A leaking roof can be extremely unsettling for a homeowner or a tenant. Not only can a leaking roof damage the structure of a building, but it can damage the items inside as well. It is important to catch a leak early so steps can be taken to clean up the water, assess the damage, and repair the area.

If a leak is detected, it is essential to clean up any water that has accumulated and try to contain the leak as best as possible. Placing pots or bowls under the leak can help contain the water and keep it from causing further damage. It is also important to mop up any standing water, as it could leak into the floor and cause mold or rot.

Only after the rain has stopped and the roof has dried is it safe to inspect the house roofing. If the leaking area is easily detected, it may also be easy to fix. For example, the caulking on a flashing seam may need replacing. Roof caulk can be purchased at most home improvement stores and it is easy to apply to a seam. If the problem is more difficult to repair or the roof is dangerous to go on, it is important to contact a local roofing repair company. A roofing repair company can not only fix the leak, but can make sure all parts of the roof are in working order, like the rain gutters.

Even if a leak is easily repaired, it is recommended that a roofing contractor is called to assess the damage done. Dangerous molds or fungi can grow in the wet wood left from a leaking roof. Also, wet wood can rot or warp and cause internal structure problems. A roofing contractor or repair company can check for these problems, as well as prevent new ones from happening. Preventative maintenance is essential to a long lasting and leak free roof.

Above All Roofing provides leak repair and inspection services to the Bay Area. Serving San Jose, Santa Clara and Milpitas, Above All Roofing can repair or replace a leaking roof. They also provide free estimates to potential clients. For more information, visit their website at www.above-allroofing.com or call their twenty-four hour hotline at (866) 941-9072. Customers are eligible for $50 off a repair over $1000 or $150 off of any roof replacement.

 

Upkeep is an ongoing task for which any homeowner knows the importance, and your house roofing is one of the most important structures to give your attention.  From a leaking roof to the subsequent damage of rain gutters, roofing repair in the Bay Area may be especially challenging due to the winter rainy season.  Maintenance is a crucial step to avoid having to completely replace your house roofing prematurely.

Polycarbonate roofing sheets are just one way to invest in the maintenance of your house roofing now to avoid costly repairs or premature replacement later.  Made from high quality polycarbonate – an easily molded and thus diversely used thermoplastic – polycarbonate roofing sheets are highly durable, temperature and stain resistant, lightweight and non-toxic.

When installed in the twin-wall design, polycarbonate roofing sheets can also provide added insulation to your home, making your house roofing work towards cutting down the costs of future roofing repair as well as overall energy costs.  In addition to use on your house roofing, polycarbonate roofing sheets can be used for lean-to roof systems, sheds, greenhouses, dog kennels and car washes.

Above All Roofing, a contractor serving Santa Clara, San Jose, Milpitas and other Bay Area locations, provides care for residential, commercial and industrial roofing needs.  To learn more about polycarbonate roofing sheets and other roofing maintenance or replacement services contact Above All Roofing at 408-292-4188.

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Choosing the right contractor for your roofing repair can seem a daunting task.  The difference between feeling good about your decision – and getting quality work done – can be as simple as asking the right questions.  In general, you are looking for a contractor with a solid reputation in your local community.  A Bay Area company, for example, is more desirable than a national one because they have a higher stake in making you happy.  As well, a company with proven longevity in the Bay Area is more likely to satisfy your house roofing needs.

Some signs to look out for when choosing a roofing repair company are lack of a license, complaints with the Better Business Bureau, unwillingness to provide references, pushy salesmen, roofing repair estimates of over one week, and companies that outsource cleanup after the work is done.  In addition to these red flags, always follow your gut.  You may not know how to fix a leaking roof; you may not know how to clear your rain gutters; but you do know what is right for you and your home.  If something seems off, continue your search for the best house roofing company for your home.

