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.

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 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.

A significant percentage of skylights can stay for extended periods without requiring routine repairs. However, skylights are usually exposed to very harsh conditions of weather, and this implies that with time, they can develop leaks among other related problems. The gaskets shrink, the glass fails, and the skylight begins to leak. Even if you take great care of your roof, holes might still develop as a result of normal tear and wear. Furthermore, a leaky skylight could just be an indication of more severe hidden problems.

If you are experiencing leaks around the skylight of yours, typically, you’ll want to identify the source of the problem to ensure that the skylight repair is done as soon as possible. In some cases, skylight leaks might be a sign that you need serious roofing maintenance and repairs.

Common Roofing Problems: Diagnosing Skylight Leaks

It is imperative to note that the first major step in any skylight repair is to identify the primary source of the leak through a thorough inspection. On most occasions, the prospect of finding the source of a skylight leak can be a tricky and a daunting task. This is perhaps why it should handle by experienced and qualified professionals such as the roofing contractors at the Century Roof & Tile. Why? Sometimes, what seems to be a leak is typically collections of condensation, which might signal that your skylight is not adequately airtight. This particular phenomenon occurs mostly during the cold seasons, in damp locations such as greenhouses and kitchens and perhaps in single-glazed skylights. However, if there are streaks of running water down the wall which originates from certain points on the edge of the skylight, you probably have leak problems at your disposal.

Check to see that your skylight is completely closed, especially if it opens. Confirm if the weather seals are in good state. Moreover, you should know if the leak only happens during the winter, fall or when there are ice or snow accumulations on your roof. If that is the case, then you should examine behind the skylight for snow, leaves, ice or any other type of debris which might be clogging the downhill water flow resulting in your skylight backing up typically under the roof shingles.

You should know that leaks can originate elsewhere and flow into your house via the skylight. So if you don’t notice any issue with your skylight, you might need to consider making flashing repairs or roofing repairs. Water which enters through vent flashing or roof leaks can travel significant distances.

Handling the appropriate skylight repairs

If the skylight leak occurs in the flashing, which refers to the point of contact between the roof and the skylight, temporary repairs may be necessary. This can be done by using roof flashing cement all over the unit’s perimeter. But, proper repairs would mean eliminating the shingles near the skylight, installing the ideal flashing and reinstalling newer shingles in the region.

Leaks at the glass frame might have allowed water to enter the structure of the window, forcing them apart and resulting in the damage to the insulated glass’ seal. If it is proven that the insulating glass unit of your skylight is damaged, the unit can be re-sealed so as to prevent any further water leakage. But, for the dark skylight glass of a damaged window unit plus the condensation to be removed, you’ll need to replace the skylight.

Highly efficient and straightforward skylight repair tips.

• Use a tube or can roofing cement to close any holes or gaps in the flashing.
• Use a hundred percent tube silicone caulking to seal any leaks around the lens of the skylight.
• If still there are leaks in your skylight, you can either repair or replace the metal flashing around the skylight frame.

For a permanent solution, hire a Bay Area roofing contractor

If you are currently having trouble with a persistent skylight leak or any other roofing problem, you should contact the professionals at the Century Roof & Tile. With years of experience in the field of Bay Area roofing repairs, we have unmatched knowledge regarding the skylight installation procedures, repairs and long-lasting solutions to your skylight leaks. Contact us today and enjoy our high-quality roofing services of all kinds. Give us a call at 1-888-233-7548 or contact us via our online contact form.

If you are preparing for a full roof replacement you’ll want to carefully consider your roofing options with regard to longevity, material type, cost, and other factors. The average 3-tab asphalt shingle roof, which is among the most common roofing materials, will last 15-25 years, while other roof types can last longer. All roofs require periodic inspection and maintenance to ensure they will not fail prematurely, but inevitably, all types need to be replaced at some point. Read on to find information to help you make a decision about what type of roof installation is best for you.

General Considerations

First, let’s address potential constraints on your roofing material options:

• Local building codes may not allow for wood, thatch, or other roofing materials.
• Roof pitch can limit which roofing materials can be used on your home.
• Fire and wind resistance may be an important consideration for you, and different roofing materials have various resistances.
• Durability varies greatly among roofing materials. Some materials require much more rigorous and regular maintenance. Your choice will thus have implications for the cost and frequency of solar roofing options.
• The weight of some options could be too heavy for support beams.

