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Saratoga Springs, Clifton Park & Albany Commercial Roofing

April 4, 2022 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

When deciding on what type of commercial roofing system is ideal to install or replace on your current commercial roof, there are many options to choose from. For starters, your location is as important as choosing a roofing material. Residing in a warmer place with tropical storms and high temperatures, choosing a roofing material such as metal or EPDM have very different effects. Clay tile roofing is one of the most popular roofing materials, but on a commercial building it may not be the easiest or cheapest choice. When making the decision on which material to choose on a commercial building usually price is the number one factor. So although clay tile roofing is number one the price tag is not, so the next best option is a metal roofing system.

Some other roofing material options to consider for a commercial building are EPDM, TPO, PVC, and BUR. Again always remembering your location and climate to be important factors, each of these materials have many positive attributes and some negative downsides. Most often a commercial building is very large in size and has a flat roof with no slope.

On a large commercial building having a sloped roof would be extremely expensive to build because there would need to be a massive amount of materials and the height it would reach is unrealistic. A roof with valleys, peaks, and other features require more complexity and therefore cost more.

HVAC Equipment: Most commercial buildings have HVAC and other types of equipment located in multiple areas of the roof, because it must be a secure location that is also compatible of heating and cooling, it would be near impossible to install on a sloped roof.

Solar: Becoming more and more common, solar is located on commercial rooftops and it is necessary to have a smooth flat surface. Solar panels are positioned to take the fullest advantage of the sun’s tracking across the sky, a large flat roof is perfect real estate for the large panels. A “flat” roof is never completely flat, it must have a slight slope for drainage.

Built-up Roofing (BUR) systems

The BUR system is a type of roofing that is built on the rooftop by a professional roofing contractor. Layers of synthetic material or felt are put together with hot asphalt or weathering and commonly covered with gravel or other types of stone for more protection. This protects the materials from the UV rays of the sun and other types of weathering. When installed correctly by the best local roofers these gravel surfaces will also provide a high fire rating for safety.

Modified Bitumen Membranes

This type of roofing has evolved from built-up roofing, made from factory manufactured fiberglass asphalt sheets. A “built-up” roofing roll is installed in single layer sheets and sometimes multiple layers. There are two types of modified bitumen that exist and they both have different installation methods. One method includes melting the roofing material on an approved underlayment using an open torch and mopping it down with extremely hot asphalt or a cold cement. Using an open torch can be very risky for obvious reasons including setting not wanted fires on the rooftop.

Modified Bitumen products are in their own class of commercial roofing systems that are called “single-ply.” These single plies are flexible sheets of the synthetic materials that are manufactured from different varieties of compounds that include bitumens, fillers, polymers, stabilizers, plasticizers and many other elements.

Thermoset Membrane Roofing

This is better known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) is a rubber type of material that provides elasticity on the roof. EPDM sheets are chemically set and manufactured making them difficult to bond. These membranes cannot be softened by using heat so an adhesive is required for the installation process. These systems come in two colors, white and black. A local roofing contractor will use a fully adhered approved substrate to mechanically attach screws and plates to the roofing deck. When doing a re-roof a structural engineer should be consulted to approve the installation of 12-15lbs per sq ft.

Thermoplastic Membrane Roofing

This type of membrane is a PVC or TPO formulation first introduced in the 1960s. Different from EPDM roofing system because it does not set, only softens and “flows,” when being heated. This allows the membrane to be “hot air welded” seaming the material together, it is very light weight and typically comes in only the color white to be highly reflective of the sun’s UV rays. Using the color white results in massive energy savings, depending on the climate the commercial building is in. In warmer locations we highly suggest using white on most roofs when available.

PVC Membranes

Polyvinyl chloride roofing membrane is a popular thermoplastic choice for many commercial flat roofs. This type of roof provides top of the line chemical, oil, and fire resistance and also seamless seaming ability in almost all different types of climates. White PVC membranes are used to be highly reflective because the PVC does not cure on each rooftop, it stays weldable for many years following installation. Another major benefit to PVC over other types of roofing is that it can be installed all year round.

TPO Membranes

TPO was specially developed to combine PVC and EPDM, taking the best qualities of both roofing systems and putting them into one. TPO can have a spotty performance but it has been a fast growing system in the U.S.

Chemical Roofing coating

Choosing a chemical roof coating can be a good temporary option for commercial roofing systems. This can extend the lifespan of a low slope roof and these coatings can be installed on a large variety of existing roof surfaces. It can also be a large energy saver on expenses by reflecting the sunlight and is much less disruptive than a complete roof tear-off to re-roof.

