Infinite Roofing & Construction Roofing Blog

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

Are You Using The Right Roof Coating?

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Homeowners and building owners generally spend a significant amount of money on roofing. However, they spend a lot more money when they don’t get the proper roofing for their property. No one likes to waste money, especially when your roof should have been done right the first time. Many people are purchasing a spray-applied elastomeric commercial roof coating because it saves them a great deal of money, especially when applied instead of a full commercial roof replacement. However, as mentioned before, when your roofing isn’t done properly you tend to spend a lot more than you should, especially when you have coated your roof twice. This can be very frustrating and you start to think, “Well, why wasn’t this done right the first time?” How can I make sure that I choose the right roof coating for my building? Below we give you some details about elastomeric roof coatings and we will provide you with the information you need to make a final decision on your commercial roof coating. 

Commercial roof coatings often increase the reflectivity, reduce energy consumption and enhance the aesthetics of the roof.  So when we talk about elastomeric roof coating, you should know that it is an elastic coating that can be applied to many different types of roofs. With an elastomeric roof coating, your roof is protected and it will seal the underlying roofing material, helping to stop and prevent leaks. The term elastomeric comes from the coating’s elastic quality so that it stretches and moves. The main reason for applying an elastomeric coating is to make your roof more durable. Some coatings are able to make your building cool. Elastomeric roof coatings can be used on many industrial and commercial roof types. 

Before making any big decisions about an elastomeric roof coating, you need to look more into several factors about your roof. You need to establish exactly what material is currently on your roof and ascertain what coating will be best suited for the property. A local commercial roofing contractor will be able to tell you if your roof needs a repair, full roof replacement, or perhaps just needs a restoration coating. An experienced commercial roofing contractor will be able to give you the best advice on how to proceed.

When reaching out to a commercial roofing contractor it is helpful to know the approximate size, age and the type of roof. This information will help you and your local roofing contractor to establish if your roof should be lasting longer than it is, and the cost to replace the entire roof if needed. You will want to establish the slope of the roof because this weighs on what type of replacement or repair is available to you. You should also gather as much information about your roof’s history such as: has it been coated? Has it had single-ply roofing materials installed over it? Has it suffered the same problems in the past? 

Some of these are pretty basic things that you may know off the top of your head, however, others may require opening up a roof maintenance book or getting on the roof yourself to get the answer. An experienced roofing contractor will have years of knowledge to help you gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision about your roof.

Take into consideration the condition of your roof as well. You may choose the best commercial roof coating but the question is, is your roof a suitable candidate for a roof coating at all? Or do you need to completely remove the roof and replace the roof deck too? If your roof is not structurally sound, no roof coating is a good choice. The building’s location is also a really important thing to consider. Certain climates are more favorable for coating. A dry climate is better for acrylic coatings to be installed, humid and wet climates work better for silicone coatings.

Why is reflectivity such an important consideration?

Light colored surfaces reflect more sunlight than dark surfaces. When sunlight is reflected, less of the sun’s energy is turned into heat. Increasing the reflectivity of your commercial roof will extend the life of your roof and leave your building much cooler in summer, saving you considerable expense on heat regulation. This also means less strain on your HVAC systems and anyone inside the building will be much more comfortable.

Which type of Elastomeric Roof Coating is best for you?

Acrylic Roof Coatings

Acrylic coatings usually have a lifespan of 20 years. Their appearance is typically bright white and provide good reflectivity. Acrylic roof coatings have significant value within the modern property. However many owners often have a limited understanding of the performance of the product and their unique property space. Some negative characteristics of acrylic coatings are that for one it does not stretch out as much as some of the other coatings do, making them susceptible to damage from fluctuating temperatures and ponding water. Another thing is that acrylic coatings usually require a primer and nearly always require two coats. Acrylic roof coatings tend to be more expensive when you consider the additional steps and materials. Some local roofing contractors will tell you that per gallon they are cheaper, however what you need to know is that on any acrylic coating project, with these extra considerations the  price can blow up very quickly.

Besides the downfalls of an acrylic roof coating, it is highly reflective. The sun’s UV rays have a minimal impact on the surface material. Acrylic coatings also provide intuitive performance. Therefore, property owners and an installation team don’t have to spend time learning how to integrate the material and the installation work can be performed in a quick time frame. This ensures that owners consolidate their installation costs and minimize the amount of time required to add the acrylic coating to their building structure. 

Acrylic roof coatings are among the most cost effective commercial roofing systems within the marketplace. Property owners can save thousands of dollars by having the system installed on their roofing structure. And because they’re durable in most environments, property owners can look forward to achieving long lasting value. When your roofing system becomes dirty, the roof reduces its appeal and limits the value received by the building owner. However, having an acrylic roof coating by a commercial roofing contractor will most likely restore your roof’s appeal because it is exceptionally dirt-resistant and maintains its aesthetic appeal over many years. 

Urethane Roof Coating

Urethane roof coatings are another common elastomeric roofing system. It is quite similar in price to silicone coatings, the price usually depends on the specific formulation. Urethane roof coatings usually are chosen because of their durability compared to acrylic and silicone coatings. Urethane coatings don’t offer as much effective reflectivity as silicone or acrylic coatings. A good quality that urethane coatings have is that they offer good protection from ponding water and stay cleaner, resisting dirt more than silicone coatings and acrylic coatings. Urethane roof coatings are most commonly used for sprayed in place polyurethane foam insulation and every other commercial roofing substrate. Without a doubt, a urethane roof coating is one of the strongest and most durable roof coatings on the market today.

When it comes to urethane roof coatings, you should know that there are two different types of urethane coating. They are aliphatic coating and aromatic coating. Aliphatic urethane coatings are UV stable. They also hold color longer, they resist dirt pick up, and are typically used as a topcoat. Aromatic urethane roof coatings are not as UV stable, on the other hand. However, they are less expensive and are typically used as a base coat. Urethane coatings form a highly durable, flexible, seamless membrane layer that is able to withstand the daily expansion and contraction of the roof structure as well as resist ponding water. Therefore, some local roofing contractors would go forward with using this particular coating. Aromatic urethane are less expensive but they are typically used as a base coat. Urethane coatings are more impact resistant than any other commercial roof coatings, making them ideal for use in high-traffic areas. 

Urethane coatings comply very well with most traditional commercial roofing substrates including metal, modified bitumen, spray polyurethane foam, EPDM, TPO, and other single-ply membranes. Urethane coatings are highly reflective and UV stable so building owners and facility managers can save a lot of money from reducing cooling costs during the summer.

Silicone Roof Coatings

Silicone roof coatings are the most flexible material available, and they are often chosen for their ability to compensate for a building’s flexing with changes in temperature. They exhibit great UV resistance and protect the surface beneath the coating very well. Silicone roof coatings are often compared to acrylic coatings due to their similar appearance, but in actual fact silicone coatings are very different and not really comparable. They are more expensive per gallon, but for that extra price tag, you receive better reflectivity, better adhesion, no primer required, only one coat, and a 20-year lifespan. As you can see, the two systems are not similar on a per-project basis. Silicone coatings often start out more expensive per-gallon, but as a whole, the project is less expensive. Silicone roof coatings can also withstand ponding water, which acrylic coatings cannot.

Two major concerns with silicone coatings are dirt accumulation and durability. These coatings do pick up a lot of dirt, so they should be used in areas where aesthetics are important. The coatings can be easily power-washed, but they will become dirty and require cleaning again quite frequently. Their durability is also sometimes a question mark, although if you are careful not to drop sharp objects on the roof they should be fine. Another way to avoid the durability problem is to install granules on the roof surface.

