Monday, January 28, 2013

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


Press Release Image: 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.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

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.)
 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.)
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

Friday, September 14, 2012

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.




Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Another fabulous install from Carolina Shingle!!

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

AFTER!!


before



Tuesday, September 11, 2012

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

After!



before




Monday, September 10, 2012


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.
  • Friday, September 7, 2012


    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.



    Wednesday, September 5, 2012


    Selling your house: which 'fixes' are worth it to lure buyers? 

    (NewsUSA 05/20/2012)

    If you're one of those homeowners who's been moaning about how hard it's been trying to sell your house, your bargaining power -- you remember that concept, right? -- hasn't been completely devastated just because a flood of new foreclosures is expect to hit the market as a result of the recent $25 billion "robo-signing" mortgage settlement.
    In fact, while studies have shown your own property value could take up to another 4 percent hit if your within a quarter mile of a foreclosure ultimately snapped up at auction or taken back by the lender, the thing to remember is this:  Most buyers today are only interested in homes that are "move-in-ready," so if yours isn't...well, there's your problem.
    "Buyers generally look at 'as-is' properties that need work, and say 'I'll pass,'" says Patsy O'Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby's in Montclair, N.J.  "That's why I tell clients it's worth making certain strategic fixes if they're looking for quicker and more profitable sales."  So, which "fixes" are worth it, and which aren't?  Read on:

    Worth It:  Addressing major maintenance and safety issues.  Would you buy a house with faulty electrical wiring?  Enough said.
    Not Worth It:  Major bath renovations.  "Whatever you do might not suit the buyer," says O'Neill, "and meanwhile, you'd have spent as much as tens of thousands of dollars."  Meaning, stick to things like repairing cracked shower doors, and save your visions of a modern-spa for your own new abode.

    Worth It:  Ripping up old carpeting.  Whether you replace it with new carpets or refinish the underlying wood floor is less important than getting rid of an eyesore.
    Not Worth It:  Major kitchen renovations.  Same "taste" issue as above.

    Worth It:  Anything that enhances "curb appeal."  If the first thing prospective buyers notice even before exiting their cars is that your roof looks like it's been whipped by a tornado, say, chances are you've already lost the sale.  "It's a huge turn-off,"  says O'Neill, "and makes buyers predisposed to find even more things they don't like."  So, if your roof needs replacing, check out the Timberline Shingles from GAF (the largest roofing manufacturer in North America), which have the look of luxury shingles but at very affordable prices (www.gaf.com).  If you think your roof needs replacing, call Carolina Shingle today to get an inspection from one of our representatives.  704.230.4386
    Not Worth It:  Anything that screams clutter.  The less of "you" there is, the more likely prospective buyers are to imagine themselves happily living there.

    Friday, August 31, 2012


    Carolina Shingle always installs the GAF Cobra Ridge Vent system with every new roof.*

    The ridge vent system has been found to be a highly effective method to reduce heat build up from your roof.  Check out the details and benefits below.


    Cobra® Rigid Vent 3™ exhaust vent is a key part of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System, and has even earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal.




  • Vents Your Attic…

    Allows heat and condensation to escape at the most effective location — the ridge

  • Looks Terrific…

    Shingle-over design blends into your ridge line

  • Watertight…
  • Passes the 110 mph wind-driven rain test



  • Insect Guard…

    Specially designed louver spacing helps keep insects out

  • Energy Efficient…

    May even reduce your utility bills!

  • Durable…

    Designed with high-impact polymers

  • Peace Of Mind…

    Up to a Lifetime ltd. warranty when installed on Lifetime Shingle roofs.

  • Effective…
  • Provides 18 sq. inches per linear foot of net free ventilating area


  • 3" Ring Shank Nails Included…

    Ensures proper fastening on every installation

  • Easy Sizing…

    EasyTear™ feature allows you to hand-tear product in 3" increments — no knives necessary and less waste!

  • Fits Better…

    Extra-flexible hinge design allows installation on 3:12 to 16:12 sloped roofs

  • No End Caps Needed! 


  • Crush Resistant…

    Internal structural support for added durability

  • No Gaps…
    Edge overhang allows smooth, continuous coverage between sections 

  • *The Ridge vent system is not applicable to some roof conditions.

    Thursday, August 30, 2012


    Carolina Shingle is a family-owned and operated, Charlotte-based roofing company that specializes in total roof restorations due to storm damage.  Your homeowner's insurance may pay to replace your roof, and we can help.  We take all of the necessary steps to schedule a meeting with your insurance company adjuster.  This ensures that you not only have the best chance of getting your roof replaced, but also that you will have a fair and thorough assessment of all the damages.  We also employ a staff of insurance experts that deal directly with your insurance company to secure the payment for your new roof.  By working with the insurance company, we also eliminate the need for homeowners to spend valuable time getting several estimates from multiple contractors.  We work directly from what the insurance paperwork.



    We do it all...from "inspection to installation."  We make it easy.  Call us for a FREE inspection today to see if your roof will qualify!

