Author: splashme@splashomnimedia.com

Do you want solar power but not the giant panels that make it possible? We have good news! GAF solar shingle roofs are solar panels that look like shingles. Here’s everything you need to know.

 

What Are GAF Solar Shingles?

 

Just like asphalt or tile shingles, GAF solar shingles are the primary material of your roof. Instead of installation on top of the roof, like solar panels, solar shingles replace some of the asphalt shingles. They not only protect your roof, but they also provide electricity to your home. Constructed with a combination of asphalt and monocrystalline solar cells, those solar cells connect to wiring that sends the solar power to the grid of your home, generating electricity and replacing the need for most of what you get from the utility company.

 

Solar Shingles vs. Solar Panels

 

GAF solar shingles can withstand extreme weather, are water-shedding like traditional roofing materials, and look great. With a variety of color combinations to suit your home, they have great curb appeal. Compared to solar panels, the GAF shingles are much more adaptable to more types of homes. You don’t need a massive roof to mount them as you do with panels, you don’t have to stress about HOA regulations and getting approval for installation, and you don’t have to worry about potential roof damage. Solar panels require drilling into your roof for mounting, creating the potential for leaks and damage to the material on and under your roof. Shingles replace a portion of your roof shingles, integrating into the roofing material, and can closely match the rest of the shingles used.

 

GAF Solar Shingles and Your Energy Efficiency

 

No matter where you get your electricity, whether from the utility company or through solar power, you will likely still use the same amount. The good news about solar energy is that it’s unlimited, clean, and it comes to you without the cost of buying it. Solar shingles reduce your need for costly electricity from your local provider, cutting back on your energy bills and even providing enough for you to send some of it back to the grid.

 

The Cost of Solar Shingles

 

Installing solar power has an initial cost that might seem high. However, GAF solar shingles are often less expensive than panels because of easy installation during scheduled roof replacement. Additionally, it will save you significantly on your energy costs over time, more than making up for the cost of purchase and installation. You’ll also have access to tax incentives that boost savings and have a 25-year warranty.

 

If you want solar power in your home but are resistant to the bulky panels popular in many neighborhoods, it’s time to consider GAF solar shingles. Contact Premiere Roofing, a certified GAF installer, to learn more about how you can harness the sun’s power to lower your energy bills without giving up the streamlined appearance of your home.  

Skylights or solar tubes? That’s the question of the day. The feeling of natural light in your home or office can make the difference between an open, airy, inviting space and a room that feels like a cave. No matter how big the space is, it can feel small and claustrophobic if there’s not enough light. So what’s the answer to adding light if you can’t add windows? It’s time to consider the benefits of skylights vs. solar tubes. Here’s what you need to know about both.

 

The Truth About Skylights

 

Skylights are like windows installed in the roof that let light down directly into a room. The ones manufactured today are not the same as the skylights of long ago. They’re sturdier, safer, and easier to install. They let in light through the roof, brightening up spaces from kitchens to bathrooms in your home and offices to workshops in your commercial building. Like anything else, there are pros and cons to this type of home addition.

 

Skylight pros:

 

• Adds natural light to rooms without large windows or to rooms that face north.
• You can see the stars, the clouds, and the weather through the roof.
• They can increase circulation and airflow if the skylight opens.
• Adds appeal to certain buyers by adding light to an otherwise dark space.
• They make rooms feel bigger and more expansive by adding a slice of the sky and extra light.

 

Skylight cons:

 

• Roof damage can occur during installation if not done properly.
• Due to installation, skylights can only go in rooms directly under the roof, meaning lower-floor rooms in multiple-story buildings aren’t an option for skylight installation.

 

The Lowdown on Solar Tubes

 

Solar tubes, also called sun tunnels and sun tunnel skylights, are like traditional skylights in that they let light from above into a room or space with few or no windows. The difference between skylights vs. solar tubes is that where skylights come in a range of sizes and installation is directly in the ceiling with a clear view of the outdoors, solar tubes are much smaller, usually 10” to 14” in diameter. They consist of a tube made up of metal sheets with a plastic dome on the outside and a light diffuser on the inside. Here are the pros and cons of this type of lighting.

