Author: Nyrie Chaparian

A trustworthy roofing company is a must-have when maintaining and repairing your roof. However, understanding the many technical terms related to roofing may be complicated for some homeowners.

Fear not! We offer a brief guide to some essential roofing terms. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll be able to communicate confidently with your local roofer and ensure your roof stays in top-notch condition.

Flashing

Ridge

Soffit

A soffit is the finished underside of the eaves, installed beneath the fascia where a roof overhangs a wall. They can also be under balconies, arches, or overhanging roof eaves. Soffits protect the rafters from the elements and enhance the aesthetic appeal of a house.

Fascia

The fascia is a horizontal wooden board beneath your roof’s rain gutters. Its primary functions include providing support for the gutter system and enhancing the visual appeal of your home. Just watch for any signs of damage, such as peeling paint, as it could indicate underlying issues.

Frieze Board

This board is positioned at the uppermost part of a house’s finished wall, acting as a transition point and creating a corner with the soffit.

Gable

Decking

Trusses

Hip

Valley

Drip Edge

Consulting Professional Roofing Contractors

Consulting professional roofing contractors is highly recommended if you require roof leak repair services. LA Roof Repair Specialist’s team will ensure the maintenance and longevity of your roof, saving you from costly repairs in the future.

And remember, familiarity with these roofing terms will help you communicate effectively with the experts so you may confidently discuss your needs the next time you interact with a licensed roofing company!

There are some great things about living in Southern California, and most Angelenos would mention the climate. However, midsummer can see the inside of your home turn from comfortable to sweltering.

With the mercury climbing and your AC working overtime to keep you cool, your energy bills are growing expensive. As an experienced Los Angeles roofer, we can tell you that the color of your roof matters to keep your home cool.

Albedo Matters

White roofs keep your home coolest. But why?

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum we can see; sunlight contains visible light, near-infrared, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Different surfaces reflect different amounts of light, a property known as albedo.

Albedo: The Technical Part

A surface that reflects all the wavelengths of visible light appears white, while one that absorbs all the visible colors looks black. Colors such as red, green, and blue result from a specific wavelength reflecting (the shortest wavelengths are violet, and the longest are red).

Visible light isn’t warm, but when absorbed by a surface, it loses some energy and becomes infrared radiation, also known as heat. A black surface absorbs virtually all the light that falls on it and turns it into heat, warming the object a lot.

What This Means for Your Roof

A white surface reflects most of the light that hits it, meaning that very little is absorbed to become heat. Cool roofs in Los Angeles are probably white and reflect anywhere from 60% to 90% of incoming sunlight, with very light-colored roofs (pale gray or sand) close behind.

The potential temperature difference between conventional and cool roofs in Los Angeles is significant. Whereas most roofs will hit 150°F or more on a sunny summer afternoon, a cool roof will max out around 100°F.

Is Visible Color the Whole Story?

Having explained all that about white reflecting the most light and staying the coolest, we must tell you that’s not the whole story. Around half of the sunlight that reaches the surface of our planet is already near-infrared (invisible heat energy).

There are certain pigments (chemicals that create color by reflecting visible light) that reflect this invisible near-infrared radiation. The result is a dark-colored surface reflecting a lot of incoming sunlight (between 30% and 60%) and staying cooler than you would expect.

The upshot is you can have cool roofs in Los Angeles and have them be dark in color. Sure, they won’t be as cool as white, but these so-called “cool-colored” roofs still offer many of the benefits.

Many roofing products come in cool-colored options or can be treated. Speak to your Los Angeles roofer to find out more.

Cool Roofs in Los Angeles: The Lowdown

Cool roofs reduce the need for AC units and thus reduce your energy bills; they may also qualify for rebates from government programs or utility companies.

The lower temperatures are particularly beneficial for indoor spaces that aren’t air-conditioned and could otherwise become dangerously hot. Decreased roof temperatures help prevent the degradation of roofing materials, potentially extending roof service life.

Speak to a Los Angeles roofer about cool roof options, from new shingles to a coating.

There are generally two options for roofing projects – flat or pitched. If you’re considering putting a flat roof on your commercial building, the price will obviously be a factor in your decision.

So how do you know if a flat roof will work for your project? How much will it cost?

Let’s start with defining these different types of roofs..

What Is A Flat Roof?

Basically, any roof that doesn’t have a peak is a flat roof. They may have a slight slope to allow water to reach the gutter system, reducing the need for roof leak repair, but the slope is almost undetectable.

They are most common for commercial roofing in Los Angeles but have become increasingly seen in residential homes.

