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Examine The Weather’s Impact On Your Roof

Harsh weather settings can wreak havoc on your house’s structure, particularly your roof. Whether it’s all of a sudden or gradually, heavy weather can certainly bring its toll on this hefty cost investment that keeps you nice and protected inside. Roofing experts can fix the problem and even assist you in the process of filing a claim with your insurance company to back up the damage, but it’s wise to examine the weather’s impact on your roof. Here is what to keep in mind before the next storm strikes:

Shingles

Thunderstorms may cause your shingles to loosen up or even completely pop out. Lighting won’t probably strike your roof, but if it does strike one of your trees, branches can be cut and land on your roof, leading to holes or cracks. To avoid this, aim to keep any big tree branches from stretching out and reaching your roof. Bad weather may also make your shingles bend or pop out.

Damage From Water

You should hire professional contractors to inspect your roof for water damage if you notice any leaky water points in your ceiling. This indicates that the storm has either left or utilized the existing holes in your roof, the flashing, and/or the air fanning through your attic. An expert roofer can fix any damaged spots and gauge the damage from humidity internally. If you don’t take prompt action, you risk getting mold to develop on your roof and indoors, which will gradually “eat” away from all the construction components that make your house sound and safe.

Gutters

Check your gutters to see if they have turned droopy, curled, or even cracked due to exposure to harsh winds that come with storms. Gutters in poor condition will simply not be able to orient water away from your base, posing a serious threat to the integral structure of your house.

Hailstorms

Hailstorms are rare but when they strike, things can quickly get out of whack. Hail can shatter metal or ceramic roofing tiles and stucco roofs or even weaken and damage tar and wooden shingles. It may also shatter your windows or damage your siding. Thus, if you see that it has bothered your roof, it’s essential to contact a qualified roofing expert to fix the problems and stop any structural damage.

Keep in mind that you should NEVER try to check the roof by yourself following a hailstorm. The occurrence of water spots or droopy and moldy shingles may increase the likelihood of an accident and injuries. If you find any issues from indoors or from your yard e.g. shattered gutters, you should contact an expert straight away. Bear in mind that licensed San Diego roofing companies can help you submit a claim with your insurance provider to cover all the fixing costs so there is no excuse to leave it for later.

Cedar Shake Roofing Alternative Options

Cedar shake roofs were a common choice back in the 70s and 80s, something that implies there are many roofs out there that have to be replaced. Cedarwood though is decreasing in popularity due to the high degree of maintenance it needs to appear in a great condition. To prevent any rotting or torn spots and make it more fireproof, a chemical should be used to the roof layers. If you are fed up with your cedar roof and ready for a renovation, a San Diego expert roofer will be able to give you some alternative options.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing has a high life duration of 50+years, making it a solid investment for your house. However, choosing metal roofing comes with other perks as well. It is available in several styles and colors to supplement your house’s appeal. Metal is a quite strong and durable material and will keep its looks for several decades. It also requires minimal maintenance, is hard to penetrate, and is highly resistant to heavy weather elements e.g. rain or wind. It helps deflect the harmful sun rays away from your house which can help control high heat during the hot summer months. Metal roofing is also becoming more popular with homeowners as it is often considered “the last roof you’ll get”.

Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt Roofing is a commonly used roofing material applied in 70% of home roofs across the nation. The shingles are quite flexible and are available in several shapes, shades, and styles to choose from. It is also a very cost and energy-saving textile. The application of asphalt roofing is also fairly easy and quick. The non-fussy application, compared to other roofing options, is also a factor that explains its low cost. Examine the perks of asphalt roofing when re-roofing your house.

Slate Composite Roofing

Slate roofs are lightweight but their application procedure is a bit hard. Application from a seasoned San Diego professional is also needed to prevent any cracks. While slate roofing is costly, depending on the selected manufacturer, it’s a highly durable roofing option, made to deflect UV rays and storm strikes. Some slate roof applications are also sustainable (based on their mining and production procedures). Slate composite roofing gives off a special and elegant look, while still offering all the perks you want to have in a roof.

Metal Roofing Types & Their General Perks

San Diego Metal Roofing

Let’s examine the several kinds of metal roofs currently available on the market so you can find the proper material and application to match your requirements.