 

Pros:

 

• You have flexibility with installation location due to their small diameter and design, allowing for natural light in smaller spaces.
• Sun tunnels are low-cost with quick installation due to their smaller size and easy mounting.
• They allow natural light into spaces with few or no windows.
• They’re budget-friendly due to the size, material, and reduced installation cost.
• The light is brighter than that from a skylight because the dome captures the sunlight, and the interior component diffuses it.

 

Cons:

 

• Sun tunnels have limited design options due to their size and function.
• Because of the materials, the interior conducts heat which can lead to condensation.
• You can’t see out through the sun tunnel skylight. They’re not like windows but instead are a light source and diffuser.

 

Knowing whether a skylight or a solar tube is a better option for your home or office can come down to location, budget, and desired effect. Talk to a professional for guidance on which is right for your needs by contacting Premiere Roofing, a certified installer of both VELUX^® Skylights and VELUX^® Sun Tunnels, for a free estimate.

Are you considering a full commercial roof replacement? Unfortunately, when it comes to commercial roofing, it can cost a pretty penny if there’s damage or issues that indicate it might need replacement. The good news is that there are roof replacement alternatives that can save you money while saving your roof.

 

What is Commercial Roof Coating?

 

One of the best roof replacement alternatives for your building is commercial roof coating. What is it? We’re so glad you asked. Premiere commercial roof coating is a silicone material that adheres to your existing roof to repair it and prevent the need for expensive roof replacement. It fills small holes and cracks to prevent leaks and water damage while giving your roof a new life.

 

What are the Benefits of Roof Coating?

 

A Premiere commercial roof coating is a great alternative to roof replacement. Not only will it cost you less than a new roof, but there are also other notable benefits. Here are just a few:

 

• Durability – the coating is often more durable than the metal roof, protecting it from extreme weather, including heat, wind, ice, rain, and hail. The coating is seamless to protect it from the elements, pests, and rust and is environmentally friendly.
• Extends the life of your roof – most commercial roofs have a limited lifespan. This roof replacement alternative can extend it, preventing potential damage, and saving you money on repair and replacement. It also prevents rust from breaking down the integrity of your roof, meaning it will last longer and be stronger. And with the ability for reapplication, you get even more life out of your roof without replacing the base.
• Fewer repairs – because the silicone coating goes on as a liquid, it fills small holes and cracks in the existing roof, making it stronger. The coating is extremely durable to prevent damage and reduce the risk of needing repair.
• Reduced chance of leaks – water damage can lead to extensive and costly repairs and downtime for your business. Roof coating is like a waterproof blanket for your roof, reducing the chance of leaks and protecting the interior of your building.
• Timesaving – a new commercial roof is not only a significant financial investment, but it’s also a time-consuming process. Roof work might not close your business, but it can negatively impact productivity. Roof coating takes less than half the time of installing a new roof, so you can keep your business humming along with roof coating instead of roof replacement impacting your operations.
• Increase your energy efficiency – Premiere commercial roof coatings are Energy Star rated, so adding the silicone coating increases efficiency cutting down on your heat and cooling loss and saving you money on your energy bills.

 

Most business owners prioritize the bottom line. They watch their budget, looking for ways to cut costs and reduce overhead while maintaining a safe. long-lasting, energy-efficient building. When it comes to commercial roofing, replacing it is a cost no one looks forward to. Premiere commercial roof coatings are one of the best roof replacement options on the market. Contact Premiere Roofing today to learn more and to get a free estimate.

Solar power is the wave of the future. It’s renewable, clean, and efficient, and the options for adding it to your home keep expanding. So instead of limiting your options to giant, expensive panels that are difficult to install, it’s time to look at GAF solar shingle roofs. Here’s everything you need to know about the cost of solar shingles.

 

What are GAF Solar Shingles?

