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Condensation Vs. Leaks
Published October 11, 2023

Condensation Vs. Leaks

Don’t Mistake Condensation for Leaks; Here’s How to Tell the Difference

When you see a sign of a leak on your roof, don’t be quick to think that it is a leak caused by a damaged roof, because it could be something else. One possibility to consider is condensation. Leaks can occur on your roof when cool, dry air within causes a change in the warm and moist air outside, making it become liquid droplets. Moths can also grow as a result of the liquid condensation.

If you’re just finding out about condensation on your roof, here’s a guide to help you understand, navigate, and prevent it from happening.

What is Condensation, and how does it affect your roof?

Condensation refers to the process by which water vapor gets converted from gas to liquid state. When warm, moist air touches the cool wooden or metal surface on the deck or walls of your building, the moisture cools and becomes water droplets.

The interesting thing about condensation is that it’s not exactly a leak because there’s no perforation to the membrane of your roof. But, when the buildup continues, water begins to accumulate inside your house, similar to a leak.

How can you tell a condensation leak apart from a perforation leak?

Well, leaks caused by perforation can look just like leaks from condensation, so how do you tell them apart?

There are signs particular to leaks caused by condensation, such as water puddles on the floor, warm patches on the walls outside, bubbling paint or moisture stains, as well as patches on your roof caused by melted snow.

Once you notice one or more of these signs, there is a high chance that condensation is behind the leak on your commercial property. Reach out to a commercial roofing expert for advice.

You will need to seal all the holes in the insulation to ensure that condensation doesn’t cause leaks in your commercial building. The first proactive step towards moisture reduction is to install ventilation fans or floor fans in different parts of your building as a way to increase airflow.

Here’s How to Prevent Condensation from destroying your commercial property

The solution lies in closing all gaps in the wall insulations and ceilings to prevent the mixture of warm and cold air that turns into water droplets inside your building. You also need to insulate all areas where your building walls are in contact with exterior surfaces, especially areas close to the windows because they are very prone to condensation leaks as glass has poor insulation.

It is possible for some condensation leaks to not be connected to your roof’s integrity. Sometimes, the leaks happen on your walls leaving you confused as to where they came from. When this happens, your best bet is to speak to our team of commercial roofing professionals who will help you identify the source of the leaks and help you prevent reoccurrences.

Remember! Condensation leaks should be taken seriously and handled urgently, whether they originate from your exterior walls, roof, or ceilings, to prevent further damage.

Bear in mind that the higher the quality of your roofing material, the less chance of leaks. Good quality roofing materials reduce the incidences of leakage caused by condensation or perforation, and they can also increase the lifespan of your commercial roofing system. Some of the best quality roofing materials come from companies like Elevate (previously Firestone), GAF, Johns Manville, and Carlisle SynTec.

Benefits of Frequent maintenance for your commercial roof

Frequent maintenance and speedy repairs of your roof go a long way to maintaining its integrity for long periods, thereby preventing leaks that occur due to exposure to harsh weather. When you carry out frequent inspections, you’re also able to identify faults with your insulation, which can cause condensation leaks. Overall, regular maintenance ensures that your roof lives up to its highest potential.

You don’t need to see signs of leakage or reasons for repairs before you check out your roof, because at this point, the damage might have become serious, and it would cost more to repair.

The best way to prevent condensation leaks and ensure that your commercial property’s roof is damage-free is to schedule regular maintenance. This will go a long way to prevent all kinds of leaks and increase your commercial roof’s lifespan.

If you have found a leak or there’s water coming into your building through the ceiling or walls of your commercial property, you need to locate the source of the leak immediately to prevent the occurrence of further damage and reduce the cost of the repairs.

Our Premium Preventative Maintenance Program is designed to ensure that your commercial roof is ready to face all weather conditions and situations from one year to the next. Reach out to a trusted commercial roofing contractor, they can help you extend the lifespan of your commercial roof while saving money for you.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is condensation and how is it similar to commercial roof leaks?

Condensation occurs when water vapor present in the air turns to liquid due to contact with a cool surface. When condensation happens under a commercial roof, it looks like a roof leak because it has signs that resemble leaks, such as stains, wet spots, as well as dripping. The difference, however, is that with condensation water doesn’t penetrate through the roof system, while with roof leaks, it does.

What are some factors that make a commercial roof susceptible to condensation?