Some ways you can improve your commercial roofing system is by scheduling regular inspections to ensure productivity. It is always wise to make sure you have an annual roof inspection done to catch any issues that may arise. There are numerous ways that a roof can become jeopardized which can lead to water intrusion and damaging the interior of the commercial building. By scheduling annual inspections you are taking preventative measures to avoid expensive repairs. Once you have had your inspection done it’s a good idea to determine the remaining life of your roof. This is important for budget reasons, so you are ot caught off guard when it is time to think about doing a re-roof which is costly.

Be sure you have a reliable upstate roofing contractor that is available for emergencies when needed. Do plenty of research when choosing a local roofing company you can trust and read reviews before hiring. Infinite Roofing of Saratoga Springs New York was built on the principles of trust and integrity. We always treat our customers with respect and give professional service only using quality roofing materials and exceptional safety practices.

Types of Standing Seam Metal Roofing Systems

September 13, 2021 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Standing seam meatal roofs are commonly used for commercial, industrial and becoming more popular residential roofs. This type of roofing system is a very versatile option offering advantages like durability, long lifespan, cost efficiency, and a variety of design options. Most commonly a metal roof has previously been installed on commercial buildings but because of the most recent design options, it is increasing its popularity with homeowners.

A standing seam metal roof is typically installed in a vertical line pattern running from the eave to the ridge. They feature a raised interlocking system which connects adjoining panels. This ensure that the fasteners are hidden for a sleeker look, because the fasteners are not visible most people prefer a standing seam system. Another reason a standing seam roof is desirable beyond its approved appearance, the panels require much less maintenance and a longer lifespan. Metal roofing system with exposed fasteners on their panels allow water to penetrate causing damage over time. These roofs require yearly maintenance which ends up costing more than a stand seam roof.

Type of Standing Seam Metal Roofs

How each panel is physically attached is call the attachment method, the panel attach to the roofing deck, purlins and rafters. There are two different styles of attachment: clipped and fastening flange.

Clipped: The clipped system attaches to the substructure with a heavy gauge steel clip that is designed to integrate with a male and female panel. A clipped system is typically installed over a solid deck or an open frame like on a pre-engineered metal building. These clips offer a more significant space for expansion and contraction. Because of this commercial and industrial applications with long panel runs are a better suited match. Weather tightness warranties are common with clipped panel systems based on panel design and installation.

Fastening Flange: These panels are attached directly to the roof by the fastener through the slotted flange. The following panel then snaps into the top and covers both panels with the fastening flange and a screw. This type of panel is the most affordable standing seam system but there are some limitations. This system is not suited for projects that require a weathertightness warranty and require a roof deck to be present. The slotted flange has limits on expansion and contraction unlike the clipped attachment method. Fastening flange panels are best suited for residential projects and smaller commercial buildings.

Clipped: Different than fastening flange, clipped panels attach to the substructure using a heavy steel clip with male and female legs. The clipped standing seam system are installed over a solid deck or an open frame. Some buildings that have open frames include pre-engineered metal commercial buildings and industrial buildings. The clipped system allows for contraction and expansion unlike the fastening flange system. As a result the clipped panels are best suited for long panel roofs commonly found on commercial, industrial and educational buildings. This panel design has installation requirements where weathertightness warranties are applied.

Engagement Methods

Mechanically Seamed: In this method a seaming machine is required to mechanically press the panels together for the metal roof installation. This process involves two folds pressing the panel legs together and this bond form as very strong connection. This method is most commonly used on slow slope roofs that have a high wind uplift and where weather-tightness is required. There are two types of seaming machines, single pass and bi- directional. A single pass machine can complete roughly 10 feet per minute and as you can imagine a bi-direction pass can complete about 50 feet per minute. A bi-directional seaming machine can go along the metal panels in both directions, while a single pass will only run from eave to ridge.

Snapped: In this engagement method snapped panels make use of their male/female legs and are simply snapped in place. When pressure is applied their vertical legs being positioned over one another become engaged because of the design and snap together. This can be done my just using a gloved hand or a rubber mallet can be used.

For a standing seam metal roofing system there are two different types of metal panels, symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical panels are the exact same on both sides and in comparison, the legs on asymmetrical are different. Symmetrical standing seam panels are the most popular because of their initial and long term savings. They are more economically friendly in terms of labor and the reduced chance of damage from leaking.

Asymmetrical panels need to be installed from one end of the building all the way to the other in a sequence. Compared to symmetrical panels that can be started from anywhere on the roof, making it easier to skip sections also. Asymmetrical panels are less convenient and flexible. Symmetrical panels end up have much less scrap or waste and reduced costs when being compared to asymmetrical panels. This is because symmetrical standing seam panels do not have male/female connections. These seams mirror image each other and a seam cap covers them to allow for easy removal if a replacement is needed for individual panels.

