Here at Ultimate Roofing, we conduct roof inspections on a regular basis in order to prevent long-term distress to roofing. Before a home is purchased is a time when the roof should be inspected, and realtors should be certain that the roof of each home they represent matches industry standards. 

Our Team Conducts Roof Inspections in Albany

A roof inspection is not invasive. In addition, our methods do not weaken the integrity of your roof. In fact, we determine the integrity of your roof without the need for a physical dissection. Up-to-date techniques, including infrared, allow for fast and simple analysis. Our Albany inspections are not only concise and thorough, but they are a means to quickly address existing and potential problems in the future regarding your roof's structure. 

Your Home's Geography Matters

Many homes are at risk of damaging types of meteorology, like snowfall. The roofs of these homes often suffer a greater amount of damage than the average building, leading to their need for replacement more often. That is why we suggest that homeowners view their roof as they would their teeth, their car, and even their electrical system. Regular inspections are essential to catch problems before they become substantial. Delayed damage is pricier, more time-consuming, and certainly a larger cause of stress.

What You Can Expect From a Qualified Inspector:

- Identify leaks of all sizes
- Find weak spots
- Determine the roof's physical integrity
- Regarding safety, a qualified inspector removes the need for homeowners to risk their well-being. Many homeowners take inspections of their roof into their own hands - without the necessary experience and knowledge to do so. This can cause the person to slip and fall, and sustain damage, requiring medical care. A qualified professional roof inspector will take care of your needs without any risk to your health.

The Next Steps

Are you still not convinced in regards to your need for a professional roof inspection? We invite you to consult with a member of our team. We can help you in determining whether or not it is necessary for your roof to undergo an inspection, and if so, arrange a convenient time for you to have your roof looked at. Ultimate Roofing has taken on dozens of roof inspections in Albany saving homeowners money, time, and stress in regards to potential problems and existing weak points. Let us help you keep your roof in great shape.

Let Ultimate Roofing help you on your next roofing inspection. Call us for more information.

If you are not sure when it is the right time to get a new roof, there are certain signs that you need to be aware of. As experienced professionals in the roofing industry, we know exactly what types of signs you should start looking for when trying to determine if your roof is in good condition or not. While it may seem like something you can do on your own, it is far better to hire roofing professionals to perform the inspection for you. At Ultimate Roofing, we have years of experience under our belts and we can easily spot any potential problems that may be developing in your home.

Taking the Best Care of Your Roof

Just like you would take good care of your teeth and your body, you should also take good care of your roof because it is the most important part of the home. It is what keeps everything else in the home protected from the elements. If you take certain steps now, you could potentially protect your roof from damage while keeping it in better condition for an even longer period. You should hire roofing professionals to complete an inspection every so often to keep an eye on the way that your roof is looking.

Signs of Damage

Some of the signs of damage include mold forming on different areas of the roof, paint that is peeling, decay, and even dry rot. If you are finding pieces of asphalt in your gutters, there is a possibility that your roof will need to get replaced. You might even notice that many of the asphalt shingles are in poor condition because they have cracks on them and are falling apart. Most asphalt roofs will remain in good condition for up to three decades before they need to get replaced. If it has been that long since the roof was installed, it is the right time to have it checked out as a precautionary measure.

If you have noticed something a bit more serious, such as a roof that appears to be caving in, you likely have an even larger problem on your hands. You could have some structural damage to the home. No matter the situation, you can contact us and we will perform an inspection to help you figure out if it is the right time to get a new roof for your home.

Let Ultimate Roofing help you on your next roofing project. Call and set up an appointment.

Have you been considering a roof replacement, but weren't sure which type of roofing you needed? Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing: 

Benefits of Metal Roofing 

One of the many benefits of metal roofs is that they offer homeowners a great deal of diversity and flexibility. The homeowner can choose between: 

Various types of metals, such as steel, zinc, and copper 

You can design your roof exactly the way you'd like it, setting it up within your budget, while also obtaining the precise look you want. 

Metal roofing is also very durable. Metal roofing materials often last more than three times as long as asphalt shingles. Asphalt roofs can be good for up to twenty years. Depending on the type of metal, a metal roof can have a lifespan for as long as sixty years. If you're looking for a durable, long-lasting roof on your home, metal roofing materials are the way to go. 

