Orange County

One function of an Orange County roofer, of course, is to install roofs. This job, however, requires more than laying down a few tiles. In fact, when an Orange County roofer installs a new roof, this professional must deal with a variety of components.

Whether a residential roofer or commercial roofer is on the job, these components remain fairly consistent. The first of them is the visible layer familiar to everyone, the roof covering. The material selected to cover and shield your rooftop is available in variety of styles and textures. The most common covering is shingles. Seen almost everywhere, these may be of the tile, slate, or metal variety. The choice depends on your personal preferences and objectives.  

Naturally, your chosen roof covering requires support. In roofing circles, that support is known as sheathing. This foundation typically is a board made of a sturdy material such as plywood. An Orange County roofer connects this board to your rafters, thereby supporting shingles or other covering.

Sheathing, in turn, requires its own support. That’s the job of rafters and trusses.  The first of these, rafters, are beams that run from the eaves to the roof peak. Consider it the basic framework of a roof. Similar to rafters, trusses provide support in the form of posts and struts.

The final component an Orange County roofer deals with is flashing. This is critical for preventing water from seeping into your home during inclement weather. Typically constructed of sheet metal, flashing is installed into roof joints and valleys.

If you have any questions about what an Orange County roofer installs in a roofing system, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential or commercial roofing need and situation. From roofing services in Fullerton to roofing services in Laguna Beach, Luke Roofing has Orange County covered.

When it comes to picking out a new roof for your home, or even a roof for your new construction home, it pays to look at things through a buyer’s eyes. Even if you’re planning to stay in your home for several years, you never know what will happen. So whether you’re renovating or building a brand new home, take time to think about what today’s buyers are looking for when choosing a roof.

Not sure what buyers in your area like? Talk with a local realtor, or ask your Orange County roofing contractor what other homeowners in the area are doing. Getting an idea of the current trends will help you make the best possible choice when it comes to choosing a roof for your home.

Here are some of the considerations to make when you’re looking at your roofing choice as a buyer would:

One of the most important jobs performed by the typical Orange County roofing company has nothing to do with leaks. It's the job of making sure roof ventilation is in good order.

Without some means of channeling air into crucial zones, heat and moisture often accumulate in places like attics. Once those problems take hold, the consequences typically are extremely unwelcome. For instance, moisture-ravaged shingles often buckle. Insulation doesn’t buckle – it just weakens.

A qualified Orange County roofing contractor can help identify barriers to proper roof ventilation. As part of the process, this hawk-eyed professional will make sure common passageways such as louvers, ridge vents, or soffit vents are sufficiently open to allow adequate air flow. Ventilation, of course, is important for both residential roofs and those used on commercial buildings. A qualified residential roofing contractor or commercial roofing contractor can determine if your roof meets the ventilation requirements.

No matter where you live or work in Orange County, proper ventilation is crucial to the effectiveness and durability of your roof. Don’t assume that an inland residence is invulnerable to the ravages of moisture. Dampness is a condition that occurs almost anywhere. If, for instance, you live in Costa Mesa, it’s best to get the opinion of a qualified Costa Mesa roofing company to determine the effectiveness of your current roof ventilation. If a need reveals itself, the company will offer appropriate solutions. This may include installing a vapor retarder beneath the insulation to prevent moisture from penetrating your attic.

If you have any questions about ventilation for your roof, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofing company, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in Costa Mesa or anywhere else in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

There are many instances in which you’ll want to call in a reputable Orange County roofing company. One of these instances obviously is when you need to replace your existing roof with a new one. But you definitely don’t won’t to create a situation that requires you to enlist the services of a residential roofer or commercial roofing contractor unnecessarily. These are the situations that occur when you do something that shouldn’t be done to or on your roof. For example, pressure washing. This might eliminate unsightly grime from your rooftop. But the process also will eliminate things that should be left untouched.

One of the things that will be eliminated is the layer of asphalt granules protecting shingles. Pressure washing has a tendency to blast them away. Not a good thing. The granules are what shield your roof and therefore home from leaks. Not that you must endure all that grime marring the appearance of your shingles. There’s a right way to go about the task of beautifying your rooftop. And that way is to pick up the phone and contact a dependable Orange County roofing contractor. This professional has the tools and experience to eliminate grime without eliminating the important stuff.

