Clay roof tiles are one of the best roofing materials for many reasons. They look great, don’t need much maintenance, are highly resistant to the harsh weather and suitable in just about any climate.

Hiring a professional for Bay Area roofing repair is best if you intend to keep your investment for as long as possible. Here’s how you can maintain your clay tile roof.

Check For Breaks Or Cracks

Every year, do a visual inspection on the state of your clay roof. While it may make sense to actually walk on the roof, it will be better to bring along a binocular and a ladder. Check for leaks, cracks or broken tiles. When you do, get a Bay Area roofing contractor to have it repaired as soon as possible. It’s not advisable to walk on the clay tiles as you could risk cracking or damaging them even further.

Cleaning Your Clay Roof Tiles

A power washer makes cleaning easier and it makes for good-looking clay tiles that stand the test of time. A power washer is a specialized equipment that can churn out water at a high pressure and spray it out with a nozzle. The pressurized water quickly clears away stuck dirt, dust and debris off your clay tile roofing.

One trick to doing power washing right is to keep the nozzle aimed at a safe distance from the tiles. Use a mild dish detergent and warm water to take out the algae, then apply sealant to prevent molds and algae from returning.

Safety First

Should you decide to clean the tile roof yourself, take precautionary measures. Ask the help of a friend who can keep an eye on you while you do the power washing. Clay tiles can get really slippery when they’re wet, and the risk of slipping and falling will be greater. Consider hiring a professional Bay Area roofing contractor who’s experienced at power washing clay tiles if you’re not 100% confident.

Benefits Of Having Clay Roof Tiles

Better Energy Savings

Bay Area homeowners enjoy a lower energy bill because of clay’s excellent roofing properties. During warm, sunny days, the clay tiles attract heat and keeps your home cooler without needing to turn on the AC, resulting in a lower power bill.

Highly Durable

The firing process makes clay material very durable against the weather and outdoor elements. Plus, clay tiles keep their natural color for a long time and they do not break and chip easily under rain or heat.

Contact Our East Bay Roofing Contractors for Help

It’s always best to call in the pros when dealing with clay tile roofing and repairs. Learn more about Century Roof Tile, a leading Bay Area roofing company, by browsing our website and testimonials. For a roof inspection, maintenance, solar consultation or installation, get in touch with us via our online contact form or by phone at 1-888-233-7548.

Ask Yourself These Questions Before Installing Solar Roofing

1. How Much Energy Do You Need?

Take a quick assessment of how much electricity your household needs before buying solar panels. How many kilowatts are you consuming each month? Multiply that number by 25 and run it by your Bay Area solar company to get an idea of how large your new solar system will be.

2. Are You Ready For Solar Roofing Installations?

Or, can you handle the upfront costs? Every year solar panels are getting more cost-effective, dropping more than 60 percent since 2011. Aside from knowing which panels are suited for you and which ones are overpriced, you’ll also need to prepare upfront money (around $15,000 upwards) for solar solutions, including subsidiaries, local tax credits and federal credits.

3. Are You Staying Long?

Solar roofing installations typically pay for themselves over a period of 5 to 6 years. While you take advantage of lower electricity bills immediately, the cost of installation is quite high and won’t be recouped until that time. Solar panels is a good solution if you intend to stay in your current residence for the long term, and not so much if you’re planning on moving or relocating in the near future.

4. Can Your Roof Hold The Solar Panels?

The beauty of solar panels is that they can be installed on almost any roof type; the only difference is the speed of installation and how soon you can use it once it’s there. For example, homes that have regular wood shingles or Spanish tiles may need to hire a East Bay roofing contractor who knows how to work it in.

5. Do You Have The Right Permits?

It’s wise to prepare in advance for your solar panels, and that includes securing the necessary permits for it. Get a building permit at the local level and make sure you follow the rules that pertain to your specific municipality.

6. Where Will The Panels Be Located?

The best location for solar panels is where they can get the most sunlight in a day. Obstructions such as tall trees and nearby buildings will significantly affect where your solar panels will be placed. Moreover, there are different types of solar panels, each with their own unique reactions to light and dark conditions.

7. Do You Have The Time?

Installing an adequate solar panel system will take some time. Wiring and panel placement can take a few days, but the solar project may take a few months starting from signing the contract up to the actual installation process.

