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

The Dangers of Asbestos

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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.

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

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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.

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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!

Do you really need 3 estimates for a roofing job?

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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!

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

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



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

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

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


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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

#1. WINDOWS

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

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


#2. SIDING

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

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

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

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

#3. ROOFING

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

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

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

Asphalt Shingle

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

Wood Shingle

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

Slate

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

Composition slate

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

Metal

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

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


4 Ways Roofers Will Rip You Off!

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Infinite Roofing and Construction

At Infinite Roofing we are very experienced when it comes to roofing and dealing with the mess left behind by other roofing contractors. This experience did not come easy and unfortunately roofing is a mostly non-reputable industry. There are out of town storm chasers looking to collect checks and never come back, contractors that will request more money before the job is done, roofers that do not have the manpower and end up leaving roofs half open over night when rain is coming and properties are extensively damaged from them not properly “drying in”. Roofing companies that will intentionally quote for quality materials and then use the cheap stuff. Home owners tell us all sorts of horror stories about their previous roofing contractors. Hopefully this will help to inform you about some red flags to look out for.

Many of us here at Infinite Roofing started out working as laborers years ago for some other not so notable roofing companies, doing all the hard graft like carrying shingles up and down ladders. Over the years, we’ve seen it all. We have learned all the ways other roofing companies will try to rip you off!

1. Plywood Replacement

Most roofing companies will offer a select amount of pieces of plywood replaced for free and then offer additional pieces of plywood replaced for an additional cost to the homeowner. The problem that can arise in this situation is that most homeowners are not home while the roofing project is being completed. So when the roof is torn off and a non-reputable roofer sees that there is only 2 sheets of plywood that needs replacing, he will add additional sheets and tell the homeowner that 12 sheets were replaced. The current market price of pieces of plywood are replaced at anywhere from $40 to $75. If someone is charging you for 10 sheets of new plywood but only replaced 2, then they have ripped you off $400-$750 and you would never have any way of telling because you were not present during the install.

In order to protect yourself from being ripped off this way there are a few things you can do. One would be to stay home and count the amount of plywood that has been torn off and replaced as the job is taking place. Another would be to go up in your attic or crawl space and look at the ceiling or bottom of the roof. If it is unfinished with no sheetrock then you should be able to see the plywood decking. Any new plywood will look significantly different from a plywood material that is over 20 years old. The new plywood will usually just be a brighter color. It can also be different makes such as OSB and the difference in appearance can be easily recognized against plywood.

2. Only Three feet of Ice and Water Protection

When most roofing companies write a contract, it will include six feet of ice and water barrier along the bottom edges of your roof to prevent ice damns from causing leaks in side your house. To achieve six feet of this protection, roofing contractors will install two courses of a three foot roll. Ice and water barrier is an expensive underlayment and the difference in cost between installing one course and two courses can be at least a few hundred dollars depending on the size and complexity of the roof. Many roofing companies that offer you the lowest price to complete your roof will not want to factor in this cost and will usually end up only using one course of ice and water.

Most roofing companies in the Albany NY and Saratoga Springs area, know that six feet is required but will choose to install three. Most local building codes call for 24″ of ice and water protection installed past the warm wall. The problem here is that most roofs have a 18″ – 24″ overhang at the eaves. This is why we prefer to and will always go above and beyond the code. Infinite Roofing backs up our work with a ten year warranty and we do not want to be responsible for a leaking roof. Once the ice and water is installed over a 24″ overhang it only leaves 12″ above the warm wall. This will cause the roof to leak after the ice continuously melts and refreezes again causing ice dams that causes water to be pushed up under the shingles further and further every time it melts and refreezes. One course of ice and water will eventually cause leaks. The roof may not leak the first year but could last 10-15 years before the leaks start damaging the plywood decking, framing, Sheetrock and finish trim. This will either be a very costly roof repair job or it might just make economical sense to replace the whole roof prematurely and losing out on at least a few good years of roof life expectancy. The only way to prevent being ripped off in this manner is to stay home during the roof replacement and watch to make sure that two courses of ice and water are installed.

