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The Dangers of Asbestos

February 14, 2020 by Infinite Roofing 1 Comment

What is Asbestos? Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance. In the environment, it poses virtually no threat to humans. However, the problem with asbestos initially arose out of the full-scale mining, extraction, and use of the substance in the roofing industry which led to an increase of the amount of asbestos in the air. Asbestos fibers are microscopic, so when they are exposed they can become airborne and inhaled. Once inhaled, they can lodge in the outer tissue of the lungs and abdomen, which over time leads to inflammation, scarring and the eventual formation of fatal diseases such as lung cancer. This is why many homeowners have begun to get asbestos roof removals done for their safety. Many homeowners today are seeking to get an asbestos roof removal once discovered.

How Can I Tell If It’s Asbestos?

The reliable way to know if your home contains asbestos is to hire an environmental consulting firm or asbestos building inspector for asbestos testing. They’ll take fingernail-sized samples and test them in a laboratory. You can’t see or smell asbestos, but exposure to loose fibers can cause lung diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or lung cancer. The naturally occurring, flame-retardant mineral fibers are too small to identify without a microscope, so don’t believe anyone who claims you have asbestos but hasn’t done testing.

Is An Asbestos Roof Dangerous?

One of the widest uses of asbestos in the building industry was in roofing. Due to its heat and fire-resistant properties, asbestos was added to many roofing products including roofing tiles. Cement tiles were not comprised solely of cement. Cement roofing tiles were largely made from cement, with the now-banned product added into the cement mixture. Depending on the manufacturer, the cement tiles would typically be made with between 10 to 15 percent asbestos.

In addition to its heat and fire-resistant properties, asbestos has excellent strength and durability features. New homes built prior to the 1970s with asbestos roofs, were lauded for the longevity of their roof systems, as the roofs had a life expectancy of 30 to 50 years. Although asbestos serves as a formidable roofing material, it exposed people to a list of compromising health issues, which led to its eventual ban.

Do I Have to Remove My Asbestos Roof or Siding?

Many homes, especially the ones that were built at the turn of the twentieth century, have siding or roof shingles that contain asbestos. Asbestos has plenty of quality features, including its durability and fire-resistance. However, it also poses many significant health hazards. The inherent question that comes with this is whether it is necessary to remove your asbestos-containing roofing shingles or fiber cement siding to protect your family’s health?

We know that there are many homeowners who want a roofing company that does asbestos roof removal. A homeowner should be aware of the harmful effects that occur with asbestos when someone breathes in a tiny, sharp fiber, which irritates and inflames the lungs. If the asbestos is not airborne, it is not a danger. The asbestos in shingles, siding, and other home products is encapsulated, which is surrounded by a coating of something else that keeps it from becoming airborne. If your roof or siding shingles are in good condition, they are unlikely to pose a health hazard to you or your family. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends not disturbing asbestos if at all possible.

Unfortunately, while asbestos home products are durable and long-lasting, everything must be replaced eventually. In 1989 asbestos was banned, leading to the asbestos roofs and sidings to fall into disrepair. Many asbestos roofs and sidings are damaged, cracked, or broken. Asbestos siding in particular, however, has a tendency to chip, crack, and break with normal wear-and-tear of family life. This can release the fibers into the air, which poses a threat to your family’s and neighbors’ health.

How Can You Tell If Old Siding Has Asbestos?

Many manufacturers made their products to look like asbestos-free products, so it is not really possible to determine if your siding contains asbestos just by looks. You can easily send a sample to a lab if you suspect that it may contain asbestos. Or you can hire a specialist to take a look at the siding so that they can determine if you have an asbestos siding.

Can I Install New Siding Over Old Asbestos?

Some people try to attempt to solve the problem of deteriorating asbestos siding by installing vinyl siding over on top of it. This practice is not recommended for a number of reasons. First, the siding installation process itself, nailing into existing boards or tiles, is enough to disturb the existing material and create a dangerous condition. Second, installing vinyl siding over any existing materials, particularly those in poor condition, can lead to additional problems in your home and can hide the development of those problems until they become extremely large and costly to repair. Therefore, hiring a specialist or roofing contractor who has the right education for asbestos would help in asbestos roof removal.

Can You Pressure Wash Asbestos Siding?

