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The Pros and Cons of Different Roofing Materials

September 1, 2020 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Whether your current roof is in rough shape or you are interested in an upgrade, an important part of the replacement process is determining which material to go with. There are many different roofing materials to choose from, but step one is to find the best roofing company in your area. A qualified roofing contractor will help you find the best roofing material for your home and provide an estimate. Before meeting with your local contractor it is best to do your own research so you know which questions to ask. If you are curious about the pros and cons of each roofing material, this will be a great guide for you!

Shingled roofs are the most common roofing material on the market in North America, covering about 85% of homes. Shingles are usually made of asphalt but there are other options you can choose from. Architectural shingles are the go-to for shingle roofs because they are much thicker with an appealing textured appearance.

Pros

Shingles are the most affordable roofing material option that is available and the installation process is not complicated. Very little maintenance is required throughout the life of your shingled roof and its lifespan is around 25 years. There is variety of shingle types, colors, and patterns to choose from to make your home stylish.

Cons

Shingle roofs have the shortest life expectancy from about 20-35 years, this may not be as appealing to you as other materials that can last upwards of 70 plus years. Shingles can also only be installed during certain seasons, if you live in the New England area winters are a factor. The freezing temperatures and lack of sun will hinder the process of the roof installation.

If you are having your roof replaced in the winter season because of major issues, freezing temperatures can easily damage shingles and cause sealing problems. The cold makes shingles more susceptible to lifting and cracking. Although it is possible to have your roof replaced in the winter months it is always best to wait until temperatures are more favorable. Looking for the best roofing company in your area to make sure the job is done correctly, especially during the winter season is important.

Metal

Unlike shingles, metal roofs have a life expectancy of about 40-70 years. Metal is a fantastic choice if you are looking for a long term solution for your homes roof. You can easily identify metal roofs by their sleek, large interlocking panels. Metal is the most expensive option so be sure to seek out the best roofing company in your area to do the job.

Pros

The most obvious appealing quality a metal roof possess is its long term life expectancy. If you are looking for a roof that will last as long as you own the house or even out-live you, metal is your best bet. Metal roofs do not absorb as much heat as a shingled roofs which makes them much more energy efficient. You can save up to 40% on your energy bills during the summer months by switching to a metal roof.

This type of roofing system is made up of 25-90% of recycled materials, making metal roofs the most environmentally friendly option. There are a wide range of styles and colors to choose from, so you don’t have to sacrifice the appearance and style of your home. Fire resistance is another great feature that a metal roof offers, they won’t ignite if a fire breaks out or a lightning strike occurs. Metal is very durable in all types of weather conditions, including heavy snow and salt water areas.

Cons

The cost of a metal roof is more expensive than the other options and its installation is more complicated. Metal roofs require specialized tools and extensive knowledge to install, consulting with a qualified roofing contractor that excels in metal is important. Noise can be an unattractive feature especially during heavy rain or hail storms. Adding more insulation during the installation process can help. The materials used in metal roofs tend to contract and expand, if they are not installed properly the panels can loosen.

Slate

If you are looking for a roofing system that offers a “lifetime” of superior durability and a distinctive touch of timeless beauty, then you should consider slate. Slate shingles are made from natural stone and are commonly used on sloped roofs. This roofing material has been around for hundreds of years and is the most durable. The life expectancy of a slate roof is between 70-200+ years!

Pros

The longest life expectancy of any roofing material is slate, some reports even show roofs lasting as long as 200-300 years. As long as the stone is good quality it will last many lifetimes. Slate is high in density which makes it fully waterproof. This material is also resistant to any temperature fluctuations or inclement weather conditions, making this material ideal for areas with heavy rain or snow falls.

Another benefit to a slate roof is its properties that make it mold and fungus resistant, meaning little to no maintenance for you. The installation of a slate roof on a house greatly increases its value, and resale potential. The longevity of this material makes this the most environmentally friendly roofing system.

