Roof Shingles | Infinite Roofing & Construction Roofing Blog

How Trees Can Damage your Roof

December 3, 2020 by Infinite Roofing 1 Comment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How far should tree branches be from my house?

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

How to prevent roof damage from trees?

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

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

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

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

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

When should I remove a tree?

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

How To Inspect a Roof

November 10, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

When it comes to doing maintenance around your home, the roof is easy to forget about. Doing a professional inspection once a year is recommended but you can easily inspect your roof on your own. Being aware of the condition of your roof will help you get the most out of it, by correcting any issues you see before more damage is done. The most common cause of water damage is from a leaky roof so it is important to be sure to properly inspect it at least once per year, and also after any major storms. We can easily help you identify things that may be problematic on your own, so you can then make a decision if a repair or full replacement is needed. Inspecting your roof has never been easier with these steps!

What happens during a roof inspection?

First step would be to walk around the exterior of your home, inspecting your roof from the ground to see what you can see at eye level. Inspecting your roof from the ground can still give you a good example of its condition if you don’t have a ladder or you’re afraid of heights. Look for signs of any damage, sagging, or ageing and take notes on what you think might be an issue to let your local roofing contractor know. While you are looking up at your roof, be sure to check out the flashing. Flashing is the main entry point for water and needs to be kept in good shape to work properly. Damaged flashing can cause immense damage under the surface of your roof. If you see damaged flashing a professional inspection may be necessary to be sure there are no underlying issues.

If your home has skylights examine the inside where the seams meet your ceiling and also on the exterior, where the shingles meet the skylight. If you see old shingles around your skylights you may have water damage. Looking closely at soil stacks, if your home has one. This is important to check for any cracks and issues with the “stack boot,” and not to opt for a cheap version that will not last you. Installing a soil stack that won’t last you as long as your roof will only cause you bigger problems down the road.

Inspecting your chimney is an area that you are able to check out without having to hop on top of your roof. Make sure to look around the perimeter of the chimney where water is directed away from your house, during heavy snow or rain, precipitation lands right at the chimney which can cause leaks or damage over time.

Look for moss, algae, or piles of leaves on your homes roof, these areas are notorious for costly leaks and water damage. Moss can severely damage the integrity of a roof because moss absorbs moisture and puts down roots causing degradation. These roots can lift shingles allowing constant moisture which can lead to mold and many other problems. Algae can adhere to the roof causing permanent stains and eventually damage underlying materials. If moisture seeps into the wood of your roof, it will cause rotting and compromise the strength of your roof.

As you are walking the perimeter of your home looking up at the roof, check to see if there are any curled or cracked shingles. Hot air from the attic often can cause shingles to curl away from the roof, putting you at risk for water damage and poor ventilation. Another important place to inspect is the attic, checking for rotted wood on the roof, and how well the insulation is holding up. If the insulation is poor there might be excess wear on the roof where heat can leak through. During cold winter months your homes heat leaking out can create serious issues causing ice dams to form. This happens when snow melts on the roof and runs down freezing along the way.

As you are looking at the condition of the shingles on your roof, also try to check for granule loss. Granules are the texture part of the shingles that feels slightly like sandpaper, these help deflect UV rays, make shingles fire resistant, and also makes packaging much easier. If you see loss of granules it may indicate your shingles have aged or been largely affected by severe weather. If you have a lot of granular loss then the shingles are no longer protecting your home from the elements, and you should consider calling your local roofing contractor for a professional inspection.

Another area commonly overlooked by homeowners is the gutters. Cleaning out your gutters is so important because that is why most water damage is caused by being clogged. A gutter system can accumulate up to 300 pounds of water and debris each year. The best time to clean out your gutters is in late spring, this is the prime opportunity to remove the buildup that accumulates from blooming and lingering winter. Along with maintenance for your gutters, pressure washing them out along with your roof at least once per year is suggested.

When should you inspect a roof?

Inspecting your roof should be a year routine maintenance, like we have said previously it is a great idea to get a professional roofing inspection once per year, usually in the spring, but you should inspect your roof and exterior of your home every few months. If you always have your eye out for potential problems it is much eraser to address the issues before they get too big and expensive.

You’ve completed inspecting your roof, now what?

After you have finished inspecting your roof with the help of these easy tips, review your findings. If you have found potential problems or concerns contact your local roofing contractor and make an appointment. Being proactive as a homeowner will save you a ton of money in the long run. As always when seeking out the best roofing company be sure to read reviews from their customers and look at pictures of their work.

Advances in Roof Technology

November 3, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

As technology advances in everyday life, so does the way in which we are able to book, install, and maintain your roof. At your local roofing company we stay on top of the latest roofing trends so we can better improve how to serve you. We do all the research to present you with all your options so you don’t have to. It is our goal to ensure that you get the best roof for you and your family, at the best price.

The roof is the first line of defense for all buildings, keeping out the elements and maintaining a hot or cold environment inside. It makes sense that over the decades people are concerned with advancing roof technology since the times of straw and mud roofing systems. When thinking about new roofing technology, the first things that may come to mind are picture apps, programs, and new ways of communication that revolutionize the business side of the roofing industry. However, most of the fascinating technologies are taking place on the roof itself.

There is a lot more that goes into roofing than just nailing down shingles, the level of precision on installing roofs have been perfected with useful tools like satellite measurement imagery and much more. New materials have been introduced to improve energy efficiency and the safety of workers have significantly improved. Before modern advancing roof technology and practices, people used anything that was available to cover their homes and protect themselves.

Clay tiles were mostly used by advancing cultures as early as the neolithic age, it took longer to reach North America. As times progressed other materials were used such as wood, clay, and tin. These materials were very heavy and unreliable, some even posing as a fire risk with no ventilation. The advancement of asphalt shingles represent a dawn for modern roofing gaining momentum ever since.

People now have so many options that go well beyond original designs, with new technologies anything is possible. Roofing is still a necessity but now your roof does so much more than just keeping the rain out; it is a beautiful piece of architecture that optimizes the internal environment you want to create.