 

Solar panels require installation on racks that sit slightly above the surface of your roof. Installation also includes drilling into and mounting on top of the roof material. Solar shingle roofs, on the other hand, replace traditional roofs and the solar shingles only take up a portion. The rest of the material can be asphalt, metal, or another roofing material of your choice. The GAF solar shingle roofs are water-shedding and built to withstand extreme weather, including winds of up to 130 mph.

 

How do GAF Solar Shingle Roofs Work?

 

Known for its traditional asphalt shingles, GAF manufactures their solar shingle roofs by combining the asphalt, which is the top layer, with monocrystalline solar cells, which make up the bottom layer. It’s that bottom layer that generates the electricity. Wiring installed on the sides of the panels connect to your home’s power system to provide the electricity you use daily.

 

How GAF Solar Shingle Roofs Reduce Your Energy Bills

 

Harnessing the energy from the sun reduces your use of expensive and environmentally damaging fossil fuel energy. It’s clean and renewable, with the sun offering an endless supply of solar power. Not only does it cut down on pollution, but it also reduces your dependency on your local energy provider, reducing your energy bills. It can even provide enough energy to your home to use net metering, an option that lets you put energy back into the grid. When your solar shingle roof makes more energy than your home uses, what you put back gets you credit from the energy company. You can even get tax incentives for installing a solar-producing roofing to boost your savings.

 

The Cost of GAF Solar Shingle Roofs

 

The cost of installing solar is usually the biggest stumbling block for homeowners. However, GAF solar shingles cost less than solar panels. The costs are lower due to the installation taking place at the same time as roof replacement. Additionally, it’s part of the roof instead of being a separate component, which is the case with solar panels. With the affordable pricing, roof installation process, net metering, tax incentives, energy savings, and 25-year warranty, it’s worth considering this new technology.

 

GAF Solar Shingle Roof Installation

 

Solar shingle roof installation requires a roofing professional trained to integrate this material into traditional roof replacement. GAF certifies roofers to ensure they understand the technology and the installation requirements of the solar shingle roofs. Roofing professionals installing them during a roof replacement have described it as easy, streamlined, and straightforward.

 

In South Carolina, where sunshine is abundant, GAF solar shingle roofs are a great option to help you reduce your carbon footprint and energy bills. Contact Premiere Roofing, a GAF-certified roofing company, for a free estimate on your new solar shingle roof.

It seems as if everyone is looking for ways to cut household expenses, including how to lower energy bills. With costs climbing on everything from groceries to gas, it seems impossible to get a handle on the budget. The good news is there are ways to save energy and cut your heating and cooling costs. Here are four tips to lower your home’s energy bill.

 

Tip #1: Repair Damaged Windows

 

Did you know that damaged windows can increase energy costs by 25-30%? That’s how much energy your home loses through the windows, and those numbers jump if your windows are older or single-paned. Repairing damaged windows can significantly reduce the heat lost through the glass, cutting down on energy use and bills.

 

Updating old windows to double-paned glass can save you even more and over time will pay for itself in the energy efficiency gained and the reduction in energy lost. Of course, upgrading windows is an investment, but it might surprise you to find how much more consistent the temperature stays inside your house and how much money you save on your heating and cooling bills.

 

Tip #2: Repair Broken Siding

 

Broken siding might not seem like an energy efficiency issue, but it is. Any cracks, breaks, or leaks in the siding material not only allows the AC and heat from inside your home to seep out but also allows the cold and heat from outside to get in. Additionally, the openings can lead to a thermal gap in your walls and living spaces. When this occurs, your HVAC system kicks on more often than it should, raising your energy use and the bills that go with it. Repairing damaged siding can save you significantly when it comes to your energy bills.

 

Tip #3: Take Advantage of Skylights and Sun Tunnels

 

A home with many windows and abundant natural light lets you skip lamps and lighting for much of the day, using less energy. However, if you find the areas you spend a lot of time in don’t get a lot of natural light, adding a skylight or sun tunnel can change that. You’ll gain a lighter, brighter space while seeing a lower energy bill.