The factors that contribute to instances of condensation on a commercial roof include poor ventilation or insulation within the building, which leads to a difference in temperature between the building’s interior and exterior, thereby causing condensation. High levels of humidity, especially in originally warm climate regions during cold seasons, can cause a higher likelihood of condensation on the underside of the roof.

How can I distinguish between condensation and an actual roof leak?

While it can be difficult to differentiate a leak from condensation, with some identifiers, it becomes easier. For instance, if you only notice moisture under some given weather conditions, such as humid or cold days, the chances of condensation are high. Similarly, condensation hardly leaves signs on the surface of the roof or affects the roofing systems. Its issues are often localized.

Can condensation pose long-term issues to my commercial roof?

First, it is important to note that condensation doesn’t cause damage to your roof system directly. However, if not addressed, it can lead to the deterioration of some components of your roof. Over a period, worsened cases of condensation can cause mildew and mold to grow. As they grow, they weaken the integrity of your ceiling tiles, insulation, and other building materials, which can cause long-term damage.

How can I Prevent or Resolve condensation issues on a commercial roof?

Whether you are working on prevention or resolution, you will need to combine proper humidity control with proper ventilation and insulation. Make sure your building’s insulation is properly installed based on recommended standards. You will need to ensure adequate ventilation by ensuring that exhaust fans and ridge vents are in place, thereby regulating moisture levels and ensuring that condensation doesn’t build up. You also need to ensure that the humidity levels within the building are adequate, and you can achieve this by installing HVAC systems or dehumidifiers. If you’re not sure where to start, reach out to a professional roofing contractor to assess your building and advise you on the best solution based on your unique situation.

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How To Choose A Commercial Roofing Company In San Diego, CA?
Published September 18, 2023

How To Choose A Commercial Roofing Company In San Diego, CA?

Trying to Choose a San Diego Roofing Contractor For Your Commercial Building? Here’s How to Choose the Best One!

So, you’re about to begin your commercial flat roof project in San Diego, CA and you’re so confused about how to get the best commercial roofing contractor to handle it? Whether you need to make repairs, installation, or maintenance, the key to getting past this stage is preparation and knowledge.

Learn About Your Roof

The first thing you need to do is to know everything about your roofing, or at least everything you can know. You should know the type of roofing system you have, the measurement of your roof (in square feet), the age of your roof, how many repairs and maintenance it has undergone, the rooftop equipment, as well as any issues it might be facing currently, such as leakage or drainage issues.

Once you’re armed with this knowledge, you can now seek out a potential contractor for San Diego commercial & industrial roofing and let them know what you’ll be needing their services for in clear terms. You’ll also be able to find out whether or not they’re experienced in handling your type of roof.

Get Recommendations or Referrals

Another thing to do is to seek referrals and recommendations from people who have worked with local commercial roofing contractors in the past and are happy with their services.

If you know a number of people who have commercial buildings in the San Diego area, that is usually a good place to start. Ask for recommendations, and even find out if there are contractors you should steer clear of, probably because of their previous experiences with such commercial roofing contractors.

If you don’t get referrals from people you know, you can go online to seek recommendations. Facebook has a feature that allows you to ask for recommendations for residential contractors, and so does Angie’s List.

Check their Experience Levels and Specialties

When you find commercial roofing contractors by recommendation or by surfing the net, the next thing to do is to assess their experience levels, as well as their suitability for the roofing project. The best roofing contractor to work with is one that has been in business for a few years, has well-trained and experienced staff, and specializes in the commercial roof your building has. You can check their websites for such information or ask them directly. The rule of thumb where specialization is concerned is that if they don’t specialize in flat commercial roofs, they’re not a good company to consider. Remember! A home roofing contractor will most likely make a bad commercial roofing contractor.

In the course of confirming their suitability for your project, find out if they’re experienced at handling the nature and size of commercial buildings you have. Some commercial roofing companies have only worked with small commercial buildings, so if you have a large building, they might be at a loss on what to do with your commercial building.

Ask all the Questions 

Prepare a list of questions to ask a potential contractor and only move on if you’re satisfied by the answers you get. If you don’t ask questions, you will never be sure whether or not the contractor really knows their onions, or if they just seem like they do. If a contractor complains or tries to shy away from responding to your questions, it is a tell-tale sign that they’re not fit for the job. You would often find a competent contractor encouraging you to ask questions and providing as much information as possible so that you would be well prepared and informed on the nature and details of the project.

If you don’t know where to start, ask about the experience levels of their team members, the project duration and expectations, whether or not they offer warranties, and what these warranties cover. When you’re confident that your questions have been answered appropriately, you can move on to the next step.

