San Diego Roof Maintenance

Maintaining your roof is one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner. A leaky roof can lead to expensive water damage, mold, and rotting wood. Immediately fixing any problems can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs.

Here is a roof maintenance checklist that can help make sure you get the most out of your roof. If you need help, give us a call at (858) 537-6490 and we can help you inspect your roof or any roof repair you need done.

              old deteriorated underlayment                        new underlayment

1. Make sure to keep debris from collecting on your roof.
2. Remove any accumulated soil where plants may take root. Roots can wreck havoc on your roof.
3. Trim any tree branches that may be hanging over your roof.
4. Check for any missing or broken tiles or shingles. If you have a shingle roof, check for any curling, buckling, blistering, rotting, or wear.
5. Take a trip up to your attic to check for any leaks.
6. Keep your gutters and downspouts clean. If these are not draining properly water can collect on your roof and cause wood rot or other damage.
7. Have somebody check to make sure your flashing isn’t damaged. Places you should inspect are around the chimney, pipes, A/C units, skylights, roof top ventilators, and satellite dishes.
8. If you see any signs of water leakage in your home, be sure to have your roof repaired right away. Waiting can result in expensive water damage and could add hundreds of dollars to the cost of repairing your roof.

How to Find a Roofer in San Diego

While most people are primarily interested in cost when selecting a contractor for a project, there are also other important factors to take into consideration. Roofing is a lot more complicated than just laying down a few tiles or shingles. A roofing system includes everything from framing, underlayment, ventilation, gutters, flashing, and skylights. Because of this, a good roofer should be well versed in not only roofing, but also carpentry, house and roof ventilation, and millwork.

When looking for a good San Diego roofing company, here are some things to keep in mind:

License
You will want to make sure that your contractor is licensed. Being licensed requires passing a test to measure competency and shows that your contractor is following local laws. Any dedicated, professional contractor will have a license. Working with a licensed contractor also gives you a related government agency to turn to if there is a problem.

You will also want to take a look to see if your roofer belongs to the National Roofing Contractors Association and holds a good rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Insurance
Make sure your roofing contractor is insured. The State of California requires all licensed contractors to have workmen’s compensation insurance. If an employee is hurt while on the job, the insurance company pays all the related medical expenses. However, if your contactor does not have workmen’s compensation insurance, you could be liable for medical costs, lost wages, and other related costs.

A license contractor is also required to have a bond insurance policy of at least $12,5000. This is to protect you against any losses in the event that damage occurs to your property or a project is not completed. Many professional roofers also carry a general liability insurance policy to protect you against any losses due to fire, injuries, death, or structure damage.

Any reputable roofing company will be more than happy to give you the name of their insurance carrier. You can then check their coverage directly with the carrier. Before you select a contractor, it is important to make sure your interests are protected.

Go With Your Gut
Make sure you meet with any roofing company that you plan on hiring. Get a feel for their personality and if they are somebody you would like to work with. Do they have a positive attitude? Do they take pride in their work? Are they excited about helping you with your problems? Are they responsive to your calls? Do they get you the information you request?

Good roofers will be willing to take the time to explain any issues or decisions with you. They will not make you feel silly for asking questions or brush over any of your concerns. And don’t forget, if something sounds fishy, it probably is.

Safety
Working on a roof can be dangerous. You will want to make sure your roofing contractor is professional and takes the necessary precautions. A dirty worksite can be a safety hazard. Make sure your roofer has a system in place to keep the jobsite clean throughout the entire process. Avoid contractors who plan on just cleaning up at the end. If you have a steep roof, find out if they have experience working on steep roofs and if they use climbing gear.

Experience
Good roofers should know their stuff. They should stay abreast of all the latest advances in techniques and materials. Make sure they have plenty of experience working with roofs and that they are well trained. Find out if they employ a permanent crew. Some contractors will hire temporary labor with little to no experience in order to save money.

Make sure that they know the manufacturer’s specifications for any materials used on your roof. Installing something incorrectly can void your product warranties.

It is also a good idea to meet with a professional roofer, not just a salesperson. Salespeople will sometimes promise more than the actual roofing crew can deliver.