Summary

In short, there are many considerations when choosing a commercial roof coating for your property. An experienced commercial roofing contractor like our team here at Infinite Roofing, is well equipped to answer any of your questions and come out to your property and provide you with a thorough assessment, advice and estimate for any work you may require. Give us a call today! 518-444-ROOF

Commercial Flat Roofing

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Making a decision on what type of commercial roofing system you want to have or replace on your current commercial roof, there are many options to choose from. Therefore, trying to decide exactly what you want can be extremely stressful especially when you do not know a lot about commercial roofing. So the question you should ask is, how do I decide and what should I consider in order to make my decision? Well, for starters, flat roof systems have different types of roofing materials for your needs and budget. Therefore, you should consider each of the advantages and disadvantages before making any final decisions. You would also need to consider where you’re located, the use of the roof, your climate, and roof maintenance. Therefore, when considering buying a commercial flat roof system you need to know the materials that you want to go with. There are five types of commercial flat roofing materials that are the most commonly used on modern commercial flat roofs. These five materials are EPDM roofing, TPO roofing, PVC roofing, metal roofing and modified bitumen.

Some factors that you would want to consider when purchasing a new commercial flat roofing system is price. Price is one of the biggest factors many building owners and residential owners consider when purchasing a roofing system. When you’re basing your decision on price, take into consideration if your roof will need any extra attention or expense after the initial installation. For instance, your new roof may require regular maintenance and repair. Some roof types require far more maintenance than others do. Therefore, if you have a budget in place, you will want to consider how much you will be paying for a regular maintenance program to keep the roof running in good shape. Modified Bitumen roofs, for example, require frequent roof maintenance compared to EPDM, TPO or PVC roofs. Another thing is the price of any repairs, so you should ask yourself the question, is this roof system easily repairable and how quickly would it need to be repaired? This question should be based on your roof use, roof material and weather conditions in your area.

Now, if the system that you choose or already have is not one that has a long lifespan then you will most likely have to repair it within a ten year period. Especially if it requires frequent maintenance and repairs. Now, which one is going to cost you more annually? Is it going to be the flat roof that does not usually have a very long lifespan and requires more maintenance? Every roof system needs to be maintained, however, the amount of time and the cost to maintain it can vary quite a lot. Therefore, consider what the roof system may cost you on an annual basis over its lifespan. Hiring a commercial roofing contractor that has experience in commercial flat roofing can be a useful source of advice to help you make the right choice. The majority of the time the cheaper roofing material can be the most costly in the long run, when you factor in the cost of regular repairs and maintenance.

Another factor that you want to take into consideration when investing in a new commercial flat roof is the quality. As mentioned before, some roofs last much longer than others because of the maintenance requirements, the lifespan of the material, the roof itself and how it is used, and even the location of your property. So you might ask yourself; what is the quality of each roofing material you are considering? Is the material reinforced? Is it flexible? Is it a well-known brand? Is it durable enough for my roof?  You’re going to want the quality to be high, affordable and you want to know if its performance truly meets your expectations.

The qualities that you would want to look for are durability, lifespan, sustainability, reputation, the characteristics of the material and so on. You want to ask, what puts that roofing material above the others?

Prefabrication is another factor to consider. Prefabrication generally means the material is fabricated at the manufactures so when applying on the job site, it would consist of more focus on installing the system than having to go through the full process of measuring, cutting and welding. The product would come pre-fitted for your roof which can take away from the labor costs to install and the roof can be installed much faster. This can help minimize disruptions to your business which can be an important issue in any commercial roof installation process.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is different from most other commercial flat roofing materials for a few reasons. A metal roof is an ideal choice with a roof slope that is greater than 2 inches. Metal roofs are mainly favored by facility managers because it is extremely durable, non-combustible and is able to reflect heat off your roof. The surface of the metal roof can be extremely hot when the sun beams down on it, however, a lot of that heat ends up being prevented from entering the building and saving on energy costs.  Metal roofs are immune to cracks that affect single-ply roofs. However, metal roofs can be vulnerable to leaks around the seams and roof edges. Metal roofs can be customized and formed around angles and protrusions. While they are typically manufactured in large standardized sheets, there are some customization options available to commercial roofing contractors as they prepare to install.

When talking about the installation process and disruptions, keep in mind that some flat roofing materials need more time, space and heavy equipment for their installation. Other materials, such as PVC and TPO, require less installation time and little equipment to install. Some job sites can also become very messy and if you do not require a tear-off with certain roofing systems, then the debris will not be in the way of your business operations.                 

TPO

TPO is a very popular roof type and compared to PVC it is also the best flat roofing material to install. TPO is one of the fastest-growing commercial roofing systems on the market. It is made up of a single layer of synthetic and reinforcing scrim that can be used to cover flat roofs. Not only is TPO roofing material inexpensive, but it also has a decent lifespan between 10 and 20 years. In addition, the white coating that appears on many TPO roofs has all the same energy-saving properties as PVC roofs. They even require less maintenance than EPDM roofs. 

When properly installed and maintained, your commercial single-ply membrane roof can last longer than 20 years. There are a lot of benefits when it comes to single-ply membrane roofing systems. For the fact that single-ply membrane roofing does not include the insulation factor, as a customer, you have more options to choose from to be able to insulate your facility’s roof. The most common TPO material is usually bright white with highly reflective properties. With the bright white roof installation, it is able to reflect UV rays and heat from the building, which end up saving you money during the summer months from decreased energy usage to cool the building interior. Single-Ply Membrane Roofing Systems have been the go-to roofing system for commercial, industrial, and manufacturing facilities for decades.

EPDM

When talking about EPDM rubber roofs compared to the other flat roofing materials, it is one of the most inexpensive roofing materials around. It’s extremely easy to install, therefore you are able to install it yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor. One of the biggest advantages that EPDM rubber roofing has is that it’s very lightweight, therefore, the roof deck doesn’t need any kind of reinforcement. The way that it is installed is by stripping everything right off the roof and applying an adhesive then roll out the roof. There are few seams, which would mean that leaks are fairly rare and an extremely good quality EPDM roof can last you for up to 20 years. This roofing material is fairly durable, it doesn’t scratch or scuff easily, and it can be easily repaired if a leak was to occur. Roofing contractors would use liquid roofing membranes, latex tape or adhesives, and a type of rubber shingle to install over the EPDM roofing in order to repair and patch the leaks. The material may be black and doesn’t absorb heat, it isn’t easy for it to be damaged by UV rays, which in turn helps it hold up well in sunny climates. 

PVC Roofing

PVC roofing is another commercial flat roof material on the market, some building owners usually prefer to use it. However, some roofing contractors usually don’t recommend it as a first option. PVC roofing is one of the most expensive roofing materials compared to other single-ply flat roof materials. However, for the extra expense, PVC roofing offers a good amount of benefits. One benefit would be that the reinforced membrane makes PVC roofs resistant to impact damage and cracking, which in any case would normally shorten the lifespan of single-ply roofs. With a PVC roof, commercial buildings, for instance, manufacturing facilities, wouldn’t face roofing problems that result from chemical exposure because PVC is extremely resistant to chemical damage. PVC roofing requires low maintenance and has a long lifespan, making a very popular material among commercial roofing contractors.  With a PVC roof, it will keep your business building temperature cooler, reducing energy demands. 

