Residential Roofing

RoofViews

Are you hand-cutting 3-tab shingles instead of using perforated hip and ridge cap shingles? You're not alone. At one time, 3-tab shingles were the market leader, so hand-cutting and installing 3-tabs on ridges and hips was standard practice.Times have changed. Hip and ridge cap shingles are the new industry gold standard. They're faster to install, save you money in labor costs, and result in a better looking, higher-quality, more wind-resistant product.Here's why it's time to make the change from using hand-cut 3-tab shingles to pre-manufactured hip and ridge caps on residential roofs.Hip and Ridge Caps Can Give Roofers Big BenefitsHip and ridge caps were specially designed for use on a roof's ridges and hips. Here are the ways they improve roof installation speed and quality in ways that hand-cut 3-tabs don't.Save time and labor: Pre-manufactured hip and ridge caps have perforations that roofers can quickly tear and install on the roof. Perforations reduce labor costs by eliminating time-consuming hand cuts that 3-tab shingles require. Plus, hip and ridge caps typically have larger exposure than hand-cut 3-tabs, so they not only look more polished, there are also fewer pieces to install.Perforations can reduce waste as well as human error and material loss due to cutting. "Some pre-manufactured hip and ridge caps are even packaged individually in boxes, so that they can be removed from the box and fastened without any tearing or cutting needed," says Jeff Avitabile, a senior product manager for GAF steep slope accessories.Reduce blow-off: Hip and ridge caps are pre-manufactured with properly positioned adhesive to help shingles fight against wind. Factory-applied adhesive reduces wind-related callbacks. As an example, GAF Hip and Ridge Cap Shingles come with Dura Grip™ Self-Seal Adhesive that helps seal shingles down tight for a high-quality, wind-resistant installation.Boost roofing reputation: Happy customers mean five-star reviews, word-of-mouth referrals, and fewer callbacks. For example, with GAF hip and ridge caps used as part of a GAF Lifetime Roofing System, customers are eligible for enhanced warranty and wind-protection options, improved curb appeal (thanks to factory color match), and a wider range of finish styles.What Customers Can Gain with Hip and Ridge CapsThe best relationship is one where everyone benefits. Beyond the financial and reputation perks a contractor can receive when installing hip and ridge caps, customers could enjoy some perks, too.Stronger warranties: Customers who install hip and ridge caps (instead of cut 3-tab shingles) win big with their warranties. "The pre-manufactured hip and ridge caps are designed to provide up to a lifetime warranty, matching the warranty of the laminate shingles, while 3-tab shingles are typically only 20 or 25-year warranty products," explains Avitabile. "So, when installing a lifetime warranty laminate shingle, why install only a 20- or 25-year warranty 3-tab ridge cap?"Peace of mind: Hip and ridge caps can give customers better protection from leaks, thanks to proper design and adhesive pre-applied during production. For customers in extreme weather climates, GAF offers the Seal-A-Ridge® ArmorShield™ SBS Modified Ridge Cap Shingles that helps keep even the roughest weather out. Seal-A-Ridge® ArmorShield™ customers may be eligible for additional insurance discounts, too.Improved aesthetics: In addition to safety and protection, customers want their roofs to look good. "Today's pre-manufactured hip and ridge caps are available in high profile or other distinct designs that help frame and provide the perfect finishing touch on a laminate shingle roof," says Avitabile. "In contrast, 3-tab shingles result in a flat finished appearance on the hips and ridges of a laminate shingle roof."Plus, pre-manufactured hip and ridge caps are factory color blended for a complementary match for the laminate shingles. "This helps avoid the all-too-common ugly mismatch on the roof with the laminate shingles," says Avitabile.Hip and Ridge Caps Are an Easy ChoiceOverall, hip and ridge caps are good for roofing professionals and customers alike. They reduce wind blow-off and wind-related callbacks. They can save time and money on installation labor, reduce waste, and can provide up to a lifetime limited warranty*. Best of all, they look better, resulting in a boosted reputation for you.Ready to give hip and ridge caps a try? Connect with CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence at GAF to learn more through cutting-edge training and roofing education. CARE also provides other tips and techniques that help improve roofing speed and quality.*See GAF Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty and GAF Roofing System Limited Warranty for complete coverage and restrictions.

Residential Roofing
What Are Ladder Hooks?

By Karen L Edwards

March 18, 2024
Residential Roofing
When Is the Best Time to Replace a Roof?