Roofing Materials

• Asphalt shingles are the most common due to their low cost and ease of installation. They last between 15 and 25 years.
• Metal roofs can be aluminum, steel, or copper, and they can be installed as panels or shingles. They tend to be long lasting (50+ years) and low maintenance, but they can also be expensive.
• Tile and cement roofs are beautiful but heavy. They are long-lasting and generally low maintenance. One big issue – relevant to Bay Area owners and builders – is that wind damage can create big problems for tile roofs.
• Slate roofs tend to be very expensive, and you must use specially trained workers for installation. The material is obviously heavy, but it is also long lasting (75+ years).
• Wood shingles, often made of cedar or redwood, can be a great choice, but you may need to fireproof. Wood also has a relatively short lifespan and relatively high maintenance burden.

Looking for a Quote from a Bay Area Roofing Contractor?

Century Roof and Solar is a certified and licensed East Bay roofing company. We can install and repair nearly every roofing material on any pitch of roof. We also provide solar roofing options to make your home easier on the environment and your monthly bills. Call us today at (888) 233-7548 or send us a message from our website for a free estimate.

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California takes cool roofing seriously. The state’s energy code mandates standards of roof energy efficiency, including how well the roof reflects light (its reflectance) and how much heat it gives off (its emittance). Taken together, reflectance and emittance give a material’s solar reflectance index, or SRI. Since 2005, Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards have required all roofing materials to be labeled with ratings certified by the Cool Roof Rating Council. Roofing contractors must use materials that meet reflectance and emittance standards.

White roofs go beyond the minimum requirements to provide the highest reflectance and the lowest emittance. Government-rated ENERGY STAR products can lower roof temperatures by up to 100°F and reduce midday cooling demand by 10–15 percent. White roof painting, the simplest way to whiten a roof, is gaining in popularity. And of all the states in the continental U.S., California stands out as the place where a white roof makes the most sense. Only Hawaii stands to save as much from switching to white roofing.

Higher energy costs in California and Hawaii account for part of the difference. Also, California and Hawaii experience very little “penalty” for a white roof in winter. Northern and interior states benefit from the heat retention of a dark roof in winter; for them, there may be no net advantage from a white roof. Here in California, savings are at the upper end of the scale, up to $1.72 per square meter of roof, according to the Heat Island Group at Lawrence Berkeley Labs.

Benefits Beyond Money

With white roofing, any air-conditioned building will save on costs; a building without air conditioning will become more comfortable. But benefits extend beyond the building and its operating costs. The energy saved translates to lower emissions from fossil-fuel power plants, so air quality is improved. When enough urban cooling measures are put in place, air quality is further improved by reduction of ground-level ozone. Ozone, the primary component of smog, forms more quickly at higher temperatures.

The Urban Heat Island effect is the modern name for a phenomenon that has been observed for generations; replacement of vegetation with paving and buildings results in higher temperatures in built-up areas, and urban centers, with the most buildings and the greatest added power use, are the hottest of all. A city can feel like an oven in summer, and air conditioning to fight the heat indoors puts a strain on the energy grid at peak hours, sometimes leading to outages. White roofs, along with greening and other measures, can increase comfort in the urban environment, lowering ambient temperatures by several degrees while helping to avoid overtaxing the power grid.

How It’s Done for Bay Area Roofing

A cooler roof can be achieved at re-roofing time by substituting materials with a superior solar reflectance index. But there is no need to wait until your roof is old. A simple solution that can be applied at any time is a special reflective white coating that reflects up to 90 percent of sunlight, half of which is infrared. Contact the expert roofing repair and roofing installers at Century Roof and Solar today at (888) 233-7548 about what we can do to brighten your roof and help you realize energy savings quickly, without disruption to your business or home.

In the rainy fall and winter season here in the East Bay, roof leaks are not uncommon. Several methods, including regular roofing inspection and thermal imaging leak detection, can prevent major roof leaks.

The cheapest and most important way to avoid roof leak repair is regular inspection. A once-per-year professional inspection can spot cracked, torn, or curled shingles, blistering or bubbling in a flat roof, mold, and other types of decay.

Infrared Thermal Imaging is a non-destructive, non-invasive option for evaluating roof and ceiling conditions. A Thermal Imaging camera can identify wall studs and ceiling joists with significant temperature variations that indicate an insulation weakness. These spots are vulnerable to leaks. Using ITI lets homeowners know exactly where to regularly inspect for leaks and catch them before they start.

Lastly, indoor inspections identify problem areas. Any gray, yellow, or brown stains, peeling paint, or moisture marks indicate a damaged or leaking roof. It also helps to check the attic; damp rafters are often emblematic of roof damage. A sharp increase in energy bills is also a good indication that heat is escaping through a leaky roof.

Contact Us Today for All of Your Bay Area Roofing Concerns

Do you have concerns about your roofing and possible roof damage? Call Century Roof and Solar today at 888-233-7548 for expert roof service and advice in the Bay Area.