Checking References
Before hiring a roofer, make sure you do your homework. Start with a simple Internet search of their name and phone number. Check their rating with the Better Business Bureau. Visit websites that may include reviews from previous customers and ask for references from the company. Get their business license number and check with the city or county to make sure they comply with any regulations.

The Estimate

The estimate should be very specific in regards to what work is to be performed and how much it will cost. It should clearly outline any problems and what will be done to fix them.

If you are looking for a good San Diego roofer, please give us a call at (858) 537-6490 and we would be more than happy to answer all your questions.

San Diego Roof Ventilation

Your roof not only keeps the water off your house; in many ways it also functions as the lungs of your home. A well-designed ventilation system provides a continual flow of air through your attic by establishing a balance between air intake and air exhaust.

A poorly ventilated attic can decrease the life of your roof by damaging wood, shingles, and the felt underlayment that waterproofs your roof. It can even decrease the life of your entire home.

During the summer, excessive heat can build up in your attic causing premature aging of your entire roof system, damage to your wood framing, and damage to your siding and interior and exterior paint.

And then there is the extra load it puts on your air conditioner. A hot attic means a hot house—making your air conditioner work overtime. Making sure your house is properly ventilated will save you money in energy costs. For those parts of San Diego County that get especially hot in the summer, this can add up quickly.

In the winter, poor attic ventilation can cause moisture to build-up and collect under your roof. Once the warm, moist air hits the cold roof it condenses into water. The resulting water can cause wood damage, mold growth, deterioration of your insulation.

Unfortunately, just having vents in your roof doesn’t mean your roof is properly ventilated. In California, building codes require cross-ventilation—two openings to the outside that create a flow of fresh air through your attic. There should be at least 1 square foot of ventilation for every 150 square feet of attic space.

If you are unsure how your attic is ventilated, it is a good idea to talk to a roof inspector. A roofing inspector can let you know about any weaknesses in your ventilation system and how to improve your ventilation. Often these repairs don’t cost much and can save you a lot of money in the future.

If you have questions about your attic’s ventilation, please call us at (858) 537-6490 and we can help answer your questions.

San Diego Roof Replacement: How Do I Know if I Need a New Roof?

If your roof is damaged, you may be able to repair your roof rather than replace it. This is especially true with tile and shingle roofs when the problem is limited to one area. However, some kinds of roofs (especially on older homes) will have to be replaced.

To determine whether or not you need to replace your roof, you will need your roof inspected by a qualified roofing contractor. But if you would like a little background first, the following will give you some idea of what might need to be done to fix your roof and protect your home. If you have any questions about your roof, feel free to give me a call at (858) 537-6490.

Tile Roofs
Tiles are built to last a lifetime, but the underlayment is not. Because it is the underlayment that waterproofs your roof, it will need to be replaced every 20-25 years. This is called re-felting. Roofers remove the tile from your roof, replace the felt, and retile the roof. In most cases, unless the customer requests otherwise, the existing tile can be reused—saving you the expense of purchasing new tiles.

Ideally, roofing contractors should use 2 layers of 40 lb. paper. In San Diego we have found that many of the roofs that were built over 15 years ago don’t live up to our current standards and were installed very poorly.

Shingles
Another type of roof we commonly see in San Diego, and the most predominant, is asphalt shingle roofing (more commonly known as composition roofing). This type of roofing system is far more durable than a flat roof or tile roof system. The most common asphalt shingle that we use here in San Diego is a dimensional 30-year or a dimensional lifetime shingle. Fixing loose or broken shingles is relatively easy, but if your roof is over 20 years old and most of the shingles are worn, you will want to look at replacing it.

Wood Shingle
Although they are rapidly disappearing in San Diego, occasionally we see old wood shingle roof systems. These wood shingle roof systems were used over 25 years ago and have not performed very well. They are also highly flammable. New local fire codes have made it so that there aren’t very many left. Given the susceptibility of our area to wildfires, you definitely want your home protected by a Class A fire-rated roof.

Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are not usually repairable. On older San Diego homes, it is common to see flat roof hot mop rock systems where gravel has been applied over tar. Unfortunately, we have found that things like wind, rain, and vibrations move the gravel over time. This exposes the roof to the elements and decreases its life expectancy.