No matter where you live in Orange County, there’s an expert available to provide grime-removable options that won’t damage your roof.  For a community such as Laguna Beach, for example, you’ll gain enormously by talking things over with a Laguna Beach roofing company. Doing otherwise could leave you open to roof damage and force you to make major repairs or get a whole new roof.  

If you have any questions about removing grime from your roof, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofing company, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in Irvine or anywhere else in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

With Orange County and all of Southern California heating up under the summer sun, many of the community’s rooftops will really take a beating before the season is over and things cool down. Given the harshness of those golden rays, it’s not surprising that extreme temperatures are one of the leading causes of shingle damage. If you wish to prevent or at least minimize the potential for such damage, you may want to have a reliable Orange County roofer install shingles that can withstand the summer sun.

Which kind of shingles work best? Many a commercial roofer would advise homeowners in hot zones such as Orange County to choose from among the following possibilities: slate, terracotta, concrete tiles, reflective roofing, membrane roofing, and photovoltaic shingles.

If cost is a factor shaping your decision, you’ll definitely want to give strong consideration to concrete tiles. While high on quality, these tiles consistently earn the distinction of being the lowest priced option among high-end roofing materials. But no matter what type of material you select, be sure to factor in all costs associated with the installation of new tiles, not just the tiles themselves.

Along with roofing materials, roof coatings also can be an effective means of cooling down your roof and preventing it from heat damage. Coating works like a mirror, reflecting the sun’s blistering rays away from your home. And let’s not forget the effectiveness of what’s beneath the roof -- namely insulation. Proper insulation can go a long way to keeping those high summer temperatures at bay.  

Should you think your roof is vulnerable to heat damage, it’s best to get expert input. For instance, if you live in a sunny community such as Irvine, get the opinion of an Irvine roofer. Being proactive in this manner will help you protect your roof and make your home as cool and comfortable as it can be.

If you have any questions about the best shingles for hot weather, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofing company, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in Irvine, Trabuco Canyon, or anywhere else in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

If you’re in the market for a new roof or roof repair, it’s important to put time and effort into vetting potential Orange County roofing contractors. Luckily, this is easier than ever with the power of the internet. Today, there are plenty of online resources you can use to check out potential roofers’ credentials and customer reviews. Here are just seven resources you can use today to check out potential roofing companies for your next project:

1.California Contractor State License Board

At a minimum, any roofing contractor you hire should have a license from the California Contractor State License Board (CSLB). You’ll need to look for the company’s license number on its website or marketing materials, and be sure that the contractor can complete the work that you need to have done. Ideally, your Orange County roofing company will be able to handle any sort of roofing project, just in case any additional issues pop up during your project’s process.

2.Better Business Bureau

The Better Business Bureau is the best place to go for potential negative reviews of roofers and other contractors. While customers technically can leave good feedback with the BBB, they’re most likely to leave negative feedback. But you should still check out the roofer’s history to see if they’ve had any complaints in the past few years. Also, you can see if a business is accredited with the BBB and what sort of overall rating they have.

3.National Roofing Contractor Association

This third-party association, and others like it, certify members’ knowledge of current industry standards and practices. They also ensure that contractors cooperate with local safety guidelines. Membership in one of these associations isn’t mandatory when looking for a great Orange County roofing contractor. But it can show that your contractor is serious about staying up-to-date on the latest trends and practices.

4.Manufacturer’s Certifications

In order to install certain materials, roofers actually need to be certified by the manufacturer. Otherwise, you risk paying an arm and a leg for high-quality materials, but missing out on your warranty. This is because contractors must be certified by the manufacturer in order to install materials under a warranty. If you have a particular manufacturer or material in mind for your roofing project, you should definitely be sure that your contractor has the appropriate certifications in place.

5.Government Certifications

Some contractors get involved in optional government programs, such as recycling programs that allow them to safely recycle certain used roofing materials. Contractors could also participate in programs for lead remediation and other similar programs. Most of the time, contractors will show off these certifications on their marketing materials, but you may want to verify them independently wherever possible.

6.Social Media

Looking for real reviews by customers of your potential roofer? Look at social media. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn can be a great place to find review from individuals who have dealt directly with the company in question. Plus, you can always ask friends on these networks if they’ve dealt with local contractors for their own roofing problems. You might be surprised at how much advice you can get from other locals.

