Solar panel installation is a common New Year’s resolution around Lynnwood. This is a terrific investment that’ll reduce your carbon footprint while also cutting down on energy costs. However, possible solar panel roof damage may weigh on the minds of some homeowners. Is this something you should be concerned about?

How Solar Panel Roof Damage May Occur Near Lynnwood

As long as solar panels are installed correctly, the roof won’t incur any damage. Some homeowners, however, are concerned the panels themselves may be an issue, as their weight may stress the roof. Modern solar panels are constructed from silicon, anti-reflective coating, and metal mounting hardware. The average weight of the individual panels is about four pounds per square foot. Unless the roof is badly outdated and in disrepair, this weight shouldn’t be an issue for the conventional residential roof.

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As durable as commercial roofs are near Mercer Island, they do require periodic maintenance every few years. If the roof does indeed require additional work, then the roofer may recommend either roof repair or recover. Learn the difference between the two.

Roof Repair and Recover Explained

A roof repair is quite self-explanatory. However, most people aren’t familiar with roof recovery. Here’s how repair and recovery differ.

Roof Repair

A roof repair is done to fix minor issues, and the roof for the most part is still in fairly good condition. With roof repair, the membrane itself is still in decent shape and within its life expectancy. Repairs include minor touchups like replacing a few peeling shingles or sealing exposed flashing. Continue Reading →

The majority of roofing materials are fire-resistant. We must stress that being fire-resistant does NOT mean fire-proof. Roofs are capable of catching on fire. We’ll discuss the meaning of fire-resistant roofing and how it safeguards buildings.

How Do Shingles Mitigate Fire Hazards?

Fiberglass is a typical shingle type for residential roofs. Fiberglass and some cedar shingles have a class-A in fire rating. This doesn’t mean it can’t be set ablaze. A class-A rating means the material will not come apart when exposed to fire. The shingles will not blow off and lead to airborne embers that could cause further spread. Also, it will not fracture under extremely high temperatures or create an opening that can cause the fire to spread to the attic. Continue Reading →

Do you know precisely whether you need a roof inspection or survey? Many people use the terms interchangeably, though they actually entail different services. Learn how inspections and surveys apply in respect to both residential and commercial roofing.

The Difference

Home and business owners usually use the term roof inspection when they require a roofer to examine the roof for damage or general maintenance. Though they mention an inspection, they’re actually referring to a roof survey.

Roof Survey

A survey is an initial examination where a roofer takes a look at the roof and documents the necessary repairs. 80% of the time, this is what the client actually needs. Continue Reading →

A reroof proposal is a fancier way to refer to a contract. When you hire a professional, the contractor will write up a proposal covering the provisions of the agreed-upon service. We recommend that homeowners look over the contract diligently because it reveals a lot of information that you may not be aware of.

Basic Contract Provisions

Some companies use a standardized template and fill in a few blanks that describe the project in very general and vague terms. Some even supply a hastily hand-written note that only includes a list of materials and the total cost. This is a red flag that the contractor may fall short of industry standards.

A legit contractor will draft a highly detailed proposal for all residential and commercial roof work. A contractor also only drafts a proposal after evaluating the roof. Be cautious of roofers that draft a contract without actually getting on the roof and performing an inspection close-up.

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Do you see dark-colored streaks across your roof? Are those streaks an indicator of algae and mold growth? Are the two hazardous for the roof? We’ll discuss the difference between algae and mold, and potential treatment options.

Algae and Mold: The Difference

Algae is a moss-like plant that proliferates under sunshine and damp conditions. It spreads via airborne spores and is commonplace among residential roofs constructed from asphalt shingles. Between algae and mold, the former is way more common and that’s a good thing. While roof algae can be an eyesore, it’s not harmful, nor does it cause any form of long-term damage.

Mold, by contrast, is far more worthy of concern. Black mold is particularly dangerous as it emits toxins that can induce respiratory issues, migraines, and wheezing.

How to Know the Difference 

Both algae and mold appear as blackish streaks, so a visual examination from floor level isn’t sufficient. Mold grows when there’s a lack of ventilation and a lot of moisture. Examine the attic and crawl spaces for mold. If everything looks fine, and streaks manifest just on the roof, then it’s likely only harmless algae.