In order to replace single panel of symmetrical standing seam roofs an un-seaming machine must be used. This machine will open the cap back to the original shape leaving the panel undamaged. Once removed the panel can easily be replaced and reinstalled. With all the benefits of symmetrical seam panels you might expect them to be more expensive because they offer an easier installation, but you should always factor in building design, codes, and future building modifications.

Which Type of Metal Roof is Best?

Galvalume roofing material combines three metal, steel, aluminum and zin, and is then coated in silicone to protect it from the elements. This is the least expensive type of metal roofing and come in a large variety of colors. Galvalume is corrosion resistant, recyclable and can be installed over any roof.

Aluminum is a popular choice because it performers well in in sea and saltwater environments, and also is the most sustainable material in the world. It does the best in harsh weather conditions and is one of the most predominant metals used worldwide. Aluminum is light weight and does not rust or corrode, it has a medium price point and is readily available.

Copper is another choice for metal roofing but comes at the highest price point. It is a beautiful color and very durable, also one of the lightest weight metals but is about $1,000 per square.

If you still are not sure which metal roofing panels are best for you home or project, give us a call at Infinite Roofing and we can help you out. Standing seam metal roofs offer home and building owners all the advantages of a standard metal roof with a large variety of design and color options. If you are looking for a new roofing system that will save you money and last a very long time then a metal roof might be for you. Another advantage to choosing a standing seam roof for your home or business is that your insurance company looks favorably on them since research has shown they don’t get as damaged and are fire resistant.

Top Roofing Shingle Colors For 2021

June 10, 2021 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Choosing the best shingle color for your roof has come a long way over the last few years, you no longer need to use a cookie-cutter style or look for your home. There are so many options you can now choose from that make a huge impact on the aesthetics of your home. Long gone are the days of a boring gray roofing shingle, you can now pick from a wide variety of colors to make your home POP. This creates more of an inviting feel while boosting your curb appeal, to surely make your neighbors envious.

There is no “Best color for roofing shingles,” only the best color for your particular home. This will depend on the color of your home/siding, the style of your home, and the surroundings. There are some top trending shingle roofing material colors of 2021, and they include:

Light brown hues like sand, desert,taupe gray.
Blues such as sky, denim, blue-green.
Greens like forest, moss and hunter.
Off whites, especially in hot climates.

There is of course nothing wrong with the average gray roofing shingle colors, particularly when that is the only color that matches with your home and when your home’s details really stand out.

This home has many pops of white which draw the eye to the trim, having a neutral colored gray roof allows the home to let the details shine on their own. If this owner chose a white roof the aesthetic would not be the same. If you look closely at the siding color it matches very nicely with the color these homeowners chose for their roof. Choosing the right color can be a very tough decision, consulting with your local roofing company is a good start to get some ideas. Most companies will have larger samples available to be viewed in their showroom, this will help give you a better idea of what the overall roof will look like.

Have you ever decided on changing the paint color in a room in your home, only to get one wall done and it looks nothing like the tiny swatch that you choose? This can be a similar process, sometimes a dark charcoal looks great until you see your entire roof looks black and that may not be the look you had in mind. Starting with the color or your home’s siding or whether it’s brick, or even stone, is a good place to consider which colors you might choose.

The best color combinations for your roof and siding

If your home is red or brick colored then the best color combination would be a darker hue for the roof. You can choose between shades of black or darkest gray that would compliment the house color well. If your home is white or light colored, choosing primary colors for the roof is best. Having a white home gives you many options when deciding on the shingle roofing material color, you should take note of the types of details that are on the outside of your home. Do you have a certain color stone or trim? It would make these details pop by adding that detailed color to your roof, even matching the shutters is a great idea.

If your home’s siding is gray, a very common color combination you will see is a gray roof of another shade that doesn’t exactly match the siding of your home. You don’t want the entire house to look like one color blob, you want there to be some dimension. A common choice for homeowners is to choose a darker roof gray than the siding like pictured above. Of course gray is not the only option for the roof, some other colors that work beautifully are hues of blue and light shades. In the more recent years blue siding has become very popular and gives the home a very unique look when done properly. If you are stuck on deciding which color will go great with your blue home, try shades like dark charcoal or lighter grays that will make your home stand out.

Brown homes that have light beige or tan roofs work well or if you would like something less traditional a dark green roof is a unique blend. As we have pictured above a woodsy type of setting is perfect for a combination of a brown home and green roof. As you can see pairing light and dark colors together creates the perfect balance to set your home apart from the rest. If you think of it like putting together the perfect outfit, this can give you a different perspective on what will go together. The key to boosting your home’s curb appeal is making your color choice stand out. You don’t need to own a massive home to make it beautiful and eye-catching, it’s all in the details.

