Identifying roofing issues at the earliest juncture is one sure way of keeping them at bay. To increase your chances of calling in an Albany roofing contractor on time, it is important for you to have an idea of the common warning signs. To avoid any disappointments at the most inopportune moment, be sure to make the right choice when it comes to hiring a roofing contractor. 

To minimize or avoid common roofing issues, follow the following tips:

Be On The Lookout For Any Leaks 

You can identify roof leaks by conducting yearly roof inspections. You may need to hire an expert roofer to fix the extensive damage caused by even the smallest of leaks. 

Pay Extra Attention To Mold

In addition to causing extensive structural damage, mold may also cause serious health effects in people who spend time within the structure in question, be it a commercial or residential building. 

Act Fast 

The damaged caused grows in severity with time; water damage may set in, and leaks may grow in size, quite swiftly. 

Seek Professional Assistance 

You need the help of a skilled and well-equipped roofing expert to identify roof leaks and assess any associated damage, as these issues are not easy to spot. 

Choose A Local Expert 

Even though important, price should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a roofing expert. Remember to go with a service that has deep roots in the area. 

Do Your Own Research 

Research any credentials and reach out to any references quoted by your local roofing expert. You can also find out more about the contractor’s commitment to providing quality work by checking to see if they are linked with any professional associations as well. 

Look For Quality Guarantees 

Avoid being a victim of poor craftsmanship. To avoid being left with nowhere to turn after the contractor does a shoddy job, be sure to hire a company that stands behind the quality of their work by offering a guarantee. 

Adopting a practical roof maintenance schedule and conducting annual inspections is the best way to identify possible roofing problems. This can help you avoid costly and inconvenient roofing emergencies. Call a roofing contractor now!​

Regular inspections are an important part of maintaining any roof, regardless of its style. The maintenance requirements for flat roofs, however, are slightly different than the requirements for roofs that are more steeply pitched. When it comes to maintenance-related expenses, the money that you spend on upkeep is worthwhile since it helps extend the life of your roof. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule also allows any problems to be addressed early on while they are still easy and affordable to fix.

Properly Caring For A Flat Roof: Six Maintenance Tips

1. Frequently Inspect The Roof

The best way to catch problems is by inspecting your roof on a regular basis. That is a lot easier on a flat roof than on a pitched roof since walking on a flat surface requires far less balance. During your inspection, look for cracking, rusty areas, pooled water, raised seams, and bubbles or blisters. If you spot any potential problems, reach out to a qualified roofing company in Albany for help making any necessary repairs. Along with doing your own inspections, you should also have your roof professionally inspected on a biannual basis.

2. Keep The Roof Clean

Loose debris like dirt, leaves, and branches are more likely to accumulate on flat roofs than on steeper roofs. Objects like these can trap moisture, which can not only cause mold and algae to grow but can also damage the surface of your roof, increasing the likelihood of leaks.

3. Prune Back Any Vegetation

If any branches from nearby trees are hanging over or coming in contact with your roof, you should trim them back. Leaving an adequate distance between the surrounding trees and your roof helps minimize the amount of debris that accumulates on the surface. Consider seeking professional help when trimming branches that overhang your roof so that you don't inadvertently damage the surface.

4. Identify And Correct Any Drainage Issues

Water is far more likely to pool on flat roofs than it is on angled roofs. Areas where water tends to collect may need to be leveled so that the water properly drains. You should also have your gutters and other drainage system components periodically inspected by a professional roofer to make sure hidden clogs aren't interfering with the flow of water.

5. Make Sure There Isn't Too Much Weight On The Roof

Heavy objects like pieces of equipment, deep snow, and ice can be problematic on flat roofs. The weight of these items can cause the roof to fail, leading to significant damage. Talk to the contractor who installed your roof to find out the maximum weight limit.

6. Take Quick Action When Leaks Occur

If your roof starts leaking, don't ignore it. Instead, contact a professional roofer like   Ultimate Roofing to fix the problem right away before serious damage occurs.  Call us for more information. ​

What You Need to Know About Common Residential Roofing Problems 

The internet and YouTube have made numerous home improvement and remodeling projects appear to be doable for many homeowners. However, despite the fact that DIY home improvement projects may seem to be economical or sometimes even heroic, many of them are best left for professionals to handle, which include Albany residential roofing projects. 

Reasons why a professional should be hired for your roofing projects 

Not only does your roof provide you and your loved ones with shelter, but it complements the curb appeal of your home as well. Therefore, you should hire a professional contractor to install or maintain your roof. 

The following are 5 additional reasons why you should get assistance from a professional roofing contractor. 

Expertise is key 

Roof repair and replacement is a technical process. Roofing contractors handle multiple projects for various types of roofing. That implies that they are able to catch structural flaws and mistakes that you might have missed if you tried to replace or repair the roof on your own. The reduces the risk of your roof getting damaged within the near future.   