8. Do You Have The Right Bay Area Solar Contractor?

Choose a solar roofing company who’s bonded, licensed, insured and has a strong warranty. The reviews and feedback from previous clients should be positive overall. These things can be found online or by asking the contractor for recent references.

Hire a Qualified Bay Area Solar Roofing Installer

Learn more about Century Roof Tile by checking out our website and testimonials. For a roof inspection, maintenance, solar consultation or installation, get in touch with us via our online contact form or by phone at 1-888-233-7548.

Deciding on a color for your new roof involves taking things into consideration that go beyond looks. In addition to boosting the aesthetic appeal of your home, the color will also determine the average lifespan of your roof to a certain extent. Regardless of the considerations, it easy to see why picking a new roof color can be so exciting. After all, you are giving your house a new look. So without further ado, let us give you some points to keep in mind before you get in touch with Bay Area roofing contractors for a re-roofing.

1. The climate in your area

First thing’s first – you have to make sure that the roof color adds to your comfort. Did you know the shingle colors can influence the attic temperature by as much as 40 degrees! Yes, it is true. Whereas light shingles keep sunlight away, dark shingles absorb light and keep the home warm. So, you can probably tell which color type would be suitable for what climate.

2. Overall architecture

When it comes to matching the color with architecture, we’d advise you to stick to the tried and tested formulas. Keep classic color palettes for traditional architectural homes, and contemporary for the opposite. Also, bear in mind that dark colors tend to make homes look smaller while light colors make it look bigger.

Determining your home’s architectural style and the appropriate roof color that should go with it is not easy. In that case, don’t hesitate to consult with a Bay Area roofing company for advice.

3. Coordinate with shingle colors

This one’s a no-brainer here – the color of your shingles should obviously match with colors found in other parts like wooden siding, bricks, stone, trim or stucco of your house. Say for example; a dark grey roof will match better with a light grey or blue house while a brown or tan colored home will better accommodate brown or cream color shingles.

4. Rules of your neighborhood

Before getting the roof painted, make sure that the color doesn’t conflict with the rules set by the homeowner’s association and such. Just out of courtesy, it would also be good if your roof color is not 100% identical to your neighbor’s.

5. Your favorite house features

Stone walls, wraparound windows, bay windows, and other features and a homeowner’s favorite parts also set the tone for color. Always go for complementary colors to highlight these elements – or don’t, if you want to go discrete.

Contact Century Roof Tile for Bay Area Roofing Services

If you’ve chosen a roof color and you think it’s time for a new roof, contact our team today! For a roof inspection and consultation, get in touch with our East Bay roofing company, Century Roof Tile, via our online contact form or by phone at 1-888-233-7548.

Thinking of putting in solar roofing for your next home improvement project?

Most Bay Area roofing contractors recommend solar shingles instead of traditional solar tiles to achieve a more energy-efficient home. Solar tiles are standalone, which means you can use it as the primary roofing material.

Solar Power Distribution of Solar Tiles

Solar tiles are wired to provide electricity for both off and on-grid systems. Having a solar panel system on an on-grid system allows you to power up homes and commercial establishments. Excess electricity generated from these tiles may be sold to the utility company for a rebate. Off-grid solar systems are more for back-ups in cases of power outages. They can also store energy for future use. Keep in mind that an off-grid system can be more expensive than an on-grid system.

All solar-powered systems make use of a power inverter that converts sun energy to usable electricity. A power inverter typically converts DC electricity into AC electricity for home use. Though solar roofing installation can be costly, the investment is recouped over time. They usually pay for themselves after several years of electricity production.

Solar Tile Pros

Solar roofing shingles are more aesthetically pleasing than their traditional counterparts. Home designers will appreciate the fact that this material enhances your home’s exterior design. You can choose from different sizes or models- from systems that make use of thin films to solid shingle-size tiles that look like any other traditional shingle.

You may opt for a more durable, waterproof solar tile during the time of installation. Bay Area solar roofing contractors will have an easier time during installation- they can just staple the tile directly to the roof. Furthermore, you may be qualified to get tax incentives if you go solar.

Solar tiles are more effective than traditional panels overall. Each shingle can generate up to 17 watts of electricity! Perhaps the most notable benefit of having solar tile roofing is that you won’t have to make room for large flat surfaces to install traditional solar panel systems.

Additionally, solar energy roofing can be constructed in a way that makes them highly resistant against strong winds.