New shingle materials and designs

When choosing the best materials for your new roof installation, the key is to check longevity against purchase cost and installation. Although rolled roofing is one of the cheapest options, it is definitely not the best quality option for longevity. Comparing an expensive shingle that will last 50 plus years is a much better value than a cheaper one that only lasts 10.

Architectural shingles

Architectural shingles are one of the most popular, cost effective materials on the market. These shingles have been around since the 80’s but have made major advancements since then. These shingles are manufactured from fiberglass to mimic wood and slate, to give your home beautiful curb appeal without the mass amount of weight that comes with it.

Metal shingles

Most people have heard of metal roofing, it is used mostly on commercial buildings but becoming more popular on residential homes. Metal roofs last almost a lifetime and add a modern sleekness to a home. Metal shingles are slightly different, made in smaller sections to mimic the appearance of other materials like stone or wood. This concept has created new life in the metal roofing industry, with new methods of manipulating metal to stay strong but also give an appealing look.

Solar shingles

Solar panels are nothing new, many people already have them on their homes and most people have at least heard of them. Solar shingles however are much newer and have broken through the 21st century. This invention was monumental for the roofing industry, this meant that solar panels can be combined with roofing materials to create shingles. Instead of ugly large panels on top of your homes roof, advancing roof technology merged to make small attractive shingles that are barely noticeable to even be solar panels. Another plus to these small compact panels is getting all the benefits of solar without the added weight on your roof. Ask your local roofing company if they are experienced with solar shingles before making a decision.

Synthetic slate shingles

Made to resemble authentic slate tiles, synthetic slate shingles are the perfect alternative. Slate is beautiful and timeless but also very expensive and bears a ton of weight. Slate shingles are also difficult to install needing a very experienced roofing company to take on the job. Synthetic shingles are made from recycled materials that have less hassle and more durability. With proper installation and maintenance this roofing system can last a lifetime.

Cool shingles

These shingles were designed to reflect the sunlight, made with a special coating that doesn’t absorb UV rays. A standard roof can heat up to 150°F in the summer season, and this directly heats up the inside of your home as well. With these types of shingles that are ultra-reflective, the roof’s temperature can drop at least 50°F. A cooler roof means much more energy savings and also increases the longevity of your AC unit.

Other advancements that have been made in the roofing industry that are more behind the scenes, rather than on the roof itself are within the technology that is used. Generating leads through the web has never been easier with the help of certain programs and apps. Some apps allow you to search certain specifications to find buildings that may be in need of renovations or repairs. Other time saving mobile applications that have been created allow a contractor to measure a building’s roof without ever going to the actual building. You are able to upload pictures and video to share with other members in your company, send out estimates, create invoices, and add contact information. advances

Do roofers use drones?

Drones have become increasingly popular within the roofing community. They have made it possible to get great before and after photos of a roof, and also generate a building inspection without climbing on a ladder to do so. A good quality drone can be expensive but you can find a reasonably priced drone at your local electronic store. Some apps even sync up to your drone creating a cohesive system to download images you want to use for advertising.

As technology advances so does the way in which materials are made, communication between roofers improves, and installation practices become more efficient. We at Infinite Roofing stay up to date on all new technologies and advancements so we can share them with you.

Is Frost Developing on Your roof good or bad?

October 5, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Contact your local roofing contractor to find out about your home.

As the warm months come to a close and fall rapidly approaching, the nights are getting colder and you may have noticed frost developing on your roof. You may have wondered if this is a good or a bad thing. If you step out into your neighborhood and take a look at the other homes, there is a possibility that some roofs have frost and others do not. There is no simply yes or no answer, your roof is unique to your home and the condition it is in.

If you have noticed a layer of frost that has developed on your roof along with all of your neighbors then there is nothing to fear. Insulation is used to keep heat inside of your home, if the heat is trapped inside of your house it should not travel up and out through the roof. On a cold morning if you are not seeing frost on your home, but frost on all of your neighbors then it is a sign of poor insulation. In most cases seeing frost develop on your roof is a good sign that your home and attic are well insulated.

Roofing materials are made to be able to withstand all different types of weather climates, from freezing cold to blistering hot. Shingles are a great affordable option for cold weather climates and provide durability. A shingled roof should never be installed in temperatures below 40 degrees to prevent cracking and breaking. If your roof was installed in the winter and you are not seeing frost form on your roof compared to your neighbors, then there may be a problem and you should call your local roofing contractor. Super shingles are heavy weight shingles that provide 4x more protection and energy efficiency, to better help save money during the cold months. As we always suggest when having any roof work done to your home, be sure to seek out the best roofing company in your area to be sure the work is done properly.

Your roof may not be the culprit if there is a lack of frost developing on your roof, it could be your attic. If your attic insulation is not properly placed heat could be escaping out and through your roof. If you see spotty frost in some areas on the roof but not others, then this is a good indication that your attics insulation is not up to par.

Sun exposure is important to factor in, if your home is fully exposed in the sunlight then frost should easily melt. Do not compare your homes roof to a neighbors if you have different sunlight exposure, a roof in the shadows will contain much more frost. If you home is in direct sunlight, and all your neighbors have frost but you do not, then you should contact your local roofing contractor.

Should there be frost in my attic?

This is another common question we get asked, is frost a bad thing if you are seeing it on the inside of your attic? First it is important to understand how and why frost develops in the attic of homes. When moisture rich air from your home rises up to the attic, the air condenses on the roof sheathing and forms frost. The frost alone does not do damage but once it begins to melt, damage can be done once the sheathing gets wet. The results from melting frost can lead to mold, wet insulation, deteriorating roof sheathing, and water stains. Many people don’t see frost in their attics because it usually melts once the air warms up or the sun warms the outer portion of your roof thus melting the inside. People will most likely see the consequences of frost such as the water stains, or mold.

