Blog

Nov '22

Study: Roofers DO NOT Need Blog Posts To Rank on Google

Are blog posts required to rank your roofing company on page one of Google? Unfortunately, it’s a question that marketing companies have never honestly answered.

Screenshot of Recent Blog Post on Roofing Website

Key Takeaway

The study finds that roofing company websites regularly rank in the top 3 despite having zero blog posts.

The SEO community is ripe with scoundrels and snake-oil salesmen promising to unlock the secret algorithmic dominance strategy. Even some well-regarded agencies in the industry push forward the narrative that blog posts are essential for a successful SEO strategy.

Why SEO Agencies Love Selling Roofing Blog Posts

It’s convenient for roofing SEO agencies to point to blog posts as the driving force behind organic SEO success for roofing companies. After all, blog posts are deliverable, so clients feel they’re getting something tangible in exchange for their money.

Marketing companies would like to frame a positive narrative around blog posts because it’s easier to sell and retain clients by not telling them the truth.

For example, agencies can’t tell clients that circumstance has a lot to do with SEO success. And that once the client ranks for high-conversion keywords on Google, they don’t need the agency anymore.

But do blog posts work?

Test #1: Commercial Roofing Services in Dallas

Keyword: commercial roofing services in dallas tx

Rank	Blog Posts	Posts Ranking on Page 1	Domain Relevance	Domain Authority
Website #1	0	0	Yes	9
Website #2	0	0	Yes	10
Website #3	50+	1	Yes	14

Commercial Roofing Google SERP (Screenshot)

Analysis

The topical relevance associated with the top-ranking websites came from the domain name rather than blog posts. The top 3 roofing company websites ranking for this term all have “commercial” in the domain name.

Furthermore, the top two ranking websites have zero published blog posts combined. So while blog posts didn’t hurt the third site’s ability to rank, the absence of blog posts did not hurt the first two site’s ability to rank even higher.

Test #2: Hail Damage Roof Repair in San Antonio

Keyword: hail damage roof repair san antonio

Rank	Blog Posts	Posts Ranking on Page 1	Domain Relevance	Domain Authority
Website #1	0	0	No	15
Website #2	0	0	No	20
Website #3	0	0	No	14

Hail Damage Roof Repair SERP (Screenshot)

Analysis

With a more granular niche of hail damage roof repair, the ranking websites did not require precise domain name relevance. All the websites have “roofing” in their domain names, but none have hail or storm damage.

More interestingly, none of the top 3 ranking company websites for this term have any blog posts. Clearly, they can rank on top of organic Google search results without publishing blog content. Their service page hierarchy establishes enough topical authority to rank for this term.

Test #3: Gutter Repair Services in Orlando

Keyword: gutter repair services orlando

Rank	Blog Posts	Posts Ranking on Page 1	Domain Relevance	Domain Authority
Website #1	0	0	Yes	7
Website #2	0	0	Yes	30
Website #3	30	0	Yes	11

Gutter Repair Services SERP (Screenshot)

Analysis

Once again, Google awards topical authority to websites with a relevant domain name. Each top-ranking site has “gutter” or “gutters” inside the domain name. The top 2 ranking sites have zero blog posts, and the third site has 30 blog posts but none that rank in the top 10 for keywords.

The evidence clearly indicates that Google is defining topical authority not with blog posts but with domain names and service pages. The backlink profiles of each site varies and the top-ranking site has the lowest overall domain authority.

Test #4: EPDM Roof Repair in Minneapolis

Keyword: epdm roof repair minneapolis

Rank	Blog Posts	Posts Ranking on Page 1	Domain Relevance	Domain Authority
Website #1	0	0	Yes	9
Website #2	1-10	2	No	20
Website #3	200+	0	No	20

EPDM Roof Repair Google SERP (Screenshot)

Analysis

Two of the three top-ranking websites for this term published blog posts. So you might assume the site with the most posts ranks #1. After all, that’s how the topical relevance theory works regarding blog posts. Unfortunately, the evidence contradicts the narrative as the site with zero posts ranks #1.

So what does the top-ranking site have that differentiates it from those below it? The answer is domain name relevance. The top-ranking site is the only one with “rubber” in the domain name, which is an LSA variation of EPDM. Google is clearly valuing domain relevance more than blog posts.

Test #5: Siding Repair in Oklahoma City

Keyword: siding repair oklahoma city

Rank	Blog Posts	Posts Ranking on Page 1	Domain Relevance	Domain Authority
Website #1	14	1	Yes	7
Website #2	0	0	Yes	16
Website #3	0	0	No	11

Analysis

We finally found a keyword term that ranks a website with blog posts #1. Unfortunately, this finding is the epitome of correlation, not equaling causation. The subsequent two sites have zero blog posts and still rank on page one. In addition, the top-ranking site has domain name relevance with “siding” in the name.

At first glance, the 14 blog posts on the top-ranking site seem to contribute to their topical relevance. However, none of the posts have come within the last 2 years. The latest post is from August 2020, and the site has maintained a top ranking for this keyword despite its abandoning blog post publishing.

Conclusion: Blog Posts Are Not Needed to Rank on Google

Roofing company websites can rank on Google’s first page without publishing blog posts. While it’s true that topical relevance is a ranking factor, there are more effective ways to establish topical relevance outside of blog posts. For example, a relevant domain name more strongly correlates with top rankings than a series of blog posts about the subject.

There’s also no evidence to suggest that blog posts diminish a roofing company’s ability to rank on Google’s first page. There are certainly examples of websites with hundreds of blog posts ranking well on Google for service pages and local landing pages. However, evidence shows that blog posts have a neutral effect on those rankings.

Another factor to consider is the impact of blog posts on link acquisition. Although the evidence shows that topical relevance supersedes domain authority regarding roofing-related keywords, the benefit of backlinks remains obvious. If your blog post attracts natural links from other credible websites, it’s adding value to your site’s overall organic potential.

