Seeing evidence of water on the ceiling is definitely worrisome. Most homeowners automatically believe this is a sign of a leaky roof. However, the problem may lie in the attic and not the roof. In any case, a wet ceiling indicates you either have a leaky roof or attic condensation.

What Is Attic Condensation?

A leaky roof is pretty self-explanatory. However, fewer people are familiar with the term ‘attic condensation.’ Many homeowners contact us for a residential roof inspection when they suspect a leak. Often, the problem turns out to be condensation in the attic. This is more common in cold weather. In frigid temperatures, frost can form in the attic. When homeowners heat the home, the frost melts and forms condensation. In some cases, this may cause wet spots to form on the ceiling.

How to Distinguish Between the Two

So, how do you know if your home has a roof leak or attic condensation? To make a determination, you should see if condensation is also forming around the windows, light fixtures, or skylight? If so, then you probably have attic condensation. Continue Reading →

As with any major construction project, you’re going to acquire quotes from multiple contractors. When comparing commercial roofing proposals, you would be wise to look beyond rates. You have to read the contract agreement carefully to know exactly what the agreement entails.

1. Research Company History

Select a company that comes at the personal recommendation of friends and trusted colleagues. We also recommend companies that have been in operation for a minimum of 10 years. Businesses in operation for this length of time usually have a good local reputation because they’ve developed sufficient expertise.

2. Check Company Insurance Coverage

Commercial roofing isn’t a cozy office job. The physical labor entails the possibility of bodily injury. Verify that the company has commercial general liability insurance. Check whether coverage covers injury and property damage. Specifically, look at the certificate of insurance (COI) for the coverage amount. It should have a minimum liability limit of $5 million. Continue Reading →

You make resolutions for your health and finances, so why not do the same for your home? We recommend roofing resolutions because the roof is just as important as the foundation. We always recommend functional improvements over aesthetics.

1. Walk the Roof

Due to the slope in a residential roof, we don’t recommend that homeowners actually get up on the roof. Leave this part to an inspector. Why is this important? You need to be on the roof to detect soft spots in the underlayment. You can also better spot loose nails or peeling shingles.

2. Check the Eaves

The eaves are the wooden portion of the house that borders the roof. Inspect the eaves for rot or decay. If you have metal eaves, then check for signs of rust and oxidization. We recommend adding drip flashing, which prevents wooden eaves from rotting. If the eaves contain soffit vents, then an inspector needs to check the vents for possible airflow obstruction. Continue Reading →

A tree on your property contributes immensely to the a home’s curb appeal and adds a natural element to the surroundings. However, many homeowners don’t know that trees can damage a roof. We explain how and what you can do to minimize damage.

1. Overhanging Branches

The Mukilteo area is prone to wind gusts strong enough to cause branches to snap. Larger branches have enough weight to put a hole in your roof. Smaller branches may catch on shingles and pull them off as they come down. The weight of snow on the branch can also contribute to the branch’s giving way.

We recommend contacting tree service to prune trees with branches that extend past your roofline. Continue Reading →

A roof warranty is not unlike insurance; it protects your investment should you require extensive facility repairs. However, warranties have provisions; know what instances nullify and void a commercial roof warranty.

1. Roof Misuse

Some facilities treat the roof as an extra floor. Rooftop restaurants and bars, for example, are quite commonplace due to the expansive views they provide. The roof is not intended for this type of use. The constant foot traffic can lead to premature wear that the warranty does not cover. If you intend to use the roof this way, contact a roofer to explore roof fortification options.

2. Work on Rooftop Equipment

One of the reasons commercial roofs are flat is so it can accommodate bulky equipment, such as HVAC systems. HVAC technicians are not roofers and may unknowingly cause damage to the roof during repairs. Continue Reading →

Do you live near the coast? This is the dream residence for many folks. However, owning property near a body of water comes with additional considerations. These include special roof installation and repairs. We’ll explain for you some of the best roofing options for a beach house.

Roofing Considerations for Coastal Properties

Coastal areas experience more humidity and salt in the air. High winds are also more commonplace. The salt can corrode certain roofing materials, such as metal. Beach house roofing panels may require special alloy coating.

Strong wind gusts can rip panels and shingles right off the roof. A beach house might require heavier roofing material that is rated for high winds.