A properly maintained roof can last up to three decades. But, the exact lifespan of your roof varied according to several variables such as your local weather settings and kinds of roofing.

Keep in mind that your roof is in the first level of defense against heavy weather strikes. Thus, you should take all the necessary measures to maintain your roof when going for different roofing structures.

Metal roofs are considered to be a solid and up-to-date choice when it comes to lasting roofing.

However, most people are unaware of the specifications of different metal roof types and so choosing between these is hard. Thus, before you take any roofing decision that will impact your San Diego home in the long run, here is what you should know about the various kinds of metal roofing.

Metal Roofs: 5 Main Types

“Metal roofing” is a broad term that applies to various metal materials. Nowadays more and more homeowners are choosing metal roofs because of their sustainability, cost-efficiency, and durability.

If you are thinking about getting a metal roof installed by a San Diego roofing company, here are the various metal roof types you can choose from:

Aluminum Roofing

Aluminum roofs are a solid roofing option for many homeowners. This is since aluminum is practical in its metal and standing seam version, during a roofing installation.
Aluminum metal roofing is suitable for both corporate and home roofing purposes due to the wide range of design options it comes with.

Advantages

One of the key pros of choosing an aluminum roof is certainly the durability factor. If properly maintained, an aluminum roof will be functional for up to 30 years, making your choice worthwhile.

If you are searching for a roofing material that won’t rust much through the years, aluminum is a great choice especially if you live in a coastal area. Aluminum offers significant protection against corrosion which is higher compared to other metal materials.

Average Cost

A considerable drawback of aluminum roofing is its total cost.
Aluminum shingles, on average, cost between $15.500-28.000 in total to install. The pricing is broken down to around $3.15/ft2. The price is higher compared to other metal roofing types.

If you wish to save on labor costs during the next stage of your roofing project, you should follow our tips and advice and find the most trusty yet reasonably-priced contractor for your project.

Copper Roofing

Thus far, copper roofing is the oldest metal roofing material.
Copper is a highly durable metal that can be easily installed even in harsh climates. In regular climates, copper is proven to last well and make it up to 30 years.

Advantages

The majority of classic home styles have copper roofing, mostly because of its longevity.
As a roofing material copper is highly resistant to damage as a result of hail storms or other extreme weather settings. This is because copper has a solid surface which makes it less prone to corrosion and damage.

Another perk of copper is that even when it has deteriorated, it only leaves a puncture behind as opposed to a bend or scratch on the exterior.

Average Cost

Copper shingles, similar to aluminum roofing, are quite pricey compared to other roofing types. The application of copper shingles typically costs anywhere from $23k-48K, which is above the price of other options

Disadvantages

As specified earlier, this is the priciest roofing choice in the industry and since not everyone can afford them, they often choose more affordable alternatives.

Copper as a material tends to expand and shrink in extreme climate conditions and this may be a problem in areas frequently exposed to humidity. Nonetheless, it is a solid and secure choice given the right maintenance and under normal or mild weather settings.

Zinc Roofing

Zinc Roofing is a common roofing choice for many homeowners.
One of the most important characteristics of the metal is that it can repair itself without any extra maintenance.

Advantages

The greatest perk of zinc is that it’s flexible and you can shape and mold it into different forms and textures when structuring your roof.

Another important perk is that it can repair itself and thus lead to huge time and cost savings that would be otherwise spent on fixing work. Most homeowners choose zinc roofs because of the cost-efficiency and durability.

It is also highly resistant to corrosion, which implies that it will have a longer lifespan, even when exposed to rust.

With the proper maintenance, zinc roofing can heal itself from deterioration after some time. This means less costly and frequent maintenance work. Plus, it is eco-friendly too.

But, it’s quite expensive and thus not suitable for home roofing purposes.

Average Cost

Typically, you will spare anywhere from $10-$20/foot when installing a zinc roof. That is much cheaper compared to pricey copper. The total cost of setting up a zinc roof is between $1000-2000.

Due to the fact that zinc has a minimal melting point compared to other metals, there are minimal limitations involved in ist manufacturing. This also makes zinc roofing directly available.

Disadvantages

Zinc is classified as a soft metal and thus it’s a bit more susceptible to damages. The risk of damage is especially amplified when the roof is exposed to heavy weather elements.

