Sustainable Roofing Materials

Posted By under Roofing Materials

The sustainable roofing trend is gaining the attention of homeowners because it is interesting and practical.

Many people mistake sustainable for eco-friendly, but the difference is that while eco-friendly materials don’t cause harm to the surrounding environment when being used, sustainable materials are raw materials that don’t cause permanent damage to the environment during their sourcing.

Here are some sustainable roofing materials.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are some of the most popular roofing materials and they are also sustainable. This material is sturdy and has a long lifespan that allows it to survive through all weather conditions.

Its sustainability is found in the fact that it can be reused. The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says about 2 million tons of reclaimed asphalt shingles were used in the creation of roads within the United States in 2015.

 

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs have grown in popularity in the past decades, and their uses have gone beyond barns and farmhouses to include beautiful homes and workplaces.

Metal roofing can resemble traditional shingles, and they have the longevity and durability that homeowners treasure.

Due to their insulative and reflective functions, metal roofs help reduce the cost of cooling and heating the home. They also contain a large percentage of content that can be recycled.

 

Solar 

Solar energy is the go-to for many sustainability-conscious homeowners, and it is a great choice too.

It helps you save electricity expenditure and reduces your carbon footprint by improving the energy efficiency in your home.

With more technological advancements, solar panels are becoming more affordable. The amount you save over time also makes it an investment worth considering.

 

Mixed Material Roofing

Mixed metal roofing is a response to a situation where you want a metal roof but are unable to afford it.

Multiple roofing materials that often combine metal and shingle roofs are a new solution that many people are trying. With this roofing style, you pair metal roof panels with laminated shingles on different roof sections for sustainability and appeal.

Importance Of Commercial Roof Maintenance

Posted By under Commercial Roofing

Why is Commercial Roof Maintenance In San Diego Important?

Every commercial building needs a properly and thoroughly maintained roof, whether it is public or private property. Maintenance is important for public property to ensure that workers within the facility and people who pass along are safe.

When you maintain a roof, you also put other parts of the building like the walls, ceiling, and foundation in a good state.

Problems like bubbling, pooling, and loose flashing can negatively affect your commercial roof in San Diego. So, it is important to fix them immediately, instead of facing issues with safety and finances down the line.

Here’s what to look out for on your roof:

Flaws in Commercial Construction & Architecture

You’ll find that lots of commercial buildings in San Diego were built more than 3 decades ago. The building regulations have changed since then, just as the construction industry has evolved to include new design specifications and safety measures to ensure that buildings are safe and can last longer.

Many older buildings don’t have proper ventilation, drainage, and roof slopes, making them burdensome to the owners.

To improve the quality of the building and the lifespan of the roof, engage the services of a professional San Diego commercial roofing company with a specialty in flat roofing. These professional roofers will assess your property for free, make recommendations, and offer you a warranty if you work with them.

Pooling Of Water 

Pooling water is a very common issue associated with a design flaw. Although small spots of water here and there isn’t often a problem and would dry up when the sun comes out, large puddles of water that sit on your roof will cause it to deteriorate.

A flat roof isn’t completely flat. It needs to have a slight slope that allows rainwater and melted snow to flow down the roof into the drains.

Gaps in Vents, Flashing, and Skylights 

It is easy and affordable to fix small gaps in vents and flashing if you handle them immediately when they occur. A damaged flashing leads to leakages; hence, it is important for the flashing and other metals on commercial buildings to be checked periodically by a commercial roofing contractor to identify erosion, separation, and other forms of damage.

Taking cognizance of the details above will help you to ensure that your flat roof remains in good condition. Remember that flat roofs, like other types of roofs need regular maintenance to save money, and time, and improve their lifespan.

Everything You Need To Know About Roof Flashing  

Posted By under Roofing Materials, Roofing Tips

Your home’s roof is a combination of several components, including tar paper, shingles, and flashing. Flashing, although often overlooked, is an important component of your roof.

If you’re not certain what it is, flashing is a metal piece used to keep water away from parts of your roof where there’s a form of interruption with the roofing sheets. For instance, where you have your vent pipes and chimneys, the roof flashing ensures that leaks don’t occur. It also shields the roof’s first layering as well as the underlay of the roof.

Now that you know how flashing prevents leakage on your roof, let’s talk about all the interesting facts you should know about this important part of your roof.

What is roof flashing made of?

Several materials are used to make roof flashing. They include steel, aluminum, and copper.

Steel

Steel is known for its durability, as well as the fact that working with it is easy, which is why it is one of the most used materials for flashing.

Corrosion resistance is also a quality of galvanized steel.