Prevention

One way to prevent frost from forming in your attic is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Is your attic well insulated? If you’ve had your roof done, or will have your roof done, be sure find the best roofing company in your area that will make sure your attic is well insulated. Sealing off attic bypasses are a good start, an attic bypass is a passage where warm air leaks into the attic of a home. These bypasses are located in a few locations around your roof and interior home. Checking for gaps around furnace vents, electrical boxes, plumbing vents, electrical wires that go into the attic, and sealing up even the smallest of gaps.

Humidity

Lowering the humidity in your attic and whole house can help lower the chances of frost developing inside your attic. Often times we find that when people use a whole home humidifier, frost problems develop and it is impossible to seal off every bypass. Purchasing a humidity meter for your home and attic is a small expense that can save you thousands in the long run.

There are numerous ways to lower the humidity in your home, purchasing a dehumidifier for your attic is a good start. If your kitchen is equipped with a gas stove, try and remember to turn the exhaust fan when cooking. A good amount of moisture is put in the air from a gas stove and the fan will help get rid of it. When you and your family are showering always turn the bathroom fan on, if you don’t have one think about installing one. Even just a 20 min shower pumps a considerable amount of moisture into the air and eventually up into the attic. If your home has a crawl space, check to be sure that there is proper vapor barriers installed.

Should My Roof Have Drip Edge, and What Color Should It Be?

September 24, 2020 by Infinite Roofing 1 Comment

What is the purpose of a drip edge on a roof?

Is a drip edge necessary? We have complied a guide for all your drip edge questions for shingle roofs. Drip edges are metal flashings that are installed around the edges of a roof to control the flow of water. These metal sheet are usually in the shape of an “L,” and direct water away from the fascia and into the gutters. Without its use, water would get under the shingles causing damage in numerous places of the roof. Your local roofing contractor will tell you that is is a requirement by most building codes in North America to help protect homes from damage. As we always suggest, look for the best roofing company in your area to ensure your roofing work is done properly. Not all work is created equal.

As we stated above the main key purpose of installing drip edge is to direct water away from the fascia. Water droplets stick to one another and to the surfaces they are on, it is designed to work with gravity allowing water to be forced into the gutters. Even if a home has no gutters, water will still be forced away and not collected down the fascia or soffit cavity. Without it water would stick to the shingles, working its way underneath and causing leaks.

Wind driven rain is a serious condition in which the wind forcefully pushes water all around the roof of a home. Each layer of the roofing system is designed to keep the moisture from harming the roof’s deck, which include the shingles, underlayment’s, and ice & water. Strong winds can easily push water upwards and the drip edge must compete to keep the water out. There should be about 2-4 inches of lower flange hanging off the edge of the roof to combat wind driven rain so the roof does not become compromised.

What To Do When You Experience Wind Driven Rain Roof Leak – Roofing Contractor Sullivan IL – Central Roofing LLC

What type of materials are used?

Usually it is made from numerous types of materials such as plastics and metals, the metals must be corrosion resistant or galvanized.

Copper: Many people choose copper because of its aesthetics, it has a beautiful golden color that makes the roof pop.

Deciding on the Right Roofing - Modernize

Aluminum is a very common material used. Although it is not as strong as steel aluminum does not corrode and it is often made in many colors that match many homes.

Galvanized steel is another common material used. Galvanized steel is designed to work wither water and prevent rusting. The preferable type of steel is 24 gauge so it can withstand strong winds.

Plastic, vinyl and fiberglass can also be used but these are harder to find in some areas and are not the best suited.

Drip edge comes in three basic profiles, each profile can be called more than one name so it can be a bit confusing. The C type is in the classic L shape. This type of profile is bent in a 90 degree angle with a lower flange. Type D profile is in the shape of a T, this has a lower flange on the bottom. This type is often times called D-metal or the T style. F type is an extended version with a longer edge, this is used when installing a new over existing shingles and on the rake edges. This type is often called F style or the gutter apron.

The standard sizing of drip is sold in 10.5 foot lengths and also 8ft or sometimes smaller. The overhang length ranges from 2-5 inches, you may find other sizing in your local materials store, but smaller sizing is intended for windows and not a roof.

What color should roof it be?

If your homes trim and fascia are white your local roofing contractor will most likely recommend that the best choice is white so your home is seamless. If you have for instance gray shutters on your home and other pops of gray, then choosing a gray might look nice tying it all together. Choosing a color or any building material is personally preference.

Can you install it on existing roof?

It is most often replaced when a new roof is installed, but it is possible to replace the drip edge at any time. We would not recommend a local roofing contractor who suggests leaving the old drip edge. It is best to replace the it on an existing roof in the warmer months, shingles can become brittle in the cold and break.

Do you need to replace it when replacing the roof?

No you do not have to replace it but you should, the old drip edge is most likely “old” looking and dirty from being outside for so long. If you are making the effort to replace you roof, you should replace everything so the entire roofing system looks nice. Leaving old materials to save a few bucks isn’t worth loosing on the appearance. If you want your roof to last as long as possible, everything should be replaced when doing a re-roof.

My roof should have a drip edge or overhanging shingles right? It's like this all around the house. Luckily I rent. : Roofing

How to install:

It is installed different on the eaves and rakes, once the roof deck is prepared the drip edge will be installed before the underlayment. Always consult with your local roofing company before doing any DIY work. Your roof is the most important part of your home, look for the best roofing company in your area to be sure the job is done correctly.

Step one: If you are using a type C, you can install a furring strip which will aide in its performance. A furring edge is a strip of wood that is installed on the vertical surfaces of the house under the roofs edge. When this is installed it keeps the flower flange away from the homes siding to direct water away from the home.

Step two: First install drip edges on the eaves and placing the it down, so that the water will go into the gutters. The flange will point down and away from the roof.

Step three: Using roofing nails, nail every 12 inches, never allowing more than 12 inches without a nail. When placing it piece down, it should never over the first by an inch.

Top 10 Benefits to an Asphalt Roof

September 8, 2020 by Infinite Roofing 1 Comment

In North America asphalt shingles are the top rated choice for a number of reasons that include, their versatility, weather resistance, and so much more. If you are thinking it may be time to replace your old roof, exploring the benefits to asphalt shingles is a good start. Remember your roof is the most important part of your home, it protects you and your family from all elements, so you want the best options available. Roofing materials are only as good as the roofing contractors laying them down, be sure to find the best roofing company in your area with positive reviews to ensure the job is done right the first time.