Solar Tile Cons

• Initial installation costs can be steep.
• The roof has to have the right angle to efficiently catch solar energy. Also, the surface area must be sufficient to reliably power your property.
• On-grid systems will have no energy storage, which means you can’t use solar electricity during storms or in the night time.

Solar Energy Roofing in the Bay Area

Century Roof Tile is the go-to Bay Area roofing contractor for solar roofing installations, gutters, re-roofing and roof repair contact Century Roof Tile. At your earliest convenience, call (888) 233-7548 or contact us online for further assistance.

One of the most common questions we get as a Bay Area roofing contractor is, “Do I need a new roof if I want to install solar panels?”.

Some residents and business owners understandably worry about the roof’s integrity and size before considering Bay Area solar roofing installations:

•  “Will my current roof be enough to accommodate an array of solar panels?”
• “Will solar roofing cause leaks or compromise the overall structure of my roof?”
• “Is my roof large enough for a solar panel installation?”
• “Is my roof positioned to get the most sunlight?”

These are all valid concerns, but keep in mind that solar panel systems can be set up elsewhere, too, not just your roof.

It’s true that a solar company will first look at your roof as a viable platform for the solar panel installation, but there are other possible locations for it as well. Detached garages, poles, ground mounts and shade awnings are all good examples of solar panel spots. In some instances, your Bay Area roofing contractor may even install your solar panels on the ground because the roof is covered with shading. It’s all about finding the optimal location to best suit your needs.

Assessing Your Roof’s Condition for Solar Panels

If your roofing contractor deems that your roof is in a poor condition, then it would be a wise idea to have them replaced before installing the solar panel system. This will save you money and unnecessary headaches in the long run because you won’t have to re-install the solar panels when time comes and you need to replace the roof. Doing so will require additional solar panel removal and re-installation fees.

A good licensed roofing contractor can determine the condition of your roof and recommend the best course of action before installing solar roofing. Solar panels actually help you get more out of your new roof as it blocks out the harmful UV rays and protects it from hail, snow, and rain. Plus, it keeps the heat out from your home during the hot summer months!

The good news is that solar panels may be installed on almost all kinds of roofs, whether tile or composite. Shingle roofs and single plane roofs are the easiest ones to work with when installing new solar panels.

Contact the Leading Bay Area Solar Roofing Company

Checking to see if your current roof’s condition is good and if it’s sturdy enough is important if you want the best Bay Area solar roofing installation. Our licensed East Bay Area roofing contractors here to help you! Contact Century Roof Tile for any of your roofing or solar concerns at (888) 233-7548 or use our online contact form here.

Signs of water stains running down walls or extending across ceilings is probably a sign of a roof leak. Roof leaks are often caused by small holes, missing shingles, or gaps in metal flashing around vent pipes. While fixes for the leaks are pretty easy, it’s the tracking of the leak that can turn out to be a headache.

Not being able to locate the source of a leak can cause tremendous damage to your home’s interior–drywall, lighting, flooring, furniture, the list goes on. In this guide, our East Bay roofing contractors discuss a few simple tips for locating roof leaks quickly and easily.

1. Try to notice the leak as it occurs

Easier said than done, we know, but making an effort to track a leak as it occurs will save you a lot of time and frustration. Tracing a leak back to its original source using stains left behind on walls and ceilings can be very tricky and may not tell you the whole story. Try to spot the leak the next time it rains or snows and see if you can notice it.

2. Take precaution

Alternatively, if you aren’t sure that you’re dealing with a roof leak, head to the attic with a flashlight and use a garden hose to wet the roof to create a human-made leak. Then, closely examine the rafters and roof decking in the attic above the spot where you created the wet spot.

3. Follow it up

Follow any existing wet spots or water stains through the roof decking or up the rafters to reach the highest point. Take measurements from the roof peak to the leak’s highest point, and over from the gable end to the source of leak.

4. Head over to the roof and keep looking

Once the roof has dried off, go there and transfer the measurements you took to the roof. Closely examine your house’s roofing to find out the exact location of the leak. In the off chance you are unable to find out, keep on looking higher up on the roof as there’s always a chance of water running down the shingles before coming down in the attic deckers.

Contact Us for East Bay Roof Leak Detection and Roof Leak Repair

Identifying the location of a roof leak isn’t always as easy as it sounds, and if you’re still unable to find the leak’s source, it’s time to call in the pros. The team at Century Roof Tile are Bay Area roofing contractors that can make your life a little (or a lot) easier. We provide the most advanced infrared/thermal imaging roof leak detection and roof leak repair services to fix the problem once and for all. To say good riddance to your roof leak(s), call (888) 233-7548 or contact us online.