 

Tip #4: Consider Upgrading to a Metal Roof

 

It’s a common misconception that upgrading to a metal roof uses more energy because it gets hot and transfers heat to the house. However, metal roofs do the opposite. Instead of absorbing and transferring the heat, they reflect it up and away from your home. Even though asphalt is one of the most common types of roofing material, it is less energy efficient than metal. It takes the heat and shifts it down into the house, making your HVAC system work overtime to cool your home in the summer. Additionally, metal roofs have greater thermal resistance than asphalt, helping to keep the warm air in your home where it belongs in the winter.

 

It’s time to start finding new ways to save energy and reduce your energy bills. Making some overdue repairs and some much-needed upgrades can have a significant impact. Contact Premiere Roofing to schedule a visit from one of our professionals to evaluate your home and provide a free estimate.

Even in South Carolina, we can get winter weather severe enough to leave behind a trail of treacherous ice. The question is, what should you do? Is deicing necessary? Protecting your roof is a priority, especially in the winter. Here’s what you need to know about winter ice, what to do about it, and the advantages of deicing your roof.

 

What Ice Does to Your Roof

 

When the temperatures drop, and the humidity rises, you’ll get ice during the winter months. Ice can take a toll on your landscaping and driving conditions, but it can also compromise your roof.

 

• Cracks and pre-existing damage – water can seep into existing cracks and holes, and then when the cold weather moves in, that water freezes and causes expansion. This worsens the damage and increases the chance of leaks once the ice melts.
• Ice dams – when the water from your roof freezes in the process of running off, either in or around your gutters or at the edge of the roof, it causes ice dams. These dams prevent additional water runoff leading to excess water on and under your shingles, increasing the chance that excess water will end up inside your home.
• Condensation – the cold from the ice on the roof creates condensation when it meets the warmth inside your home if you don’t have proper insulation. That condensation means interior damage as well as roof damage.

 

The Necessity of Deicing

 

What does deicing do for your roof? It protects it from damage caused by extreme winter weather and saves you money on costly repairs. But doing deicing right is critical to taking advantage of its benefits. There are different methods to clear your roof.

 

1. Snow Rake – using a snow rake is like using a shovel, and just like shovels, they come in different sizes and shapes. They work to move snow off the roof and are helpful when there is snow on top of the ice and for roof edge deicing.
2. Ice Pick – when ice dams build up in the gutters and edges of your roof, an ice pick can be effective for removal. Carefully use the ice pick in the gutters and downspouts until the ice breaks up enough to scoop it out.
3. Ice Melt – many homeowners wonder, does ice melt damage roofs? The answer depends on which product you use. Some contain corrosives that can do more damage than the ice you’re trying to remove or prevent. Make sure you don’t buy anything with sodium chloride or calcium chloride, which can lead to roof damage. Look for calcium magnesium acetate and ammonium sulfate for a safe way to deice using ice melt.

 

One of the best ways to protect your roof from damage this winter is prevention. Proactively deicing using ice melt before the storm and proper ice removal after it will help you avoid damage and leaks and will keep water from seeping under your shingles and into your home. Relying on a roofing professional to inspect your roof for damage before the extreme weather moves in and for an evaluation after a storm is another way to ensure your roof is in good condition so it can continue to protect you and your home. Contact the Premiere Roofing team for all of your roofing needs, including roof inspections and guidance on effective and safe roof deicing.

It’s the holiday season, and it’s time to hang those Christmas lights. The trick to keeping the holiday season bright is to hang the lights without damaging your shingle roof. Here’s how.

 

Choose the Right Lights

 

When hanging Christmas lights, be sure you choose the right lights. In the old days, there was only one option. Now you can choose from several different light types. Choosing the right ones will make it safe to hang lights from the roof.

 

• Incandescent lights – less expensive to buy than LED lights, incandescent strings are the old standard. However, they use more energy and burn hotter, leading to more energy use and higher utility bills after the holidays. They are also a fire hazard because they get hot.
• Battery-powered lights – no outlet by your light display? No problem! Choose battery-powered holiday lights. Be sure the battery pack is out of the elements to prevent damage and loss of power.
• LED light strings – these are the lights of choice for energy-conscious homeowners. You’ll use less energy with these cooler bulbs and take away the fire risk of the incandescent strings, and they come in a wide choice of colors and programming options. Additionally, you can plug quite a few strings, up to 25, into the same outlet because of their lower energy use.