When you should use a dark or light hue for your roofing shingle material

Continuing with the trend of creating contrast between your home’s siding and roof, there are a few do’s and don’t-s when choosing the perfect color for your home’s roof. In general you want your home to stand out in the neighborhood when being compared to other surrounding homes. It creates great resale value for you and overall looks much better than blending in with the crowd. When you get a new roof dark colors are more eye-catching than a lighter dull shade.

Darker shingle roofing materials work great for multi-level homes, this is because it draws more attention to the various levels giving it overall dimension. By using darker tones you can create a balance especially with low pitched roofs. Be cautious of using dark hues on a high pitched roof because it will distract from the rest of the home and take over where the eye follows.

Along with the most popular trends of roofing shingle material colors comes other categories like metal roofing, solar roofs, and even flat roofing colors. Some of these other types of roofing materials are becoming popular and very diverse in the color options that are now available for you to customize your home with.

Just because your home has a flat roof doesn’t mean you are stuck with only one option, you have the choice of choosing various colors or even an Eco-friendly green roof. These “green roofs” have so many benefits for your home and the planet. Of course this would be very different than a traditional shingle roofing installation, if a green roof interests you then contact your local roofing company and get more information.

How to Land More Roofing Jobs Than Your Competitors

May 25, 2021 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Each year the roofing industry continues to grow and each year over the past five years it has grown on average 3% consecutively. This has led to a burst of new businesses that are taking full advantage of the roofing industry. Landing more jobs and increasing your sales can seem like a difficult task but by implementing a few key strategies you can gain the upper hand. We have a few tips that will give you a sales advantage and get ahead of the competition.

One of the most important things you can do to grow your roofing business is to stay on top of your leads. If you don’t use a roofing CRM stop right here and get one. You need to keep all your leads or “contacts” in one spot and have a clear organized way that you manage them, this will allow you to know when all of your interactions have taken place. Knowing when you spoke last and when you should be following up with them again will give you a better shot at landing the sale. If you have gone on their estimate and submitted the quote already you need to have a system that will remind you when to follow up with them. This can either be an email, phone call or automated text message to make sure that they keep your local roofing company on their mind.

Using a roofing CRM system will make your job easier, not only save you time and energy but also money by streamlining your business. Our company has created our own CRM software called Infinito, made by contractors for contractors. We have compiled everything that is crucial to the success of our company and put it all in one place to ensure success. Everything from a calendar that is accessible to your whole team, booking appointments section, roof measuring software, follow-up reminder, job information sheet, payments, and so much more. Without this our company would not be so successful and neither will yours until you implement an organized CRM.

Another tip we have for your company is to streamline estimating. Having accurate estimating that is done by everyone on your team is extremely important. If you take advantage of a roofing CRM software like Infinito, you would have access to our roof measuring portion. Instead of having to purchase another app or pay a third party to get precise measurements of a roof, it is all included inside Infinito. When everyone on your team is using the same tools to produce quotes your system will be on the same page making estimates as accurate as possible.

Over estimating being done by some and underestimating being done by others will hurt your company and reputation. Word of mouth travels fast and customer dissatisfaction with costs will impact future referrals. After you have gone on an appointment to give a customer an estimate on a roof replacement you should try and get the quote out to them as quickly as possible. Most of the time a homeowner will get several estimates so the more efficient you are at getting the quote to your customer the better your chances are at landing the sale.

It is crucial to be prepared for questions and any objections that may come up. When homeowners are looking for a local roofing contractor some important qualities they look for is how well you know your information and if they feel like you are honest with them. The majority of our business reviews that our customers leave for us is their satisfaction with our integrity. We tell our customers if something is actually needed and never push unnecessary extra work on them. We are sure to train all of our sales team extensively so that when a homeowner has a question or concern we are able to confidently answer it and put them at ease.

It is also important for you to keep homeowners informed by taking the time to explain what the work will entail, and why a replacement or repair is necessary. This becomes even more important when more repairs are needed than originally anticipated. Your customers will appreciate having all the details and how honest you are about the job. At this point in their job process they have the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns they have.

Along with honesty and integrity, another important tip that will help you land more roofing jobs is to communicate effectively. Having good communication may not seem like it would be an obvious competitive advantage but it will have a huge impact on how you are able to sell roofing jobs. The more that your team not only out on the field but also in the office have good communication with each other the more effective they will be as a team. This will ensure that everyone is staying connected and will reduce the likelihood of mistakes for scheduling and other common errors. This will help your local roofing company have a unified strategy for selling prospects on your services.

How Insurance Claims Work For Roofing Contractors

May 17, 2021 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Learning how insurance claims work will help you land more roofing jobs and grow your roofing company. Understanding the ins and outs of insurance will reduce unnecessary delays and get you paid much faster. Homeowners’ insurance can be difficult to navigate but understanding how a roofing claim works isn’t nearly as complicated. In this blog we will give you a better understanding of how you can better work with insurance companies, and get your customers to get the most for their roof replacements.