Metal roofs are also extremely energy efficient. They reflect sunlight, helping to keep your home at an appropriate temperature. 

Cons of Metal Roofing: 

Metal roofing has many advantages, but there are also quite a few disadvantages. 

Metal roofing is fairly expensive. Asphalt roofing is much cheaper, leading it to be the most common option. However, metal roofing does have many additional advantages. The extra cost one spends on metal roofing will pay for itself over time. Metal roofing, therefore, should be considered more of a long term investment, as it doesn't need to be replaced every twenty years. 

In conclusion: 

In summary, the benefits of metal roofing materials are: 

It is versatile and offers homeowners numerous metals to select from when replacing the roof of their home. 

That it stands the test of time, providing homeowners with a durable roofing option.

That it is very energy efficient. 

The disadvantages include: 

It is fairly pricey when it is compared to asphalt shingles. On the other hand, asphalt roofs aren't as durable, don't save energy, and aren't as versatile.

​Ultimate Roofing can help you on your next roofing project. Call and set up an appointment.

We believe our clients should be informed when it comes to deciding on the best type of roof for their home. We understand that purchasing a new roof is not a small decision. A new roof will aesthetically affect your home. Furthermore, different roofing materials will last different amounts of time. These two things should be carefully considered when you are determining the best roof for your home.

Which Roof Lasts the Longest?

There is no simple answer to this question because there are factors that contribute to the wear and tear on roofs. Additionally, the durability of the roofing material as well as how well it can withstand weather extremes plays a part in determining the longevity of a roof.

The five factors that should be considered when shopping for roofing material include:

- Climate - Your local climate, including the amount of rain, wind and weather systems that are common in your area
- Environmental factors - i.e. the risk of wildfires
- Building design - if a building is located in an industrial or commercial area, exhaust, pollution, and chemicals can decrease the life expectancy of a roof
- Material - roofing materials like asphalt shingles, wood shakes, slate, metal, concrete or tile to cover the roof
- Installation - how professionally the roof is installed

Most of these factors, the homeowner does not have control over; however, the homeowner does have control when it comes to the roofing material chosen. Furthermore, the roof must be installed by a professional roofer to increase the life expectancy of your roofing system.

A roof that is not properly installed can end up costing a homeowner thousands of dollars in roof repairs or even a new roof installation. As you can see, a poorly installed roof can cost you in the short-term as well as the long-term.

Additionally, no matter how well a roof is installed, if low-quality roofing materials are used the life expectancy on the roof can be greatly diminished. For best results, you want to use high-quality roofing materials and have the roof installed by a professional.

How long does a roof last? 

The average life expectancy of a roof is between 20 and 25 years. However, the type of materials used can greatly impact the lifespan of the roof. The following information lists the different materials and their expected life expectancy:

Material           Expected Lifespan
Asphalt shingles       20-25 years
Metal/steel             40-60 years
Slate                     50+ years
Tile/concrete             50+ years
Single-ply              25-35 years
Wood shakes             15-18 years


Roofs only last as well as they are maintained. If a roof is not properly maintained, the life expectancy of the roof will be greatly diminished.

Even a roof with lower-quality roofing materials will last longer if it is properly installed and maintained. Conversely, if a high-quality roofing material is used but it is not properly installed or maintained, the lifespan of the roof will be diminished.

Homeowners and business owners must routinely inspect their roofs to avoid unnecessary costs and complications. For this reason, there is no simple answer to which roof will last the longest. There are many factors when determining the life expectancy of roofing materials. 
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Ultimate Roofing can help you on your next roofing project. Call and set up an appointment.

It does not matter if you live in an area where you do not experience traumatic weather or climate events or storms; roof damage does still occur and accumulates (even though slightly). If you live in such an area, it takes many years for evinces of roof damage to show. Just like the way your body may become damaged internally without any visible signs, so can your roof. 

As such, homeowners are advised always to stay alert. What causes a roof to leak? Well, below are the most common causes:

1. Slipped Slates or Tiles

Have you ever experienced this problem in the past? Well, if you have, then you know that water pool can occur. If you then have a tile or slate that has slipped, then water accesses the underlay, especially during wet seasons. With time, water will begin to leak, which may cause a lot of damage to the roof if the problem is not fixed as soon as possible. 