Painting asbestos siding is not difficult at all, as one of its benefits is that paint easily adheres to it and it is very durable and can last for decades without chipping or cracking. However, when cleaning the siding before painting, the important thing to note is that you should avoid power washing asbestos siding as it can chip or damage the siding and release the dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. If you do pressure wash, use a gentle touch if possible and stop immediately if you find that you’re knocking pieces of siding off. This means that you’ll have to take some extra time cleaning and prepping the siding before painting and rely on a garden hose and sponges instead. If you manage to chip damage your siding and worry it may be made with asbestos, make an appointment to have the material tested to confirm.

Do You Have to Disclose Asbestos When Selling a House?

For starters, it is not illegal to sell a house with asbestos. Obviously, buyers would much rather buy a home with no asbestos concerns. However, outside of a thorough inspection, there is no way to tell if a home contains this potentially toxic material. If you know your house has asbestos, you might disclose the information to buyers. Again, it’s not illegal to sell a home with asbestos, but you can be liable for not disclosing the information to the buyer if you knew it was present beforehand.

Cement Asbestos Roofing

When asbestos came into the picture many manufacturers experimented with it. In the 1880s manufacturers used asbestos fibers in mixtures that resulted in building products like insulation for steam pipes and boilers. It was eventually being mixed in Portland cement and the paste was used as a roof repair compound. In 1907, process equipment was invented that produced rigid sheets from the cement-asbestos mixture. These sheets could be pigmented and cut into manageable shapes and were able to have textured patterns pressed into the surface. The result was very durable siding and roofing shingles that imitate traditional, natural products, both less expensive and lighter than slate. They don’t rot or warp like wood and are extremely fire resistant. It’s not at all surprising that the popularity of these asbestos sheets skyrocketed throughout two-thirds of the twentieth century.

The manufacturers of individual asphalt shingles, which were less expensive and more flexible than cement asbestos, were major competitors for market share in the roofing material industry by the 1920s. In the late 1930s, asphalt strip shingles, coated with granules in a wide variety of colors, were the most popular roof covering.

Asbestos-containing products, like the cement mixture, posed very little health risk if the material is kept in good condition and not disturbed. Severely worn or damaged asbestos roofs and walls, or improper repairs, alterations, or removals can allow the release of the fibers and risk the health of the occupants and neighbors. The EPA provides detailed information about managing asbestos-containing products on its web site.

The Problems

Cement asbestos roof shingles typically have a much shorter life than the siding panels. If a replacement is needed, removal can be a significant expense. If the shingles are severely weathered, to a point that the material can be crushed by hand, professional abatement is needed. Precautions should still be taken even if they’re intact. The fasteners securing them should be kept wet and lowered to the ground instead of being tossed down. Individual states and municipalities may also have additional requirements for the removal and specific requirements for disposal.

Like tile and slate roofs, occasionally there may be some cracked, broken, or missing tiles or slates, or flashing repairs that may be needed. Maintaining an asbestos tile roof can be difficult. Finding contractors willing to work with the material associated with the A word can be a challenge. It can also be a challenge to find contractors that are mindful of the brittle nature of these tiles. Some roofing contractors, experienced with slate and tile roof repairs are willing to repair and restore asbestos tile roofs. The tools, equipment, and techniques they use for their regular repairs are well-suited for working with the brittle shingles. There are also a few good sources of salvaged replacement shingles that with luck can be a close match to the existing roof.

Hopefully, the remaining cement asbestos roof tiles are in good to repairable condition and will be properly maintained for the maximum potential life. Those that are beyond safe repair will need to be properly and professionally removed, and will likely be replaced with a roof that looks like most other roofs, and will likely only last one-third as long.
If you or someone you know is concerned about the effects that asbestos can have on their health, please visit the EPA website for more information on handling asbestos the proper way.

The Importance of Roof Flashing

January 7, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

What is Roof Flashing?

Roof flashing provides protection for different areas of your roof and works in conjunction with your roofing material. Flashing is applied to roofing corners and valleys, as well as objects that jut out through your roof. So let’s talk about what exactly is roof flashing. How does it work? Where is it used? And the different roof flashing types such as counter flashing or step flashing.

Flashing is usually built out of metal, but it may contain steel, zinc, copper, aluminum, and even plastic or rubber. Flashing is used to keep roof components waterproof and prevent any damage. Without flashing, roof components such as the junctions between walls, dormers, or chimneys may come into contact with water which can saturate, leak, and damage the component or the structure of the house. In short, the roof flashing keeps the integrity of your home intact.

