Roofing Installation

The importance of a structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing roof can’t be overstated. serve home pros 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. (serve home pros 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.

Roof Warranties

New roofs usually come with two types of warranties:
  1. A workmanship warranty from the roofing contractor
  2. 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. For tips on how to protect your roof when going solar, read our blog post on How Roof and Solar Warranties Impact Each Other.