Warranties

Impact Resistant Shingles

July 13, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

What are Impact Resistant Shingles?

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

Are Class 4 Impact Resistant Shingles Worth the Investment?

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

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

How do I know if I have impact resistant shingles?

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

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

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

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

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

GAF Impact Resistant Shingles meet the highest impact-resistance rating

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

GAF brands that have been impact resistant approved

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

Are all shingles and metal roofs class 4 roof?

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

What about Metal class 4 roofs?

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

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

Are Class 4 shingles worth the money?

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

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

What Should I Look For In A Roofing Contractor?

June 18, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

What To Look For In A Roofing Contractor

Choosing an honest roofer among numerous roofing companies and getting one with enough professional experience and expertise to actually know what they’re doing, is the most vital decision you will make as a property owner. Putting a roof on your home is a major project and should be treated that way. Installing a replacement roof is a task every homeowner and roofer should approach professionally and punctiliously . The roofing industry is filled with scammers and money-driven sales people or middlemen who may not really know what they are talking about. They have the skills to tell you all the right things and exactly what you want to hear, appearing to be the best choice when that is actually far from the truth. We have written a previous blog that can relate to this one about what can go wrong with hiring the wrong roofing contractor. This post is another effort from the Infinite Roofing Team to help you make a wise choice concerning such a major investment for your home.

Choosing a well established local roofing company is a very important step towards avoiding roofing companies who are not legitimate. When hiring a roofer, you want to know that they will be around if something goes wrong down the line either with the work or with the shingle materials being used.

4 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring Local Roofing Companies

1. Avoid A Roofing Company With An Unprofessional, Outdated website

You may be thinking, well why is it important for a roofing company to have a professional website? Well, pretty much everyone today has a website. A well-established and legitimate roofing business should at the very least have a professionally done, basic website to let the world know who they are and what they do. If a roofing contractor tells you that they do not have an internet site or they are working on it, they probably don’t deserve your trust. They are likely either just starting out or perhaps they’re hiding something. In either case, you don’t want to trust them with something as complex as a replacement roof installation for your home! Some roofers may give you a URL website which in the end would just direct you to a free google site page which is usually poorly done or is as basic as it can be. What that means is they do not really have a proper website, they just put up something for free to show someone just in case a homeowner asks!

What a professional website tells you about your local roofing contractors is that they are more well-established and committed to providing a quality service. They have an online presence that they care about and provide a main point of contact and a place for you to get customer support and leave feedback or reviews. They stand by their work and they don’t mind customer feedback being public. They will have an established phone number and email address listed on their website, along with their business hours.

More well-established companies will also have their trucks and uniforms printed with their website and their contact number on them. They have invested a significant amount of money, time and effort into their branding and online presence. They have people on their payroll in an office somewhere keeping their website going and answering customer’s calls/emails. A company that has made such an investment and is so well established is not going to be able to easily ignore you and disappear if something goes wrong. You know they are in the roofing industry for the long-term and they are not just playing at being roofers.

2. Avoid A Roofing Company With Negative Reviews

Many local roofing companies may actually have a presence online with a proper website and even social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or even Yelp, Google and Bing. A roofing contractor cannot remove or fake the experiences of their previous customers. It is important to take note of these reviews and comments, especially when a customer has mentioned a negative experience. A customer would go out their way to write a negative review against a roofing company they were not happy with. Checking for reviews is a good way to learn more about the roofing contractor you are considering. Check out their online reviews at google, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the other places mentioned above to see what their customers have said about them.

3. Avoid a Roofing Company With No General Liability Insurance

Worker’s Compensation insurance covers the employees working on your property; general liability insurance covers your actual property. Some roofers claiming to be legitimate local roofing contractors might not have either. Even if they have worker’s compensation insurance, it doesn’t help you as a homeowner if the roofer accidentally damages your house while on your roof and they don’t carry liability insurance, it could then be you that is responsible for the cost of the repairs. When it involves insurance, don’t simply take the roofer’s word for it. Be certain about the roofer’s credibility; ask them to provide proof of their insurance before they begin any work. Do not simply take their word for it!