Nov '22

56 (Legitimately Great) Roofing Company / Business Names

Roofing company names are an essential part of your business plan. Your name can contribute to your marketing, online presence, conversion rate, and overall brand recognition. Of course, your reputation ultimately comes down to performance, but your name can enhance or detract from your services and sales opportunities.

Roofer’s Guild has worked with thousands of roofing companies as a top roofing resource in the United States. We’ve analyzed the factors contributing to a successful roofing business name in 2022. Below are 56 name ideas for roofing companies.

1) HomeRun Roofing

2) Boom Roofing

3) Roofing Thunder

4) Versatile Roofing

5) Village Roofing

6) Momentum Roofing

7) BigBox Roofing

8) BlueMarble Roofing

9) Citizens Roofing

10) Response Roofing

11) GoTo Roofing

12) Green Earth Roofing

13) HighFive Roofing

14) ThunderBird Roofing

15) OnBoard Roofing

16) Helix Roofing Solutions

17) CrossRoads Roofing Co.

18) GoldenAge Roofing Group

19) LightHouse Roofing

20) Fortify Roofing Group

21) Dash Roofing Solutions

22) Strike Roofing Group

23) Champion Roofing Co.

24) Prevail Roofing Inc.

25) Rush Roofing & Construction

26) AllOut Roofing Co.

27) Velocity Roofing Solutions

28) Envision Roofing

29) Arrow Roofing Group

30) Paradise Roofing Co.

31) Hustle Roofing Inc.

32) Dawn Roofing LLC.

33) Boss Roofing

34) Prime Roofing Group

35) Valor Roofing Co.

36) King Roofing Solutions

37) Virtue Roofing Group

38) Deluxe Roofing Co.

39) Platinum Roofing & Construction

40) Propel Roofing Group

41) Infinite Roofing Co.

42) Accelerate Roofing LLC.

43) Faith Roofing & Construction

44) Excite Roofing Group

45) Ascend Roofing Co.

46) Kingdom Roofing

47) Unity Roofing Solutions

48) Premier Roofing & Construction

49) Empire Roofing Co.

50) Cornerstone Roofing

51) All-Star Roofing LLC.

52) Aura Roofing & Construction

53) Capitol Roofing Group

54) Crown Roofing

55) Prize Roofing & Construction

56) Rise Roofing

*Always check if a business name is trademarked in your State

You can also check trademarks on Trademark Electronic Search System.

Once you verify your name is not trademarked, check domain availability at Instant Domain Search.

Anatomy of a Roofing Company Name

When naming your roofing business, you want to consider factors like length, marketability, topical relevance, and branding. In addition, since most of your business will come from online channels like Google, it’s essential to consider how your name factors into Google’s algorithm.

Length

Your company name should be concise enough to form a domain name under 13 characters. Although your domain name can be slightly different from your brand name, it should come very close. Furthermore, you’ll also be listing your full name on your Google Business Profile and throughout various online directories.

Marketability

Generic names are difficult to market, so being creative pays off with a roofing business name. First, ask yourself, “would I remember this name?” If the answer is no, you probably need to return to the drawing board to find a more marketable name for your roofing company.

Topical Relevance

One of the biggest mistakes roofers make is naming their company with the word “construction” instead of roofing. For example, there are better names than All-Star Construction for a roofing company.

Your goal is to rank on Google for terms with “roofing” in the query. As a result, it’s essential to have “roofing” somewhere in the company name. Including topical relevance ensures strong SEO for roofers.

Branding

Your name must be brandable for your online presence, business cards, truck wraps, and other marketing materials. Of course, you’ll want to find out if your name is trademarked in your State and ensure you can legally use the name long-term and scale your business.

You don’t want to change your name later because it can create problems with your website and other online listings. Having worked with thousands of roofers, we know that the name-changing process can set back your marketing campaign by years.

Final Thoughts on Roofing Business Names

A company name is essential to roofing business success in 2022. A name can increase conversion rates and help you rank higher on Google search results. As a result, invest energy into your name choice before going forward with your business plan.

Remember to check your name’s legal availability through trademark search. It becomes a major headache to change your business name after launching a website, so thoroughly vet the name before launching your online marketing campaign.

Nov '22

How to Generate Exclusive Roofing Leads in Portland (2022)

If you need Portland roofing leads, your first step is creating a company website. Next, you invest in SEO, PPC, and social media marketing. Then, as your brand grows online, leads generate consistently.

Once your online presence garners enough attention, you no longer need to rely on 3rd-party lead generation services that overcharge you for shared leads.

Exclusive Leads vs. Shared Leads

As a Portland roofer, your goal is to generate exclusive roofing leads. Shared leads are less valuable, and you must purchase them from another company. Conversely, exclusive leads come from your own platforms and convert at a much higher rate while costing less.

Exclusive Leads

Exclusive leads are prospects that contact your roofing company directly. For example, they find your website after a Google search for roof repair in Portland.

Or they come across your Google Business Profile when searching for roofer near me. These leads convert rapidly and are more likely to become repeat customers.

Shared Leads

You’ve probably tried to buy Portland roofing leads from one of these big-name lead sellers. Unfortunately, these are called shared leads. The company sells the lead to multiple roofing companies decreasing its value and conversion rate.

Furthermore, the prospects that do convert are less likely to become repeat customers.

Infographic Comparing Exclusive and Shared Leads

Creating a Lead Generation Process in Portland, OR

You may be wondering how to get exclusive leads instead of shared leads. It’s pretty simple (though not easy). You need to construct a lead generation process. Roofer’s Guild outlines the exact steps below:

Step 1: Create a Company Website

Your first step is to create a company website which requires the following:

A domain name
A hosting provider
A website theme (or custom design)
On-page content

Depending on your budget, you can hire a professional website designer to craft a custom website for your Portland roofing company. You can use a template theme if you choose to do everything yourself.

Step 2: Search Engine Optimization

SEO is the only legitimate way to generate low-cost leads online. You can utilize Local SEO and organic SEO to achieve your goals. You will need the following:

Google Business Profile
Optimized company website
Optimized website content
Links and citations

If you have the budget, consider hiring a roofing SEO company to handle your campaign. However, SEO can be a lot of work, and if you need more time, it’s best to delegate it to an expert in the field.

