Let's face it: as a homeowner, one of the most important (and expensive!) parts of your house is the roof.
A roof not only keeps you dry and warm, but it's a key visual aspect of your house, too. A good roof can also add to your home's resale value.
The kicker? In addition to being a crucial part of your home, a roof is also one of the most expensive to maintain or replace. This means that a good roof repair company is crucial - and plenty of people take the time to do their due diligence. You should definitely be one of them!
Here, we tell you how to start your search for a good roof repair company, and what questions to ask once you've narrowed down the list.
Google "roofing contractors in your area", and the search results are probably overwhelming. So, where to start?
Ask neighbors or friends for referrals. If you're new to the area, another option is checking Angie's List. Once you have a few names, run the company against the BBB and the National Roofing Contractors Association. Check out the company's website, too: it should be professional-looking and, hopefully, have some firsthand reviews.
Another option? This may seem obvious, but hop in the car and take a drive to look at roofs! What style of shingles do you like, and what's popular in your area: asphalt? wood? tile?
If you think the workmanship of a roof is particularly outstanding, consider knocking on the door and asking about the contractor. The homeowner will be flattered!
And don't forget to stay local: local roof repair companies will be up-to-date on the city's laws and requirements for pulling permits. In some areas, a permit is only required if you're changing the home's roofline; in other areas, it's required even for moderate repairs to the roof's material.
Lastly, roof repairs often require repair or replacement of gutters, too. If you think this may apply to you, ensure you work with a company who can handle gutters.
Ensure your roof repair company is fully licensed and insured (workman's compensation and liability.) This includes all employees as well as any subcontractors. Ask to see the insurance certificate so you can validate.
In the event that a roofing contractor is injured on your property, you need to ensure that the roofing company has their own insurance to cover associated costs - otherwise, you can quickly find yourself dishing out the dollars.
Any good roof repair company should offer a warranty (though it will vary by shingle type and location.) This shows that not only does the contractor believe in the durability of his own work, but the warranty also protects you in the event that your roof starts leaking prematurely or wasn't properly installed.
Get at least three bids for your roof repair or replacement. And remember: roofs are not cheap. If the cost seems too good to be true, it probably is. Also, make sure the contractor does not require 100% payment upfront: bad contractors have been known to take the money and run, so the final payment shouldn't be made until after the work is complete. And get everything in writing! Cost, payment terms, etc.
A good contractor won't leave you feeling pressured to make a quick decision, and they won't charge you for a bid/quote. If you get a bad vibe when you meet a contractor, or if you find that they aren't returning your calls in a timely manner, move on to the next one.
Once you've chosen a roof repair company, there are a few questions you'll want to ask to ensure that you don't encounter any hidden surprises:
Prior to agreeing to any repairs with your chosen roof repair company, it's recommended that you contact your insurance company if you plan on making a claim. The insurance company may request information from the contractor (e.g. insurance certificate or photos.)
Working with your insurance company early can also prevent headaches (and money!) down the road. Imagine if you spent several thousand dollars on a new roof repair, only to learn that your insurance company won't cover the claim because you didn't follow protocol. Most insurance companies have some limitations to roof repair claims, so ensure you understand them before you sign on the dotted line.
Now that you know the ins and outs of finding a great roof repair company, start asking friends or neighbors for a few recommendations. Do your homework and ensure you're considering only professional, licensed roofers.
Although it's an expensive investment, a good roof can last thirty or more years. This is not the time for you to cut corners or procrastinate. In fact, waiting too long to replace a leaky or damaged roof can cost you thousands more in the long haul.
Here at Luke Roofing, we can promise you quality workmanship at an affordable price. Contact us today for your roofing repair needs!
Need a new roof?
The choices can be overwhelming.
The roofing materials you choose must protect and insulate your home. But you also have to consider the cost and appearance.
The best choice will be affordable and give you a good return on your investment by increasing the value of your home.
Keep reading to learn what's available, and the types of materials that work best on a residential roof in Orange County.
The roof style of your home may determine which type of materials you can consider.
If your home has a low slope or a flat roof, you may use a different material than a home with a roof that has a very steep pitch.
The structure of the home must be able to support the material you choose. If you want a slate roof, which is very heavy, the house has to be able to carry the load.
Consult with a professional to learn which types of roofing materials will work on your home.
After you determine the type of roof your house can support, you'll need to figure out the cost.
There are several things that determine the price of a new roof.
