Desert Homeowners: Which Type of Roof is the Best for My House?

We continuously get the same question from desert residents when conducting inspections: Which roofing material is the best for harsh desert weather? There are a variety of factors that determine such an answer. It depends on the values of the homeowner. Are style and design most-important? Is it longevity? Cost? Each type of roof has its benefits, but those benefits often come with factors that may sway a homeowner towards one direction or another.

In this post, we dive into the top roofing types and highlight some advantages and disadvantages of each.

Foam

Polyurethane foam roofs are becoming the most-popular roofing systems for desert homeowners and are widely used for commercial roofing systems as well.

Advantages

Polyurethane foam has the ability to withstand the expansion and contraction of a structure. It's lightweight, durable, and seamless. Foam roofs insulate your desert home for decades, leading to significant decreases in cooling costs. In fact, since foam roofs are capable of keeping homes cool in the summer and warmer in the winter, they help reduce reliance on utility-sourced energy, which is often produced from dirty, non-renewable sources.

Disadvantages

Foam roofs may be more expensive than traditional options. Depending on the type of coating you select, foam roofing has the potential to require semi-frequent maintenance. That said, premium coatings may be applied, reducing the need for maintenance and upkeep.

Tile

Tile roofs are, also, a popular roofing system in the Palm Desert area. Tiles can be produced from clay, concrete and sandcast. Concrete tiles are generally lower in cost than clay, but don’t last as long.

Advantages

Tile roofs can last up to 25+ years in the desert. Some tile roofs have been known to last up to 50 years. While tile roofs may last the entire duration of homeownership, the underlayment may need to be replaced every couple decades. Undamaged tiles can be re-installed and re-used. Tile roofs are also fireproof and resistant to rot. Concrete tiles are typically cooler than other roofing options, like asphalt shingles, which helps to reduce ambient temperature in attics and can help save on overall electricity costs.

Disadvantages

Tile roofs are quite heavy. Many roof structures are not strong enough to accommodate their weight. While the tiles themselves have the potential to last for decades, the underlayment will need to be replaced over the course of the lifespan of a roof. If not replaced, leaks may occur. In addition to these points, tile roofing systems can be fragile. Falling tree branches or the weight of walking on the roof can cause damage to the tiles.

Metal

Metal roofs are often used for both residential and commercial buildings. To some, they offer an appealing, modern aesthetic, accompanied by a long lifespan.

Advantages

Metal roofs perform well in desert areas and are among the longest lasting roofing materials that require the least amount of maintenance. When coated properly, metal roofs will reflect the sun and disperse heat. This helps to reduce energy costs with regards to cooling a structure. Also, most metal roofs are recyclable, adding to the eco-friendly aspects of such a roof.

Disadvantages

Metal roofs tend to cost more than other roofing systems. Metal roofs are susceptible to hail and heavy winds. While style and design are typically subjective, many people prefer the look of traditional materials such as common clay tiles.

Wood

Although wood roofs have declined in popularity in recent years, many homeowners like the aesthetic of a wood shingle roofing solution.

Advantages

Some wood roofs have a proven lifespan that can outlive other kinds of roofs (when properly maintained). Wood roofs are environmentally-friendly as well, and can be reused after being stripped from a structure.

Disadvantages

The primary disadvantage of wood roofs is that they are not fire resistant without the use of special chemical treatments. Added, they have been known to be quite expensive when compared to other roofing solutions.

Shingles

There are two types of shingles: regular 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles. On average, 3-tab shingles are slightly less expensive than the architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles are also thinner, which reduces their lifespan. 

Advantages

Shingles are an affordable option for any pitched roof. They have fire-resistant properties and may combat against harsh weather conditions. Certain types of asphalt shingles are recyclable, which aids in their eco-friendly value.

Disadvantages

Some types of shingle roofs require more-frequent maintenance than other roof types. Visually, they are not as aesthetically-pleasing to most people, which may reduce the resale value of a structure.

Summary

From this post, one can see that there are numerous factors that play into the decision of selecting a type of roof. We have only scratched the surface, but are available to consult and provide a no-cost inspection for homeowners in the SoCal area that are interested in learning more and evaluating whether a new roof is needed.

To schedule a roof inspection, visit the online scheduler and a team member will be in touch.

We can, also, be reached by phone for immediate assistance by dialing 844-348-ROOF.

Five Ways to Make your Home More Earth-Friendly

The classic Earth Day advice about what individual people can do to help save the planet boils down to three words: Reduce, reuse, recycle. When it comes to your home, there are more than a few ways to put that into practice — and some can really move the needle, both for the planet and your wallet. And while not all are inexpensive changes, for some of the more substantial options such as installing solar panels, local and federal governments may offer tax rebates and other financial incentives. The Department of Energy has more about the possible benefits.