Cons

Because slate is formed naturally there can be variations in the rock which affect its quality. If the iron content is too high then the rock can shale, splitting into many tiny pieces. Slate is also very heavy, which is great as a roofing material but difficult to install. This is the most complicated material to install, requires special equipment and extensive knowledge to only be completed by a qualified roofing contractor. It is imperative to find the best roofing company in your area that has experience in dealing with other material besides shingles.

Wood Shakes/Cedar

A wooden or cedar roof is made up of overlapping wooden tiles, not known for its extensive longevity but a certain look that people are going for. Wood may not last as long as asphalt shingles, metal or slate but it does offer a variety of attractive qualities.

Pros

Cedar roofs have a very high resistance to wind, temperature variations, and are eco-friendly. Their energy efficiency provides two times the amount of insulation compared to asphalt shingles. Although cedar tiles are not as long-lasting as the other materials, they still hold a lifespan between 30-40 years. Most people who install wood roofs choose them because of their aesthetic appearance.

Cons

This roofing material is not the cheapest to install, and it must be specially treated with a fire retardant. Wood is extremely flammable and some neighborhoods no longer allow cedar shingles as a fire prevention measure. Cedar shingle roofs also require more maintenance than asphalt shingle roofs.

Rubber

Synthetic rubber, well known as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a durable roofing material used on commercial buildings. If you wanted to install EPDM on your home, it would have to meet certain requirements to be install properly. This material is very durable, cost effective, and requires little maintenance.

Pros

Rubber roofs are less susceptible to leaks compared to other roofing materials, and have little maintenance because they are waterproof. If a leak does occur it is fairly simple and cheap to fix. EPDM is recycled after its lifespan making is an environmentally friendly roofing material. It is also very durable and can withstand high winds, ice, snow, and hail, along with the suns UV rays.

Cons

The biggest drawback of a rubber roofing system is the installation obstacles and inexperienced roofing contractors. Where HVAC units, chimneys, and other roofing features meet, become culprit too future leaks if not done correctly. When Considering EPDM for a large commercial unit or home it is important to find the best roofing company in your area that is welled experienced in this roofing material.

Metal Roofing Vs Shingles

July 5, 2019 by Infinite Roofing 2 Comments

Where you live is more than just a basic shelter. The roof can be what makes the difference between a house and a safe, secure home. A roofing system should fit the structural design, protect you from the elements, and insulate you from the cold of winter and the summer’s heat. We will discuss the difference between metal roofing systems and asphalt shingles, so you can pick which one would be a better choice for your home.

Varieties

Metal roofing systems come in a variety of styles, largely dependent on the metal used and coatings applied. Aluminum is a metal that needs no coating. Steel, on the other hand, requires specialized treatment to prevent rusting. Other options for your property are zinc, stainless steel, titanium and copper roofing.

Asphalt shingles come in two varieties, the traditional organic ones and the newer fiberglass shingles. The difference is in their layered make-up. There is a 3 core fiberglass covered with an asphalt layer in the fiberglass shingles and the organic shingles have a heavy felt layer under the asphalt.

Roofing Materials - Choose the right look for your property

Appearance

The layered look of asphalt shingles is by far the more popular of the two types. The vast majority of homes in the United States has asphalt shingle roofing, largely because asphalt is the material most builders trust and what homeowners are accustomed to seeing on houses. Asphalt shingles can vary in colors to match the paint or brick of a home, and the variety of their colors is more than with metal roofing. The three-tab shingles give a flat appearance while the more expensive architectural shingles appear more three dimensional.

Metal roofs are rarely seen in urban and suburban areas. The sleek, metallic appearance seems more suited for an agricultural setting. Metal roofing systems are available in a variety of colors and styles to match the rest of the home. The metal can be in panels, tiles, or shingles, but the appearance of a metal roof still can be jarring in a neighborhood full of asphalt shingle roofs.