Modified Bitumen Roof 

When you compare modified bitumen roofs to other commercial flat roofing materials, modified bitumen stands out as the more low-budget option. Modified bitumen roofs mainly use asphalt membrane as the base to the roof. The surface is vulnerable to cracking and blistering, which greatly reduces their typical lifespan. While this lifespan is less than the more advanced options, the installation savings can still make modified bitumen roofs a serious consideration for some businesses. However, some roofing contractors go back and forth with this option. Modified bitumen roofs are a single-ply membrane system that is most often roll-applied to the surface of your roof. Modified bitumen is quite similar to asphalt roofs, but they have additional polymers in their materials that provide added protection from the elements and help to increase the lifespan of the product. When comparing how popular this roofing material is to the other flat roofing materials, modified bitumen is the least popular flat roofing system. However, it is still pretty common on older roofs. Modified bitumen roofs are installed by rolling out the roofing material after it has been heated with a blow torch. This heating process allows the material to mold itself to the roof surface. However, many roofing contractors try to avoid using this roofing material because installation requires a heated blow torch which ends up being a liability. As well as it requires a lot of maintenance, therefore becoming a hassle.

Commercial Roof Maintenance

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Many people might ask themselves why they should maintain or how they should maintain their commercial roof. Well, preventing any problems that would require an emergency roof repair or replacement would be the best way to take care of your commercial roof. Taking care of your roof before the winter comes means that it will be in the best condition for the rest of the year. When your roof gets the proper maintenance, it helps it fair better during storms and extreme weather, which means there would be less of a chance of getting any leaks or other elemental damage. When something serious goes wrong with a commercial roof, such as severe weather damage, unforeseen circumstances, or lack of routine maintenance and routine inspections, this can cause an entire section of a building to be shut down. This is terrible for any commercial operation! Especially one that has business going on constantly. Therefore, any business, especially one that has a large amount of square footage dedicated to a roofing system, should have their roof maintained properly. Maintaining every part of your commercial roof is a key duty of the facility manager. Regular roof maintenance is essential to ensure the total integrity of the building, however, knowing how to approach it is a big responsibility. 

Roof Warning Signs

A properly designed roof provides structural support, fire resistance and more. A minor issue like a tear in the outer layer or warped asphalt, sealant could pose a risk.  Therefore, when hiring an experienced professional roofer they should do a routine inspection. During a routine inspection, they could look for some of the following warning signs. 

Having bubbles or blisters on your commercial roof is a definite warning sign that should be taken care of as soon as it’s spotted. An improper roof application is typically a leading cause of roof blisters and bubbling. Bubbles appear on your roof when there is moisture that is trapped under the roofing materials, where the water evaporates, and the result is usually the formation of bubbles or blisters. 

Your roof shouldn’t be uneven, simply for the fact that a roof is built to bear its own weight. If you happen to notice any part of your roof sagging, then contacting a commercial roofing contractor is your best bet so that they can look at your roof and determine what actions should be taken. A sagging roof could be caused by many different issues, among them, being accumulated moisture, additional weight on the roof due to the installation of new roofing materials on top of old ones for a long time and other factors.

Excess standing water also known as ponding is very dangerous for your roof. Standing water is defined as water on a roof that hasn’t been drained or evaporated within the 48 hour period after rainfall, flooding or any other causes. If it hasn’t evaporated within that period, you can be expecting it to remain for an extended period of time. The accumulation of standing water on a roof over time can lead to dangerous defects which would include leaks that may eventually allow hazardous mold to grow on your roof surface. When the standing water has been on your roof for a while it can begin to cause sagging, thus creating a larger dip/pool to hold yet more standing water. Once you get standing water, it often creates a vicious cycle that ends with roof repairs or even full replacements to counter the damage caused.

Regular Routine Inspections

Many commercial roofing companies recommend that facility managers, or their local roofing contractors perform a routine inspection of a roof twice per year, usually once in the spring and again in the fall. This will allow you time to address any concerns before bad weather could cause an issue or make any issues worse. It could be tempting to do the roof work yourself and you might even be lured into thinking that any roofing contractor is qualified for the job. However, hiring the wrong commercial roofing company will lead to more expense and wasted time correcting any issues they have caused. When hiring just any roofing contractor, they could be using inadequate materials or they could get injured while servicing your property. This can cause invalid warranties and cause your insurance costs to skyrocket.

An experienced commercial roofing contractor would be able to find any signs of a leak or any other type of damage. They would be able to pinpoint any loose materials that need to be replaced, overhanging branches that would need to be trimmed, along with any dirt and debris that would need to be cleared off. Hiring a professional commercial roofer, they would be able to visually survey the total roof system and check all the flashings, fittings and other roof-related accessories. Any blockage to drains or downspouts should be checked in order to prevent adequate water drainage. A routine commercial roof inspection would look for gaps or tears in penetration and flashings, proper seals on all rooftop vents and equipment, and any other signs of damage.

A proper commercial roof inspection would cover counter flashing as well. The purpose of counter flashing is to prevent moisture from entering behind the vertical flange of the headwall or sidewall flashing. Usually, the material covering the exterior wall serves as the counter flashing and often a separate slip metal flashing would be installed under the counter. Counter flashing is important mainly when it comes to brick walls. When properly installed, counter flashing sections are inserted into the mortar joints. Afterwards the joints would be sealed with an appropriate sealant. Counter flashing is also inserted into a groove cut into the brick, and then it is sealed.

During your routine inspection, your local commercial roofing contractor would conduct an interior and exterior exam. When conducting the interior inspection of the roof, you would be looking for discolored or water-stained ceiling and walls, raised or deteriorated areas on the wall, discoloration or water staining around window frames. There could also be rust or other deterioration of the roof decking, joists or other structural components, as well as mold on any interior surfaces.

With the exterior of the building, on the other hand, there could be excessive standing water on the roof’s surface that would most likely be caused by structural failing, broken purlins, broken joists, loose/buckled flashing or damage to the roof membrane. There could also be materials stored on the rooftop that should be stored elsewhere. You would also have to look for nails or screws in the roof deck backing out of the roof membrane, debris on the roof or in the drains and gutters, missing domes on drains and defective, damaged or missing masonry joints.

Maintenance Program

The most trusted providers of commercial roofing or re-roofing services often offer a commercial roof maintenance program that has a comprehensive plan.  Proper maintenance can extend the roof’s life and reduce potential damage to the building’s interior, protecting one of a company’s biggest assets, their building. When setting up a commercial roof maintenance program, the recommendation is that once every two years you have a plumber check all the roof drain lines. For a comprehensive commercial roof maintenance program, you should create standardized documentation for each building that is being inspected to help maintain proper records. With that documentation, there should be a file for each roof, including the roof’s installation dates, records of repairs and updates, a map of any current leaks and every time roof maintenance is performed. 

Proactive Vs. Reactive Roofing Maintenance

In order to know if proactive or reactive roofing maintenance is something that you want to go with, you should know what exactly they are. Proactive is to take control of the situation by actively preventing something from happening rather than responding to it after it has happened (reactive). On your roof, being able to spot minor problems before it becomes a bigger issue with a larger price tag, taking an active role in the maintenance of your roof by performing routine inspections and keeping up with minor repairs.

Reactive maintenance always happens after the fact. This simply means that the maintenance work and repairs aren’t addressed until there is very obvious evidence that a problem is present, such as missing shingles or water leaking into the home. Unfortunately, with reactive maintenance, warning signs of potential problems are often missed. The result is that damage and repairs often end up being more extensive and costly than they otherwise would have been. Many owners take an “out of sight out of mind approach” with their roofs. However, taking a proactive maintenance approach over the reactive maintenance approach not only extends the life of your roof but provides significant cost benefits.

Facility managers who choose to react to problems as they occur would generally pay an average of 25 cents per square foot annually for maintenance. On the other hand, facility managers who get their roofs inspected and repaired routinely before problems happen will spend less than 25 cents annually. Proactively maintained roofs last an average of 20+ years compared to an average lifespan of 13 years for reactive maintenance. The longer you can extend your roof’s life before replacement, the greater your total savings will be and the chances of a roofing disaster occurring on your property will decrease.