Once a customer recognizes that they have had damage done to their roof by a storm it is important that they file a claim as soon as possible. I have had customers call us at the office looking for an estimate before even calling their insurance company and I always advise them to file the claim first. The homeowner will schedule a time for an adjuster to assess the damage by inspecting the roof and will advise either a full replacement or repair.

If the homeowner has called your local roofing company to come out for an estimate you can also request to be there at the same time as the adjuster. This can help get the homeowner more from their insurance by answering questions and making sure they don’t miss damage. Once the adjuster has completed the roof inspection they will draw up an assessment of the damage and send it to the insurance company.

The next step would be to review the claim, this is also known as the damage assessment and is reviewed by the insurance company. Your insurance company will determine how much money you will receive and if they think your roof is in need of a repair or full replacement. Having your local roofing contractor present will help steer the adjuster in the appropriate direction needed to get you the most out of your claim. This process can take a few weeks so it is best to get your claim in as soon as possible. As your insurance company is reviewing your claim they may request more information from you in order to provide you with the best estimate. It is important to respond promptly so the claim can move along quickly. If you took pictures yourself or have other types of evidence then be prepared to submit that as well.

Once your claim has been reviewed the next step would be to process and finalize it. At this stage in the process your insurance company will now mail you a check to cover the damages that were assessed for your roof damage. The check is not mailed to the roofing company, so it is important to let your chosen local roofing company know when you receive the funds so they can schedule your job. Most roofing companies require a deposit of at least half down to get you on their build schedule. This is so they have the funds to order your roofing materials in order to start your roof replacement.

In order to make the most out of your claim process there are a few things you can do to ensure the best possible outcome. Having good communication with the insurance company and claims department will give a better understanding of the insurance related terms and concepts. Answering questions that come up are much easier when you as a business owner understand how the whole process works and is progressing. Once you have a good grasp on terms and conditions used by insurance adjusters reading and filling out paperwork correctly will come naturally. This will also help ensure that no major errors are taking place on your end.

Another key role you play as a preferred roofing contractor is advocating for the homeowner. Most homeowners don’t deal with their insurance company often so it is easy to feel in over their head. Especially when discrepancies between the insurance company and you the preferred roofing contractor arise. If you have recommended a full roof replacement but the insurance adjuster is only quoting damage for repairs, this can be very confusing for the homeowner. Guidance is an important part of your job when working with your customers and their insurance companies, they will look to you as someone with experience in navigating through their claim.

You would have already provided the insurance company with a copy of the estimate that your roofing company had come up with and you want to be sure that it is as accurate as possible so the homeowner can achieve the best outcome. This will not only help them in getting the best result for their roofing project but also for you as their preferred roofing contractor as growing your businesses reputation by providing excellent customer service.

Another piece of advice is to keep good records as a preferred roofing contractor and also for the homeowner. The more evidence you have for the roofing claim the better and keeping a good record of all paperwork will reduce delays and keep the process running smoothly. Also it is important that these records are easily accessible by everyone on your team so that a response can be given to the insurance company promptly.

WHAT KIND OF INSURANCE IS NEEDED FOR A ROOFING COMPANY?

February 9, 2021 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Firstly congratulations on making the decision to move forward with your business and start a roofing company. This is of course no substitution for legal advice and you should consult with insurance experts to know exactly what your company needs as far as insurance goes in your current state. Becoming a professional roofer and striving to be the best roofing company you’ll need to hire subcontractors and other employees, which means you will need contractors insurance. This protects you and your company if anything were to happen such as accidents, employee injuries, or lawsuits.

If you did not have Albany roofing insurance then these potential problems would be an out of pocket expense. These expenses would put tremendous financial pressure on your business and could even end it. It is also possible for customers to check on a roofing company’s insurance when looking for the best roofing company and not choose you if you do not possess the proper documentation.

There are three types of Albany roofing insurance that is necessary to conduct business: Worker’s compensation, general liability and in some cases surety bonds for larger more expensive jobs. Roofing contractors insurance requirements vary in every single state so it is important to check your local area on what is required. Insurance policies can be somewhat complex so here we will break down why you need these policies and how they will protect your business.

Workers’ Compensation

Also referred to as workers comp, in a type of coverage that protects your employees if an accident were to happen. Albany Roofing can be a dangerous field of work and no matter how careful you are there is always a chance that a work related injury could occur. It is imperative to be sure your workers are wearing their proper safety gear while on a roof, as well as practicing safety on the ground.

If you were to conduct business without workers comp you would be held liable for any medical bills of someone injured and that could be extremely costly. It could also be your responsibility to pay for missed wages and other benefits to who was injured. Protecting yourself as a business owner with workers compensation insurance is the smartest thing you can do to keep your business thriving. If you invest in workers’ compensation it will cover your unforeseen expenses by monthly payments.