The way that flashing works is by connecting to various roofing components, and it can be overlapped and connected with one another in order to keep leaks from penetrating the roof or any of the structures on your roof. Flashing can be installed with nails, glue, and caulking in order to keep your roof waterproof.

Roof flashing installation occurs throughout your roof, including all of the following places:

Valleys and Joints – the joints found throughout your roof structure are more susceptible to penetration from water, as are roof valleys. Roof joints often aren’t watertight, and roof valleys collect more water than the rest of the roof. The roof flashing ensures that these critical areas of your roof are protected.

Roof Protrusions – If there’s anything jutting out of your roof, there should be flashing to protect it. If, for instance, you have cables that tie into a satellite that’s installed on your roof, flashing can protect the opening for the satellite cables free from water and prevent any future damage.

Drip Edging – Drip edging is flashing that is applied to the edges of roofs where there aren’t gutters. Think of drip edging as a specialized roof flashing at the edge of your roof that acts as guides to prevent water from getting behind gutters and ensure that all water is directed away from your roof.

Chimneys – Chimney flashing is necessary since water can run through and collect right at the base of a chimney. Chimney flashing should be installed at the base of your chimney to keep water from infiltrating the joint between your roof and your chimney.

Pipes – It’s likely that your roof has a few pipes that penetrate the surface of your home. For instance, you probably have drain-waste vents which keeps the pressure from building up in your plumbing. These pipes can compromise a waterproof roof if they are left unprotected. Specialized “pipe boots”, which work exactly as it sounds, can be placed around these pipes in order to protect your roof.

Kickouts – Kickout flashing is installed at the lowermost joint between your roof and your wall. The kickout flashing, also known as diverter flashing, diverts rainwater away from your wall and into your gutter to avoid any kind of saturation leaks in your roof.

If you have ever noticed that there are any leaks coming from around your chimney or vent, most likely your flashing was not installed correctly or is no longer sufficient. The main purpose of roof flashing is to protect your home from moisture & saturation. The flashing extends below your roofing and adjacent to siding to create a solid, weatherproofing seal on your home to protect you from the elements. It is also much more durable and lasts longer than trying to seal or caulk around the spaces. Before sheet products were available, builders had to use different methods to try to minimize water penetrations. These methods included angling roof shingles away from the joints, installing chimneys at the ridge, and building steps off to the sides of chimneys to divert water.

Furthermore, roof flashing is less susceptible to temperature variations. If and when the other components of your roof shift slightly, due to expansion from heat or ice, the flashing will still be able to act as a barrier from the elements. If you have any concerns or thoughts that you could be having leaks call your local roofing contractor.

Flashing also adds a clean, finished look to your roof. There are areas of roofs and exterior walls that are more susceptible to leaks and water damage such as the valleys or junctions where roof sections or walls meet. It is usually installed around structures that intersect with the roofline such as dormers, skylights, vents, and chimneys. Flashing comes in a variety of materials to accommodate the desired look for the consumer. Although you may see rubber or plastic flashing out in the market, metal flashing is the more prominent kind of flashing. One of the most common types of metal flashing material used is aluminum because it is usually the most cost-effective, durable, and weather-resistant.

Counter Flashing

For starters, counter flashing is only one type of flashing and is a technique that is used to help prevent moisture from penetrating into a home behind the vertical flange of a headwall or sidewall flashing. Pieces of metal are installed in order to prevent water from passing through a structure at its joint and ensure the water is directed away from the structure. Sometimes the material used, such as vinyl, for the exterior wall siding will be enough to serve as counter flashing itself and other times a separate element is installed. This is especially important in a structure where walls are either brick or stone. The counter flashing installation process is one of the most important parts of completing any roofing system. This type of flashing should be used in conjunction with base and step flashing, to help form a waterproof barrier.

The waterproof membrane is the first layer that is laid down before the shingles are installed, called the base flashing. This membrane not only covers the first layer of the roof but also gets turned up the nearby walls or chimneys to help with the flashing process of any joints or valleys between structures. Next, L-shaped pieces of metal, typically aluminum, are placed under each shingle that is installed next to a vertical wall. One side of the L-shaped aluminum flashing lays underneath the shingle while the other side attaches up against the side of the wall. This layer is called the step flashing.