Versatility

The options are endless when you are looking for a certain color or shape of shingles. Asphalt shingles work with almost every type of roof no matter how large or complicated you think your roof is, these shingles will cover it seamlessly.

Variety & Design

Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of architectural shingle styles. Traditional 3 tab shingles work with many different home styles, dimensional and premium shingles are also available. Some architectural shingles are made to mimic the look of different roofing materials such as cedar shakes, wood or slate. Certain roofing materials like slate are beautiful but hard to work with and very expensive. The use of an architectural shingle that resembles natural slate gives you the advantage of your desired style but not the drawbacks that come with it.

For example, Owens Corning Berkshire shingles are laminated with a unique shadow line behind each tab to add dimension and mimic the look of slate. These shingles give a timeless and elegant look, resembling slate tabs and top of the line protection for your roof

Range of Colors

Not only does asphalt shingles come in a large variety of textures and patterns but many color options as well. If you are not only looking to replace your roof but give your curb appeal an upgrade, choosing a unique color will give it a boost. Up to 40% of your roof is visible from ground level so you should think of a shingle color that will blend harmoniously with its surroundings. Architectural shingle colors come in such a variety of colors, that you can be sure they will match your dream backyard and everything in it!

Affordability

Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing material and still offer high performance. Coming in at less than half the cost of wood and tile shingles, and significantly cheaper than slate and metal. The affordability of asphalt shingles goes well beyond the product and cost of installation.

Energy Efficiency

When your local roofing contractor installs your roofing system each component increases the energy efficiency of your home. Each layer including the roofs underlayment, decking, starter shingles, and outer shingles help your home to be energy efficient. Certain colors will reflect higher amounts of the suns UV rays which reduces the temperature on your roofs surface. In city areas the vast majority of roofs are covered in ‘Cool’ shingles, decreasing the overall temperature on hot days. This process will keep homes and buildings cooler so less energy is used to cool down the inside. Owens corning Cool Roof Collection are designed to reflect the suns energy and absorb less heat, without limiting style or color options.

Class A Fire Rating

Asphalt shingles can withstand a fire burning through a wooden structure for up to 2 hours, making them the most fire resistant roofing material.

The Best Fireproof Roof Materials for Your Home - All Climate

Algae Resistance

You may not know this but algae is an issue in the roofing industry. Wood allows this type of growth on your roof that looks like black stains across the shingles, if this is a concern many companies offer shingles resistant to algae growth. Owens Corning created a stain guard plus shingle technology specially engineered to release copper over time to fight algae.

How to Clean Algae and Moss Off Asphalt Shingles — Algae Stains

Installation Process

Out of all roofing materials asphalt shingles are the easiest to install. Each roofing contractor may not perform the same job but typically it is much easier to install asphalt shingles, compared to slate or metal. Be sure to do your research and find the best roofing company in your area to be sure the job is done properly.

Weight & Proportions

When you are thinking about replacing your roof there are certain aspects of your home you need to consider. If you have your heart set on a metal roof or slate roof you need to be sure that your home can structurally handle its weight. Fortunately shingles are not so heavy that this becomes a problem.

Ease of Repair

Although we don’t like to think about having to repair a new roof that you just had done, sometimes life happens and down the road you might need a repair. With certain roofing materials such as metal or tile, you might struggle to find a local roofing contractor capable to properly perform the repair. These roofing materials are more difficult to remove in order to get to the problem.

SHOULD YOU GET A NEW ROOF BEFORE YOU SELL YOUR CURRENT HOME AND WILL A NEW ROOF INCREASE YOUR HOMES VALUE?

August 13, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

When you are looking to buy or sell your home a new roof replacement is a great marketing tool. Buyers will appreciate a new roof because they know the average roof will last about 20-30 years. When purchasing a new house comes a lot of unexpected expenses, most new home buyers can’t handle another large expense like a new roof replacement on top of a down payment. Some clients may not even attempt to put an offer in on the home if they know it needs a new roof replacement.

How does a new roof affect home value?

You will need to figure out some key factors to see how much a new roof replacement will increase the value of your home such as, your roof condition, the real estate market, and feedback from potential buyers. With our experience we have gathered information on how a roof replacement will add value to your home, which factors will make it a smart investment, or even how it may reduce the value. If after reading this you decide that a new roof replacement is worth it and will allow you to get top dollar for your home, we invite you to explore our shingle collection and your options.

There are many studies that have been done on how much value a new roof will add to your home, one of which stated that the average homeowner will spend around $22,500 on a midrange roof. This new roof replacement would add an increase to the home value of about $15,500, this works out to be about a 68% investment.

Another study that was conducted by NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) concluded a much larger percent return of 109%. This would mean you would make a profit on your new roof replacement. Putting on a new roof is clearly a smart investment, but how would you know if a roof replacement will generate a 60% return or if it will bump-up your current home value? The three major factors that will help you answer this question are: The housing market in your area, the condition of your current roof, and the type of roof replacement that you choose.

The Housing Market Conditions in Your Area: A roof replacement doesn’t always increase home value in every market. The best thing to firstly do is get some advice from a real estate agent and a local appraiser, they can help you understand the market conditions. Even if you don’t see a huge financial return, a new roof will more likely get you smoother negations, lower time on the market, and even a full price offer.
Another factor to consider is the condition of your existing roof: Keeping your roof in good condition is one of the most important things you can do in maintain your home. It can be very unattractive to a potential buyer and may make them question what else you have not maintained in your home. Most home buyers expect the roof to be in good condition and if it is not they will likely pass on submitting an offer, or give a low ball offer. After purchasing a new home few people have the money or energy to have to undergo extensive repairs or a full roof replacement.

When you or the potential buyer get the home appraised they will undoubtedly notice the condition of your roof and will reduce your home’s value, depending on how mild to sever the damage is. However if your existing roof is only between 5-10 years old and in decent condition, a roof replacement may not benefit you much.