2. Condensate

One of the leading causes of a leaking roof or a perception that a roof is leaking is condensation. Condensation occurs when warm air (humid air) meets a cold surface, causing water droplets to form under a roof (especially if the area is not well ventilated). When this happens, with time, it may cause ceiling damage. To avoid this problem, it is wise to have the roof space ventilated very well to prevent condensation.

3. A Damaged Underlay

This is another common problem people face. However, in this case, we are talking about the part of the roof where it has been designed to pass water down to the gutters. You should know that this is one of the functions of an underlay, and often it does not work the way we like it to.

Wind and rain are the prime suspects of destroying this part of the underlay. They often end up rotting due to constant exposure to the elements. As such, when a slate or tile gets damaged (no matter how small), water will begin to pass through and eventually to the inner-part of the roof space. When this happens, a person will start to see the signs of a leaking roof.

4. Failing Extensions

Failing extensions are also causes of leaking roofs. That is mainly because of lean-to extensions. Therefore, if your house has one, then chances are that it is leaking. 

The reason it will leak is due to weight and time. In other words, your roof will need repairs after some time. Therefore, if you have a lean-to extension, know that one time you will need to repair it; because it takes on the pressure from the rain and water from the main room; the pressure on the lean-to extension doubles.

With time, the underlay and tiling will be compromised, which increases the chances of a leak.

5. Junctions

Roof Junctions are prone to leakages, especially if fitted incorrectly or damaged for one reason or the other. If you experience a high amount of water leaking, the problem is usually a roof junction.

​Ultimate Roofing can help you on your next roofing project. Call and set up an appointment.

Are you wondering if your roof has been damaged by the wind? We are going to cover how wind can damage your roof and the inspections needed to identify wind damage to your roof.

Storms can fool us. Even storms which don’t dump rain and hail on us can still damage your roof.

A storm which packs powerful winds, even without rain and hail, can cause extreme damage to your roof. Your roof is designed to handle normal wind, but the intense gusts and high wind speeds in a storm can cause roof damage, damage which may not be noticed immediately.

Wind can cause stress points to develop in your roof. The stress points are weakened areas which continue to weaken over time, resulting in damage shingles and potential water leaks and damage.

Wind – High-Speed Projectiles

It is not always the fast-moving air that causes damage. The wind carries fast moving dirt and debris. The debris is thrown against your shingles which can cause broken shingles and roof damage. That is why it is important to carefully inspect your roof after every storm. You want to verify there are no weakened or damaged areas which could result in further damage to your home.

Roof Damage after Strong Winds – What To Look For:

There are five major areas of concern to check for after a storm with strong winds:

Roof Corners and Perimeter:

Check the corners and edges of your roof carefully. These areas are more susceptible to damage from the wind than other parts of your roof.

Shingles which have lifted from the corners and edges can be cracked or leave gaps which expose the underlying insulation. This increases your risk of water damage to your home.

Make sure the shingles are not even slightly loose. Loosened shingles are highly susceptible to further damage in the next storm. Loosened shingles can lift away from your house and start a peeling process which removes entire areas of shingles in a gust of wind.

Flying Debris and Tree Branches

Flying debris and tree branches brushing your roof can cause more damage than the wind alone. Make sure to keep trees trimmed away from your home. Double check to make sure dead branches and sticks are cleared from the trees so they don’t blow onto your roof.

Gutters And Downspouts

The gutters and downspouts along the edge of your roof need to be carefully inspected after storms. Verify they are not clogged with debris. Keeping them clean ensures you don’t have water backing up into the eaves and along the base of your home.

Roof Inspections

Ignoring your roof after a storm guarantees the damage will only get worse and more expensive to fix. Careful inspections can identify small problems which can be fixed quickly and inexpensively before they turn into major problems requiring a roof replacement.

Inspections Should Be Done Be Professional Roofing Contractors

Inspecting your roof can be hazardous. The professionals at Ultimate Roofing have been trained to safely inspect your roof and uncover any damage before it becomes worse.

The type of inspection required depends on your roofing style and materials. A thorough inspection includes the following:

Your roof inspection must include your chimneys, gutters, and flashing. These areas are sources for leaks just as much as the shingles. 

Your outdoor inspection checks for signs of moisture, dampness, and peeling on the exterior of your home. The indoor inspection checks your attic for signs of water leaks to make sure nothing has been missed from the outside.

Composition shingles need to be inspected for breaks, curls, and other damage. The shingles need to be inspected for loss of protective granulation, too.

