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Is your roof leaking? Could the ridge vent be the problem?

June 21, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Do you have a roof leak and can’t figure out what the problem may be? Don’t assume that a faulty roof or the shingles may be the problem and that you may need a full roof replacement. Faulty ridge vents can contribute to the problem and can lead to moisture issues. Fixing a leak quickly is important because if not fixed it can cause more problems down the line.

What are ridge vents?

You may wonder what exactly is a ridge vent and where does it fall in the equation of a roof leaking?

Ridge vents are critical to the attics health, they are a part of the attics ventilation system and helps circulate the air. They also usher moisture (in winter and summer) and hot air (during the summer) that would otherwise lead to damage. It is a metal capping that allows hot air to escape from the attic, the ventilation allows the attic to stay dry, free from any moisture and also prevents it from damaging your insulation. When getting a roof installation a ridge vent will be the last thing that will be placed on the structure and for that reason, a ridge vent leak can occur. Many time the fasteners that are used for the ridge vent aren’t secured properly

Inspect the Attic

Go up to the attic during daylight. Keep the lights off and look up at the roof to see if there is any light coming through. Diffused light is normal, but a beam of light may be the cause of a leak. Then, use a flashlight to examine the ridge vent. Look for moisture or water stains. Water stains may be from an old leak.

Another good time to inspect the attic is when it is raining. Be sure to notice where the water is coming from, because it may be channeled from another area on the roof before dripping down into the attic.

Air Circulation Problems

If you don’t see any leaks, you may have a one-time problem with rain or snow being blown in by heavy winds. Another problem can be a lack of ventilation in the attic. If the air is not circulated, you may get a problem with condensation, which mimics a roof leak.

Most Albany roofing contractor recommends that a roof should be inspected at least ones a year to prevent a ridge vent problem from creating bigger trouble and more damage than it would if it was to be. A strong gust of wind can pop up the ridge vent cap and if not taken care of immediately as rain, snow and even ice dams can cause your roof to leak. The process if inspecting the roof can be done by the homeowner or a professional

Repairing leaking ridge vents

Avoiding problems with ridge vents leak is easy when you schedule an annual roof inspection. During the evaluation, the Albany roofing contractor will not only assess the condition of the ridge vents, but he will also identify issues with shingle wear, damaged flashing and more.

If you feel that crawling around on your roof is a risky and perhaps dangerous job; you are exactly right. There are professionals that will inspect your roof and look for a ridge vent leak for only a minimal cost. These professionals will inspect various other common problems that may occur, as well.

Let the professionals do their job and call Infinite Roofing for an inspection to make sure that there is no ridge vent problem with your roof!

DIY method to remove Moss and Lichen With Vinegar

June 17, 2019 by Infinite Roofing 18 Comments

Damp conditions are perfect for mosses and lichens to grow, lichen consists of a fungus and photosynthesizing plant, while moss itself is a plant. When materials like leaves collect on your roof, a perfect bed is formed for moss and lichens to grow. People try finding ways to remove moss and lichens themselves without having to hire roofing contractors and there are ways to take care of that problem yourself and also do it in an environmentally friendly way. You can remove moss and lichens from your roof by using vinegar as an environmentally friendly weed killer. Roof cleaning is an important aspect of having your house look new and not aged. Algae and moss on roofs adds years to the look of your house, removal of algae will bring newly replaced roof look and make your house stand out.

Step 1

Ensure to clean up any organic matter on the roof such as leaves, twigs or other debris. Organic material is a perfect growing ground for moss and lichen, not only that it can also rot and possibly damage your roof.

Step 2

Use a push broom, or other sorts of stiff brush, to scrape away any stubborn mold or lichen patches still remaining. Begin with the top of the roof and work your way toward the eaves. For your safety stay well away from the edge of the roof.

Step 3

Use a tall ladder, and set it up next to the house. Get rid of any moss around the roof edges using the brush. Repeat this step and work your way around the house to make sure all sides are covered. If ever any step seems like they may be too dangerous for you to perform yourself, roofing companies always offer cleaning services and professional roofing contractors can always inspect your roof while cleaning.

Step 4

Take a bucket and pour distilled white vinegar into it. The vinegar should be labeled with its acetic acid strength, which shouldn’t be more than 5 percent. To help the vinegar cling to moss and lichens add a 1 oz. of dish soap, and finally pour the mixture into the spray bottle.