Step 3: Pay Per Click (Google Ads)

Brand new Portland roofers must wait 6-12 months to enjoy the full benefit of SEO. As a result, you can supplement lead generation with Google Ads. Here’s what you need for a strong PPC strategy:

Strong landing pages
Proper audience targeting
Optimized budget
High closing rate

PPC is expensive and, therefore, is a bad long-term strategy. We only recommend using Google Ads as a short-term strategy as your SEO matures. If your website is already more than a year old, you won’t even need Google Ads.

Step 4: Social Media Marketing

Don’t believe the hype; most roofing companies get zero leads from social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. However, these social profiles do influence their more comprehensive online marketing strategy. As a result, it’s important to create profiles on these platforms:

Facebook
Instagram
Linkedin
TikTok

Social media profiles allow roofers to link to their websites and share content. As a result, a social media presence can indirectly contribute to lead generation. However, if you rely solely on social media marketing for lead generation, you will be very disappointed.

Step 5: Expand Your Network

As a Portland roofer, you want to join credible institutions like Associated Roofing Contractors of Oregon & S.W. Washington. By becoming a member, they can link to your website via their directory. Not only does this count as a backlink from a credible website, but it can bring new business to your company.

You can also join other directories like HomeAdvisor, Angi, and Houzz, along with locally-driven platforms like the Portland Chamber of Commerce. Feel free to connect with other business professionals in your area.

Types of Portland Roofing Leads

Your company may specialize in a type of roofing like commercial roofing. In these cases, you want to know where to find flat roofing leads in Portland. On the other hand, you may seek metal roofing, tile, or hotel roofing leads in different scenarios.

Flat Roofing Leads

Flat roofing leads in Portland are excellent because they are typically high-ticket jobs. Create an individual service page titled “Flat Roof Repair Services in Portland, OR if you have a website. You can also target flat roof queries within your Google Ads PPC strategy.

Metal Roofing Leads

Metal roofing leads can come from residential and commercial jobs. Try creating a service page called “Metal Roof Repair Services in Portland, OR. It helps conversions if you can publish previous examples of metal roofing jobs.

Tile Roofing Leads

Tile roofing leads typically come from residential jobs. So if your company specializes in residential roofing, creating a tile roofing service page makes sense. You can also target tile queries in your PPC strategy.

Hotel Roofing Leads

Frequently commercial roofers look for hotel roofing jobs. You can generate hotel roofing leads by creating a service page titled “Hotel Roof Repair & Installation in Portland, OR.”

Final Thoughts

Getting more Portland roofing leads is not rocket science. It just takes a little tactful strategy to start increasing consumer interest. For example, create a website, invest in SEO, and expand your professional network.

Then, in just 12 months, you can start generating a consistent stream of leads. Once you ditch PPC and lead buying, you no longer have to rely on another entity to bring in your leads. Of course, you still need visibility on Google, but with organic SEO, it’s highly cost-efficient.

Best of all, your investment keeps paying off as customers leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. As your reviews increase, so does your trust level with consumers. So ultimately, you rank more frequently in the Local Map 3-Pack and generate a consistent stream of Portland roofing leads.

Oct '22

The (Essential) Commercial Flat Roof Ventilation Guide for 2022

Flat Roof Ventilation

Flat roof ventilation is essential because it helps maintain the health of your building, removes moisture and unsettling heat, and extends the roof’s lifespan. In addition, ventilation also increases HVAC unit efficiency and functionality.

Vents are readily discussed for residential roofs, but commercial flat roof ventilation information is more scarce. TPO and EPDM roofs can be hot or cold depending on where the insulation is installed.

Hot roofs have insulation beneath the roof deck and over the material. In contrast, cold roofs have insulation beneath the roof deck and the roofing material.

Flat Roof Ventilation Benefits

We’ve noted some ways that ventilation helps maintain a high-performance flat roof for commercial building owners. Below, Roofer’s Guild outlines specific ways that ventilation benefits flat roofs in 2022.

Lifespan

Ventilation increases your flat roof’s lifespan and longevity by preventing condensation. Without ventilation, condensation can cause severe moisture damage and degrade the roofing material. As a result, proper ventilation reduces repair frequency and increases lifespan.

Energy Efficiency

Adequately ventilated flat roofs reduce heating and cooling costs for your commercial building. Summer can be incredibly stressful on energy costs, and a lack of proper ventilation will skyrocket your energy use. Additionally, keeping your building’s interior cooler puts less stress on your HVAC units while maintaining a comfortable temperature.

Interior Temperature Regulation

Your building’s interior temperature can impact the health and well-being of its occupants, along with goods or equipment stored inside. In addition, hot climates are prone to excessive heat that can degrade air quality.

With flat roof ventilation, you can reduce temperature extremes inside your building and ensure a healthy temperature level regardless of outdoor fluctuations.

Cold Flat Roof Ventilation

Most cold roofs already have ventilation, allowing heat to escape underneath the shingles. As a result, the rest of the roof remains the same temperature as outside while the building stays protected.

Since cold roofs are colder than your building’s interior during winter, condensation is less likely to form.

Commercial Flat Roof Ventilation Tips

Commercial flat roofs need ventilation to prevent condensation. Even a thin layer of condensation can create significant problems for your building. It may rot your decking and materials and drip down to lower levels. Proper vent installation ensures roofs remain at the same temperature as the outside air.

Below are some FAQs regarding commercial flat roof ventilation:

How To Add Ventilation to a Flat Roof?

You need to circulate air in either the attic or the plenum to reach equal amounts of air exhaust and air intake. This enables the cavity to breathe, reducing problematic moisture and enhancing all aspects of the roof’s performance. For a visual example, see below:

How Much Ventilation Does a Flat Roof Need?