Best Time for Roof Installation?

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Infinite Roofing and Construction

Typically, asphalt roof shingles should be installed between 50 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Even high quality asphalt shingles can crack when hammered, and when installing in the wrong temperature can cause breakage. This is one of the biggest problems when you install asphalt roof shingles when it’s under 50 degrees (no lower than 45 degrees).  With that said, winter is often a great time to get a good deal on a new roof but your local roofing contractor will need to wait until the temperature is in the right range before scheduling an installation date.

Routine roof maintenance and periodic replacement by your roofing contractor are important for maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Your roof defends your structure from the elements and keeps you and your family safe. Leaks and poor construction can cause severe damage, including improperly-channeled water runoff that erodes the foundation of your home, water ponding on the roof that can cause sagging and leaks, and even paint damage to the exterior walls of your home.

Rain falling on Albany Roof

Whether you require minor roof repairs and/or a complete roof replacement, the question is, which season is best to make the call to your local roof installation and repair contracting company?

The best time of the year to have your local roofing contractor install your new roof may not be what you think. Let’s try to determine the best season!

Winter

Snow, ice, and sleet in the winter months make it difficult to have roof work done—especially a complete roof replacement. In the frigid Northeast, (like here in Albany, NY) sealants will not adhere as effectively during winter, and roofing shingles will take much longer to set. For this reason, most roofing contractors will recommend that you wait until the temperature rises to have roof work done, unless it’s an emergency situation that you will not want to run into.

Ice on Clifton Park roof

Spring/Summer

Although there might be a fair amount of rain during the spring and summer months, overall the weather is typically better during these seasons. Your local roofing contractor will agree that weather is of course a huge consideration when it comes to roof work. Spring and early summer are typically the most cost-effective times to have your roof repaired or replaced, as it is generally a slower season for local roofing companies, and materials and labor costs tend to be lower. Most local roofing companies tend to pick up later into summer, so then you may have to wait a few weeks or a month to get a roofing contractor out to your home. Please be mindful that temperatures and humidity levels may soar in late summer, which could limit the amount of time workers can spend each day on the job and possibly add several days to the project.

Autumn

Most local roofing contractors will say Autumn is ideal to have roof work done. The weather is not severely hot or humid, and the heavy downpours of rain have not yet begun. Roofing contractors can work full days on your roof without the threat of heat exhaustion or freezing. This means they can get the job done much more quickly, limiting the inconvenience to you and your family. Another benefit of installing a roof in the fall is the impact on the roofing materials. I particular, shingle roofs need time to seal and create an airtight barrier. Frigid temperatures in the winter months or heat and humidity in the summer make this process more difficult. Autumn can be thought of as the “Goldilocks” season: Not too hot, not too cold, it is just right. Having roof work done in the fall also eliminates any additional stress. You would not have to worry about whether your roof will make it through another winter season without major issues.

Is Replacement needed?

Your local roofing contractors will agree that a very common error homeowners make is putting off their roof replacement even when it’s long overdue and there are already signs of problems. As mentioned earlier, a major leak or storm could cause severe damage to other parts of your home and creating a big financial mess. Roof replacement is a notable expense, but also a significant investment in your home. Roof Replacement helps preventing secondary damage, it adds to your property value, and provides you with peace of mind. Replacing your roof before an emergency arises allows you the time to research your local roofing companies and make an informed decision. Please do not wait until it’s an emergency to have your roof repaired or replaced! Planning ahead is always the best choice.

Finding Roof Leaks

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Infinite Roofing and Construction

Leaking roofs can become a challenge for many homeowners. It happens in the most inconvenient times and they can lead to significant damage to the interior of your home. The effects of leakage can linger long after the repair has been made in the form of mold growth on the interior surfaces of your home. Sometimes trying to figure out the source of the roof leak can be much more challenging. Mainly for the reason that the source of the leak on the outside of the home rarely matches the leak that appears on the inside of the home. Therefore, leading to frustration for the homeowner who is attempting to repair it. Locating the source of a roof leak is definitely not an exact science. It’s more of a process of elimination since a roof leak can happen for many different reasons and there is not always a direct result of one specific problem associated with your roof.  

Identifying Roofing System Leaks

When there are signs of water damage or dripping water coming from the ceiling that is directly below an attic space or directly below the roof surface itself, the true cause is most likely a hole or some type of damage in the shingles or other roofing material that makes up the roofing system. When there is active water dripping, it might come out brown or dirty when it’s coming from your roof. This is happening because the water that is making its way into your home is picking up dirt and impurities on the way. During the winter season, if your ceiling is leaking or seems damaged it could be the presence of ice buildup along the eaves of your house. This means that more than likely, you have ice dams that are causing the water to back up under the shingles and down onto the ceiling. Ice dams mainly appear on the edges of the roof so the leaking would often be near the edge of the room or even on the surface of the walls, since the water may be dripping directly down into the walls.

 Causes of Roof Leaks

As stated before, leaking roofs can happen out of nowhere and they can become extremely frustrating. They can happen on a newly installed roof or an aged one. Roofing materials such as shingles get old and worn. The change in temperatures can cause an aging roofing system to turn brittle and eventually crack. During the summer weather, the harsh rays from direct sunlight can melt the tar that holds the composition of the shingles together within a number of years.

Brick chimneys may seem indestructible, however, what binds the bricks together is a working mixture of water, sand, and cement. When exposed to natural weathering it can gradually be destroyed and crumble over time. Therefore, you should check the mud cap on top of the chimney for any deterioration. If you have a chimney, flashing is one of the most common issues on a roof. Flashing is thin strips of metal that are installed at a danger point for leaks around a roof. Chimneys are bent at a 90-degree angle in order to attach to both the roofing material and the brick of a chimney. When it comes to flashing it needs to be properly sealed to protect against water intrusion. It also needs to remain nailed in place because the metal can rust and crack.  

Clogged gutters are another cause of leaking roofs. The reason being that gutters are meant to prevent any water from building up in your roof by leading the water into the downspout and out away from your home. Therefore, when your gutters are clogged it becomes a problem. Especially if it’s left untreated for a long time. When the gutter is left filled with water it starts to cause the gutter and metal sides of the roof to rust, making it weaker as each day passes and making the gutter more prone to tearing a hole in the entire roof. The wooden part of your roof starts to develop mold, fungus or eventually it would start to rot because the roof was left soaking in water. When that happens in a matter of time the underlying material and ceiling end up affected and bringing leakage. Water more than likely would seep into the insides of your home. 

Attic condensation can cause roof leaks as well, especially during the winter. Attic condensation is uncommon, however, some people may mistake ice dams for attic condensation during the winter. Homeowners might call their local roofing company and have the ice dams removed and yet still have continuous leakage. In that case, the issue would most likely be attic condensation. The problem would stem from water vapor from inside your home, making its way into your attic. When that warm vapor cools, the moisture starts to combine into big, damaging droplets all over the wooden surfaces in your attic. When that happens it eventually causes enough condensation that causes visible leaks and other problems.  