Step 5

Use the spray bottle and apply the vinegar to the moss and lichens on the roof, then get off the roof and apply the vinegar to the moss and lichens around the edge.

Step 6

This is where the waiting game begins, it generally takes a couple of days for the vinegar to kill off the moss and lichens.

Step 7

Use the brush that was used earlier to remove the dead lichens and moss.

Step 8

The final step is to clean the roof is to use a garden hose or sprayer to rinse off everything.

An option to consider when trying to avoid problems related to moss and algae on the roof would be to consider the GAF StainGuard technology. When your roof has run its life and it’s time to replace the roof, talk to your local Albany roofing contractors about the possibility of having the GAF Timberline shingles that have the stain guard technology, or the GAF Ultra shingles that have the StainGuard plus technology installed.

Blue-green algae, also known as Gloeocapsa magma, has spread throughout more than 80% of the U.S., leaving dark black stains wherever it grows, and making millions of perfectly good roofs, and the homes they protect look old before their time.

Many traditional algae-resistant shingles use a granule technology developed more than a quarter-century ago. There is a layer of algae-fighting copper in the granules that is released onto the roof when it’s wet. Granules get older as the roof ages, and it releases less and less copper, affecting and reducing the shingle’s algae resistance.

StainGuard Plus™ Time-Release technology from GAF releases algae-fighting copper more efficiently, over time, for long-lasting algae-fighting power.

Unlike the older layered technology, StainGuard Plus™ technology uses specially engineered capsules, that are infused throughout with thousands of copper microsites so copper remains within reach, ready to be activated in the battle against blue-green algae stains.

StainGuard Plus™ uses a time-release technology, its algae resistance so powerful, it comes with a 25-year ltd. warranty against blue-green algae discoloration.

Roofing companies offer GAF products with the warranties in Albany, we at Infinite Roofing and Construction pride ourselves for our GAF certification and the knowledge to sell you the right product, with the correct installation so you as a consumer can get all the benefits provided by the GAF StainGuard technology for the protection it guarantees for your roof.

Moss and lichen are an easy problem to solve, but why not prevent the problem altogether by getting the right material for your roof that would prevent the growth of moss and protect your roof throughout the years.

Looking for a roof that would last years and also be Eco-Friendly?

June 12, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Shingles have to be replaced by the homeowners at some point in a roofs lifetime. Conventional asphalt shingle roofs last about 20 years if you are lucky because they are constantly exposed to sunlight, heat, cold, rain, wind, and sometimes snow, sleet, and hail.

If you’d like a roof that will outlast a conventional asphalt shingle roof and is made from eco-friendly roofing materials, consider the products outlined here. Many of them are virtually immune to hail. Green roofing products are many and varied, ranging from recycled-plastic shingles to recycled-metal roofs to sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood roofs to having plants grow on your roof. The best option for your home depends on the design of your home, local building codes, and price considerations.

Recycled Shingles

The most popular and perhaps the most environmentally friendly option would be shingles made from recycled waste materials, such as plastic, rubber, or wood fiber. Some products are made from clean post-consumer waste (waste from homes), others from post-industrial waste (factory waste). Recycled-content shingles are amazingly durable, and they look amazing, too. You’d never be able to guess they were made from “waste” materials!

Waste from landfills are reduced by recycled-content roof shingles help our need to extract and process raw materials, which reduced pollution and lowers energy consumption. Some of these products are recyclable, too, and many come with amazing 50-year warranties. A few even carry fire ratings that could lower your insurance rates.

A popular choice throughout the country has been wood shingles and shakes for homeowners and roofing contractors. Unfortunately, conventional wood shingles are made from old-growth western cedar. Although the amount of energy it takes to produce this product is relatively low, the harvest of old-growth trees is not sustainable in the long run. These shingles are also quite combustible and can no longer be used in areas where there is a risk of brush and forest fires.

If you are still considering installing wood shingles try considering shingle made from reclaimed lumber. Reclaimed lumber products are made from old bridges, mills, old water, and wine tank and other sources.

Slate and Clay Tiles

Slate produces an extremely durable tile, one that can last hundreds of years, and is also an all natural material. It is, however, an energy-intensive process to mine the slate tiles, but most companies salvage slate and clay tiles. Roofing contractors are very familiar with slate roofing as that is getting increasingly popular, the install cost may be a little pricey, but with that being said your roof will last twice as long with barely and repairs to be done.