The absolute minimum required ventilation for a flat roof is 1 sqft per every 150 sqft of surface area. So, for example, a 200 sqft flat roof needs a minimum of 20 sqft of ventilation. But, of course, this is the bare minimum, and inverted gable fans are often a superior option.

A flat roof needs ventilation of a 25mm continuous gap running the entire length of both opposing eaves. Avoid cold bridging by extending the external walls to the insulation’s underside.

What is a Flat Roof Ventilation Strip?

A ventilation strip is installed into the soffit directly behind the gutter, allowing air to flow easily through the roof cavity and eliminate condensation and hot air.

What Type of Roof Ventilation Does a Flat Roof Have?

A flat roof can have the following types of roof vents:

Aura Vent: A long-lasting natural vent with zero moving parts is known for dynamically removing heat and moisture.
Boot Vent: A primary vent consisting of piping throughout the roof and quite popular because of its simplicity.
Box Vent: The aptly named box vent resembles its namesake and fits well with flat roofs because of the lack of pitch.
Pop Vent: A mechanical vent using an electric fan produces airflow with fresh external air.

Other kinds of vents used on flat roofs include breather vents, mushroom vents, and soffit vents.

Final Thoughts

A ventilated flat roof allows hot air to escape through the ridge and soffit vents. Hot air is trapped beneath the shingles and bleeds through the building’s interior without adequate ventilation. Entirely neglecting ventilation may cause melted rubber seals, severely damaging the roof.

Every commercial building owner should ventilate their flat roof to maintain indoor air quality, extend the roof’s lifespan, and avoid costly repairs. In addition, ventilation helps the roof maintain peak performance throughout its lifespan while reducing stress on your AC unit.

Oct '22

How to Acquire Roofing Leads in New Jersey (2022 Update)

If you need New Jersey roofing leads, there are multiple things you can do.

First, create a custom website and optimize it for Google search. Then, leads from Google organic results skyrocket your ROI.

Second, run a PPC ad campaign targeting New Jersey homeowners.

Next, run a Facebook Ad campaign targeting a similar demographic.

Finally, if worst comes to worst, buy NJ roofing leads from a 3rd party, though we cannot recommend this option as anything other than a last resort.

Buying Leads vs. Creating a Lead Generation Process

Buying leads is like working in the gig economy. You pay a premium every time you want to do business. But what if you could create a lead generation process that allowed you to cut out the middleman entirely?

Creating a lead generation process allows you to own the lead generation platform. So, for example, when your website ranks #1 on Google for multiple keywords, those clicks come directly to your website. Furthermore, you own the domain name.

These leads are superior to anything you can buy from another company. The cost per acquisition is much lower, and the lifetime value is much higher. Exclusive leads coming through your branded website are more likely to convert and become repeat customers.

Another advantage to creating an acquisition process is that these customers are more likely to submit a review on your Google Business Profile. Leads that turn into satisfied customers increase their lifetime value even more.

Cheap NJ Roofing Leads from Organic SEO

Google Ads and Facebook Ads both require a significant investment. As a result, the cost per lead is much higher because you must pay to advertise.

Organic SEO, in contrast, costs very little in comparison. Moreover, once you rank on Google for relevant keywords, you begin to rack up ROI.

Organic SEO leads are the cheapest roofing leads in New Jersey. Most companies think they can’t rank well enough to get traffic, but they’re wrong. Ranking on Google is pretty easy if you know what you’re doing.

Of course, most New Jersey roofing companies have been screwed over by SEO companies more than once, so their hesitance is understandable. However, once you understand that SEO is merely a lead-generation process, the vision becomes more evident.

Google SERP for Organic New Jersey Roofing Leads

Once you rank on Google’s Map 3-Pack and traditional organic results, you begin piling up exclusive local clicks.

Custom Website

Ensure you invest in a custom website and domain name before optimizing your content. Owning your domain is like owning digital real estate. As a result, you want a domain name that contains your brand name. From there, it makes sense to hire a web design agency.

Custom Content

Organic SEO requires website content that showcases your different roofing services. For example, you’ll want to create service pages for residential roofing repair, commercial roof repair, and various services like tile roof repair.

Each of these landing pages should target your primary service city (i.e., Newark.)

Keyword Research

You can use tools like SEMRush and Ahrefs to find keyword volume and difficulty for phrases like roof repair NJ. However, you must understand that local keywords may not have a registered search volume.

You still must target keywords with zero search volume because they account for almost 50% of all your website clicks. For example, TPO roof repair in NJ is an essential key phrase to rank for on Google.

Link Building

Link building is overblown for local roofing companies. Instead, you can earn links naturally by creating a data-driven content asset demonstrating your unique insights—for instance, the most common roofing problems in New Jersey (according to our internal data).

It also helps to join local roofing associations like NERCA so you can get a link to your website from their member list. But, again, these links hold far more influence over rankings than anything a so-called SEO guru will acquire on your behalf.

Social Proof

Website visitors need evidence of your company and its recent projects. You can use different apps to showcase recent jobs, including photos and mini maps. You’ll also want to showcase reviews from Google and highlight unique images of your staff and equipment.

Furthermore, it helps to create social media profiles on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin. While you can’t expect to get leads directly from social media, they enhance your overall organic SEO strategy.

Other Lead Generation Methods for NJ Roofers

Brand new roofing companies may have to wait 3-6 months to rank on Google. As a result, you may need supplementary lead sources until that time. In these cases, investing in Google Ads and Facebook Ads for roofing leads is a wise choice.

You can get a positive ROI if you optimize your budget and get your SEO up and running while your ads run. Eventually, you’ll stop advertising on Google and Facebook and get all your leads from organic. The key is to view PPC advertising as a short-term strategy.

PPC Ads for New Jersey Roofing Companies

Google offers different types of paid ads, including Google Guaranteed (Local Services Ads) and standard PPC Ads.

Google Ads

Google Ads allow roofing companies to rank at the top of search results for various keywords. While most consumers will click on organic results over paid ads, enough people still click on ads to make them worthwhile.

