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