Wind Damage | Infinite Roofing & Construction Roofing Blog

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.

Best Time for Roof Installation?

October 25, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Typically, asphalt roof shingles should be installed between 50 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Even high quality asphalt shingles can crack when hammered, and when installing in the wrong temperature can cause breakage. This is one of the biggest problems when you install asphalt roof shingles when it’s under 50 degrees (no lower than 45 degrees). With that said, winter is often a great time to get a good deal on a new roof but your local roofing contractor will need to wait until the temperature is in the right range before scheduling an installation date.

Routine roof maintenance and periodic replacement by your roofing contractor are important for maintaining the structural integrity of your home. Your roof defends your structure from the elements and keeps you and your family safe. Leaks and poor construction can cause severe damage, including improperly-channeled water runoff that erodes the foundation of your home, water ponding on the roof that can cause sagging and leaks, and even paint damage to the exterior walls of your home.

Whether you require minor roof repairs and/or a complete roof replacement, the question is, which season is best to make the call to your local roof installation and repair contracting company?

The best time of the year to have your local roofing contractor install your new roof may not be what you think. Let’s try to determine the best season!

Winter

Snow, ice, and sleet in the winter months make it difficult to have roof work done—especially a complete roof replacement. In the frigid Northeast, (like here in Albany, NY) sealants will not adhere as effectively during winter, and roofing shingles will take much longer to set. For this reason, most roofing contractors will recommend that you wait until the temperature rises to have roof work done, unless it’s an emergency situation that you will not want to run into.

Spring/Summer

Although there might be a fair amount of rain during the spring and summer months, overall the weather is typically better during these seasons. Your local roofing contractor will agree that weather is of course a huge consideration when it comes to roof work. Spring and early summer are typically the most cost-effective times to have your roof repaired or replaced, as it is generally a slower season for local roofing companies, and materials and labor costs tend to be lower. Most local roofing companies tend to pick up later into summer, so then you may have to wait a few weeks or a month to get a roofing contractor out to your home. Please be mindful that temperatures and humidity levels may soar in late summer, which could limit the amount of time workers can spend each day on the job and possibly add several days to the project.

Autumn

Most local roofing contractors will say Autumn is ideal to have roof work done. The weather is not severely hot or humid, and the heavy downpours of rain have not yet begun. Roofing contractors can work full days on your roof without the threat of heat exhaustion or freezing. This means they can get the job done much more quickly, limiting the inconvenience to you and your family. Another benefit of installing a roof in the fall is the impact on the roofing materials. I particular, shingle roofs need time to seal and create an airtight barrier. Frigid temperatures in the winter months or heat and humidity in the summer make this process more difficult. Autumn can be thought of as the “Goldilocks” season: Not too hot, not too cold, it is just right. Having roof work done in the fall also eliminates any additional stress. You would not have to worry about whether your roof will make it through another winter season without major issues.

Is Replacement needed?

Your local roofing contractors will agree that a very common error homeowners make is putting off their roof replacement even when it’s long overdue and there are already signs of problems. As mentioned earlier, a major leak or storm could cause severe damage to other parts of your home and creating a big financial mess. Roof replacement is a notable expense, but also a significant investment in your home. Roof Replacement helps preventing secondary damage, it adds to your property value, and provides you with peace of mind. Replacing your roof before an emergency arises allows you the time to research your local roofing companies and make an informed decision. Please do not wait until it’s an emergency to have your roof repaired or replaced! Planning ahead is always the best choice.

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

June 21, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Do you have a roof leak and can’t figure out what the problem may be? Don’t assume that a faulty roof or the shingles may be the problem and that you may need a full roof replacement. Faulty ridge vents can contribute to the problem and can lead to moisture issues. Fixing a leak quickly is important because if not fixed it can cause more problems down the line.

What are ridge vents?

You may wonder what exactly is a ridge vent and where does it fall in the equation of a roof leaking?