Since it takes time to rank #1 on organic, ranking #1 on Google Ads is a good substitute.

Facebook Ads

Facebook Ads allow roofing companies to target Facebook users in New Jersey. You can use Facebook Lead Ads to increase brand awareness and generate local roofing leads. The video ad format is the most effective.

Be prepared to record a video promo for your New Jersey roofing business.

Ensuring Long Term Lead Generation

Paid ads are great short-term lead-generation techniques, but long term, you need something more sustainable. We spoke about organic SEO and its potential ROI for New Jersey contractors. Aside from investing in SEO, you’ll also want to look at reputation management.

Online Reviews

Ask the customer to leave a review every time you perform a roofing job. Of course, most of your reviews should appear on Google and Facebook.

Still, other platforms like Yelp, Angi, and HomeAdvisor are also helpful. Remember to steer 80% of your customers to Google Business Profile and Facebook.

Conversion Rate Optimization

Combing SEO with a strong reputation is the best way to create a sustainable lead generation process. In addition, you will gain more prospects as customers find your company on Google searches and see the accompanying 5-star reviews.

Final Thoughts

New Jersey roofing leads are there for the taking with organic SEO. However, most roofers rely on the gig economy by buying leads from more prominent companies. But what if you could use their strategy to get those leads and cut out the middleman? You can with the NJ roofing lead generation strategy outlined above.

Sep '22

What is a Cricket in Roofing? (Design, Framing, & Requirements)

A roof cricket is a structure that diverts water around the chimney. It’s typically built as a double triangle, so water splits down each side of it instead of crashing into the chimney’s flat wall.

Not all properties require a cricket; however, they are mandated for chimneys over 30 inches wide. Most properties can benefit from a roof cricket whether or not their chimney meets the requirements. Ultimately, crickets divert water from your chimney and prevent leaks.

Table of Contents

Purpose of Roof Crickets

Roof crickets prevent water from pooling behind the chimney, which can cause leaks and require costly repairs. Remember that water pooling is the top cause of premature roof failures. As a result, sitting water is terrible for any part of the roof, especially near the chimney.

A cricket diverts water from the chimney’s flat wall, preventing degradation and protecting against roof leaks.

What are Roof Crickets Made Of?

Roof crickets can be made from all types of roofing materials and typically match the material used for a roof replacement. However, sometimes the cricket material differs from the roof material (i.e., a metal roof cricket on an asphalt roof).

Roof Cricket Framing

Find the center of the roof cricket by measuring the span and dividing it by two. Most drainage crickets are a quarter of an inch per slope. Check out the video below for more detailed instructions on framing your roof cricket.

Roof Cricket Design Guidelines for 2022

Adhere to the following design guidelines for your roofing cricket:

Panel slope doubles the surface slope
Proper length-to-width ratio (varies by surface slope)
Cricket functionality as determined by valley slope
Valley slope is independent of cricket slope

Other Chimney Cricket Considerations

Anytime you perform a roof replacement or new roof installation, many factors emerge that can derail or enhance the process. However, what all property owners can agree on is that the prevention of leaks is paramount to their roofing structure.

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about roof and chimney crickets in 2022. Of course, you should always consult with your roofing contractor before investing funds in any project. If you are a roofing contractor, you’ll better understand how to implement roof crickets properly.

Are Crickets a Roofing Requirement in 2022?

The International Building Code (IBC) introduced a code in 2012 that requires chimneys over 30 inches wide to install a cricket perpendicular to the roof’s slope. As a result, if your chimney is over 30 inches, it is a requirement. Conversely, if your chimney is under 30 inches, a cricket is not required.

How Much Do Roof Crickets Cost?

Roof cricket installation costs between $3,000 and $6,000. However, the precise cost of roof crickets depends on the materials and labor, just like other roofing projects. In some cases, cricket installation may be part of your roof replacement fee.

What is a Dead Valley Roof Cricket?

A dead valley is a design defect requiring alternative drainage methods. In some cases, the drainage method may involve a roof cricket which accounts for the phrase “dead valley roof cricket.”

What are Flat Roof Crickets?

For flat roofs, crickets are typically made from insulation which is common with all types of commercial roofing. The flat roof cricket design is often diamond-shaped, whether a quarter diamond, a half diamond, or a full diamond.

Do You Need a Roof Cricket Between Two Gables?

A gable is the part of the wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches. When the overhang of two gables touches each other, it will resemble AA. This dynamic creates a flat valley between the gables, requiring a cricket to prevent water ponding.

Why is it Called a “Roof Cricket”?

Conflicting theories exist about the name’s origin; however, the suggestion that it came from Disney’s Pinnochio movie is refuted by most. The reality is that, like with many terms used to define roofing structures, the name doesn’t have a verifiable origin.

Final Thoughts on a Cricket in Roofing

Even if your chimney size does not mandate a roof cricket, you should still consider installing one. Chimney crickets introduce many benefits for your entire roofing structure and property. In addition, your property’s chimney is vulnerable, and cricket installation can mitigate potential complications, particularly from water leaks.

Aug '22

Why Roofing is Important for Your House and Building

While many people may overlook their roofs in favor of other aspects of a home, the roof is what shelters man. Of course, shelter is a fundamental need. But, in 2022, roofing is vital for many other reasons.

Here at Roofer’s Guild, we are on the roofer’s side. We work with roofers and help them expand their businesses. So we wanted to take some time to reiterate the importance of roofing to both roofers and consumers.

Discover why roofing is the most critical aspect of your home or business.

Table of Contents

Roofs Improve Curb Appeal

In 2022, we have the luxury of building aesthetically pleasing roofs – apart from building them to provide adequate protection from the elements. A roof can improve the curb appeal of your home. The right roof can also make your home more desirable to potential buyers.

If you plan to sell your home shortly, you should be aware that the quality and looks of your roof will undoubtedly add (or detract) from the overall value of your home. For instance, a new roof can increase the value of your home by an average of $15,000.

Of course, much of the ROI will depend on the initial roofing construction, what materials you use, and the quality of the craftsmanship. But these days, people are using their roofs to make a statement.