4. Avoid A Contractor That Won’t Provide A Written Estimate

A roofing contractor’s estimate can tell you a lot about what kind of roofing company they are. Local roofing companies that try to avoid providing you with a written estimate should immediately be considered a scam. You may ask, why is that? Well the roofer you are dealing with is either a complete amateur or they are not really a true hands-on roof installer. They are quite likely an untrained, commission based salesperson that does not possess the knowledge and experience necessary to prepare a real written roof estimate of their own. Some of these commission sales representatives have been trained purely to get the sale and nothing more. If they don’t know the product they are selling, how can they best advise you on your costly investment?

Also, if you do not have exactly what work you are paying the contractor for in writing, what is to say that they will actually fully complete the work you agreed upon? And what about the quality of the roofing materials? If you agree to getting ice & water barrier installed or getting higher quality shingles but then the contractor only installs the basics, what do you do? Without a written contract detailing exactly what will be installed and the cost, you will be left high and dry without any recourse.

A Master Elite Roofing Contractor Is What You’re Looking For!

First things first, what does it mean to be a Master Elite contractor? You may have seen it with the accompanied logo above and always wondered what it really means to be a Master Elite roofing contractor. Anyone can be a roofer, there are no requirements at all to be one in many states. Therefore, there are so many roofers who are not qualified in any way. Building codes dictate that the roof should be installed a certain way, but in reality when and if the building inspector inspects the roof there is just no way to verify the right code has been met. The roof is already on and you can’t tear it off to check. The first sign might be when water starts pouring into your home months or just a few years later. Considering this fact, it isn’t a mystery why roofing complaints make up 70 percent of the Better Business Bureaus overall complaints. That’s pretty wild when you consider that your roof is easily the single most important element to the protection of your house, and yet only represents 4 percent of the value of your home. So you have to wonder then, why do most people seem so bound and determined to settle on a rock bottom bid!

Another roofing trade secret is that a couple of roofing shingle manufacturers have come up with a certification program that permits contractors to supply better warranties and successively offer more protection than your everyday roofer/handyman or some guy with a hammer. These programs are fantastic but there are still some holes in your overall protection. Standard roofing certification programs from major roofing manufacturers only require you to use 3 of their system components (felt, ice and water shield) to ensure an upgraded warranty. That is a step up from a basic roofing warranty, but it still doesn’t cover any components produced by other manufacturers and may leave you with a nasty bill if you ever get to the point that you need to claim on your roofing warranty coverage.

Hire a Master Elite contractor from GAF— a Master Elite roofing contractor is the only roofer that can provide the GAF 25 Year Golden Pledge Warranty, the most encompassing and substantial roofing warranty in the roofing industry. The GAF Golden Pledge Warranty is the only warranty that needs the whole roof system to be from GAF (one single manufacturer). GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The real beauty of the Golden Pledge is that once your new roof is installed, a representative from GAF comes out and puts their stamp of approval on the job when we are done. And if for any reason we were to fail their extensive 40 point inspection process, we’ve got to come back and repair it right away, at no cost to you! There is really not very much extra cost to install your roof in this manner. We are only talking a few hundred bucks on a mid-size roof. You will probably spend more on buying a warranty on a new tv set, and the tv does a crummy job of keeping your living room free of rain and snow.

What makes a Master Elite contractor so special, and how are they different from a typical roofer or a licensed contractor?

Master Elite contractors make up only 2 percent of the total roofers nationwide. The reason it is so rare is that it is very hard to achieve. GAF verifies all the following requirements before granting any roofing company their prized Master Elite status.

Minimum 7 years in business and 1 year in their certification program
99 percent customer satisfaction based on independent surveys from GAF
1 million general liability coverage and proper and valid workers compensation
Satisfactory rating with BBB
GOOD or better credit rating
Clean banking record ( no overdrafts, negative info)
Clean distributor reference
No liens, or judgments unresolved on record
Good workmanship record

You can see why it is almost impossible for 98 percent of companies to achieve even these base requirements, but still the final test is a face-to-face meeting with the GAF territory managers to doubly verify all information and personally check out our previous jobs and talk to some of our previous customers. It is a true partnership with GAF, and that is fantastic for you, us, and them. This is what a good business relationship is like. A roofing contractor who is not even certified couldn’t build that kind of relationship.