Copper

Copper roof flashing has longevity and durability on its side. It is also loved because it is beautiful and very easy to work with.

However, one worry about working with copper is that it tends to discolor into a patina, so bear it in mind before selecting these materials, and ensure that you’re cool with the aesthetic.

Aluminum

Although aluminum is great due it its lightweight nature and the fact that it forms easily, one concern when working with this material is that it degrades when it comes in contact with alkaline surfaces. So, it is important to coat it when using it alongside masonry and concrete.

If you live in coastal regions, you also need to coat it to avoid corrosion.

Always ensure that the material you choose to work with is in line with the building code. Discuss with your roof contractor to get professional advice.

What types of flashing are there?

There are several types of flashing for your roofs, and we’ll be discussing them briefly.

Base Flashing

Base flashing is used for joints that lie between the surface of the roof and a vertical surface like a chimney or wall. It also prevents water from leaking on the roof deck.

Base flashing is used for chimneys requiring two pieces of flashing to make sure rain always comes in contact with a flashing surface that pushes it downwards.

Due to the difficulty in installing flashing around a chimney, roofers now learn to add extra protection.

Continuous Flashing

Also known as apron flashing, continuous flashing is a long metal piece that transports water to the shingle under. This long continuous flashing piece often develops problems flexing when the house expands and also contracts as the seasons change.

If left the way they come, continuous flashing could warp, break, or be unable to keep out water. So, long pieces should go along with built-in expansion joints to allow them to change as the home changes.

Continuous flashing is used at points where a vertical wall and a sloped roof meet to create a horizontal line, such as at a dormer wall.

Counter Flashing

Counter flashing is positioned above or opposite the base flashing. Its function is to complete the two-way system you find in tricky roofing areas like chimneys.

Drip edges

Drip edges are L-shaped, slim metal flashings at the edge of a roof that leads water to drip safely off the roof without leaking or causing damage to the home.

These pieces of flashing sit at the edge of your roof and are very important parts of your roof system.

Kickout Flashing

Kickout flashing is responsible for leading water from the building wall towards the gutter.

Professional roofers use kick-out flashing to make up for the space between the end of the step flashing and the beginning of the gutter.

Skylight Flashing

As the name implies, this flashing is used where there is an existing skylight. Some roofing manufacturers make the skylight flashlight as a part of their products. Also, some professional roofers either purchase existing skylight flashing or create their skylight flashing.

Step Flashing

Step flashing looks like a step when installed, which is where it gets its name from. It is a rectangle piece of flashing with a 90-degree bend at the center.

The step flashing is installed in layers of multiple pieces with shingles to direct the flow of water away from the wall.

Step flashing is used for roof connections between the roof and the wall.

Valley flashing

Valley flashing is used to direct water away from your room in a downward direction. They are installed on your roof’s open valleys and are left open without having shingles for covering.

The valleys of your roof are low points, which is why you should ensure that your valley flashing is in perfect shape at all times.

5 Common Myths About Roofing Debunked

Posted By under Roofing Tips

Debunking the Roof Myths you have heard

Understanding your roof can be a little tricky, after all, you have to think about shingles, and ventilation, and also consider gutters and fascia.

To help you become better informed about the roof of your home, we will be debunking some myths.

 

MYTH 1- Leaks are the only thing to worry about

Even without leaks, your roof deserves attention, inspection, and routine maintenance in the summer as well as in spring. The inspection should include checking the condition of your roof shingles, gutters, and flashing.

You’ll need to care for your roof during this period with some important tips, as well as during winter and fall.

 

MYTH 2- It’s okay to simply add a new layer of shingles

This myth is associated with cutting costs, but it is a risky decision to add a new layer of shingles over an old roof. Sometimes, it is necessary to change the entire roof or repair the damage properly.

It is our duty to inspect your roof decking when we remove your old roof to ensure that there are no leaks and damages. Improper assessment of your roof can cause problems as time goes on.

 

Myth 3- Dark shingles translate to higher energy bills 

Although darker shingles are known to absorb more heat when it is sunny, it doesn’t always amount to higher energy costs. With a properly insulated and ventilated roof, the heat will not be absorbed into your living space.

 

Myth 4- A roof shouldn’t be replaced unless it is leaking 

A leak is not a sign of failure of a roof. There can be several reasons why your roof needs to be changed.

Water can damage your roof decking or its structure when it enters. When this happens, you’ll need to spend more on repairs when you indeed want to change your roof.

You need a professional to assess your roof and let you know whether you have moisture damage, the extent of the damage, and what to do next.