Here at Infinite Roofing, in most situations we will have the old shingles completely torn off the house by 10 am. By 12 o’clock noon, the whole house should be covered in underlayments. So sometime in between 11am and 12 would be a good time to take a walk outside and peak up at the house to ensure two courses of ice and water have been installed. This will look like 2 courses of a 3′ roll along the bottom edges of the roof. It is usually black with a granular type surface. The courses installed on top of the ice and water will be a synthetic underlayment and will usually be a different color making it easy to tell the two apart. Reputable roofing companies will include the cost of this in their contract and will have enough work so that they do not need to cut corners to make more profit. This is why it is important to make sure you’re comparing “apples to apples” when comparing bids. One roofers bid may come in $1,000 less but will only last 17 years due to cheap underlayments and not enough ice and water installed. A higher bid will include name brand quality underlayments and six feet of ice and water.  A roofing system with name brand shingles and better underlayments will generally last a good few years longer than a roofing system with cheap shingles and underlayments. This is why it is important to consider the cost of the roofs life more than the cost of the roofs install. A roof that cost less today will most likely cost a lot more in the future.

3. Step Flashing wasn’t included!?

When roofing companies give an estimate, they can sometimes leave out small details like step flashing replacement. Step flashing is a part of the shingle roofing system and should be replaced when a new roof is installed. Step flashing can normally be a tricky thing to include in estimates because sometimes the step flashing is nailed to the wall behind the siding making it impossible to replace without completely removing and reinstalling large sections of siding. Removing and reinstalling siding can cost hundreds more than most people will not want to pay when they have a cheaper bid. This cheaper bid will most likely not include step flashing. Once the roofing contractor shows up and rips off the roof you may get a call saying “your step flashing needs to be replaced and it’s going to cost $700 more”. Or worse even they will not communicate this to you until the job is finished and then you will be stuck paying for something that should have been included. Many low bid roofing companies work this way. This can be avoided by making sure that step flashing is clearly defined in the contract. When the step flashing is nailed to the wall behind the siding we will give the home owner the option of leaving the old step flashing or performing the siding repair to be able to get the old flashing out. Leaving the old flashing in is fine in most cases as it will last the lifetime of the house when installed correctly. Step flashing only leaks when its made of a corrosive material and rots out after 30 years. Step flashing that is made of aluminum or galvanized steel will only ever leak if installed improperly by a low bidding roofing company.

Step flashing is not to be confused with apron flashing. Apron flashing is usually one continuous piece of flashing that is installed horizontally along the bottom wall of any dormers, additions, or any wall to roof transitions such as porches or overhangs. It is fastened to the wall under the siding and usually protrudes about 4 inches over the top course of shingles. This flashing is typically not included in most roof replacements because it is attached directly to the sheathing on the wall and would need the siding to be removed to be replaced. Unless this is called for on an estimate it will not be included in the job and the roofing company will just re use the old flashing as it is made of a non corrosive metal and will last the lifetime of the house if installed properly. To prevent an issue from arising about step flashing, just make sure that all the roofing companies you are requesting bids from have included step flashing in the quote.

Counter flashing is also a gray area on most contracts. Many roofing companies will not include this in a quote. The counter flashing is a part of the chimney and therefore does not fall on the roofers scope of work. Infinite Roofing will include an option to replace chimney flashing at an additional cost if it is needed. We started installing counter flashing due to our customers having a real hard time finding a chimney specialist to provide a quote for the work. Counter flashing is something that must be done by a very experienced roofing contractor as it requires a high level of craftsmanship. Be very weary of roofing companies that say they will include this for free. They are looking to do whatever it takes to sell the job and can not possibly provide the attention to detail that replacing the counter flashing requires for free.

4. Wrong materials

Shingles – Some of the worst roofing companies will quote you for a top quality shingle such as GAF and then actually use a far less quality shingle saving themselves about a $1,000 for an average sized roof. These roofing companies will get away with this for a while because many times the shingles are delivered to the top of the roof by a boom truck. When the shingles are delivered to the rooftop, the only way you can tell what kind of shingles are being used is to go outside and look for the name on the packaging when the used shingle wrappers are tossed off the roof to be put in the garbage.