Metal Roofing

Many metal roofing products include at least some recycled material, but one advantage of metal roofing is that it can be recycled at the end of its life. Because metal roofs can last up to 50 years, roof replacement is less frequent, which means less waste in the long run. They offer exceptional durability and fire-resistance, and they’re ideal for those who want to collect rainwater from their roofs to water gardens (or for household uses). You don’t have to worry about chemicals that might leach from a conventional asphalt roof. Standing-seam metal roofs work nicely as the base for thin-film photovoltaic panels, too.

Metal roofs are great in snowy climates because they allow snow to slide off, which prevents ice dams from forming. (Ice dams can damage roofs of improperly insulated homes.) To protect walkways from snow sliding off the roof, you’ll need to install snow bars or a similar device over walkways, garage doors, and entryways. Although other eco-friendly roofing options may not always be available at every local roofing company or roofing contractors may not be trained to handle the installation of those specific roofs, metal roofing on the other hand is extremely popular and the popularity is growing so most if not all roofing contractors know the inside outs of installing a metal roof.

Rubber Roofing

Another recycled roof material is reinforced rubber shingles made from old steel-belted radial tires. The material is coated with ground slate for texture and comes in a variety of colors. A big advantage to this material is a long life and a 50-year warranty, including against hail and other extreme weather. The only downside to rubber roofing is that it is not always allowed in all counties. Make sure with your local roofing company and the building department that rubber roofing is allowed to be installed on your house.

Green Roofing

A green roof is a roofing system that is an addition to the existing roof and add flora to it. Depending on the green roof type that you plan on installing the plants may be modular or have a drainage system to it.

There are many different reasons as to why a homeowner of a business owner would want to get a green roof. The installation of a green roof reduces the need to manage any stormwater that accumulates, as well as the stress put on local sewer systems. The plants would also help prevent the distribution of smog and would catch any pollutants in the air.

Having an eco-friendly roof not only helps the environment but also as a homeowner, your roof life will last longer preventing the replacement costs. Contact your local roofing contractor today to discuss the options of eco- friendly roofing and how that may benefit you.

Are you a new homeowner? Here’s what you need to know about your Roof.

June 7, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

If you are in the process of buying your first home, Congratulations! First-time homeownership is an exciting development in your life, and a house is an incredibly valuable investment for you and your family’s future. As a new homeowner, however, it’s important to understand your relationship with your home and how to keep it in great shape for years to come. One part of the home that new homeowners frequently find themselves clueless about is the roof and how to maintain it.

Most home inspectors will pass a house saying that the roof still has 5 to 10 years left. However, most inspectors aren’t trained to look at a house roof and are good at inspecting issues such as furnaces or any foundation problems. Look for roofers in Albany that can do a thorough inspection, do your research and look at different roofing companies and their credibility to pick the best one for your new house.

Once you have a roofing contractor in mind, it’s time to schedule an appointment. The best season for roof inspections is in the summer, hands down. The good weather makes it easier to inspect a roof, and perform any maintenance that is necessary. After your first roof inspection, it is good practice to have one conducted annually – generally in the late summer months like August or September, immediately before the harsher seasons of fall and winter in most climates.

Getting the most out of your roof inspection from your roofing contractor requires careful consideration of your inspection report. Take any issues that you, and the roofing contractor find seriously. Do not assume that because your roof is young it will not have major problems. If something comes up and it’s on your report, address it immediately. The last thing you want is to be left out in the cold – quite literally – in the winter, with a damaged roof.

Here are some things that you as a new homeowner may need to look out for while getting a roof inspection done for your house by roofers in Albany.

1- Look for any discoloration in the shingles.

2- See if the ridge cap shingles are a different color, many times the ridge cap shingles will be slightly different colors, meaning that the ridge vent was leaking and has been replaced, this would indicate that the whole roof is in a need of a replacement after the ridge vent has failed.

3- 4-foot horizontal lines going horizontally across the roof, this means that plywood has gotten wet and soaked up water. Other signs that would confirm that fact is popped out nails, and raising of the studs. All of these factors imply that the roof was previously leaking or still is.

5- Another thing to look at is the condition of the chimneys counter flashing, a good tell of how old the shingles are is to look at the bottom few courses right at the eaves and see if you can see areas where shingle color has worn away, if that is the case then all you would be able to see is the black fiberglass matt. If the fiberglass matt is visible that means that all the granules have fallen off and the fiberglass matt is just soaking up water and will leak soon.

