to keep all your leads or “contacts” in one spot and have a clear organized way that you manage them, this will allow you to know when all of your interactions have taken place. Knowing when you spoke last and when you should be following up with them again will give you a better shot at landing the sale. If you have gone on their estimate and submitted the quote already you need to have a system that will remind you when to follow up with them. This can either be an email, phone call or automated text message to make sure that they keep your local roofing company on their mind. 

Using a roofing CRM system will make your job easier, not only save you time and energy but also money by streamlining your business. Our company has created our own CRM software called Infinito, made by contractors for contractors. We have compiled everything that is crucial to the success of our company and put it all in one place to ensure success. Everything from a calendar that is accessible to your whole team, booking appointments section, roof measuring software, follow-up reminder, job information sheet, payments, and so much more. Without this our company would not be so successful and neither will yours until you implement an organized CRM. 

Another tip we have for your company is to streamline estimating. Having accurate estimating that is done by everyone on your team is extremely important. If you take advantage of a roofing CRM software like Infinito, you would have access to our roof measuring portion. Instead of having to purchase another app or pay a third party to get precise measurements of a roof, it is all included inside Infinito. When everyone on your team is using the same tools to produce quotes your system will be on the same page making estimates as accurate as possible. 

Over estimating being done by some and underestimating being done by others will hurt your company and reputation. Word of mouth travels fast and customer dissatisfaction with costs will impact future referrals. After you have gone on an appointment to give a customer an estimate on a roof replacement you should try and get the quote out to them as quickly as possible. Most of the time a homeowner will get several estimates so the more efficient you are at getting the quote to your customer the better your chances are at landing the sale. 

It is crucial to be prepared for questions and any objections that may come up. When homeowners are looking for a local roofing contractor some important qualities they look for is how well you know your information and if they feel like you are honest with them. The majority of our business reviews that our customers leave for us is their satisfaction with our integrity. We tell our customers if something is actually needed and never push unnecessary extra work on them. We are sure to train all of our sales team extensively so that when a homeowner has a question or concern we are able to confidently answer it and put them at ease.

It is also important for you to keep homeowners informed by taking the time to explain what the work will entail, and why a replacement or repair is necessary. This becomes even more important when more repairs are needed than originally anticipated. Your customers will appreciate having all the details and how honest you are about the job. At this point in their job process they have the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns they have.

Along with honesty and integrity, another important tip that will help you land more roofing jobs is to communicate effectively. Having good communication may not seem like it would be an obvious competitive advantage but it will have a huge impact on how you are able to sell roofing jobs. The more that your team not only out on the field but also in the office have good communication with each other the more effective they will be as a team. This will ensure that everyone is staying connected and will reduce the likelihood of mistakes for scheduling and other common errors. This will help your local roofing company have a unified strategy for selling prospects on your services.



How Insurance Claims Work For Roofing Contractors

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Learning how insurance claims work will help you land more roofing jobs and grow your roofing company. Understanding the ins and outs of insurance will reduce unnecessary delays and get you paid much faster. Homeowners’ insurance can be difficult to navigate but understanding how a roofing claim works isn’t nearly as complicated. In this blog we will give you a better understanding of how you can better work with insurance companies, and get your customers to get the most for their roof replacements.

Once a customer recognizes that they have had damage done to their roof by a storm it is important that they file a claim as soon as possible. I have had customers call us at the office looking for an estimate before even calling their insurance company and I always advise them to file the claim first. The homeowner will schedule a time for an adjuster to assess the damage by inspecting the roof and will advise either a full replacement or repair.

If the homeowner has called your local roofing company to come out for an estimate you can also request to be there at the same time as the adjuster. This can help get the homeowner more from their insurance by answering questions and making sure they don’t miss damage. Once the adjuster has completed the roof inspection they will draw up an assessment of the damage and send it to the insurance company.

The next step would be to review the claim, this is also known as the damage assessment and is reviewed by the insurance company. Your insurance company will determine how much money you will receive and if they think your roof is in need of a repair or full replacement. Having your local roofing contractor present will help steer the adjuster in the appropriate direction needed to get you the most out of your claim. This process can take a few weeks so it is best to get your claim in as soon as possible. As your insurance company is reviewing your claim they may request more information from you in order to provide you with the best estimate. It is important to respond promptly so the claim can move along quickly. If you took pictures yourself or have other types of evidence then be prepared to submit that as well.