 

Use the Right Tools

 

No matter what type you choose, when you’re decorating for Christmas and want to know if it’s safe to hang lights from the roof, the answer is yes. However, using the right tools is critical, and we don’t mean a drill or a hammer. It’s never a good idea to put holes in your shingle roof or the flashing. It just opens the potential for leaks and roof damage. And Christmas decorating damage to gutters is something roofing professionals are very familiar with. Instead, there are some fantastic ways to hang lights without damaging the roof or the gutters.

 

• Roof tabs are small plastic clips that slide under your shingles at the edge of your roof to hold lights in place. They won’t damage your roof, and allow for creative light hanging without drilling any holes.
• Gutter light clips are an option if your gutters block the edges of your roof and make light hanging challenging. Like the roof tabs, the gutter clips slide over the edge of the gutter without causing damage to the gutter material.

 

Caution When Removing the Lights

 

When the holidays are over, and it’s time to take down the lights, it can be tempting to just give them a tug. Don’t do it. Tugging down the lights is a great way to negate the caution you’ve taken with your holiday lights this year. A good pull on the light strings can damage the roof and gutter if the clips hang on instead of letting go, leaving behind popped-up shingles and bent gutters. Remove the lights carefully and leave the clips attached to the lights, so they’re ready to go next year.

 

‘Tis the season for holiday lights! If you’re worried about damage to your roof or gutters from light installation in years past, don’t hang your lights until you’ve had your roof assessed by a professional. Contact the roofing experts at Premiere Roofing to schedule a roof inspection before Santa comes down the chimney.

Commercial roof maintenance is part of owning and managing a commercial building. However, it shouldn’t be the only thing you do, and it shouldn’t cost you a small fortune. If you have a damaged business roof, there are some signs that your roof needs replacement or repair. Here’s what to look for and what you should know.

When to Consider Replacement

 

Nothing lasts forever, including roofs. So here are some signs it’s time to consider investing in a brand-new roof for your building:

 

• Ongoing and repetitive repairs – if you’re constantly calling for roof repair and the same issues pop up over and over, it could be time for a new roof.

 

• The age of the roof – commercial roofs have a lifespan of 20-30 years for PVC and 30-45 for metal. If yours is pushing up against those milestones, it’s probably worth talking to a commercial roofing company about replacement.

 

• Lack of energy efficiency – if your energy bills are going through the proverbial roof, it’s a sign that a new roof might be in order so you can save money and keep your building more consistently comfortable.

 

When to Consider Repair

 

Commercial roof maintenance shouldn’t be all-consuming. If the roof on your building is showing wear and tear or has needed repairs lately, but you aren’t ready for the cost of replacement, the advancement in commercial roof repair could extend its life and make it more effective and more efficient. There are two primary methods for repair depending on the type of commercial roof, including shingle and metal coating.

 

• Shingle repair – most homes use asphalt shingle roofs, but plenty of commercial buildings use the same materials and installation. They’re durable, long-lasting, and easy to repair. They’re also cost-effective and low maintenance. If your shingle roof has leaks or damage, you could replace it, but before investing in that option, it’s worth finding out if repairs are adequate. Proper repair can extend the life of your commercial shingle roof, improve its performance, and improve energy efficiency in your building.

 

• Metal coating – if your building has a metal roof, the best option for repair is metal roof coatings. Commercial roof coating and waterproofing means you’ll get a durable and long-lasting finish that costs about a third of what you’ll pay for roof replacement and that can stand up to the elements, including the kind of rain we get here in the south. The coating application includes the full roof and takes half the time of replacement. Because of the advanced properties and Energy Star ratings, they’ll increase your energy efficiency without having to start from scratch. They’re also seamless and reapplication is possible, increasing the life of your roof.

