Roofing
Whether getting a new house or considering a roofing replacement, the roof material is imperative for the look of a home as well as for the costing department. Since most people are either undecided or uninformed about diverse roofing materials, this article will explore and cover the most popular roofing options. Asphalt Shingles Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material holding a statistic of 70% of all single-family houses in the US because they are so easy to install that even one person can install them single-handedly. Asphalt shingles are still dominating the market because they are super affordable and durable enough (easily lasting from 15 to 40 years). There are 2 types of asphalt shingles: organic and fiberglass shingles, each having their own look and advantages. While the fiberglass one starts with a fiberglass mesh that is covered in asphalt and topped with granules, organic shingles, on the other hand, offer better stability being built from recycled paper saturated in asphalt and coated with granules. Pros of asphalt shingles Fiberglass shingles provide fire protection Friendly-looking stylish appearance Cheaper than other materials and still durable Wide-ranging selection of colors and styles to perfectly fit the house look Cons of asphalt shingles Frequent Roof repair might cost overall higher than metal or slate materials Frequent weather changes can cause cracks to the asphalt shingles If one layer needs replacement, all layers must be torn off the roof Wood Shingles and Shakes Wood shakes are the most elegant out of this list, consisting of pine trees, cypress, redwood, and cedar. All these types of wood combined do not only offer a natural, timeless exterior but a sound insulation system as well if installed correctly. Wood shingles are machine-cut pieces providing a smooth and clean surface and uniform edges, while the hand-cut wood shakes bring a rustic-style look, and they are also more expensive due to thicker wood. Pros of wood shingles and shakes Last longer than asphalt shingles Offer natural and organic beauty style Contain natural oils making them resistant to insects and moisture Can be recycled Has twice the insulation effect of asphalt shingles Cons of wood shingles and shakes Pine tree wood is vulnerable to insects so it might rot faster More expensive and harder to install than asphalt shingles Wood shingles need high maintenance if untreated Metal Roofing The cons of metal don't have to be mentioned as everyone knows it can last a lifetime, it's resistant to both fire and insects and keeps the temperature of the house low by reflecting the sunlight. Metal roofing is manufactured in rolls bringing various options like traditional metal roof style and tiles look-alike roofing. However, most are still rigid sheets with vertical panels and modular panels roofing. Usually, the metals used are Zinc, cooper, lightweight steel, and processed aluminum. If speaking of cons, all these advantages come with the highest price in the roofing department with the cooper roof leading as the most expensive roof material. Metal is much noisier than other materials when it rains. Despite the durability monopoly, when hit by heavy objects, metal is likely to dent, and replacing it would be very costly. However, such cases are rare enough to conclude that over time, continually replacing and repairing other types of roofing materials, might cost higher than metal roofing overall. Roof Tiles In the roofing business, tiles are number one in terms of the variety of colors and architectural styles. Unlike the past, when there was only one option considered ancient nowadays, today, roof tiles count three versions: durable traditional clay tiles, stable but easy to work with concrete tiles, and fiber cement tiles made for lightweight strength. Roof tiles make great replacements to fire-prone locations, are resistant to moisture, insects, and fire, and most importantly, provide high insulation and energy conservation. On the contrary, this type of roofing is quite expensive and might also crack underfoot. Now that you know everything about the most popular roofing materials, feel free to contact the best roofing company in California and get a roofing contractor to choose and buy your favorite roofing with us here at Semper Solaris.