3. Choosing the right type of roof replacement can make all the difference: Your choice between different types of shingles, a metal roof, or slate will impact the return you receive on your new roof. Asphalt and Architectural; shingles range from $50-$80 per square, a Metal roofing system ranges between $100-300 per square, and slate coming in at a whopping $300-600 per square. Each type of roofing system has its own attributes and it’s up to you which one best fits your needs.

Something important to consider when choosing a roof replacement and other home renovations is the type of neighborhood you live in. In general you need to match your neighbored dynamic, there is no point in investing in luxury home features if no other home in your neighborhood has them. It is unlikely to get a full return on designer shingles if all you neighbors have less expensive shingles, your home value will not raise much above your neighbors.

On the other hand, if you live in an upscale neighborhood where many of the homes have metal roofs or high-end shingles it might be expected to keep up. Higher-end shingles will match to style of the homes exterior and interior materials used in many cases, and buyers can be discouraged by traditional cheaper shingles.

Will a Metal Roof Increase Home Value?

On average a metal roof coats around $38,000 dollars compared to a shingled roof of about $22,500. When looking at Saratoga roofing contractor’s home values increase percentage, a metal roof brought in a return of 60% and a shingle roof return of 68%. These numbers of course are just an average, you may get a full return on your investment. When considering a metal roof it is important to know how much it will increase home value and consider how a potential buyer will view it.

Is a new roof a good selling tool?

Although a new roof won’t skyrocket you home value, it can still help you sell your home much quicker and at a higher price. Any local roofing company will tell you that a new roof is a highly effective selling tool. In a recent NARI report 32% of realtors used the fact that a new roof replacement was done to the home to finalize the sale. Buyers are very attracted to houses with a new roof because they know it will save them time and money in the long run without any major issues or repairs. Can you spot the difference?

Keep in mind that potential buyers are looking for a well maintained exterior of a house, this usually gives insight to what the interior of the house looks like also. Even if it is not the most accurate reflection of the interior of the house, buyers will assume your roof reflects the investments you’ve made on the inside as well.

How to deal with animals in your roof vents and attics

August 10, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Maybe you’ve heard an animal in the attic scratching at night?

In North America we are home to variety of wildlife that sometimes make their way into your roof vents and attics. Some common types of animals that make their way into your home include raccoons on the roof, birds squeezing into exhaust vents, squirrels nesting in the attic and other critters that you would much rather see in nature rather than your home.

How do I get rid of an animal in my attic or roof? In this article we’ll answer many questions you may have regarding how to get rid of these pests and keep them out.

The first question you most likely have is, how to know if you have an uninvited animal guest in the first place without consulting a local roofing contractor first? You will most likely hear the tiny scurrying of the animal across your ceiling from above or even see or smell its presence. Animals are often looking for a warm cozy place to nest during mating season in the spring months, especially in northern climates.

How can animals get through roof vents or into your attic?

Some signs of entry for pests include:

Gaps in between the fascia and the eaves
Open chimneys
Loose fascia
Missing shingles
Holes in the siding

Once an animal is inside of your home there are some common signs to look for such as:

Nests or hives
Droppings or urine marks
Chewed wires or pipes
Torn insulation or air ducts

How do I squirrel proof my roof?

During the day squirrels are the most active critter that may cause havoc in your home, while at night nocturnal animals such as raccoons and bats are more prevalent. There is a distinctive difference in the tread sounds of squirrels, mice and rats compared to those of larger animals like raccoons which are much slower and heavy. Their sounds may be heard from overhead in the attic, ceiling, in between walls, exhaust vents or inside of chimneys. Trimming tree branches that hang close to your roof will prevent squirrels from gaining access to your home. Squirrels can jump from more than 10ft away so be sure to cut enough of the limb.

Potential damage can be done by not only mammals but other common infestations like insects, termites or cockroaches. We recommend that you always consult with a professional in pest control or a local roofing contractor to remove uninvited animals or pests from your home as it can be dangerous. A well trained animal specialist can remove the problem in a safe and effective manner while following the bylaws of the protected species.

Bees and Wasps:

These tiny tenants like to hive in your attic or outside in the corners of porches or decking. In the summer months bees and wasps are less likely to make a home in your attic because of the temperatures reaching up to 180 degrees F. The wax in a honeybee hive melts at 130 degrees F so it’s more likely to see their hives on the perimeter of your home than inside. Once a hive is detected it is important to have it safely removed so your and your family do not get stung, especially if there is an allergy in your family.

Mice and rats

How do I keep mice out of my roof vents?

Among the most common pests in a household include mice, rats or other rodents. Garbage and clutter attract these rodents but even if your home is very clean they will still seek shelter and a source for food. In the fall into winter months rodents look for shelter indoors to escapes the cold and nest. They reproduce very quickly in large numbers so it’s important to take care of the problem when you first see the signs.

These pests enter your home at ground level and can squeeze through the smallest of cracks, once they have broken inside they travel between walls through your entire house. Rodents become dangerous because they like to chew things including wires, wood, insulation, piping and even concrete; resulting in property damage and creating a fire hazard. Some ways to prevent an infestation of mice is by sealing off small holes around the exterior of your house and inspecting your vents for small openings. If you do find small gaps cover with mesh to prevent the rodents from slipping through.

Birds and Bats

If you have found a bird in your home or nesting up in the attic it is not an uncommon occurrence. In the summer birds and bats can easily enter your home through a window or door that has been left open or even slip through a gap between siding, finding its way to your attic to nest. These animals like dry, private spaces where they will be unbothered and protected from predators.

If a bat colony has formed in your attic it is best to deal with immediately because of their guano deposits. Not only does this give off an abrasive odor but the acidity levels make the material highly corrosive to building materials, wood, and insulation. Bats can also gain access to your home through extremely small spaces which make your home vulnerable to an infestation.

Birds on the other hand like to make nests in heating pipes and exhaust vents to capture the warmth which acts as an incubator. This might sound harmless but their droppings can attract cockroaches and other insects.