Once your claim has been reviewed the next step would be to process and finalize it. At this stage in the process your insurance company will now mail you a check to cover the damages that were assessed for your roof damage. The check is not mailed to the roofing company, so it is important to let your chosen local roofing company know when you receive the funds so they can schedule your job. Most roofing companies require a deposit of at least half down to get you on their build schedule. This is so they have the funds to order your roofing materials in order to start your roof replacement.

In order to make the most out of your claim process there are a few things you can do to ensure the best possible outcome. Having good communication with the insurance company and claims department will give a better understanding of the insurance related terms and concepts. Answering questions that come up are much easier when you as a business owner understand how the whole process works and is progressing. Once you have a good grasp on terms and conditions used by insurance adjusters reading and filling out paperwork correctly will come naturally. This will also help ensure that no major errors are taking place on your end. 

Another key role you play as a preferred roofing contractor is advocating for the homeowner. Most homeowners don’t deal with their insurance company often so it is easy to feel in over their head. Especially when discrepancies between the insurance company and you the preferred roofing contractor arise. If you have recommended a full roof replacement but the insurance adjuster is only quoting damage for repairs, this can be very confusing for the homeowner.  Guidance is an important part of your job when working with your customers and their insurance companies, they will look to you as someone with experience in navigating through their claim.

You would have already provided the insurance company with a copy of the estimate that your roofing company had come up with and you want to be sure that it is as accurate as possible so the homeowner can achieve the best outcome. This will not only help them in getting the best result for their roofing project but also for you as their preferred roofing contractor as growing your businesses reputation by providing excellent customer service. 

Another piece of advice is to keep good records as a preferred roofing contractor and also for the homeowner. The more evidence you have for the roofing claim the better and keeping a good record of all paperwork will reduce delays and keep the process running smoothly. Also it is important that these records are easily accessible by everyone on your team so that a response can be given to the insurance company promptly.

WHAT KIND OF INSURANCE IS NEEDED FOR A ROOFING COMPANY?

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Firstly congratulations on making the decision to move forward with your business and start a roofing company. This is of course no substitution for legal advice and you should consult with insurance experts to know exactly what your company needs as far as insurance goes in your current state. Becoming a professional roofer and striving to be the best roofing company you’ll need to hire subcontractors and other employees, which means you will need contractors insurance. This protects you and your company if anything were to happen such as accidents, employee injuries, or lawsuits.

 If you did not have Albany roofing insurance then these potential problems would be an out of pocket expense. These expenses would put tremendous financial pressure on your business and could even end it. It is also possible for customers to check on a roofing company’s insurance when looking for the best roofing company and not choose you if you do not possess the proper documentation.  

There are three types of Albany roofing insurance that is necessary to conduct business: Worker’s compensation, general liability and  in some cases surety bonds for larger more expensive jobs. Roofing contractors insurance requirements vary in every single state so it is important to check your local area on what is required. Insurance policies can be somewhat complex so here we will break down why you need these policies and how they will protect your business. 

Workers’ Compensation

Also referred to as workers comp, in a type of coverage that protects your employees if an accident were to happen. Albany Roofing can be a dangerous field of work and no matter how careful you are there is always a chance that a work related injury could occur. It is imperative to be sure your workers are wearing their proper safety gear while on a roof, as well as practicing safety on the ground.

If you were to conduct business without workers comp you would be held liable for any medical bills of someone injured and that could be extremely costly. It could also be your responsibility to pay for missed wages and other benefits to who was injured. Protecting yourself as a business owner with workers compensation insurance is the smartest thing you can do to keep your business thriving. If you invest in workers’ compensation it will cover your unforeseen expenses by monthly payments. 

The benefit to holding this insurance is that it protects not only your employees but you as a business owner from the high costs of medical care. An example of how workers’ comp is supposed to function is that when you employ a handful of roofers and one of them accidentally misses a shingle and nails straight through his hand, you direct him to take a visit to the hospital to remove the nail and get some stitches. While at the hospital they X-Ray his hand because the nail went through a ligament and some bone, and also he needed to be stitched up. He now misses a week of work while his primary hand heals and may even need some physical therapy to gain motion back.

Depending on the contract you hold with each employee you might be paying him for his time out of work. If this particular roofer felt like he had a case he could even claim that you were negligent and attempt to sue you. He would need to prove that you contributed to the severity of his injuries in order to have a case. 