We recommend torch-down roofing for flat roofs. With this roofing system there are embedded granules on the cap sheet that protect the roof and increase the life expectancy. Also, it makes it easier to track and fix leaks. When installed properly, the life expectancy of a torch-down roof is 15 years.

Seven Ways to Get the Most Out of Your San Diego Bathroom Remodel

Anybody who has watched HGTV’s House Hunters knows that bathrooms and kitchens sell homes. An old, out-dated kitchen or bathroom can mean the difference between a "fixer upper" and a dream home. And even if you aren’t planning on selling anytime soon, why not remodel now, enjoy it now, and cash in on your investment later?

Although kitchens are now the focal point of any home, bathrooms are a great place to start if you want to increase the value of your home and don’t have the budget or time to tackle a complete kitchen remodel. Whether or not you are looking at completely remodeling your bathroom, here are some important changes you can make that will have the bathroom feeling more like a spa and less like Aunt Fran’s powder room.

Bathroom Mirror
Nothing dates a bathroom faster then that giant, old bathroom mirror glued to your wall. Instead replace it with a framed mirror or a set of mirrors that suits your style. You can even find attractive cabinet mirrors that double as medicine cabinets. This will allow you to get rid of that old recessed, mirrored medicine cabinet without losing storage.

Light Fixtures
We have all seen those old, chrome light fixture bars because almost every track home in San Diego has them. Changing them out for something a little bit more sophisticated and unique can make a tremendous difference. Consider adding a second source of lighting that you can dim while taking a relaxing bath.

Storage, Storage, Storage
Nothing zaps the Zen out of your bathroom faster than shampoo bottles, curling irons, bath toys, and toilet paper rolls. One of the most important keys to creating a spa-like bathroom is to hide away the clutter. Look into installing built-in storage or make sure your vanity has all the room you will need.

Sinks and Countertops
Sinks and countertops get a lot of use and over time they really begin to show their age. Avoid the expense of having your old counters ripped out by having a granite slab cut to fit and installed directly over your existing surface. Sinks are surprisingly inexpensive and can make a noticeable difference.

Fixtures
Top of the line fixtures look fabulous and can cost you a pretty penny, but it also isn’t hard to find economical fixtures that only look expensive. They also make a huge difference—especially if you still have those plastic crystal faucet knobs. If you are looking to splurge a little, fixtures are a great place to do it. They are one of the first things people notice.

When selecting fixtures, make sure everything matches, including doorknobs, faucets, towel racks, and the showerhead. And for some added indulgence, look into installing a new rainfall showerhead.

Paint and Moulding
Paint is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to update any room. Light colors like blues, greens, yellows, or earth tones can make the room look bigger. Bright or dark colors tend to make rooms look smaller. You can also add dimension to the room by adding baseboards, wainscoting, and crown moulding. Adding a bit of architectural interest to your bathroom can make it look less cookie cutter and more custom.

Flooring
Outdated flooring sticks out like a sore thumb in a bathroom. Luckily new choices in flooring have made it easier and easier to update your floor. When it is in the budget, retiling your floor will last the longest and give you the best wear. But resilient vinyl (or luxury vinyl) is becoming an option that more and more homeowners are turning to. I know that vinyl is often a dirty word, but this new vinyl looks like the real deal. You can find resilient vinyl that looks like everything from tile to marble to wood. And if you always wanted a wood floor in your bathroom, but didn’t want to mess with the upkeep, this is the way to go. Resilient vinyl is super easy to install and can often be installed right over your existing floor.

If you are looking for some ideas for your bathroom and how much things should cost, calling a good San Diego General Contractor is a good place to start.

Five Reasons to Remodel Your Kitchen

People often call the kitchen the heart of the home, and with good reason. It is the place where families meet together to cook, eat, clean, plan for the day, and do homework. Having a kitchen that doesn’t work for your family can be frustrating. It is no wonder that most homeowners dream of remodeling their kitchen. If you are sick of walking into your kitchen, here are some good reasons to make a change.

Cleaning
Older kitchens take much longer to clean than newer ones. Old grout can take hours to scrub clean. Dingy sinks require serious elbow grease. Old faucets no longer shine the way that they used to and old caulking is much harder to get clean. Not to mention how much time it takes to scrub your stove! New surfaces are easier to keep clean and new advances in materials and products make things a lot easier to maintain. Remodeling your kitchen can save you a lot of time!