As you make your way through the process of researching potential house roofing contractors and companies, the following questions will help to guide you towards the contractor or company best for you:

  • May I have a list of references from some of your past house roofing jobs?
  • How long have you been in the roofing repair companies business?
  • How many leaking roofs have you had reported this year from roofs you installed?
  • Do you have any complaints filed with the BBB (this you can verify yourself as well)?
  • How long is your house roofing warranty and what does it cover?
  • What is your time frame?(you want them on and off your roof in a week’s time or less)
  • Is clean up after roofing repair or house roofing replacement your responsibility or mine?
  • Will you run a magnet to pick up loose nails?
  • Will you clean up scrap shingles or metal roofing?

Above All Roofing has for years served Santa Clara, San Jose, Milpitas, and several other cities throughout the Bay Area with quality roofing repair and house roofing replacement.   To learn more about choosing the best contractor or company contact Above All Roofing at 408-292-4188.

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For many, the prospect of hiring a contractor or company to handle their roofing repairs or replacement of house roofing is a task likened to that of automotive repair: getting ripped off is considered an obligatory part of the process.  The savvy homeowner can regain their sense of power, however, by taking a few precautions to ensure that their leaking roof, cluttered rain gutters or completely replaced house roofing is handled by a professional offering quality work and reasonable rates.  The most surefire way to move from ripped off and sour to pleased and empowered is research.

Taking just a little time to research a contractor or company before hiring them for roofing repair or house roofing replacement can pay dividends later in peace of mind, work quality and overall costs.  Roofing repair contractors and companies are abundant in the Bay Area; so, it is especially important to use research to filter the reliable from those who might leave you feeling ripped off.  When conducting your research of a contractor or company there are a few tell-tale signs for which you should look.  These questions will help you pinpoint red flags and green lights:

  1. How long has the contractor or company been in the roofing repair business in the Bay Area?
  2. What do previous customers have to say about the quality of the contractor’s/company’s work?
  3. Are they a member of the Better Business Bureau?
  4. Do they have a license on file with your county and/or city?
  5. How soon are they able to start working on your house roofing?
  6. Where do they get their supplies, and how long have they ordered from this vendor?

The answers to these questions will place you in a much better position to make an informed decision about which house roofing contractor or roofing repair company gets your business.  Ideally, your contractor or company will have a lengthy history of work in the Bay Area and preferably in your specific Bay Area city.  Whether it is Santa Clara, San Jose, or Milpitas, your contractor or company should be familiar with the climate characteristics of your area and have techniques and materials that address those characteristics.  As well, your contractor or company should have positive feedback from former clients and good standing with the Better Business Bureau.  A license is also a must, as it ensures you are dealing with a roofing repair professional.  A professional will also take time to assess your house roofing, searching for signs of leaking roof and the state of your rain gutters in addition to other signs of wear and tear.  Be wary of contractors or companies that seem in a rush, offering to start your job tomorrow.  That quick start may foreshadow poor work, cheap materials, and increased costs in the future.

Researching  contractors and companies before hiring for your house roofing needs can make you feel more confident about the process of roofing repair and increase your odds of getting quality roofing repair work and reasonable rates.  To learn more about choosing the best contractor or company contact Above All Roofing at 408-292-4188.

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Selecting a commercial roofing contractor is a delicate and time consuming task. There are many factors in place that make commercial roofing contractors different from house roofing contractors. But, with the right tools, the selection process can be expedited.

The right contractor will be able to work around the unique schedule required for a commercial project. Because it is often times necessary for a contractor to work around business hours, selecting a contractor that is willing to do that is vital. If a business has a leaking roof, it is essential to find a contractor that will to the job efficiently, quickly, and around the business’ schedule.

The first step in choosing a commercial roofing contractor is to find at least three individuals that are willing to give written bids. These will vary due to brand preferences of specific contractors. For example, one contractor may prefer a brand of rain gutters that run $4 per linear foot, while another might prefer a brand that runs at $8 per linear foot. Small details like this can alter the price of a bid immensely. The more detailed a bid is, the easier it is to select a contractor that meets the needs of a company.

Costs will also vary depending on the materials used. Metal roofing is not as commonly used, however it is less expensive to install and is more energy efficient, making it less expensive in the long run. They also require less maintenance, making the need for roofing repair less likely.

