Safety first – this saying applies to practically every action you take.  This applies to the work the professional roofing company you hired undertakes. Replacing a roof or even conducting minor repairs on it is no joke. We’re talking about an entire structure of your house that shields the inside from all the elements around. The process is lengthy and complex even for an expert and it puts a risk on safety.

Ensuring that your roofing specialists knows how to engage in safe work and maintains a certain standard of safety is imperative.  If that’s not done, it could be a major setback for you as well as the company you are working with.

What can be done about ensuring safety?

As a homeowner, your main job is to conduct adequate research and to prod on all the right questions. Take your sweet time in asking your prospective company about their workplace insurance, their liability insurance and their safety and insurance board certification. Go one step further and ask your roofing contractor if they have a documented or written form of their safety and health policy. A good company will likely to have a small booklet on this matter because, again, safety when it comes to roofing matters is not something to be taken lightly.

What happens if you don’t ensure your selected company plays it safe?

The obvious answer to this is that your roofer could get hurt. Many similar incidents in the past have occurred where an untrained individual fell from a great height because they did not have the right safety equipment or followed the safety protocol.

But how is this bad for the homeowner aka you? If your roofing contractor is not insured and lacks all the important documents aforementioned, it could get you in trouble. The company could sue you and you could be charged to pay the roofer’s medical pays – which, by the way, are not cheap.

Save yourself from this sticky situation by ensuring the company you plan to hire for your roofing job understands the importance of safety, follows the protocol, and has all the important documents to back their claim.

Got roofing questions?  Call Ultimate Roofing today!

When you’re out on a hunt for roofing professionals that can fix your roof or install a new one, you naturally gravitate towards the more economical bids. Roofing jobs don’t come cheap so when a company offers you an unbelievably low bid on the job, you sign the deal with them. But is it the right way to go about?

A bid that is exceptionally low from the price quoted by other roofing contractor is likely to be a scam. You’ll start off content with your decision and believe you’ve save a lot of money on an expensive roofing job but you might soon realize that the final cost of the repair is much higher than the one proposed initially. It may even possibly be higher than the bids other companies gave you that you ignored as being too pricey compared to this low bid one.

This low bid scam is a very common one and many credulous homeowners fall prey to it. The scamming company will charge you a lot more during the process of repair. They may say that the price of the roofing materials has elevated or that they have discovered new problems with your roof that will require extra payment to fix.

In the end, you’ll find yourself paying more than the first bid. And if you refuse to pay, the roofer might leave your job midway which can be equally problematic.

How Can You Save Yourself From Getting Scammed?

Vigilance is the most important thing you need to protect yourself from this scam. If a company offers you an unbelievably low bid on your roofing job, it’s your task to do adequate research on the company at hand.

You should inquire from the company about how they plan to address unforeseen roof issues. You should also make sure that the cost of labor, materials and damaged decking are all included in the initial contract so you don’t have to make any ‘extra’ payments during the repairing process.

It’s also important to check out the credentials and testimonials for the company as well as to make sure the company is licensed and registered. One good tip to save yourself from fraud is to avoid giving a large sum of deposit before the work begins.      Be sure to do your homework and find a reputable roofing contractor.

Contact Ultimate Roofing for all your roofing needs in the Capital Region today!

Before you pick up that phone and dial for the nearest or cheapest roofing contract in your locality, there are few prerequisites that must be followed to ensure that you’re getting the best service. Unfortunately when it comes to roofing work, homeowners panic and simply do not feel the need to follow these prerequisites which can ultimately lead to a bad job done for your roof. If you want to avoid these mistakes, give this post a read!

#1: Not Conducting Adequate Research

When you’re hiring an expert to do a job for you, you naturally want the best. But in order to do so, you’ll need some proof that the professional is actually good at what they say they are. With roofing work, the same rule applies. A lot of homeowners will skip the research part completely which can totally backfire.

You’ll need to research in depth on the company you plan to hire. This includes reading previous client reviews and testimonies, ensuring the company has a physical location or an office where you can reach out to them, and to check their rating on the official business board.

#2: Working with a Company Without Insurance or a License

As with most important jobs, insurance is a must. Make sure the roofing company in Albany is insured and licensed to actually work in New York State.  This is important because in unforeseen circumstances, you won’t be held accountable for the accidents that happen to the roof or the company you are working with.

#3: No Getting an Estimate in Writing

One crucial point to remember before hiring a roofing specialist is to get an estimate of the roofing work that will need to be done. This does not mean an oral declaration of the estimate. This means that you need to get the estimate in writing and signed by the company so in the case of any discrepancy later on, you’ll have the written documents to back you up.