Installation

Metal roofing installations are much harder than installing a shingle roof, but due to the weight of shingles, especially the traditional ones, the previous shingle materials may need to be removed first. Also, warranty and insurance requirements may demand the removal of previous asphalt shingles. A roofing square of three-tab shingles, which is 100 square feet, can weigh 200 pounds, and a square of architectural shingles can weigh up to 500 pounds. Because the installation is easier, even with removing a previous roof, installing asphalt shingles can take as little as a day or two of labor, depending on the size of the house.

Metal roofing, on the other hand, is much lighter and can be installed directly over the previous roof. The weight varies by the material used. Aluminum weighs only about 50 pounds per square while steel weighs 100 to 250 pounds. One reason why roofing with metal takes longer is the extra step of laying plywood 4 or oriented strand board (OSB) under the metal. This additional step eliminates the added noise of metal. With proper installation, rain or even hail should sound no different inside a home with a metal roof than it does inside a home with an asphalt shingle roof.

Both of these jobs are best left to professional Albany roofing contractors. Working on a roof can be dangerous, and installing roofing materials is a very precise and demanding job. Areas around vents must be properly sealed, and flashing must be carefully put into place. Also, some warranties may be voided if the materials are not installed by a professional Albany area roofing contractor.

Costs

A metal roofing will cost approximately $265 to $600 per roofing square or $2 to $6 per square foot for steel or aluminum shingles, $120 to $150 for corrugated steel panels, and $700 to $900 for copper or zinc. After adding installation, a steel or aluminum roof will cost about $500 to $1,000 per square. For a home with a 1,500-square-foot roof, this comes to about $7,500 to $15,000. For a home with a 2,500-square-foot roof, this comes to $12,500 to $25,000. This is, on average, about three times the cost of asphalt shingles and is another reason many homeowners opt for an asphalt shingle roof instead.

Energy Efficiency

Asphalt shingle roofing is much less expensive at about $60 to $90 per roofing square for three-tab asphalt shingles or $100 to $120 per square for architectural shingles. Felt is installed under the shingles at $40 per roll of synthetic underlayment, at $85 per 400 square feet. Installation costs about $80 to $200 per square, and removal of a previous roof shingles adds about $80 to $150 per square. If architectural shingles are used, the labor rises to $200 to $400 per square. A highly pitched or steep roof will add even more to the installation cost. For a property with a 1,500-square-foot roof, the cost of a three-tab shingle roof comes to about $2,100 to $4,800 without the removal of the previous shingles, an additional $1,200 to $2,250. For properties with a 2,500-square-foot roof, the cost comes to between $3,500 and $8,000 without the removal of the previous shingles, an additional $2,000 to $3,750. These prices make asphalt shingle roofing an almost certain choice for first-time home buyers and contract builders. Newer fiberglass varieties can be even less expensive.

A metal roof will lower your energy bills by about 40 percent in the summer. The reflective surface lessens the transfer of heat into the home. On the other hand, asphalt shingles absorb the sun’s heat, transferring it through the roof to the home, making the home’s cooling system work harder. This is why asphalt shingles are recommended more strongly for temperate climates.

In winter, asphalt shingles perform better, using the heat absorbed from the winter sunlight to make the home much warmer. However, metal roofs also perform well in winter. The year-round energy usage will still be lower with metal than with asphalt.

Even so, some asphalt shingle styles are designated as cool roofs and join some metal roofs in carrying an Energy Star rating for higher energy efficiency. These roofing materials are certified to reflect more of the sun’s energy, lowering the roof’s temperature by up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though other factors can affect the amount of savings offered, they can decrease demand on the home’s cooling systems at peak times by 10 to 15 percent.

To offset the cost of installing a new roof, you can look for Energy Star certified asphalt shingles or metal roofs. When using these energy-efficient materials, 10 percent of the materials cost, up to $500, can be received as an energy credit.

Durability

The higher cost of metal roofing is also offset by its long-life expectancy. A metal roof can last for 60 years or more with little maintenance. Most roofing manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty on metal roofs. However, an asphalt roof will need to be replaced two or three times during that same 60-year period. Warranties for asphalt shingle roofs vary from 20 to 25 years.