Ones the initial steps of getting your roof inspected by roofers in Albany is done and you now own your dream house, follows the responsibility to maintain your roof throughout the years that you will be living at the house.

Weather and wind can take a toll on your roof quickly and can wear down roofing materials quickly. Blown-off shingles, for example, weaken the overall strength of a house’s roof and need to be replaced. It’s always easier to replace a few missing pieces than the entire roof.

Additionally, if you live in a wooded area or near trees, it’s important to regularly brush off debris from your roof. The added weight of leaves particularly in the autumn, when trees shed their leaves they can press down on your roof, and weaken the integrity. Similarly, you will want to clean out your gutters of leaves and dirt so they can adequately drain rainwater, which is also a threat to your roof if left unchecked.

More than anything else, you should also understand your roof’s warranty and insurance policy. Infinite Roofing and Construction provides a 10-year in-house warranty. Should you get a new roof from us, we will cover the install and materials for 10 years. Insurance does not always cover roofing damage, so be sure to carefully check over your policy to know what is and is not covered, this way you will be ready to protect your roof from damages in the future.

What are “Storm Chasers”?

June 3, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Your roof can suffer a great deal or damage when a big storm hits and your roof takes storm damage. Typically, this storm damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance, which means you are more likely to take action to repair or replace your roof. “Storm Chasers” are fraudulent roofing contractors that know about the increased likelihood of roof repair in areas affected by large storms, and can rip off homeowners with poorly constructed roofing projects. Knowing how to identify these storm chasers can help you avoid falling for their corrupt tactics.

What is a storm chaser?

Roofing contractors who go to areas recently affected by storm damage, rain, hail or strong wind are called storm chasers. They use special programs to locate large storms and determine the value of affected homes. These roofing contractors have immense knowledge about insurance companies they use their knowledge to estimate the cost of a new roof. Local and reputable roofing companies are most likely overwhelmed and overbooked, and the “Storm Chasers” use that to their advantage and go door to door to notify residents that they have roofing services available. Typically, they will start by offering a free roof inspection.

Why are they unreliable?

Most storm chasers only do the bare minimum to replace a damaged roof. They will find the cheapest materials to quickly assemble a new roof, often leaving out important elements that a professional roofing company would take in consideration, and they fail to restore things back to their original condition. The roofs that are installed by them usually only have a lifespan of fewer than 10 years because they are installed using cheap material, whereas a professional roofing company using high-quality materials and techniques would leave you with a roof lasting 40 years with warranties to back up their install. Professional roofing companies have the certifications and licensing while storm chasers usually do not have the proper licensing or insurance to work on roofs.

In some cases, storm chasers do not replace the roof at all. Instead, they give a free inspection, quote a reasonable price and ask for upfront payment. Once they are paid, they move on to the next town without any intention of working on the roof.

What tactics do storm chasers use?

If you want to avoid being scammed by storm chasers do your research before handing over any money. Make sure that the contractors you hire to replace your roof or fix the storm damage have a reliable background and pay close attention to the approach they use. There are a few telltale signs that a contractor is a storm chaser.

1-They come directly to your home

The most obvious tell-tale sign for storm chaser is that they come directly to your door, Roofing companies don’t go out looking for work, especially after a big storm, they know that work would be coming to them as people will try to find reliable roofers in Albany to deal with their insurance agency and get the best repair or replacement possible. Storm chasers, on the other hand, move around to wherever the storms go, they cannot rely on the chances that people in need of roof repair will find them. Sometimes storm chasers go so far as to pretend they were sent by a company that previously worked on your roof. If this happens, ask for proof.

2-They want payment upfront.

No roofing company will ask for payment upfront before starting the job, When you pay storm chasers upfront, even if it is just a deposit, it is likely that it will be the last time you ever see them.

3-They offer to pay for the deductible.

How nice would it be to have your insurance deductible waived? Storm chasers think so, too. If a roofing contractor offers to pay for your deductible, they are probably a storm chaser. It is considered insurance fraud to allow a contractor to pay the deductible. If you let a roofing company pay your deductible, you will be the one responsible for committing the illegal act. Make sure you are familiar with your insurance policy and the laws regarding fraud to prevent yourself from falling into this trap.

4-They create damage that was not there before.