We can carry out the assessment, advise you on the next step, and also offer repair and replacement services that are in your best interest.

 

Myth 5- Asphalt Shingles are all the same

Asphalt shingles don’t all have the same quality, although they are made from similar materials.

Asphalt shingles often have different qualities, colors, and textures, especially when they are produced by different brands.

That’s why you need an expert to recommend the right product that falls within your needs and budget.

Although many roofing contractors might recommend composition shingles or asphalt shingles due to their ability to withstand the Pacific Northwest weather that includes rain, snow, hail, and wind, these shingles are porous and susceptible to mildew and mold growth. So, frequent maintenance is necessary.

Can a Metal Roof affect my Wi-Fi signal?

Posted By under Metal Roofing, Roofing Materials

With the widespread of the internet, almost every home probably depends on using Wi-Fi equipment or connectivity. When setting up things in and around the house, a primary concern is to ensure that whatever you do doesn’t restrict or affect your Wi-Fi signal and make it difficult to handle all internet-dependent activities.

Metal roofing systems are fast gaining popularity across the United States because of their durability, less likelihood of damage, and greater strength than other common roofing materials.

Metal roofs outlive asphalt shingles by decades, as they last for 50 to 70 years before they need replacement. This is as opposed to asphalt that needs replacement in thirty years or even less.

But despite these promising features of metal roofs, many homeowners might want to think twice before getting a metal roof installation. They are often unsure about whether or not it would affect their Wi-Fi signal negatively.

The fear is quite understandable because such a large metal object might seem able to block your wireless internet connection. But is that true? How can homeowners handle metal roofs and Wi-Fi connectivity?

Does Metal Roofing Affect Wireless Internet?

Indeed, metal can disrupt wireless connections and cause some issues with your Wi-Fi. However, a metal roof is not the sole cause of Wi-Fi connection issues, so if you have a metal roof, the problem could also be something else.

The factors that can cause poor internet connection in your house could include poor local internet coverage, having small metal objects situated near your router, and the software or the devices you’re using, including your router. Other things include your ISP service and materials used in your home construction, such as brick and metal.

So, before concluding that your Wi-Fi issues are caused by the metal roof, consider these possibilities and handle them. They might truly be the problem.

Metal roofing systems and Wi-Fi connections have a complicated relationship, but we’ll help you understand it.

To What Extent Do Metal Roofs Interfere with Wi-Fi?

It is important to note that your metal roof may or may not affect your Wi-Fi connection, depending on your internet source. For instance, if you receive internet by cable or a satellite dish, your metal roof won’t affect your connection.

The signal from cable service or a satellite dish comes from outside your house, rather than inside since it is transmitted into your house by a cable that’s either connected to the modem or router within your home. Whatever issues you have with your internet using this method are not connected to your metal roof and might be poor signals. The solution would be to reach out to your cable or satellite provider and ask them to test your connection strength and then adjust it to improve your internet quality.

Your internet problem might also be caused by a router or modem that is below par. Such a router will lead to Wi-Fi connection complications even if the signals you’re receiving are strong.

Conclusively, as a homeowner with a metal roof, the Wi-Fi connectivity issues you’re facing might have very little or nothing to do with your roofing material.

 

How can I ensure a strong Internet Signal with a metal roof?

If you have a metal roof, and even if you don’t, you can boost your Wi-Fi connection and handle connectivity issues with these tips:

The first thing is to make sure that your router is positioned correctly. You might be positioning your router wrongly without knowing. And yes, there’s a wrong and right way to position your router in terms of getting the best internet connection.

It is important to avoid placing your router on the floor. Placing your router on the floor can increase your chances of suffering connectivity issues. Always place it on an elevated surface such as a stool or table.

It is also important to avoid placing your router close to metal objects, and not only your roof.

Finally, look around your home and test different locations around the house to identify the point with the best, most consistent, and strongest connectivity before choosing it as your router’s permanent location.

 

Your Metal Roof Is Most Likely Not Affecting Your Wi-Fi Signal

Finally, it is quite unlikely that your metal roofing system would cause a hitch or negatively affect the reliability and strength of your home’s Wi-Fi connection.

So, if you have begun experiencing issues and you think it is connected to your new metal roof, you might be very wrong. Consider the other issues we listed above and ask your internet provider to check out other factors.

In the end, metal roofs are great for homeowners because they are durable, attractive, and have a lifespan that an asphalt roofing system and a list of others can’t match.

If you haven’t decided to install a metal roof because you’re worried that it could affect your Wi-Fi connection, rest easy because a metal roof will have minimal or zero effects on your internet connection.