Asphalt shingles are susceptible to hail and high wind damage, although fiberglass shingles are more durable than organic ones. Also, if asphalt shingles do not get adequate sunlight, they can accumulate mold, algae, or mildew. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are superior performers in high winds and bad weather, and they are impervious to molds, mildews, and bugs.

Metal roofs perform so well under harsh conditions that homeowners in over 25 states are eligible for insurance discounts when they install impact- and fire-resistant metal roofs.

If the metal roof is a low-quality steel without an adequate rust-resistant coating, then use near salt water is not advised. More expensive, rust-resistant metal alloys and coatings should be used instead.

Fire Resistance

Some manufacturers’ asphalt shingle lines are rated Class A for fire safety, especially the fiberglass varieties. Also, all metal roofs are fire resistant, steel and copper more so than aluminum. This makes metal roofing a good choice in areas prone to wildfires.

Recyclability

Metal roofing systems win the day regarding recycling issues. Some are made with recycled materials, and all are completely recyclable. About 1 million tons of asphalt shingles are disposed of each year, and they can be recycled into a variety of products. The cost to recycle them is generally less than to place them in landfills. However, available recyclers for asphalt shingles are few, but the development of more recycling availability is underway.

Maintenance

Repairs are more difficult with metal roofing since most of the metal used is made in sheets and must be replaced that way. When damage occurs to a roof, asphalt is easier and less expensive to repair or replace. Metal roofs require little maintenance and need to be repaired far less frequently.

Resale Value

Because a metal roof is strong, durable, and energy efficient, it should increase a home’s resale value. By some estimations, the resale value will increase by 1 to 6 percent over a house with asphalt shingles. The buyer must appreciate the look of a metal roof, however. Any new roof will help sell a home since buyers want to feel secure about the condition of the roof over their heads.

Infinite Roofing and Construction are the Albany roofing contractors of choice, whether you are going for a metal roofing installation or an asphalt shingle roofing installation. We are experienced in both residential and commercial roofing installations of any type and can best advise you on the best materials for your property. Call us today for a free consultation on 518-444-ROOF (7663).

Looking for a roof that would last years and also be Eco-Friendly?

June 12, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Shingles have to be replaced by the homeowners at some point in a roofs lifetime. Conventional asphalt shingle roofs last about 20 years if you are lucky because they are constantly exposed to sunlight, heat, cold, rain, wind, and sometimes snow, sleet, and hail.

If you’d like a roof that will outlast a conventional asphalt shingle roof and is made from eco-friendly roofing materials, consider the products outlined here. Many of them are virtually immune to hail. Green roofing products are many and varied, ranging from recycled-plastic shingles to recycled-metal roofs to sustainably harvested or reclaimed wood roofs to having plants grow on your roof. The best option for your home depends on the design of your home, local building codes, and price considerations.

Recycled Shingles

The most popular and perhaps the most environmentally friendly option would be shingles made from recycled waste materials, such as plastic, rubber, or wood fiber. Some products are made from clean post-consumer waste (waste from homes), others from post-industrial waste (factory waste). Recycled-content shingles are amazingly durable, and they look amazing, too. You’d never be able to guess they were made from “waste” materials!

Waste from landfills are reduced by recycled-content roof shingles help our need to extract and process raw materials, which reduced pollution and lowers energy consumption. Some of these products are recyclable, too, and many come with amazing 50-year warranties. A few even carry fire ratings that could lower your insurance rates.

A popular choice throughout the country has been wood shingles and shakes for homeowners and roofing contractors. Unfortunately, conventional wood shingles are made from old-growth western cedar. Although the amount of energy it takes to produce this product is relatively low, the harvest of old-growth trees is not sustainable in the long run. These shingles are also quite combustible and can no longer be used in areas where there is a risk of brush and forest fires.

If you are still considering installing wood shingles try considering shingle made from reclaimed lumber. Reclaimed lumber products are made from old bridges, mills, old water, and wine tank and other sources.