    Wednesday, August 29, 2012

    Another great install from last week!
    Congratulations to the Cox Household on their new roof!!

     AFTER!!


    Before


    Contact Carolina Shingle to find out
    how you can get a new roof!!
    704-230-4386

    Tuesday, August 28, 2012


    New Roof Monday turned into New Roof Tuesday this week!  Check out pics from one of our latest installs.  Congratulations to the Lindsley Household on their new roof!!


    Before...



    And AFTER!!!

    Monday, August 27, 2012


    How do we really know the size of your roof??  That is a GREAT question!!

    3-D diagram from EagleView
    For simple roofs, Carolina Shingle relies on accurate manual measurements to figure out just how much material we will need to get the job done.  However, if a roof is more complex, we rely on EagleView Technologies to help us out.  Once a Homeowner has signed up with Carolina Shingle to get their roof approved, we order what is called an EagleView report.

    EagleView reports take various aerial images of the house, available through multiple resources, and compose them to formulate a report that calculates the area and pitches of the roof, and creates a 3-D diagram.

    This report helps Carolina Shingle ensure that we have enough materials on the job site on the day of installation so that our crews are not spending time waiting around for additional materials to be delivered.

    In some unfortunate cases, a premium EagleView report is not available.  There can be many reasons this can happen.  For instance, there may be large trees that cover a portion of the roof, and the aerial photos are not able to provide accurate data for interpretation.  In this case, Carolina Shingle will, again, rely on manual measurements.



    Friday, August 24, 2012


    3rd and final winner of GAF's Homeliest Home contest!!  The Kurtz Family, also a military family, received an exterior home makeover!  Check out the details by clicking on the link to the video below.


    GAF Homeliest Home Makeover Winner - Kurtz Family



    Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!

    Thursday, August 23, 2012


    GAF released the pics of the second winners of their Homeliest Home contest!   

    The Phipps Family won the Military service category of the contest.  Mr. Phipps served in the Navy for 23 years, and then dismissed early due to dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis. 




    Congratulations to the Phipps's for their new home makeover!


    Click the link below to check out the video of their interview...

    GAF Homeliest Home Contest - Military Category





    Wednesday, August 22, 2012


    GAF has finally released the pics of the winners of their Homeliest Home contest!   

    The Peek Family won the Illness category of the contest.  They lost their daughter to Pulmonary Hypertension two years ago.



    Congratulations to the Peek's for their new home makeover!

    Click the link below to check out the video of their interview...

    GAF Homeliest Home Contest Winner

    Tuesday, August 21, 2012


    Another great install from last week, check it!!  Congratulations to the Grissom Household on their new roof!!


    Before...


    and AFTER!

    Monday, August 20, 2012

    Congratulations to the Smith household on their new roof!!

     AFTER!



    Before




    Friday, August 17, 2012

    The KEY to Happiness...


    So this doesn't have anything to do with roofing, BUT it has everything to do with life and making the best of it.  We wish the happiest of happiness for all of our Carolina Shingle friends, so we are sharing this video.  Enjoy, and have a GREAT weekend!!


    Thursday, August 16, 2012


    Carolina Shingle is currently helping multiple family's in the Charlotte area restore their damaged roofs.  I thought it would be a good idea to place our FAQ on the blog to help answer any questions you might have.  Of course feel free to call us anytime at 704-230-4386

    Hail and Wind Damage

    Q. How can I tell if my roof has sustained hail/wind damage?
    A.  It is almost impossible to see this type of roof damage from the ground.  The sooner the roof is inspected by a trained professional, the better.  Damaged shingles can lead to roof leaks and these leaks can cause major damage to your home and your belongings.

    Q.  What can hail/wind damage do to a roof?
    A.  Hail damage shingles by impacting the single at around 90mph resulting in asphalt shingle blistering.  In other words, hail can remove mineral granules from an asphalt shingle.  There may be dents, bumps or protrusions in the shingle's surface.  There may also be craters or black pits showing that protective minerals have been compromised.  High winds can cause shingles to become loose and to fold in the wind.  This causes shingles to form a crease and eventually shear off.



    Q.  If I suspect my home's roof has suffered hail or wind damage, what should I do?
    A.  Simply call Carolina Shingle to receive and inspection at no cost to you.  If evidence of hail or wind damage is found, we will make arrangements to meet with an adjuster from your insurance company to review the damages.

    Q.  What happens after Tennessee Shingle meets with my insurance adjuster?
    A.  If your roof sustained enough damage, the insurance company will pay to replace the roof and Carolina Shingle will schedule a meeting with you to pick out the shingle color and schedule the installation of your new roof.  If there is not enough damage for a total replacement, repair monies are typically paid to the homeowner for specifically damaged areas of the roof and/or any other interior/exterior damaged property.