With the advent of custom soffits, fascia, and gutter systems, you can dial in the look of your roof to accent the rest of your home and outdoor areas. So if you want to be the envy of your friends and neighbors in 2022, you may need only look to your roof.

Roofs Help Insulate your Home

Maybe you have never lived in a house that didn’t have an insulated attic or roof. But if you have, then you know how uncomfortable it can get. So another vital role of your roofing system is to provide insulation for the lower living areas. An adequately insulated roof will help keep your living areas cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

That’s not to say that you will never need to use your HVAC system just because your roof is insulated, but it will help keep your cooling and heating costs down. For example, the EPA estimates that proper attic and roof insulation will reduce your heating and cooling bills by 15%.

Modern insulation and roofing materials are also improving at keeping your living areas comfortable in inclement weather. So it stands to reason that your roof will play an even more significant part in insulating your home against the elements as time passes.

Roofs Protect from Water Damage

Unfortunately, many things can cause water damage in your home: a leaky underground pipe, a malfunctioning water heater, and even overly humid air. But with a properly installed roof, you won’t have to worry about water damage from the rain and snow.

One of the essential roles of a roof is to protect the structure underneath from water damage. Many people take it for granted but the next time you’re outside, take a good look at the structure of your roof.

There is a perfect reason why the roof creates eaves – portions of the roof that extend out past your exterior walls. It’s to channel water away from your foundation and the exterior walls of your home. The roof’s slope is also designed to drain water downward off the structure so that water doesn’t get into your attic and damage your ceilings and walls.

Even your gutters and downspouts help channel water away from your foundation. Everything about your roof’s design protects your home and building from water damage that can cause thousands of dollars in damage and pose a severe health risk.

Roofs Add Dynamism to the Structure

Think about your home’s interior design. Maybe you have a sunken living room that you love or recessed lighting that affects just the right atmosphere. Interior design features are made possible by your roof.

Your roof provides crucial structural support for your home and allows for a more dynamic design. The roof also allows for special wiring and ceiling construction.

Many people like high ceilings that give buildings a more expansive feel. Well, guess what? High ceilings wouldn’t be possible without the structural support of a well-built roof. You can see your roof as the structure that holds your entire house together.

While every part of the building more or less works together to contribute to the strength of the structure, the roof plays an integral role as it covers the entire building.

Roofs Speak to the Quality of the Structure

Lastly, the roof is one of the most prominent features of your home or business’s exterior. When your roof looks shabby and unkempt, people perceive the entire building as ragged, bedraggled, and maybe even unsafe.

That’s bad enough for a residence but imagine if that’s how your commercial building looks. Chances are, you’re going to lose out on some customers. With this in mind, viewing your roof as an extension of your property and one of its most critical components is crucial.

Jul '22

Is Sealing Roof Tiles a Good Idea? (Updated for 2022)

Sealing roof tiles is rarely worth the investment. However, on the surface, adding a coat of weatherproof sealant to any roofing material sounds like a good idea. After all, you are adding an extra layer of defense to your roofing material and, ultimately, your property.

While there is nothing wrong with the basic concept of sealing roof tiles, there are certain things that you have to think about before you undergo the project. In the following post, Roofer’s Guild will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of sealing roof tiles.

Table of Contents

Roofing Tiles and Pitched Roofs

Roofing tiles are only installed on pitched roofs. A pitched roof is simply a roof that has a slope. To be considered a pitched roof, a roof usually has to be sloped at an angle of 20 degrees.

The slope is important because water can successfully shed off the roof and down into the gutters at this angle with the help of good old gravity. As a result, roofing tiles are not sealed to the roof. They are individual pieces of slate, terra cotta, or concrete laid on top of each other in an overlapping fashion.

Unlike roofing materials like asphalt shingles, tiles are not fastened to the roof. Instead, the overlapping placement and weight keep them in place and protect the roof’s decking. In addition, though they don’t create a single, continuous layer, the pitch effectively helps them shed water off the roof.

Tile roofs differ from asphalt shingle roofs in that they are exclusive to pitched roofs, and the tiles are not fastened to the actual roof system. That distinction is the primary reason why sealing is uncommon.

What’s the Point of Sealing?

Sealing a roof entails adding a waterproof coat to the upper materials. The point of sealing any roofing material is to help keep water from absorbing into it.

Are Roofing Tiles Porous?

Salespeople say that roofing tiles are porous and susceptible to water absorption. And guess what? They’re not lying. Materials like concrete, terra cotta, clay, and slate are indeed porous. However, you must consider that roofing tiles are only installed on sloped roofs.

So while these materials may be porous, the fact is that they can be. That’s because gravity does the job of shedding water off the roof for them. If roofing tiles were installed on a flat roof (and they would never be, to be clear), it would be a completely different story.

You would have to seal your tiles every season. The water would pool on the tiles and permeate them constantly.

But that’s not the case with sloped roofs. In general, roofing tiles on a sloped roof can afford to be porous. As a result, it’s not necessarily detrimental to the structural integrity or weatherproofing of the roof.

We know what you might be thinking, ‘but roofs with tiles on them still leak sometimes.’ That is exactly right. But that happens for different reasons. Usually, when you get a leak in a tiled roof, it means that one or more of the tiles has been broken.

One of the downsides of a tiled roof is that the older the tiles get, the brittler they become. So when you need to have some work done on a roof, old tiles can break under the pressure of a footfall.

Another reason tiled roofs leak is from a bad installation. To provide full coverage, the tiles must be carefully overlapped. Ridge caps also need to be installed carefully to protect the vulnerable point of the roof where the two slopes meet at the apex.

Benefits of Sealing Roof Tiles

Yes, there definitely are some benefits to sealing your roof tiles. Take a look at the most important ones:

It May Prevent Cracking: If you live in a colder climate where rainwater can freeze on the roof, sealing may prevent tiles from breaking. When water enters hairline cracks in your roof tiles and freezes, the expansion can break the entire tile. Keeping the water out with a sealant may prevent this.
It May Extend the Life of your Tiles: An extra layer of water protection may help slow down the weathering of your tiles, potentially extending the life of the material by just a few years.