 

If you’re tired of commercial roof maintenance on your business but dread the thought of investing in roof replacement, you’ve come to the right place. There are state-of-the-art commercial roof repairs that don’t require replacement, and Premiere Roofing is the local expert on commercial roof services. Contact their team of roofing professionals and schedule a time for a free estimate to find out if your building’s roof is a good candidate for repair.

Is prepping gutters for winter on your pre-holiday to-do list? If not, it should be. Even in the south, winter effects on gutters can leave you reeling come springtime. To avoid potential damage and get the most out of your gutter system, it’s important to know why you should keep them clean and what it takes to clear and maintain them.

Why You Should Prep Your Gutters for Winter

 

Water from faulty, broken, or missing gutters is one of the most common reasons for home water damage. And winter weather, especially with increased precipitation and colder temperatures, can lead to cracked and damaged gutters. Additionally, leaving debris in the channels leads to clogs which means the water goes where it shouldn’t, including into your home through the siding or roof and straight down where it collects near your foundation. Prepping gutters for winter can help prevent all these issues.

 

How to Prepare Gutters for Winter Weather

 

When you have a household task ahead of you, a checklist can be helpful for the process. Here’s a list of basic gutter maintenance you should do before the winter weather can cause damage:

 

• Cleaning
  • Due to their location and shape, gutters are the perfect place for leaves, debris, and gunk to gather. Removing all the potential blockages is crucial to effectively carrying water away from your home. The material can become heavy enough to cause the gutters to pull away from your house and fall in addition to blocking water and causing overflow or even ice dams.
• Checking for cracks, holes, and damage
  • Your damage inspection should include checking the gutter hangers and replacing them if worn or bent, inspecting and sealing the joints if they aren’t tight, and making sure the downspouts are securely fastened and in good shape.
• Sealing the caps on the ends of the gutters
  • Gutter end caps are the pieces that cover the openings on the end of the pieces that don’t meet other gutter stems. These are among the first to show signs of wear. Ensuring they’re in good shape and sealed is essential to preventing damage during the winter.
• Installing gutter covers
  • Gutter covers help keep all the bad stuff out, so you don’t have to do as much cleaning in the fall and winter. They act as a screen to let water in and keep potential channel blockers out. You may still have to wipe off the top from time to time, but the deep cleaning won’t be necessary.
• Adding downspout extensions
  • You could risk foundation damage if your gutters don’t send water far enough away from your home. Adding downspout extensions helps direct the water away from your home and foundation and toward proper drainage.

 

The gutters on your house in cold weather do more than you might think to protect your home from water damage. Instead of repairing and cleaning up the effects of damaged gutters, plan accordingly for prepping your gutters for winter. The experienced and knowledgeable team at Premiere Roofing can handle your winter gutter prep and more. Contact them today for a free estimate.

Do you know the signs of damaged windows? It’s not always obvious when your windows are ready for replacement. Here are four signs it’s time for new windows.

Sign #1: It’s Getting Drafty in Here

You can often tell when a window is drafty by putting your hands near the edges when it’s cool out. If you can feel cold drafts from inside the house, the window is no longer doing its job. At this point, you’re just losing energy through them, and you’ve probably noticed it on your ever-increasing energy bills.

 

Sign #2: You Have to Get Backup to Open or Close Them

Wanting to open or close a window and being unable to because of faulty mechanism, sticking, jamming, rust, or rot is frustrating. It’s also a safety issue. If you have more than one window that won’t open or close properly, that’s a sign it’s time for a replacement.

 

Sign #3: Condensation in or on the Glass

If your window glazing is failing, it can lead to condensation. You should not see condensation between the panes of glass on your windows. You also shouldn’t see condensation inside or outside on your windows. Those are signs that heat is getting out and cold is getting in, and vice versa.

 

Sign #4: Water Damage

Water damage on the window frame could happen due to age, exposure to the elements over time, or window damage after a big storm. If you see cracks, mold, rust, or decay, your window needs replacing, and potentially the window frame.

 

Is it time to replace your windows? If you notice any signs of damage, don’t wait. Instead, call in the professionals at Premiere Roofing for a free window assessment and evaluation.