What’s their Work Process Like?

Every company has a work process they follow once the project begins, and you need to know it. Some companies will have one contact person handling communications with you throughout the project while some will have more. You also need to find out whether they respond to emails quickly, or if you can reach them through calls at all times. Will they be reporting to you throughout the stages of the project?

Despite the answers you get, one way to be doubly sure is to watch how they respond and communicate with you now, as they might follow the same pattern, whether good or bad.

Confirm Work Permits and Licenses 

Ensure that the commercial roofing contractor is not only licensed but also has a permit to work in your location. Similarly, you should check that the company has adequate insurance to cover damages that might occur in the course of the project.

Check for Reviews and References

As the roofing company for a list of references or satisfied customers who have made positive reviews about their services. You could use the reviews citing or reach out to some of the satisfied customers and hear from them.

While looking at references, ask for clients with similar projects as yours, whether in the same location, with a similar roofing system size or material, or perhaps the same issues you wish to fix.

If you find negative reviews, ask questions about them, what the issues were, and how they were handled.

Fair Pricing 

Cheap isn’t always the best, so don’t go running towards the most affordable roofing contractor just because you can save some money. Instead, try to get a fair price within the context of the job, its requirements, and the average market price. Remember to factor in the life expectancy of the roof when considering the price, do a simple division and find out whether or not you get a good price per year.

Once you cover all these areas adequately, you’re on course to find yourself a great roofing contractor.

Frequently Asked Questions 


How can I select the right commercial roofing contractor?

Here’s a quick list to help you choose the right contractor for your commercial roof:

Experience: Confirm a history of handling commercial roofing projects successfully over the years
Licensing, Insurance Coverage, and warranty: Make sure they are all available and up to dateReferences and Reputation: What are previous customers saying? What is their rating on the Better Business Bureau?
Specialization: Can they handle your specific project? Have they done it before?

What Kind of Qualifications and Certifications should I look out for when dealing with a commercial roofing contractor?

The most important qualifications and certifications to look out for include certifications from reputable manufacturers such as Elevate/Firestone, and GAF. You should also check if they belong to professional associations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA).

How can I be sure the roofing contractor is following safety regulations?

Inquire about their safety standards and programs as a reputable contractor should have comprehensive safety programs that ensure compliance with all safety standards, protection for their staff, and a safe working environment.

Is it okay to get multiple quotes from several roofing contractors?

Yes. It is also a wise course of action. When you request quotes from several potential roofing contractors, you can compare work processes, prices, work scope, as well as professionalism.

When comparing quotes, don’t make decisions solely based on price, but also consider roofing material quality, reputation, experience, and timeline.

What are some questions to ask a potential roofing contractor?

Here’s a Checklist to use:
How many years of experience do you have?
Have you worked with the type of roofing system I need? For how long?
Do you have permits and licenses?
Can I have a list of references from previous customers?
How long is the project expected to take?
How do you handle unexpected delays or problems that arise in the course of the project?
How do you handle communication and project management?
What is your warranty on materials and services like?
Are you insured? And what does it cover? (ask for proof)

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Commercial Roofing Safety Tips
Published August 24, 2023

Commercial Roofing Safety Tips

Essential Safety Rules for Individuals Accessing Rooftops

The guidelines for safety on roofs are stringent and important, and not in any way to be taken for granted. Whether you are a roofer, building owner, employee, or some other individual, you must follow several safety rules to ensure your welfare.

  1. Safety: The Rules Always Apply

Many people make the mistake of assuming that safety procedures aren’t necessary if they’re not doing any serious work on the roof. So, they are carefree as they carry out roof inspections or clean debris from their roof. However, once you go a step further to fix a small error you detected, you are now in work mode, and full precautions must be followed. Bear in mind that once you’re using one or more tools on your roof, you are working, and must stay safe. If you’re simply with a measurement tape and a notepad, you’re not working, but you must always be careful.

  1. Be Weight-Conscious

Before you climb on a roof, always calculate whether or not the place you’re going to be standing on is able to support your weight and that of your tools. It is a sign of expertise to observe the roof and look for any signs of a compromised roof, whether due to rust or water, and then assess the integrity of the roof’s surface before you get on it, to avoid accidents.

  1. Never Stand on Skylights

This should be emphasized again and again. After all, nearly 30% of fatal deaths on roofs happened because people stood on skylights and fell through them. It is important to note that you should never stand on a skylight because it cannot carry your weight, so always identify and barricade all skylights when you’re about to start working. If you don’t, you might mistakenly step on one when backing up. If you’re working on older roofs, you need to be extra careful because when some of these roofs are re-coated, it becomes difficult to distinguish between the skylights and the roof surface as they might be coated together, so always check inside before you begin.