A home with chimneys, dormers, and skylights will cost more than a home with a simple roof. This is because it's labor intensive and requires more materials.
If the structure of the roof has rot, termites or other damage, you must repair it before you put on a new roof. That will add to the cost.
Below are the best types of materials for Southern California weather.
Asphalt shingles are light in weight, easy to install and fit most budgets.
Most asphalt shingles are fiberglass. They're fiberglass mat that's saturated with asphalt and coated with colored ceramic granules. A roof covered in asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years.
A shingle roof has lower insulation quality than other roofing materials. But, they are available in many colors and are the cheapest option.
In fact, most Americans choose asphalt roofing materials for their homes.
Asphalt shingles used to be one of the least energy-efficient materials. They absorbed a lot of solar heat.
Now they are shingles with reflective granules that reflect most of the sun's heat.
Asphalt shingles are recyclable.
Wood shingles and shakes are cedar, redwood, and southern pine.
Shingles are machine made. Shakes are handmade and often have a rougher look. Both have a natural look that adds character to a home.
Wooden roofing materials can grow mold in heavy rainfall areas. There has also been concern over fire resistance for wooden materials.
You can find shingles and shakes treated with fire retardants to reduce risk. Check with your local building officials to determine any restrictions on installing a wood roof in your area.
In the past, metal roofing covered warehouses more than residential homes.
Technological advances, and changing styles, make it easier for people to use at home. The choices today include copper, aluminum, alloy strips, and stainless steel. Many of the metal materials include recycled content.
Copper is the most expensive of the metals. As it ages, the copper takes on a green patina.
Metal roofs can be textured to look like wood shakes, shingles, slate or tile. The materials are long-lasting, lightweight, and resistant to bad weather. Metal also won't burn.
Besides their good looks, metal roofs are easy to install because they are so lightweight. A metal roof reflects the sun so it stays cooler inside in the summer.
Clay tile roofing is natural clay that's fired in a kiln.
You've probably seen the half cylinder shaped tiles that are popular in Spanish and Mission style homes.
Clay tiles are durable, expensive and heavy. Your roof may need reinforcements to support the weight of a clay roof.
Overall, clay tiles provide many of the same benefits as slate, but cost less and offer more color choices. Clay tile is fire resistant.
Concrete tile is made of sand, cement, and water. It's available in different colors and textures.
The color is incorporated into the cement. It's not just a coating. Some color may fade after a few years.
Concrete tile is available in flat profile, low profile and high profile. Each profile has a different appearance. Low profile has small curves and high profile has larger curves.
A concrete tile roof is one of the most difficult roofing materials to install correctly. But, when properly installed with the right underlayments, battens, and flashings it will be a very good roof.
Concrete tile roofs are more expensive than asphalt shingle but less than a clay tile.
Slate is a beautiful natural material that lasts for hundreds of years.
If you are roofing a house with slate, you must reinforce the roof to carry the heavy load.
The color of slate comes from it's chemical and mineral composition. It will vary depending on where the slate is from. The slate may also change color after exposure to weather.
Slate is one of the prettiest types of roofs. But, installation is labor intensive and should only be done by skilled professionals. The installation and the raw materials make a slate roof expensive.
If you want a slate roof at a reduced cost, you can choose a composite material that looks like slate.
It is similar in weight to asphalt, so you won't need to reinforce the structure.
The simulated slate shingles are made of plastic/polymer, clay, rubber or asphalt.
This composite material looks like the real thing. However, it may crack under impact. It also may fade. Although it doesn't cost as much as real slate, it is more expensive than other choices.
If you need help with a new or replacement roof, contact Luke Roofing for an estimate. We're a long-established Orange County roofer.
You can count on Luke Roofing for prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing need and situation.
A qualified Orange County roofer can do much to improve your roof. The list of possibilities includes everything from minor touch-ups to complete roof replacement. But one improvement that seldom gets mentioned is painting. That’s right. It’s entirely possible to improve the aesthetic appeal of your rooftop by giving it a coat of paint. If up to the task and feel especially artistic, homeowners can do the job themselves. Often, this is done with the assistance of family and friends susceptible to pleas for help. Or homeowners can bring professionals on board to carry out the mission. Either way, the results can be quite pleasing.