In contrast to step flashing, the next layer is installed as a continuous strip. It is installed either behind or on top of the wall adjacent to the shingles and covers the step flashing. This final layer is called counter, cover or cap flashing and most commonly consists of aluminum or galvanized steel, but is also seen made with copper, tin or even plastic. Depending on the situation, a roof with step flashing installed could sufficient in itself when combined with vinyl siding that can double as counter flashing as long as the step flashing goes underneath it. Otherwise, counter flashing is a critical requirement for all roofs.

Counter Flashing Installation Methods

Counter flashing installation can be done using one of three techniques. The first is through-wall counter flashing, which secures the flashing material to the wall cavity and the exterior siding or masonry covers it. This type of installation is only plausible during a new construction project; otherwise, it typically proves to be cost-prohibitive.

The second technique used to install counter flashing is called surface-mount flashing. This technique attaches the flashing to the exterior siding by using a sealant, typically caulk, to seal the top of the surface-mount flashing. It’s the least expensive method of installation, however, the caulk seal will need to be monitored and eventually repaired or replaced over time because it will inevitably break down.

Reglet flashing is the compromise between through-wall and surface-mount flashing. A cut is made into the exterior masonry at a 90-degree angle and the flashing material is secured in the groove made by the 90-degree cut and bent down to run parallel the exterior masonry. Although it is a more expensive and invasive technique than the surface-mount flashing, reglet flashing does not need maintenance and will last much longer than a sealant. Because of this, reglet flashing is a more convenient, long-lasting option and is recommended over the surface-mounted flashing.

Counter Flashing at Brick Headwalls and Sidewalls

Installing headwall and sidewall flashing correctly becomes more time consuming when the exterior wall covering is brick or stone.“Time-consuming” can mean “more expensive”, which is why a lot of the counter flashing you’ll see at brick and stone walls will be incorrectly installed and will solely rely on some sort of sealant to prevent moisture intrusion. Sealant eventually dries, shrinks and cracks, leaving room for moisture intrusion and future water damage. This is why it is recommended to install regret flashing to ensure the most protection from moisture intrusion.

Step Flashing

Step flashing is an L-shaped piece of metal, typically aluminum or galvanized steel, and is used where a sloped roof intersects a vertical wall. Step flashing is interwoven with the shingles and act essentially as shingles with an unturned leg to allow a transition of the vertical drainage plane of the wall to the drainage plane of the roof. One side of the L-shaped step flashing is behind the vertical drainage plane or sealed to it with some sort of sealant and/or sheathing tape. The bottom leg of the step flashing is placed over the roof drainage plane. A critical component of the step flashing is the piece that is at the end of the slope of the roof is called the kickout flashing. This roof flashing directs water away from the adjoining wall and ensures that the step flashing is not collecting water on the surface of that wall.

Is Continuous Flashing Better Than Step Flashing?

Continuous flashing is sometimes seen where a roof meets a sidewall instead of step flashing, but in the long run, step flashing will do a better job of preventing water leaks.

Step flashing redirects the water back onto the shingle and away from valleys and joints. Even if one piece of step flashing fails, the next flashing and shingle below it start the process over again, providing a system to protect your roof from water damage. Continuous flashing against a sidewall is one way to install flashing on a roof, but it’s not the correct way. Some may think that a single piece of flashing would offer more protection than many pieces of step flashing, but it doesn’t work that way. Once even a small section of the continuous flashing fails, you’ll have a leak. Each additional rainstorm will add more water, and before you know it, you’ve got rotted wood and a roof inspector in your home.

Step flashing offers far better protection from leaks because even if a single piece of step flashing fails, the water just hits the next step of the flashing. The flashing then directs the water onto the shingle and the water drains down the roof.

Kickout Flashing

Kickout flashing which can also be called diverter flashing is a special type of flashing installed at the edge of the flashing that diverts rainwater away from the cladding and into the gutter. When your roofing contractor installs kickout flashing properly, the flashing will provide excellent protection against the penetration of water behind the exterior wall covering where the flashing ends. Kickout flashing is required regardless of the roofing material excluding brick or concrete block.

Yes, there can be several factors that can lead to rainwater intrusion, but a missing kickout flashing, in particular, often results in concentrated areas of water accumulation and potentially severe damage to exterior walls. If you happen to find saturation and possibly plant growth on the exterior siding of your home, you may have missing kickout flashing causing the water damage.