By Karen L Edwards

February 12, 2024
Residential Roofing
All about Roofing Nails for Shingles

By Mark Soto

December 14, 2023

Residential Roofing
When Is the Best Time to Replace a Roof?
If every day was sunny, mild, and a pleasant 75 degrees, there'd be little reason to wonder about the best time to replace a roof. Of course, not everyone lives in areas with ideal weather conditions, as climates vary greatly across the country.So if a client ever asks, "When is the best time to replace a roof?" your answer will likely vary based on where they live and what each season is like. However, you can share some general pointers in response. Here's what to consider for each season to help answer the question, "when is the best time to replace a roof?"SpringSpringtime is traditionally recognized as the kickoff of roofing season, as outside temperatures begin to warm and activity increases. Thanks to melting ice and snow, it's also the time of year that homeowners may want to have their roofs checked out for damage.While spring offers outdoor temperatures that are more friendly for workers, the season also typically comes with an increased chance of severe thunderstorms (and potentially tornados, depending on the region). Spring is usually a good time to schedule a roof replacement if you just monitor the weather forecast for major events to help reduce the chance of delays.SummerWith spring showers in the rearview, most areas of the country see longer stretches of nice weather during summertime, which lends itself well to working outside. Accordingly, summer tends to be the most ideal time for installing a new roof.But with potentially hot days, when is the best time to replace a roof in the summer? Workers will need to start as early in the day as possible because temperatures are usually cooler in the morning. Depending on the forecast temperatures, the job may need to be spread over a few days, so most of the work can be done in the morning hours before it gets too hot. It's also wise to remind customers that workers will need to have breaks in the shade and access to water to stay hydrated.FallThe autumn months can be an equally good time for a roof replacement as summer, as the hot and hazy days have passed, and severe weather isn't as common. The only exception to this is if you're working in an area prone to hurricanes. Hurricane season runs through the end of November and can cause project delays.In addition to the favorable weather, fall is a popular season for roof replacement because many property owners want to fortify their homes and buildings with a new roof before the winter months.WinterIn some areas of the country, it may be possible to continue roofing installations year-round, including during the winter. In southern regions, for example, roofing replacements can often be completed in the winter, as there's less chance of inclement weather. Temperatures may drop, but not as drastically as in areas that see ice and snow more regularly. Of course, it's still important to reference the relevant local forecast when scheduling upcoming work.Sustained stretches of very cold weather does not constitute suitable weather for the installation of asphalt shingles. All self-sealing shingles must be exposed to warm, sunny conditions for several days before they completely seal. Before sealing occurs, shingles are vulnerable to blow-offs and wind damage. Shingles installed in fall or winter may not seal until the following spring. Shingles that are not exposed to direct sunlight, adequate surface temperatures, or that are not fastened or installed properly may never seal. Failures to seal, blow-offs, and wind damage under these circumstances result from the nature of self-sealing shingles, and are not covered under most manufacturer's warranties. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation. While most provide guidance about cold weather installations, it will ultimately be up to you to exercise discretion about when to move forward with an installation vs. postponing the work until more favorable weather conditions are present.Other Factors That May Affect Project TimingWhile weather is likely the leading factor that can disrupt scheduled roofing work, if you want to best answer your client's question of "when is the best time to replace a roof?" you'll need to take other factors into account when setting timeline expectations for property owners. One such consideration is the lead time needed for materials. If your customer chooses an uncommon color or a specialty product, it may take longer for materials to arrive.Another factor to weigh is your own backlog. If your production calendar is booked weeks out, clearly communicate the timing to your customers with the knowledge that weather events could impact the schedule. Regularly communicating with customers and setting accurate expectations are key to a positive experience.Looking to learn more roofing best practices and further expand your knowledge base? Check out GAF's CARE Contractor Training Center to help build your skill set and receive valuable training.
By Karen L Edwards
February 12, 2024
Residential Roofing
Life After COVID-19: How to Resume Your Business and Safely Get Back to Work
Many states are beginning to fully or partially reopen after COVID-19 brought the economy to a halt. However, if you're ready to get back to work and begin serving customers again, there are several guidelines you need to consider to keep yourself, your employees, and your customers safe.Here are some suggestions for how to resume business as safely and productively as possible:Reconnect with Customers and ProspectsOne of the first things you can do to restart your business is reach out to former leads who put their projects on hold during the pandemic.Many customers may still be hesitant about moving forward, but you can try to reassure them by sharing your company's COVID-19 safety policies. Detail the strategies you'll follow to limit face-to-face interactions and potential exposure, such as handling all customer communications virtually.You can also incentivize prospects by offering a special for new customers, such as a discount for certain types of projects. It might feel challenging to offer discounts if your company lost business during the shutdown, but providing some type of customer incentive could help to fill up your sales pipeline.For previous buyers, you may want to consider adding a service and maintenance division or begin selling other verticals such as gutters, windows and siding to re-engage satisfied customers who have