Slate and Clay Tiles

Slate produces an extremely durable tile, one that can last hundreds of years, and is also an all natural material. It is, however, an energy-intensive process to mine the slate tiles, but most companies salvage slate and clay tiles. Roofing contractors are very familiar with slate roofing as that is getting increasingly popular, the install cost may be a little pricey, but with that being said your roof will last twice as long with barely and repairs to be done.

Metal Roofing

Many metal roofing products include at least some recycled material, but one advantage of metal roofing is that it can be recycled at the end of its life. Because metal roofs can last up to 50 years, roof replacement is less frequent, which means less waste in the long run. They offer exceptional durability and fire-resistance, and they’re ideal for those who want to collect rainwater from their roofs to water gardens (or for household uses). You don’t have to worry about chemicals that might leach from a conventional asphalt roof. Standing-seam metal roofs work nicely as the base for thin-film photovoltaic panels, too.

Metal roofs are great in snowy climates because they allow snow to slide off, which prevents ice dams from forming. (Ice dams can damage roofs of improperly insulated homes.) To protect walkways from snow sliding off the roof, you’ll need to install snow bars or a similar device over walkways, garage doors, and entryways. Although other eco-friendly roofing options may not always be available at every local roofing company or roofing contractors may not be trained to handle the installation of those specific roofs, metal roofing on the other hand is extremely popular and the popularity is growing so most if not all roofing contractors know the inside outs of installing a metal roof.

Rubber Roofing

Another recycled roof material is reinforced rubber shingles made from old steel-belted radial tires. The material is coated with ground slate for texture and comes in a variety of colors. A big advantage to this material is a long life and a 50-year warranty, including against hail and other extreme weather. The only downside to rubber roofing is that it is not always allowed in all counties. Make sure with your local roofing company and the building department that rubber roofing is allowed to be installed on your house.

Green Roofing

A green roof is a roofing system that is an addition to the existing roof and add flora to it. Depending on the green roof type that you plan on installing the plants may be modular or have a drainage system to it.

There are many different reasons as to why a homeowner of a business owner would want to get a green roof. The installation of a green roof reduces the need to manage any stormwater that accumulates, as well as the stress put on local sewer systems. The plants would also help prevent the distribution of smog and would catch any pollutants in the air.

Having an eco-friendly roof not only helps the environment but also as a homeowner, your roof life will last longer preventing the replacement costs. Contact your local roofing contractor today to discuss the options of eco- friendly roofing and how that may benefit you.

10 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Roof

April 4, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

Damage to your roof can only get worse over time

It is important to pick up on the warning signs of a failing roof, but what are the characteristics that you should be looking for? Listed below are the signs that you should be looking for when inspecting a roof. If any of them pop up it is very likely that your roof needs to be looked at by an Albany roofing company that can determine if you need a roof replacement.

1. Curled or Buckled Shingles

Curled or Buckled shingles are a huge sign that your roof has some age on it and it may be time for a roof replacement. The moisture in the attic space can force nails to push up and out of the roof’s decking, causing the shingles to buckle. This can cause a lot of problems. It can leave your house exposed to the elements outside and it increases the chances of shingles blowing off during a storm. Shingles are hard to replace so calling an Albany roofing company to give you a free estimate would give you an idea of how much it may end up costing.

2. Tar Streaking or Algae Growth

Bacteria is another leading cause of roofs failing. Tar streaking and algae growth are caused by bacteria eating away at the shingles weatherproofing properties. Some cheap manufacturing companies use limestone fillers to keep the cost of the shingle production low. Limestone isn’t the greatest when it comes to protection against algae. The algae will eat through the limestone and cause your roof to have black streaking which will compromise the weatherproofing properties causing you to have an entire roof replacement done.

3. Missing Granules

Missing granules are a sure sign that your roof is dramatically losing its weatherproofing properties. To check to see if you are missing granules, check your gutters for granule build up, if that’s something you are unsure about how to do, always give your Albany commercial roofing or residential roofing company a call to come and look at. You can also check your downspout splash pan for granules or sometimes you can shake it and if you hear a rattling this is another sign that your shingle’s granules are falling off.