    Why should I use Carolina Shingle?
    Q.  Do I have to use Carolina Shingle to get a new roof?
    A.  No.  However you will find that our ability to eliminate the hassle and stream line the insurance process is a large benefit that we provide at no cost to you.  We take care of all the necessary paperwork from inspection to installation and are able to work directly with the insurance company to secure the proper funds for your new roof.  We also take the time to meet ON THE ROOF with the adjuster to make sure all damage is accounted for so that you aren't left wondering whether a fair assessment was really made.  Most homeowners who attempt the process on their own call their local agent and are then usually required to call numerous roofer to get estimates, wait to receive the estimates, and then submit them back to their insurance company for review.  After all the hassle and time, your insurance company will select the cheapest estimate which only ensures that you now have the cheapest roofer in the area installing your roof.  When you work with Carolina Shingle, your insurance company will decide on a Replacement Cost Value per industry standards and we simply install your new roof for that amount.  This eliminates the hassle and need for competitive bidding/haggling and ensures you get the best possible roof, not the cheapest.  It's that simple.

    Q.  What are some advantages of using Carolina Shingle?
    A  There are many reasons to use Carolina Shingle and here are a few:

    1. We are a LOCAL, family owned and operated company and are licensed, bonded and insured.
    2. We are certified installers which means your installation will not only look great, but will also comply with the manufacturer's specifications to ensure you receive the material warranty the product carries.  If the roof isn't installed per the manufacturer's specifications, the manufacturer will NOT honor the material warranty.
    3. Not only are we experts in the roofing industry, we are also insurance specialists which guarantees you the BEST CHANCE of getting a roof replaced while at the same time eliminating the hassle of attempting it yourself.
    4. We are able to send supplement request(s) to the insurance company in the event the adjuster missed an item needing to be repaired.  This ensures that Carolina Shingle will be able to complete the job and that the homeowner will not be help responsible to pay for these items (if any).
    5. We are proud to give each of our customers a 5 year No-LEAK warranty.
    6. There is nothing to lose using Carolina Shingle.  Why would a homeowner want to do it themselves when it doesn't cost a penny more to have us handle the process from inspection to installation?
    Q.  What are some disadvantages of attempting to do it myself?
    A.  Here are some of the disadvantages:
    1. Time consuming
    2. Need for competitive bidding
    3. Even if you have a preferred roofer you want to use, you may not be alble to choose your roofer if the insurance company doesn't pay an amount high enough to cover your preferred roofer.  Insurance companies select the cheapest estimate if you attempt the process on your own.
    4. Homeowners are not typically familiar with the process which makes it difficult to know where to start.
    5. Most homeowners are not trained in recognizing exactly what storm damage looks like on a roof or other personal property.
    6. The chance of the roof getting replaced by insurance decreases dramatically.
    Insurance Questions
    Q.  Do I need to replace my roof soon after hail or wind damage has been determined?
    A.  It is always best to act swiftly when something like this happens.  Further damage is likely to occur.  In addition to this, insurance companies have a "specific time limit" for filing claims.  Taking care of such situations quickly is always best.  Call us today or fill out our online form to get your free inspection.

    Q.  How do I know if my insurance company will replace my roof?
    A.  Homeowner's insurance is designated to cover events like these.  Your home is a major investment.  If your home has suffered hail or wind damage, which caused a financial loss, your insurance company will compensate you for your loss and pay to have the roof replaced.

    Q.  Why did my insurance adjuster initially fail to detect damage to my roof?  I requested a second inspection by the roofing company, and they found hail/wind damage this time.  Does this happen frequently?
    A.  At times, it is possible to miss hail or wind damage on roofs, especially if the hits have not weathered yet.  A second inspection will determine without a doubt if damage exists or not.

    Q.  What happens if gutters, siding, window surrounds, etc... are also damaged during the storm?  Will my insurance cover this also?
    A.  Insurance companies are prepared to cover these expenses.  We will look for these items at the time of your inspection and note it with the insurance company.  We will also inform the adjuster of any damaged items.

    Q.  What is depreciation (deduction) made by insurance companies as part of the adjustment?
    A.  Insurance companies decide up front on a Replacement Cost Value (RCV) for your roof.  They will typically give you a portion of the RCV at the time of the adjustment known as Actual Cash Value (ACV) for the roof in its present condition.  They hold the other portion of the RCV until they receive a signed contract from both you and the roofing contractor as proof the new roof has been installed.  You will then receive the remaining funds in the mail so that you can pay your roofing contractor.

    Q.  Would all insurance companies pay out the exact same Replacement Cost amount for my roof or does it vary from insurance company to insurance company?
    A.  It varies from insurance company to insurance company.  This is where working with Carolina Shingle helps.  We complete each job to the same high quality standards that has earned us our A+ BBB rating as well as zero complaints so you know we have accepted the job, these high quality standards WILL be met.  Certain insurance companies attempt to grossly underpay in order to save them money.  In this case, a roof cannot be replaced to these levels of quality.  We are able to send supplement requests to them and in most cases receive the proper amount needed in order to complete the job to the same level of quality.  In the rare event they will not increase the payout needed to ensure a proper job, you have the option to do whatever you would like to do with the money.

    Remember, an inspection from Carolina Shingle only takes a few minutes to see if your roof is truly protecting your largest investment.  Call today or quickly fill out the form at CarolinaShingle.com for a FREE INSPECTION!