7.Third-Party Review Websites

Can’t find the feedback you’re looking for on social media? Check out third-party review websites like Angie’s List. These websites are great because they may actually vet the reviewers to ensure that they’ve actually dealt with the company in question. Other websites are open to anyone, but most reviews will be reasonable and from real customers.

Aside from these seven resources, be sure that you also talk directly to the contractor in question. You should always get in-person estimates for your job. This is a great option because it doesn’t just give you a total price for your project, but also a feel for how the contractor communicates and values customers.

Working through resources like these does take time. But it’s worth your while when it results in a great contractor that works well for your particular project. Take your time when considering these and other indicators of a contractors’ qualifications. And be sure to look at multiple contractors when looking for someone to fulfill your roofing needs.

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer in Tustin and surrounding areas, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing need and situation. Wherever and whenever you need roofing services in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

The state of your roof can tell you a lot about your home, in general. Water stains may mean that you have backed-up gutters, for instance. And a roof that is waving or denting in places may have storm damage or underlying structural issues. One other thing your roof can tell you about: mold.

Mold under the roof is a less common issue in SoCal than in wetter areas of the country, but that doesn’t mean it never happens. After all, it only takes a little water damage for mold to crop up in otherwise sheltered areas.

So what should you look for to tell if there’s mold happening on or just under your roof? And when should you call an Orange County roofing contractor to take care of the problem? Here’s what you need to know about finding, dealing with, and preventing mold on your roof.

Signs to Look For

First, it’s always important as a homeowner to know what signs to look for as a problem might arise. When it comes to mold in or around your roof, you might notice actual visible stains and streaks that seem to spread on your roof, for instance. If your roof is poorly ventilated, mold can actually grow on top of the roof or just under the shingles, causing discoloration that seems to get worse as time goes by.

It’s more likely, though, that mold signs will be visible inside your home. For instance, you might notice cracked or peeling paint on your ceilings, or even water stains coming through to the ceilings. If you notice signs like these, you either have recent water damage or, potentially, mold.

Also, you should always be on the lookout for worrying physical symptoms in yourself, your children, or your pets. Symptoms of mold reaction can be subtle, and may look like cold, flu, or seasonal allergy symptoms to begin with. But if you notice family members who have increased respiratory issues, itchy skin, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, or sore throat on an ongoing basis, it’s a good idea to look for mold. Other mold exposure symptoms include rashes, headaches, or chest tightness.

If these symptoms are ongoing and out of the ordinary, you’ll want to talk to a doctor, of course. But you may also want to talk to an Orange County roofing contractor who can thoroughly check the top of your home for mold. This is especially true if you notice these symptoms in connection with other physical signs of mold around or outside of your home.

Dealing with Mold on Your Roof

When it comes to dealing with mold on your roof, it’s really best left to the professionals. Mold and mildew growth on the outside of your roof, such as between your tiles, is less likely to cause serious health problems for your family. However, you’ll want to have contractors take care of this unsightly problem before it does further damage to the roofing underlayment.

Usually, contractors will clean the roof thoroughly if exterior mold is the problem. They may use a bleach solution to kill the mold growth, and they may need to replace some of the more affected tiles or shingles, if necessary.

Mold growing under the roof can be a larger problem to deal with, and you may need to talk with a contractor who specializes in mold remediation.

Mold growing in the attic may be harmless cosmetic mold that can be scrubbed off or even left alone. But if the mold variety is potentially hazardous, you’ll have to decide whether to clean it up or actually replace the roofing underlayment.

Replacing underlayment is a costly venture, but could be more efficient than trying to scrub mold off of the wood, treat it, and then keep mold from coming back. Again, though, this is a question for an experienced contractor, and you’ll need to have them come to your home to scope out the problem in order to get a feel for this particular issue.

If you do decide to replace the underlayment, be sure to find out what was likely the cause of the mold growth in the first place. Take steps to prevent such an expensive issue from cropping up again in the future!

Preventing Mold on Your Roof

Preventing mold on and under your roof comes down to two things: design and maintenance.

Design is important because you’ll want to be sure that your attic has enough ventilation. Lack of ventilation traps humid air near the roofing underlayment, which can encourage mold growth. But too much ventilation can also be a bad thing for the health of your home, in general. This is why it’s important to consult with a professional when deciding on the layout of your roof and its ventilation system.

Maintenance is also important. The major cause of mold in and under roofs is leaks, which are often caused by lack of proper maintenance. If your roof isn’t maintained properly, it’s more likely to crack and have leaks, which can, in turn, allow for mold growth.