4. Moisture and Mold

Ventilation in the attic is very important, warm air in your house rises and if not vented out properly, the warm air can get trapped in the attic. When that happens, condensation develops on the inside of your roof. This can cause rusty nails and eventually mold buildup if it has not been looked at by a professional Albany roofing company. Unfortunately, if left long enough the plywood would rot out and you’ll be stuck having to get a full roof replacement. Even if you have a new roof, don’t think this problem isn’t something that you need to worry about. This can happen with new or old roofs as some people may over insulate their homes to prevent from getting high energy bills but that also ends up blocking the vents. Just like a car, a home needs an appropriate intake (soffits) and exhaust (ridge vent). Mold is an extreme health hazard, so if that is something that you came across, do not try tackling it yourself. Seek out an Albany roofing company to take care of this situation with their expertise and the right equipment. You should act now to prevent the extra costs of having to replace all the affected wood as well. Mold, if not acted upon in a timely manner, could end up costing you an entire roof replacement.

5. Missing Shingles

Missing shingles are the biggest and the easiest one to figure out when it comes to knowing if you need a roof replacement. If you have missing shingles that allows anything a pathway into your house. Contacting an Albany roofing company to inspect the situation as soon as possible would be the best advice.

6. Daylight Coming Through Roof Boards

Is there light coming in through your roof? The best way to check that would be to go up to the attic and turn all the lights off to see if there are any holes that are letting the light in. If that is the case you may want to call a commercial roofing company to get a roof replacement.

If you see light streaking from the roof’s decking, you may have a big problem as this means the nails have fallen through or the corrosive materials used have lost their weatherproofing properties (i.e. flashing, collars, and step flashing).

7. Attic Temperature Different From Outdoor Temperature

Your attic temperature is supposed to be very similar to the outdoor temperature as your attic should have enough ventilation that lets air circulate in and out of the attic. If the ventilation system in the attic fails to do this job and the attic is warmer than the outside temperature, then there is a possibility of ice dams forming. Your home is prone to ice dams. You may also see signs of blistering/peeling of exterior paint due to poor attic ventilation.

8. Ice Dams

If you see huge icicles forming at the edge of your roof, it’s an indication that you need a roof replacement. Things that you would need to ensure to prevent this situation would be:
a) Proper Ventilation
b) Adequate Insulation
c) Ice & Water Shield

9. Leaky Chimneys

Your roof and chimney should be properly flashed so that your home is sealed away from the elements. Making sure that your chimney has been flashed correctly is crucial so if you see any water leaked around your chimney that would indicate that the chimney hasn’t been flashed correctly and is no longer performing. You want to make sure your commercial roofing company has used a leak barrier to provide protection against leaks in vulnerable areas, and on all areas of your roof including eaves, rake and side walls.

10. Excessively High Energy Bills

High heating and cooling bills can be from energy escaping due to poor ventilation and insulation in your home, especially in your attic and roof. If you notice you have high energy bills in addition to any of the warning signs listed above, it could be because your roof is under-performing and getting in a commercial roofing contractor to come and inspect the roof would help solve that problem.

Summary

Thinking that you just had a new roof done a couple of years ago and that nothing could happen to it is a misconception. People usually think that a roof lasts about 10 to 15 years but if there is misapplication or sub-par materials were used, the age means absolutely nothing. Use the tips above to always keep an eye on your roof and make sure it is functioning properly and lasts the full lifespan that it is meant to.

If you think your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, contact us today for a FREE estimate at 518-444-ROOF, and as your local Albany roofing company, we will be more than willing to come out to your house and take a look at the problem. We will provide the best service to fix any issues and get your roof looking and functioning as good as new!

4 Ways Roofers Will Rip You Off!

February 21, 2019 by Infinite Roofing Leave a Comment

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

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

1. Plywood Replacement

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

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

2. Only Three feet of Ice and Water Protection

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

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

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

3. Step Flashing wasn’t included!?

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

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

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

4. Wrong materials

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

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

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

Precautions You Can Take

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

Summary

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