Wood shingles are inspected for breaks, mold, decay, curls, splits and to determine if they are lifting from the roof.

Flat roof surfaces are checked for patches, cracks, and tears. The inspection checks for blisters and wrinkles which could cause future leaks, too.
​
Ultimate Roofing can help you on your next roofing project. Call and set up an appointment.

​Q. When will I need to replace my roof?
A. It depends on your unique situation. Safety is our number one priority, which is why we do not encourage homeowners to inspect their roof because the risk of serious injury is great. 

In an earlier post, we explained the reasons a roof replacement may be necessary. There are several signs that can indicate a roof replacement may be in order, including:

* The age of your roof is 20+ years 
* Asphalt shingles have become damaged, bent or cracked
* Missing shingles

Other signs of a needed roof replacement include mold formation, peeling paint, and dry rot. However, these do not always mean a full roof replacement is needed. Only a professional roofer has the knowledge to look at a roof and determine the best course of action needed.

Q. My roof seems to need minor repairs; can I repair it myself?
A. We urge homeowners to resist the urge to make roof repairs themselves for two reasons:
1. The roofing issue may appear small; however, there could be underlying structural issues causing the problem that a homeowner may not be aware of. This could lead to the homeowner making the repair, only to face the same repairs or larger repairs in the near future.
2. Safety is another thing that should be considered when inspecting or performing repairs to a roof. Our team of professional roofers at Ultimate Roofing are trained with safety in mind. Not only will professional roofers have the skills to make repairs, but they also have the knowledge of how to make the repairs safely.

Q. How much does a roof repair or a roof replacement cost?
A. There is no simple answer to this question because a variety of factors must be considered, including:
* The type of roofing material used. Some materials are less expensive than other types of materials.
* The severity of the roof repair or replacement that needs to be done.
* The location of the building and the challenges associated with the location.

Q. My roof is leaking, what does this mean?
A. Identifying the cause of a leak can be difficult. Leaks can be self-limiting which means the leak is identified before it has an opportunity to spread and cause further damage in your home. Conversely, the lead could be a symptom of a larger structural issue that has manifested in the roof. 

Both of these issues may not require a full roof replacement, which is why you need to talk to a professional roofer who can determine the cause of your leak and explain the best course of action to take.
​
Ultimate Roofing can help you on your next roofing project. Call and set up an appointment.

It's often necessary to replace a roof when a homeowner least expects it and it's least convenient. The roof of a home is often neglected, it's the part of a home that we assume will never decay. Just like all the other parts of your home, your roof is at risk of damage, wear and tear, and decay. At Ultimate Roofing our team of skilled roofers have worked with numerous homeowners throughout Albany to obtain the replacement roof that they need. 

Let's take a look at the various issues you should consider before you decide that you need a roof replacement. 

Reasons to Consider Replacing a Roof 

Replacing a roof can be preventable. 

Many homeowners only ask for an inspection of their roof after they've noticed or been informed of severe damage. This is why regular inspections of a home's roof are vitally important - the process helps you to notice small damage to the roof before it becomes severe. This can save you a lot of stress, time, and money. Contact a roofing contractor if you inspect your roof and notice that you're experiencing any of the following issues: 

Shingles that are damaged or missing 

Seams that are loose 

Shingles building up in your gutters 

Damaged flashing 

Roof damage can take other forms around your home, too, though. If you have cracked interior paint and wallpaper that is peeling, you may also have roof damage. You may be able to fix these issues without needing to entirely replace your roof. If you aren't experienced with finding roofing problems, we suggest that you speak with a roofing inspector today. Our agency offers free roofing inspections and an estimate for how much it will be to repair your roof. 

Your roof could appear to be in excellent shape, but it might not be once it's examined more thoroughly. These issues can be because of age. If no one has inspected your roof for twenty years, it's likely time to schedule a full roof inspection. Many roofs can last for this length of time before needing replacement. Some roofing materials, however, like copper or slate, can last even longer if they are correctly cared for. 

A roof replacement can be complete or partial, it will depend on how severe the damage is. Once issues appear, like leakage, they often begin to cause even more damage to the roof until it becomes necessary to replace the roof entirely. This makes early detection vitally important. 

Price of Roof Replacement 

There isn't a specific cost to replace a roof. 