You won't have to compromise on safety 

Some of the more common accidents that come with roof repair projects are slips and falls. A professional contractor has invested in safety equipment, gear, and an insurance policy to make sure their roofers remain safe.  

An experienced and skilled roofing contractor can do the job properly the first time. On the other hand, a majority of DIY enthusiasts do not have any idea what they should do when starting on a roof replacement or repair project. That not only makes the repair job hard but also means there is a high chance that mistakes will be made. In those situations, you would need to call a contractor in to correct your mistakes which over the long run will end up costing you more money. When you hire a professional contractor it guarantees your roofing project will be done correctly the first time. 

A warranty comes with reputable roofings services done by contractors 

A majority of roofing contractors offer a workmanship warranty as well as warranties on the materials that they use. If anything goes wrong after the repair or installation, they will fix it at no additional cost to you throughout the warranty period.

You will receive a detailed roof inspection 

Before starting on a roof replacement or repair project, an experienced roofing professional will conduct an in-depth roof inspection. In addition, they will identify both potential and current roof damage. Need help with an assessment now? Call us for more information.

In the competitive real estate market of today, the curb appeal of your home has a huge influence on its market value. While several elements do affect a home’s curb appeal, the front door and the roof are key focal points. In this post, we’ll discuss how having the right roof can enhance the curb appeal of your home. 

Design 
The shape and pitch of your roof should complement the architectural style of your home, which will in turn enhance its value and improve its curb appeal. No matter whether you choose slate, tile, asphalt, wood, metal, or any other roofing material, a proper design will define the personality of your home. For example, you can choose to use simple roofline to convey modest dignity or install a conspicuous roof using cross gables to give out a regal appeal.

Color
The right color should complement the overall colors of your home, the trim, and the foundation. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way from the era when roofing colors were confined to black and grey, modern roofing comes in a wide range of colors and different shades. And besides complementing the exterior look of your home, the right color will accentuate the architectural style and pull together your home’s overall look. 

Functionality
As a homeowner, you not only need to look as the aesthetics of the roof, but also the functionality. A new roof might look appealing for the first couple of years, but over time, it may gradually look stained and worn out, especially without proper care and maintenance. This can be avoided by choosing a roofing material that has been proven to stand the test of time, such as metal and asphalt roofing. 

How Curb Appeal Affects the Value of your Home
In the real-world real estate market, supply often outweighs demand. As such, first impressions are central when it comes to influencing the home buyers’ decision. According to Forbes, most homebuyers form an opinion about your home within the first 7 to 10 seconds of arriving. So, a potential homebuyer might just look at your house and drive away without even looking at its interior. On the other hand, if your home features a stunning curb appeal in comparison to the rest of the listed properties in the neighborhood, you could increase its asking price significantly.

If you want to improve your curb appeal let Ultimate Roofing  help you make the changes. Get in contact and call us today!

It takes approximately around $6,000+ to $15,800+ to install a new roof to your home. Since this is going to be a costly investment, you have to make sure that you know what to look for when it comes to looking for an Albany roofing contractor.

If you're looking for a new contractor to do your home re-roofing, here are 5 important tips that you need to take into consideration.

1. What Kind of Roof Ventilation Will They Use?

While not many people talk about it, roof ventilation plays a crucial role in ensuring that your roofs stay durable and would last a long time. By making sure that you have proper roof ventilation installed, you can be assured that the attics would be able to regulate the heat in summer and that there won't be moisture buildup during winter. Don't hesitate to inquire whether they also offer additional roof ventilation features like gable and ridge vents.

2. Are Your New Roofs Energy-Efficient?

A good looking roof may be pleasing to the eye, but energy efficiency offers more benefits. It helps lower your energy bills for one, and at the same time, these roofs also absorb the heat of the sun, making it less hot inside the room. Additionally, roofs with energy efficiency features require less maintenance, saving you future costs. You'd notice that past roofs were made of mostly bright colors, these days, roofs with dark hues are increasingly becoming more popular.

3. Consider Low Maintenance Gutters

No one wants to have misaligned gutters. When looking for a roofing company, find one that can install low-maintenance gutters - if possible, those that can install the seamless types. Those gutters that are held in place by wither eaves or gable overhangs are not recommended as they're more prone to water damage.

4. Look For Airtight Chimney Caps

Don't overlook the importance of chimney caps. A chimney cap helps reduce energy consumption by keeping snow or rain from entering your home, and by stopping heat from exiting through your chimney. This also prevents other animals like squirrels, mice, raccoons and other critters from entering your home.

5. Prevent Ice Dams With Eave Flashings

This keeps your roof weather-proof that's usually made of thin material. This stops moisture from reaching your shingles, and at the same time, stops ice dams from forming. Before re-roofing, consider giving a professional roofer a call to help determine your roofing needs, as it is a huge investment you do not want to be done improperly. 