Above All Roofing serves Santa Clara, San Jose, Milpitas and the greater Bay Area. For a quote or more information on commercial roofing contractors, call Above All Roofing at (408) 292-4188.

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Have you taken a look at your house roofing lately?  Roofing repair is an important part of your home maintenance, and your house roofing is more susceptible to wearing down over time than most other structures of your home.  Annual inspection of your house roofing is recommended to guard against the long-term damage and increased costs of roofing repair for leaking roof and rain gutters.  The latter are especially important here in the Bay Area, where winter downpours can literally give your house roofing a beating.

Many roofing repair companies are available in Santa Clara, San Jose, Milpitas and throughout the Bay Area and often offer free inspections of your house roofing and rain gutters.  If hiring a professional is not your first choice, it is possible to conduct your own inspection.  To do so, pay close attention to the following areas of your house roofing:

  1. Flashings around chimneys and vents
  2. Rain gutters (check for asphalt gravel)
  3. Shingles
    1. Bare spots and/or warping on wooden shingles
    2. Rusting on metal shingles
    3. Brittle slate or clay tile
  4. Eaves (check underneath near skylights for water damage)

The condition of the above areas and the type of shingles of your house roofing play a significant role in whether or not your inspection will result in roofing repair or replacing your house roofing.  The Bay Area weather may be harder on some shingles than others.  Obvious signs that your house roofing shingles are at odds with the Bay Area weather, or are beyond repair and in need of replacement, are a frequently leaking roof during the rainy season and rain gutters that frequently become clogged.  As well, interior wall or ceiling blistering, obvious leakage or water damage, ice buildup in the attic, curling shingles that look dirty or have algae, sagging and rotten soffits, and rise in household energy costs during the winter are tell-tale signs that your house roofing should be replaced.

If roofing repair is not an option and you do decide to replace your house roofing, keep in mind that the type of shingle you selected will impact future repair and replacement costs.  Clay tiles are a popular mainstay of homes in the Bay Area and are especially prominent in the South Bay areas of Santa Clara, San Jose and Milpitas.  Clay tiles are also among the most expensive shingles for purchase and installation.  Other options include asphalt, wood, slate and galvanized shingles.  Asphalt and wood shingles are more affordable options but are also less durable over time.  Slate shingles are the most expensive to install and galvanized shingles are best for colder climates.

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Cool roofs are highly reflective, highly emissive roofing materials that stay 50 to 60 degrees F cooler than a normal roof under a hot summer sun.

Cool roofs can cut building owners’ energy costs. Because cool roofs gain less heat than normal roofs, they reduce the need for air conditioning making buildings more comfortable to the people inside.

Cool roofs have other benefits, too. For building owners they can cut maintenance costs and increase the life expectancy of the roof. And for society in general, cool roofs can even help to reduce the urban heat island effect that makes our cities hotter and produces unhealthy air.

Because cool roofs save both money and energy, in October 2005 they became part of the prescriptive requirements of California’s energy code, the Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards. Most cool roof materials for low-sloped roofs are white or another light color. Because steep-sloped roofs are often visible from the ground, however, roofing material manufacturers have developed popular roof colors other than white that will still reflect or emit the sun’s energy away from the building.

Cool Roof Resources

Roofing Contractor Training (Acrobat file, 1 mb)
Cool Roof Training Videos
Cool Roof Regulations Excerpts – 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Acrobat file, 152 kb)
Blueprint # 83, Q&A on Cool Roofs (Acrobat file, 1.4 mb)
Blueprint # 86, Cool Roof Update (Acrobat file, 1.7 mb)

Questions and Answers for Building Owners – 2005 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Acrobat file, 128 kb)

Commercial Reroofing

Steps to Help Decide if a Cool Roof is Right for You (Acrobat file)

Sample Forms to Meet Building Criteria

Sample Form – Commercial Reroofs (Generic Sample Form)
Sample Form – Commercial Reroofs (City of Vacaville)

Cool Roof Rating Council

The Cool Roof Rating Council is an independent organization that lists the solar reflectance and thermal emittance specifications for many roofing products. CRRC is a valuable resource for building officials; energy service providers; architects and specifiers; property owners and community planners – anyone seeking to improve the energy efficiency of their buildings.

www.coolroofs.org – CRRC website

Web-based R-value Calculator for Reroofs

A calculator is now available to quickly determine the energy-equivalent R-value of insulation needed to meet title 24 requirements if a building owner chooses to install a non-cool roof during a reproofing project.