Drawbacks of Sealing Roof Tiles

Before you go out and buy sealant or call up your local roofing contractor, take a look at some of the disadvantages of sealing roof tiles:

You Need to Pressure Wash the Tiles: Before you can apply a sealant, the tiles need to be as clean as possible. Most contractors will use a pressure washer that can strip the tiles’ surface material if not carefully done. Of course, to pressure wash, you will need to get up on the roof. Any time you step on roof tiles, you risk breaking them, which, as discussed, is one of their inherent disadvantages.
It Could Ravage the Good Looks of the Tile: Sealant isn’t permanent. After just about a season, it will strip off, and the color of your roofing tiles goes with it. When a sealant wears and chips away with the rainwater and UV exposure, it can alter the appearance of your roofing tiles – rarely for the better.
It May Not Be Worth the Effort: If you live in a stormy area, you may have to reapply sealant every couple of years. This can add up to a lot of money and effort that may not even be necessary. Plus, if you plan to do the work yourself, it can be hazardous to get up on the roof, pressure wash, and apply the sealant.

Final Thoughts on Sealing a Tile Roof

In most cases, sealing a tile roof is not worth the investment. Instead, you should have your roof inspected by a professional once a year to ensure you don’t have any tiles that need to be replaced. In most cases, roofing tiles will provide enough weatherproofing on their own.

However, if you live in a frigid region of the country, you may want to consider sealing roof tiles to prevent freezing and breaking.

Jul '22

The Best Low Slope Roofing Options (Updated for 2022)

You must be very careful when selecting a low-slope roofing system. By nature, these roofs are less capable of draining water off a building. However, some excellent options still exist for your low-slope roof.

Many people don’t realize that low-slope roofs have very low ground-level visibility. So while many property owners staring down a new low slope roofing project may be concerned about how the roof looks, this isn’t a valid concern.

With steep slope roofs, you see more surface area from ground level. That is not the case with low-slope roofs, so you may want to be a bit less picky regarding the looks of your roof.

That doesn’t mean you should choose a roofing material capriciously. On the contrary, there are a lot of things that you have to consider. The following post details the best low-slope roof options and their pros and cons.

Low Sloped Roof Options

Modified Bitumen
Standing Seam Metal
Single-Ply
Rolled

Table of Contents

The Basics of Low-Slope Roofing

Before we get into the viable materials and systems for low slope roofs, it could be beneficial to go over the basics of these types of roofs. So what can be considered or classified as a low slope roof? A low-slope roof will have a slope of less than 3 in 12. In addition, a low-slope roof must not rise more than three vertical inches for every horizontal foot.

As you can imagine, this means the roof will have almost no steepness at all. Low-slope systems are often confused with flat roofing systems, but there is a difference. Though flat roofs also have virtually no steepness, they have a slight pitch of no more than half an inch per foot.

Both flat and low-slope roofs are common on modern commercial buildings, especially in areas with arid climates that lack annual rain. When water drainage is not a concern, a low-slope roof poses a viable and affordable option compared to a pitched roof.

Best Low Slope Roofing Options

So what if your roof is a good candidate for a low slope roofing system? What are the best low-slope roofing options? Let’s take a look:

Modified Bitumen Roofs

One of the reasons modified bitumen is one of the best low slope roofing options is the cost. On average, you will spend between $2.50 and $4.00 per square foot for modified bitumen. Modified bitumen is also very durable, partly because of how it is installed. Much like built-up roofing, modified bitumen roofing systems are installed in layers.

The layers are made up of roofing sheets composed of asphalt composites. The additional materials used to make the sheets can be rubber or plastic. This makes them very durable, and the asphalt coating means it is very resistant to UV damage. In addition, modified bitumen can be included in the composition of a built-up roofing system.

Modified bitumen is also a terrific low-slope roofing option if you live in an area with a hot climate. This is because the asphalt material doesn’t buckle in extreme heat as other low-slope roofing materials can.

Built-Up Roofing

Speaking of built-up roofing, this is another good low-slope roofing option. As the name implies, a built-up low slope roof option will consist of alternating layers of felt, bitumen, and other reinforcing materials. The system’s final (top) layer will be composed of some aggregate such as stone or pebbles.

This provides better impact protection and, once again, makes it very durable against extreme UV exposure. Built-up roofing systems are some of the oldest known to the modern world. Some of the oldest evidence of built-up roofing goes back to the mid-1800s.

The concept behind this type of roofing system is straightforward. Still, it provides excellent leak protection, and the multiple layers insulate buildings well.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

Standing seam metal roofing may be the best of the low-slope roofing options. Why? For one thing, it offers outstanding weather protection. Standing seam roofs are made of long metal panels connected at a raised seam.

The seams are fully concealed, though, and raised above the panels. There are no exposed screws or fasteners, so they offer outstanding leak and weather protection. Another reason standing seam metal is an excellent choice for low slope roofs is longevity.

Standing seam metal roofs can last 50 years, making them among the longest-lasting low slope roofing options.

Single-Ply Roofing

As the name implies, single-ply roofing consists of a single layer of roof coating made of thermoplastic polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (more commonly known as PVC), or ethylene propylene diene monomer (or EPMD for short).

These roofing systems are rolled out onto the existing substrate, and the seams are welded. This is a prevalent low-slope roofing system because it provides good leak protection and isn’t very expensive.

Rolled Roofing

If you are on a budget or plan to have significant work done to your roof in the next few years, you may want to consider rolled roofing. Rolled roofing is not as durable or long-lasting as other options. However, it is very affordable due in part to the ease of installation.

Rolled roofing is composed mainly of asphalt and an aggregate top layer. The rolls are applied in a single layer, and the material is very similar to simple asphalt shingles. One of the advantages of this kind of roofing system is that the material comes in a wide array of colors, styles, and textures.