Apron Flashing

Apron flashing is the metal that covers the transition between a roof slope and a roof penetration such as a dormer or chimney. Having this flashing properly installed is crucial in protecting some of the most vulnerable areas of your roofing system.

Apron flashing is usually applied as part of the two-piece roofing system. The apron is the lower L shaped piece that replaces the normal step flashing, which covers the roofing material and extends up the vertical surface of the roof penetration. The second part of the system is something we’ve touched one, which is the counter flashing that extends parallel from the vertical surface and covers the vertical leg of the apron flashing.

The Importance

Now that you have had a breakdown of the important role that roof flashing plays when it comes to the protection of your roof, it is easy to see why it is needed on almost all roofing projects. Without roof flashing, our roofs would be much more susceptible to water damage, costing homeowners thousands of dollars in repair or replacement. So when having your next roof inspected or installed, be sure that your flashing is properly installed by your local roofing contractor to ensure the best protection for your roof.

Commercial Roof Maintenance

November 1, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

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.

Roofing Safety: Roof Safety Tips

September 13, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

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!

Roof Decking: Rotting & Corrosion

July 18, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Owning a home is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding responsibilities a person can have. You get the chance to establish a sanctuary for you and your family that provides the protection and comfort you desire. However, this can all be put at risk when you begin to notice issues with your roof such as a couple of wet spots on your ceiling. This may be your first home and may have never even looked at a roof’s foundation before let alone knowing where to begin. You go up to your attic to investigate, and come upon a distinct musty smell of mold. Signs would point to a roof leak, and one of the main causes usually would be roof rotting or roof corrosion if you own a metal roof. What do you do? You may not be an expert in roof contracting, but that is why certified experts like us at Infinite Roofing are here to help you get back to living with the protection and comfort you deserve.

What is Roof Decking?

When talking about roof rotting, we are talking about the roof decking or sheathing of the home. The roof decking plays a pivotal role in determining the safety and structural integrity of your roof.

Roof decking is the foundation of your roofing system. It is the base layer that connects the roof to the home. The roof deck is placed between the structural components, such as the trusses and joists, and the insulation/weatherproofing layers. When it comes to your roof rotting, you want to take all the steps necessary to ensure the health of your

Roof Decking Materials

Roof deck materials come as 4 x 8 sheets in a variety of different material options. The most common type of roof deck material is plywood, which comes as either OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or CDX (C to D Exposed). Other roof decking materials include steel, concrete, and cement. The main determinant of the type of material you should use is based on the amount of weight that the roof deck will need to carry, plus the weight of air conditioning equipment, rain and snow. For most residential projects the common choice of roof deck materials are OSB or CDX plywood. For commercial projects, steel, concrete, and cement are more commonly found in the roof deck. These materials are definitely interchangeable depending on your project requirements, however for now let us focus on three main materials; OSB, CDX, and steel.

OSB Plywood

OSB (Oriented Strand Board) was originated in the late 1970s as an extended use of waferboards. It separates itself from other wood-scrap materials because the long strips of wood are placed strategically instead of randomly, hence the name “oriented” because the wood strips are oriented strategically to improve the strength qualities from the waferboard. OSB Plywood is made from heat-cured adhesives and rectangular-shaped wood strands that are arranged in cross-oriented layers. Because OSB uses small wood strands for production, it is considerably less expensive than standard plywood. When produced in large, continuous sheets, the OSB is a sold-panel of consistent quality with a few voids or gaps. OSB Plywood is more susceptible to absorbing moisture and swelling up than CDX, due to the release of compaction stress in OSB created during the pressing of wood chips into the panels. Swollen OSB will remain permanent, to a degree, causing leaks, increasing decay, and creating uplift of whatever materials lie above.

CDX Plywood

CDX (Class C to D Exposed) Plywood is the lowest class of plywood and is often used in the construction industry or as a base to create other materials. Plywood is made from thin layers of wood that are peeled from a spinning log, called veneers, that are cross-laminated and glued together with a hot press. Throughout the thickness of the sheet, the grain of each layer is laid perpendicular to the adjacent layer. The final product is an odd number of layers so that the balance is maintained around the center. Since CDX is made from whole layers of logs as opposed to small strands, the plywood is much more consistent and has a less rough appearance than OSB. CDX is lighter than OSB, retains nails and screws better than OSB, and produces less swelling when exposed to water and will return to its normal thickness after drying. This feature alone is enough for roofing contractors to prefer using CDX Plywood over OSB for their roof sheathing.