The benefit to holding this insurance is that it protects not only your employees but you as a business owner from the high costs of medical care. An example of how workers’ comp is supposed to function is that when you employ a handful of roofers and one of them accidentally misses a shingle and nails straight through his hand, you direct him to take a visit to the hospital to remove the nail and get some stitches. While at the hospital they X-Ray his hand because the nail went through a ligament and some bone, and also he needed to be stitched up. He now misses a week of work while his primary hand heals and may even need some physical therapy to gain motion back.

Depending on the contract you hold with each employee you might be paying him for his time out of work. If this particular roofer felt like he had a case he could even claim that you were negligent and attempt to sue you. He would need to prove that you contributed to the severity of his injuries in order to have a case.

This is where you workers’ compensation steps in and provides immediate coverage. If not then a lawsuit would take months and in most circumstances by receiving the benefits your employee forfeits his right to sue you. Your insurance would cover the roofers medical bills and aftercare with ease, allowing your employee to heal up and get back to work fast.

Are you liable if someone gets hurt on your property?

This is a common question asked by customers when looking for the best roofing company for the job. When a contractor doesn’t have adequate liability or workers’ compensation insurance, oftentimes it’s the customer who ends up paying the price. If the hired contractor becomes injured while installing a new roof the customer could be financially responsible for the damages, including medical bills and even lost wages. Depending on your local laws the injured employee may be able to also sue the homeowner for contributing or claiming to the cause of the injured person. Before signing a contract for a new roof replacement most homeowners will ask for copies of the local roofing companies WC and liability insurance forms to protect themselves.

In most states it is required to purchase a liability and workers compensation policy in order to conduct business, much like how it is required to have car insurance in order to drive a vehicle. Some states do not require these insurances such as Texas and they can choose to pay a private company to handle workers compensation benefits. Usually it is only much larger businesses that have millions of dollars coming in continuously being made with a reliable cash flow who choose to pay out of pocket through a private company.

When you first start out with your new roofing company it will make much more sense for you to pay a public insurance company for the necessary coverage. Injuries are very common in the construction business, big and small and you most likely will not have the revenue to cover medical costs of even the small ones. It is smarter to protect yourself for the future of your roofing company.

General liability insurance is to protect your business in the case that a third party such as a customer were to become injured, if there was any property damage, or if a lawsuit were to take place.

General liability typically covers:

Property damage
Bodily injury
Legal costs
Advertising injury such as slander to a competitor

Some charges that liability policies usually do not cover are:

Employee injury
Work vehicle and tool damages
Errors on jobs
Punitive damages

General liability offers coverage and protection that workers compensation does not. If you hire a contractor to do a small repair job on your home and he falls off he falls ladder into the owner of the home and hurts the homeowner then it might not be covered. The property damage would be but the medical bills probably would not be covered by general liability as we stated above. It is important for roofing subcontractors to understand exactly what is covered by each liability and workers compensation insurances.

Women in The Roofing Industry

November 23, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Currently women make up only about 0.5 percent of the roofing industry in America, and in Canada roughly 3 percent compared to men. As time progresses women continue to become more involved in the roofing industry as CEO’s, marketing directors, and other leading roles. Women have been pursuing roofing sales, distributing, manufacturing, and even on roofs. When speaking with business owners of roofing companies they express that people may think women in the construction field is out of the ordinary, but in reality they are some of the most qualified applicants.

Many organizations have dedicated their time to expanding roles that women play in roofing and construction. One example of this is the NWIR (National women in roofing), who are an American based volunteer organization that launched in 2016 at the IRE (International roofing expo). Although they were only founded a short time ago they have gained over 1,100 members who are all dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the roofing industry. Companies such as IKO sponsor and support the NWIR to advocate for females to join their organizations, they are excited to educate women within the field and also help recruit.

“I didn’t have any roofing experience when I first joined the industry more than 20 years ago, so I relied heavily on my mentors and educated myself through meeting with our manufacturing, sales, research groups and distributors to determine what contractors needed and wanted,” said Perkins. “But now, an organization like NWIR has built-in mentorship and educational opportunities that help new female professionals entering the industry, as well as seasoned pros.”

Women Owned Roofing Companies

Women like Alicia McMahon have been in the roofing industry for more than 10 years doing marketing, says she continues to see women step into leadership and even ownership positions. “When I first got into the roofing business, women were typically seen working in roles like accounting, marketing and administration,” McMahon said. “But now, women are branching out of corporate roles and making strides not only as laborers, but as business owners, too.”