Because they are usually familiar with the insurance claim process, storm chasers sometimes create their own damage if the real damage is not sufficient. They may use golf balls, hammers or other hard, heavy objects to pound dents into your roof. Watch and listen carefully as contractors inspect your roof and have a camera or cell phone ready to catch them in the act if you are suspicious. Adding fake damage for the purpose of collecting insurance money can have serious consequences.

Educate yourself and your neighbors about the common signs of storm chasers to avoid being the victim of a roofing scheme. Check the Better Business Bureau if you are unsure of the legitimacy of a roofing contractor. This will tell you if the business is local and if complaints have been filed against it.

Infinite Roofing and Construction is proud to boast an A+ rating on the BBB. We are a local, trusted roofing company in Albany with over 20 years of experience. Getting a new roof is an expensive endeavor, so make sure you are getting it done right the first time by a company you can trust.

Do you really need 3 estimates for a roofing job?

May 29, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

You’ll need to get as much information and knowledge about the process when looking to replace your roof. You need to weigh your options for roofing materials, their cost, and learn as much as you can about the local roofing companies that will be doing the work. In particular, your goal should be to find the best work for the best value.

Conventional wisdom, and also your insurance companies state and push that you should get three estimates from your local roofing companies and choose the median. Why? Supposedly, a drastically lower estimate may indicate cost-cutting measures that could result in shoddy workmanship, while the highest estimate could wind up costing you a pretty penny for average durability.

Meanwhile, if you’re replacing your roof due to an insurance claim, your insurance company may be stressing that you obtain at least three estimates. However, the three-estimate rule is not a hard-and-fast requirement for insurance claims, nor is it a necessity for your own decision-making process

So how many estimates do you really need?

The thought process behind requesting multiple estimates is solid. replacing a roof is a major undertaking that costs you a good deal of money and stands to make a lasting effect on your home’s weatherproofing, durability, and resale value for years to come. Of course, you want as much information as possible so you can feel comfortable proceeding. You also want to make sure the local roofing contractor you choose provides high-quality materials and high-quality installation and the best way to make that determination is to compare them to other local roofing companies that offer the same service.

However, do you really need three estimates? Not really. In this case, the “right” number of estimates depends completely on you. Get as many, or as few estimates as you need in order to feel comfortable with the roofing company you choose and their pricing.

Insurance companies are in no way required to get three estimates. All roofing contractors receive payment following a third-party system designed to set industry standard prices. Your insurance company will pay your area’s best roofers in Albany the exact same amount as it pays the worst roofers in Albany. Gather as many estimates as you feel comfortable with and choose the best company, just as you would if you were footing the bill on your own.

How do you go about choosing the best company? Ask these questions aside from the affordability factor to determine the best roofer in albany for your job.

Have they performed work in the area? Ask for references and addresses. There’s no better way to get a feel for a company’s customer service and workmanship than by speaking with former customers.

How experienced is the crew? It’s a good sign if your roofing company has been in business for decades and has great reviews. However, make sure to ask about the experience level of the particular crew that will be performing your work; a long-lasting company can easily hire a crop of newbies that may not have any more experience than you do.

How can I reach out during the process? Asking this question, in particular, gauges the company’s customer service. Their willingness to answer questions, guide you through the process, and remain available speaks to how smoothly the process will go on install day.

Ask about any certifications that the roofing company may have, having certifications backs up the work that is done by the company and it would guarantee that they have the best training necessary to be working on your roof.

There is no number of “right” estimates that you would need to get, go with what you think is suitable for you. Infinite Roofing can provide you with a free estimate for your insurance company with a detailed inspection of your roof. Our certifications, reviews and our highly trained crew will guarantee a happy and easy going roof installation.

A homeowners guide to protecting the exterior of their house during a roof installation!

May 24, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Sometimes during a conversation with the customer, it can be pretty obvious that they care about their garden and landscape. It’s these jobs you’ll know to take extra precautions with, but concerns about landscape don’t always come up in the conversation. Its always wise to maintain a clean job site, as it won’t cause problems post-install, and a clean work site is a safer site for your crew, the homeowners, and any neighbors or visitors.

When homeowners sign a contract with local roofing contractors, usually their main concern is that their roof installation is done properly. Unfortunately, the most common complaints about local roofing contractors is the occasional mess that is left behind after a job, and in some cases, the landscaping around the house can be damaged.