Does bird poop affect shingles?

Bird droppings contain uric acid which damages your roof, asphalt shingles are even more susceptible. The acid within the droppings dissolves the asphalt and also provides nutrients which encourages algae growth or moss.

Raccoons

Related to the panda bear, raccoons look cute and friendly but possess the power to rip shingles right from your roof, breaking into the soffit and fascia. Some entry points can leave large holes which snow and rain can penetrate that cause serious weather damage to your home. Chewing through insulation and wires risking a fire hazard also poses a problem.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”-Benjamin Franklin

There are many options available to aide you in prevention of keeping animals out of your attic and roof vents. It is always best to consult with a local roofing contractor and animal removal specialist service to humanely remove any animal infestations.

A local roofing contractor can:

Help seal any holes or gaps that are potential entry points at roof or ground level
Replace missing or old shingles and repair holes in fascia or soffit
Use gutter guards to keep out squirrels
Install spikes along eaves which deter birds from roosting on your roof
Install mesh or other metal to cover large openings around chimney, ridge vents or gable

Anatomy of a Roof

July 22, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Most homeowners never really get up close to their roof and try to understand the inner workings of it. So for many, a roof is just a roof, and it keeps the weather out of homes as well as keeping away any animals from flying or crawling into our homes. If we notice anything about a roof, we only notice how well it blends into the neighborhood, or when a branch has fallen on the roof and needs to be removed. The fact of the matter is that the roof above your head is possibly the most expensive thing you’ll ever have to replace on your home. Therefore, the question is do you ever wonder about the parts of a roof and what is installed underneath the shingles?

Aren’t Shingles Enough?

When your local roofing contractor installs shingles, the new roof installation should always be done in accordance with local building codes and regulations. However, another factor that plays a part in how the shingles are installed is the weather conditions in your area. Your local roofing contractors will often have to take a different installation approach depending on whether it is summer or winter. There are different precautionary steps that need to be taken in different weather conditions in order to ensure no damage is done during the installation.

Another thing you should know is that asphalt shingles are most commonly available in strips of 36 inches long by 12 inches wide. Therefore, each strip has a set of three tabs, which provides the visual shingle effect when installed correctly. Each 3 tab strip has a layer of adhesive just above the tabs. The heat of the sun activates the adhesive, which binds to the layer below and creates a seal that augments the nails when installed.

So, shouldn’t the shingles be enough? The shingles cover the largest area of the roof. However, the shingles hide a lot of essential roofing components that protect your roof against the weather, and keep you warm and dry. In other words, your roof shingles are not always a perfect seal from the rain. Especially as shingles age and curl, rain can be blown underneath them. So what’s going to protect your roof when this happens?

What’s Under the Shingles?

On the surface, your average roof may just look like simple layers of asphalt roofing shingles, however, it’s a lot more complex than the average homeowner may realize. The residential roofing system is composed of layers of different components. These components have different attributes when it comes to restricting wind from entering your home as well as resisting other weather hazards such as rain or hail. The most consistent components that you’ll find installed on your roof are the roof decking, underlayment, drip edge, and flashing.

What are the Parts of a Roof?

Roof Decking (Wood Sheathing)

Roof Decking or roof sheathing is a key roofing component that sits on top of the roof trusses. The roof decking is basically the section on the roof that everything is placed on. Since the roof deck holds everything that’s placed on your roof, expect for the material to be strong enough to hold the weight required and continue to be durable. Just like any other roofing component, the roof deck has many different types of materials. The different types of roof decking materials include steel, concrete, cement, and wood. The way that professional roofing contractors determine the type of roof decking material to use is based on how much weight it needs to carry, which further depends on the roofing components and materials selected. When you consider a residential building, the most common type of roof deck is plywood or groove wood systems. Wood generally stands up to the weight of almost any type of roofing component or material placed on top, although tile may require extra reinforcement.

Roof Underlayment

After the roof deck is installed, we move on to the underlayment for the roof. The underlayment is installed on to the decking, and before the installation of the asphalt shingles. The most common underlayment material is felt. The reason is because it has a durable paper material that is saturated with asphalt. The purpose of the underlayment is for it to provide a temporary barrier against rain and wind before the shingles are installed. It also provides an extra layer of protection in the case of broken or torn shingles. When the underlayment is being installed, it is installed by rolling the material onto the roof horizontally. The underlayment is being installed not only to provide that extra barrier from water or wind, but it also helps the water to shed downward off the roof without seeping through the seams. Most professional roofing contractors will have options for traditional roofing felt underlayment or a more modern synthetic roof underlayment.

What is Synthetic Underlayment?

Synthetic roof underlayment is a high tech, high performance layer of material made with a highly sturdy polypropylene fabric, which is installed the same as a traditional felt underlayment. This new synthetic roof underlayment is known to be a lighter and stronger alternative to a felt roof underlayment. Of course, this new high tech underlayment will cost more than the traditional underlayment, but it will last much longer. Ask your local roofing contractors the differences in price as well as features of all their underlayment options to ensure the best quality for the underlayment of your roof.

What is the Purpose of Roof Flashing?

Moisture is a roof’s worst enemy. The purpose of roof flashing is to prevent any water from leaking as well as to extend the overall life of the roof. Next to chimneys, skylights, or valleys on your roof, a professional roofing contractor will install metal flashing to ensure that there is proper drainage on your roof. You want the water to run down into the shingles and off the roof, rather than pool around whatever might be poking out your roof. Roof flashing is nothing more than a piece of sheet metal that is usually made from aluminum or galvanized steel. In order to prevent water from entering the home, the flashing is placed over the joints in the roof and wall construction. This is important for the reason that most of the causes of roof leaks is due to the fault of poor roof flashing installation.

Roof flashing can endure extreme stresses from extreme weather conditions. Therefore, when installing the roof flashing material there should be extra care taken so that it would be capable of withstanding these extremes. Many local roofing contractors would cut and shape the roof flashing materials from sheet metal. However, homeowners can also choose to have the flashing pre-formed. It is very important to use roof flashing materials that aren’t prone to rust, such as stainless steel, to maintain the integrity of the roof flashing.