Successful women owned roofing companies continue to pop up like Ardmor Construction, based in Minnesota. The owner Sarah Ahrendt was once a nurse but hated the hours that she had to put in and felt burnt out. She had a boyfriend in the construction field and was intrigued by his work, so she picked up a job as a roofing sales person. She admits that at first some customers weren’t sure about her, if she was only working in this role to support her boyfriend or if she was actually dedicated to the job. However she proved them wrong and quickly gained respect backed up by her work ethic and vast knowledge. She acknowledges that some women do face discouraging work environments when pursuing a roofing career, but she was lucky in that her boss fully supported her in her endeavors. “He saw people as people, not as male or female. He saw the value that I brought. I was very fortunate in that,” Ahrendt said.

She always had a strong desire to help others which is how she ended up in the nursing field, she compares this to her now role in the roofing industry because taking care of people’s roofs also helps protect them and their home, which is most valuable. “I was happy to start in a field where there is so much potential to make a difference,” Ahrendt explained. Shortly after an opportunity came up to get her hands dirty and she jumped on. She began working on rooftops, organizing the laborers, and even operating the equipment. She enjoyed learning the technical details and as new opportunities presented themselves she kept growing.

Ahrendt dabbled in finances and marketing, then was offered a full time position as manager at another roofing company. She soon after developed her own ideas about running a roofing company, and after putting them into practice Ardmor Construction was born. Her company being only a year old has already brought in 1.5 million in total sales. Ahrendt says she has spoken with women who have been interested in the roofing industry and other parts of construction but get discouraged. Her advice to them was “It’s not nearly as hard as you might think it’s going to be. As a woman in roofing, if you really know your stuff, you’ll impress the customer quickly.” “Don’t give up just because someone tells you no,” she added. “If that’s what you really want to do and you’re passionate about it, you’ll succeed.”

Professional Women in Roofing

Women have been involved in every aspect of the roofing industry, from the office up to the roofs. An example of leading women making a difference from every corner is this amazing group that calls themselves “The Women Roofers.”

The Women Roofers is a group of volunteers that started out repairing a roof for someone who couldn’t afford to hire a professional. After the completion of the first roof Kernodle and Herrick began the idea of gathering a larger group of women to help the church by repairing and replacing roofs of people in need. Working with the Rutherford Housing Partnership the woman group has been roofing since 2002. The group recently got involved with helping out at the Troop House at Camp Ginger Cascades for the girl scouts. They began their work on a Saturday morning and fished by noon! The women spent the rest of the day enjoying camp. “If a woman wants to go into something, there is no reason she shouldn’t consider it if she chooses!”

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.

Financing Options For Your Roof Replacement

October 19, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

If it’s time for a new roof or significant repairs, you may not be able to cover all the costs out-of-pocket. The average cost of a roof replacement is around $8,000 according to HomeAdvisor and of course this price is dependent upon which roofing materials your choose, and the size of your roof. Most Albany roofing companies require a half down deposit in order to get on the job schedule. So even if your roof replacement costs you $8,000 half down would mean $4,000 cash. This is still pretty steep for most people, not everyone has thousands of dollars laying around to toss at a new roof. If this is true to you and your situation, do not worry! You have many other options to choose from to make your roofing dreams come true.

Some Albany roofing companies offer their customers financing plans or you may even consider applying for a home equity loan. We will provide you with information on the most popular options available to you, for securing a new roof and ways to finance it. Of course we are only here to educate you on what options there are to finance a new roof, and you should always consult with a financial advisor to better understand your personal options.

First Get Quotes or Roofing Estimates

Before you take out a loan or investigate your roof financing options, you need to see how much the roof will actually cost you. The first thing you want to do is google the best roofing companies in your local area. Read all of the roofing company’s reviews, look at their social media pages, and get a better idea who these people are. If everything checks out, their work is clean and beautiful, they have glowing reviews, and post consistently about their work, its then time to schedule an estimate.

Most Albany roofing companies will come out and give you a free estimate, as long as you are the owner of the house and the house is not for sale. If you do not meet these criteria then you may be charged anywhere from $100-200 for the service. Why do they charge you if your home is for sale? Well because if they are paying an estimator to come out to your home, give you a roofing quote, and you decide to use that quote as a discount off the house being sold and not get the roof done, that now costs the company money. If you do decide to pay for an estimating service and want to get your roof done by them, that $200 comes off the price of your new roof.

Obtain 3 Estimates

Now you have 3 roofing estimates to look over, are they significantly different? Chances are they are going to be pretty similar in price, we do suggest that you do not just go with the cheapest estimate. You get what you pay for especially with roofing contractors, the last thing you want is to have your roof done cheaply and pay another roofing company to come and fix mistakes. The roof is arguably the most important portion of your home, it protects you and your family so be sure the get the job done right the first time. Going with the cheapest roofing quote can end up costing you much more in the long run. Find the best roofing company in your area with great reviews, or word of mouth references.