Whether you do the job yourself, hire an Orange County roofing company, or call in professional painters, you’ll likely have questions about the process. One of these is: will paint have any negative impact on my roof? In most cases, the answer would be ‘no’. Paint has very little impact on shingles. In fact, many an Orange County roofer would say that paint provides a protective coating that enables shingles to last longer. It’s important to remember, however, that not just any type of paint will serve the purpose. The recommend kind for rooftops is latex-based.
The great thing about painting your roof is that the improvement is suitable for virtually any type of roof in any type of community. But no matter where you live, it’s beneficial to get professional advice early-on. If, for example, you reside in Anaheim, consult with a qualified Anaheim roofer about the painting process. The professionals there will offer top-flight guidance that can help you make the very best decision.
If you have questions about painting your roof, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.
With abundant attention justifiably focused on solar panels, another rooftop environmentally-friendly element generally is overlooked. That element is the shingle. That’s right. When an Orange County roofer installs a shingle, this professional might be installing environmental friendliness atop your home. How so? Well, take the asphalt shingle as an example. Without much effort, these layerings protect your home from brutal elements such as direct sunlight. With sun heat minimized, so is the need to crank up the air conditioning. That, in turn, is a major positive for both the environment and your available funds.
Interestingly, an Orange County roofing company may be able to go one better by installing shingles with the popular ENERGY STAR™ rating. Shingles with this certification provide some of the same benefits offered by household appliances bearing the same rating. Perhaps you’re wondering how a simple shingle qualifies for this designation? After all, it doesn’t produce or use energy per se. True. But shingles nowadays are available with a reflective coating. If the shingle meets the minimum solar reflectance requirement, it may qualify for the rating. By reflecting sunlight, rooftops made of this material significantly lower indoor temperatures and ultimately save energy. Thus, the ENERGY STAR™ rating. Additionally, this certification can provide certain tax advantages, depending on where you live.
A sunny area such as Tustin would benefit immensely by reflective shingles. If your home is in that community, you may want to call a qualified Tustin roofing company for more information. The result could be lower air conditioning bills, an ENERGY STAR™ rating, and higher balances in your bank account.
If you have questions about environmentally-friendly shingles, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.
You might need to call an Orange County roofer for any number of problems. Some of these may be serious enough to require days of dedicated work. Still, others might be relative lightweights easily resolved within minutes. It’s all part of the job. But the one issue you needn’t concern yourself with is the presence of tiny granules in your rain gutter. Most likely, nothing is wrong -- and nothing is damaged. The presence of these strange particles is a perfectly natural phenomenon that can appear in any rain gutter, any time of the year.
The unexpected granules being observed by your keen eyes originated on your shingles. Basically, a small quantity of the particles broke free and found their way into your gutter. This isn’t surprising. The granules were probably loose already. This is not a defect nor a sign that your chosen Orange County roofing company got careless and knocked some loose during installation. The loosening probably happened during the manufacturing process. It often does. Nobody was careless here, either. It’s just the result of an overabundance of granules.
Here’s what happens. During the manufacturing process, granules are pressed into all asphalt shingles as protection against sunlight. A small amount of the particles, however, come loose during the normal course of events. They then get packaged with the newly-manufactured shingles. After shingle installation, the loose particles detach and, carried by cool breezes, land in your gutter. There, the tiny intruders lie undetected by you until they're discovered.
Again, there’s no cause for concern. So, if you have a home in an Orange County city such as Laguna Hills, don’t call a Laguna Hills roofer upon sighting a gutter full of particles. Within a couple of years, all those loose granules will have disconnected, putting an end to their ongoing migration.
If you have questions about loose shingle granules, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.
Oh, the frustration. You’ve gone to great lengths to ensure the aesthetic excellence of your roof. You’ve researched and shopped until you finally discovered the perfect shingles. A qualified Orange County roofing company has installed them with great care. And one day you look up to admire the results and notice some unexpected color variations on your rooftop – dark and light areas interspersed among the shingles. Well, there’s no reason for concern. The phenomenon is quite normal and eventually will go away. What you’re seeing is known in roofing circles as color shading.
Essentially, color shading is noticeable as a result of variances in lighting conditions or viewing angles. Look at the shingles from one position, and the shading is apparent. Glance at them from another, and colors seem normal and uniform. The same holds true for lighting. Morning sunlight might produce one effect; late afternoon, another. Whatever the cause, it’s important to know that the color differentials do not occur during the installation stage. This means, if you own a home in an Orange County city such as Newport Beach, the issue has nothing to do with the techniques and processes of your chosen Newport Beach roofing contractor. What it does have to do with is the manufacturer.
