Orange County

If you’re considering the purchase of a vintage home in OC, this Orange County roofing company strongly recommends you look closely at the rooftop. Aging roofs may be and probably are severely worn. Unless, of course, a reliable Orange County roofing contractor recently has performed a roof replacement on the residence you’re considering. Then you have little to worry about except the plumbing. But that’s not our department.

Vintage homes abound in Orange County. Laguna Beach definitely has its share. If you’re considering the purchase of classic residence in this community, you’ll want an evaluation from a qualified Laguna Beach roofing company such as Luke Roofing. This will alert you to any potential problems well in advance.

What are some of the possible problems commonly associated with worn roofs? Among the most common encountered by commercial roofing contractors are pest invasions, water damage, and deteriorated insulation.  Should any or all of these issues be discovered after you move in, the price tag for correction and repair will be a small fortune. It’s much wiser to get an advance opinion of a qualified Orange County roofing company.

You may be able to spot some of the telltale signs of roofing problems yourself. Obvious ones are missing or broken shingles, crumbling rooftop cement, bent gutter, ongoing dampness in the attic (assuming the home has one), water spots on walls and carpet, and yes, even a lurking creature or two residing comfortably in the attic. Clearly, it’s best to get a roof inspection than to discover furry uninvited guests after you hang your hat.

If you have any questions about roofing issues associated with vintage homes, 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 Dana Point or anywhere else in OC, you definitely can count on Luke Roofing.

When considering an Orange County roofer for the job of installing a new roof, one thing on your mind will be the material utilized.  There is a diversity of roofing materials to choose from, each offering its own benefits. What you ask your Orange County roofer to install will depend largely on your personal preferences.

For durability, nothing stands the test of time like slate shingles. Roofs made of this material are among the longest lasting on the market. Some slate roots are more than a century old. And believe it or not, they’re still doing their job superbly, keeping water out and the heat in as needed.

For certain Orange County residents, slate roofs may be just what they’re looking for. How would you go about getting one? Well, let’s say you lived in Tustin. The first thing you’d do is call in a Tustin roofer to provide an estimate. During this estimate, the commercial roofer will present you with an overview of the roof type, pointing out its advantages.

The Advantages of Slate Shingles

As mentioned already, slate shingles are highly durable, with their useful lifespan ranging from 80-100 years. Along with longevity, slate offers tremendous water-resisting power. The reason for this resistance is its position on the water absorption index, which is .4%. Yeah, very little gets past it. Not surprisingly, the material also is exceedingly strong, providing substantial protection should the winds kick up.

On the aesthetic side of things, slate has a very unique appearance that sets it apart from the crowd. If you’re looking for that ‘special look’, slate shingles could be the way to go.

If you have any questions about slate shingles, 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 Foothill Ranch or anywhere else in OC, you can definitely count on Luke Roofing.

Are you hiring an Orange County roofing contractor to put a new roof on your home? Maybe your main goals is to increase your curb appeal and the value of your home, or to replace a worn out roof. Either way, you’ll find that the re-roofing process requires some preparation on your part.

Whether your roofers are working on your home or your business, you’ll what to take certain steps to prepare yourself for the process, and to get through it well.

Keep in mind that you may need to move out of your home or shut down your business temporarily, especially during the early phases. Re-roofing can be messy and even dangerous at times. It’s best to talk to your roofing contractor ahead of the process to see if they have advice on whether or not you can stay in your home.

Does your Orange County roof have a slow leak?

Sometimes, especially in sunny SoCal, your roof will have no signs of a leak. A home that looks to be in perfect condition, though, could be hiding insidious problems with its number one form of protection: the roof.

Whether your roof is tile, asphalt, or metal, if it wasn’t installed properly, it could have a slow leak. But here’s the thing: with a slow leak, you may never know you have a problem until it’s too late to avoid replacing the entire roof, and maybe even some beams and rafters.

The danger of a slow leak is that you may not notice it for months or even years. This is especially true if you rarely go into your attic. But these types of leaks can cause serious damage over time, including rotting through your roofing underlayment or causing mold.