Finding Roof Leaks

Leaking roofs are caused by numerous things and trying to find where the leaks are coming from can be an easy situation, but it can also be one of the most difficult things to find.  Going up to the roof is one of the first things to do in order to track down the cause of the issue. When looking, be sure to look for any roof penetration. The reason is that items that penetrate the roof are the most common cause of leaks. It’s pretty rare to have any leaks from uninterrupted shingles, even with older roofs. Penetrations can occur from roof vents, chimneys, or anything else that projects through the roof. If you have an attic, the easiest way to find a leak is to go up with a flashlight and look for the evidence. There definitely would be water stains, black marks, or mold. However, if there is an issue with getting into the attic your best bet is to go up the roof and examine the issue. Sometimes there are leaks that are difficult to find, however, you can find it by first having someone help with a garden hose on the roof. Start by soaking the area above where the leak appears in the house. However, if the water doesn’t seem to reveal with that method, start removing shingles in the suspected area. Doing that would provide evidence of the leak and therefore you would be able to track it right to the source. You would be able to see some discolored felt paper or water stain or even rotted wood directly below and around a leaky roof. 

If you have an attic and you’re looking for leaks you can use a flashlight and point it toward the underside of the roof. The light would reflect when hitting the water, making it much easier for you to see any water. The flashlight would also help you see any punctures or holes in the roof.  

Finding Flat Roof Leaks

Compared to all other leaking roofs, finding the source of a leak on a flat roof can be quite challenging. Water travels in a downward motion which helps provide some clues to where you can locate a sloped roof leak, however, with flat roofing the water can travel in any direction. In order to determine exactly where the leak is located, getting up on the roof to examine it in dry weather is your best bet. You can inspect the flat roofing surface for any signs of a leak such as a low spot surrounded by a dirt-stained ring which is from a pooling of water.  This is what is known as a dry puddle. These are very very common on flat roofs. Once you find a dry puddle you will often be able to find the leak, right there in the center. 

Another common cause of flat leaking roofs is flashing which is the same for any other roof. Flashing is thin pieces of sheet metal, or sometimes a different material, that is used on steep angular joins on raised or protruding areas of the roof, like chimneys. It is used to help seal, waterproof and prevent any water from entering the premises. Flashing can peel and crack as well as get holes. Therefore, that is something that should be checked in order to avoid any leakage. What can also happen is when we have periods of intense heat over the years, the top material can start to bubble up and develop a crack making it another potential source of a leak. In order to make sure the area that you suspect is the source of the leak, just like other leak tests, take a hose up to the roof and spray the area before returning inside to see if the water drips inside near the spot, or you can have a friend help you with this. If this is something that you feel that you wouldn’t want to do yourself, local flat roofing contractors are your best bet. Many commercial roof repair companies have well trained flat roofing specialists that know exactly how to get the job done very efficiently. Therefore, hiring local flat roofing contractors would be a lot more convenient than you and your friend doing it yourselves.

Roof Leak Repair

Some people would rather repair their own roofs when they have leakage. However, the safest way is to contact local roof repair companies. Roof repair companies have a specialist that would repair any damages. As well as for the fact that they are trained in roofing they would know the cause and be able to give you the right information and prevent any future leaks. However, if a roof repair company is not something you would want to go with, fixing it yourself would be the way to go. Roof leak repair is not an easy job, it requires some steps. That is why we recommend when it comes to a roof leak repair to go with a roofing company. 

Remember that there could be more than one source of the leak which could be leading water into one low spot underneath the roofing material. Any other issues of repair that happens to be identified during your examination, whether it’s not resulting in a leak yet should be repaired sooner than later. Just so that any future problems can be avoided and become less of a hassle for you as a homeowner.  

Roofing Safety: Roof Safety Tips

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Roofing Safety Tips
Infinite Roofing and Construction

Based on OSHA’s fall prevention campaign, they summarize the proper roofing safety practices as “Plan, Provide and Train”, which is something that Infinite Roofing provides to all our work crews. This simply means:

  • Plan – In order to get the job done properly, roofing contractors need a roof safety plan for each worksite, making sure that they have the proper equipment, material and having the appropriately trained workers. Also, the contractors knowing the pitch of the roof and following the appropriate procedure for a low or steep slope roof. Doing this provides a better and thorough roofing safety plan. 
  • Provide – Roofing Contractors must be trained to have the right pieces of equipment, such as the types of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear. 
  • Train – Roofers must be trained on how to use each equipment that is used for the job. They must be trained in hazard recognition as well as the care and safety of ladders, scaffolds and other equipment that they will be using on the job. 

Fall Protection Requirements 

Falls are very common when it comes to roofing, they are a leading cause of work-related injuries and deaths to the workers. When a roofer is working six feet or above, this puts each roofer at risk of serious injury or even death if they were to fall. When it comes to Infinite Roofing we focus on those dangers and make sure that we avoid the lack of fall protection or the improper setup that will increase their risk of falling from a height.

Fall Protection Training 

Commercial roofing contractors must provide fall protection training for all workers who would be exposed to the chances of falling. The training must be conducted by a person who is competent and has good knowledge within the roofing industry. The information that would be provided should include information on how to recognize fall hazards and the procedures to follow in order to minimize the chances of serious incidents occurring. As a professional roofing contractor, Infinite Roofing always ensures that all our workers follow all steps to ensure they stay safe.

Roofing Safety Practice and Equipment

The best commercial roofing company to hire is one that focuses on safety and is aware of the following:

  • Ladder Safety & Placement:  An experienced Albany roofer will have the proper ladder lengths so that it could be placed against the house at a safe angle. They would also make sure that the ladders are inspected by a competent person for any visible defects on a regular basis. They would take extra care that all footing of the ladder is secured and that the top is tied to prevent any slipping or shifting. 
  • Safety Equipment: Other safety equipment should be used when it comes to roofing, such as using a guardrail system, scaffolding, and fall arrest systems that would include anchorage, safety harnesses and safety lines. 
  • Safety Practices: In the demolition phase, roofing contractors should always protect their workers on the ground from falling debris by controlling how it leaves the roof. According to OSHA, wearing appropriate footwear is a piece of important protective equipment and critical during roof demolition. Workers should also be careful with air hoses and power cords when using nail guns and other electrical equipment. 
  • Training: Roofing is a trained skill that also requires experience to fully master. Therefore, a good contractor will make sure that all their workers have been fully trained in each practice and are completely up to date with any new safety guidelines and standards. The employers must appoint a qualified person to train workers. They need to be provided with ongoing safety training that focuses on that specific type of worksite as well as general roofing safety training. Employers must also appoint a competent person to train workers who construct, disassemble, repair, inspect scaffolds to recognize any potential hazards. Training should also be provided in a language that the workers being trained can understand.

Roofer Tool Safety

When roofing it all comes down to the tools that you are using, therefore, power tools and equipment that is used can be extremely hazardous and can cause severe injuries if used incorrectly. Furthermore, employers can reduce the risk of injuries by simply providing the correct tool guards and trained workers. Which makes a huge improvement in the roofing safety plan.  

Power tools such as nail guns, saws, etc. should have the proper shields, guards, or safety attachments that are specified by the manufacturer. Employers must also ensure that each worker using power tools is wearing appropriate eye protection. Therefore, every local roofing contractor should replace a tool guard that is missing or has been damaged in order to provide safety for their workers. 

All workers must be able to properly use each tool and that they are properly trained. It is very important to discuss tool safety features, safe operating procedures, and work practices, such as proper body placement. Roofers in Albany must ensure all procedures are carefully followed when it comes down to each tool that is used.

Personal Protective Equipment

With any construction job, every local roofing contractor has a duty to protect its workers from hazards and injuries. However, where the hazard cannot be eliminated by other types of controls such as engineering or administrative controls, the local roofing contractor must ensure that workers wear the appropriate PPE.  

The typical PPE used with various roofing tools and equipment is nail guns, generator/air compressor, shingle stripper, tin snips, power saw, etc.