© 2014 Century Roof & Solar

As Bay Area roofing contractors with years of experience, the Century Roof & Solar team can tell you, firsthand, how important roof preparation can be for landlords, homeowners and property investors. If you fail to install and keep up your roof repairs, you can suffer substantial negative effects, including mechanical problems with the roof itself (leaks, mold, mildew, etc.), project and budget overruns and violations of local building codes. Whether debris or tree branches fell on your building, or the erosive effects of wind brought your roof to a critical point, here are some tips about how to prepare for the upcoming repairs.

Create a path for traffic to and from your property, so that your contractor and his or her team can access the property without causing congestion in your neighborhood and even annoying your neighbors.

Protect items in your attic that could be damaged by the repair. For instance, you might want to throw a sheet over antiques or other keepsakes or even remove them to lower levels of your home;

Take preventative steps to deal with any noise issues. Roofing work can get pretty loud, so you might want to spend more time at work or school, as well as alert your neighbors ahead of time, so they can also prepare for the commotion.

Prepare your landscaping. Identify your sprinkler heads, so that roofing contractors don’t trip over them or destroy them, and protect elements such as fragile lights, delicate bushes/plants, etc.

Time the action for good weather. The last thing you want is to start a major roofing project only to have it called off due to a storm, while there are several gaping holes in your roof. Play it safe: plan ahead.

Get In Touch with Our East Bay Roofing Contractors ASAP

For a free estimate about your project, call the Century Roof & Solar team today at 1-888-233-7548. We can set up a time to come and assess the damage and give you an estimate on how much it will cost, and how long the roofing repair will take. The sooner you get help, the easier the fix will be!

Slate offers substantial benefits over other types of roofing materials. Here are a few:

1. Aesthetic benefits

Slate is a beautiful, natural material. It recalls iconic buildings, such as Ivy League architectural masterpieces. It’s been used for centuries, and it looks great even after it’s been weathered.

2. Boosts the value of your building

Thanks to their unique beauty, simplicity, and durability, slate roofs tend to substantially increase property values. This is important, whether you’re fixing up an investment property to sell or just maximizing the equity value of your home.

3. Low pollution

Many Bay Area builders and remodelers are very “eco-conscious.” They want to avoid using materials that exude pollutants or toxins into the environment.

4. Easy to adapt to current structures

Some slate solutions require sophisticated modifications to existing roof structures. But other innovative technologies now allow you to easily adapt slate over your existing structure. Newer slate solutions are also lighter and less expensive than old ones.

Two reasons why slate is not a more popular material:

1. Traditionally, it’s relatively expensive.
2. It’s heavier than other roofing materials, which means that installation and maintenance require more work and that roofs must be well engineered to support the weight.

Fortunately, new technologies have made slate solutions both cheaper and easier for structures to bear. For help designing, executing and maintaining your Bay Area roofing project, look to the team at Century Roof & Solar. Whether or not you want to use slate or another material, we are standing by to discuss to provide a free and thorough consultation about your project.

It’s Bay Area roofing repair season! You are (finally!) getting around to that “spring cleaning” session that you had planned for early March.

Well, better late than never.

Experts recommend that homeowners inspect their roofs at least twice a year: once in fall, before the blustery winter weather; and once in spring, to deal with winter weather damage.

Here’s a quick primer to get you started with spring roof care.

Image via Flickr

See any peeling? See any shingles blown off during the winter? Are any shingles scoured or de-granulated? When the grain gets stripped off shingles, the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate them easier and cause them to crack and warp.

Be mindful of any mold, fungi or other growths.

Avoid using a power washer, which can strip grains off the shingles, making them more susceptible to UV damage. Spray on a moss remover, instead, and then find and replace any obviously damaged shingles.

Check your gutters and spouts.

With safety as your watchword, scoop out leaves, twigs, bird droppings, and debris out of your gutters. Wear heavy gloves, so you don’t get cut or poked. If storms loosened gutters, tighten them, and tighten any metal roof bolts as well, in preparation for summer thunderstorm season.

Inspect your vents and soffits.

Remove spiders, nests, wasps, and other accumulated debris.

Look at the flashing around your skylight and chimney.

These metal strips can get loosened by harsh winter weather and make the roofing structure less stable and resistant to decay.

Should you “DIY” or call a roofing contractor?

As the saying goes, caution is the better part of valor. Make sure that you’re doing the right projects — and doing them safely — before you finalize your “DIY” maintenance process.

Connect with the team here at Century Roof and Solar to design a cost effective spring roof repair and maintenance strategy. Find out more about us online, or call today for a free estimate.