Are you interested in having some roofing work done, but would rather do it yourself instead of hiring an expert Albany roofer? Use the following tips prioritize safety before you get started on the project at hand.  

1. Notify those around you: Make a point of notifying those around that you will be conducting the roofing work. To ensure that you can get help in case of any emergency or accident, you should only work when there’s someone else around. 

2. Preparation is essential: All your supplies should be prepared in advance. To minimize the need to make repeated trips up and down the ladder, which tend to be dangerous and tedious, make a comprehensive list of all the necessary supplies.  

3. Consider the prevailing weather conditions: To minimize the risk of slipping off the roof surface, schedule the work on a dry warm day. Your roof might also be slippery if you schedule the work too early in the day. 

4. Take things slowly: Doing things hurriedly increases the likelihood of falls and other accidents. Stay safe by doing things slower. However, if you are pressed for time, consider hiring a professional roofer. 

5. A roofing seat comes in handy: When conducting tedious tasks, such as shingling, having a roofing seat in hand, a seat designed to safely rest on the roof pitch, can be a welcome option. Taking a break from standing every now and then minimizes your risk of falling off the roof as it helps prevent fatigue, tingling and cramps in the legs associated with standing for extended periods. 

6. Clear the work area: Clear the surface of the roof before you start working. Slip hazards such as dirt, leaves and debris can cause a fall, and should therefore be cleared first. 

7. Put on some safety gear: For maximum safety while working on the roof, use toe holds and a safety harness. 

8. Safely use the ladder: Follow all manufacturer recommendations to the letter when it comes to using the ladder safely. The ladder’s stability and safety during use may be significantly compromised when these recommendations are not followed. 

9. Use the right footwear: Every time you work or walk on the roof surface, be sure to wear the right shoes; these should be rubber soled, non-slip, with a reasonable tread.  

10. Don’t underestimate the job at hand: When assessing the job, consider your own limits and be sensible. Be sure to call a professional, like Ultimate Roofing. if you are not sure that you can handle the work involved call us today.

Is your indoor lightning in need for an upgrade? There are many pros an cons to choosing solar tubes or skylights. Depending on your specific situation, one of these solutions could be better than the other. This article covers a few details you may want to know in order to choose what's best for you to bring some natural light into your living or working space.

Function

Skylight windows and solar tube light fixtures fulfill a similar role, which is to lighten a space. While solar tubes are installed directly on the roof, skylights need to be cut and installed by roofing contractors. Solar tubes use the energy of the sun to illuminate bulbs of different powers. Skylights provide openings for natural light to get into an indoor space.

Performance

Both lighting solutions use natural light. Tubes are probably better during the evening or in bad weather conditions. Nevertheless, a skylight window will offer you the opportunity to see the outdoors on any kind of weather. Taking into account its consistent performance, tube lighting is a solution that suits most households and business offices.

Convenience

Both skylights and tubes are easy to use. However, their installation calls for a professional team. There are some DIY solar tube kits on the market. However, when it comes to long-term use, skylight installation provided by roofing professionals is the way to go.

Price

More often than not, skylights cost a bit more than tubes. On the other hand, a skylight is an investment that can increase the market value of your house. Always try to figure out whether a skylight would add value to your home by increasing its appeal. Tube lighting can also curb the appeal of a property, although potential buyers don't perceive it as such.

Specific Conditions

Last but not least, assess each of these two options to identify the one that's actually compatible with your house. Ask an Albany roofing contractor like Ultimate Roofing to assess your specific conditions and to determine the optimal lighting solution. Call us for more information.

Scheduling roof inspections every now and then is an important part of a proper home maintenance strategy. An expert roof inspection should be conducted at least twice a year, not just once. In addition to shedding light on when to schedule them, we will also look at why you need regular roofing inspections.    

Roof Inspection, What Is It All About?

From assessing the roof membrane for deterioration and damage, any breaches in the roof structure including pipes and curbs to roof leaks; roofing professionals usually evaluate the entire roof system during these scheduled inspections. The roofing expert will then offer suggestions on how to improve the durability and safety of your roof after the inspection has been finalized. From the installation of a mobile rail guard along the edge of the roof or skylights to safeguard anyone accessing any roof mounted air conditioning units, to walkway pads along high traffic areas on the roof, a variety of improvements can be made on your roof.    

Reasons to conduct roof inspections every now and then

Regular roof inspections should be seen as a preventative measure that can help home owners make huge annual savings. Any damage or issues that may result in costly roof repairs if left undetected for an extended period can be identified during a comprehensive roof inspection. Pipe and curb breaches, accumulated debris, incorrectly fitted roof flashing – at least according to the directions provided by the manufacturer – and stains in the ceiling tiles are some of the water infiltration issues that can be identified through a roof inspection. To stop the progress of any roof damage, a thorough assessment of the roof system can ensure that any weakening of the roof membrane is caught and fixed as early as possible. 