This is where you workers’ compensation steps in and provides immediate coverage. If not then a lawsuit would take months and in most circumstances by receiving the benefits your employee forfeits his right to sue you. Your insurance would cover the roofers medical bills and aftercare with ease, allowing your employee to heal up and get back to work fast.

Are you liable if someone gets hurt on your property?

This is a common question asked by customers when looking for the best roofing company for the job. When a contractor doesn’t have adequate liability or workers’ compensation insurance, oftentimes it’s the customer who ends up paying the price. If the hired contractor becomes injured while installing a new roof the customer could be financially responsible for the damages, including medical bills and even lost wages. Depending on your local laws the injured employee may be able to also sue the homeowner for contributing or claiming to the cause of the injured person. Before signing a contract for a new roof replacement most homeowners will ask for copies of the local roofing companies WC and liability insurance forms to protect themselves.

In most states it is required to purchase a liability and workers compensation policy in order to conduct business, much like how it is required to have car insurance in order to drive a vehicle. Some states do not require these insurances such as Texas and they can choose to pay a private company to handle workers compensation benefits. Usually it is only much larger businesses that have millions of dollars coming in continuously being made with a reliable cash flow who choose to pay out of pocket through a private company.

When you first start out with your new roofing company it will make much more sense for you to pay a public insurance company for the necessary coverage.  Injuries are very common in the construction business, big and small and you most likely will not have the revenue to cover medical costs of even the small ones. It is smarter to protect yourself for the future of your roofing company.

General liability insurance is to protect your business in the case that a third party such as a customer were to become injured, if there was any property damage, or if a lawsuit were to take place.  

General liability typically covers:

  • Property damage
  • Bodily injury
  • Legal costs
  • Advertising injury such as slander to a competitor

Some charges that liability policies usually do not cover are:

  • Employee injury
  • Work vehicle and tool damages
  • Errors on jobs
  • Punitive damages

General liability offers coverage and protection that workers compensation does not. If you hire a contractor to do a small repair job on your home and he falls off he falls ladder into the owner of the home and hurts the homeowner then it might not be covered. The property damage would be but the medical bills probably would not be covered by general liability as we stated above. It is important for roofing subcontractors to understand exactly what is covered by each liability and workers compensation insurances. 

How Trees Can Damage your Roof

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Oftentimes when buying a new home people prefer a yard with lots of mature trees because they are beautiful and add curb appeal. Having trees can offer blooming flowers and can supply shade, however they come at a cost. In many ways trees can reduce the lifespan of your roof unless you take proper steps to prevent it. With annual tree management you can prevent almost all damage that can be caused by intruding trees. 

Trees surrounding your property aren’t always bad and there are many reasons to keep them around. Under the right circumstances trees can offer shingle protection and many other benefits.

Blocking the wind: Large trees that are taller than your home’s roof can block wind, which reduces the effect on your home and shingles, especially when a big storm hits. 

Providing UV protection: Mature trees provide lots of shade which aids in protection from harmful UV rays from the sun. Over time UV rays slowly age your asphalt shingles along with other roofing materials. 

Controlling summer temperatures: In the summer months shade from your trees helps reduce heat on your roof and also inside your home. Shingles absorb a lot of heat from the sun and can soak it up back into your home, making your AC bill much higher. 

While there are many benefits for having some foliage around your home, there are also many ways in which trees can damage your homes roof. 

The most obvious way that a tree can cause more harm than good would be when trees fall from either old age or a storm, onto your roof.  

Branches falling from trees can also damage and scratch shingles on the roof of your home, and even hit windows creating a problem. Branches can be blown off from a strong storm and find their way on your home’s roof. If the branches are larger in size that can add unnecessary weight causing dents or even holes. Most of this type of damage usually takes place in the winter time as snow and ice creates more weight on the trees, causing branches to fall.

If you don’t hire an arborist to prune the trees in your yard, you can get on a ladder and do it yourself to prevent branches that hang over your roof. If you let the low hanging branches get out of hand they will rub against the roof scratching away the granules which is the protective layer on shingles. If this has happened to your roof, be sure to call your local roofing contractor to assess the damage. 

Certain types of trees drop their needles and leaves each fall and make a big mess on your roof and in your yard. These debris if not properly taken care of can clog your gutters which will make rain water pool on the roof causing damaging leaks. Leaves left on top of the roof absorb moisture from the air and rain that promotes mold, moss, and algae growth, reducing the lifespan of your shingles. Along with annual cleanups you can hire a local roofing contractor to install gutter guards to help prevent buildup of leaves and debris in your home’s gutters.