Ridge vents are critical to the attics health, they are a part of the attics ventilation system and helps circulate the air. They also usher moisture (in winter and summer) and hot air (during the summer) that would otherwise lead to damage. It is a metal capping that allows hot air to escape from the attic, the ventilation allows the attic to stay dry, free from any moisture and also prevents it from damaging your insulation. When getting a roof installation a ridge vent will be the last thing that will be placed on the structure and for that reason, a ridge vent leak can occur. Many time the fasteners that are used for the ridge vent aren’t secured properly

Inspect the Attic

Go up to the attic during daylight. Keep the lights off and look up at the roof to see if there is any light coming through. Diffused light is normal, but a beam of light may be the cause of a leak. Then, use a flashlight to examine the ridge vent. Look for moisture or water stains. Water stains may be from an old leak.

Another good time to inspect the attic is when it is raining. Be sure to notice where the water is coming from, because it may be channeled from another area on the roof before dripping down into the attic.

Air Circulation Problems

If you don’t see any leaks, you may have a one-time problem with rain or snow being blown in by heavy winds. Another problem can be a lack of ventilation in the attic. If the air is not circulated, you may get a problem with condensation, which mimics a roof leak.

Most Albany roofing contractor recommends that a roof should be inspected at least ones a year to prevent a ridge vent problem from creating bigger trouble and more damage than it would if it was to be. A strong gust of wind can pop up the ridge vent cap and if not taken care of immediately as rain, snow and even ice dams can cause your roof to leak. The process if inspecting the roof can be done by the homeowner or a professional

Repairing leaking ridge vents

Avoiding problems with ridge vents leak is easy when you schedule an annual roof inspection. During the evaluation, the Albany roofing contractor will not only assess the condition of the ridge vents, but he will also identify issues with shingle wear, damaged flashing and more.

If you feel that crawling around on your roof is a risky and perhaps dangerous job; you are exactly right. There are professionals that will inspect your roof and look for a ridge vent leak for only a minimal cost. These professionals will inspect various other common problems that may occur, as well.

Let the professionals do their job and call Infinite Roofing for an inspection to make sure that there is no ridge vent problem with your roof!

What are “Storm Chasers”?

June 3, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Your roof can suffer a great deal or damage when a big storm hits and your roof takes storm damage. Typically, this storm damage is covered by your homeowner’s insurance, which means you are more likely to take action to repair or replace your roof. “Storm Chasers” are fraudulent roofing contractors that know about the increased likelihood of roof repair in areas affected by large storms, and can rip off homeowners with poorly constructed roofing projects. Knowing how to identify these storm chasers can help you avoid falling for their corrupt tactics.

What is a storm chaser?

Roofing contractors who go to areas recently affected by storm damage, rain, hail or strong wind are called storm chasers. They use special programs to locate large storms and determine the value of affected homes. These roofing contractors have immense knowledge about insurance companies they use their knowledge to estimate the cost of a new roof. Local and reputable roofing companies are most likely overwhelmed and overbooked, and the “Storm Chasers” use that to their advantage and go door to door to notify residents that they have roofing services available. Typically, they will start by offering a free roof inspection.

Why are they unreliable?

Most storm chasers only do the bare minimum to replace a damaged roof. They will find the cheapest materials to quickly assemble a new roof, often leaving out important elements that a professional roofing company would take in consideration, and they fail to restore things back to their original condition. The roofs that are installed by them usually only have a lifespan of fewer than 10 years because they are installed using cheap material, whereas a professional roofing company using high-quality materials and techniques would leave you with a roof lasting 40 years with warranties to back up their install. Professional roofing companies have the certifications and licensing while storm chasers usually do not have the proper licensing or insurance to work on roofs.

In some cases, storm chasers do not replace the roof at all. Instead, they give a free inspection, quote a reasonable price and ask for upfront payment. Once they are paid, they move on to the next town without any intention of working on the roof.

What tactics do storm chasers use?

If you want to avoid being scammed by storm chasers do your research before handing over any money. Make sure that the contractors you hire to replace your roof or fix the storm damage have a reliable background and pay close attention to the approach they use. There are a few telltale signs that a contractor is a storm chaser.

1-They come directly to your home

The most obvious tell-tale sign for storm chaser is that they come directly to your door, Roofing companies don’t go out looking for work, especially after a big storm, they know that work would be coming to them as people will try to find reliable roofers in Albany to deal with their insurance agency and get the best repair or replacement possible. Storm chasers, on the other hand, move around to wherever the storms go, they cannot rely on the chances that people in need of roof repair will find them. Sometimes storm chasers go so far as to pretend they were sent by a company that previously worked on your roof. If this happens, ask for proof.