Thorough inspections conducted by a qualified roofing expert more than twice a year may be necessary to maintain the validity of some roof warranties. It is important to note that the validity of the manufacturer’s warranty may be jeopardized by incorrectly mounted roof flashing and breaches. Furthermore, you may encounter roofing emergencies or face serious roof damage as a result of leaks.   

Scheduling Roof Inspections 

Spring, when trees shed their seeds, is the best time to schedule the first roof inspection of the year; while the end of fall, after the trees have shed their leaves is a great time to schedule the second inspection. Your roof can be cleared of any debris without you incurring any extra costs, in both cases.

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

Most contemporary architectural styles take into account the need of homeowners for dependable, economical, yet visually appealing roofing systems. Oftentimes roofing experts will recommend such modern systems to their clients, due to their reliability, functionality and durability. This article takes a closer look at the top four contemporary Albany roofing styles.

Concrete Or Clay Roofs?

Generally speaking, tile roofs are expensive, particularly if you prefer clay to concrete tiles. Nevertheless, this type of roofing system comes with some great benefits such as better looks, higher energy efficiency, longevity, durability, and fire safety. In addition, these roofing systems require very little maintenance.

Clay tiles are manufactured by molding and baking clay. Their structure depends on the baking temperature and on the duration of this treatment. Clay tiles can have a wide range of colors such as white, yellow, brown, orange. Terra-Cotta is perhaps the most popular color.

Concrete tiles are usually made from a mix of cement, sand and water. They are molded into shape under pressure and in high temperature conditions. They can replicate various other materials such as clay, stone, slate, and wood.

Slate Roofs

Most homeowners ignore the benefits a slate roof could offer them. Water-resistant and extremely durable, slate can curb the appeal of a property, thanks to its natural color variation across larger surface areas. Slate is made from natural stone, hence being one of the eco-friendly roofing systems known today. The tiles can always be reused, should you decide to build another house at some point in time. Albany reroofing contractors can provide you with a few useful tips and advice.

Metal

Metal is one of the most sustainable building materials available. Metal roofs can be made from recycled materials. Furthermore, they can be recycled and reused. You can have a metal roofing installed directly on top of an existing roof. Good looking and versatile, metal roofs are very durable and require very little maintenance. The most used metals are tin, zinc, copper, and aluminum.

Fiber Cement Roofing Systems

Once a very popular siding material, fiber cement has become one of the top roofing options. This material is a mix of cellulose fibers, sand and cement. It has become very popular in Albany. It also offers solid protection against bad weather. Ultimate Roofing can provide this and more for your next roofing project. Call us for more information. 

1. Check The Ventilation In Your Attic 

Ventilation plays a critical role in guaranteeing your roof's lifespan. However, it is one aspect of roof maintenance that tends to be overlooked quite often. A lot of roof damage gets caused by moisture building-up inside of the attic during the winter, and a lot of the build-up gets caused by condensation which forms when the warm air in the interior comes into contact with outside cold air inside the attic. 

If there is nowhere for the condensation to go, it may cause mold to start to spread throughout your house, damage your roof deck, and if it is allowed to go unchecked, it may even rot your rafters out. Since much of the damage is invisible, homeowners frequently are not aware that it is occurring until it's too late. 

2. Install Gutter Guards And Clean Your Gutters 

A majority of homeowners know that it is important to clean their gutters out. Gutters full of dirt and dead leaves overflow on a regular basis, which causes water to pool next to the foundation and creates unattractive hard water stains on wood or vinyl siding that can be very hard to get rid of. 

However, overflowing gutters do not only cause problems with channeling water away from the house and making sure you don't have water damage problems with your external walls. Whenever debris builds up inside gutters, it also can push water back up underneath the shingles, and rot the roof deck and reduce the shingles' lifespan.  

3. Install New Fascia and Soffits 

Fascia and soffit boards play a critical role in keeping your rafters protected and to improve your home's curb appeal. Like attic ventilation, they also are frequently a misunderstood component of the roofing system.

The major role that fascia and soffit boards play is to protect and close in the underside of the roof at the point where it hangs over the eaves. It is an especially vulnerable aspect of the house, and without having good fascia and soffit, water may easily blow up and underneath the eaves and also into the house. This significantly reduces the lifespan of the rafters and roof deck and potentially cause extensive water damage to the exterior walls of your house. 

4. Replace Or Get A New Skylight 

Skylights are an amazing feature for any house. It has been shown that skylights offer a broad range of positive benefits for homeowners, which includes increased energy levels and getting vitamin D. Skylights can also increase the value of your house and can help you save money on your electricity bills by not needing to rely on artificial light as much.

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