Ways to Secure Financing

Once you have made a list of finding ways to finance your roof replacement, you want to figure out the lowest interest rate. This will help you pay the least amount for a new roof or repair. If you think you can pay off the debt quicker than its term, you can choose an option with no prepayment penalties. Some lenders will charge a prepayment penalty so check with you bank and be sure you won’t be charged fees for early payoff.

When considering your roof financing options remember to not only check interests rates associated with the loan but also other costs that can be included. Knowing how long it will take you to secure the funds is very important, if you have an urgent repair problem or reroof that must be scheduled, you might not have time to wait for funds. Your local roofing contractor can tell you how urgent your repair or reroof is, and if it is too risky waiting to secure a more favorable financing option.

Roof Financing Options

Personal Line of credit
Home equity loans
Homeowner’s insurance policy
Credit cards
FHA loan
Roofer financing
Roof financing at home improvement stores
Other government options

Personal Line of Credit

If you’re looking into a loan for your roof, the best option is opening a personal line of credit. This option tends to have a low interest rate along with low monthly payments. Your bank might offer lines of credit specifically for home improvements, by offering collateral will help keep interest low. Don’t assume you must stick with your own personal bank, you can reach out to others banks who might offer lower rates on home loans.

Home Equity Loan

HELOC, or home equity lines of credit or loans, are two of the best choices for roof financing options. If you don’t have the best credit or want to minimize your interest rate this is a good choice for you. By using your home as collateral you have better chances to negotiate a lower interest rate than compared to other loans. There are some fine print things to keep in mind with this roof financing option, you’ll need to have equity built up in your home to take advantage of this.

Home equity loans are somewhat different and more flexible in allowing more money to be withdrawn over a period of time, and lengthening the time in which you need to pay the entire amount back. Every person is different and their circumstances will dictate if a HELOC or home equity loan is a better fit. If you have multiple home improvement projects then a HELOC loan could be a better fit for you, but if you’re just looking for a quick new roof then a home equity loan is a less expensive option. As always it is best to review your personal finances and options with your financial advisor who can give a more detailed list of options for you.

Homeowners Insurance Policy

Before securing roof financing options, you need to determine if your homeowners policy offers coverage for any damage to your roof. If your insurance agency will cover only part of the cost, then you’ll need to find other financing options. Your local roofing contractor can tell you if the damage done to your roof was storm or weather related, or if there is another cause contributing to the need of a repair or replacement. If you think you roof will be covered by your insurance company, start with filing a claim before you begin and repairs or replacements.

Credit Cards

Credit Cards

Most Albany roofing companies will take credit cards, but not all of them so be sure to ask. If your local roofing contractor does accept credit cards be aware that they may charge you a fee in doing so. When a roofing company offers the use of credit cards, they are usually charged a fee anywhere for 3-6%. They might make you pay the entire fee or split it with you. If you think you’ll be able to pay off the full cost of your roof replacement, then you won’t need to worry about the interest rate. If you think it will take you some time to pay it off, then make sure to find out exactly how much interest you’re looking at.

The typical cost of an average sized roof with no compilations costs roughly around $7,000, if put on a credit card with a 15% interest rate could cost you $200 per month. If you only paid the minimum amount of $200 per month you would end up paying an extra $3,000 on top of cost for your roof. Of course that exact cost is dependent of your credit card company, and paying more than the minimum will reduce that interest.

FHA Loan

Unlike HELOC you do not need to have equity in your home in order to qualify for this loan, as long as it is less than $7,500. FHA loan offers fixed rates and no minimum credit score or income requirement. To qualify for this loan you must meet these criteria; you must own the house, you must have occupied the home for at least 90 days, the loan can only be sued for a roof replacement or repair, and your debt to income ratio must be under 45%. This type of loan is more accommodating for the average homeowner.

Roofer Financing

Some larger roofing companies off payment plans for their customers. They realize that many people cannot afford their work unless they help with financing options. If you do decide to use their roof financing options be sure to check out their reviews.

Roofer Financing at Home Improvement Stores

Some home improvement stores like Lowe’s and home depot offer loans for home improvement projects. There is a purchase requirement of $2,000 or more, and also be aware that store credit cards do not cover the cost of labor. These types of cards are used most often by homeowners who are doing roofing projects themselves or with help of friends and family.

Other Government Options

An FHA loan is the most popular government financing option, but there are others. FHA 203K loan is a great option if you have some equity in your home and need financing on a larger project. The loan minimum is $35,000, which will allow you to get top quality materials and work done on your home. Once disbursed the loan is then added to your mortgage and payments.

What Is The Best Way to Finance Your Roof?

Each person has different circumstances that determine the best method to financing a roofing project. Getting the most amount with the smallest interest is the goal, be sure to check all of your options to get the best rate.