It’s important to have your roof inspected regularly by an Orange County roofing contractor who can catch small problems before they turn into major issues. During regular inspections, you may find minor issues that the contractors can fix quickly, thus preventing underlayment damage and costly mold problems down the road.

If you have any questions, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer in Villa Park and surrounding areas, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every residential roofing need and situation. Wherever and whenever you need roofing services in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

It’s a question eventually faced by every homeowner residing in Orange County (and the remainder of the world, for that matter).  The question is this: When is it time to call in an Orange County roofing company to replace my roof?  The answer depends on a number of factors. Basic knowledge is key. Much of this basic knowledge pertains to roof shingles. Before calling in an Orange County roofing contractor, you should know this right off the bat about shingles: They generally last about 15-30 years. That’s quite a time span.

But many factors enter the picture to influence shingle longevity. These include quality of shingles and installation, as well as the amount of shade reaching rooftop (typically provided by lush tree foliage). Once you know these preliminary facts, it’s time to examine your roof for telltale signs of excessive wear and tear. Most every commercial roofing contractor would be on the lookout for the following:
 
Curling, broken, or cracked shingles - never a positive sign. Worn spots on shingles. This indicates a loss of asphalt granulation.

Moisture spots or other evidence of a leaky roof. If you feel the plop of water drops while watching TV, you can bet leaks are too blame.
 
Shingles missing from the places they formerly occupied. You may find them somewhere on the ground.  

Rusty flashing.

Should you see any of these signs, particularly if your roof is older than fifteen years, get an experts opinion. This is especially important if you live inland in a place such as Mission Viejo, where the summer sun can be merciless to rooftops. In that case, it’s advisable to call in a Mission Viejo roofing company for a complete evaluation.    

If you have any questions about determining when you need a roof replacement, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofing company, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in Mission Viejo or anywhere else in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

Every Orange County roofer knows that roofing has a mighty hero. It’s not the crew members, although they certainly do their share of amazing things. And it’s not the people behind the scenes, fielding phone calls and questions . No, this hero is something that’s an important part of your rooftop; yet, it’s seldom noticed by anyone but the keenest observer. The hero in question goes by the name ‘flashing’. Sounds fast. But this hero’s powers have very little to do with speed. The significance of flashing is its protective powers. Without it, people could find themselves battling roof leaks by the dozen.

In a nutshell, flashing is a roll of thin, moisture-resistant metal. Often made of copper, aluminum, lead, or galvanized steel, it serves as a barrier against unwanted water and other elements. Typically, a commercial roofer will install flashing around roof valleys, skylights, and vents.  Bear in mind, installation is no casual affair. Flashing must be precisely placed in order to safeguard vulnerable areas. Once installed, flashing works by collecting pooled water and diverting it away from protected zones.

When protecting a roof valley, for instance, an Orange County roofer will install a strip of flashing beneath the edge of the roof shingles. Any water dripping into the valley will travel down the flashing and into the rain gutter.

Decking is another part of the home that benefits from flashing. For instance, if you owned a beach house in San Clemente, a San Clemente roofer most likely installed these metal strips against the side of the home. This precautionary measure will keep moisture from dripping behind the wooden piece the keeps your deck secured to the house.

If you have any questions about protecting your roof with flashing, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County roofer, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in San Clemente, Westminister or anywhere else in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

Whether you’re looking to replace your roof, do some minor repairs, or subcontract the roof of your new-build home, you need to take some specific steps to find a great contractor. The contractor who does your job can make all the difference in the world. A great Orange County roofing contractor can make for a smooth, easy process of getting your job complete. But a bad contractor can result in not only headaches along the way, but shoddy workmanship that costs more in the long run.

So before you rush into signing a contract, follow these five tips for finding an excellent roofing contractor:

1.Go local

Your best bet when it comes to hiring a contractor is to go local. Local contractors, more than large companies or even installation crews from big chain hardware stores, understand the local markets. They’re more likely to understand what materials and techniques work best in your area. Plus, they’ll follow the current trends, so you can be sure that your roof looks up-to-date if you’re going for a replacement.

Also, local contractors are more likely to offer personalized, in-person service. This can make the whole process of getting your roofing project completed much easier.