Roofers must take these factors into consideration for both residential and commercial roof installations. Continue Reading →

Your roof’s weight is probably not something you’ve ever considered. The weight is actually very important because it affects the home’s value, energy efficiency, and more. Let’s explore other reasons why the roof’s weight is a relevant factor for both residential and commercial roofs.

Factors That Determine Roof Weight

Your roof is far more than just the upper layer of shingles or panels. The total weight also includes the bottom layer, which may include plywood, lumber, lath boards, etc. Even the surface layer may include more than one layer.

It’s important to know the weight because a home in need of repairs may struggle to support the weight. This takes us to the next topic.

The Home’s Age

Structures naturally weaken as they age. Factors such as moisture, thermal cycling, and gradually shifting soil wear the building. An inspector may recommend reducing the roof’s weight in order to “take the load” off the structure.

Roofing materials also lose weight with age. Components such as the oil or adhesives may evaporate and granules may erode. Asphalt shingles several decades old are only about 60% to 70% of their original weight. Continue Reading →

Why should you invest in skylights for your facility? The primary benefit of a commercial roof skylight comes down to the natural lighting. Yes, you cut down on energy use. However, many building owners overlook the secondary benefit of increased staff productivity.

How Does a Commercial Skylight Increase Facility Productivity?

Researchers have conducted numerous studies and discovered correlations between sunlight exposure and increased work performance.

One study from Northwestern University in Chicago is especially noteworthy. Researchers examined the effects of workers in an office with ample windows vs those in a windowless room. The former received 173% more light exposure during their typical 9-to-5 work day. The subjects from that group also scored higher in a quality-of-life survey.

Furthermore, a study from the World Green Building Council revealed that workers exposed to more daylight were 18% more productive.

That’s not all. A report from the American Society of Interior Design revealed that 68% of employees cite inadequate lighting as a common distraction.

What About Artificial Lighting?

Some employers may hesitate to modify their commercial roofs in any way. Instead, they may opt for more fluorescent lighting. This is a bad idea. Most artificial lights strain the eyes. The lights are also really dim, which triggers drowsiness, migraine headaches, and loss of motivation.

Maximizing Natural Light Is the Key

Light is a critical component of how we see. Investing in skylights makes sense from both a financial and performance standpoint. We recommend them even if your office already has plenty of windows. This is just one more way to incorporate natural light into your work space.

We Install Commercial Roof Skylights

We install skylights as part of our additional services. The installation is ideal for residential offices as well. Contact Urbizo Bros Roofing to learn how a commercial roof skylight could benefit your business’ profit margins.

Commercial and Residential Roof Skylight Installations

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White roofs, also known as cool roofs, are becoming a trend among some Mukilteo businesses. However, this popular commercial roofing type isn’t without its controversy. We’ll explain the pros and cons.

What Is a White Roof?

A white roof is pretty much self-explanatory; it’s a roof with white panels. This is supposed to be an energy-efficient form of facility construction. Think about it: why is it a bad idea to wear black on a hot summer day? The color of night absorbs heat far more than lighter colors. More heat absorption means more heat transfer into the building interior. Lighter roof panels have the opposite effect.

According to studies from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, white roofs reduce energy use by 20% on a hot day. In metropolitan areas, white roofs also help reduce smog levels by lowering city temperatures. The latter tends to be higher in urban areas due to the mass heat absorption from paved roads. Continue Reading →

With summer here, the sun is going to be looming full force over Mukilteo. The heat can be brutal on roof panels and cause collective damage. We’ll identify typical warm weather roofing stressors and how to minimize their potential wear and tear.

1. UV Rays

Even the sturdiest shingles and panels can dry out due to UV ray exposure over many summers. This leaves sections of the roof with little protection. Cracked shingles are a sign that a replacement is in order. Other signs include curling at the corners and fewer granules on each shingle.

2. Humidity

The Pacific Northwest isn’t the most humid region by a longshot. Nevertheless, summer does mean elevated humidity. If the roof surface has cooler temperatures than the surrounding air, water will condense right on the roof. Summer is the time to consider add-ons, such as ridge or soffit vents. Our other services include vent installations and upgrades. Continue Reading →