What happens during the manufacturing stage is the development of minor variations in the texture of shingles. It can’t be helped. Because of these textural differences, variations in color shading can result. The darker the hue, the more prone to shading the shingle is. But there’s no cause for alarm. Shading has no negative impact on the water-repelling capabilities or other performance factors of shingles.
If you have questions about color shading, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.
The question has gnawed at the deepest of thinkers throughout the centuries. And now, ordinary homeowners must wrestle with it. The question is, of course, how long should a roof last. Guesses have been made; calculations, performed. But still no reliable answer has emerged. Not even the most qualified Orange County roofer can provide complete accuracy. Although, one of these professionals most certainly can offer a reliable ballpark figure. When asked, most would answer that a newly-installed roof system should last about 20 years, give or take. Naturally, many variables could influence this time-span. But by and large, this estimate is the most reliable number currently on the market. If your roof goes for two decades, it has lived up to its promise.
When an Orange County roofing company installs a new roof, it can utilize a wide range of materials. This variety of possibilities is important, as material composition can impact roof longevity. Certain types of substances simply last longer. Leading the list of high-endurance materials are slate, clay, tile, and copper. Roofs made of these often will provide first-rate service for well over two decades. Bear in mind, however, that along with longevity, each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages. It's best to consult with an Orange County roofer to learn what they are.
Roof durability also is impacted by other variables, including climate and environment. For instance, your home may be in a section of Mission Viejo that receives abundant direct sunlight. Quite possibly, the constant heat barrage is causing shingle damage. To be sure, homeowners should consult with a Mission Viejo roofer for a complete assessment of their situation.
If you have questions about roof durability, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.
Procrastination … It’s only natural that many of us would utilize this delaying tactic when convenient. But the practice can be costly, especially where your roof is concerned. Don’t fall into this trap. Far better to confront a situation early on than face negative consequences down the road. As far as your roof goes, this means looking for signs of roof damage and deterioration. If you’d rather not take on this responsibility, a qualified Orange County roofing company will be ready, willing, and able to tackle the assignment. Either way, it must be done.
When surveying for roof damage and/or deterioration, an Orange County roofing contractor will look for the obvious signs first. These include cracked (or missing) shingles, worn flashings, and loose shingle granules. If any of these telltale signs are detected, you likely will need to either repair or replace your roof. As a rule, the longer you wait to uncover these problems, the worse they’ll get. And consequently, the more you’ll have to pay to undo the damage. Ignoring and procrastinating until rainwater leaks into your home clearly is not the preferable route.
Once you or your chosen Orange County roofing company completes the inspection, you’ll likely be facing one of two choices. Either you must replace the roof entirely or recover it with a second layer of shingles. If you’ve already done the latter, this option may not be open to you. Certain municipal codes limit homeowners to a one-time recover. The codes can vary by city. But don’t worry. A local professional can determine where you stand on the matter. Let’s say, for instance, you own a home in Irvine. An Irvine roofing company will know the codes and how they apply to your situation.
If you have questions about roof deterioration or damage, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.
Who says you must begin at the bottom and progress upward? When it comes to your home’s aesthetic appeal, the top is an excellent starting point. Indeed, a roof can add tremendously to your property’s visual allure. For more information, consult with a qualified Orange County roofing company. An experienced professional can give you a complete rundown of the available options. In the interim, however, here are some highlights.
If you’d want to unleash a roof’s aesthetic potential, begin with the shingles. Yes, gutter and other trimmings make a visual statement. But these are secondary considerations. Shingles are the headliner. There’s a good reason for this. Shingles are what you and the rest of the world sees. If they’re cracked, broken, or damaged, aesthetic appeal decreases. Equally concerning, so does their ability to keep rainwater and other elements from entering your home. Moisture easily finds its way through those cracks and other openings. If you’re uncertain about the condition of your shingles, request an inspection from an Orange County roofing contractor. In the event flaws are discovered, these professionals can take the right action.
Should an inspection mandate a new roof, don’t limit yourself to functionality. Often, homeowners ignore the roof when it comes to design. They shouldn’t. Nowadays, roof tiles are available in a variety of unique colors. If you have a home in a city such as Dana Point, you may want to consult a Dana Point roofing company about the available color options. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the impact of a well-chosen hue.