Ice and Water – Ice and water comes in many different brands and qualities. In order to receive a GAF 50 year full coverage manufacturer’s warranty you will have to use high quality name brand (GAF) underlayments.  This complete roofing system is required by almost all shingle companies to receive their warranties. Shingle manufacturers do this because they know that their shingles will last a few years longer than roofs installed with poor quality underlayments. This means that if the roofers show up with a box of ice and water and the packaging doesn’t match the branding on the shingles. Your roof will most likely not be covered by a full coverage manufacturers warranty.  The low bidding roofing contractor will tell you that you’re getting a manufacturer’s warranty and then show up with underlayments that cost about a third as much as the name-brand materials, saving the roofer around 500 dollars on your average sized roof. The contractor will get away with this one a lot as well because there usually is no one home checking to see that the right materials were used. Most often home owners do not even know to look for the difference in these materials. Using a roofing company that is certified by a shingle manufacturer will help prevent the use of lower quality underlayments.  

A lot of these contractors will be sneaky with how their contracts are worded and will be sure to cover themselves if they are found out. If the specific materials are not called out in the contract, then these shady companies are not held liable for the roofing system they might have told you that you were receiving. This is why it is wise to make sure any and all materials are specified in the quote.

Precautions You Can Take

  1. Get a thorough quote.
  2. Say no to any contractor that asks you for all the money before the job is finished.
  3. Always ask for an invoice/receipt.
  4. Check the contract over thoroughly.
  5. Watch the materials that are delivered.
  6. Check the material brands listed on your quote/receipt against those that actually arrive.
  7. Count the plywood that arrives and count how much is actually used.



Summary

As you can see, the roofing trade can be a very cutthroat business. There are so many underhanded tactics a roofing company can use to extort money from you. By arming yourself with the knowledge of some of these nefarious techniques, you can make yourself a much harder target. Most importantly, get everything written down and never rely only on verbal agreements. Whichever company you go with, we wish you all the best. Nobody deserves to be scammed and those disreputable companies definitely do not deserve your money.

Improving Your Curb Appeal

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Next to episodes of The Bachelor and international hot wing eating contests, the battle for the best curb appeal on the block goes down as one of the fiercest competitions in the world today. Who needs to keep up with the Joneses when the Atkins family has the best front porch in the entire neighborhood? For those who are aiming for better curb appeal (or at least better curb appeal than the next door neighbors), here are some tips from the professionals that can transform the exterior of your home.

Plant some plants.

If you’re going to have the best curb appeal on the block, you can’t do it without some lush plant life. Unless you want to blend in with the mess of homes with nothing but boring grass and cracked sidewalks, you’ll need a healthy mix of trees, shrubs, flowers, and grass for the most dynamic and lively front yard. Window-mounted flowerbeds are a great way to add a pop of color to your curb appeal, and framing your home with trees or larger bushes will soften the edges of your home, and give you added privacy and shade on your property.

Whatever the case, it’s important to strike a balance between high beauty and low maintenance in your yard, especially if you’re not willing to spend every weekend trimming hedges and mowing the lawn. Incorporating xeriscaping or hardscaping concepts into your yard could set you apart from your neighborly competition, and will help you conserve water along the way.

Revitalize your roof.

The average asphalt shingle roof has a lifespan of about 20 years—so if your roof is in its high teens, it might be time for a roof replacement, or at the very least, a professional roof inspection and touch-up. Without frequent maintenance or replacement, your shingles will crack, peel, chip, and disintegrate entirely, creating gaps and seams where water can enter into the home, and causing mold, mildew, water damage, and flooding. Plus, an old roof with algae stains and cracked shingles doesn’t do your curb appeal any favors.

Hiring a professional roofing company for a roof replacement will drastically improve the look of your home, protect from leaks, and improve energy efficiency and resale value. Not to mention there’s nothing that gives homeowners and potential homebuyers more peace of mind than the words “new roof.”

Spruce up your siding.

Siding is another great investment for the look and value of your home—and with a nearly endless selection of siding materials and products, you’re bound to find the perfect siding for your desired look and budget.

Vinyl siding has become a very popular siding selection because of its durability, affordability, and vast variety of colors and finishes. However, wood, metal, and fiber cement siding all offer a great look at a reasonable price. Keep in mind, certain types of siding don’t stand up well to certain climates, so find a siding option that’s guaranteed to stand the test of time.

Stay tuned for part 2 of our series on ways to improve your curb appeal, and check out more recent blog post from your Albany roofers at Infinite Roofing & Construction!

What Type of Siding Do I Need?