We at Infinite Roofing and Construction follow a “Never There” policy, as professional roofers in Albany we know that in the residential roofing business leaving the work property clean and undamaged is a priority for almost every homeowner, so we don’t take any chances. We always protect the landscaping, and we perform a magnetic sweep of the area after every workday to make sure all nails are picked up.

We also hang tarp on the eaves of the house to prevent felt paper from blowing back and damaging the siding. The bottoms of the tarp are tied down to a tree or trucks so they are tight and any debris slides away from the house. We will move the grills away to prevent any damage. Our customers appreciate this attention to detail around their home.

We take our “Never There” policy seriously, and even though with our roofing company you wouldn’t need to worry about your landscaping, extra care is never harmful, and It’s essential for you to protect the exterior of your home from any possible damage due to a roofing job.

Here are some important guidance for protecting your home exterior during roof installation and repair.

Secure any items hanging on the exterior portion of your home. Protect your at-risk items like patio furniture, potted plants, grills, and gardening tools with tarps and/or plywood, prior to starting roofing work.

You should relocate vehicles, falling within your home’s boundary to protect them from damage, and this includes vehicles parked in the driveway. Also, ensure to cover and protect valuables stored in your attic.

Prune back trees that are present close to the roof line, prior to beginning the roof installation process. This allows proper roof access to the local roofing contractors and prevents damage to the fresh roof.

Mow down your grass to the minimum height possible to prevent the nails from getting concealed, after falling into the long grass and ensure to shut your automatic sprinkler systems down, a day or two prior to beginning your installation to minimize any possible damage.

Secure your flowerbeds or landscaping surrounding your home by screening them with tarps or plastic by protecting them from dust and trash. You should also move out any hanging plants during your roof installation.

Damage to your pools, spas, and any nearby expensive equipment from debris and nails can be prevented. Cover the pools using a tarp and the spas with polypropylene to ensure your property’s protection before starting roof job.

Infinite Roofing and construction will make sure that any and all damage is prevented, and that the customer doesn’t worry about the aftermath of a roofing job, but little extra measures will only help and put your mind at an ease.

Thinking about what to do with that tax return? Here are 3 projects homeowners are taking on with their tax return!

May 21, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Tax season just passed and with that many of you got the benefit of getting a tax return. According to the IRS, Americans receive up to $3,000 on average in their tax return check. While some people may spend that on luxuries, a vacation, or a clothing spree, many Americans are opting to put their money where their heart is: their homes.

When a person invests any money in their home, whether it be adding decorative touches like backsplash tiling in the kitchen, new lighting fixtures, or large projects like completely reflooring their home or installing a pool, every upgrade means an increase in the overall value of the house.

Knowing what improvements to make depends largely on how long you intend to stay in the home. Regardless of your intentions, the prevailing opinion by experts is to focus on the exterior of the home in the form of large-scale projects over more superficial additions like decoration-centered remodeling. If you have nothing that needs immediate fixing on your home, the most popular home improvement options that most people are choosing this tax return season are the following:

#1. WINDOWS

If eyes are the windows to the soul, as many believe, then the windows are the eyes of the house. Your windows can be functional and stylish at the same time, providing anything you might wish for, but there are many things to take into consideration when selecting a window concept for your home but most importantly: are you replacing the whole window plus frame entirely or just the glass and working parts?

While replacing the frame of the window entirely is more expensive than just the glass and “innards” of a window, the frame can incur significant damage over time and often gets overlooked. Window sills, particularly, suffer damage the most but are rarely attended to during a replacement process. If you are considering gutting the whole window and frame and replacing the entire unit, make sure to use a professional roofing contractor.

#2. SIDING

Whether you just want your home to have a face-lift or you are repairing damage (warping, mold, dry rot, peeling paint, etc.), purchasing new siding for your home is a major decision and there are many factors to consider. Like windows, siding is potentially both an aesthetically pleasing choice as well as a functional one.

Many feel a fresh coat of paint is just as good, but this is not true. Siding is far more durable and will last for a much longer time than paint, which can chip and wear down over time from inclement weather. As an investment, it’s one of the best. You can recover approximately 93% of what you spent on the project when selling the house.

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that beholder might be your Homeowners’ Association (HOA) and let your professional roofing contractor know about the restrictions. Make sure to check bylaws and statutes for your neighborhood when picking siding material and color in case there are any rules against certain hues. There are some neighborhoods that have a specific palette from which to choose. It’s harder to ask for forgiveness rather than permission when making a major change to your home like siding.