It is also good if you need a temporary low-slope roofing solution.

Other Considerations for Low-Slope Roofs

While the above low-slope roofing options are among the most viable, you still have to consider other important things. For instance, the climate should play a massive role in your decision.

You must also carefully calculate how much you can comfortably afford for the project, as many of these materials vary widely in price. Finally, as a roofing contractor, you must walk your customers through all their options.

Jul '22

9 Outstanding Benefits of A Butyl Elastomeric Roof Coating

Butyl Elastomeric Roof Coating (Blog Cover)

Butyl elastomeric roof coating is one of the most versatile options for commercial roofing systems. That’s because you can apply it to almost any kind of substrate. It’s also incredibly flexible because of the rubber content in the composition. That’s why you see these types of roof coatings on many commercial and flat roofs across the United States.

But what are the specific advantages of butyl elastomeric roof coating? Are there any kinds of roofing systems that aren’t good candidates for it? As a property owner and roofing contractor, these are the crucial questions you must ask yourself. And in the following post, Roofer’s Guild will help you answer them.

Butyl Elastomeric Roof Coating Basics

Before we go any further, you should know that butyl elastomeric roofing is sometimes referred to as simply butyl rubber roofing. Again, this is because of the elastomeric rubber that makes up the composition of this type of roof coating.

The coating is applied as a liquid. As it cures, it hardens to form a single, continuous membrane that acts as a complete coating for the roofing system.

But maybe you have heard of butyl rubber in other products and wondering if it is the same material. The answer is yes. Butyl rubber is a very versatile material. It is used to make many products, including lubricants, cling film, fiber optic compounds, adhesives, rubber gloves, and much more.

It is used primarily because of its flexible qualities, but it is also solid and resilient as a rubber product.

Frequently, you will find that butyl rubber is used to make a wide variety of industrial-strength products, such as butyl rubber gloves. Its industrial use speaks to the strength and reliability of the material. In addition, it highlights why it’s trusted to coat roofs across the country.

Table of Contents

Butyl Elastomeric Roof Coating Benefits

Will a butyl elastomeric roof coating be for everyone? Certainly not. There are certain things you will have to take into careful consideration before choosing butyl elastomeric as your roof coating material.

For instance, consider your roof’s size. Butyl elastomeric is comparatively affordable, but it is undoubtedly more expensive than other types of roof coatings. So if your commercial property has a larger roof area, the project could exceed $3,000.

Butyl coatings are not the most expensive option, but you will still have to be able to fit them comfortably within your budget. If you can, though, here are some of the essential benefits of butyl elastomeric roof coating:

1) Extreme Versatility

One thing that will not prevent your roof from being a good candidate for butyl elastomeric coatings is the substrate. One of the best things about this material is that it can be applied to virtually any substrate, including metal, concrete, built-up roofing, single-ply roofing membranes, and modified bitumen.

2) Excellent Leak Protection

While not exclusive to butyl elastomeric roofing, the single continuous membrane structure provides excellent leak protection for most roofs. In addition, the security includes ponding water prevention which can be detrimental for some roofing systems.

Ponding water can often cause roof sagging and, eventually, leaks. Butyl rubber is incredibly leak-resistant, even in the case of pooling water.

3) UV Reflectivity

Butyl elastomeric roof coatings can come in white or light colors that are very effective for reflecting the sun’s UV rays. The more UV rays you reflect off your roof, the lower your cooling costs. Installing a complete butyl elastomeric roof coating on your roof can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars on your annual utility bills.

4) Thermal Cycling Resistance

As the temperatures fluctuate outside, your roof is subject to a cycle of expanding and contracting. While natural, this thermal fluctuation takes a real toll on most types of roofing material. Years of contraction and expansion could cause cracks in the roofing system.

The rubber content in butyl elastomeric makes it very flexible. As such, it stands up much better to thermal cycling than other roof coatings.

5) Ease of Installation

This benefit comes with a caveat. In theory, butyl elastomeric roof coatings should be easy to install. That’s because it is applied as a liquid and sprayed onto the existing substrate of a roof.

However, contractors should note that the solvent-based material can be challenging to work with unless your spray equipment is clean and maintained well. On the other hand, if you do maintain your spray equipment well, the application should be no problem.

6) Flexibility

The flexibility of the cured butyl elastomeric coating is advantageous for many things. But one of the best things about it is its flexibility makes it ideal for foot traffic. It is not a rigid roofing material that will break under a footfall.

Suppose your building maintenance often involves service workers on your roof (servicing HVAC systems, repairing lights, electrical issues, skylights, etc.). In that case, you may want to consider butyl elastomeric roof coatings.

7) Multi-Utility

Up to now, we have primarily spoken of butyl elastomeric roofing as a complete roof coating. And while it is used in this way a lot, it’s not the only way it can be used. For example, because it is a spray-on roof coating, it can also be used to repair leaks.

This type of roof coating can be used as something like a patch material for when you need spot repairs on your roof. In this way, butyl elastomeric is a very affordable way to repair your roof.

8) Longevity

Generally, a butyl elastomeric roof coating can last between 10 and 20 years. However, you should also be aware that how long the roof coating lasts may depend on the application’s thickness at the installation time.

For example, you can reasonably expect your butyl elastomeric roof coating to last 20 years or more if about 0.03 inches of it was applied to your roof. Of course, maintenance and the quality of installation will also play a hand in the roof coating’s longevity. Still, a thick layer can provide you with long-lasting roof protection.

9) Warranties

Most roofing contractors offer good warranties on their butyl elastomeric roof coatings. That’s because it is a durable and reliable roofing material. Generally, you can expect your roofing contractor to offer a warranty between 10 and 18 years for a new butyl elastomeric roof coating.

Final Thoughts on Butyl Elastomeric Roof Coatings

As a roofing contractor, you work hard to provide outstanding services to your customers. That’s probably why you are interested in butyl elastomeric roof coating in the first place – it’s a high-performance roofing system that could benefit many of your customers.