When it comes to choosing a roofing contractor, some property owners go for random service providers, and they end up getting substandard services. Some roofing companies are unreliable and unskilled to offer quality roofing services. Roof services such as installation, repairs, and replacement require skills, which are not quickly earned. Therefore, you should take the time to find the best contractor for your roofing project. Benefits of hiring professional roofing contractors Increased Safety Accidents from roofing projects are common in the country. Working safety should be maintained during roofing projects to avoid unnecessary risks. Certified roofing contractors pay attention to the safety concerns of their team members during a project and reduce the chances of accidents. Roofing Materials The quality of materials will affect their lifespan. A roofing company has access to high-quality materials, which helps to avoid the need for regular roofing repairs. Some hardware stores only offer substandard materials, which may not withstand harsh weather conditions. Saving Money Some property owners believe that doing roofing work on their own can help to lower roofing costs. However, due to lack of the necessary skills, property owners may end up causing more damage to their roofs. Fixing the damages may cost more than the cost of hiring a professional roofing company. Quality Services Experienced professional roofers have handled many different projects and are knowledgeable about various problems that they may encounter during roofing projects. Therefore, they will offer quality installation, repair, and replacement services. How do I Select the Best Roofing Company? Roofing is not an easy task, and you need to leave it to experts. Ensure that you only hire the best roofing contractor to get the job done right. The following are insights to help you choose the best roofing firm: Ask about Experience Ensure that you pick a contractor who is experienced in roofing work and with a proven track record. Also, check the company's reviews and see what others have said about their service. Such firms do not pay attention to quality when offering services and do offer value for money. You can avoid being a victim of such roofers if you choose experienced firms with an excellent reputation. Licensing and Valid Insurance Roofing jobs are risky and hence the need to hire specialists as they have the materials, tools, and equipment needed to do the work safely. A professional roofing contractor is authorized by the relevant authorities to offer their services. Additionally, certified roofing firms will have the required insurance coverage for their workers. If work-related accidents occur, the policies will cater for the medical expenses. Look at Previous Projects and Reviews Before you hire a roofing contractor for your project, ensure that you check some of their past work. Again, reviews left on Yelp and Google My Business may come in handy when choosing the best roofing company for your next project. You can also contact Semper Solaris for all of your roofing needs. Our years of experience, combined with excellent customer service, will bring you the best results for your roofing project and any other home improvement projects you have. We also specialize in solar, solar battery storage, heating, and air conditioning.
Our Semper Cares Initiative was a huge success! On July 3rd, we completed two goodwill projects and unveiled them to the public. Welcomed guests and the local press assembled to join the families and crew to celebrate these veterans and watch as the final solar panels were installed. The two unveiling celebrations radiated honor, pride, and patriotism for this country and for those who fought to defend it. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovQs-BQMjkM[/embed] In partnership with Habitat for Humanity San Diego, we helped two veterans celebrate their Independence Day by unveiling a new roof and solar power system. Veteran Carl Schaffrina’s roof was in serious need of replacement. Water leaks were proving physically and mentally demanding for the family. Semper Solaris teamed up with the Owens Corning Roof Deployment Project to provide a complete new roof installation expected to last for more than 25 years. Former Marine sniper Povas Miknaitis, was given the opportunity to declare his independence from electric companies. Semper Solaris, in cooperation with SolarWorld, and SolarEdge, installed a complete solar panel system to his home in San Diego. This new system will help reduce electricity costs and improve his home's value. Lowering Mr. Miknaitis' electricity bills and helping him become more energy independent is especially valuable, since most veterans are on fixed incomes - one fewer bill means greater financial freedom. The Miknaitis project was coordinated with San Diego’s Warrior Foundation Freedom Station where Miknaitis was a beneficiary and is now a volunteer working with other wounded veterans. We are proud of the men and women of our Semper Solaris team, our partners, and the veterans of this great nation. Stay tuned for future Semper Cares initiatives as we continue to help veterans in any way we can. At Semper Solaris, we take pride in our veterans, our veteran origins, and our veteran employees and their stories. As always, thank you for your service.
Historic Home Renovation If you own an older home or are in the market for a taste of yesteryear, The City of San Francisco has developed many programs to help encourage the restoration of historic homes and districts and offers programs and resources to encourage property owners to restore or rehabilitate historic properties. The Mills Act - is a state law that encourages the preservation of historic homes by offering a tax assessment at a lower tax rate. Preservation Easements – Property owners, can gain significant tax savings by adding a preservation easement to their historic building. California Historical Building Code (CHBC) –The CHBC provides an alternative building code for the preservation or rehabilitation of buildings designated as "historic. The Roofs of Historic Homes One of the essential aspects of renovating or upgrading a home is maintaining the design and construction of the roof. The roof defines a building's era and is consistent with a historic district's architecture. The shape and pitch, the size, and the materials used all point to the time in which they were built. Semper Solaris is the best roofing company in San Francisco for preserving the historic context and character of a home's roof. We have years of experience in the repair and restoration of roofing in all styles and periods. Whether your roof needs replacement or you are renovating a historic home, we have built our reputation on roofs done right. Solar Power for Historic Homes There are many options for integrating solar with older homes and preserving their architectural character, whether your home is new, vintage, or historical. Preserving history is an integral part of the future of San Francisco. Also, while it is important to preserve history and maintain the premises in their historical context, installing solar power is a viable addition to any building. So how do we address the preservation of the historic home while upgrading to cost-effective solar energy? Install rooftop panels horizontally Install ground or pole-mounted systems Install panels in alternate locations near the historic property Install solar panels on flat roofs Install solar panels on newer additions to the property Semper Solaris is the most reputable roofing company in San Francisco for repair and replacement of roofs. If your roof needs replacing or you are renovating a historic home, our experienced and knowledgeable technicians are the best in their field, and we can make solar a reality for San Francisco's treasured architecture and your home. New Roof and Solar Power When you consider the financial incentives of restoring a historical home coupled with incentives and rebates for installing solar, you have a winning combination. Add that to the savings on utility bills, and you can't lose. You will realize some significant gains in the value of your property if you install a new roof and solar simultaneously. Semper Solaris is the very best in the installation of solar power and roof replacement in San Francisco. We offer a considerable discount for installing both. We consider it to be a wise investment if you are renovating or replacing your roof. And solar panels are an added protection for the lifespan of your roof. Whether you have a historic home, vintage home, or new home in San Francisco, you can help achieve the goals of both preserving historic buildings and becoming a sustainable city by investing in renovation and solar power for your home. Call Semper Solaris today and let's get started.