Having trees in your yard that offer some shade has its benefits but if your home is always shaded with little to no sunlight that can pose a problem because it will be difficult for your roof to dry off. If the roof is always wet this is obviously an issue that will cause mold, moss and algae growth. Along with many trees shading your property come with animals that inhabit these trees, some finding their way onto your roof and making a home. It is wise to cut back all branches that lead to your roof to eliminate debris and animals. 

How far should tree branches be from my house?

A good rule of thumb is to keep tree branches at least 6ft away from your home’s roof. If you are planting new trees you should start 20-30 feet away from your home to ensure the branches that eventually grow will not touch the roof. Be sure to check with your homeowners insurance policy to see if they have certain requirements about tree distance. Typically if you neglect maintaining your homes property and damage is caused by overgrown trees and debris it may not be covered by your policy. 

How to prevent roof damage from trees?

  1. Trim tree branches that are starting to look old that can be easily blown off and cause damage, or hire an arborist to remove and trim the trees surrounding your home. 
  2. It is important to prune young trees to control the growth, pruning regularly will allow for stronger branches and trunks which will be less likely to break off in a storm. 
  3. Clean up debris regularly from the roof and gutters as much as possible. If you have trees that drop debris not just in the fall, but all year it is important to keep up with the maintenance. 
  4. Be sure to cut down trees that are not stable, also check with your city first for bylaws/ Some species of trees are protected and are not allowed to be cute down. Some local areas even do not allow the removal of trees with a certain trunk diameter. 

What if my neighbor’s tree branches are touching my roof?

If you live in close proximity to your neighbors then you might have tree branches and debris that get too close to your home. The first thing you want to do is politely ask them if you can trim back their trees that fall on your property line. If you ask them to do it chances are they won’t, or they won’t be as thorough as you might be. If they refuse to do so you can turn to the city which will have bylaws in place to force your neighbor to deal with the overgrown tree issue. These laws vary by location so you can look them up and seek legal action if you choose. Even though you may have branches and debris on your property, the tree itself is on your neighbors property and you legally cannot trim it without permission. 

What if my neighbor’s tree has fallen on my home?

Most Likely your insurance company will cover the damage depending on your policy. Be sure to let your insurance adjuster know that the tree that fell on your home was not on your property, so your deductible isn’t affected and your neighbor is held responsible for damages. In the off chance that your policy does not cover tree damage then you will end up paying for damages out of pocket. You can pursue legal action against your neighbor for the damages caused by their tree, but hopefully you can resolve issues without. Of course this can all be avoided by regularly pruning trees on your property and communicating with your neighbors about their trees before they get out of hand. 

When should I remove a tree?

You may be wondering how to know if a tree is ill or old and when to cut it down. Some things you should look for would be large cracks or splitting of tree trunks, and if illness has developed. You can visibly spot fungus that grows on trees, this will cause branches to die and easily be blown off creating potential damage. If you have trees with invasive roots they can pose an issue to your home’s foundation. Also look for peeling bark that is an indication a tree is infected, the shedding can be normal is there is new bark underneath. 










Women in The Roofing Industry

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Currently women make up only about 0.5 percent of the roofing industry in America, and in Canada roughly 3 percent compared to men. As time progresses women continue to become more involved in the roofing industry as CEO’s, marketing directors, and other leading roles. Women have been pursuing roofing sales, distributing, manufacturing, and even on roofs. When speaking with business owners of roofing companies they express that people may think women in the construction field is out of the ordinary, but in reality they are some of the most qualified applicants. 

Many organizations have dedicated their time to expanding roles that women play in roofing and construction. One example of this is the NWIR (National women in roofing), who are an American based volunteer organization that launched in 2016 at the IRE (International roofing expo). Although they were only founded a short time ago they have gained over 1,100 members who are all dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the roofing industry. Companies such as IKO sponsor and support the NWIR to advocate for females to join their organizations, they are excited to educate women within the field and also help recruit. 

“I didn’t have any roofing experience when I first joined the industry more than 20 years ago, so I relied heavily on my mentors and educated myself through meeting with our manufacturing, sales, research groups and distributors to determine what contractors needed and wanted,” said Perkins. “But now, an organization like NWIR has built-in mentorship and educational opportunities that help new female professionals entering the industry, as well as seasoned pros.” 

