Frequently Asked Questions

A number of considerations will affect the cost of a new roof. The price of the material is the starting point, but other factors also must be considered. One is the condition of the existing roof if you are remodeling a house—if old materials must be stripped off, and if the supporting structure needs repair, that will all cost money. The shape of the roof is another contributing factor. A gable roof with few or no breaks in its planes (like chimneys, vent pipes, or dormers) makes for a simple roofing job. A house with multiple chimneys, intersecting rooflines (the points of intersection are called valleys), turrets, skylights, or other elements will cost more to roof.

Not every roofing material can be used on every roof. A flat roof or one with a low slope will need a surface different from one with a steeper pitch. Materials like standard tile are very heavy, so the structure of many homes is inadequate to carry the load. Light weight tile is available. Consider the following options, and then talk with us about what interest you.

Asphalt/Fiberglass shingles. This is the most commonly used of all roof materials, probably because it’s the least expensive ;( but not always) it looks good and can last many years. Today’s relatively lightweight and flexible shingles are typically made from a fiberglass mat, covered in asphalt and colored with mineral granules. With manufacturing innovations that include everything from superior-strength Micro Weave Core construction to granules that lock in color and provide valuable UV protection against the sun’s damaging rays, you won’t have any trouble finding a good-looking, high-performing asphalt shingle to suit your home and budget.

Tile/Clay or Cement. This is also a popular choice depending on the style of your home. Clay or concrete tile roofs are beautiful. The available styles and colors will help enhance any architecture resulting in curb appeal that is not available with other roofing materials. Adding the performance and longevity of a concrete/clay tile roof results in a project that gets noticed. Whether you are a production builder looking for ways to differentiate your development or a homeowner who plans to sell your home in the near future, a concrete tile roof will help increase the home’s value.

As you’ll discover, it’s no longer about choosing a standard square shape in a few different shades. Asphalt shingle products have evolved into a wide variety of patterns and colors so that your roof can truly elevate the appeal and longevity of your home.

Although driveways, lawns, siding and front doors get most of the attention when we think about curb appeal, the roof actually contributes mightily to the look of a house. If you are considering a new roof, look for the shingle or tile that best suits your home’s architectural style. You’ll also want to factor in the surface area, pitch and angle of the roof to determine whether a standard three-tab, dimensional or artisan-crafted shingle will deliver the look you want. Or you might prefer tile, there is the classic Spanish Clay tile. Concrete flat tile, the high or low rise barrel type.

You want to make certain that the roof you choose stands up to the elements and provides lasting beauty over the course of its lifetime. One way to be sure is quality is a brand selection (CertainTeed, GAF, Owens Corning, and Malarkey) each of these can say its shingles pass the requirements for long-term durability, wind-driven rain performance, and long-term extreme temperature resistance. Eagle, Borel tile offer much of the same performance as the shingles.

In addition to the shingle’s/tile durability, you’ll want to check the manufacturer’s warranty. Many shingles/tile we use offers a Lifetime Limited Warranty (that includes wind damage coverage of up to 130 MPH speeds*) on many of its premium products. Since the warranty is transferable to the next owner, the roof can become a desirable selling feature to prospective buyers.

More often than not, if you are remodeling, the existing roof of your house will determine your choice of roofing material. Should you be considering other options, you’ll want to consider not only the cost but the color, texture, weight, and durability of your alternatives, as well as what traditionally has been used on houses like yours.

Built-Up Roofing or Flat Deck, Built up roof membranes, referred to by the acronym BUR, have been in use in the U.S. for more than 100 years. These roof systems are commonly referred to as “tar and gravel” roofs. BUR systems generally are composed of alternating layers of bitumen and reinforcing fabrics that create a finished membrane. The number of plies in a cross section is the number of plies on a roof: The term “four plies” denotes a four ply roof membrane construction. Sometimes, a base sheet, used as the bottom most ply, is mechanically fastened. Built up roofs generally are considered to have fully adhered if applied directly to roof decks or insulation.

The reinforcing fabrics also are called roofing felts or ply sheets. Roofing felts are reinforced with either glass-fiber mats or organic mats. Felts are produced in a standard width of 36 inches and metric width of about one meter.

The bitumen typically used in BUR (built up roofing) roof systems is asphalt, heated tar or cold-applied adhesive. The asphalt or coal tar is heated in a kettle or tanker and then applied by mop or mechanical spreader. Asphalt is a petroleum product refined from crude oil; coal tar is derived from the distillation of coal. Cold-applied adhesives typically are solvent-based asphalts that don’t have to be heated in a kettle or tanker, (CertainTeed S/A Peel & Stick).

Surfaces for built up roof systems include aggregate (such as gravel, slag or mineral granules), glass-fiber or mineral surfaced cap sheets, hot asphalt mopped over the entire surface, aluminum coatings or elastomeric coatings.

There will be an additional cost for replacement of damaged wood due to damage by water or termites.

All the materials we use for your roof are made here in America.

If the roof is cedar shingles or Asphalt/Fiberglass shingles the state of California allows one more layer of roofing. If you have two layers on your roof the state requirement is to remove all roofing to start over.

The code is the same for built-up or flat roofing. Our policy, however, is it is best to remove all layers to start fresh. Sixty plus years experience has shown this is the best way to insure the roof will not leak.

If you plan on keeping either of these you need to notify dish/solar several days before new application of new roof so that it can be removed then replaced and recalibrated. If you do not plan on using it anymore we will dispose of it for free.

No deposit is necessary. Payment is expected upon completion. We do not take credit cards.

Ever wonder what is under your roof? A well-built roof will have rafters and decking boards. Flashings and a moisture barrier of felt underlayment. Now it’s ready for the ‘roof’, shingles or tile, whatever you have chosen.