Many professional roofing companies like Infinite Roofing and Construction offer siding installs too, We are James Hardie and, CertainTeed certified to install siding on your house.

#3. ROOFING

Of all the home repairs and upgrades listed, the roof is the most important, which is why it is last on the list. While most people will not have friends and neighbors over when they replace their roofing by a professional roofing contractor to show it off, it is a vital part of the home. If you doubt its significance, try to imagine your house with a leak in the roof and you understand immediately why it’s so important.

Replacing a roof adds significant value to the home and a roof’s age is often the deciding factor for people when buying a house; knowing you have to replace a roof within a few years because of its advanced age would make anyone wary about purchasing a home. Get a free estimate from your local roofing contractors to get an idea of how much you may be expecting to spend when getting a roof replacement.

The region you live in is the most important aspect when selecting roof material because certain areas require certain roof characteristics. The most common types of roofing are:

Asphalt Shingle

This is the most cost-effective option and generally can last a long time. A drawback many homeowners find is that it looks flat and unattractive and, if a dark color, can heat up quickly in the sun, making the house too hot.

Wood Shingle

where asphalt is relatively inexpensive and low on the beauty factor, wood shingles are the total opposite because they tend to be higher priced but definitely more pleasing to the eye. Someone who lives in an area with a danger of fire damage should never choose a wooden roof, due to its combustibility.

Slate

This is an extremely high-end and visually appealing option with a price tag to match. It is also very heavy and slippery to walk on, therefore hard to repair when damaged.

Composition slate

These are synthetic material tiles and a green option with 95% of its composition being recyclable materials. This option is gathering popularity because of its sustainable properties, durability, and it’s lightweight.

Metal

Also very durable, metal roofing can come in a variety of materials from aluminum to steel to copper to zinc and mixed-metal alloys. While it is more expensive and requires a specialist to install or repair it, it is a highly durable (making them cost-effective) and attractive option on any home.

If you choose to use your hard-earned tax refund on a roof this year, make sure to call Infinite Roofing, the leading roofing contractors in the Albany region for new roof installation or a repair. Infinite Roofing and Construction has single-handedly been making customers smile with quick and professional service backed by a 10-year in house warranty. Call or SCHEDULE A FREE ESTIMATE ONLINE to talk to our expert about starting a plan for a new roof today

5 Most Amazing Roofs in the World!

May 17, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

While most roofs your see constructed and completed by your local roofing companies may not strike the eye that much. They may seem just like any other roof in your town, something you see every day. These typical roofs are constructed to weather the elements and help regulate temperatures. There are times when you get to travel the world or even just in your home country and you get a chance to see the amazing architecture around, and some of those buildings have the more interesting designs that contain unique architectural features hyper-functionality or fantastic panoramic views, qualifying them as tourist attractions. When it comes to roofs with a high degree of visual appeal, here are some of the most amazing roofs in the world.

Cube Houses

Cube houses are a set of innovative houses built in Rotterdam and Helmond in the Netherlands. They are based on the concept of “living as an urban roof. These cubed roofs are tilted on a conventional house 45 degrees and are rested upon a hexagon-shaped pylon. His design represents a village within a city, where each house represents a tree, and all the houses together form what may seem like a forest. The central idea of the cube houses around the world is mainly optimizing the space, as a house, to a better distribution of the rooms inside.

Brazilian Leaf House

Just outside of Rio de Janeiro, sits a beautiful little house by the amazing blue water, with a flowering roof that protects and shades like a tropical banana leaf. The open-air abode designed by Mareines and Patalano is meant to encourage interaction and connection between man and nature. With verandas and open spaces in between rooms and no corridors, the tropical beach house is perfect for parties and social gatherings. The open layout also takes advantage of trade winds that blow in from the sea which provide natural ventilation and passive cooling.

Grand Palace

The king of Thailand has some pretty sweet digs, Located in Bangkok, Thailand this palace grounds span about 2.35 million square feet. These images portray the top of the throne hall (known as Phra Thinang Dusit Maha Prasat). The adornments are extremely complex and beautiful, but each one is chock full of symbolism pertaining to Thai history and Culture.

Sydney Opera House

The curvaceous shapes atop this opera house in Sydney, Australia makes this structure unique throughout the world, East of the “shells” are concrete panels covered by over a million Swedish tiles. 14 years of work and around 102 million Australian dollars were put in creating this majestic and very famous roof.