Any homeowners that are searching for pre-weather roofing choices, may have to consult a San Diego roofing expert first to find out if zinc roofing will be functional in their region.

Steel Roofing

Steel is an ideal combination of metal and other materials that yields an alloy that is widely used in the commercial industry. Over the years, even home residences have adopted the consent of steel roofing. The majority of steel used in the real estate fields nowadays is constructed from iron, recycled elements, and other materials.

Steel Roofing Types

When it comes to steel roofing, there are 3 available options to choose from, based on your requirements.

The initial is galvanized steel choice. This kind of steel roofing material features a level of zinc over the steel layer to mitigate the likelihood of corrosion.

Another option is the one known as “galvalume steel”. This alternative utilizes a combo of zinc and aluminum to support the degree of corrosion resistance.

The third type of steel roofing is “weathering steel”. This involves the use of heavy metals during fabrication and is used in heavy public constructions such as bridges and tall buildings.

The above three types of steel material can be used for both commercial and home roofing purposes. Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed some significant advances in the manner contractors use steel for roofing projects.

Steel is one of the toughest metals, making it a solid choice that offers protection from harsh environmental settings.

If you are looking for a steel roofing contractor, we can connect you with reputable roofing experts within your local reach.

Advantages

Steel is one of the most eco-friendly roofing choices available out there.
A big advantage of steel roofing is that it’s more affordable compared to other metals. This makes it more easily available too.

It also offers some degree of flexibility. Designers and constructors like it because it can be manipulated to form different designs and textures.

Steel roofing is an ideal option in regions exposed frequently to heavy winds and hail, due to its solid and strong build.

Average Cost

The majority of steel metal roofing choices are available at a lower cost compared to metal roofing materials. On average, steel is priced at $3/square foot.

Tin Roofs

While this roofing option is uncommon and not readily available, it has future potential. Tin is metal with similar attributes to zinc and copper. Its use is a result of DIY experimentation among curious homeowners in rural U.S regions.

It’s still a good choice for San Diego homeowners that want their roof to leave a lasting impression. It works as a statement piece, due to its scarcity and only a few have the privilege of using tin in their roofs.

What is the cost to fix my roof?

Top detail of big modern expensive residential cottage with steep shingled roof, brick chimney, stucco walls on blue sky background. Construction, professional roofing and investment concept.

An integral aspect of owning a home property is paying attention and doing frequent maintenance work. Your roof certainly enhances the looks and overall value of your house while shielding it from exposure to natural elements. Heavy weather conditions and time may gradually lead to damage that includes leaks or something more critical. Even small leaky spots should be tackled before the issue rapidly expands to bigger spots. Hence, it is important to pinpoint and fix any roof problems as soon as they become obvious.

The average cost for a common roof fixing service ranges from $300-1.5K (across the country) with the average San Diego homeowner sparing $750 for filling the patches or fixing a leaky roof. The exact cost, however, varies based on the problem and needed work. Fixing only 1-2 damaged shingles costs only $50, however, a complete tile switch for a big roof may reach $10K
Roof Fixing Cost/Sq. Foot

In some situations, roof fixing contractors examine various aspects when deciding how much they’ll quote the customer for roof repair work. They must first inspect the issue, gather the necessary materials and estimate the scope of the work and time needed to repair the problem. When bigger areas of the roof need to be fixed fast, the experts may proceed to charge on a square foot basis. Larger roofing areas may need more time, energy and costly materials to be repaired so the costs will rise. Be prepared to spare anything from $3-10/sq.foot for a typical roof repair task. However, costs may increase if more costly and solid materials have to be used.

Cost To Fix A Roof Based on Roofing Material

A determining factor that affects the roof fixing cost is the roofing material used. Some materials are more challenging to work with and thus come with increased replacement costs.

Cost of Repairing A Rubber Roof

The cost of fixing a rubber roof ranges from $3-10/sq. foot. Rubber roofs are also known as artificial or “membrane” roofs and they are typically employed on compact and low slope roofs. They are inexpensive and easy to install but they lack strength and durability compared to other harder roofing materials.

Cost of Repairing A Tar/Gravel Roof

Fixing a tar/gravel roof varies from 3 to $10.sq. foot. Tar roofs are typically applied on flat roofs and are made of a concoction of tar, asphalt, and felt ingredients. That adds to their strength and water-proofing abilities but problems may still emerge over time.

