RoofViews

Residential Roofing

How Advanced Roofing Technology Can Boost Your Business Efficiency

By Wendy Helfenbaum

October 05, 2016

Contractor using a tablet to control a photography drone.

In business, time is money. With advanced roofing technology, you can save time, improve your team's efficiency, and boost your company's bottom line all at once.

Ranging as widely as business management systems that streamline productivity and digital measuring tools, here are a few roofing products and solutions to incorporate into your business so you can work smarter rather than harder.

Drone Photography and Video

Getting aerial footage of customers' properties is a great way to show homeowners what their roof looks like before, during, and after work is complete. Drone photography and video can also save time and streamline how contractors service their customers. For example, you can safely investigate and document storm damage in less time—and without having to go up and down ladders or walk on potentially dangerous structures to perform manual inspections.

During the inspection process, homeowners may be able to receive images via the drone's app. You can also show customers different visualization tools to demonstrate what their new roof would look like.

Accurate, Fast Measuring Reports

When a customer decides to repair or replace their roof, they want a speedy estimate. With GAF QuickMeasure, contractors get accurate roof measurement reports for single-family homes within an hour for as little as $18*. Once your customer confirms the job, you can make ordering materials a breeze by using the included materials page.

Project Management Systems

To organize photos, inspection reports, incoming leads, and in-progress jobs, you need a reliable, user-friendly project management system. GAF Project ** offers an all-in one solution to help teams stay on top of documentation, streamline sales presentations, and schedule job estimates and installation alike. This tool has a built-in digital signature process for contactless agreements as well as the ability to share your screen with others on your team. You can also integrate GAF Project with certain other software platforms your company may already use.

Cordless Nail Guns and Innovative Roofing Materials

Lightweight, cordless roofing nail guns can bring new efficiencies to labor-intensive installation. Many models feature an adjustable depth guide, comfortable grips, and single-action side load canisters for easy, safe use.

When nails are not placed correctly, shingles could rust or leak due to delamination. Jobs go much faster when you have a larger nail zone and better nail placement accuracy. The GAF Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology feature the industry's largest nail zone—the StrikeZone™ Nailing Area—allowing you to install roofing shingles more quickly and accurately.

Shingle- Starter Strips

Add another time-saver to your roofing kit with precise, pre-cut Starter Strips from GAF instead of cutting up 3-tab asphalt shingles to make a starter strip. This product features properly positioned adhesive, reducing the risk of shingle blow-offs at the rake and eave edges. They also enable your crew to create clean, finished roof edges. Just tear the strips at the factory-made perforations, and you're ready to install. Plus, pre-cut starter strips offer more coverage per bundle compared with manually cut 3-tab shingles.

Storm Trackers

You can go beyond the weather app on your phone when it comes to helping your team target customers who need your services. GAF WeatherHub ***can show you which properties have recently been affected by severe wind or hail storms. With this insight, your team can generate new roofing leads.


Advances in roofing technology not only help boost your business but also make roofing more efficient. GAF offers several connected tools to help contractors manage jobs. For additional business support, visit www.gaf.com/getthere or contact your local Territory Manager.


*Terms and conditions apply. Prices vary based on contractor and report type. Visit quickmeasure.gaf.com for details.

** Subscription required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit gaf.com/project for details.

*** Subscription required. Terms and conditions apply. Visit gaf.com/weatherhub for details.

About the Author

Wendy Helfenbaum is a Montreal-based journalist, content marketing writer and TV producer who covers design, architecture, real estate, gardening and travel for many publications and brands, including Country Gardens, Metropolis Magazine, Realtor.com, Marriott Traveler, Costco Connection, Toll Brothers, PBS NextAvenue.org and many more. Wendy loves keeping up with current design trends and is addicted to home improvement DIY reality shows. Follow her @WendyHelfenbaum.

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