Marina Bay Sands

Opened in 2010, the SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore is truly a roof with a view. This rooftop oasis, complete with tree and flower garden paradise, stands over 650 feet in the air and is constructed from 7,000 tons of steel.

Did a hail or wind storm just affect your neighborhood? Will your Insurance cover the damage to your roof?

May 14, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Your insurance typically covers roof damage, and any structural damage caused by a covered peril. Roof damage to your garage or other structures of the property are also covered under this section of your policy.

However, not every cause of roof replacement is covered under your policy, and roof damage can happen in a multitude of ways.

If your roof has been neglected over the years and deteriorated because of that cause, the damage to your roof may not be covered by your insurance company, and your claim can be denied. You may also be out of luck if your roof was damaged by an earthquake, flood or mudslide unless you have additional coverage for those perils.

Damage caused by wind, or hail are typically covered under a standard insurance policy, but it is common for insurers to require separate deductibles for those perils.

Does homeowners insurance cover wind and hail damage to my roof?

A standard home insurance policy usually covers Wind and hail as these are two common causes of roof damage. However, in states like Kansas and Oklahoma which experience these hazards more frequently than other parts of the country, insurers are more likely to increase the cost of their policies to reflect the high risk and recurring claims.

The severity of the damage may also determine how much and if you would qualify for your insurance company paying for the damage. For example, if a few shingles on your roof had slight nicks in them after a hail storm, your home insurance company may classify it as “cosmetic” damage, which is a common dwelling coverage exclusion. As a matter of practicality, it may not be worth filing a claim for aesthetic roof damage anyway, as the deductible may end up higher than the total damage cost.

Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?

Your home insurance company will cover a roof leak if:

The leak was caused by a peril that’s covered in your policy, and the damage was swift, sudden and didn’t accumulate over a number of years.

This can be an area of contention in home insurance policies, though, as a leak that came as a complete surprise to the homeowner may be perceived as an instance of neglect to the insurer.

For example, if you live in a wintry climate and your roof gets layered with snow every winter, you may not notice its gradual deterioration until that big storm hits and a large section begins leaking. Even though the event that triggered the leak was a big storm, your insurer may view the damage as gradual and deny your claim.

Can my claim be refused by the insurer if my roof is too old?

After you sign your homeowners’ insurance application, the insurance company will send out an insurance adjuster for your roofing insurance claim to make sure everything you claimed in the application checks out and determine if coverage adjustments are needed. It’s not just about coverage limits though, the insurance company wants to know if you’re even worth insuring based on how likely you’re going to be filing claims; they’ve been known to deny applications post-inspection.

The roofs quality and how old it is; is one of the key structural components of your home that they inspect. If the roof age has eclipsed 20 years some insurers refuse to renew existing policies without passing inspection first from a roofing company in the roofing insurance claim process.

Other insurers simply won’t write new policies for homes with roofing that’s 15 to 20 years old, and if they do, they’ll specify that it’s only covered under an actual cash value policy. Which means that, if your roof gets damaged or destroyed, the company only pays out whatever the value of your roof is after 20+ years of depreciation.

Replacing a roof can get expensive, contact a roofing company to get quotes on how much it would cost to have your roof replaced, While the costs provided by the roofing company may seem expensive, you may not have much of a choice if your roof is ancient, as doing nothing could mean having no homeowners insurance policy at all.

Filing a roof replacement claim

Contact your insurance company immediately if you suspect that your roof was damaged after a storm or got attacked by an army of squirrels. Always take pictures of the damage done to your roof to provide evidence of your roofing insurance claim process.

Usually, before and after pictures tend to do the trick, but even pictures of just the damage after the storm or the incident can help the claim and help the roofing company in your area determine how much it would be to repair or have a roof replacement without coming out to your house.

Provide evidence of your claim

Schedule an insurance claim inspector to come by and survey the damage

The damage needs to be repaired as quickly as possible, find a local roofing company to give you an estimate and do the repair for you. Not only does having a leak or hole in your roof provide unwanted access points in your house, but you’re also risking further damage to everything inside.

Infinite Roofing and Construction gives free estimates for roof repairs and replacements, we can deal with your insurance company to get you the best roof replacement that your house deserves with the best roofers in Albany to do the job for you.