There is no doubt that roofing of our home is extremely vital and critical for the overall safety and well being of the entire family. We also should bear in mind that roofing takes quite a bit of beating from the elements of nature. Whether it is sunshine, rain, frost or snow, roofs undergo a lot of wear and tear. Hence you must ensure that it is adequately maintained. This requires hiring a good roofing company in San Francisco professional. Before hiring these professionals, you must be aware of the various dangers and damages that could be caused because of a leaking roof. It Could Damage The Foundation Of The Home Ignoring even a small leak is not the right thing to do. It could become a serious and critical problem for the entire home. Many homeowners often consider leaking of their roof as a minor structural problem. However, if it is neglected, it could lead to health and safety risks. Damp walls, attics, and other such constructions could lead to the growth of mold, mildew, and other microorganisms. This could result in allergy-related illnesses, bronchial problems and could even cause problems to pets and of course to small children. At the first signs of roof leakage, you should hire a suitable roof replacement in San Francisco. The constant intrusion of water will also lead to seepage of water to the attic area, and over some time, it could cause damage to the very foundation of the house. In the process, it could cause a lot of damages along the way, and some damages could be severe and irreversible. Damage To Ceiling And Walls Attic and ceiling damage are the most common results whenever there is roof leakage. The leakages happen very discreetly, and you may not know the cost until it has happened. You could lose quite a few valuable things that are stored in the attic. In case there is no attic, it is quite likely that the level of damages will be much more significant. The ceiling of the living rooms, bedrooms, and drawing rooms could also suffer significant losses. The paint on the ceiling will get damaged, and the area will have dark and ugly spots. The plaster on the ceiling might also bubble and expand. The damage could also extend to the plaster and paint to the adjacent walls and other areas. Fans, lights, and other electrical appliances could also suffer significant losses if there is a regular leak from the roofing. Safety-Related Problems Damp and leaking walls and ceilings could also have serious safety problems. The electrical wiring could get damaged by water seepage, and it could be a significant risk for short circuits and other such issues. Roofing Asphalt Cracking And Curling This is another big problem when you ignore leaking roofs. This could weaken the roofing quite a bit, and you could end up spending thousands of dollars repairing it. Hence, when all the above points are taken into account, hiring the right solar roofing company in San Francisco professionals is a must for proactive maintenance. Call Semper Solaris today to assess your roof for the proper fixes.
If it is time to replace the roof on your Livermore home, technology has produced roofing materials that drastically increase the energy efficiency of your home. So, even though it is an added expense, the lower electric bills will offset the cost. Semper Solaris is the go-to roofing company in Livermore for the repair and replacement of your roof. We can help with financing and discounts that are available to defray the upfront costs. The Roof Over Your Head The most important part of your home is your roof. It protects your home from the elements, increases the value of your property, and a roof looks excellent if it is done right, adding to the curb appeal. With the technological advances in building materials, many options are designed to be customized to your location and style of your home. Replacing the roof on your home not only increases your property value, but it significantly decreases the cost of your electricity. At Semper Solaris, we have built our reputation on being the expert in roof construction and roof replacement in Livermore. Your Best Home Roof in Livermore Because of technological advances, roofs are built to higher standards and are more durable than roofs in the past. According to Energy.gov, “A cool roof is one that has been designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard roof. It comes with reflective material and proper sealing and ventilation for even more energy efficiency, giving your home protection from the elements over the long term. Various types of roofs can be made into cool roofs. The most common roofing tiles are Shingle roofs Tile roofs Metal roofs Wood shingles. Semper Solaris is the best roofing company in Livermore for your roof replacement. As top-notch roofers, it is essential to know about the various options on the market today. We are up to speed on the latest technology and top-quality roof replacement products from Owens Corning and GAF. Your Roof and Solar in Livermore Installing solar panels along with your roof is a smart investment for your home, maximizing the value. A solar power installation will save you thousands of dollars throughout the life of your solar system. It is well worth the added cost in the long run. Using Semper Solaris, professional roofers and solar installers is the safe bet, with both your roof and solar panels being covered by the same reliable company for warranties and service. We are experts in the design, construction, and repair of roofs as well as solar panel installation. We provide top-notch service with knowledgeable, experienced technicians and engineers. Our experience is second to none when it comes to the repair and construction of roofs. Our passion for solar power and our reputation for excellence makes us the best roofing contractors in Livermore as well as experts in the installation of Solar panels. We offer excellent warranties and considerable discounts for the installation of both. And we can help you with financing options. Call Semper Solaris today for your best roof. You won’t be disappointed.