already experienced your work.Prioritize ProjectsSince construction is considered an essential business in many states, you may have continued working on certain roofing projects during the shutdown. However, now that the economy is beginning to reopen, you may have customers anxious to get started on projects they had put on hold—on top of the urgent repairs or replacements you already had in the pipeline.Consider several approaches to prioritizing new or backlogged projects. First, you could prioritize customers' needs based on project requirements and deadlines. For example, if a homeowner has had major roof damage and needs to be back in their home by a certain date, you might want to start on that project first.The project's budget is also an important consideration, especially if cash flow is an issue for your business. If a customer has a large project with a big budget, it may be good to get started on that project sooner rather than later.In addition, staffing and resources might dictate which projects you can tackle. You may have had employees who fell sick and are recovering or employees who have moved onto other jobs after work slowed down at your company. Limited manpower could prevent you from taking on certain projects right away, so you may have to focus on smaller or fewer roofing jobs to start. Consider all these factors when you're deciding which projects to prioritize.Keep Employees and Customers SafeEmployee and customer safety are two of the biggest considerations to think through when it comes to resuming work after COVID-19.Many states have provided safety guidelines for the construction industry, including ensuring employees at job sites wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol before leaving the site if handwashing isn't possible.You should make sure employees practice social distancing both inside the office and on job sites. When and where it makes sense, you may want to allow employees to work from home. Paperwork and phone calls can all be handled virtually, so there's not a strong a need for administrative staff to be in the office all the time.On job sites, workers should always wear masks and avoid handshaking and close personal contact as much as possible. They also should limit face-to-face meetings with customers and instead opt for virtual meetings using applications like Facetime, Google Hangouts, Skype, or Zoom. GAF offers several digital tools, like GAF QuickMeasure and GAF e360, to help you remotely take measurements and build 3D renderings from smartphone photos. Use these tools to your advantage to maintain employee and customer safety.Getting Back to BusinessEven though states are beginning to reopen, the health risks of COVID-19 haven't disappeared. It's more important than ever that your business takes steps to protect employees and customers, even while you try to deliver the best service possible.If you are ready to get back to work, visit your state or local health department's website for more specific guidance about how to safely resume business operations. Using these resources can put you in the best position to safely and successfully run your business during this challenging time and help your company adjust to this new normal.
By Satta Sarmah Hightower
November 30, 2021
Residential Roofing
Real Talk with Muth Roofing: Finding Success through Service
When Chad Muth founded Muth & Company Roofing 30 years ago, he had no way of knowing that a service and maintenance program would be one of the keys to his business success. What he did know was that if he was devoted, honest, and had integrity, he could be successful within the roofing industry—and he was right. Muth & Company Roofing is a GAF-certified Master Elite roofing contractor* with an extensive residential roofing division based in Columbus, Ohio. During GAF's annual WealthBuilder Conference that brings contractors together for idea sharing and business building, Muth was able to take an idea and turn it into a million-dollar-plus revenue stream. Maintenance Plans Lead to Additional Work In a recent Real Talk episode, Muth shared the story of his success. He explained that while attending WealthBuilder, he spent time talking to commercial roofing contractors about how their maintenance programs lead to repeat business each year and eventually reroofs. A contractor from Oregon shared that he provided a maintenance program for wood shake roofs that included algae removal and inspections each year. After speaking with these other contractors, Muth decided that his customers and community could benefit from a maintenance program as well. "There were so many issues that our repair department found that could have been prevented," says Muth. Muth says it's an easy sell when you arrive to repair a leak and educate the homeowner that with a regular maintenance plan, this leak most likely could have been prevented. An "Oil Change" for Your Roof Muth and his team at Muth & Company Roofing like to refer to this maintenance as an "oil change" for your roof. "We pound all the loose nails, we caulk and seal all the flashing details, we paint everything, and then we give a detailed report," he says. They also clean the gutters and do an attic inspection, making sure baffles and intakes are correct and that bathroom fans are vented outside, not in the attic. Muth also says that he's seeing the roof life being extended anywhere from three to seven years for homeowners who take advantage of the maintenance program, which his company calls an extended service plan (ESP). One of Muth & Company Roofing's ESP customers had been in the program for about five years when they began to experience some deterioration that indicated it was time to get a new roof. After showing the owner photos of the issues and providing an estimate for a new roof, they signed without hesitation. "A five-year care and maintenance plan, which developed the relationship, turned into a just shy of $15,000 roof five years later," shares Muth. "What we've found is a way to keep in contact with the customer, reach out to them every single year, extend the life of their roof, and catch problems before they have them. It's just been absolutely amazing for us." Service after the Sale Muth has found success in selling his ESP plan to his new roof customers as well. While 99% of the roofs he installs come with a GAF Golden Pledge Warranty, the roof is still subject to the elements and can benefit from inspections and maintenance. Muth adds an addendum at the bottom of the contract that allows the homeowner the option to