Here are five Earth-friendly changes you can make to your home:

1. Consider a Cool Roof

Making your roof white can lower your energy bill and reduce your emissions, particularly in relatively urban areas. According to Yale Environment 360, if every roof in every large city across the globe were white, daytime temperatures could be lowered by an average of 0.6 degrees Celsius. The impact would be even greater in warmer climates. In the U.S., white roofs could decrease the temperatures in Washington, D.C., by 1.8 degrees Celsius and up to 1.5 degrees Celsius in Los Angeles.

Earth is on track to be 2.5 degrees Celsius to 4.5 degrees Celsius (4.5 degrees Fahrenheit to 8 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer by 2100, according to NASA. However, world leaders are aiming to limit that increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius — which scientists believe could stave off the worst impacts of climate change.

How do cool roofs help? A white coating reflects sunlight — up to 60-90% of sunlight, according to the Department of Energy. In comparison, asphalt reflects 4% of light and grasslands reflect 25%, Yale Environment 360 said.

If everyone on the planet installed a white roof, it would slow global warming by 11 years, Yale Environment 360 reports. Although this number isn't significant in the grand scheme of our planet's existence, cool roofs could reduce the number of people who die from heat-related issues each year, particularly in urban areas.

Another way to create a cool roof is to add plants. This option is "ideal for urban buildings with low-sloped or shallow-pit roofs, and can include anything from basic plant cover (extensive vegetative roof) to a garden. or even small trees (intensive vegetative roof)," the Energy Department says. Water evaporating from the plants on the roof keeps the home cool, and the soil layer helps to insulate the home. However, a green roof is more expensive, harder to maintain and much heavier than other cool roof options.

2. Replace Your Grass-Dominant Lawn 

Your yard — no matter how big or small — can have an impact on climate change. Although well-manicured grass lawns have long been the standard for most American homes, experts say a lawn that more closely resembles its natural surroundings could be beneficial to the environment's health, and your wallet.

The problem: Treatments for maintaining a "perfect" grass lawn harm the environment. Certain fertilizers and pesticides can damage ecosystems and sicken the animals that live in them, and, when those chemicals travel in runoff water, they can reach other animals and other ecosystems. Scientists at Princeton University say that mowing your lawn or reworking its irrigation system can also decrease some of your lawn's positive impacts on the environment. And gas-powered lawn mowers and leaf blowers, when taken altogether, can emit significant amounts of CO2.

The solution? In short, researchers at Princeton and other experts in the field recommend keeping your lawn natural. This includes reintroducing more native plants to the landscape, adding grass alternatives such as mulch and gravel and "leaving the lawn to its own devices" — which means less manicuring. 

While most towns in the U.S. have certain restrictions on how much your lawn can grow, they may be more flexible than you'd think. Check out local government resource pages to learn what those regulations are. Meanwhile, other cities are pushing for change in local legislation. For example, Montgomery County, Maryland, amended their rules to allow for more natural lawn growth, according to the nonprofit organization NRDC.

Several local governments in the U.S. even offer residents incentives for ditching an all-grass lawn. In Colorado, the government offered rebates to people in certain towns who changed their landscaping, according to The Denver Post. The reason? The state was in a severe drought, and too much water was being wasted on lawn maintenance. Several other western states, including California, Nevada and Utah, offer similar incentives. 

3. Buy Secondhand Furniture

Nearly 12.5 million tons of furniture and furnishings are discarded each year in the U.S. — up from about 2.5 million tons in 1960, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency. Although about a fifth of that waste is combusted with energy recovery, the majority of the rest of it is sent to landfills. The EPA found similar patterns for other household items, including rugs and carpets.

The solution? Instead of throwing out your old living room rug or headboard, take it to a local second-hand store. And if you're in the market for some new furniture, check out preowned options before buying new. Thrifting is already popular among millennials, though it's often done for clothing and accessories, because it's cheaper and greener. Not only will you limit the amount of waste, you'll also lower the expenditures, including water, electricity and chemicals, that come with producing new products.

4. Install Solar Panels

Every home on the planet emits carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses, which impact the cleanliness of our water and air, and contribute to climate change.

How can you reduce your impact? Installing solar panels on your home is one option, and a good one at that. According to the Energy Department — which has an entire guide to how to go solar on its website —  solar panels can lower your electricity bills, reduce emissions and even add to your home's resale value.

Solar panels can be installed and be functional at most homes. The amount of power they will generate, how much they will cost and how much money they will save will vary based on location. However, there are many government incentives for solar panels, including from state and local programs. For more, check out the Department of Energy's website.