Treatment for Roof Algae and Mold Growth in Edmonds

Treatment methodologies for both mold and algae are relatively the same. Prevention is the best measure; we suggest routine pressure washing for the roof. This should be performed by a contractor. Using more pressure than necessary can damage the shingles, and not using enough only amounts to a surface-level wash.

We Remove Algae and Mold

Both home and commercial roofs are vulnerable to algae and mold. Urbizo Bros Roofing can restore roofs of all types. We also provide additional services, such as gutter installation, which prevents water from building up and producing the moist conditions conducive for algae and mold growth.

Roof Restoration from Mold and Algae Growth in Edmonds

Quality roof replacement & repair in Edmonds, Seattle, Lynnwood,

Mill Creek, Mercer Island, Mukilteo & South Everett

Posted on July 21, 2021 | Published by Ignite Local | Related Local Business

We highly recommend walk pads for commercial roofs with HVAC systems and other appliances requiring periodic maintenance. If the roof lacks pads, then consider this inexpensive addition. The investment will extend the roof’s life and offset unnecessary damage.

What Are Walk Pads?

Walk pads come in rolls and are constructed from materials identical to the roof. We install them as part of our additional roof service. The pads act as a stepping surface for maintenance contractors and a spot to set their tools. Without them, workers may inadvertently cause punctures or tears to the roof’s membrane with their hard-soled footwear or sharp tools.

Roof contractors know to use the pads to safeguard the roof during their inspection. However, other types of workers, such as HVAC installers, solar panel technicians, and cable satellite employees may not be aware. To them, the roof is no different than a sidewalk, and they’ll leave their tools in any random spot with no second thought to the roof’s welfare.

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The roof is a main section to look into when it comes to energy conservation. Apart from the insulation, you can boost energy efficiency by installing a radiant barrier for deflecting heat-rays away from the building. This is an investment that will not only cut down on energy costs but also keep the interior warm during winter.

Why a Radiant Barrier Is a Smart Investment in Mukilteo

The barrier is constructed from reflective material, such as aluminum, which is affixed to strand boards or Kraft paper. The barrier deflects ultra-violet rays. This minimizes the amount of heat buildup in the attic.

In the colder months, a radiant barrier keeps the interior cozy by trapping heat. Think of why a baked potato is baked in tinfoil. The tinfoil traps the heat and keeps it warm.

The good news is that installation is easy and doesn’t require removal of your existing insulation. The roofer simply installs the barrier over the insulation or wraps it over the insulation like a blanket. Also, in contrast to insulation, the barriers don’t have an R-value since they deflect heat and not absorb it. Continue Reading →

Reflective roofing is increasing in popularity among home and business owners. It’s an investment that’ll pay for itself in the long run. Unfamiliar with this roofing type? We’ll discuss the ins and outs of all there is to know and why it’s an advantageous form of commercial and residential roofing.

Reflective Roofing Is a Money Saver

Roofs absorb heat rays and can reach close to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. In turn, this raises the temperature inside the building, causing the HVAC system to work harder. For commercial buildings, electricity use is billed according to peak time prices. This means if you ramp up AC use in the summer, the rise will be greater than if you were to consume power in the same amount in winter.

We’ve heard some people say that reflective roofing isn’t really necessary in the Mercer Island region; after all, the Pacific Northwest is by no means the hottest area in North America. While this is true, the length of sun exposure in the northern region during spring and summer is more impactful than ambient temperature. Continue Reading →

To the untrained eye, all shingles look indistinguishable and are made from the same material. Shingles are actually quite varied in their visual appearance. In fact, we provide two main shingle styles when replacing or remodeling residential roofs. 3-tab vs. laminate shingles is a common debate and are our two top styles.

3-Tab vs. Laminate Shingles: Two Sturdy Roofing Variants in Mill Creek

3-tab and laminates are two distinct home shingle types. The difference is primarily a visual one, though durability is also a major factor.

3-Tab

3-tab shingles have a uniform look. Every shingle is the same shape, size, and dimension.

Laminate

Laminates are also referred to as architectural shingles. These are practically your mainstay asphalt shingles. These shingles have greater mass and weight. Additionally, the shingles may also vary in shape and dimension. The result is a homely charm with quite a degree of eye-catching attention. Continue Reading →