#4: Going for the Cheapest Company

This is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when hiring roofing contractors. Naturally, homeowners are attracted to companies that give a low bid estimate but remember – if the bid is too good to be true, it’s probably a scam. In that case, you’ll need to do some background check on the company.

Similarly, some people believe that an expensive roofer will deliver the most excellent results. This doesn’t always happen. That’s why it’s important to do your due diligence before committing to the right company.

Contact Ultimate Roofing for any roofing projects you might have and in need help with!

A roofing project is not a job for the DIY enthusiast or the dad who thinks he can fix everything. A repair on your roof needs assistance from a professional and that means you’ll need to hire a roofing contractor for it. From minor seasonal repairs to major roof replacements, professional companies are required to get the job done in the most effective manner.

But should you hire the first company you find in your hunt for roofers just like that? Not really. There are plenty of questions you need to prod upon before your sign the contract. Here are some:

1. Will my old roof be removed?

Most homeowners have the idea that professional companies will get rid of the old worn out roof shingles before installing a new one. But this doesn’t always happen. In fact it’s very common to come across a company that will make things easier for themselves and plant a new roof on top of your old one. This is poor quality work that can have an effect on the life span and function of your newly installed roof. So it’s important to double check with them about their plans with your old roof.

2. Are drip and metal edges going to be used on my new roof?

Drip or metal edges are handy pieces of aluminum that protect your roof from leaks and water damage. This piece of metals is used to stabilize shingles that have come off and it overhangs to help direct water to the gutter nearby. Without these important pieces of metal, you could face major water damage so it’s best to inquire about it with your potential company.

3. Will the company use an appropriate number of nails for each shingle?

Usually around four nails per shingle are used and driven into the nail line. Perhaps more can be used in places where the roof is too steep. But anything less or too much than the appropriate limit can damage your shingles and therefore your roof. It’s also important to ensure that the nails are driven properly and in the given nail line. You could ask the Albany roofer about the way they intend to place nails in the shingles before you hire them.

Contact Ultimate Roofing for all your local Albany roofing needs today!

Suppose a storm just hit town and you notice the ceiling of the attic drip. What do you do? Call a professional roofing company of course. Simple as that…or is it?

The actual process of signing a deal with a credible company and starting work is no big deal but it’s the period of the work and the final outcomes that can make or break your entire experience of hiring someone.

If you don’t want to end up disappointed by your choices, there are certain key things you need to avoid at all costs. Here are some things to not do when hiring a company.

Do NOT go with Door-to-Door Companies

We have seen and heard of many roofers that seem to pop up from nowhere all of a sudden when a crisis such as a bad storm hits town. These roofers will go door to door offering their services to fix your damaged roof. While the offer seems quite attractive and convenient, this is the road you’d probably want to keep clear from. These companies are often not licensed, have no physical location where you can reach out to them in the future and have no evidence of their skills. There’s little to research on these specific businesses as well so you won’t be able to find any customer reviews on them easily either.

The best strategy we recommend is to wait until the harsh winds pass and hire a proper, licensed roofer in Albany with solid credentials and someone you can seek out in the future if there are more problems with your roof.

Don’t Forget to Do Prior Research

As mentioned over and over again, research is imperative before hiring a company. This means you need to find out whether the roofer you’ve set your eyes on is licensed, insured, has good client feedback and reputation, and offers warranties.

Don’t Take Your Contract For Granted

The long dull paperwork can be boring to just about anyone but if you’re the homeowner, you need to keep your eyes peeled. Don’t skim over the paperwork and read the contract fully. Check whether everything is insured, how they will replace the roof, what the policies are in case of unforeseen accidents and damages, how payment is collected and then schedule your roofing work as expected.

Looking for help with your roof?   Call Ultimate Roofing today!

Installing a new roof is one of the major aspects of your home construction or renovation. Every homeowner who embarks on a roof building project desperately wants a roofing system that can last for 20 to 30 years. In this passage, we will be looking into four important factors that need to be taken care of while installing a new roof.

Superior roofing materials

Superior roofing materials can offer maximum protection from the effects of natural elements. The 4 main factors that need to be checked while comparing different types of roofing materials are listed below.

Fire resistance

For identifying the fireproof nature of different roofing materials, they are generally graded into three categories (A, B, and C). Grade A represents roofing materials that offer maximum protection against heavy exposure and grade C represents protection against light fire exposure. Roofs made of untreated wooden materials are not applicable for such ratings.

Load bearing capacity

For a roof that can bear heavy loads, you would need a strong substructure made of superior quality frames. Installation of such roofing systems can be comparatively costly and time-consuming.

Longevity

The lifespan of your roof depends on the type of materials used. For instance, cedar roofing can last up to 30 years, whereas roofs made of laminate shingles can last around 25 years.