In order to see an effective use of roof flashing, the material used should be weather resistant, highly durable, low maintenance and sturdy. The latter quality is very important for the fact that many roofing materials regularly expand and contract on a daily basis. Especially during the dramatic seasonal weather. An interesting thing that you should know is that during the day, the sunlight can raise the surface temperature of the roof, which ends up making the roof expand. However, keep in mind that at night the temperature drops significantly, which ends in a contraction of your home’s roofing materials. More significant expansions and contractions during seasonal changes can have an effect on the framing lumber, which means that your roof flashing material must withstand all these changes to prevent leaks and remain effective.

What are the different types of Roof Flashing?

The 5 types of roof flashing are Drip Edge, Valley Flashing, Vent Pipe Flashing, Step Flashing and Continuous Flashing.

What is the Purpose of Drip Edge?

Drip edge is a metal flashing or piece of aluminum that protects the edges of your roof. It is designed to prevent water from flowing into the fascia so that the underlying roofing components are protected. With that being said, included in the drip edge is a tiny metal projection that is angled away from the fascia. Because of its angled lip, any water coming down the roof would be obstructed from getting into the house. It’s like something of a middle-man between your shingles and your gutter.

Now as a homeowner, you may be questioning does drip edge prevent water damage? The answer is yes. The drip edge’s purpose is to prevent any water damage that can occur under the roofing shingles. Having water enter underneath your shingles can create temporary or even permanent staining. This can also lead to long-term roof deck deterioration, as well as damage to the fascia board.

When water sits on your roof for a long period of time, it can cause damage and the ends of your roof joists and trusses can be compromised. This could eventually lead to structural damage, or leaks getting into your home and causing interior damage becoming an extremely expensive repair.

What is Valley Flashing?

Valley Flashing protects the point on your roof where two slopes come together to form a valley. Valley Flashing is designed to channel run-off water down the roof into the gutter.

What is Vent Pipe Flashing?

This is the metal or rubber flashing around plumbing vent pipes on your roof. As these vent pipes penetrate through the roof, they are common places to find roof leaks. Over time the thin rubber collar on these boots starts to crack or will become damaged and there’s typically no additional seal to keep water from infiltrating around the vent pipe. The roofing cement holding them in place can also fail, creating another pathway for roof leaks.

What is Step Flashing for?

Step flashing protects the seam between a roof and a wall from water penetration and leaks. Small L-shape flashing pieces are woven into the shingles as you work your way up the roof. The flashing fastens the roof cladding into the wall cladding to help keep water out.

For more information on Step Flashing, please visit our step flashing page:

Everything you Need to Know about Step Flashing on Shingle Roofs

What is Continuous Flashing?

Continuous flashing is considered somewhat controversial as there can be issues with it. Most professional roofing companies would recommend the installation of step flashing instead. Continuous flashing was only fairly recently approved by the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). L-shaped lengths of metal that are a few of inches longer than the shingle overlap are installed on top of each shingle adjacent to the sidewall. The flashing is then laced into each shingle course.

What is the Fascia on a Roof?

The fascia board is the panel mounted at the point where the roof meets the outer walls of the house and is often called the roofline. However, most professional roofing contractors refer to it by the name of the main board that carries the gutter, which is the fascia or fascias. The fascia board is the long, straight board that runs along the lower edge of the roof. The fascia is fixed directly to the lower ends of the roof trusses and usually does all the work of supporting the lower edge of the bottom row of tiles. Any guttering will be attached to the fascia boards.

Soffit and Fascia Boards

A soffit is a board that bridges the gap between a home’s siding and its roofline. It’s located under the horizontal fascia board, which holds the gutters. Soffits help provide ventilation for your attic space. The fascia is attached to the edge of the roof and stretches horizontally from one end of the rafters to the other.

The purpose of the fascia board is to prevent water and wind from damaging the interior of the house and the roof. It also supports the gutters and drainage pipes as well as to help enhance the appearance of the house. Failing to clean gutters on a regular basis can cause water to pool, which can damage the fascia and soffit.

Roof Insulation

Roof insulation can take many forms. The most commonly used material is felt or plastic sheeting; sometimes with a reflective surface. These materials are installed directly underneath the other roofing material. Synthetic foam batting or material from recycled paper products can also be positioned or sprayed into roofing cavities to enhance the roof’s insulating properties.

Without proper insulation or ventilation, roofs can begin to experience weather-related problems like ice forming near overhanging eaves. When the ice melts, it can be absorbed into roofing material, causing issues. Called ice dams, these pockets of ice form when heat escapes through the top of the roof, melting snow at the uppermost point. The water then begins to refreeze as it flows down the roof and collects under shingles and other low points. Over time, this can destabilize your shingles, add stress to the roof and destroy drainage systems and gutters.

Impact Resistant Shingles

July 13, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

What are Impact Resistant Shingles?

Shingles that are impact resistant are given a Class 4 rating. They are also designed to withstand high winds and hail damage. These shingles can be made of copper, aluminum, resin and plastic. Shingles with the Class 4 rating also have an impact resistance of UL 2218. The general purpose of UL 2218 is as the roofing industry’s standard for testing shingles against hail impact. In testing, instead of actually hailstones, they use steel balls of varying sizes. There are four testing classes ranging from 1¼” to 2”. These steel balls are dropped at heights between 12 and 10 feet to mimic the impact of hail falling at high speeds. Currently UL 2218 is one of the highest impact resistance ratings. Aside from hail impact, these shingles can also withstand high winds of up to 110mph. Class 4, impact resistant shingles are recommended by local roofing contractors in areas that frequently see severe hails

Are Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles Worth the Investment?

In general, Class 4 impact shingles are worth the investment, simply because it adds extra protection and longevity to the roofing material. However, the need for impact shingles mainly depends on where you live. If you are located where there is a frequent amount of damaging storms and hail storms, then the need for the Class 4 impact shingles is greatly increased. It’s very common for homeowners to be affected by significant amounts of roof damages that could potentially be an expensive repair. Therefore, having a Class 4 impact shingle would help prevent any damages and alleviate any concerns. Especially for those living in harsh weather conditions and stormy climates.

