Los Gatos Roofing demands quality and craftsmanship with every roof project, thus we use only our own qualified and factory trained employees. We refuse to use subcontractors and day laborers to cut costs. Our custom designed fleet of tear off and crew trucks are unmatched in their design and efficiency, allowing our foreman the ability to deliver a clean and organized jobsite each and every day.

Prior to any roof installation, your estimator will have provided you with the specifications and applications to do your job right. As part of the reroof process, we will need to obtain a permit from your local jurisdiction, and we obtain all permits and handle all related fees, inspections and final job sign offs.

Removal of your existing roofing is the first task performed by our crews. The process can take about 4-6 hours depending on the size and steepness of your roof. Some existing roofs have multiple layers of roofing that can increase the time and cost, and we always remove all layers down to the original roof sheathing. This allows us to thoroughly inspect your existing sheathing and rafters for dryrot, termite or other possible water damage that may have occurred over time.

All of our tear offs are done by Los Gatos Roofing employees, who will leave your site completely clean, including the gutters.

Upon removal of all existing roofing, we will inspect the existing roof deck for any structural damage of the roof deck caused by possible dryrot, termites or water damage. Many city and county inspectors will also conduct tear off inspections as part of the permit process. We are required to replace all damaged wood members. Your estimate will detail the rates and charges for this additional work.

Most existing homes in the Bay Area originally roofed with wood shakes or shingles were built with spaced sheathing. This is identified by boards running horizontal to the rafters with a 4”-6” space between them. Spaced sheathing can still provide an adequate roof deck for the installation of wood shakes and shingles, or can be used as a substrate for new solid sheathing such as OSB or plywood.

Homes originally roofed with asphalt shingles, or built after 1990, were constructed with solid sheathing, using 1” nominal sheathing or plywood. Most all existing solid sheathed roof decks provide an acceptable substrate for any new roof material.

Installation of new solid sheathing on homes with existing spaced sheathing is very common in reroofing. The use of Oriented Strand Board (engineered wood or OSB) is widely used in reroofing, along with CDX plywood.

This installation of new solid sheathing can take up to 8 hours, is always installed on top of the existing spaced sheathing, and is commonly inspected as part of the permit process.

All roofing materials require an underlayment of asphalt saturated felt (tar paper) or an equivalent approved material to assist in achieving a watertight roof system.

Underlayments are no longer rated by pounds (15lb. or 30 LB) but by Type as determined by ASTM ratings. Fiberglass reinforced felt membranes are made and recommended by most shingle manufacturers, and are the only felt products warranted with the roofing product. Some low slope applications will require self adhered membranes also made and warranted by the shingle manufacturer.

Every roof requires flashings at all valleys, walls and penetrations (pipes, vents, chimneys and skylights) to perform effectively. Los Gatos Roofing always replaces existing flashings to ensure a trouble free roof. All flashings are primed and painted to match the color of the roof. Some walls may require stucco or siding removal in order to install the correct type of flashing, most common when changing a roof from one type to another.

New building codes, product warranties, and the installation of solid sheathing all require additional attic ventilation as part of the reroof process. Ventilation is a key component to maximum roof performance, and plays a vital role in a home’s comfort during hot summer days and cold winter nights. Additional venting at the eaves, combined with eyebrow vents or continuous ridgeventing, will be specified to meet the new demands of your roof system.

Composition shingles are the most common product used for reroof. They are lightweight, walkable, fireproof, and affordable. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles and colors and offer extensive long term warranties. Always installed over solid sheathing, they require ASTM underlayment, zinc coated nails, proper ventilation and all shingles have specific install specifications and patterns.

Both Concrete and Clay tiles are available in standard weight (new construction) and lightweight (reroof) and are always installed over solid sheathing. Los Gatos Roofing recommends and installs a double underlayment of ASTM felt, and lead based two piece flashings. A structural inspection is available if deemed necessary, and the walkability of the roof should always be considered prior to choosing a tile roof.

All shake roofs are available in Class “A”, “B”, or “C” fire ratings and are legal in all city and county jurisdictions in the Bay Area. Shake roofs require a Type 30 ASTM felt interlayment, two galvanized fasteners per piece, and function best when installed over spaced sheathing. Different qualities of wood grain and product thickness can greatly affect the price even though the installation specifications are the same.

All jurisdictions require a final inspection and sign off from the local building department. All work is to be completed prior to final, and the jobsite left clean and free of roofing related debris. A properly completed roof project and complete customer satisfaction are essential to our success and a true indication of our performance.