Durability

Always use durable materials that offer the best protection against the elements like rain, snow, winds, sleet, and hail.

Proper installation technique

For installing your expensive roofing materials, you need to hire a professional roofer. Proper installation is essential for a durable roofing system.

It is best to choose a roofing contractor in Albany that enjoys a good reputation. You can verify this by checking customer testimonials and comparing the ratings provided by online review sites like HomeStars. You can also refer to their BBB (Better Business Bureau) profile.

Reputed roof installers provide Workers’ Compensation insurance in addition to General Liability insurance. Established companies would also offer workmanship warranties.

Ventilation system

For preventing damages from moisture and heat, you need to make arrangements for proper attic ventilation system. This is essential for protecting your roofing structures and insulation system.

Install flashings

For waterproofing your expensive roofing structures, you need to install flashings around chimneys, skylights, and vents. This is to prevent water leakage. During a roof installation, your roofer can use the old flashings if they haven’t sustained any damage. Additional caulking might be needed to offer better prevention.

Knowing the areas that can cause damage to your new roof can help you in finding the best roofing materials and a reliable roofer.

Looking for a professional company to help out on your project?  Call Ultimate Roofing today!

Roof replacement or maintenance is a major home renovation job that not only entails significant expenses, but also consumes a lot of time and effort. Therefore, you need to find an experienced contractor who can handle the project with utmost efficiency.

Finding a reliable roofing specialist can be a challenging task for inexperienced homeowners. So if you are planning to get your roofing systems reinstalled, you should know how to find the right service provider in this field.

Listed below are 5 essential steps that need to be followed to avoid ending up with an unreliable roofer.

Verify the reputation enjoyed by your roofing company

While hiring a residential roofing company in Albany, you should consider three basic aspects:

• Do not rely on door-to-door service providers. Choose a company that has a legitimate physical location. You should also personally verify the address and credentials, shared by their representatives via phone or email.
• Check and verify customer reviews and testimonials through review sites like HomeStars.
• Consider the ratings enjoyed by the company by checking the Better Business Bureau

Look for a licensed and insured company

Opting for an uninsured roofing service may lead to huge financial losses in the event of an accident or mishap. Hence, it is important to choose a reputable company that provides General Liability insurance in addition to Workers Compensation Insurance. You should also inquire about the company’s licenses and their qualifications.

Always get a written estimate

Do not enter into a verbal agreement with the company.  This may lead to several issues and arguments at the later stage. So to avoid any kind of hidden charges or litigations you should enter into a formal contract by including details about all the expenses covered by the project.

Opt for a project under warranty

Hire a company who can provide a decent warranty for his services. He should also inform you about your manufacturer’s warranty that entitles you to free replacements and repairs of branded materials you have purchased for completing your roofing work.

Look for quality workmanship

Never make a price-based choice when it comes to roofing services. Even though pricing plays a key role, you should not opt for a low-budget company without checking their workmanship, experience, and reputation
.
Installing or replacing a roof is a huge investment. So it is essential to select a suitable company that can help you in building a roof that lasts for a lifetime.

Need help with your roof and in the Albany area, call Ultimate Roofing today!

Roof installation is a highly complex work that affects the overall structure of your house. So while hiring a company, you should make sure that he is an expert in this business. Besides the common factors like experience, reputation, and licenses, there are many aspects that can seriously impact the quality of your roofing project.

Listed below are 10 major questions that need to be answered before choosing the right roofing companyfor your home:

Will he remove the old roof?

Shingling over the old roof is one of the popular black-hat practices in this field. To know the damages sustained by the underlying structures it is essential to remove the entire layer of old shingles.

Will he install a drip edge?

Drip is a piece of steel or aluminum placed beneath the shingles along the edges. This enables the water to drain and drip directly into the eavestroughs. Without drip edges, the water would seep into the roofing structures, soffits, and decking.

How would he nail the shingles?

Nailing is the most important aspect that holds the shingles tightly over the roof. Ideally, every shingle requires 4 to 6 nails and they should be mailed along with the nailing line.

Will he install new flashings?

While replacing the shingles, it might be necessary to replace the flashings by customizing their size. Flashings can be reused only if they are in good condition.

Will he use steel along the valleys?

It is always recommended to install steel underneath the shingles rather than merely weaving them. You should make sure that your selected company doesn’t intend to opt for woven valleys.

How far your shingles need to hang over the drip? 

Ideally, the shingles should overhang by 6mm or more. The maximum length of the overhang should be 2.5cm.

How will they cut the shingles?

An experienced company would never cut the shingles without checking them against a straight edge. Likewise, they would make the necessary markings before installing them.