  1. Prevent Slipping and Falling

As common as slips and falls might be across all workplaces, these incidents are most dangerous on roofs because you will be falling from a great height. That’s why you must ensure that your ladders are fixed properly in observance of all safety rules.

Always ensure to maintain three-point contact. If you’re climbing up a ladder, don’t carry tools in your hands, but use a backpack or tool belt. Move slowly when you’re working in wet conditions.

If you’re working on a pitched roof or within a few feet of the perimeter (often 10 feet, depending on your state’s regulations) always tie it off with the appropriate equipment or maintain the extensive Fall Prevention Standard, 29 CFR 1926 Subpart M. Your state or Federal Plan OSHA office can offer information and clarification.

  1. Take note of the prevailing Climate and Temperature

Always take note of the prevailing climate before you get on your roof. If you’re climbing on a roof on a hot day, bear in mind that the roofing materials absorb heat so it will be much hotter. So, prepare for adequate hydration and take rest breaks frequently.

When working on a white roof in the sun, you’ll need to have UV-protective eyewear to ensure proper visibility while you’re up there.

Conclusively, always try to minimize foot traffic on your roof as much as possible to reduce the wear and tear occasioned by people walking on the roof, as well as the safety risks associated with working on the roof. When working with inexperienced roofers, always establish a defined path for accessing the roof to avoid mistakes and accidents.

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A Guide to Roofing Warranties
Published June 13, 2023

A Guide to Roofing Warranties

If you are new to the world of roofing warranties, you have a lot to learn, including the difference between standard warranties, extended warranties, and workmanship warranties for roofs.

When purchasing a roof, you might be carried away with trying to find the best roofing materials, most aesthetically pleasing, and most cost-effective. However, you shouldn’t focus only on the type of roofing material and forget about important factors such as warranties. You ought to ensure that you get the best protection and warranty for that roof of your choice.

Navigating roofing warranties can be quite confusing if you’re not an expert, but not to worry because this post will help you navigate warranties and tell you all you need to know about the entire process.

An Introduction To Roofing Warranties 

First, it is important to get familiar with the three types of roofing warranties, which are the standard manufacturer’s warranty that comes with the product you purchase, the extended manufacturer’s warranty that is a combination of the contractor workmanship and products, as well as the workmanship warranty that comes from the contractor and covers the roof installation.

Standard Manufacturer’s Warranty

This is the most common warranty and most of the roofing shingles have this basic limited lifetime warranty in line with industry standards. The general definition of a lifetime warranty is that for as long as you own the home, your warranty is in place. However, the ‘limited’ in the name is dependent on how the manufacturer defines it.

For most manufacturers, the warranty only covers the cost of the damaged or defective materials, meaning you are responsible for all charges connected to the removal and replacement of the damaged shingles.

For some other manufacturers, they will cover the cost of replacing defective shingles for a given number of years, after which they will only offer a prorated warranty. What this means is that for every shingle that gets damaged in the first few years, the shingles will be replaced without cost. This replacement will also cover the labor and installation cost, meaning you won’t spend a dime for the repair and installation. However, you would need to handle the cost associated with tearing off and disposing of the damaged shingle. When the protracted period begins, you will only receive a part of the cost for the new shingles while you will have to make up for the rest.

Throughout the roofing industry, you find that standard manufacturer warranties only cover factory defective materials and not shingles that are damaged during installation, usage, or other resulting issues after installation. The warranty won’t cover things such as ventilation products, flashing, water and ice shield, as well as underlayment. However, it might be possible to get individual warranties for these components, depending on the manufacturers.

Contractor Workmanship Warranties

One reason we always advise that you work with an experienced contractor is that the installation of your roof plays a major role in the lifespan and performance of your roof. Reputable installation contractors offer workmanship warranties, but what these warranties cover will depend on the contractor you are working with.

While some contractors offer lifetime coverage, others focus on possible material failures that could happen during the process of installation.

The average contractor workmanship warranties cover material and labor costs, as well as all materials that will be needed to carry out repairs on the roof. It might even go on to cover damages that might have occurred in the home due to a mistake or problem with the installation.

Most contractor warranties won’t cover issues that can affect the roof after their installation has been done, such as water and ice damage, storm and wind damage, damage caused by foot traffic, subsequent alteration to the roof, as well as leaks caused by debris or tree limbs.

