Category Archives: Community Roofing

5 Clear Signs It’s Time to Re-Roof Your Multifamily Complex


Multifamily Re-Roof (Blog Cover)

Re-roofing a multifamily building is not something you want to do until it becomes necessary. Ideally, you want to put off this investment for as long as possible. Yet, at the same time, you do not want the condition of your roof to be the reason your property is losing money.

At Roofer’s Guild, we stress the importance of knowing when the roof absolutely needs to be replaced, and doing it will be a further investment in the continued success of your business. In the highly competitive world of rental housing, a good roof makes a lot of difference.

According to SGI Management Dallas, the roof plays a huge factor in how much money you save on the property. Being a vital part of the building envelope, it profoundly affects the building’s energy efficiency. Roofs also influence how much you spend on maintenance since they protect the building from damage. 

It is not enough for your roof to be functional; the roof of a multifamily complex should also be beautiful. It should help the property stand out and give you the ability to make a style statement. In addition, a multifamily building will attract more renters if it has an attractive roof. 

The roof plays a significant role in your marketing. Roof maintenance should also feature as a major part of your overall maintenance. These are two good reasons to keep your roof in good condition. How can you tell when it is time to re-roof your multifamily complex?



Signs it is Time to Re-Roof Your Multifamily Complex


1) Aging Roof

How old is the roof? Every roof has an expected lifespan, which depends on the type of roof. Asphalt roofs will last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. You can expect a metal roof to last 40-70 years, depending on the material. Clay and cement roofs can last 50-100 years. 

In addition to the roofing material, maintenance plays a role in the longevity of your roof. If you follow the manufacturer’s program for maintaining the roof, you will get it to last longer than its projected lifespan. It is always good to start planning for roof replacement once the roof approaches the end of its projected lifespan.


A multifamily roof’s lifespan may vary depending on maintenance, installation methods, and climate factors


2) Repair Costs

Due to the sheer size of the roof on your multifamily building, you may have at least one roof-related repair every month. These will often be minor issues that don’t cost a lot of money.

But the time may come when the repairs on your building’s roof start to stack up. Then, you could find yourself having to deal with the same kinds of issues repeatedly. 

If you notice this, it is time to calculate your monthly roof repair costs and compare that cost to your monthly payments if you took a loan to reroof the building. If the cost of repairs is anywhere near the monthly payments for a roof replacement loan, you should reroof the building.


Multifamily roofs typically require frequent repairs, primarily because of the building size


3) Community Upgrade

There is no better time to reroof the building than when you are ready to give your property a facelift.

Just as with your primary home, you constantly need to update the appearance and function of your multifamily complex to stay competitive. But you won’t get much mileage out of the renovations if you only repaint the home but leave the old, faded, or discolored roof.

If it will cost too much to do a sweeping renovation of the entire property, it is usually better to wait until you can do this. An excellent way to lessen the financial burden of renovating the property is to update the appearance of one section of your property at a time.


Commercial Flat Roofing Contractors Apply Material

Consistent upgrades to your multifamily complex will help maintain its appeal and stay competitive


4) Property Additions

If you plan to add new buildings to your property, you should consider including roof replacement and other improvements as part of the project. If you add a new building while the old ones retain their old appearance, you will only get a disjointed look that will not benefit your property.

To maximize the impact of the new building, you need a matching roof design for the entire place. Another reason to reroof the building at this time is you may not find a design that will match the new roof precisely if you decide to reroof the property later.


Green Roofing Systems With Terrace Area

Property additions are a great time to take care of roof replacements for your multifamily building


5) Building Roof Damage

Your roof may start to deteriorate before it gets old. There are several reasons why this can happen. The main reasons are the climate in your area, improper roof installation, use of substandard materials, and natural disasters. 

If the roof shows signs of premature failure, you will have no option except to reroof the property. In this situation, speed is essential because as long as the roof is not replaced, it will endanger the rest of the building. Failing to act now means you will only spend more money to solve the problem down the road.