Quality Roofing Work Matters

Another very important aspect of installing a quality roof is properly ventilating the attic space. This is yet another major opportunity being missed by a lot of homeowners simply because they are listening to a greedy salesperson or middleman. Proper attic ventilation is imperative to any shingle roofing system’s longevity. Unfortunately, many homeowners are not being told the truth about their attic ventilation simply so the roofing contractor can make more of a profit. Giving up any of your insurance money towards an upgrade of any kind means less money in the roofing companies pocket. This can and will have a negative impact on your product warranty. Most shingle manufacturing companies won’t provide a guarantee when the roof has been installed without proper attic ventilation or if the roof was installed improperly. Make sure you examine your contracts and material information very carefully. Most good quality local roofing companies post their warranty information and details right on their website. A good local roofing contractor will not mind a customer who asks questions because they will have nothing to hide. Check your material list against the warranty requirements and confirm nothing is missing.

For local roofing contractors you can count on, call Infinite Roofing on 518-444-ROOF or email info@infiniteroofingny.com. Book your free roofing estimate, today!

Infinite Roofing GAF Master Elite Infinite Roofing

The Benefits of Hiring a GAF Master Elite Contractor

March 16, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Choosing the right roofing company for a roof repair or replacement project is very important. It’s very important because the quality of the installation will have a significant impact on the performance and longevity of your entire roofing system. Our residential roof installers are the top choice for local homeowners because of our excellent workmanship. Recognizing our skills, GAF has named us a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor. Find out how this certification can benefit you and why it is one of the best certifications for roofing contractors.

What is a Master Elite Certification?

The Master Elite Certification is GAF’s factory certification program. With this certification program, it provides training for roofing contractors in order to provide assurance that your roof will be installed correctly and professionally. Just 3 percent of roofing contractors have been qualified as a Master Elite roofing contractor. Therefore, you can be assured that you’ll be dealing with a quality, dependable professional contractor.

What Does This Mean?

Infinite Roofing is qualified as a Master Elite contractor, which means we are able to provide our customers with the most inclusive warranties in the roofing business. With the warranties that come with a Master Elite certification, it gives our customers the peace of mind to know that no matter what happens, your roof will be taken care of. Even if you decide to not purchase any of our inclusive warranties, you should know that there will still be quality materials being installed on your roof and you will be receiving the highest quality workmanship in the business. Not to mention all of our work comes with a 10 year in-house warranty for all workmanship. Now that’s the Infinite Guarantee.

Exceptional Craftsmanship and Customer Service

When it comes to being a Master Elite certified roofing contractor, there are some strict requirements that are provided to qualify for this distinction. A few of the strict requirements are that they must obtain the necessary license in order to perform any roofing projects under the master elite certification. They should have insurance in order to protect homeowners from liability. More importantly, they should have a good reputation, such as a high rating with the Better Business Bureau. This is important because no one wants a roofer whose reputation is horrible working on their roof. Having met all these requirements, we can guarantee the best possible services for your project.

Wide Range of Product Offerings

The continuous training we receive through GAF has given us mastery level knowledge in the installation, repair and maintenance of GAF’s full line of roofing products. That’s why GAF has entrusted us to offer all of their products to our local customers. The shingles that we provide are available in a variety of different colors and are designed to enhance your home’s architectural style. Our high-quality roofing products will improve your home’s weather resistance and energy efficiency.

GAF offers three levels of worry-free warranties. The Golden Pledge Warranty is the most inclusive warranty available. It covers 100% of all manufacturer defects for up to 50 years or the lifetime of the shingles. The Golden Pledge also covers workmanship defects for up to 25 to 30 years. This includes tear-off costs, as well as disposal costs. Any repairs needed due to manufacturer defects or poor workmanship will be completed by a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor, ensuring that you will get the highest quality work possible. Golden Pledge is a one-time transferable warranty.

The Silver pledge warranty is another warranty that is offered by GAF and it is the mid level warranty offered by GAF Master Elite contractors. Up-front coverage is 100 percent and extends up to 50 years for the entire roofing system. When it comes to the cost of installation and workmanship, labor is another thing that is included in the warranty. The warranty also comes with 10 years workmanship coverage which covers the misapplication of the shingles and/or the accessories that go with it. The Golden and Silver Pledge also have a 40 point inspection that is completed after the conclusion of your roof installation. It is performed by one of the independent Master Elite roofing inspectors to ensure that your new roof meets all the necessary and vital specifications that are approved under your warranty. Now, if you were to decide to sell your home or move to another region or area, your Golden or Silver Pledge Warranty is transferable to the next owner of your home. There are stipulations that must be approved under your warranty.

