Things to consider when choosing a roof for your home

What type of roofing material is ideal for you?

While certain roofing materials such as copper, wood shakes and slate have remained virtually unchanged for years, today’s wide and expanding pallate of roofing materials provide homeowners many options to consider, all of which are worth your consideration. From asphalt-fiberglass, a perennial favorite, to plastic composites, along with other new cement-made products, you now have a whole host of materials to choose from. Let us briefly examine each of them.

• Asphalt Composition Shingles: Perhaps the most preferred roofing type for today’s homes, studies show that Asphalt Shingles account for nearly eighty-percent of total residential roofing. Typically, they are made from either fiberglass or an organic paper fiber mat impregnated with asphalt and mineral granules added to them. This material boasts a broad range of beneficial features such as longevity, affordability, and appearance. The best in this class are known as architectural or laminated shingles; these are more textured and thicker, potentially lasting between thirty to forty years. One notable disadvantage of Asphalt shingles is that they are not eco-friendly, as they are petroleum-based. However, they may still be recycled.
• Metal: It is imperative to note that metal roofs are relatively more expensive than their asphalt counterparts, and as such, offer increased durability and more wind-resistance. They are also available in a wide variety, comprising of copper, steel, aluminum or zinc alloy. On most occasions, iron roofs come coated with a zinc or painted finish. On the other hand, copper roofs are installed unfinished, often requiring a protective green patina as time goes on. They are also relatively durable, depending on the material. Again, they offer resistance to both the wind and fire.
• Wood Shakes and Shingles: These are commonly made of cedar, redwood or any other type of resistant wood. As such, they’ll provide a natural aesthetic and since they originate from natural materials, are eco-friendly! Though they are fantastically wind resistant, they are destitute of fire resistance.
• Slate: Often dark-gray in color and irregular in appearance, slate roofs are made from natural slate rocks. Highly durable, they offer excellent resistance to both fire and the wind, and sometimes require a reinforced roofing structure for extra support. Unfortunately, as a result, they can be expensive and require highly-skilled workers for installation.
• Concrete Tile: These feature materials are extracted from Portland sand and cement. These tiles can be modified to look like slate, wood shakes, and clay tiles. Concrete tiles are also very durable, low maintenance and have high fire resistance.
• Plastic Polymer: Molded from high-tech plastic polymer materials, these are long-lasting, wind and fire resistant and eco-friendly.

Cost Considerations?

If you are unaware, the overall cost of a new roof can vary widely.  Besides the shingles you choose, the roof’s height, and complexity as well as ceiling steepness can influence the labor costs. Based on your preferences, values, needs and budget, you should be able to arrive at the best choice.

Are the weather factors significant?

Your home is the primary barrier between you and the elements of nature. Thus, choosing a material which will shelter your belongings reliably is crucial. To be even more precise, protection must be offered against snow, wind, rain as well as the sun’s scorching heat. Simply put, your roofing material must be capable of withstanding whatever type of weather that comes its way.

Again, other factors such as the roof’s slope and strength will limit your options. In regions prone to hurricanes or natural fires, choose a product with excellent fire rating as well as strong fire resistance.

Is the material durable?

Without a doubt, you expect your new roof to serve you for an extended period. Note that the ultimate cost of any roofing material is a factor of its durability. As such, a cheaper material such as composition roofing will likely serve you for a shorter period, relative to a premium material. Finally, always pay close attention to warranty, fully comprehending the coverage being offered.

If you would like a Bay Area roofing contractor to consult you on choosing the right roof, contact Century Roof Tile

When weighing your options for new roofing material, discussed above are the most significant factors to consider. If you are a Bay Area homeowner seeking roof installation, look no further than Century Roof Tile. Century Roof Tile is a seasoned provider of roofing services in the greater Bay Area region. We offer a wide variety of roofing materials at very competitive prices. Contact us today at (888) 233-7548 for professional assistance. If you are reaching out to us after-hours, simply send us a message online via our contact form.

Whether a tree branch recently collapsed on your Bay Area condo, or your tenant spotted a leak coming from her apartment, you’re searching for roofing contractors to manage your crisis and, ideally, prevent similar crises from erupting in the future.
Here are some tips for identifying great people to meet your needs. First off, do due diligence and take your time. Although you are in a rush — you may need to get the roof  job done fast, not only to protect yourself (and your tenants) but also to comply with code — avoid choosing the wrong people for the job.

Your prospective contractor should be fully licensed with the state and should have comprehensive insurance coverage. Before doing roofing installations, the contractor should have certifications and warranties on the products to be used.

Depending on the work that needs to be done, contractors may also need to acquire building permits and engage in other bureaucratic measures to ensure the work is up to code and to avoid fines and fees.

In addition to these due diligence activities, you also may want to research prospective contractors’ reputations. Are they seasoned? Have there been any complaints against them at the Better Business Bureau? What’s their reputation like online? If you’re hiring for a big, important project, you may want to ask to speak with several previous clients.

Create a list of all the important attributes that you want your contractor to have: for instance, you might want a team that’s affordable, reputable, licensed, close by and communicative. Then use those positive attributes to winnow down your choices and pick the right team.

Lastly, communicate extensively with your team before, during and after the project.

Find the Right Bay Area Roof and Solar Contractor

For assistance with your emergency Bay Area roofing project, get in touch with the Century Roof & Solar team today 1-888-223-7548  for a free estimate.

© 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!