2-They want payment upfront.

No roofing company will ask for payment upfront before starting the job, When you pay storm chasers upfront, even if it is just a deposit, it is likely that it will be the last time you ever see them.

3-They offer to pay for the deductible.

How nice would it be to have your insurance deductible waived? Storm chasers think so, too. If a roofing contractor offers to pay for your deductible, they are probably a storm chaser. It is considered insurance fraud to allow a contractor to pay the deductible. If you let a roofing company pay your deductible, you will be the one responsible for committing the illegal act. Make sure you are familiar with your insurance policy and the laws regarding fraud to prevent yourself from falling into this trap.

4-They create damage that was not there before.

Because they are usually familiar with the insurance claim process, storm chasers sometimes create their own damage if the real damage is not sufficient. They may use golf balls, hammers or other hard, heavy objects to pound dents into your roof. Watch and listen carefully as contractors inspect your roof and have a camera or cell phone ready to catch them in the act if you are suspicious. Adding fake damage for the purpose of collecting insurance money can have serious consequences.

Educate yourself and your neighbors about the common signs of storm chasers to avoid being the victim of a roofing scheme. Check the Better Business Bureau if you are unsure of the legitimacy of a roofing contractor. This will tell you if the business is local and if complaints have been filed against it.

Infinite Roofing and Construction is proud to boast an A+ rating on the BBB. We are a local, trusted roofing company in Albany with over 20 years of experience. Getting a new roof is an expensive endeavor, so make sure you are getting it done right the first time by a company you can trust.

Do you really need 3 estimates for a roofing job?

May 29, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

You’ll need to get as much information and knowledge about the process when looking to replace your roof. You need to weigh your options for roofing materials, their cost, and learn as much as you can about the local roofing companies that will be doing the work. In particular, your goal should be to find the best work for the best value.

Conventional wisdom, and also your insurance companies state and push that you should get three estimates from your local roofing companies and choose the median. Why? Supposedly, a drastically lower estimate may indicate cost-cutting measures that could result in shoddy workmanship, while the highest estimate could wind up costing you a pretty penny for average durability.

Meanwhile, if you’re replacing your roof due to an insurance claim, your insurance company may be stressing that you obtain at least three estimates. However, the three-estimate rule is not a hard-and-fast requirement for insurance claims, nor is it a necessity for your own decision-making process

So how many estimates do you really need?

The thought process behind requesting multiple estimates is solid. replacing a roof is a major undertaking that costs you a good deal of money and stands to make a lasting effect on your home’s weatherproofing, durability, and resale value for years to come. Of course, you want as much information as possible so you can feel comfortable proceeding. You also want to make sure the local roofing contractor you choose provides high-quality materials and high-quality installation and the best way to make that determination is to compare them to other local roofing companies that offer the same service.

However, do you really need three estimates? Not really. In this case, the “right” number of estimates depends completely on you. Get as many, or as few estimates as you need in order to feel comfortable with the roofing company you choose and their pricing.

Insurance companies are in no way required to get three estimates. All roofing contractors receive payment following a third-party system designed to set industry standard prices. Your insurance company will pay your area’s best roofers in Albany the exact same amount as it pays the worst roofers in Albany. Gather as many estimates as you feel comfortable with and choose the best company, just as you would if you were footing the bill on your own.

How do you go about choosing the best company? Ask these questions aside from the affordability factor to determine the best roofer in albany for your job.

Have they performed work in the area? Ask for references and addresses. There’s no better way to get a feel for a company’s customer service and workmanship than by speaking with former customers.

How experienced is the crew? It’s a good sign if your roofing company has been in business for decades and has great reviews. However, make sure to ask about the experience level of the particular crew that will be performing your work; a long-lasting company can easily hire a crop of newbies that may not have any more experience than you do.

How can I reach out during the process? Asking this question, in particular, gauges the company’s customer service. Their willingness to answer questions, guide you through the process, and remain available speaks to how smoothly the process will go on install day.

Ask about any certifications that the roofing company may have, having certifications backs up the work that is done by the company and it would guarantee that they have the best training necessary to be working on your roof.

