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.

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.

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.

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home because it protects you and your family from the harsh elements. Taking good care of your roof is key in having a long-lasting and solid roof. While some things should most definitely be left to the professionals, here are 5 simple ways to maintain your roof on your own:

1. Clean up debris

Taking the time to identify and remove debris from your roof is important in preventing rot and decay. Make sure to keep your roof clear of leafs, sticks, and trash pieces that might have found their way up there. Note that this check should be performed when your roof is dry and done with the assistance of at least one other person for safety reasons.

2. Remove moss

Moss and mold can soften and damage shingles if left too long. Wash infected shingles gently and scrub away all mossy pieces. Check the integrity of each shingle that appears to have fungus on it and replace or repair them as needed, taking care to leave no soft or broken shingles to expose your roof to the elements.

3. Repair shingles

After storms or strong winds, shingles can become broken without your knowledge. It is a good idea to regularly check your shingles to make sure that they are still in good shape and not in need of repair. If you do spot some broken or cracked shingles during a quick inspection, a local roofing company that specializes in roofing repair should be able to identify and replace them quickly.

4. Repair and clean chimneys and outlets

Chimneys, vents, and outside lighting should also be cleaned and repaired as needed. Power washing is an ideal way to perform this kind of cleaning as it will easily remove grime and reach tricky spots that are hard to find with only a ladder at your disposal.

5. Clean gutters

Gutters should be cleaned regularly to prevent the build-up of garbage and natural debris inside of them. A great way to make the cleaning and repair process easier on yourself is to install covers that keep dirt out. Inspect around the gutters for cracks or broken areas and repair them with caulking as necessary.

Contact Our Bay Area Roofing Contractors for Help

Maintaining your roof throughout the year is the most effective way to ensure that it stays in the best condition possible. In the colder months, rain and accumulation of leafs and twigs can potentially hide roofing problems that are easier to spot in better weather. As the winter months approach, consider enlisting the help of a professional roofing company like Century Roof & Solar to inspect your roof for any possible problems to ensure that your roof is well taken care of. They will be able to give you tips on continuing to care for your home as well as fix any issues that they might find. Visit our page at www.centuryrooftile.com to learn more.

Neglecting to complete seasonal maintenance on your Bay Area home’s gutters can lead to significant future repairs. If water is unable to flow freely away from your home, structural necessities, like the roof and foundation, become vulnerable to water damage. Review the following steps to ensure your roof gutters stay properly maintained.

Inspecting and cleaning your gutters primarily occurs at the same time in the following steps:

• Remove leaves and debris from the gutter prior to running water through it. Evident by a lack of flow, severe clogs may indicate that larger pieces of debris are stuck within the gutter, or that the slope of the gutter is off. Always remove debris from the downspout by using a hose or plumber’s snake.
• Check for visible leaks on the outside of the gutter and water running down the wall. The culprit may be loose spikes, hangers, or lack of sealant along seams. Inspect gutters for rust and holes, as these must be repaired as soon as possible.

Perform timely repairs by completing the steps above will help you catch problems before a roofing repair or gutter replacement is needed. When unsure about your ability to complete repairs or gutter installations, work with professional roofing contractors to get the job done.

Have your Gutters Repaired by the Leading East Bay Roofing Company

If your gutters need repair, contact the #1 roof leak repair team at Century Roof and Solar today at 1-888-233-7548.

Bay Area roofing repair business often picks up during the summer, even though it’s the most placid season of the year. Why? Many homeowners understand the power of proactive maintenance in terms of reducing costs, eliminating hassle, and increasing property value. To that end, here are several tips to help you protect your roof:

1. Get a professional inspection.

Call an East Bay roofing company, like Century Roof & Solar, to evaluate your needs, to repair/manage any current roofing issues, and to prevent problems from emerging in the fall and winter. You can also do a self-inspection, although you probably won’t be able to do as thorough a job. Examine your eaves and gutters, looking for shingles that have become moldy or warped. A ground inspection can be useful, but you may also need to get up on the roof and poke around to find trouble spots.

2. Clean out your gutters and remove debris, such as fallen branches and toys.

Debris can perforate the roof, creating leaks, which can in turn set up a cascade of damage to the roofing system and attic, which can spark the growth of molds and fungi. Cleaning up from this mess can be incredibly expensive and annoying.

3. Evaluate your ventilation systems.

Make sure that you are not leaching heat (or cool air) and driving up your air-conditioning and heating bills. A ventilation inspection can also help you identify air quality problems as well as structural dangers before they pose serious hazards.

Contact the Bay Area Roofing Experts

For a professional roof inspection to minimize the likelihood of trouble in the future, call Century Roof & Solar team for a free estimate. We can also introduce you to powerful and cost-effective solar roofing options. Call us today: 1-888-233-7548.

But how do you maintain skylights effectively? What happens if you don’t keep up with the maintenance? Will your roof develop leaks, mildew and mold? Will your home leach heat (or A/C) and thus drive up your energy bills?

These are great questions. Here are some tips to address skylight maintenance worries:

• Follow the manufacturer suggested cleaning regimens. Print out a copy of this regimen, and add it to your calendar to review regularly.
• Before you clean, gather all needed equipment, including: ladders, nonabrasive cleaners, cloths, gloves, and a bucket.
• When you clean glass, wait until the sun is not overhead – so you can see better and so the glass won’t be heated up to a scalding temperature.
• When you apply a cleaning solution, first soak the glass with water and soap; then use a brush or other nonabrasive tool to scrape away debris.
• If stains like sap or paint won’t come off with this method, you might need to judiciously use a razor blade. Scrape in one direction, and do your best to avoid scratching the glass.
• To clean insect screens: take them down and then spray them with a hose or run them under the sink. Let the screens dry thoroughly before replacing them.
• If you need to climb on to the roof – or on to some dangerous areas of your home – to access the skylights, be careful and work with the spotter. Roof work can be surprisingly dangerous, and poor ladder work, the fragility of your roof area, or just general carelessness/negligence can lead to accidents. Also, a badly done skylight cleaning job can actually damage the roof. For instance, if you spill a bucket of cleaning solution near the skylight, the moisture could seep into the wood and cause mildew and mold to form.

For help with skylight maintenance and repair, or for more information about solar roofing, get in touch with the East Bay roofing contractors here at Century Roof and Solar for help. Call us today: 1-888-233-7548.