So what should you look for as signs of a slow leak in your roof? And how will an Orange County roofing contractor fix the problem? Or even help you prevent it? Here’s what you need to know.

Signs of a slow leak

A regular roofing leak is pretty easy to spot. It comes with a drip-dripping during sudden storms. You may even notice holes or missing shingles or tiles from the outside of your home. The signs of a slow leak, though, are more subtle. They include:

You know they have something to do with leaks. But Orange County roofers do much more than patch holes. In fact, commercial roofers are known for a wide range of abilities.

What if you lived in Costa Mesa and were considering a new roof. What kind is best for your home, your budget? Can you answer these questions comfortably and accurately? A Costa Mesa roofer certainly could. When you call in one of these Orange County roofing companies, you’re connecting with a group of professionals who know the territory inside and out.

And quite a territory it is. Roofing can be made of any number of materials, with the list growing rapidly as new technologies impact the industry. A commercial roofer must know them all – tar, asphalt, gravel, rubber, thermoplastic, metal, and shingles. The list goes on.

Any one of these materials can safeguard homes and other buildings, making roofs virtually impervious to moisture -- even if it’s raining like a monsoon. Without this protection, water damage would ruin ceilings, walls, and furnishings.

With a proven Orange County roofing company, you get experts who know which of these materials offers the best protection for your home. Equally important, these professionals are trained to recognize subtle signs of deterioration in these materials. When commercial roofers spot these signs on your own roof, they give you advance warning. You’ll know in plenty of time whether you should repair or replace those worn shingles.

In order to practice their craft with acceptable proficiency, many Orange County roofing contractors go through some serious training.  Some receive their education through intensive apprenticeship programs, which include on-the-job training, as well as classroom instruction.

If you have any questions about what Orange County roofers do, 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 Costa Mesa or anywhere else in OC, you can definitely count on Luke Roofing.

Orange County roofers know the importance of a well-functioning roof. Of course, sometimes those functions go beyond the typical ones. Indeed, we Orange County roofing contractors are aware that roofs can have a variety of unique uses.

Case in point is the roof garden. Why would you want plants growing atop your home sweet home? Consider this for a moment -- What if you lived in Laguna Beach and craved a larger garden? You step outside the door and realize what you’ve suspected all along – there just isn’t enough room for another crop of lettuce and tomatoes. But you’re far from out of luck. Laguna Beach roofers see a ray of hope headed in your direction. You can farm lettuce, tomatoes, and whatever other plant life your heart desires atop your very own roof.    

Also known as a green roof, a roof garden is a large raised-bed containing flowers and plants personally selected by you.  These gardens offer various advantages, starting with a certain aesthetic appeal. They just look good up there – assuming thoughtful design has been applied. And depending on what’s being grown, it may taste good, as well. A variety of farmable goodies, including lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots can thrive atop your home.

Getting your roof garden started is fairly straightforward. After your roof has been thoroughly prepared by a qualified commercial roofing contractor, your garden will be ready for planting. Essentially, there are two ways in which this can be accomplished. You can utilize either a modular system consisting of plant trays or you can layer the roof with soil and drop in plants or seeds, just as you would with a ground garden.

If you have any questions about roof improvements such as roof gardens, 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 La Habra or anywhere else in OC, you can definitely count on Luke Roofing.

What will the roof of a house in Anaheim or any other Orange County community look like in the years ahead? What materials might Anaheim roofers utilize for this all important part of a home’s exterior?  While there is no definitive answer to this question, there are a number of innovative roofing possibilities looming on the horizon. More than likely, Orange County roofers will be making one or more of the possibilities part of their game plan.  Among the likely materials that will be worked into the repertoire of Orange County roofers is transparent solar films.   

If adapted in a large-scale capacity, transparent solar films will drastically alter the energy-saving characteristics of roofs. In essence, this material will make solar panels unnecessary.  In place of large, bulky gatherers of sun energy, there will be a roof coating incorporating transparent solar films. The coating could be installed by a commercial roofer, just as with any other kind of material.

Aside from being unobtrusive and essentially invisible, the roof coating described above offers several other huge advantages. First, the material helps block excess heat. The upshot of this, of course, is lower air conditioning bills. 

