Roofing
The importance of a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing roof can’t be overstated. Citadel has installed tens of thousands of roofs all around the state of California.
Residential Roofing Basics
Most homes in California have concrete tile, composition shingle or metal roofs. Some have clay tile or wood shake. Slate is used occasionally. Today’s roofing materials are very durable; the highest-quality ones can last decades.
If you think you need a new roof, contact a roofing contractor to get a free estimate of the replacement cost. The re-roofing estimate should cover materials, labor and any local permits required. Costs can vary greatly based on the material you choose. In general, you pay more for a product with a longer warranty against defects and everyday wear and tear.
Once you sign up with a roofing contractor, the actual installation only takes a few days, although you might have to wait a bit to get on the schedule if the company is heavily booked, which is often the case with high quality, reputable companies. Your contractor should handle any building permits related to your project.
Finding a Residential Roofing Contractor
Top-of-the-line manufacturers like Owens Corning and CertainTeed offer online directories where you can search for a roofing contractor in your area. (Citadel is proud to offer both product lines.) The Tile Roofing Institute (TRI) also has an online directory.
It’s very hard to evaluate the quality of a roofing installation after the fact, so be sure to check references beforehand and hire an experienced, reputable contractor.
Commercial Roof Basics
Commercial rooftops in California are typically made of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) single-ply roofing membranes, tar and gravel built-up roofing (BUR), or extremely durable synthetic rubber roofing membranes (EPDM).
Businesses can locate qualified roofing contractors using the online directories from GAF and Carlisle Syntec Systems.
The actual installation of a new roof takes a few days or longer depending on the size and condition of your home’s roof. Commercial roofs generally take a week or two, again depending on roof size and condition.</p
Roof Warranties
New roofs usually come with two types of warranties:
- A workmanship warranty from the roofing contractor
- A materials warranty from the manufacturer of the tiles, shingles or other roofing product. Extended manufacturers’ warranties are often available for additional cost.
How Solar Energy Can Impact Your Roof Warranty
Installing a solar energy system entails making a lot of holes in your roof. A poorly trained or careless solar installer can damage your roof and void the roof warranty. However, your roof and roof warranty should remain intact if the solar panels and the racking upon which they rest are installed by a qualified solar installer according to the manufacturer’s specifications.