5. Use Curtains

Similar to painting your roof white, installing and using curtains, shades, blinds, screens, awnings, draperies and shutters in your home is a simple and effective way to up your home's energy efficiency. 

In the summer, keeping curtains lowered can prevent sunlight — and heat from outside — from getting in. As a result, you'll need and use less air conditioning. And they are also a good way to keep warm air contained in the winter: Curtains, according to the Department of Energy, can reduce heat loss in a home by 40% or more. 

In total, about 30% of a home's heating energy is lost through windows, the Department of Energy says. Using curtains effectively can greatly reduce that waste, and also reduce your bills — although the Energy Department says that figure will depend on which kind of curtains you use, the season and the climate.

The department added that the most effective kind of window covering is insulated cellular shades, which usually fold up like an accordion at the top of the window. The Department of Energy also has more information about different types of curtains.

Source: Sophie Reardon, News Editor at CBS News

Important Tips for Maintaining a Quality Residential Roof

1. Homebuyer’s beware. A great time to start with any roof assessment is before your closing date. Getting a professional roof inspection before that future home is officially yours will save you a lot of time and costly repairs down the road, which can also be a plus if and when you decide to sell your new home.

2. Trim troublesome trees. When admiring your home and surrounding landscape, it’s important not to overlook leaning branches seeking companionship with your roof as they can scratch and gouge your roof materials. To prevent damaging or puncturing your shingles, simply trim back and remove any branches getting too close to your roof.

3. Clean the leaves and other debris. In addition to bothersome branches, leaves and other elements can clog your gutter system and cause water to backup into the attic, living areas or behind the fascia boards. To ensure your drainage system is free flowing, it’s recommended that you clean your roof at least twice per year. Also, be on the lookout for sagging gutters or damaged drain components and repair or replace as needed.

4. Ensure the roof is built to breathe. Without proper ventilation, heat and moisture can cause sheathing and rafting to rot, roof materials to buckle and insulation to lose effectiveness. This will cause your overall roofing system to be ineffective.  

5. Include insulation. The best way to achieve appropriate ventilation and good airflow is through proper insulation. To protect a house from heat gain or loss, it’s ideal to include a gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor and a vapor retarder under the insulation next to the ceiling to stop moisture from rising into the attic. Having open, vented spaces that allow air to pass freely with at least one inch between the insulation and roof sheathing is also ideal.

6. Check for attic aftermath. In addition to having a well insulated attic, it’s a good idea to check for water stains and weak shingles after a heavy storm.

7. Safeguard against streaking. Make sure to pay close attention to the color of your roof. Roof areas, generally the northern part, exposed to shade during long periods of time in humidity will eventually become streaked with mold, algae or even fungus. And if left unchecked, will eventually deteriorate the roofing material shortening the life of the roof, which could lead to leaks and other signs of trouble.

To cut the mold situation completely, it’s a great idea to install zinc strips along the ridge of the roof. They are precision engineered to provide environmentally safe (EPA approved), long-term (average home 20 years) roof protection from fungus, moss, mildew or algae attack.

8. Check for signs of shingle damage. Being exposed to everyday wear and tear from various elements can cause shingles to become dilapidated and get torn off, making a roof structure and interior space vulnerable to water seepage and rot. Thus, it’s highly advisable for homeowners to examine roof coverings each year to ensure their integrity.

9. DIY roof repairers. Those bold enough to attempt roof repairs themselves need to bear in mind that it’s dangerous up there. It’s advisable to stay on a firmly braced ladder equipped with rubber safety feet when possible. If you do decide to walk on the roof, it’s best to wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent slipping.

10. Quality roofing quotes. When repairs go beyond a DIY project, you should make sure to do some homework before calling in the cavalry. It’s advisable to get at least two quotes so you can determine the best combination of quality and price. Think long-term and not cheap when choosing a roofing company and it’ll save you a lot of repair costs down the road. 

Source: Great Day Improvements

Introducing VRS Roof Tips

As roofing professionals with over 20 years of experience in the industry, we’ve seen it all. A common factor we’ve experienced time and again is the knowledge gap between our customers and their understanding of how to address concerns or questions with regards to their commercial or residential property and its roof.

With the launch of our Roof Tips section on our website, we aim to offer insights for homeowners, property managers, real estate developers, HOAs, and communities around Southern California in the form of a trusted resource for all things roofing.

Visit our website to benefit from our experience and learn from the roofing knowledge we share, as it’s our goal to inform consumers and partners by empowering people with tips and resources in order to build confidence in roofing contractors and the VRS Team.