Price Of A Flat Roof

A flat roof will be cheaper than shingles because the material usually comes in large rolls instead of small sheets of asphalt. Less lumber is also used on these roofs.

Many factors will influence this price, which is why it’s recommended to request estimates from your local LA roofers before choosing.

The price is less than a traditional pitched roof, but it does come with its pros and cons. The type of material used will also increase the price. You should keep in mind that using a durable material like rubber or metal will increase the price but will also increase its lifespan.

Type Of Material And Price Per Square Foot

• Metal: $4–$30
• Modified Bitumen: $4–$8
• Built-Up (BUR): $4–$10
• Rubber Membrane: $4–$13
• Single-Ply Membrane: $4–$7
• Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO): $3.50–$14
• Fiberglass or GRP: $4-$6

Pros

Flat roofs are less expensive to install than asphalt roofs. It requires less material and is structurally simpler, lowering construction and repair costs.

Not only do you save money on the installation, but you can keep utility costs manageable, especially during LA’s searing summers.

Flat roofs also give a clean and minimalist look to buildings, whether they’re residential or commercial.

They also offer more usable space and are easy to clean as they are more accessible. This helps prevent mold, algae, and any debris from building up.

Cons

Flat roofs tend only to last 10-25 years with proper care. This is something to consider when deciding what type of roof to get – asphalt roofs last between 15 to 35 years.

Flat roofs also have a higher chance of leaks which may have you seeking roof leak repair sooner than an asphalt roof would.

Flat roofs can pose issues in cold weather. Because the roof isn’t sloped, it will hold water, which can lead to leaks. You can consult with LA roofers for weatherproofing materials to prevent this.

Final Thoughts

Installing a flat roof can be rewarding because it’s so cheap, but it does have some drawbacks.

Although most of the cons can be fixed by using better materials, there are some things you can’t change. Reach out to your local experts in commercial roofing in Los Angeles if you have any questions or concerns about what works best for your property.

Are you looking to make a style statement with your home? And by this, we mean the exterior as well as the interior.

It’s about curb appeal.

It’s about the first impression that potential buyers see.

It’s about getting your house ready to grab those passersby before they simply drive on because there is “nothing good to see.”

Here are some fantastic roof color schemes and combinations from a top roofing company in Los Angeles to enhance your existing design and decor.

What Is The Best Color For The Roof Of My Home?

Finding a color scheme that enhances your home’s appearance while tying in seamlessly with the neighborhood can significantly influence its resale value. The perfect color match will appeal to buyers looking for a sense of cohesiveness.

The color shouldn’t shout at you but should create a striking impression and pleasantly accentuate the rest of your home.

A roof repair specialist in Los Angeles will have the expertise and experience to assist you in capturing the perfect harmony for your home.

Here are five options to consider before you make that all-important decision.

1. Classic Color

Homeowners frequently use classic black or grey, and they are a popular choice in most neighborhoods. These colors are timeless.

However, they can be seen as ‘boring’ and understated. Consult with a roofing company in Los Angeles that can offer you the best solution for how you want to present your home!

2. Complementary Color

Consider the current style of your home and the existing color tones of the rest of your house. Picking a roof color that contrasts with the color of your house can really make it stand out and pop. If your house is a warm color like red, yellow, or brown, consider installing a roof with cool tones such as black or blue.  

Your LA roofer will have experience tying together the right combinations and tones – never be afraid to ask for a second opinion.

3. Contrasting Or Blending?

Would you like to pair a dark roof with your light-colored home? Or a contemporary light gray roof with a dark-colored home?

Or go very modern and consider a white home with a black roof! This is a popular option today and it’s popping up more frequently on Los Angeles homes.

4. Match Up With The Siding

For successful eye-catching compatibility, It’s important to match up with the color of your siding. This will allow your home to pull together to create a balanced, inviting appearance.

These roof colors contrast but work harmoniously:

• White siding with a contrasting brown, black, or green roof or a light blue or gray non-contrasting roof.
• Red siding – try a contrasting black or grey roof or a non-contrasting brown roof.

5. Energy Efficiency

The style of your home is important. However, many buyers in California will look for a home that is energy-efficient. Pale colors are the most efficient if the emphasis is on energy savings because they repel the heat.

Darker colors absorb the sun, so your air conditioning will have to work harder to keep your home cool. An experienced LA roofer can guide you through the various alternatives then you should be good to go.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right color for your home can be daunting. However, with the assistance of Roof Repair Specialist in Los Angeles, you’ll be able to find the perfect color scheme to enhance your home’s value and attract the perfect buyer!