GAF Creates First Ever Virtual Home Remodeler App With “Instantaneous” Roof Mapping Feature

GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, proudly announces another industry first: an iPad Virtual Home Remodeler application with “instantaneous” roof mapping capability. This app has the potential to revolutionize the in-home selling process for contractors who are looking to build their business.

Until now, the ability to allow a homeowner to preview different shingle styles and colors on an actual image of their home has been constrained by a contractor’s ability to “map” the homeowner’s roof using complicated, time-consuming software. Using innovative technology, GAF has developed an app that allows a contractor to take a photo of their prospect’s house, then quickly and accurately map the roof with just a tap of the screen. The homeowner can then select and apply any GAF Shingle with a single touch. This app will help GAF contractors demonstrate the beauty of GAF Shingles and eliminate one of the biggest impediments to closing the sale: answering the question, “How will it look on my house?”

“This is the first program to allow a homeowner’s own home to be captured on a convenient, portable device in real time, and to allow the contractor to show them what their home would look like with different styles and colors of roofing shingles applied," stated Leslie Franklin, Product Manager at GAF. “This can revolutionize the contractor selling process and give GAF factory-certified contractors a distinct advantage in the marketplace."

The GAF Virtual Home Remodeler iPad app will be available through the Apple App Store and is exclusive to GAF Master Elite^™ and Certified^™ Contractors. Contractors who are interested in joining the GAF Contractor Certification Program should contact their local GAF Territory Manager.

4 common myths about roof vents

 Installing a ridge vent on the top of a pitched roof will help pull hot air up and out through the attic. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Shane H.)

Date Published: Oct 23 2012

by Marion J. Lougheed, Angie's List contributor

Roof vents are more complicated than they seem, and there are many myths about the right way to install and use them. When installed properly, roof vents can help to keep the home cool, reduce humidity and prevent mold growth.
1. Vents are only necessary in warm places
If you live in a region that's cool for most of the year, you may be thinking that vents are an unnecessary expense, or even undesirable. Another myth is they remove all of the warm air from a home, causing the furnace to work harder. However, insulation is more responsible for heat retention than roof vents, and the sun can do more to warm up that space than a furnace. Vents are often used in colder climates as a way to combat moisture retention.
2. Any roof vent will do
There are several types of roof vents, like ridge vents, soffit vents and wind turbine vents, and the type you choose depends on the climate, wind patterns, location, design and material of your house. Consult a trusted roofing specialist about the type that is best for yur home.
3. More ventilation is always better
Just as there is a limit to how much soap you should use to wash your car, there's a limit on roof ventilation. Once again, it depends on your specific requirements. General guidelines say that one square foot of ventilation should be available for every 300 square feet of attic space.
4. Ventilation will cool down the attic
Proper ventilation will allow for air flow, which can remove heat from the attic. But even good ventilation won't be able to bring your attic heat level down to outdoor temperatures because the roof radiates heat into the attic.

 Courtesy of Angies List

Depreciation?!? Why did my insurance company not send me all of the money to repair or replace my roof??

What is depreciation?
Over time your home and most of its contents lose value over time due to factors like age, wear and tear, etc.  This loss in value is called Depreciation.

If it costs me more to replace the depreciated item(s), why didn't my insurance company pay that amount?
Under most insurance policies, claim reimbursement begins with an up-front payment for the Actual Cash Value of your damage, or the value of the damaged or destroyed item(s) at the time of loss.

If you have coverage included in your policy, you may be able to receive money to cover the Depreciation of these items.  If this is the case, reimbursement (which may involve two or more payments) comes once you repair and/or replace the damaged or destroyed items and provide your insurance company with documentation, or proof.

How do you know if you have Replacement Cost coverage?
Your insurance settlement statement should include a line item on the totals page that states something to the effect of Total Recoverable Depreciation OR Total NON-Recoverable Depreciation.  If there is an amount listed at Recoverable, then you may be entitled to the depreciation amount...If there is an amount listed at NON-Recoverable, then there may be some money that will not be applied to the claim.  The BEST way to know if you have Recoverable Cost coverage is to call your insurance company and ask.

Another fabulous install from Carolina Shingle!!

Congratulations to the Pizzuto Family
on their new roof!!!

AFTER!!

before

Congratulations to the White Household on their new roof!!  Check out the before and after pics below!!

After!

before

Carolina Shingle uses GAF Starter Strip Shingles on all their jobs.

Starter shingles are pre-cut shingles designed specifically for the roof edge.  They incorporate a factory-applied adhesive strip to help prevent blow-offs.

Starter Strip

Looks Better…
Straighter roof edges and no messy black cement dripping onto your new white edge metal
 

Best Performance… 
Factory-applied Dura Grip™ Adhesive helps to lock down the roof edges at the eaves and rakes

Peace Of Mind... 
GAF tests show that using starter strips at the eaves and rakes helps to prevent blow-offs and potential leaks

Superior Warranties… 
GAF offers increased wind coverage on many shingles when you use starter strips. They are also covered by up to a Lifetime ltd. warranty when installed on Lifetime Shingle roofs.

More about proper attic/roof ventilation...

Poor attic ventilation can ruin your insulation, destroy your shingles, and raise your energy bills!

Typical household activities can wreak havoc on a roof and attic if proper roof ventilation is not provided:

• In the summer, heat build-up encourages the premature aging and cracking of wood and other roofing materials.  Unwanted heat can also transfer back down into living areas - which reduces energy efficiency.

• In cold weather, warm air generated by laundry, showers, dish washing and cooking can linger in the house and cause moisture build up.

More specifically, in the winter, various household appliances, bathtubs, showers, and cooking vapors can contribute to excess moisture build-up.  Improperly ventilated attics will allow this moisture to collect and cling to the underside of the roof.  The moisture will condense and fall, soaking the attic insulation and reducing its efficiency.  In the summer, improper ventilation can cause attic heat to build in excess of 160F.  This super-heated air eventually penetrates the ceiling insulation into the living area below.  A properly ventilated attic can help reduce the load on your air conditioner by moving the super-heated air out of your attic before it builds up and causes damage.  Ultimately, proper ventilation - along with attic insulation - helps maintain a comfortable temperature inside a home, increase energy efficiency, prevent moisture damage and contribute to the longevity of a roof.

The only way to combat these problems is with a balanced ventilation system.  That means it's important to have proper ventilation, plus the appropriate amount of attic insulation to maximize performance.  In a balanced system, wind blowing over the ridge creates negative pressure that draws the warmer are out of the attic.  Replacement air then enters through the under-eave or soffit vents, bathes the underside of the roof, and exits at the ridge cap (ridge vent), roof or gable vents.  Even without the wind, the natural convection action of rising warm air maintains a continuous air flow along the underside of the roof.

In summary...

Proper ventilation ensures a healthier, more durable roof!!  So when you get that new roof installed, check out your ventilation to protect it.