How they plan to protect the eavestroughs?

Before hiring a roofing contractor in Albany, you should ask him about the nature of precaution, he intends to take in protecting the roof edges and eavestroughs from getting damaged.

What would be the cost for replacing a rotten decking?

Before hiring a professional, you should discuss regarding the possibility of a rotten decking and the cost involved in fixing it with plywood.

Will he clean up the job site before leaving each day?

An experienced roofer knows his responsibilities and he would check for hazardous materials like nails or metal pieces lying around after finishing his work each day. He would also cover the incomplete roof area with waterproof sheets.

If you need help with a roofing situation, give Ultimate Roofing a call today!

The roof acts as a protective covering for your house and all the structures within. Proper maintenance and inspection of the roofing system are essential to avoid damages. Although there are several home improvement services and construction companies that offer roofing services like repairs and replacements, it might be hard to find a reliable roofer who can offer the best roofing solutions at the right price.

Popular roofing scam

One of the most common scams in this niche relates to the pricing policy. If you come across a roofing company in Albany who quotes an unusually low price for the entire project, then you should know that he doesn’t intend to offer a proper roofing service. Established roofing companies follow an average pricing policy and they disclose all their charges in detail.

Most homeowners try to cut down their roofing budget down since the job is rather expensive compared to other home improvement works. Such homeowners easily tend to fall for an exceptionally low quote and thus end up working with fraudulent contractors who would prolong the work by stating various reasons for charging extra money at every juncture. Homeowners who are ignorant about the industry often fall prey to such practices.

A reputable roofer would never involve hidden charges. He would also specify the costs associated with replacements in the event of damages that may be discovered only after removing the shingles.

Identifying a scam

For protecting your interests from roofing scammers, you need to identify them right from the beginning. If you encounter a roofing contractor who quotes a very low price, you should either rule him out or question him regarding the details of his pricing policy. Before hiring a low-budget service provider you should follow the below-mentioned steps:

• Inquire about his charges associated with unexpected problems. This includes detection of damaged underlying structures and the cost of materials required for replacing them.
• Check whether his contract covers expenses for repairing damaged decking.
• Verify the quality and cost of materials he intends to use.
• Check whether the agreement covers the entire cost of labor.
• Find out whether the company enjoys a good reputation. Also, consult with previous customers if possible.
• Refer to reviews offered by HomeStars and similar trusted sites.
• Verify the company profile by referring to the Better Business Bureau.
• Do not make any huge upfront payments before beginning the work.
• Do not fall for high-pressure sales techniques.

Contact Ultimate Roofing today for your free estimate!

Before the onset of spring, you need to conduct a proper inspection of your roofing system in order to avoid any possible damage from fluctuating weather conditions.

Read on to learn about the best measures to adopt for preserving a well-maintained roof:

Roof inspection

Get your roof thoroughly inspected for issues like stains, sagging, dampening, mildew, and mold. These issues are easily detectable from inside the home. External inspection is also necessary for identifying problems like loose shingles and rusted flashings. You should also check the eavestroughs for granules. And if there are trees nearby, accumulation of leaves and needles on the shingles can lead to fungus, algae, and mold.
These issues can be easily corrected if detected at the beginning stages. However, if you ignore the signs, they may spread around causing heavy damage to the entire roof.

Checking your eavestroughs

Before the rainfall begins, you should check your eavestroughs for any signs of damage. You need to clean them thoroughly and check whether they are tightly fastened. You need to tighten loose hangers or replace them if they cannot be fixed.

You can handle the cleaning job on your own. But make sure that you use protective gears like gloves and goggles. Before you start, get someone who can help you with the ladder. Use a trowel to scoop out all the debris and then rinse using a hose. You might need to scrub a little to remove stubborn debris. And while washing, you can also check the functioning of your downspouts. 

Inspect your chimney

You should get your chimney checked for any signs of damage to the cap or mortar. Seasonal changes can lead to several issues that need timely maintenance.

The proper functioning of a chimney cap is essential for preventing water from seeping into the joints and liners of your chimney. Prolonged exposure to moisture can lead to issues like mold and mildew. A strong chimney cap can keep pests and rodents from entering your house through the chimney.  The cap also functions as a barrier against dust and debris like leaves and twigs.

Tree trimming

Tree trimming is an essential part of your summer maintenance. Inspect your premises for any trees that have branches lurking too close to your house and trim them to prevent the branches from falling onto your roof.

Summer roof maintenance services

• Fixing leakages.
• Securing flashings.
• Sealing vent stacks.
• Replacing damaged shingles.
• Re-caulking of chimney flashing.
• Roof cleaning.

​Needing a roofer in Albany?  Call Ultimate Roofing today!