Cost of Repairing A Composite Roof

Similar to rubber and tar roofing materials, the cost of repairing a composite roof ranges from 3 to $10/sq. foot. Composite as a material is a mixture of asphalt and fiberglass materials and is a typically used material in roofs across the nation. A big plus of composite roofs is that their shingles are bendable and adaptable to match the extension and contraction of the surrounding components. On the downside, composite roof shingles are often susceptible to damage from harsh weather conditions.

Cost of Repairing A Flat Roof

The cost of repairing a flat roof again falls between the 3-$10/sq.foot range. You may find many flat roofs on commercial structures or more contemporary-style homes with plenty of aesthetic perks. However, they are regularly prone to humidity and leakage due to the lack of slope on a flat roof. The good news is, the material costs for flat roofs are affordable but you may need to get this roof fixed more frequently than other types.

Cost of Repairing Asphalt Roofs

The cost of fixing an asphalt roof typically ranges from $4 to 10/sq. foot. Asphalt is one of the most popular materials of roofing throughout the U.S. because of its resilience and affordable cost. However, asphalt shingle roofs are susceptible to damage from heavy winds or other harsh environmental elements.

Cost of Fixing Wooden Shake Roofs

The cost of fixing wooden shake roods varies between $5-12/sq. foot. Wood shakes have an appealing and natural look but they are often costly to attach and maintain. A typical wood shake roof is made of redwood or cedar, which can hold up to heavy weather conditions but may still fall apart during heavy rainfall strikes.

Cost of Repairing a Slate Roof

The cost of fixing a slate roof starts from $5-15/sq. foot. Slate roofs are also famous for their attractive exterior and overall resilience. On the downside, they are prone to issues arising from harsh weather such as ice piling up on the shingles and slowly melting away, and dampening the roof. Shingles may also deteriorate when hit by other harsh weather elements and the cost to repair or replace them is fairly high.

Metal Roof Fixing Cost

The cost of repairing a metal shingle roof varies from $6-20/sq, foot. You may come across several metal roof types such as aluminum shakes and shingles. Metal is generally quite solid and resilient enough to last for a few decades, offering significant protection against heavy weather settings. But, contraction and extension can often unwind the sealers connecting the panels and lead to leakage and droopy shingles.

Cost of Repairing Tiles

Fixing a tile roof generally costs anywhere from $8-14/sq. foot and this is often one of the most expensive materials to use for roof fixing work. Tile is also a costly but common material option for its strength and weather shielding properties. Tile roofs may also last for several years provided they are well-maintained. But, there is a fair probability of tiles cracking or being torn from the roof, leaving the roof exposed to leakage.

10 Elements To Watch Out For Following Heavy Winds

black shingle roof in San Diego

The majority of roods can tolerate mild winds. However, when heavy winds blow, San Diego homeowners are encouraged to check for signs of damage and need for repairs.

Some regions around the country are frequently exposed to heavy winds–from mild blows to persistent and intense wind strikes, heavy winds can totally damage your roof.

The majority of roofing structures, if attached sufficiently, are made to easily hold up to regular wind blows with minimal damage. But, it’s typically the less apparent shattered, lost, or damaged roof tiles or shingles that are becoming a serious cause of concern for homeowners when rainstorms hit. Improper roofing work from a past roofing service and accumulated dirt and debris are the two major causes of roof, gutter, downpipe, and skylight deterioration.

Once the heavy winds pause, we suggest to every homeowner that they carefully step around their home from back to front and check their roof to make sure that everything is in place and that there are no obvious signs of damage on the gutters or roofing system.

Focus on the small details and watch out for any sign that something’s wrong. We suggest that you look out for these elements specifically:

1. Lost or droopy roofing tiles or shingles.
2. Lost or falling ridge sealers and vents
3. Misplaced, falling, or stuck gutters
4. Accumulated debris on the upper roof or fallen tree branches and trunks that may have hit the roof and caused damage.
5. Inspect the vent sealers to confirm that nothing is damaged or missing.
6. Check the skylights or solar energy pipes to confirm that they are not torn apart from debris.
7. Inspect the attic region for any obvious indicators of roof deterioration e.g. visible sunlight.
8. Check any roof installed Air-Condition devices to make sure that the units of their water connections are not affected by blowing debris.
9. If you have solar panels attached to your roof, inspect them for signs of damage and clear out any flying debris that may have piled up on their surface.
10. If your house has a flat roofer, ensure that all your roofing drains are unclogged and clean of any dirt and debris.