Women Owned Roofing Companies


Women like Alicia McMahon have been in the roofing industry for more than 10 years doing marketing, says she continues to see women step into leadership and even ownership positions. “When I first got into the roofing business, women were typically seen working in roles like accounting, marketing and administration,” McMahon said. “But now, women are branching out of corporate roles and making strides not only as laborers, but as business owners, too.” 

Successful women owned roofing companies continue to pop up like Ardmor Construction, based in Minnesota. The owner Sarah Ahrendt was once a nurse but hated the hours that she had to put in and felt burnt out. She had a boyfriend in the construction field and was intrigued by his work, so she picked up a job as a roofing sales person. She admits that at first some customers weren’t sure about her, if she was only working in this role to support her boyfriend or if she was actually dedicated to the job. However she proved them wrong and quickly gained respect backed up by her work ethic and vast knowledge. She acknowledges that some women do face discouraging work environments when pursuing a roofing career, but she was lucky in that her boss fully supported her in her endeavors. “He saw people as people, not as male or female. He saw the value that I brought. I was very fortunate in that,” Ahrendt said.

She always had a strong desire to help others which is how she ended up in the nursing field, she compares this to her now role in the roofing industry because taking care of people’s roofs also helps protect them and their home, which is most valuable. “I was happy to start in a field where there is so much potential to make a difference,” Ahrendt explained. Shortly after an opportunity came up to get her hands dirty and she jumped on. She began working on rooftops, organizing the laborers, and even operating the equipment. She enjoyed learning the technical details and as new opportunities presented themselves she kept growing. 

Ahrendt dabbled in finances and marketing, then was offered a full time position as manager at another roofing company. She soon after developed her own ideas about running a roofing company, and after putting them into practice Ardmor Construction was born. Her company being only a year old has already brought in 1.5 million in total sales.  Ahrendt says she has spoken with women who have been interested in the roofing industry and other parts of construction but get discouraged. Her advice to them was “It’s not nearly as hard as you might think it’s going to be. As a woman in roofing, if you really know your stuff, you’ll impress the customer quickly.” “Don’t give up just because someone tells you no,” she added. “If that’s what you really want to do and you’re passionate about it, you’ll succeed.”

Professional Women in Roofing

Women have been involved in every aspect of the roofing industry, from the office up to the roofs. An example of leading women making a difference from every corner is this amazing group that calls themselves “The Women Roofers.” 

The Women Roofers is a  group of volunteers that started out repairing a roof for someone who couldn’t afford to hire a professional. After the completion of the first roof Kernodle and Herrick began the idea of gathering a larger group of women to help the church by repairing and replacing roofs of people in need. Working with the Rutherford Housing Partnership the woman group has been roofing since 2002. The group recently got involved with helping out at the Troop House at Camp Ginger Cascades for the girl scouts. They began their work on a Saturday morning and fished by noon! The women spent the rest of the day enjoying camp. “If a woman wants to go into something, there is no reason she shouldn’t consider it if she chooses!”  





Choosing the Right Roof for a Historic Home

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Owning a historic home can be challenging to restore and maintain but preserving its beauty is worth it. If you are lucky enough to own a home in a historic district then you know that there are certain guidelines that you must follow to be sure all the details are correct. The roof is arguably the most important feature in any home because it protects everything beneath it. The roof keeps the structure of a historic home and all its features safe from the outside elements and water intrusion.

Historical homeowners main concern when preserving its features is water intrusion, as this will damage the home in ways that oftentimes cannot be fixed. Most of these older homes are made from less durable materials than homes that are built today, this means that water intrusion has a much larger impact. When preserving the roof as it was in the past, you can usually keep the home in good condition that is time-period appropriate with hard work. If you diligently conduct routine roof inspections, and work with qualified local roofing contractors from the best roofing company, who have mastered historical techniques it is very possible to keep your historical home intact. 

If you own a historic home chances are it is located in a historic district, and in these districts  there are guidelines that must be followed. We at Infinite Roofing have replaced many roofs on historic homes located in historic districts within Saratoga Springs and we must adhere to their guidelines. These rules and regulations are to keep important character defining features of the building in or as close to the original as possible. The shape of a roof, materials used, and its details all contribute to the historic character of the home. As a roofing contractor it is our job to research specific guidelines that a city implements to properly conduct the job. Saratoga Springs has supplied historic district design guidelines so you clearly know how to preserve the building. 