2.Check for licensing and insurance

In Southern California, roofing contractors should be licensed by the state. They should be able to provide you with a license number, and you can cross reference that with the state database to ensure that the license is up to date. While not all licensed contractors are necessarily excellent, this is a good baseline to begin with.

So it’s time to replace the old roof on your home? Or maybe you’re doing a new build, but can’t decide what type of roof to put on your home.

With all the options on the market today - from metal to asphalt to clay and concrete tile - it can be difficult to pick a roofing material that will work best for you and your home. Luckily, a few steps can get you through much of the choosing process up front. Here are the steps you should take to eliminate some roofing materials right off the bat so that you can do your due diligence and choose the roof that will work best for your particular needs.

First, eliminate the impossible

The first thing you should do is eliminate any roofing types that are completely unsuitable for your home and the Southern California climate. On this second point, most types of roofing material can be made to suit the climate in SoCal. However, you’ll see cedar shake shingles less often here because the dry weather and sun exposure may weather them more quickly.

You should also look into the types of materials that your roof can support. Heavier materials, such as concrete and clay tiles, take a stronger supporting structure and underlayment than lighter options. While you can often retrofit a house to support these materials, this could add significantly to your costs. So ask your Orange County roofing contractor whether your current structure will support all types of materials, and you may be able to eliminate some options off the bat.

The moment an Orange County Roofing company begins servicing a roof, the team invariably knows whether or not someone else has been there first. And that someone usually is a homeowner intent on solving a problem without the assistance of an Orange County roofing contractor.  Not necessarily a bad move – provided said do-it-yourselfer has the requisite skill, knowledge, and time to do a creditable job. If this sounds like an accurate description of you, then, depending on the complexity of your roofing needs, you might be qualified for a DIY job – like cleaning leaves out of a rain gutter.  Anything more complex than that really does require the skills of a commercial roofing contractor.

Think about the investment you’ve made in your beautiful Orange County home, say in San Juan Capistrano. Would you really want to risk jeopardizing the investment by tearing into the roof, relying on your wits alone? Doesn’t it make more sense to call in a San Juan Capistrano roofer to tackle the assignment? In most cases, the answer will be a resounding ‘yes’.   
 
It’s not unusual for an Orange County roofing company to be summonsed for a roof rescue. These typically occur when homeowners have started something they couldn’t finish – at least, couldn't finish without risking their safety or the future performance of their roof tiles. The dollars these homeowners had hoped to save now will spent in increasing amounts, mainly to cover any damage caused by their efforts, as well as service costs. In the long run, DIY roofing services likely will set you back more than originally anticipated.

So think before you tackle a roofing assignment. Because, in all likelihood, you’ll pay tomorrow for whatever mistakes you make today.

If you have any questions about doing your own roof servicing, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. A long-established Orange County Roofing company, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in Brea or anywhere else in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

Part of maintaining your roof is actually keeping it clean, as odd as this might sound. But debris built up on your roof can cause some serious problems, from leaks to backed-up gutters. Just like you need to clean your gutters regularly, you’ll also need to regularly clean your roof.

How often you’ll need to clean your roof depends on a variety of factors, including the type of roofing material that’s on your roof. Talk to your Orange County roofing contractor about whether or not your roof needs cleaned regularly.

If you can see debris

Built-up debris from tree leaves and other things on your roof can cause some serious problems. Debris can itself start rotting, which can cause certain roofing materials to do the same. But even if rot isn’t a problem, debris can stain your roof, causing your property values to lower. Or debris can keep your roof from functioning as designed, since it can block the flow of water from your roof into your gutters.

Heavier debris, such as sticks, can also puncture your roofing materials, causing holes and leaks in the roof. Of course, this is a problem you want to avoid at all costs!

Your roof is one of the most important components of your home, since it protects the rest of your home from wear and tear. Even the best-installed roof from the best materials will need replaced eventually. But you can mitigate the need to repair or replace your roof by establishing and following a maintenance plan early on. Here’s how you can establish and keep track of your roof’s maintenance plan.

1.First, understand the whys

Before you’ll take time to follow a maintenance plan for your roof, you’ll want to know why you should do such a thing. Talk to your Orange County roofers about this, and they’ll tell you why it’s important to actually follow a roofing maintenance plan.

You need to change the oil in your car to keep larger problems from cropping up down the road. The same thing goes for your roof. Though you don’t need to replace the oil, you do need to be sure your roof is in good repair on a regular basis to avoid more expensive repairs down the road.