Developed by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) in conjunction with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Energy Commission, the calculator takes into account the level of existing insulation, the climate zone, and several other factors that determine the proper R-value of required insulation.

Prescriptive Criteria for Non-Residential New Construction Calculator

Prescriptive Criteria for Non-Residential Reroof Construction Calculator

Incentives

Find financial incentives offered by your local utility using the search tool at:

www.fypower.org/res/tools/rgl.html

Additional Sources for More Information

Consumer Energy Center Cool Roofs Page
Consumer Energy Center Cool Roofs FAQ Page

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Rain water can be quite a destructive force, and unless half round gutters are installed on your home it could end up doing a lot of damage. Your home’s roof, siding, doors, windows, and even the foundation can all be damaged when you do not have this simple device installed and well maintained. It may not seem like such an important matter now, but it certainly will when you have to spend money on expensive siding and roof leak repair. This article will provide you with a short introduction to these useful devices.

Even though there are quite a few different types of guttering to choose from, half round gutters are quickly becoming the most popular. They are one of the oldest types on the market and are still widely used today. They are available in a wide assortment of colors, they are relatively inexpensive, and they even offer an impressive appearance. Another one of their many advantages is that they go well with pretty much every building type, both historical and modern. They can be made from many different materials, but steel gutters are the most common.

One of the reasons why half round gutters are so popular is because they have been around for a long time. They are actually one of the oldest types of gutter and before the 1950s they were the most widely used. Many of the designs currently on the market today are actually just a reproduction of antique styles that have been in existence for hundreds of years. Things changed only recently when the K style became more popular in the 1960s. However, over the years many people have decided to return to this style and they have taken off once again.

You will find that installing half round gutters is just as easy as any other type so there are no problems in this department. Just make sure that they are attached slightly underneath the eaves of your roofing so that as much water runoff as possible makes it into them. The downspouts are installed on each corner of the house so that the water can be taken away from the home’s foundation. Believe it or not, but water can be a huge source of damage to the foundation.

Even after your half round gutters have been installed you aren’t finished with them as they must be properly maintained. It is common for them to get clogged up with leaves, twigs, and other debris as time goes by so they must be cleaned on occasion. Depending on the amount of trees you have near your home this may need done as little as once every two years or as often as three times per year. One alternative you might want to invest in are gutter guards that will keep these debris out.

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Having a roof under your head is literally one of your most important basic needs. Without a well-maintained roof, you will be more exposed to dangerous elements like harmful UV rays and raging storms. You will also be in danger when tough storms come to test the quality of your home. If you fail to conduct regular roof inspections, you will never notice when it has started to wear out until its shingles fall off or its holes produce leaks. Here are some of the things that you must remember before attempting to restore your roof by yourself.

Knowing when to Seek Help

The first thing that you should do is to assess its overall condition. If you think that the leaks are caused by a minor problem, it would be best to do the repairs yourself. However, if you see signs such as multiple leaks or major roofing surface damages, it would be wiser to contact roof experts and seek help from them.

You can also notice when the damage is too big for you to handle if the repairs you did eventually gave in. Once this happens, it means that your roof problem is probably bigger than you expected. Look for a credible person who can repair it and employ the proper roof repair techniques.

Fixing the Shingles Bar

Bad storms can damage shingles in your roof. If you have noticed that once of the shingles were damaged, you can do a quick fix. Buy roof cement and aluminum flashing from a home center within your vicinity. Use a pry bar to open the damaged shingle slightly. Apply some roof cement underneath it, and place the flashing over the cement. You can strengthen the hold by applying an additional amount of cement on top of the flashing you used. Hold the tab down and apply pressure on it. By doing this, you can ensure that the flashing will effectively stick to the roof.