Steel

Steel or Metal Roof Decks have been around since the 1930s/40s. The Steel Deck Institute (SDI) has been the biggest force in setting the standard when it comes to the design, manufacture, quality control and construction practices applied to cold-formed steel decking. The steel deck is roll-formed from structural quality sheet steel and is made to span over the roof joists or purlins to provide a flat surface to apply the weatherproof roofing. The variations in its thickness, shape, and depth can be used to meet the variety of loading requirements and spans. The steel deck’s versatility also allows for it to be used in more unusual configurations that may be sloped or curved. Steel decks are usually more costly than materials like plywood however, they provide increased longevity, durability, and a better strength-to-weight ratio backed by years of proven satisfaction in the roofing industry. Steel decks are more commonly used for flat roofing systems, which are typically used for commercial roofing projects.

How Can I Tell When My Roof Is Rotting/Corroding?

As a homeowner, you want to do anything that you can to keep your home safe from the elements of mother nature. Your first line of defense is your roof, so how can you tell when your front line is starting to deteriorate?

First things first, is it even safe for you to check your roof? We do not recommend grabbing a ladder and going on your roof to do an inspection. According to the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, last year there were about 500,000 ladder-related injuries due mainly to homeowners trying to clean out their gutters or perform their own roof inspections/repairs. Our team of certified roofing contractors have specific equipment and years of experience in doing roof inspections safely and thoroughly and will provide a free, no-obligation estimate for any repairs or replacements needed.

With that being said, there still are some telltale signs that you as the homeowner can check for yourself to see if an estimate would be needed.

Roof Rotting

Here is a list of signs that your roof deck may be damaged or rotting:

Shingles curling, cracking, or buckling
Missing shingles
Holes in the roof
Mold or mildew in the attic
Spongy feel when walking on the roof
Granular wear to shingles
Damage around chimneys, pipes, and other penetrations to the structure.
Wet spots on your ceiling
Sudden increase in electric bill

There are some DIY inspections that you as a homeowner can do to find the beginning signs of roof deck damage.

Attic Inspection: Carefully make your way up to your attic and check for any signs of rotting wood. Do you see any signs of staining or moisture on any of the plywood or insulation? Can you feel any dampness in the wood? Is there a musty mold smell lingering? Can you find any holes, possibly made by a new furry neighbor? Is your attic fan and ventilation system free of dust & debris and circulating the air properly?
Ground Check: You can take a trip outside and stand in front of your home to view your roof from the outside. Are there signs of curling or missing shingles? Can you notice any sagging or structural integrity issues with your roof?
Research Roof’s Age: Severe weather or a poor ventilation system can decrease the life expectancy of your roof. If your roof is more than 20 years old, it’s a good idea to reach out for a professional roof inspection.

Roof Deck Corrosion

Roof deck corrosion occurs when using steel for your roof deck construction and has been exposed to water either from a hole created from severe weather or poor roof or insulation installation causing gaps between the roofing and insulation and allowing for water exposure.

WARNING: We do not recommend walking on a damaged metal roof structure. Corroding metal roof decking can cause structural instability which can lead to the roof collapsing if too much weight is put on the structure, leading to injury. Please refrain from having work done on units on your roof if you suspect instability in your roofing structure.

Some visible signs include:

Visible rusting in roof deck
Pieces of roof deck missing or falling from structure
Wet or damp insulation
Holes/leaks in roof

If you believe that your metal roof decking may be damaged, immediately have a professional roofing contractor, e.g. Infinite Roofing, come do a thorough and safe inspection of the roof.

So What Do I Do? Repair or Replace?

Rotted or corroded roof decks, whether made of plywood, steel or any other material, cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Contact your local certified roofing contractors and set up an appointment to have the damaged roof deck to be replaced.

Our professional roofing contractors here at Infinite Roofing would replace the rotted roof decking, along with the top of the line GAF and Versico accessory products to help prevent further roof deck rotting or corroding such as:

Lifetime Roofing Shingles
Proper Attic Ventilation
Proper Roof Deck Protection
Ice & Water Barriers
Starter Strip Shingles
Ridge Cap Shingles

Adding these top of the line products will increase the longevity and durability of your roof decking. When it comes to protecting the welfare of your home and family, you want to have the best certified roofing contractors and products out there. Here at Infinite Roofing, that is exactly what we intend to provide for you.

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.

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.