We suggest in all cases that you contact and work with a fully qualified and trusted San Diego roofing contractor to carry out any roof fixing tasks, especially, if you are not familiar with the risks that come with handling a bent roof or the roofing components.

6 Signs Your Roof Demands A Replacement

When you are dealing with the roof above you, don’t leave any things to chance

A solid roofing structure will keep you and all the residents in your home nice and safe. Hence, ruined shingles or developing moss spots are enough to raise concern upon first glance. However, before you lose your temper and start contacting San Diego roofing experts at the last minute to fix the problem, do a little research to find out what is triggering the issue in the first place.
A couple of damaged or worn-out shingles don’t always call for an entire roof replacement but there are some other major indicators that call for an entire roof replacement indeed. If you do proceed with a full replacement, it will cost you anywhere from $8-12K

So here are some indicators that it’s time to contact a San Diego roofing expert to get a new roof:

1. Your Roof is Aged and Outworn

The vast majority of roods last anywhere from 20-25 years. Thus, if your roof has gone past that period, you better contact a local and reliable roofer to receive a quote. If the damage is minor, you’ll only need to switch a few shingles. Otherwise, you may have to fully replace it.

The process of “overlaying” refers to the application of a new level of shingles over the existing one. It generally costs 25% less than a full new roof and refreshes the look of your home, but it’s generally better to detach your existing roof and install a brand new one. Adding a totally new roof will allow you to spot any underlying issues under the shingles and has an increased life duration compared to overlaying.

2. Your roof shingles are bent, popping out, or completely lost.

Check the corners of your house exposed to natural light. If you see that the shingles are bent or rolling out, this is an indicator that they have gone over their lifespan. In case most shingles are lost or look deteriorated, it’s a sign that you need a full roof replacement. But if the damage is only limited to a few small spots, a simple switch of the damaged shingles would be ideal.

It is also needed to inspect your valleys where all the roof’s angles connect. As an essential component of your roof, they direct water circulation through the gutters. However, valleys are also susceptible to deterioration over time. If the shingles are damaged or lost, your roof is prone to water leakage.
Other areas to check include the downpipes and the gutters. If they seem loaded with shingle components, that’s a clear indicator that they are damaged.

3. Your Roof has slumping or falling areas

Slumping or falling patches are a tell-tale sign that your roof’s decking layer is deteriorated from humidity levels and needs to be replaced. If the ground of your roof is safe enough to step over it, how does the structure feel? If you feel that it’s porous or has a bit of a bounce to it (as if you were stepping on a trampoline), walk out immediately.

4. Your Chimney Flash Level Is Deteriorating

Flashing is a roofing element that adds a waterproof layer around the chimney area. It is typically steel or aluminum and has a lifespan of up to 30 years. However, if this forms any rust or holes and shatters, water can quickly get into your chimney and house. A local San Diego roof contractor can inspect the flashing condition and let you know if it requires some fixing work or not.

5. You Can Spot The Sunlight Coming Through

The condition of your attic is a certain space that you should check for roof damage. Sunlight should not come through and be seen through the roof decks. If it does, this is a major cause of concern. While you are inspecting your attic, look out for any signs of humidity as well. Water spots on the roof decks or humidity in the insulation are all pointing to a leakage problem.

6. Your Roof Is Becoming A Greenhouse

Plants growing over your roof aren’t necessarily a sign that it has to be switched, however, it needs to be cleared well. Vegetation may lead to deterioration of roofing components and allow other pesky intruders e.g. insects or mice to get up there as well. You may clear your roof using a ladder or some commercial cleaning substance, a broom, and a water hose or contact a roof cleaning company in your area.

What To Do If You Require New Roofing

If you checked out the previous list of signs and everything indicates that you have to get a new roof, contact a local roofing provider to inspect your current roof’s condition and suggest a partial fix or entire replacement. It is also best to ask for three estimates before you employ a roofing expert to do the job.