Whether you are considering going solar but aren’t sure if your roof could handle the panels or you are just curious about the lifespan of your roof, taking the time to assess your home exterior is important. Not everyone is a roof expert, however, there are some tell tale signs that can give you insight into your roof’s health. We’ve outlined what you should keep an eye out for below. When Is it Time for a New Roof? As a homeowner, there are countless features of your home that you have to maintain, from the plumbing to the landscaping. Your roof condition is one of the most important aspects you can maintain, serving as the protection for your home interior from the outside elements. Here are some of the most common factors that indicate it's time to think about roof for your home: Roof Age Exceeding 20 Years Bald Spots Curling & Buckling Missing Shingles or Materials Roof Valleys Chimney Flashing Granules in the Gutters Leaks in Interior Storm Damage Mold or Algae Cracked Shingles Even if your roof hasn’t experienced major leaks or other problems, it still may be at the end of it's lifespan. Constant preventative maintenance to keep your roof healthy could cost you just as much as a roof replacement down the road, if not more in the long run due to unexpected repairs. The sooner you check off the new roof on your list of home improvements, the sooner you can enjoy peace of mind again. Take the Next Step for Your Roof & Find the Right Contractor You deserve a roof that provides your house with proper protection, insulation, and increased home value. Finding the right contractor is a key step in the process, as they’ll walk you through each step with complete security. The right contractor will also provide you with clear expectations, including an estimated timeline so that you can plan your schedule accordingly. Think your roof is ready for a serious facelift? It’s time to consider your options. If you are looking for expert roof information, Semper Solaris is always just a phone call away. We provide top quality roof replacements that allow homes to adapt to the latest residential solar panel systems. Backed by our military-mindset, we make sure every job gets done with exceptional craftsmanship, work ethic, and integrity. Our Inland Empire roofers can review all your roofing choices, ensuring you understand the best materials needed to upgrade your home with.
You may think summertime is the best time to repair a roof, but the autumn months are preferred. In bright sunny Orange County, roofing projects can be extremely hot and dangerous in the summertime. A crisp fall morning is a much better time to undergo a roofing project to prepare for winter, and your roofing contractor will thank you as well! Orange County Winters Although it never snows in coastal OC towns such as Newport Beach or Huntington, it still gets windy, and there’s still a little bit of rain. Completing a roofing project in fall is a great way to prevent any issues you may have with an old roof in the wintertime - i.e. leaks, pooling water or rotting asphalt shingles. If you have any broken shingles, they will only get worse in the winter and those few broken shingles may compromise the integrity of your entire roof as well as your attic space. Furthermore, a new roof will save you money on your utility bill. That’s right: OC homeowners often forget that a roof is more than just a set of shingles. Getting a new roof in the fall will help insulate and ventilate your home before the colder winter months. This could save you money in the long run by allowing your furnace to not have to work as hard. You’ll also be saving money year-round because a well-insulated home will offer the same benefits for your AC in the summer. Fall has the Perfect Temperature for Roofing Projects As we’ve mentioned before, Orange County summers are hot. The heat offers more issues than just a tough time for workers though. Hot weather can also warp asphalt shingles and cause issues with properly fitting your roofing materials together. That’s just another big reason why fall is the best time to install a roof for Orange County residents. Contact Semper Solaris today to make sure your home’s roof is ready for winter. Our team of expert roofers is local to the Orange County area and we take great pride in offering the best roof replacement services in OC.