  • Nail Guns: When using a nail gun, workers must wear protection (particularly eye protection), in order to prevent the nail gun from causing severe, irreparable injury. Also, always avoid carrying it against the body or with a finger on the trigger.
  • Generator/air compressor: It’s important to wear eye protection and other protection while working near any pressurized equipment.
  • Shingle Stripper: Always make sure you’re wearing the proper footwear and eye protection.
  • Tin snips: It’s extremely important to wear work gloves and safety glasses when discarding waste or any scrap metal.
  • Power saw: Making sure you’re wearing hearing protection, eye protection, and work gloves. Ensuring that guards are placed and functioning properly.

Weather Conditions

During the fall and winter time weather conditions can become very hazardous. Especially when it comes to the high winds, wet weather, and icy conditions. Roofing safety plans become importance at that point. Therefore local roofing contractors should consider suspending any operations in bad weather. Mainly when working on any type of roofing surface that could be slippery when it’s wet, which includes slate, tile, metal roofs. Furthermore, as local roofing contractors, we always do our utmost to promote safety and avoid working in serious weather conditions.

Why is a Fall protection Harness Important?

In order to prevent any falls, using a fall protection harness is the way to go. As mentioned before, falling while working on any roof is one of the most common reasons for roofer injuries. Therefore, when a harness is being used it is carefully engineered to work alongside the lanyard, rope-grab, rope, and roof anchor. Roofers in Albany, such as Infinite Roofing, always make sure that all our workers wear the right equipment, especially harnesses to prevent any serious injuries. 

Safe Debris Disposal

All local roofing contractors must consider worker and bystander safety when it comes to selecting a method for handling debris, which is scattered pieces of remains or waste. A common cause of debris from a roof is the removal of old roof shingles before working on a new roof installation. When debris is not managed properly it can result in a trip hazard and contribute to falls. An effective method that professional roofing contractors can use to manage the remains or waste that is on the roof is to use a forklift to raise a collection box to roof level. Therefore, when the box is full, or when the job is completely done, the box would be lowered to the ground without any of the contractors being put at risk. Another common method is to thoroughly cordon off the area where the work is taking place to ensure that nobody wanders into a dangerous area by mistake.

To sum it up

Knowing all safety guidelines and procedures can be very involved and it is very important that local roofing contractors know all safety requirements before they hit that roof. Being properly trained, forming a roof safety plan and knowing what makes each worker safe will make a hazardous job so much safer!

Tips: End Of Summer Roof Maintenance!

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Infinite Roofing and Construction

As summer slowly comes to an end and the blazing hot sun is in full gear. Many homeowners are engaging in as many outdoor activities as they can. Like going to the beach, relaxing on their back patio, or grabbing some propane to spark the grill. Hardly anyone is thinking about climbing up a ladder to check in on their roof. During the winter months, the roof has protected you from cold and wet temperatures and now it’s time to for a little roof pampering.  

A majority of homeowners believe Fall is the best time to call their local Roofing Contractor to take care of the roof, but roof maintenance is a year-round activity. Summertime is the best time to start as any. Summer brings a bit of challenging weather conditions, including high temperatures, humidity, torrential rain, thunderstorms, and heavy winds. 

Taking time to perform a quick evaluation assures your roof can withstand summer heat and storms, is in good operating condition, and maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Just like any other part of the house, the roof requires regular maintenance to keep it functional. Though in theory, you can inspect your shingles from the ground with a pair of binoculars, maintenance should be up close and personal. Please do not hesitate to contact your local roofing contractor. Should you require a local roofing company, Infinite Roofing is here to help! 

Should you decide to tackle this by yourself, please be sure you are following the safety tips listed: 

  1. Always use proper safety equipment such as a sturdy ladder, a hard hat, eye and face protection, and a harness.
  2. It would not hurt to bring another person along as a precaution.
  3. Be sure you are aware of where you are stepping to avoid an unwanted accident and/or roof damage.

To get you started, here are few roof maintenance tips to help this summer:


1. Gutters and downspouts cleaning.  Water always finds its way, so clearing any debris that could potentially clog gutters and downspouts is essential to roof maintenance. Preventing water from flowing to places where it shouldn’t prevent damage to substructures beneath the shingles and under the foundation

2. Trim away overhanging branches. Tree branches that hang over the roof offer a highway to heaven–or a warm, dry home– for small birds, squirrels, and other rodents you may not want living in your home. Tree limbs and branches are a common cause of roof damage but can be easily prevented by trimming away any large tree branches that could snap due to the wind, heavy ice or snow or even disease and decay. During the warmer months, you will notice more debris on the roof from leaves and dust from small branches and pine needles. Prompt bris removal is critical for a long-lasting roofing system.

3. Moss Removal. While trees may provide shade when you want to relax out front on a hot summer day, shade also means added moisture. A roof that does not get much sunlight in the rainy months is also at risk of moss growth. Be sure your local roofing contractor monitors your shingles for signs of moss, mold, or mildew growth and remove it immediately if spotted. Some moss killers may cause discoloration and/or damage roofing materials. Roofing contractors will guarantee the use of safe chemical moss killers.

4. Replacing damaged and/or missing shingles. Most roofing contractors agree that a roof can last between 15-20 years. It also depends on if the old roof was removed and there is only one layer of shingles, and if it’s ventilated properly. Keep in mind, if a roofing contractor has installed a roof over an existing layer or several layers, and it is older than 15 years, chances are you’ll most likely need a new roof. Shingles that are buckling or curled are another sign that you may need a new roof.


5. Repair broken flashing and damaged seals. Sealing and flashing are essential components in your home’s battle against moisture. If there is any penetration through the roof, there is the probability that the flashing and seal directing water away from the hole will fail. Check roof penetrations and repair leaks immediately to prevent further damage. Your local roofing contractor can help you determine the state of your flashing and sealing and can advise you as to whether or not repair or replacement is needed.


6. Blocking animals from entering the home. Four-legged pests such as rats, raccoons, and squirrels will gladly accept an invitation to move into your attic, ruin insulation with urine and feces and/or chew through electrical cords and cables. Use an industrial cloth or any other means to block access through roof vents and other openings.

To Sum It Up!

End of maintenance can be a bit intimidating, especially for new homeowners so if you’re unsure of what to do or just don’t have the time to inspect your roof yourself, make arrangements for your local roofing contractor. They can help you spot problems before they develop into costly repairs!

Metal Roofing Vs Shingles

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Metal Roofing Vs Shingles
Metal Roofing Vs Shingles

Where you live is more than just a basic shelter. The roof can be what makes the difference between a house and a safe, secure home. A roofing system should fit the structural design, protect you from the elements, and insulate you from the cold of winter and the summer’s heat. We will discuss the difference between metal roofing systems and asphalt shingles, so you can pick which one would be a better choice for your home.

Varieties

Metal roofing systems come in a variety of styles, largely dependent on the metal used and coatings applied. Aluminum is a metal that needs no coating. Steel, on the other hand, requires specialized treatment to prevent rusting. Other options for your property are zinc, stainless steel, titanium and copper roofing.

Asphalt shingles come in two varieties, the traditional organic ones and the newer fiberglass shingles. The difference is in their layered make-up. There is a 3 core fiberglass covered with an asphalt layer in the fiberglass shingles and the organic shingles have a heavy felt layer under the asphalt.

Roofing Materials - Choose the right look for your property

Appearance

The layered look of asphalt shingles is by far the more popular of the two types. The vast majority of homes in the United States has asphalt shingle roofing, largely because asphalt is the material most builders trust and what homeowners are accustomed to seeing on houses. Asphalt shingles can vary in colors to match the paint or brick of a home, and the variety of their colors is more than with metal roofing. The three-tab shingles give a flat appearance while the more expensive architectural shingles appear more three dimensional.