It is important to keep in mind that even with impact resistant shingles, it is still possible for your roof to be affected by minor damages and granular loss from a hail storm. The value that impact resistant shingles can provide lies in the way that it is designed for strength in any conditions. They are also less likely to crack and for water to enter compared to traditional shingles. Impact resistant shingles may cost more compared to its traditional counterparts, however, the upside is that you benefit from cost savings in terms of maintenance, repair, and premature roof replacement costs. Some insurance companies provide homeowners with a discount for their roof with the impact resistant shingles installed. The discount ends up compensating the slightly higher cost that the impact resistant shingle provides.

How do I know if I have impact resistant shingles?

When shingles are rated they range from Class 1 to 4. With Class 4 shingles having the highest resistance. Looking at the shingles is not a way to determine if they are resistant or not, however, the impact rating is usually marked on the cellophane on the underside of the shingle. Resistance may be provided in several ways. An old method that roofers used was attaching a layer of reinforcing fabric, called a scrim, to the back of the shingle.

Some methods that are commonly used today are increasing the weight of the mat used. Another method is to make the shingles thicker by increasing the thickness of the asphalt layer, or bonding layers of shingles together. A third method would be to modify the mix of the asphalt by adding polymers. Polymers, or cross-linked polymers, are chains of molecules that link to each other. They can be used to improve the physical characteristics of a wide variety of materials. In asphalt roofing shingles, polymers are added to the asphalt to improve the shingle strength and impact resistance.

Are there any other tests available to determine a roof’s class rating?

There are other tests to determine the class rating and one of them is called the ice ball test that began back in the year 2000. An ice ball is basically propelled to match the same speed as a free falling ice stone of the same size. This test requires that the targeted area on the shingle is impacted 3 times as opposed to the steel ball test of only 2 times. This is a pass or fail test. To pass this test, the shingles must show zero immediate visual evidence of damage to the fiberglass mat.

A comprehensive test that many roofing manufacturers do not use, but may be the best test is the UL 2218 B-ice hail impact resistance test. This is a particularly aggressive test that involves wrapping the repeatedly impacting shingle around a 4 inch pole for examination. This test will reveal any ruptures, fractures, tears or cracks in the shingles. The shingle is first impacted by ice balls launched at free fall speeds and that are 2 inches in diameter in order to pass a class 4 rating.

GAF Impact Resistant Shingles meet the highest impact-resistance rating

Impact resistant shingles are tested by dropping a 2 inch steel ball from 20 feet onto the top of the shingles to see if the shingle cracks. GAF impact resistant shingles pass class 4, which is the highest rating possible. For instance GAF’s Timberline ArmorShield series shingles passed the most comprehensive impact-resistance test: UL 2218 Class 4. With this test, the shingles’ ability to withstand high-velocity impact is evaluated. The potential leaks, when subject to high impact. Shingles that pass this test are more likely to prevent leaks into your home.

GAF brands that have been impact resistant approved

As mentioned before, the Timberline Armorshield shingles is one of the main impact resistant shingle brands offered by GAF that offers the protection of a UL 2218 class 4 rated shingle. Another is the Grand Sequoia ArmorShield shingles that combines the look of rugged wood shakes with the protection of UL 2218 class 4-rated shingle. Lastly their Glenwood shingles also passed the UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance test.

Are all shingles and metal roofs class 4 roof?

Most shingles are not impact rated, and those that are Class 4 run 10 to 20 percent more expensive than those that are not class 4 rated. Many metal roofs are impact resistant and will be rated class four. Now the question that might run through your head is, why is impact resistance so important? Well impact resistance is important because it’s a measure of resistance to hail and debris. Generally speaking, you can’t label something as hail proof but those products that have been classified as class 4 have met the very highest standard of resistance that a roofing material can achieve from the UL safety certification system. Therefore, purchasing roofing products that are class 4 rated means you will have a smaller likelihood of damage after a hail event or a storm where debris has made contact with your roof. Furthermore, replacing a roof is not the only expense when roofing fails. If the hail/debris causes a leak, additional damage is likely to occur inside the building. With Class 4 rated metal systems, your roof is far more likely to remain watertight even after a storm damage.

What about Metal class 4 roofs?

In most cases, local roofing contractors wouldn’t recommend installing a class 4 metal roofing system. Many insurance carriers have clauses in their policies regarding metal roofs which state that they don’t pay out for cosmetic damage to a metal roof system. Metal roofs are incredibly durable, but the flip side to this is that you could be stuck with a dinged up, ugly roof if the metal doesn’t sustain large enough damage for it to be replaced.

Imagine spending $60,000 for a steel roof and having it dented to the point of being able to view it from the ground, yet it doesn’t have any functional damage required by an insurance company to be replaced. The homeowner should not be surprised when an insurance adjuster denies a claim based on the policy stating that they do not owe to replace the steel roof panels or stone coated steel without real functional damage. It is advisable to read your roofing insurance policy carefully when considering investing in a metal roof system.

Are Class 4 shingles worth the money?

Some homeowners live in a country or state where there is a frequent amount of hail. Some areas that experience particularly bad hail storms regularly can experience hailstones ranging in size from golf balls to baseballs! Now, whether you live in an area where there is a frequent amount of hail or not, if hail were to hit your home, the results could be devastating for your entire property, and mainly your roof. Therefore, many homeowners are actually looking into modified, impact resistant shingles for their home. However, a good portion of homeowners might actually be hesitant to purchase, wondering if they should just purchase these newer, more expensive shingles are really worth the money.

No local roofing contractors could ever say that any roof is hail proof, however it has been proven that class 4 shingles, which have been modified to resist impact, are absolutely worth the cost. With impact resistant shingles, they can significantly minimize the amount of damage that hailstones and storms can often bring. If you live in an area, such as Upstate New York, that frequently sees a lot of hail and inclement weather then an upgrade to will be particularly worth the investment.