But the second, far more impressive advantage is the ability of transparent solar films to generate electricity. The coating does so by absorbing light and converting it into electrical power easily used for a variety of applications. Basically, it’s solar panels without the panels. Unlike solar panels, however, transparent solar films absorb only infrared solar light. Since infrared light doesn’t require dark colors for absorption, the roof coating can be clear.  

Transparent solar films promise to have other household applications, as well. In the future, chances are good that we’ll see windows and walls also coated with the electricity-generating material.  

If you have any questions about roofing innovations, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. Among the long-established Orange County roofers, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in Anaheim or anywhere else in OC, you can definitely count on Luke Roofing.

As you might already know, the federal government often offers tax credits to incentivize eco-friendly improvements on your home. You can, for instance, get a tax credit for installing a solar water heater or a more efficient furnace. And in 2016, you can get a tax credit for an energy-efficient roof, too!

The details

This tax credit is a federal income tax credit, and it’s effective through the end of this year: December 31st, 2016. In other words, you must have the roof installed before the end of the year to claim the credit.

The credit is for up to 10% of the cost of your roof, not including installation costs. You can claim up to $500. So to get the full credit, you’ll need to spend $5,000 on roofing materials.

One item of note here: roofs installed on business and secondary properties don’t count. The roof needs to be on your primary residence in order to apply for this tax credit. Your principal residence is defined as a home that you own and that you live in most of the time. Also, the roof must be retrofitted to an existing home. You can’t claim the credit if you’re adding a cooling roof to a new construction home.

Once upon a time, metal roofs were merely sheets of tin tossed up over southern shanties and red barns. The corrugated metal looked attractive, in a rustic, woodsy sort of way. But metal wasn’t a material you’d use for most residential roofs, especially not if your house was of a certain style.

But today, metal roofing has expanded its repertoire. It’s now a versatile, good-looking option that can look like more traditional roofing materials for residences. Whether your home is a European-style Colonial, a contemporary home, or even a classic SoCal mission style, there’s a metal roof for your home.

But first, the benefits

Of course, other types of roofs will also work for these styles of homes. Colonials, for instance, are often roofed in wood shingles or even asphalt shingles. Contemporary homes typically use shingle roofs, though some other options are used. And on mission-style adobe homes, you’ll usually find slate or clay tile roofing.

Considering all the sunshine in Southern California, residents of an Orange County city such as San Clemente may want to bring some rays indoors with a skylight. A reliable San Clemente roofing company can be of great help in this regard. Before you call in an Orange County roofing company to perform the installation, however, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the types of skylights available. This advance knowledge will help you make the best possible choice.  

Also known as roof windows, skylights are available in three different types -- fixed, ventilating and tubular. No matter which kind your Orange County roofing contractor installs, a skylight will enrich your home with a cheerful brightness. Not only does the entering sunlight create a warm, even flow of illumination throughout a given living space, it brings brightness to formerly dark regions of the home.

Fixed Skylights – The most popular of the three types, fixed skylights are permanently closed. They are ideal for attics and stairwells.

Ventilating Skylights – As the name implies, ventilating skylights can be opened to invite fresh air indoors along with abundant sunshine. They generally are preferred for kitchens and bathrooms, as the entering fresh air helps eliminate unwanted moisture that can accumulate in these rooms. Ventilating skylights can be opened electronically vial remote control or manually by hand crank.

Tubular Skylights – Small and sphere-shaped, tubular skylights are relatively new to the marketplace. Because of their compact size, a commercial roofing contractor has no problem installing them in tight quarters such as hallways, closets, and small living spaces.

If you have any questions about skylights, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. Among the long-established Orange County roofing companies, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in San Clemente, Laguna Hills or anywhere else in OC, you can definitely count on Luke Roofing.

If you live in an Orange County city, for example Laguna Hills, you probably want to maximize the beauty of your home. Frequently, home improvements will be part of the beautification program. If your own program includes roof improvements, you may be considering a Laguna Hills roofer to provide assistance. Is there a good time to seek the help of an Orange County roofer?