Metal roofs are rarely seen in urban and suburban areas. The sleek, metallic appearance seems more suited for an agricultural setting. Metal roofing systems are available in a variety of colors and styles to match the rest of the home. The metal can be in panels, tiles, or shingles, but the appearance of a metal roof still can be jarring in a neighborhood full of asphalt shingle roofs.

Installation

Metal roofing installations are much harder than installing a shingle roof, but due to the weight of shingles, especially the traditional ones, the previous shingle materials may need to be removed first. Also, warranty and insurance requirements may demand the removal of previous asphalt shingles. A roofing square of three-tab shingles, which is 100 square feet, can weigh 200 pounds, and a square of architectural shingles can weigh up to 500 pounds. Because the installation is easier, even with removing a previous roof, installing asphalt shingles can take as little as a day or two of labor, depending on the size of the house.

Metal roofing, on the other hand, is much lighter and can be installed directly over the previous roof. The weight varies by the material used. Aluminum weighs only about 50 pounds per square while steel weighs 100 to 250 pounds. One reason why roofing with metal takes longer is the extra step of laying plywood 4 or oriented strand board (OSB) under the metal. This additional step eliminates the added noise of metal. With proper installation, rain or even hail should sound no different inside a home with a metal roof than it does inside a home with an asphalt shingle roof.

Both of these jobs are best left to professional Albany roofing contractors. Working on a roof can be dangerous, and installing roofing materials is a very precise and demanding job. Areas around vents must be properly sealed, and flashing must be carefully put into place. Also, some warranties may be voided if the materials are not installed by a professional Albany area roofing contractor.

Costs

A metal roofing will cost approximately $265 to $600 per roofing square or $2 to $6 per square foot for steel or aluminum shingles, $120 to $150 for corrugated steel panels, and $700 to $900 for copper or zinc. After adding installation, a steel or aluminum roof will cost about $500 to $1,000 per square. For a home with a 1,500-square-foot roof, this comes to about $7,500 to $15,000. For a home with a 2,500-square-foot roof, this comes to $12,500 to $25,000. This is, on average, about three times the cost of asphalt shingles and is another reason many homeowners opt for an asphalt shingle roof instead.

Energy Efficiency

Asphalt shingle roofing is much less expensive at about $60 to $90 per roofing square for three-tab asphalt shingles or $100 to $120 per square for architectural shingles. Felt is installed under the shingles at $40 per roll of synthetic underlayment, at $85 per 400 square feet. Installation costs about $80 to $200 per square, and removal of a previous roof shingles adds about $80 to $150 per square. If architectural shingles are used, the labor rises to $200 to $400 per square. A highly pitched or steep roof will add even more to the installation cost. For a property with a 1,500-square-foot roof, the cost of a three-tab shingle roof comes to about $2,100 to $4,800 without the removal of the previous shingles, an additional $1,200 to $2,250. For properties with a 2,500-square-foot roof, the cost comes to between $3,500 and $8,000 without the removal of the previous shingles, an additional $2,000 to $3,750. These prices make asphalt shingle roofing an almost certain choice for first-time home buyers and contract builders. Newer fiberglass varieties can be even less expensive.


A metal roof will lower your energy bills by about 40 percent in the summer. The reflective surface lessens the transfer of heat into the home. On the other hand, asphalt shingles absorb the sun’s heat, transferring it through the roof to the home, making the home’s cooling system work harder. This is why asphalt shingles are recommended more strongly for temperate climates.

In winter, asphalt shingles perform better, using the heat absorbed from the winter sunlight to make the home much warmer. However, metal roofs also perform well in winter. The year-round energy usage will still be lower with metal than with asphalt.

Even so, some asphalt shingle styles are designated as cool roofs and join some metal roofs in carrying an Energy Star rating for higher energy efficiency. These roofing materials are certified to reflect more of the sun’s energy, lowering the roof’s temperature by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though other factors can affect the amount of savings offered, they can decrease demand on the home’s cooling systems at peak times by 10 to 15 percent.

To offset the cost of installing a new roof, you can look for Energy Star certified asphalt shingles or metal roofs. When using these energy-efficient materials, 10 percent of the materials cost, up to $500, can be received as an energy credit.

Durability

The higher cost of metal roofing is also offset by its long-life expectancy. A metal roof can last for 60 years or more with little maintenance. Most roofing manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty on metal roofs. However, an asphalt roof will need to be replaced two or three times during that same 60-year period. Warranties for asphalt shingle roofs vary from 20 to 25 years.

Asphalt shingles are susceptible to hail and high wind damage, although fiberglass shingles are more durable than organic ones. Also, if asphalt shingles do not get adequate sunlight, they can accumulate mold, algae, or mildew. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are superior performers in high winds and bad weather, and they are impervious to molds, mildews, and bugs.

Metal roofs perform so well under harsh conditions that homeowners in over 25 states are eligible for insurance discounts when they install impact- and fire-resistant metal roofs.

If the metal roof is a low-quality steel without an adequate rust-resistant coating, then use near salt water is not advised. More expensive, rust-resistant metal alloys and coatings should be used instead.

Fire Resistance

Some manufacturers’ asphalt shingle lines are rated Class A for fire safety, especially the fiberglass varieties. Also, all metal roofs are fire resistant, steel and copper more so than aluminum. This makes metal roofing a good choice in areas prone to wildfires.

Recyclability

Metal roofing systems win the day regarding recycling issues. Some are made with recycled materials, and all are completely recyclable. About 1 million tons of asphalt shingles are disposed of each year, and they can be recycled into a variety of products. The cost to recycle them is generally less than to place them in landfills. However, available recyclers for asphalt shingles are few, but the development of more recycling availability is underway.

Maintenance

Repairs are more difficult with metal roofing since most of the metal used is made in sheets and must be replaced that way. When damage occurs to a roof, asphalt is easier and less expensive to repair or replace. Metal roofs require little maintenance and need to be repaired far less frequently.

Resale Value

Because a metal roof is strong, durable, and energy efficient, it should increase a home’s resale value. By some estimations, the resale value will increase by 1 to 6 percent over a house with asphalt shingles. The buyer must appreciate the look of a metal roof, however. Any new roof will help sell a home since buyers want to feel secure about the condition of the roof over their heads.

Infinite Roofing and Construction are the Albany roofing contractors of choice, whether you are going for a metal roofing installation or an asphalt shingle roofing installation. We are experienced in both residential and commercial roofing installations of any type and can best advise you on the best materials for your property. Call us today for a free consultation on 518-444-ROOF (7663).

Installing a Skylight

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What’s better than a vertical window? A window on the roof that lets in significantly more light, making even a small room feel much larger and airier. A skylight can make a huge difference to a room.

Be sure to take in the sun’s path into consideration when planning to install a skylight. Skylights facing north or east may not get any direct sunlight, while skylights on the south- or west-facing portion of the roof will collect direct sunlight.

The skylights that take in and receive direct sunlight are bound to become a heat trap on hot days. So, be sure to plan ways to control heat gain if installing a skylight in the south or west is your choice. Some manufacturers sell Venetian blinds or remote controlled shades for their skylights. Either of these could be an effective way to minimize the problem. Another solution is to choose a ventilating skylight that can be opened to allow hot air to escape.

One extremely important aspect to consider when installing a skylight is that if you are installing a skylight in a room that has an attic above, you’ll need to build a light shaft. Building a shaft is the hardest part of installing a skylight. A professional roofing contractor would best be able to handle the different aspects of building a shaft with the right precision.

The shape of a light shaft controls the spread of the natural light beam. A perpendicular shaft with vertical sides focuses the light straight below and a shaft that’s flared on all four sides spreads light over the widest area. A shaft flared on only one or two sides sends more light in the direction of the flared sides.

