RoofViews

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Jeremy Simpson at the 2024 GAF Summit
Residential Roofing

A Day at the GAF Summit with Jeremy Simpson

Protecting what matters most includes promoting the career growth of roofing industry professionals like you. That's why GAF offers a wide range of learning opportunities, including CARE courses, online training, in-person training, and roofing summits and expos.Recently, third generation roofer, Jeremy Simpson of Simpson Roofing Company, spent a day at the GAF Northeast Roofing Summit and Expo to learn more about the latest updates in the residential roofing industry. While the majority of the work the Simpson Roofing Company does is commercial, they are always looking for ways to expand their knowledge by learning about innovative ideas, new products, new software, and new technology in the residential space.Simpson attended breakout sessions on topics including Principles of Ventilation, AI in CRM, and Sales. "I love coming to these GAF summits, because they really line up all the pertinent info for your business to succeed" says Simpson, "I promise you it's worth its weight in gold!"To learn more about on demand, hands-on, and in-person training opportunities through GAF, visit our CARE Contractor Training Center.Video TranscriptMy name is Jeremy Simpson from Simpson Roofing Company. We are out of Vernon, New Jersey, and Patterson, New Jersey, two locations. Today, I'm here at the GAF Summit, and I'm looking to just learn new things. We are a third-generation roofing company. We predominantly do commercial, but all throughout the years, we've done residential. That's why we're here today at this event. We're trying to get updated on the new stuff that's coming out, specifically from GAF. Innovative ideas, new products, new software, new tech. So follow me along today as we explore the GAF summit.[00:00:45]Today, we're going into the principles of ventilation. Designs change, architecture changes, and you need new ways of ventilating. And I don't know all of them. So I want to get some info and see what GAF has to offer as far as new products and new thoughts on how to move the air around. So we just got out of our first breakout session about ventilation. A lot of math, a lot of numbers going into the calculations of moving air around in your attic space to have a really good performed roof system. I didn't know all those details. Now I know, got to use it going forward from there.[00:01:19]I just got out of the AI CRM breakout session there. A little bit of an information overload, and that was a good thing because it really showed me how much I was missing the CRM and AI, it's the future. It's coming.[00:01:37]So I just got out of the third and final breakout of today's GAF Summit, and it was about sales, and it was very interesting to see the different dynamics that take place in the residential market when you're dealing with a homeowner versus something commercial, where oftentimes you don't even get to see who you're selling to. So to find out those little intricacies inside that process was super insightful. The best part of today was everything. I love coming to these GAF summits because they really line up all pertinent information for your business to succeed.[00:02:11]Thank you so much for tagging along today. It was super fun for me. I hope you got a little bit out of it as well. And if you ever find a time to come out to one of these GAF summits, I promise you it's worth its weight in gold.

By GAF Roof Views

July 12, 2024

Featured Blogs

  • A roofing contractor uses the GAF ScopeConnect servie to prepare an insurance quote
    Residential Roofing

    With the GAF ScopeConnect Service, Insurance Restoration Work Becomes Easier

    If you're like many roofing contractors, you might avoid insurance restoration work due to the expense, hassle and complication of creating an estimate. That is, until now. The GAF ScopeConnectSM service simplifies the creation of an insurance scope of work so you can take on restoration work with more ease.Using Cutting-Edge Technology to Facilitate EstimatesGAF is committed to making tools available that help roofing contractors succeed. The GAF ScopeConnectSM Service addresses some of the challenges many contractors face with insurance restoration work.The service delivers a complete insurance scope of work prepared by Symbility trained and Xactimate certified estimators. Any contractor—GAF-certified or not may use the service and receive an estimate within 24 hours*. You don't need specialized training, dedicated personnel, or a subscription.Putting Insurance Restoration Work within ReachAs the country continues to see more severe weather events, contractors have the opportunity to expand into the insurance restoration market. The GAF ScopeConnectSM Service removes some of the barriers that typically have made it difficult to enter this space.To use the service, you simply provide a property's address and answer a few questions. Within a day, you'll receive the scope of work needed for the job in an insurance industry standard format (e.g., Xactimate or Symbility).The GAF ScopeConnectSM Service has enabled GAF Certified Contractor* Owen McKinney, who owns Rodger That Home Improvement LLC in Fayetteville, North Carolina, to do more insurance restoration work. He had previously walked away from these jobs due to the complexities involved with estimates.Leveling the Field for Roofing ProfessionalsSince preparing estimates in an industry-standard format yourself requires special software and training, McKinney was at a disadvantage. He didn't have the budget to pay for the license or the spare time to learn the program. As a result, he resorted to searching for specialists familar with the software on social media and paying them to develop the estimates. While this method worked, it was inefficient and not cost-effective for him.McKinney's GAF territory manager first showed him the new service over lunch. On the day it launched, McKinney happened to be working on an insurance restoration job, so he decided to try it. McKinney shared that on the first project that he used it on, the GAF ScopeConnectSM service accurately estimated the job.Removing Barriers through Ease of UseThe intuitive design and functionality provided by GAF ScopeConnectSM impressed McKinney right away. He notes that it feels difficult to make errors while using the service."Essentially, you just type in the property address, note that it's got X amount of pipe boots, X amount of vents, one or two layers of shingles, and it gives you a breakdown."McKinney says that, in his opinion, the accuracy has been spot-on. And thanks to the success he's had, he plans to use the GAF ScopeConnectSM service for future insurance restoration jobs. "And the fact that they can do it within 24 hours,** that's fantastic."Growing Your Business's Restoration WorkloadIf you've been thinking about expanding your operations and adding more jobs through insurance restoration work, now is the time. The GAF ScopeConnectSM service provides the detailed estimates you need to succeed so you can take on these jobs with confidence.Curious to learn more? Visit gaf.com/scopeconnect to see a sample scope of work.*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. Your dealings with a Contractor, and any services they provide to you, are subject to the Contractor Terms of Use. Visit www.gaf.com/gaf-contractor-terms-of-use for details.**Terms and restrictions apply. Visit gaf.com/scopeconnect for details.

    By Karen L Edwards

    June 17, 2024

  • Contractor installing a residential roof
    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

  • A person wearing a mask hanging up a sign that says "Open: Business as new normal"
    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

  • Muth Roofing truck
    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 Westerville, 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 WorkIn 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 RoofMuth 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 SaleMuth 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 OpportunitiesMuth 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 28, 2021