purchase a five-year ESP for $875, which starts during the second year of the roof's lifespan and is paid for at the time of the roof purchase. He likens it to regular vehicle maintenance when purchasing a new car. Being in the neighborhood has been good for word-of-mouth referrals as well. Muth says that neighbors will see their trucks and their crew and ask the homeowner why the roofing company was there—especially since the roof was recently replaced. They tell them about the program, leading to more potential inquiries. Training Opportunities Muth said that the program has added benefits for his company, especially when it comes to training new hires. "We put a lot of new guys with some of our seniors to go out and do the maintenance, because one of the best ways to teach a guy to roof is to show him the problems," says Muth. Adding the maintenance program has been one of the best boosters for Muth's business. "We get training out of it, we get repeat customers out of it, we get to build our reputation," he says. "It's been amazing, because it's allowed our company to grow in every single aspect." If you're inspired by Muth & Company Roofing's story and ready to find ways to grow your business, be sure to take advantage of the resources that GAF has to offer at gaf.com/getthere. You'll get access to exclusive tools and benefits that can help your roofing company grow and succeed. *Contractors enrolled in GAF certification programs are not employees or agents of GAF, and GAF does not control or otherwise supervise these independent businesses. Contractors may receive benefits, such as loyalty rewards points and discounts on marketing tools from GAF for participating in the program and offering GAF enhanced warranties, which require the use of a minimum amount of GAF products.
By Karen L Edwards
October 29, 2021
Residential Roofing
10 Ways to Make the Most of Every Roofing Lead
How you manage a roofing lead is a crucial part of every contractor's business. Everyone is busy and sometimes great leads can slip through the cracks. We've compiled 10 tips to help you optimize your sales process and efficiently capture and work a lead from lead through closing the deal to ensure that no roofing lead is left behind. Manage your leads from start to finish all within the same platform. Tired of digging through papers to try and find a prospect's phone number you scribbled down between appointments? Consider using a platform like GAF Project that not only puts leads directly into the platform, but also stores all customer information electronically so you can access it anywhere, anytime. Don't let leads sit idle. Homeowners want to feel you value their time and the importance of their project. Timing is key when it comes to making a great first impression. Reach out as quickly as possible and document all communication. Then make notes within their customer file so that you can track your communication process from start to finish. Texting wins. We all know how much we rely on texting for communicating with loved ones, colleagues, or really any situation. Homeowners are no different. With busy schedules, it's much easier to read and respond to a text than answer an unknown caller or get back to a contractor's voicemail. PLUS, it takes less time out of your day and away from your current job! Sending a quick text also lets the prospect know you are responsive and respectful, which will go a long way. Answer the phone EVERY time it rings. The easiest way to win jobs and set the appointment is to pick up the phone every time it rings. If you can't always answer the phone, hire someone to help. Why? Many homeowners will not leave voicemails and will simply move onto the next contractor on their list which is a missed opportunity for you to book and close a job. Meet your customer where they are. Some homeowners still don't feel comfortable with a contractor in their home and following a traditional in-home sales process. Start offering virtual sales appointments too. In fact, 96% prefer a virtual sales process. It's important that you have a sales platform that can help you run appointments, in-person, virtually or hybrid.Pro Tip: Advertise that you offer both in-home and virtual sales appointments. By doing so, you put yourself ahead of a lot of your competitors before you even begin the sales process. Technology saves time. By utilizing technology, you may be able to decrease the amount of time spent on building estimates, which could allow you to bid more jobs and might also increase overall close rate. Digital measurement, inspection, presentation and estimation tools like GAF Project can get you from start to finish in a fraction of the time. Impactful presentations are key. A good presentation can make or break your sale to a homeowner. Preloaded content & templates, two-way screen share and eSignature capabilities make presenting virtually or in-person easier than ever. Don't leave the appointment without next steps. Don't be afraid to ask for the sale. If you aren't sure where the homeowner's head is at, provide them with a timeline in which you will follow up and potentially even offer an incentive to try and close them right then and there. Ask for the sale and be confident! Rehash is the name of the game. If you don't get the yes right away, that's okay. The important part is making sure you have a rehash program in place to recapture them at a later time. Developing a comprehensive rehash program including text, email and phone call follow up can increase your close rate. Referrals are HUGE. A lot of homeowners will start their contractor search process by looking at reviews or asking in their community (like Facebook) so making sure you have happy customers leaving positive feedback is vital to your business. When wrapping up a job, ask your customer to kindly leave a review on your site of choice or keep your info handy if a neighbor or friend is looking for someone to help them with their next home improvement project! By instilling these 10 tips into your day-to-day business process, you can help your sales process run more efficiently and make sure to not let leads slip through the cracks. Make the most of every roofing lead you get - you never know when it could be your next big project. Interested in learning more about how digital sales tools can help you take your business to the next level? Explore GAF Project and GAF Leads for features and pricing.* *Subscription required. Terms and conditions apply.
By Rachel Johnson
March 16, 2021

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