Building permits are required for a skylight to be installed, so before installing a skylight be sure to research the local codes and factors that may affect the skylight.

To capture a view from a roof window in an attic requires a lot of planning, from sizing to where it is being placed on the roof.

The roof’s slope will also affect proper placement. For the same amount of view, a  low-sloping roof will require a taller window than a steeper roof. Manufacturers of roof windows have charts that list recommendations based on the slope of the roof.

Installation Supplies

Here’s what you need to install a skylight:

You will need drywall and finishing supplies for the ceiling,  2-by-4s for the frame, roofing paper, 16d galvanized nails, roofing nails and of course the skylight itself.

Your toolkit should include a hammer, tin snips, utility knife, flat pry bar, and a circular saw.

Step-by-Step Skylight Installation

This is not an easy project and requires a lot of tedious steps which need to be followed and done correctly or the roof will leak around the skylight. Installing a skylight involves cutting the roof and installing new structural framing members as well as installing drywall and finishing the ceiling beneath the skylight.  The metal flashing and roofing paper must be installed correctly or that would likely be the main cause of your roof leaking. If you think that you have good carpentry skills, and can follow the manufacturer’s directions correctly to install, it can be done as a DIY project; otherwise, hiring a professional roofing contractor.

The instructions presented here will give you an idea of the work involved. Some skylights use different installation methods and different types of flashing.

1. Cut & frame the opening.

Cut the hole in your roof following the manufacturer’s specifications. First, drill a hole from the inside where you want the center of the skylight to be as a locator and then work on the roof to cut the opening with a circular saw. Reference back to the building codes and be sure that you frame the opening so it is structurally sound. Be sure to properly support the ends of roof rafters before cutting and removing them!

You’ll also need to cut a hole in the ceiling of the room below and frame a light shaft if the skylight is being mounted above an attic. Yes, this does sound like a complicated step and one that would require a great deal of precision to be done in the way that you need it to be done. If you’re not familiar with basic carpentry practices or you are installing a large skylight that will require the removal of more than one roof rafter, consult a professional roofing company to do the install the right way without any problems.

2. Cut back the roofing & attach the skylight.

Cut the roof shingles about  3 inches back from the opening on all four sides using a utility knife and a straightedge. Set the skylight in place, and attach it to the roof with nails or screws.

3. Slip in the underlayment.

Slip the roofing paper under the shingles and have it cut about 8 inches wide. Install the bottom piece, then the sides, and then the top. Developing an overlap between the pieces that are down-roof with the pieces that are up-roof is the idea, so water will shed properly. Use a flat pry bar to lift up the nails so you can try and get inside the shingles to sneak in the paper, this should be done very carefully so any shingles don’t get damaged in the process.

4. Install bottom & step flashing.

Install the bottom flashing, a single piece that wraps partway around the skylight and sits on top of the roof shingles. Drive roofing or flashing nails horizontally into the skylight, not vertically into the roof.

Take the individual pieces of step flashing and slip them under the shingles Start from the bottom and work up from each side. There should be a 4-inch overlap between the step flashing pieces. Make sure to attach the flashing piece to the skylight and not the roof.

5. Install the solid flashing pieces.

To ensure that the water can’t enter between the step flashing and the skylight, the pieces are designed to fit perfectly onto the skylight. Start from attaching the bottom piece first and then move onto the side pieces, and finally the top piece by slipping it under the roofing and attaching it to the skylight.

Solar Powered Skylight

The Solar Powered skylight features a solar panel that captures any available daylight and uses it to recharge a highly efficient, fully concealed battery powered operator and control system. The battery powered operator is the power source that opens and closes the skylight. A rain sensor is built in to close the unit in the event that inclement weather arises, with the addition of solar powered skylights to your house you will not only bring the extra light into your house but also save money in the long run with your electricity bills.

Skylight Solar Blinds

Installing skylight light solar powered blinds help cut down the expenditures as well, these skylight solar blinds prove to be a green alternative and cut down the hassles associated with replacement and disposal of normal batteries. A few of the other features of these solar powered blinds and shades are:

They are usually plug-and-play systems, which means there is hardly any construction cost that you have to otherwise bear in case of hard-wiring.

There is also no need to track walls to find electric mains, which translates into ease of fitting.

You are able to cut down on operational expenditure that is associated with the replacement of batteries.

Installing a skylight is a fancy addition to any roof and the room that it will be coordinated with. Making sure that the installation is done right the first time around is very important to save yourself any troubles in the future. Roofing companies provide the warranties with their installation and they have skilled roofing contractors that have worked with skylights before and know the installation in and out. Roofing companies will also inspect your entire roof in the midst of installing a skylight. That can help if there are any underlying problems that weren’t evident previously.

Roof Replacement: Professional vs DIY

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Professional roof shingle installation | Infinite Roofing & Construction

When it’s time to replace your roof, you may be looking to do it yourself and save money, but roofing can be a dangerous task. The height, lack of safety knowledge, lack of specialist equipment and the fact that a roof can become unstable during replacement are just a few major reasons why replacing the roof yourself can be dangerous. However, roofs get damaged over time, you may see a leak in your roof, it could be damaged in a storm or it is just plain getting old. Then your roof will need to be replaced or repaired. The question is how do you know if you should be hiring a professional roofing company or doing it yourself?

Hiring a Professional

If you want to know that your roof will be replaced or repaired correctly, then hiring a professional would give you that peace of mind. Professional roofing companies have access to all the right materials and tools for the job. Plus, they have years of experience to do the job correctly. Professionals are also able to inspect the property and advise you if there is anything else wrong with the roof that would need to be repaired. Let’s say a few shingles knocked loose in a storm, and you hired a roofing company to replace the shingles that knocked loose. Any other damage done to your roof by the storm may have not been visible to your untrained eyes, but a professional roofing contractor would be able to tell after an inspection. This does not mean that your roofing contractor will spring surprise costs on you. A good roofing contractor will offer a thorough quote or estimate before beginning any work, so you know exactly how much the services cost and why these repairs are being done.

A great bonus to having a professional roofing company is that their replacements are usually covered by warranties. These warranties can offer you peace of mind in case anything goes wrong within the time span outlined in the warranty agreement, and will potentially save you money if something does go wrong. Most warranties are only valid if installed by a professional.

Putting yourself in danger is one of the last things that a homeowner wants, getting on the roof yourself can be very dangerous, by hiring a professional company to replace or fix your roof will save yourself the trouble of putting yourself in danger.

Doing it Yourself

Replacing or fixing your roof yourself comes with some caveats. Firstly, as mentioned previously, it can be a very dangerous task for someone who is untrained to replace a roof. Roofers are up and walking around on roofs every day and are trained to do so safely. They know how to navigate around any dangerous situations and they know how to keep themselves out of danger. Besides being up high on your roof, there are other construction-related safety issues to be concerned about. Another downside to replacing your roof yourself is that you probably do not have the experience or know how to get the job done correctly. Your roof is such an important part of the infrastructure of your house and you want to make sure that a repair or replacement is stable and durable. If a small leak is not fixed the right way, it could escalate into a much bigger problem.

Small repairs might be the only situation that might work out in your favor when doing it yourself. For example, it may be easier and more cost-effective than hiring a professional if you only have a shingle or two to replace, or if you have a small leak that just requires sealant.

Summary

When debating whether to hire a professional to fix/replace your roof or whether to just do it yourself, there are many factors to take into consideration. Overall, you want to make sure that your repair or replacement is done right so that your roof can last, and not cause any problems in the future. The professionals at Infinite Roofing have the experience and expertise you need to get your roof replacement done right.