There is no number of “right” estimates that you would need to get, go with what you think is suitable for you. Infinite Roofing can provide you with a free estimate for your insurance company with a detailed inspection of your roof. Our certifications, reviews and our highly trained crew will guarantee a happy and easy going roof installation.

Did a hail or wind storm just affect your neighborhood? Will your Insurance cover the damage to your roof?

May 14, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Your insurance typically covers roof damage, and any structural damage caused by a covered peril. Roof damage to your garage or other structures of the property are also covered under this section of your policy.

However, not every cause of roof replacement is covered under your policy, and roof damage can happen in a multitude of ways.

If your roof has been neglected over the years and deteriorated because of that cause, the damage to your roof may not be covered by your insurance company, and your claim can be denied. You may also be out of luck if your roof was damaged by an earthquake, flood or mudslide unless you have additional coverage for those perils.

Damage caused by wind, or hail are typically covered under a standard insurance policy, but it is common for insurers to require separate deductibles for those perils.

Does homeowners insurance cover wind and hail damage to my roof?

A standard home insurance policy usually covers Wind and hail as these are two common causes of roof damage. However, in states like Kansas and Oklahoma which experience these hazards more frequently than other parts of the country, insurers are more likely to increase the cost of their policies to reflect the high risk and recurring claims.

The severity of the damage may also determine how much and if you would qualify for your insurance company paying for the damage. For example, if a few shingles on your roof had slight nicks in them after a hail storm, your home insurance company may classify it as “cosmetic” damage, which is a common dwelling coverage exclusion. As a matter of practicality, it may not be worth filing a claim for aesthetic roof damage anyway, as the deductible may end up higher than the total damage cost.

Does homeowners insurance cover roof leaks?

Your home insurance company will cover a roof leak if:

The leak was caused by a peril that’s covered in your policy, and the damage was swift, sudden and didn’t accumulate over a number of years.

This can be an area of contention in home insurance policies, though, as a leak that came as a complete surprise to the homeowner may be perceived as an instance of neglect to the insurer.

For example, if you live in a wintry climate and your roof gets layered with snow every winter, you may not notice its gradual deterioration until that big storm hits and a large section begins leaking. Even though the event that triggered the leak was a big storm, your insurer may view the damage as gradual and deny your claim.

Can my claim be refused by the insurer if my roof is too old?

After you sign your homeowners’ insurance application, the insurance company will send out an insurance adjuster for your roofing insurance claim to make sure everything you claimed in the application checks out and determine if coverage adjustments are needed. It’s not just about coverage limits though, the insurance company wants to know if you’re even worth insuring based on how likely you’re going to be filing claims; they’ve been known to deny applications post-inspection.

The roofs quality and how old it is; is one of the key structural components of your home that they inspect. If the roof age has eclipsed 20 years some insurers refuse to renew existing policies without passing inspection first from a roofing company in the roofing insurance claim process.

Other insurers simply won’t write new policies for homes with roofing that’s 15 to 20 years old, and if they do, they’ll specify that it’s only covered under an actual cash value policy. Which means that, if your roof gets damaged or destroyed, the company only pays out whatever the value of your roof is after 20+ years of depreciation.

Replacing a roof can get expensive, contact a roofing company to get quotes on how much it would cost to have your roof replaced, While the costs provided by the roofing company may seem expensive, you may not have much of a choice if your roof is ancient, as doing nothing could mean having no homeowners insurance policy at all.

Filing a roof replacement claim

Contact your insurance company immediately if you suspect that your roof was damaged after a storm or got attacked by an army of squirrels. Always take pictures of the damage done to your roof to provide evidence of your roofing insurance claim process.

Usually, before and after pictures tend to do the trick, but even pictures of just the damage after the storm or the incident can help the claim and help the roofing company in your area determine how much it would be to repair or have a roof replacement without coming out to your house.

Provide evidence of your claim

Schedule an insurance claim inspector to come by and survey the damage

The damage needs to be repaired as quickly as possible, find a local roofing company to give you an estimate and do the repair for you. Not only does having a leak or hole in your roof provide unwanted access points in your house, but you’re also risking further damage to everything inside.

Infinite Roofing and Construction gives free estimates for roof repairs and replacements, we can deal with your insurance company to get you the best roof replacement that your house deserves with the best roofers in Albany to do the job for you.