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As Albany’s siding expert, Infinite Roofing & Construction delivers expert craftsmanship and exceptional service that will ensure your siding installation is easy for you and beneficial for your home. We can install a number of different types of siding—the choice is yours to decide which type of siding is right for you.

In this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the most popular types of siding, so you can make an informed and educated decision on the best siding for your home.

Things to Keep in Mind

There are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing the right siding for your home:

 

  • Is the siding durable?
  • Is it water resistant?
  • Will it make my home more energy efficient?
  • Does it fit the look of my home/yard?
  • Does it fit my budget?
  • Will the siding handle my area’s climate well?

 

With these questions in mind, you’ll be able to pick the perfect siding for your needs.

Metal Siding

Metal siding is a very modern siding choice, which is great for those with big windows, flat roofs, or a mid-century modern style. Materials like aluminum and steel are very popular for metal siding because of their durability—after all, metal doesn’t mold, rot, or deteriorate with exposure to water or extreme weather conditions. Plus, it’s impervious to fire, color fading, and insects.

The main downside of metal siding is its ability to rust when not properly sealed. But with proper treatment, your metal siding will be strong and brilliant for years to come.

Wood Siding

For some folks, metal siding is too cold, sterile, and unwelcoming. If you like a warmer, more natural look, wood siding could be the beautiful and timeless siding option you need for your home. There are many types of wood siding to choose from that can give your home an earthy and comfortable look, like rich and warm cedar siding or bright and airy birch. Add a stain to your wood siding, and the color and tone options are limitless.

Unfortunately, wood siding can be pretty expensive, and it’s a potentially tasty treat for nearby termites. But with the right siding company on your side, you’ll be able to replace portions of damaged wood siding without too much hassle.

The biggest downside to wood siding is its high maintenance nature—you’ll need to stain your wood siding every 2 or 3 years to keep it properly sealed.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding isn’t a hugely popular siding option just yet, but that doesn’t mean this real wood alternative doesn’t have benefits for your home. Made of cement, sand, and wood fibers, fiber cement siding is very popular in Australia, and is currently making its way over to the States because of its fire-resistant qualities, durability, and similarity to the look of real wood. Fiber cement siding is also very versatile in terms of texture, allowing for fiber cement to emulate the look of wood, brick, or vinyl siding.

In comparison to vinyl siding, fiber cement siding can be expensive, high maintenance, and extremely heavy (it’s partially made of cement after all), so keep these things in mind if you’re looking to tackle a siding installation yourself.

Brick and Stone Siding

As the most expensive and most permanent siding option, brick or stone siding will last a lifetime, needs zero maintenance, and is resistant to basically anything Mother Earth can throw at it—but also requires a great deal of money and labor to install because it’s so heavy. If you’re willing to fork over the cash, you’ll feel like you’re living in your own personal castle with a stone or brick siding installation.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl Siding is the most popular and versatile siding option on the market today, and for good reason. With a nearly limitless selection of colors and patterns available, vinyl siding is a great fit for almost any kind of home. It’s as durable as it is versatile with a 30-40 year lifespan, and unlike wood siding, it’s impervious to termites and weather decay. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to clean—just run some water over it with your garden hose.

With all of these benefits to vinyl siding, you’d imagine it would be a pricey siding option. However, vinyl siding might just be the cheapest siding option on the market. The few downsides that come with vinyl siding have to do with its susceptibility to warping in extreme heat and cold, and its knack for developing dents from stray baseballs, falling trees, and hail. Other than that, vinyl siding is a fairly safe siding choice.

Stucco Siding

If you want your home to look like it was delivered straight from a Tuscan vineyard, then stucco siding is the obvious siding choice. Made out of limestone, sand, and cement, stucco can be painted just about any color, and the look will last up to 100 years with very little maintenance. This type of siding is only suitable for drier, warmer climates, as heavy rainfall and high humidity can cause stucco to lose its shape and form. But if you’re in the right climate, nothing can beat stucco’s earthy, classic look.

Choose Infinite Roofing & Construction

For any of your siding needs, choose the experts at Infinite Roofing & Construction. With over 20 years of experience and an exceptional attention to detail, Infinite Roofing & Construction can provide you with the siding you need for your Albany, Schenectady, or Troy home at a cost that’s right for you. Don’t wait—schedule your siding installation today!