Replacing Split Shingles

If you have wood shingles in your roof, it is normal to experience shingle splits or damage. In replacing one old shingle, you must split it into narrow pieces first with the use of a chisel and a hammer. After this, pull the shingle out with the help of reliable pliers. Use a hacksaw in cutting through the nails that originally held the loosened shingle.

After removing the old shingle, you can already proceed to attaching a new one in place. Use a utility knife to trim it down in order to match its size with the width and length of the shingle you removed. Make sure to be accurate with your measurements. Do not cut it smaller, or else it will not fit the space covered by the old shingle. Carefully slide the new shingle into place and use a hammer and wood block to press it down and keep it in place.

Well-built Roofs are Investments

In doing some repairs, make sure that your repair would be ready to battle huge storms and keep you safe from nature’s wrath. Keep in mind that your roof is an important investment. If it is not strong enough to hold heavy rainfall or endure excessive heat, you will have little chances of experiencing satisfaction with your home. Lastly, if you think that your skills will not be enough to fix it, do not hesitate to call an expert and ask for help

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The benefits of foam roof insulation are countless. The insulation material used is created from polyurethane foam. It is applied in liquid form and dries up to create a single film lining that covers the entire roof. This creates a seam free area, which is ideal because this is normally the source and reason for most leaks in roofs. It is actually safe to apply the foam directly to the roof. There is no reason to worry. The foam can actually be applied to just about any chosen surface and it easily molds into irregularly shaped roofs and overhangs.

Polyurethane is a lightweight yet very durable and firm material. On the average, one square foot of foam insulation is equal to about 50 pounds of worth as compared to 100 to 800 pounds for other roofs. It has a higher R value, which is a measure of thermal resistance or resistance to heat flow. Correspondingly, the higher the R value the more effective the insulation is. Polyurethane foam roof insulation has a higher R value than even the standard fiberglass. This allows for the home to be cooler. Homes with attics know that attics store heat even after the sun has gone down. This makes the foam roof insulation a necessity for homes even those without attics because it is able to cool the home significantly.

Foam roof insulation can also be used for mobile homes and trailers. This in effect, increases the R value of the mobile homes and trailers to nearly double. As for air-conditioned buildings such as livestock operations, barns and commercial buildings, it is quite an essential to have to be able to maintain the right comfortable temperature inside. The versatility of foam roof insulation is quite admirable. It can be painted on and even be covered over with shingles or an asphalt layer.

Foam roof insulation is very practical. Instead of having the air-conditioning run twice as long without insulation, having the roof insulated significantly reduces the heat that penetrates the home. Poor insulation can also result to water and wind damage to the roof. The good thing with foam roof insulation is that it is preventive. The foam sprayed into the roof and in between the tiles is a very cost efficient way to correct future problems. It is also an effective way to prevent those roof tiles or shingles from being blown off by strong winds during storms. Foam roof insulation has proven to withstand over two hundred mile an hour winds. Which goes to show that it is very reliable. Foam roof insulation also reduces the risk of dew point issues. Left untreated, this will later lead to water condensation. Water condensation or moisture that penetrates into the building is actually the primary reason behind the structure being damaged. By having a layer of foam in between the roof, it allows a the same layer to stop any leakage from penetrating any further even if the top layer of the foam roofing gets ruined. Many hairline fissures may appear in the top layer, but no leaks can get through even after a decade without repair as proven by the incident with the Super Dome in New Orleans.

Another good thing about foam roof insulation is that it requires very minimal to almost no maintenance whatsoever. Foam is proven to last longer than any popular roof coverings available in the market today. And what’s more is that it certainly costs much less compared to having to repair the roof and it takes much less time to complete. Foam roof insulation costs anywhere between $0.50 to $2.25 per square foot. This costing would depend on the climate in a specific area and on the desired R value in the product. A standard attic may go from $750 to around $1,100.

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