Roof maintenance is essential to keeping your home safe and shielded from the elements. Failure to perform regular maintenance can lead to gradual degradation of the roof structure – which eventually demands a costly makeover and can cause damage to your property. The Bay Area roofing contractors at Century Roof Tile recommend scheduling a regular inspection to ascertain the condition of the roof in anticipation of the usual wear and tear caused by erratic weather conditions and ageing of the roofing materials.

Reinforce your roof every spring and fall to strengthen the structure and prevent leakage and extensive damage in the event of bad weather. The following are expert tips to help get your roof in order so that you can secure your home and avoid the hassle of impromptu Bay Area roofing repair work.

• Remove any debris (sticks, leaves, etc.) from the surface of the roof as these can get stuck on the shingles and cause damage.
• Inspect the flashing and clean out any caulk before resealing.
• Check the joints and chimneys for caulking and seal any spaces to prevent leaking. Check also for cracked mortar and seal any existing spaces.
• Signs of algae and mold are bad for your roof. To prevent growth of mold and algae you can install lead or zinc control zips.
• Replace any damaged shingles with new ones, or contact a Bay Area roofing company for assistance.

Clean your gutter

In the fall season, take time to clean your gutter to prevent clogging of your gutter system. Accumulation of leaves and other debris can prevent the flow of water and cause a back-flow. When the cold season kicks in, this water freezes and damages the roof and gutters.

Trim your trees

Large, heavy branches can cause significant damage to your roof if ignored. Check for trees that lean towards your house and chop off any branches that might fall directly on your roof. Keep in mind that strong winds can cause weak or dead branches to fall, and if the tree is in close proximity to your house, that can spell disaster.

Tree-trimming has another benefit; it serves to minimize the amount of leaves and sticks that build up over time, causing the gutter system to rot in the process.

Consult Bay Area Roofing Experts for a Roof Inspection

For people who don’t have the time to perform these maintenance routines, it helps to hire professionals to do the job for you. Our East Bay roofing contractors are well-trained and have the resources to inspect and perform maintenance to prevent cases of flooding or damage to your home. Contact the team at Century Roof Tile today by calling (510) 780-9489 or via our online contact form.

The truth is that when it comes to making the best decisions in terms of both short and long terms roof costs, you have to clearly evaluate the state of your roof and determine whether it needs some minor repairs or a total makeover. This is particularly true for those who reside in areas where weather patterns tend to take a toll building and household roofs.

411 on Roof Repair

According to expert Bay Area roofing contractors, replacing the shingles on your roof damaged by wind or a downed limb is easy and not that expensive. This is because you can remove any torn shingles and have new ones put in their place. However, it is important to note that if your roof is not that new and you failed to save some of the spare shingles that came with it, then those used for your patch up job may not necessarily match the ones on your existing roof.

With all things considered, this is a fairly minor price to incur in order to pro-long the lifespan of your roof for at least 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, if you intend to sell your house in the near future, you should consult a professional East Bay roofing company and ask them to install shingles that match or closely resemble your existing ones.

On the downside, roof repairs tend to be more costly when looked at on a square-by-square basis and can also lead to further problems if you have an asphalt roof that has 2 or more layers because all of them will need to be removed so as for any sort of minimal re-roofing project to proceed.

In addition, in case of leaks, you should evaluate their source and then proceed to consult a professional roof company for roof leak repair.

Is a Full Roof Replacement Necessary?

Whether or not to replace your roof largely depends on certain variables, some of which include the wear and tear of your shingles, the climatic conditions of the area you live in, and the likelihood of any future damage to your home.

The truth is that having a new roof put in place can be a very expensive undertaking. However, you should remember that in spite of the huge costs, it is a worthy investment, particularly because it will last for years. With the right roofing company, the job can be done right and you will have one less issue to deal with whenever a storm blows your way. Furthermore, you will also incur fewer future expenses due to a reduced number of repairs.

Contact the Best Bay Area Roofing Contractors for Help

Century Roof Tile is a professional Bay Area roofing company that is well equipped to assess, repair or replace your roof. Contact our office today to set up a roof inspection  at (888) 233-7548 or via our online contact form here.