Damaged Flat Roof Membrane

Significant damages to your building roof should prompt you to re-roof your multifamily complex


How To Get Satellite Roof Measurements With Google Earth


Satellite Roof Measurements (Blog Cover)


The following post outlines how to get satellite roof measurements with Google Earth. As a roofing contractor in 2024, you are probably looking for ways to cut your operating costs anywhere you can.

But, at the same time, you don’t want to diminish the quality of your services or customer relations. 

Did you know that you can get satellite roof measurements using Google Earth? One important thing to note, though, is that Google Earth still can’t account for roofs’ pitch or slope degrees.

Therefore, it will only help calculate the area of flat roofs. 



Getting Started

The first thing you will need to do is get Google Earth Pro installed on your computer or mobile device. You can download Google Earth here. It’s simple and best of all: it’s free! After installation, open the app.

You will see an image of the Earth. This screen is essentially your dashboard, and it will allow you to access all of the features available to you.

The next thing you will want to do if you take satellite roof measurements is uncheck the 3D Buildings option underneath the “Layers” menu on the bottom right-hand side of the screen.


Screenshot of Google Earth Settings for 3D Buildings

It may not be automatically checked, but you should double-check anyway because having this setting on will interfere with your roof satellite roof measurements. 


Find Your Building

Now, you are ready to locate the building with the roof you are trying to measure. On the top left side of the screen, you will see a search field.


Screenshot of Address Search on Google Earth App

All you have to do is enter the address of the building you are trying to take measurements for and press Search. 


From here, you should be able to see a bird’s eye view of the building and, more importantly, its roof. Now, you can zoom in on the roof. Using a computer and mouse, you can rotate your scroll wheel to zoom in on the roof. 

You will also see a zoom tool on the right side of the screen. You can click on the “+” end to zoom in. 

You will have to keep the roof centered on the screen as much as possible to get accurate satellite roof measurements.

To do this, hover the cursor (in the case of Google Earth Pro, the cursor is a hand) over the center of the roof, click it, and move it around until it’s as close to the center of the screen as possible. 


Align The Roof

For the easiest measurements, you should align the longest edge of the roof so that it’s parallel with the top of the screen. To achieve this orientation, you may need to rotate the image. 


Screenshot of Google Earth Rotate for Alignment

A circular “rotate” tool in the top-right corner will allow you to rotate the image clockwise and counterclockwise. Click it until you get the optimal orientation. 

Measure The Roof

On the left-hand menu, click on the option for “Tools.” Then, check the box next to the option “Ruler.” This will open up a prompt with the option for something called “Polygon.” Go ahead and click on Polygon. 

This will give you an option to select measuring units. You should go ahead and choose feet and square feet. 

Now, you’re going to want to drag the ruler box out of the field of view (the part of the screen that actually displays the image of the roof. Move it to the left so it is completely out of the way of the field of view, but be sure not to close it. 

Hover back over the roof image, and you will see that your cursor is now a little square. Align the square into one corner of the roof and click and hold your mouse. 


Screenshot of Google Earth Measurement Process

Now, while still holding down the mouse button, move to the second corner of the roof. Continue this process until you have rounded the entire perimeter of the roof. 


Getting The Roof Area

Once you’re done covering the roof’s perimeter, take a look at the little “Ruler” option box that you dragged out of the way. It should give you the area of the roof. 


Screenshot of Roof Area from Google Earth App

Now you’re done! You can repeat this process to get satellite roof measurements for any flat roof!


FAQs about Measuring Roofs With Google Earth

How Accurate are Google Earth Roof Measurements?

Google Earth is good for estimated measurements. However, you should still conduct professional field measurements before ordering more materials. The goal is to remain within your budget and get the job done.


Are There Video Tutorials for Google Earth Roof Sattelite Measurements?

Yes, several YouTube videos outline how to measure your roof on Google Earth. Sometimes, seeing a real-time video can make the process easier. Here’s one example of a video that outlines the process



Becoming a Conklin Independent Distributor (Full Guide)


A Conklin Independent Distributor is a contractor who partners with Conklin to sell their products to consumers. By leveraging Conklin’s established brand equity and industry-respected products, self-employed roofers can grow their own businesses more effectively.