When it comes to roofs, there are a wide range of options to select from. You’ve got everything from TPO for many commercial buildings to classic shingle for residential homes. Materials can range from metal to wood to cement to plastic to clay. What makes one material more preferred over the other? It can vary greatly based on the use of building, geographical location, weather, budget, and style. So what are some of the most common types of roofs that can be found in the Bay Area? We break down the region’s most popular roofing options. Keep reading to find out more! What Type of Roof Do You Have? Wondering if your roofing material makes it in the top four most common roofing materials? Check the list below to learn more about your home’s roofing material or other options available to you. Here are some of the Bay Area’s top roofing materials: Slate: The pristine, elegant beauty of slate has been proven reliable for homeowners time and time again. Weather-resistant, slate roofs boast a lifespan ranging from 80 to 100 years. The natural appearance of slate lends itself to many different patterns and styles, making it a diverse roofing material. Slate tiles are also fire-resistant and rather easy to keep looking good for years to come. Clay / Terracotta: As a very common option found throughout California, clay (or terracotta) tiles exude Mediterranean or Spanish style. Due to the durability of clay, it is a very popular selection -- it can withstand fires, rot, and even insect pestering. Another feature that makes clay tiles so common is the range of colors and styles available. You can customize these details to best suit the style of your home, making them very versatile. Wood Shakes: Though they are a little more susceptible to fire damage and rot than other roofing materials, wood shakes provide great insulation and air circulation for homes. This style of roofing can come in numerous colors, wood types, and patterns, making it ideal for customization. Wood shake roof designs can look anywhere from rustic chic to old world romantic. Composite Shingles: As one of the most affordable roofing materials, composite shingles can be used for a range of different home types. Homeowners often have a broad selection of colors and styles of shingles, even recycled shingle options. Other options include fiberglass and asphalt. Ready to Upgrade Your Roofing? Schedule Replacement! Whether you have a slate roof or clay shingles, if your roof is in serious need of replacement, leave it to the pros at Semper Solaris. Why consider a roof replacement? Not only can an upgraded roof better protect your home and personal property, but it can also add to the value of your house. A sturdy roof means peace of mind and boosted curb appeal. If you’ve considered going solar, having a stable, strong, and reliable roof is all the more important to complete your home improvement project. Interested in learning more about our roof replacement in the Bay Area? We are here to help. Contact us today to get informed.
While typically found on commercial roofs, some more modern or minimalist home designs may also feature flat roofs. Flat roofs are very popular in the Bay Area, primarily due to the influence of famed architect Joseph Eichler, who promoted affordable midcentury-modern designs in San Francisco and surrounding areas. With that stylized look comes a little more maintenance and upkeep than your average roof. One of the biggest challenges is determining if your roof just needs some repair work or is due for a major replacement. This becomes even tricky to determine when you have a flat roof. The good news? We’ve outlined a few of the most common problems that indicate its time to have your roof inspected or worked on. What to Keep an Eye Out For Water Puddles or Pools A typical roof has a slant to it to prevent water from building up anywhere. Flat roofs don’t have this advantage. With exposure to the elements, your roof can begin to develop some dips or uneven spots. Since that rain or snow really has no natural runoff point, these areas could begin to collect water. While your roofing materials are likely designed to withstand rain and snowfall, it is still good to inspect for pools a day or so after rain and ensure these spots are drained quickly to avoid deterioration at all. To avoid these spots, some additional repairs may be required. Buckling Membrane A flat roof will typically have an asphalt membrane that is laid across the roof space. While initially flat, the natural movement and shifts of your home will cause some wear and tear to that membrane. If there is an excessive amount of shifting, there could be buckles in the membrane. This is a serious structural issue that requires immediate inspection. Most likely, a buckling membrane indicates is time for a roof replacement. Roof Cracking or Bubbling Often referred to as “alligatoring,” a flat roof that begins to crack and bubble (resembling an alligator’s skin) is a telltale sign that a roof replacement is on the horizon. Why does this occur? Roofs that are flat don’t have the natural give that slanted roofs have. Over time, the build-up of pressure can cause the asphalt on your roof to lose some of its elasticity, eventually deteriorating so badly that a replacement is the only option. Leaks or Water Stains This is an easy problem to spot -- and one of the most common to plague flat roofs. Moisture spots or leaks can not only be threats to the structural health and integrity of your roof, but also the interior of your home. Thankfully, these types of issues are generally pretty straightforward and easier to resolve without replacement. However, due to the flat shape, moisture doesn’t run off as naturally, so it is important to handle leaks as soon as you notice them try to prevent mold and fungus developments. Flashing Issues Your roof is exposed to the elements 24/7. That means it will endure natural wear and tear over the years. Flashing issues can develop when your flat roof begins to expand and contract due to this exposure and temperature swings. The flashing may start to peel away, exposing corners of the roof to the elements. This means the threat of leaks, mold build up due to unchecked moisture, and other complications. Have Roofing Problems? Semper Solaris is proud to offer reliable roof replacement in the Bay Area. If you are concerned about some problems you notice with your flat roof, don’t hesitate to contact our skilled roofing professionals today.