Formerly, the slope of a roof was what determined whether opting for a skylight or not was qualified. Flat roofs or others that are too steep necessitated specialized equipment and techniques. Today however, a majority of skylight kits come with comprehensive installation supplies that permit installation on almost any type of roof. However, if you have metal or tile roofing, you may have to pay a little extra for the installation process.

Whether you’re constructing a new home or considering building maintenance, you will want to take the steps to make everything as efficient and achievable as possible. Thus, besides settling on your roof and wall construction materials, you should select the flooring type that would be most beneficial to you. One more thing that is often forgotten are windows; but they have a tremendous effect on the temperature, energy-efficiency and overall look of your property. Whether you install a single or multiple skylight(s), a range of benefits is in your future – a few of which are listed below.

The benefits of installing skylights for your home

Natural source of light

First and most importantly, a skylight transmits and diffuses light more effectively and evenly than that of a regular window. By providing these types of aesthetic benefits, your house is made to look larger and brighter. With the most efficient and well-installed skylight, your room will look up to nearly 20 times its original size! Not only that, but since sunlight is responsible for the release of endorphins and serotonin in our brain, it can even help improve our mood and overall health. So, the more it fill into your house, the better you and your family members will feel.

Lower energy bills

As more light comes in through the skylights, you won’t have to turn on the electric bulbs nearly as much, if at all. A majority of corporate constructions have lights on 24/7; hence, skylight installation will lead to generous savings for them.

Since sunlight enters your home and keeps it warm, your energy bills can be reduced significantly. As a matter of fact, it has been estimated that skylights can slice your energy costs down by almost one third. To enjoy optimum benefits, consider hiring the professionals at Century Roof Tile to install your skylights. By enlisting professional installers rather than opting for a DIY solution, your savings will be even more pronounced, while any chance of leakage or other catastrophic incidents will be mitigated.

Complete Privacy

People with windows in their house often resort to net curtains for maintaining privacy. While effective, curtains reduce natural sunlight and instill a gloomy room atmosphere. By using skylights instead, this problem can be solved easily. You will enjoy ample sunlight, yet still be able to maintain complete privacy. Nobody outside your private space will be able to peep into your house or office premises.

One of the most common causes for leaks is an inaccurate fitting. These often result when unreliable contractors are unknowingly enlisted for your project. When installing skylights, many people are compelled to simply employ a handyman instead of a professional roofer. While there are plenty of different home improvement projects a general handyman can take on, a skylight installation should be left to someone with the knowledge and expertise to do the job correctly the first time.

Skylight installation and re-roofing in the Bay Area

Skylights can do so much more than just saving you money and allowing natural sunlight into your home. When installed correctly by experienced contractors, homes with skylights experience greatly enhanced curb appeal. Before selecting a specific skylight, make sure you’re choosing the right type for your home. Contact Century Roof Tile at (510) 780-9489 or contact us online for more information on skylights.

The importance of roofing to potential home buyers

The Pros of a New Roof

When you consider selling your home, you might believe that a new roof is not your responsibility. However, if your roof is very old or simply in bad condition, potential buyers might request that you have the roof done before considering going through on a sale. Another possibility is that they will request money off of the sale price due to the roof’s condition. To prevent this and realize the full amount of money that your home is worth, consider consulting a local roofing company. They will explain how you can best increase your home value before selling. A professional can also help you find new tiles to complement the rest of your home’s exterior, making your home shine.

The Pros of a Roofing Repair

Roof repair is another great option if you are looking to increase your home’s curb appeal. If your roof only has a few trouble spots that need a sprucing up, repairing instead of replacing your roof entirely is a great idea. If one side of your home is blanketed in tall trees, frequently depositing mounds of leaves and debris, one side of your roof may be in worse condition than the other. Another issue that should be addressed before listing your home is the repair of any leaks, cracks, or missing roof tiles; not only will they affect the curb appeal of your home, leaving a negative first impression, but such leaks or cracks can also affect the integrity of the home’s interior ceilings.

Bay Area new roof installation and roof repair

Century Roof & Tile is located in the Bay Area, and features a team of qualified professionals who are eager to assist you in making sure that your roof is at its very best. Inside and out, your home will be left in great shape, signaling to eager buyers and real estate agents to send you their offers. Let Century Roof & Tile help bolster your home’s curb appeal before you sell for the best home selling experience possible. To experience these professional roofing services , call (888) 233-7548, or send us a message using our online form.