Steps to Becoming a Conklin Independent Distributor

  • 1) Find a Sponsor
  • 2) Choose an Account Type
  • 3) Select an Enrollment Package
  • 4) Complete the Distributor Agreement


Conklin Independent Distributor Guide (Cover)


How to Become a Conklin ID

Becoming a Conklin Independent Distributor is a multi-step process. Check out the details below:


Step 1: Find a Sponsor

Sponsors are essential to your success as a Conklin ID, as they can lend experience and expertise to help you navigate the challenges of the industry.

Visit https://www.conklin.com/conklindistributor/signup/index/, where you can find available sponsors by zip code, name, email, and distributor ID.

You may also connect with sponsors at conferences or through digital channels like social media.


Step 2: Choose an Account Type

Conklin offers accounts for both distributors and customers. To become an ID, you’ll want to choose the “Distributor” account package.


This package is for contractors who plan to:


  • Promote and Sell Conklin Products
  • Develop a Client Base
  • Assist Other Conklin Independent Distributors


Step 3: Select an Enrollment Package

Conklin offers seven enrollment packages for you to choose from. The “Standard Contractor” package is among the least expensive.


Check them out below:


  • Platinum Contractor Wholesale – ($3,999)
  • Premier Wholesale – ($2,499)
  • Standard Wholesale – ($1,999)
  • Premier Contractor ($1,399)
  • Premier Grower ($1,399)
  • Animal Products Package ($999)
  • Conklin Business Seminar ($999)
  • Standard Contractor ($999)
  • Standard Grower ($999)
  • Vehicle Products Package ($999)


Step 4: Complete the Distributor Agreement

You will then be prompted to complete a Distributor Agreement in which you will enter your personal information, including your name, address, social security number, and any tax exemptions.

After completing the form, you are brought to a checkout page where you can complete the process.


Benefits of Conklin Distribution

You might wonder why roofers choose to become Conklin distributors in the first place.. Below are the key components of Conklin Independent Distributors:


  • Direct Sales: IDs can sell Conklin products through multiple channels, both in-person and digital
  • Commissions: IDs can earn a percentage of generated sales and potentially bonuses and incentives
  • Flexibility: IDs can choose their sales and marketing techniques and hours of operation
  • Support: IDs receive detailed training, promotional materials, and access to a network of distributors


Maximizing Your Conklin Business


Many small-scale roofers would like to grow their businesses but lack the resources and accountability to realize that vision.

A great solution to this common predicament is Conklin Independent Distribution. Becoming an Independent Distributor (ID) allows you to earn instant credibility in your market and start profiting as a commercial roofer.

You will gain access to an expansive library of training material, as well as a management structure that encourages excellence.



Establish a Service Area

Regardless of your current location, you can become an Independent Distributor.

From New York to Texas and Illinois to Louisiana, there’s opportunity available to anyone willing to take advantage. The most difficult part of launching a roofing company is earning credibility.

A large percentage of consumers will not trust unknown commodities, but affiliation with Conklin allows contractors to establish credibility on day one. This makes marketing much simpler and encourages growth at a much faster rate.


Sales and Marketing Strategies

Many contractors don’t have an official business but perform jobs based on word of mouth and friends of friends. Becoming a Conklin ID allows you to turn a side business into a legitimate company.

You might be surprised by how quickly an unknown contractor can increase their demand with a little help from Conklin.

There are so many untapped resources available to contractors throughout the United States, and the time is now to start capitalizing.


Ways to expand your roofing business include:



It would be a shame to waste a business opportunity with so much upside and very little downside. Roofers should view their status as an Independent Distributor as “playing with house money.”

If your business ends up failing, you risked very little in the process and can resume your previous work. Conversely, if you end up succeeding, your business will grow at a considerable rate, and you’ll have access to resources that help you handle the increased demand and workload.

Weighing risk vs. reward should help you arrive at the decision that best suits your vision.


Final Thoughts

Becoming a Conklin Independent Distributor can boost your business. By leveraging the Conklin brand and gaining accountability, you can reach goals that were otherwise improbable.

To learn more about Conklin and its ID program, we encourage you to visit: https://www.conklin.com/conklindistributor/signup/


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