The Systems Plus Warranty is the lowest level warranty that GAF offers and does not require the contractor to be a Master Elite, but does require a basic GAF certification. It covers 100% of all manufacturer defects for the entire lifetime of the shingle, but does not come with any workmanship coverage. Systems Plus covers tear-off costs, but it does not cover the cost of disposal. It is a one-time transferable warranty.

GAF Golden Pledge Warranty

A professional roof replacement involves a significant amount of time and money. To make the most of this investment, make sure that your new roof system comes with a solid warranty. One prime example of extensive roof warranties is the Golden Pledge option from GAF, North America’s leading roof manufacturer. Only a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor like Infinite Roofing can offer the Golden Pledge Warranty to homeowners of the Capital Region. We’re not just your expert in roof repairs and replacements. When you turn to us for your roof replacement, we’ll make sure you benefit from this warranty’s rewarding features. Features such as the 50 year material warranty. With Golden Pledge, you’re guaranteed that your new roof can provide reliable weather protection and lasting performance. This option covers the entire roof system, offering a non-prorated, 50 year coverage on materials. You won’t have to worry about material defects, which can cause your roof to fail sooner.

There is also a minimum 25 year workmanship guarantee. GAF stands by our workmanship for more than 20 years. As a provider of expert roofing services, Infinite Roofing meets the stringent requirements and rigorous training set by this manufacturer. With the latest, most efficient roofing practices and methods, we’ll install your new roof perfectly the first time. Additionally, Golden pledge comes with a 40 point inspection by GAF’s independent inspectors. They’ll make sure that your new system’s installation adheres to their quality standards.

Eligibility Requirements for the Golden Pledge Warranty

You must install a full roof; roofs installed on portions of buildings such as half a roof on a duplex structure do not qualify. Your roof must be installed by a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor. The roof system must not be installed over an existing roof. All existing materials must be removed to the deck. You must use the GAF Leak Barrier in valleys and around dormers, side walls, firewalls, chimneys, plumbing vents, and skylights . Leak Barriers are highly recommended but not required at all roof rakes and other vulnerable leak areas.You can learn more about the eligibility requirements on GAF’s website.

Why Should I Choose a Master Elite Roofing Contractor?

Professional Installation and Repair

The number one reason you should seek out a Master Elite roofing contractor is that you will be certain to receive the highest quality service imaginable. Keep in mind that a Master Elite roofing contractor needs to have a customer satisfaction rating of 99 percent, therefore, this means that every client that we come across will be happy with what we have to offer. Since they will continue their education and training, any Master Elite contractor you hire will be able to continue providing high-quality installation and repair services.

Superior Protection and the Best Warranties

Since a Master Elite contractor will always be able to provide the best possible service, they will also be able to provide some of the best warranties in the roofing industry. These warranties will ensure that your roof is kept up to GAF factory standards, with many including the option for a factory inspection of your finished roof.

As for physical protection of your home, a Master Elite contractor will be able to provide one of the industry’s leading products in home protection thanks to GAF’s Weather Stopper Roof Protection System. This system is designed to deliver a lifetime of protection from severe weather thanks to a state-of-the-art leak barrier, attic ventilation, and ridge cap shingles to keep your roof safe and dry even during the worst storms of the summer or winter.

The Safest Option

When you have a new roof installed in your home, or have your existing roof repaired, you want to make sure that it is always safe for you and your family. That is a big part of providing high-quality roofing service, which is why hiring a Master Elite contractor is the most reliable option for your home. Our Master Elite contractors must be certified in all safety standards set by the NRCA and OSHA.

How Does a Contractor Become a GAF Master Elite?

In order to become certified as a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor, a roofing contractor needs to show that they are properly licensed by their state or province to perform roofing work and have a minimum of 7 years as a professional roofing contractor. The roofing contractor should be adequately insured for their protection. They should be able pass all of GAF’s financial background checks as well as having a proven reputation for providing quality roofing services throughout the community. Lastly they should be committed to ongoing professional training to ensure ongoing quality installation.