The price can vary based on numerous factors, like how big the roof is if you need a full replacement, the materials that you choose, and what time of year you need to have the work done. Our roofing repair professionals are happy to consider all of these factors and then provide you with a full quote. If you're interested in receiving an estimate, fill out our online form or give us a call, and one of our skilled workers will contact you.

Ultimate Roofing can help you on your next roofing project. Call and set up an appointment.

Asphalt Shingles

These roofing materials are the most popular out of the rest in America. They are not only durable but practical and highly affordable. 

Asphalt shingles are available in various artistic types, also available in different texture, color, and sizes. The best asphalt shingle has about 20 years’ life-span. Just like everything in this world, asphalt has a limitation as well. 

This material has the shortest lifespan compared to other roofing materials and also heavier. Darker shingles suffer from discoloration with time, and when this happens, it loses its appeal. 

Metal Roofing Material

How does metal roofing materials compare to asphalt? Well, both the metal and asphalt roofing materials share some common characteristics like; both are relatively easy to install. On the other hand, both asphalt and metal differ from each other greatly; for example,  asphalt is dense than metal roofs. Furthermore, metal roofing materials are environmentally friendly. 

However, one of the limitations to metal roofing material is that its shine decreases with time. When this happens, you have two options. One is to replace the whole roof and the second is to have it painted, especially if it is still in good condition.

Slate Roofing Material

Slate roofing materials are known to last for a very long time more than other options. If a slate roof is installed correctly, it can last for almost a century. Hover, it is the most expensive option on our list. Furthermore, they tend to be installed in sophisticated real estates that want to achieve a more natural look. 

Apart from these benefits, it offers other benefits like the highly resistant to both heat and rot. It is also one of the easiest roofing to install, especially when compared to the metal version. Nonetheless, just like everything, it does also have its limitations.  Well, we can mention many limitations, but the leading limitation is the risk of breakages when maintaining the roof like performing regular roof maintenance or cleaning the gutters.

Wood Roofing Material

Wood as a roofing material is environmentally friendly, even more, compared to the metal version. As a matter of fact, it is ecologically friendly more than all the other types in our list. As such, if you are looking for a ‘green roofing’ option, then you should really consider going for wood. However, the level of green generally depends on how the wood is sourced; it can either be moderate or mild. Options like wood recycling is what makes this option as a roofing option environmentally friendly.

Wood roofing has become a popular option for many people lately. If the roofing is done correctly, it can last more than 30 years. However, the type of wood used generally affects the degree of its longevity. Wood roofing helps achieve a more natural and rural look. Therefore, if you as the homeowner is looking for a natural and yet organic option, without harming the environment, then you should consider wood.
Ultimate Roofing can help you on your next roofing project. Call and set up an appointment.

​Is your home surrounded by trees? Or perhaps your garden is adorned with one or two? The more trees you have, and the closer they are to your home, the more likely your roof will sustain damage - often without you even realizing it. Let's take a look at 4 ways that your roof can sustain damage from trees:

1. Overhanging Branches

Winter brings on the harshest forms of weather - snow, and wind. These are two strong causes of the snapping of overhanging branches. When this happens, the branches can fall on your roof and damage the shingles. Over time, said damage can accumulate and even give way to leakage. 

Generally, it is suggested to have a ten-foot radius away from overhanging branches. In addition, you should take the time to identify points of decay and rot. 

2. Leaves

That's right - leaves can cause damage to your home, as well. Leaves can not only smash shingles, but they can also get pretty nasty once enough have accumulated. Dense quantities of leaves on your roof can lead to trapped moisture, especially when you throw in snow. This can impact the integrity of your shingles over time. 

3. Gutters

Of the same vein, leaves and other debris can become trapped in gutters. If gutters become clogged, water can no longer travel down their path and out of the downspout as intended. Instead, the gutter can overflow, and this, in turn, can compromise the foundation and roof. 

4. Falling Trees

This is one of the most severe risks to your home and roof. While garden trees tend to not be too large, they can still be the source of substantial damage should they tip over onto your roof. Therefore, you should regularly examine the trees around your home. Find out if the trees are alive, and be on the lookout for signs of decay. If you are worried that a tree could pose as a risk, contact a competent tree-cutter service to safely remove it from your property. This can save you a lot of time, stress, and money.

Ultimate Roofing can help you on your next roofing project. Call and set up an appointment.