While the time to summons a commercial roofer can vary, a good rule of thumb is to start with a roof inspection. You needn’t call in a professional Orange County roofer for a first glance. This is a task you can do yourself. A personal roof inspection should be carried out at least twice a year – more if you’ve got a wide open schedule. Yeah, right.

When conducting a self-inspection of your roof, be on the lookout for obvious signs of wear and tear. These include moisture streaks on shingles, curled or buckled shingles, missing granules, or rusted flashings. If you notice any of these tell-tale signs, by all means call in an Orange County roofer for an assessment of the situation.

You’ll also want to conduct an inspection of your attic. If the ceiling or walls are marred by water stains, mold, or moss, you can bet your bottom dollar that moisture has entered the region … very likely unwanted moisture sneaking in through a roof leak. Often this obvious evidence will be accompanied by higher-than-normal energy bills. Should you notice any of these giveaways, absolutely seek the opinion of reputable commercial roofer.

If you have any questions about when to seek the help of an Orange County roofer, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. Among the long-established Orange County roofing companies, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in Laguna Niguel or anywhere else in OC, you can definitely count on Luke Roofing.

Perhaps you’re selling a home in Orange County community such as Tustin. You look the place over, and everything seems fine until … you notice the roof is not what it used to be. In fact, it’s worn out and ready for immediate replacement – clearly a deterrent to a timely home sale. So you call in a Tustin roofer to get an idea of your options – and there are many. One of the possible materials presented by your chosen Orange County roofer will be fiberglass.

Fiberglass is composed of plastic backed by glass fibers – hence, the name. The vast majority of contemporary fiberglass shingles employ two separate layers. Each of these fiberglass layers is bonded with a sealant, then coated with asphalt. The dual material composition of fiberglass shingles gives them comparatively more weight than conventional types. But with this added weight comes greater strength and durability.

As any commercial roofer will tell you, another advantage of fiberglass is its ability resist the scorching heat of the sun. Likewise, the material is extremely waterproof.  So fiberglass covers both extremes quite nicely -- neither rain nor scorching sunshine will make much progress with fiberglass on guard.

A roof made of fiberglass shingles also provides a certain level of security, as the material is more fire resistant than many other types -- particularly the older materials. Consequently, fiberglass shingles frequently receive a class ‘A’ fire rating. The strength and durability of fiberglass shingles is backed by manufacturers. In fact, many offer generous long-term warranties for those on the high-end.

If you have questions about fiberglass shingles, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. Among the long-established Orange County roofing companies, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in Tustin, Midway City or anywhere else in OC, Luke Roofing is an Orange County roofing company you can count on.

As part of your overall roofing system, you may not think about flashing much. But whether you’re in for roof repair or full replacement, rest assured that your Orange County roofing contractor is thinking about flashing. It’s an essential part of the weatherproofing system for your home, and should be used in more places than just on the roof. But as part of the roof, it’s essential.

So what is flashing, and why is it so important? And how do you know if it’s been damaged and needs repaired or replaced?

5 Things to Know About Your Roof Rain Gutters by an Orange County Roofing Professional

If you’re working with an Orange County roofing contractor to repair or replace your roof, you may consider having your contractor check out your gutters, as well. Though you might assume they’re in great shape, new gutters can work wonders for the efficacy of your roof and the overall look and feel of your home.

When it comes to gutters, most homeowners don’t think about them until something is going terribly wrong--like they’re starting to fall off the house. But the right gutters can protect your home during a deluge, and can even add to the overall style of your home.

What if you had a home in San Juan Capistrano, and you wanted a new roof? In that case, you’d likely call in a San Capistrano roofer to learn about your options. In the course of the conversation, your chosen Orange County roofing company no doubt would make mention of asphalt shingles – with good reason. Asphalt shingles offer homeowners a number of distinct advantages.

One of the primary advantages asphalt shingles bring to the table is affordability.  Your Orange County roofing contractor can offer asphalt shingles at considerably lower cost than that associated with competing materials such as tile, metal, and wood shake.