If you have questions about creating aesthetic appeal with your roof, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.
If only you could make those rooftop stains vanish with a wave of your hand. But unless you possess some special powers, the intervention of an ordinary human will be required. Certainly, you can call for the assistance of an Orange County roofing company to remove the stains, mildew, and other imperfections caused by the passage of time. (Very few old roofs are without them.) Or you can take care of the matter yourself. Either way, the task must be performed. Not only are those unattractive blemishes offensive to your aesthetic sense; they very likely are lowering your home’s market value.
In most cases, the imperfections you notice are signs of mildew or fungus. Whether you opt for the help of an Orange County roofing contractor or the do-it-yourself method, the problem probably can be solved by a very common household item – bleach. What you’ll be doing with this handy liquid is creating a cleaning solution capable of removing the blemishes. Ideally, you’ll want the solution to consist of 25% bleach and 75% water.
Once you’re done mixing your solution, fill a garden pump sprayer with the liquid and focus the spray on the mildew, fungus, and other stains. Naturally, you’ll want to aim accurately. Misaimed bleach that strikes surrounding plants can do them a great deal of damage. For maximum protection, it’s a good idea to cover nearby foliage. Also, make sure no errant spray touches other parts of the roof.
To really be certain the cleansing is done right, consider a professional for the job. If you live in Newport Beach, for example, a qualified Newport Beach roofing company can ensure safe, reliable stain removal.
If you have questions about removing roof stains, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.
When an Orange County roofer installs an asphalt shingle roof, you can expect an ordinary layering of gray material. Nothing special; just a functional cover that keeps the rain and other elements at bay. Well, that might be the impression asphalt left in the past. But today, the material is making quite a different mark. And the mark is much more exciting than most people could have imagined. In the option-filled, contemporary world, asphalt shingles are available in a variety of styles. Not just the same old, same old. So, no matter what your taste or temperament, chances are better than excellent that you’ll find something in the asphalt category to tickle your fancy.
Basically, an Orange County roofing company can enhance your roof with three different asphalt options, in addition to the garden variety single shingle. The first of these is the strip shingle, or as it is otherwise known – the three-tab shingle. The numerical designation is very apt. Each of these shingle strips consists of three tabs that mimic the look of separate shingles. Three shingles in one describes this to a tee.
The laminated shingle has a ‘three-dimensional’ look, being available in different thickness levels. This is one of the most aesthetically-appealing in the asphalt shingle category. Perhaps you have a stylish home in an Orange County city such as Rancho Santa Margarita. In that case, you may want to consult with a Rancho Santa Margarita roofer about improving your home’s visual appeal with laminated shingles.
Interlocking shingles are interconnected for strength and stability. If the wind howls long and strong in your neck of the woods, they can stand up to blows with great success.
If you have questions about asphalt shingle styles, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.
It’s only natural … homeowners want to correct any discovered roof deficiencies, whether they be missing shingles, clogged rain gutters, or any of the other million and one possible problems. But they also want to save money. So if possible, rather than enlist an Orange County roofing company to replace their roof, money-conscious homeowners understandably will opt for a new layer of shingles. Basically, this solution leaves the old shingles in place and covers them over with brand-new, just-purchased replacement shingles. Easy as pie and so good to the wallet, right?
Well, yes. That part is correct – if all goes well. However, there are definite problems associated with this rooftop cover-up. For an in-depth analysis of the potential issues, schedule a consultation with a qualified Orange County roofing contractor. In the meantime, you can get a sense of what’s in store from the following overview.
First and foremost, you must deal with curling shingles. If you’re current layer is lying good and flat, then you’re in the clear on this matter. But if they’re curling up from the rooftop, they’ll push up mightily against any new layer. Can you imagine your reaction as you gaze with pride upon your ‘new’ roof, only to see unexpected rises here and there? Not too flattering.
There is, however, an even more troubling prospect in store after double-layering a roof. What if, for instance, you have a beautiful home in San Clemente. And low and behold, you notice the effect that curling shingles are having on your new over-layer. You decide to replace the entire roof. Well guess what, your San Clemente roofing company must tear off both layers instead of one before installing the replacement. And all that extra labor and time will cost you. So before you double-layer, think about the consequences. You may not be doing the best thing.
If you have questions about layering shingles, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing and commercial roofing need. No matter where you live in OC, you can count on Luke Roofing for the most efficient, reliable roofing solutions.