Oftentimes restoration experts decide to install a modern roof on a historic home, keeping all the details in place with the best interests of the property and budget. When working with the best roofing company they will agree that adding modern materials provides superior protection and much less maintenance costs, also adding a new roof will increase the homes value. Always check with the historical authority to make sure the materials you plan to use are approved, it is possible to use newer materials while still keeping the look of the past. Installing a more modern roof doesn’t ruin the architecture, in fact many newer materials can replicate older styles and details to match original materials. 

The first thing you should do is start researching your type of historic home’s roof, this can take several months, especially when you need approval from a historic authority. If you are experiencing major leaks or other issues you might need to temporarily path up the roof yourself in order to protect the home. If you have your local roofing contractor patch an area of your roof, make sure they are careful about how to patch it. You don’t want them removing evidence you might need later on, such as an old layer of roof under the current one. In this case it’s best to not opt for a DIY patch, using a roofer with restoration experience is recommended. 

Review Documents

If you have access to any documents pertaining to the house such as old pictures, journals, original blueprints, or newspaper clippings, review them for ideas on original materials and colors of the roof. This can be helpful to keep the integrity of the roof preserving details, an example of this would be if wooden shakes have been cut in unusual angles or shingles that were laid non-traditionally. It is important to take down any details to give to your local roofing contractor. 

Look at the Physical Evidence

Try to keep all previous materials such as old wood pieces, nails, and scraps that may be helpful to tell which type of roofing system was used. Your local roofing contractor may be able to tell what kind of roof was used and also which materials can be swapped out for optimal preservation. Choosing a roofer with previous knowledge and experience with restorations is crucial to have the best chances of replicating the home’s previous roof. 

Consulting with Historical Organizations

As stated previously if you own a historic home chances are that it is in a historic district, and within these districts there are rules and regulations that must be followed. You may have to face many restrictions about which changes you plan on implementing to your home’s roof. Some other restrictions include building codes but some areas will make expectations for historical homes. Even if you have to use traditional roofing materials that are available, oftentimes the use of modern underlayment can be used. This is because it better protects the roof from weather influences and is not visible or interfering with the outer appearance. 

Types of Historic Roofs

TimeStyleMaterials used
Pre-Revolution Georgian or FederalWood Shingles
18th CenturyFederal Style Wood shingles or Slate
19th CenturyItalianate, Greek, GothicMetal, Wood, Slate
20th CenturyBungalow, CraftsmanAsphalt shingles, Slate

Historic Roofing Materials

MaterialTime PeriodDetails
Wood ShakesAll periodsType of wood used was dependent on the area.
Clay tilesStarting at the 17th Century Primarily used where there was a Spanish influence. 
Slate18th CenturySeldomly used because of its price and difficulty to install.
Metal Roof19th Century There were several styles and materials used.
Shingles20th Century3 Tab asphalt shingles.

Wood Shakes/Shingles

This was the most common historical roofing material in the earliest days to the 19th century. The type of wood material used and techniques varied so if your home had wood shakes or shingles you will need to gather more information on how to replace it. Wood is the fastest roofing material to deteriorate so it must be treated in order for it to last. 

Clay Tile

This type of roofing material was mostly used in the colonial period where there was Spanish influence. When clay started to be used in the Northeast the tiles were flat compared to traditionally rounded tiles, this was due to English and French influence. Replicating the shape and colors of old clay tiles can be very challenging, if your home has clay tiles you might need to explore other materials.

Slate

Slate began being quarried in America starting in 1785, it was rare to see on many homes but it was available. Once the railroad was developed slate spread and made it much easier to transport the heavy slabs. Because of its limited availability and significant weight, slate was not a popular choice when comparing it to wood shakes/shingles. Although it has many benefits clay tiles are a much cheaper alternative. 

Metal

Metal was a popular roofing material but it was very expensive and at the time only lead and copper were suitable. This roofing material was more common on churches and government buildings rather than residential homes. In the 1870’s metal was cut from sheets and made into shingles, some had patterns and mainly used for gable roofs. Metal gained more popularity in the 1920’s also when asphalt became popular. 

Asphalt Shingles

This roofing material was introduced in the 1900’s but did not become widespread until the 1920’s, the look resembled our 3-tab shingles today. 

When restoring a historic home using substitute roofing materials has become more popular although some historical societies vote against it, others do agree protecting the home as a whole is more important. Modern materials provide a longer roof performance and keep the original structure intact. Seeking out alternative materials can also be very cost effective while keeping the same style of the original roof. Many more homeowners may choose to restore historical homes if the cost and hassle are reduced.