Despite their relative low cost, asphalt shingles offer remarkable durability. Once installed by an Orange County roofing company, these shingles can last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, making them an excellent long-term investment.

But the advantages don’t end there. Along with asphalt’s affordability and durability is its relative ease of installation. In fact, it’s one of the simplest materials a commercial roofing contractor can possibly install. Being easy to set in place, asphalt shingles require less installation time and therefore carry lower labor costs, allowing your Orange County roofing contractor to pass the savings on to you.

Asphalt also offers certain aesthetic advantages – always important to homeowners, particularly if they’re contemplating attracting buyers when it’s time to sell their home. Your Orange County roofing company can install asphalt shingles in a variety of textures and looks, ranging from a wood finish to tile and other popular materials. Complementing this range of looks is asphalt’s equally diverse selection of stylish colors.

If you have questions about asphalt shingles, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. Among the long-established Orange County roofing companies, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo or anywhere else in OC, Luke Roofing is an Orange County roofing company you can count on.

A recent post introduced the issue of roof moss and some general solutions for eliminating this unwanted addition to your home. For people in an Orange County city such as Newport Beach, roof moss is something that can crop up any time. Newport Beach roofers routinely deal with the issue, particularly in damp coastal areas. This post delves a bit deeper into the problem, revealing a highly effective solution backed by most Orange County roofers.

The earlier post pointed out that moss thrives best in shady conditions. Therefore, removing or reducing as much roof shade as possible is crucial. How do you achieve this all-important objective? The easiest and most efficient way is by grabbing your favorite gardening implements, utilizing them to clip overhanging tree limbs and other sunlight-blocking foliage.

Admittedly, this is a tough decision -- especially if you reside in a sunny climate. Those scorching summer months in particular can be beastly, making any heat-controlling elements, such as shade, exceedingly welcome. (We hard-working Orange County roofers know the value of shade as much as anyone). Moreover, shade contributes wonderfully to lower air conditioning bills.  That’s a couple of solid plusses. Still, shade must be eliminated or reduced if you’re besieged by roof moss. It certainly won’t leave on its own.  

While shade removal or reduction is a highly effective strategy, you could be thwarted by one factor -- overcast weather. If gray skies are common in your community, nature is providing miles and miles of irreversible shade. And nothing will alter those conditions until the sun makes its appearance. If your overcast lasts and lasts, you’ll likely require the intervention of a reputable commercial roofer to conquer the moss.

If you have questions about removing roof moss, be sure to reach out to Luke Roofing. Among the long-established Orange County roofers, we provide prompt, reliable expertise for every need and situation. Whether you need roofing services in Newport Beach or anywhere else in OC, Luke Roofing is an Orange County roofing company you can count on.

With all the trees beautifying Orange County, shade naturally comes with the territory. So if you have a home in say Aliso Viejo, chances are you’re getting a great deal of complimentary air conditioning courtesy of all those spreading limbs and branches. Shade, however, also brings an unwelcome addition to your  home – roof moss. If you see masses of this green stuff on your rooftop, you needn’t call in your local Aliso Viejo roofing contractor to deal with the issue. You can personally eliminate the problem with the right resources. But before you launch your moss assault, this Orange County roofing company suggests that you get slightly acquainted with your foe.

In a nutshell, moss is a kind of plant that thrives in moist regions. Dampness is necessary because it lacks roots, the typical water intake system for vegetation. For a busy Orange County roofing contractor, moss is a common sight. As previously mentioned, the abundant tree cover so common in OC provides the shady conditions so vital to its growth.  Once you add in a dose of moisture, particularly common in coastal areas, you’ve set the stage perfectly for the future appearance of moss.

As any commercial roofing contractor will tell you, there are three basic ways to eliminate roof moss.

•    Remove the shade that is promoting the growth of rooftop moss.
•    Create a highly acidic environment for moss. Or convert it into a base environment (these exceed 7 pH levels).
•    Remove all water and other forms of moisture from the vicinity.

Luke Roofing will elaborate on these solutions in a future post. So stay connected.

If you have questions about removing roof moss, 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 Orange or anywhere else in OC, Luke Roofing is an Orange County roofing company you can count on.