When considering the warranties of the construction company you want to work with, you also need to be sure about other things such as the experience levels of the company, the quality of work they deliver, and how many satisfied customers they have had over the years. An unproblematic installation and a lasting roof trump every claim.

Extended Manufacturer Warranties

Most of the best manufacturers in the roofing industry have come to terms with the relationship between the quality of installation and the lifespan of their roofing materials. As a result, they offer an extended warranty that doesn’t only cover the roofing product but also covers the installation, provided the roofs are installed by experienced and certified contractors, and provided they follow all the installation guides and requirements spelt out by the manufacturer.

With a little more money, you can get extended warranties. But, they are only available if you are getting a complete roof installation that goes along with components like underlayment, starter and field shingle, barriers against ice and water, soffit and ridge vents, as well as hip and ridge cap shingles.

Here’s what the comprehensive extended warranties offered by industry-leading manufacturers look like:

  • Roof System Component Coverage

 This coverage covers everything except the likes of wood decking, flashing, and fasteners.

  • Lengthy, continuous coverage for defective materials (non-prorated)

This coverage covers the cost of replacements and repairs for a stated period that can be extended to reach 50 years.

  • Workmanship coverage against roofing system installation errors

This warranty could last for a lifetime, but prorating begins after some years as stated. It includes the cost of tear-off, labor, and disposal.

Pro Tip: Pay Attention to Warranty Registration

After understanding everything that you should, selecting the brand of roofing material, as well as the contractor you want to work with for the installation, as well as the warranty option you prefer, the next thing to do is to go through the requirements to register your warranty and ensure that you meet them.

If the warranty is being handled by your roofing contractor, you need to ensure that they register with the manufacturer when they should. You should take time to look over all that they have done and ensure that they have met all requirements so that you don’t face any issues when you want to file for warranty claims if something were to happen down the line.

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Roof Replacement Before Selling Your Home?
Published May 27, 2023

Roof Replacement Before Selling Your Home?

Do You Need to Install a New Roof Before Selling Your Home? 

Are you looking to sell your home? If yes, you are probably wondering whether you should install your roof or not. Well, repairing your roof is largely beneficial for you. However, it might not always be the case, which is why you need to be sure whether or not you need to install your roof before you do it.

You must have heard that installing a new roof can raise the value of your roof by up to $12,000. However, you must know that installing a new roof costs way more than that, so it is a major investment. Here are the things you should consider before installing a new roof.

Consider the Cost of a New Roof

Before purchasing a new roof, you need to consider the cost, and the only way to do this is to research the cost of roofs, roofing materials, as well as roofing obstructions. If you need something cheap, then your best bet is asphalt shingles because they are low-cost and can suit your needs if you are on a budget. However, if you have enough money to get something more expensive, you can now go for something more luxurious, such as metal roofs or tile roofs.

When purchasing roofing materials, bear in mind that these materials are sold by square foot. Also, roofs without obstructions are cheaper to install, just as smaller roofs are cheaper than larger ones.

If you’re confused about whether or not to install a new roof, you should seek advice from a roofing expert or a roofing contractor who will inspect your building and your roof and give you an estimate with your options so you can decide whether or not to change your roof before selling your house.

If the state of your roof is bad, you’ll be advised to change it because the value you’ll get from a home with a bad roof will be very little. As a matter of fact, your roof might not even pass the basic inspection processes, meaning you’ll need to change it before any realtor or buyer will consider purchasing it.

However, if your roof looks good enough to pass inspection but doesn’t look attractive, the next step will be to decide whether you will reduce the asking price to get a buyer who will take it despite the condition of your roof, or you will upgrade the roof and increase the asking price.

Although this might seem like a simple decision to make, it really isn’t, and as such, you will need to speak with a roofing professional to give you advice on what to do. Our team of experts are available to help you inspect your roof, give you an estimate, and help you to understand the advantages and disadvantages of whatever decisions you make.

Once you have decided to install a new roof to improve the value of your home, then contact us immediately to take charge of your project and carry out a successful installation. Our roofing team has the experience and expertise to deliver the best roofing job. We can also carry out your roof installation fast to ensure that you don’t have to wait for long before you start enjoying your new roof.

We will have detailed conversations with you until we are sure that we understand what you need and can deliver. We will also be sure that our cost matches your budget and that the timeline is convenient for you as well. If you request a quote from us, you can get it in 2 days once you fill out our contact form.

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