Increase in Value
An outdated kitchen can be a huge buzz kill for home buyers. Remodeling your kitchen will not only increase the value of your home, but will also attract more buyers. Why wait until you are ready to move to remodel your kitchen? Do it now when you can enjoy it!

Fit Your Needs
If you enjoy cooking and entertaining, a tiny little kitchen is seriously going to hamper your lifestyle. If you help your kids do homework while you cook, you are going to need some study space. If you can barely walk around your kitchen table, you are going to want to open things up a bit.

We’ve noticed that in San Diego many of the older kitchens are separated from the living room. Many homeowners have decided to open the space up so that they can visit with family and friends while cooking. It also helps if you need to keep an eye on the little ones.

It used to be that when your home wasn’t fitting your needs, many homeowners just sold their home and found one that did. But with the current housing market in San Diego and around the country, this is no longer a good option. Many homeowners are finding that it makes sense to simply remodel their current home.

Saving Money and the Environment
A new kitchen can save you money in two ways: rebates and a lower utility bill.

Companies and the government are starting to focus more and more on the environment. Because of this they are starting to create financial incentives to update outdated appliances. To find out more about rebates for San Diego homeowners, visit www.sdge.com/rebates-your-home or www.sce.com/residential/rebates-savings/rebates-savings.htm for those living in the Temecula area.

New appliances can also save you money. New standards mean that many of the newer appliances use less water and less energy. Skylights are also a great option—they reduce the amount of artificial light you need to use.

And besides saving you money, remodeling your kitchen is a terrific way to feel great about your kitchen and about doing your part for the environment

Showing Off
We all want a home that we are dying to show to our friends and neighbors. A dumpy kitchen could mean the difference between inviting your neighbors over for pasta or blushing every time somebody comes to your house. Life is short and you ought to love where you live. If you don’t, then take a look at your budget and start making some changes. Skip the vacation you were planning and eat out less—then put the money towards something you can enjoy for years to come.

If you are looking for more design ideas for your kitchen, call us at (858) 537-6490. Our design team can help you make your dreams a reality.

San Diego Tile Roof Repair

In San Diego, concrete, tile and clay tile roofs are very common. Most new homes in the San Diego area have concrete tile roofs, and they are also seen on many homes that are 15, 20, and 25 years old.

Although tile roofs are typically pretty durable, they do occasionally leak—especially with older homes. The longer a roof leaks, the greater the damage, so it is important to keep your eyes open for signs of a leak.

Usually when there is a roof leak you will see a wet spot in the ceiling or even high in the wall itself. Most homes in San Diego and Temecula have drywall surfaces, and when drywall gets wet it quickly becomes obvious. However, it is harder to spot a leak on a home built with lath and stucco walls, which can hold and hide water 5 times longer than drywall. Although most new homes are made with drywall, some homes in San Diego that are over 40 years old are made with the lath and stucco ceilings and walls.

Most people are surprised to find out that the tiles don’t actually waterproof their roof; it is the underlayment or felting. Although the tiles are built to last a lifetime, the key to a watertight tile roof is in how they are installed. The tile acts as a protectant, but it is the roof felting that does all the work.

In the San Diego area, most tile roofs that are over 15 years old only have a 30 lb. thickness underlayment (or only one layer of paper). This dramatically increases the chances your roof will leak. The ideal installation in San Diego is 2 layers of 40 lb. paper. When getting your tile roof redone, you will want to make sure that your contractor is not just using two layers of 30 lb. paper or one layer of 40 lb. paper.

Because the underlayment does most of the work, this also means that you can reuse your existing tiles if you are looking to save some money.

Another major flaw we see throughout these tile roofs is that pipe flashings are not used. All those funny pipes you see sticking through your roof to vent your heater and hot water system are often packed with concrete to seal around the pipe and the tile. This becomes a major problem over time because the concrete will expand and break away from the pipe, which in turn allows water to leak through. When reroofing, make sure you use pipe flashings that are specifically designed and made to flash your vent pipes.

By using the proper metal flashing and underlayment you can ensure that your roof will last a lifetime. If you have any questions about the best way to protect your roof, feel free to contact me at (858) 537-6490.

Tony Rossetti
tr-construction.com