ADVERTORIAL
The
Roof
… the
cornerstone of
all solar systems
By Pamela Garcia,
Founder, Simmitri.
Simmitri is a Silicon
Valley Corporation,
birthed in the
Gilroy/Morgan Hill
area, in 1995, that
helps it’s residential
and commercial cli-
entele harness Solar
Energy Technology
in all its forms today,
and into the future.
simmitri.com
T
he foundation, or cornerstone of any
residential Solar System is the roof upon
which it sets. Unfortunately, a lot of
solar customers are not aware of this critical
fact. A well-designed & thoroughly inspected
roof system is necessary for a solar system to
function properly over time.
Choosing a solar company that is not “fully
engaged” when it comes to the Roof is, at best,
unwise. At worse, it is taking a risk that may
lead to permanent roof damage. Roof and solar
systems must work together symmetrically, for
the “productive and protective” outcomes all
customers seek for the long-term. That’s why
one of the primary questions for a customer
to ask when considering a solar company is:
“What is the level of expertise of that company
— with regards to both solar AND roofs?”
Roof replacement is one of the most
important things to consider for the overall
protection of the home. Many roof contractors
simply stop leaks, repair or replace shingles
alone, and fail to regard the roof as an entire
system that should be managed more broadly
— and as a result, more appropriately.
Without viewing the roof “as a system,”
proper installation and long-term efficiency
and effectiveness are virtually undermined. To
avoid approaching the roof in simplistic and
ineffective ways, please consider the following
points below for a more thorough roof analysis
and management approach.
Roof Systems
Improve Overall
Energy Efficiency
A roof system should both function to protect
the roof of the home or business and help
improve the overall energy efficiency of the
property. A roof system not only includes high-
quality asphalt shingles, for example, but also
additional products that ensure the roof is
protected and properly ventilated for the
long term.
GAF, the largest and most impressive
roof manufacturer in all of North America,
recommends the following roof system
additions, as does Simmitri, a GAF’s Master
Elite Roof company in Northern California:
Roof Deck Protection
In addition to providing superior protection
against strong winds and rain, roof deck
protection will help shingles lay flatter and
prevent buckling. As a result, roofs will last
longer and look better for the duration of its
lifespan.
Leak Barrier
To provide your roof with a 100 percent
watertight seal, proper leak barriers should be
used. A quality leak barrier helps protect the
interior of the home from costly, damaging
leaks. A leak barrier will also help keep your
shingles from wrinkling and buckling.
Starter Strip Shingles
Starter strip shingles help the roofer quickly
and efficiently lay the shingles on the roof. By
using a starter strip, roof companies can avoid
blow-offs and other time-consuming problems,
thereby allowing them to complete the roof
more quickly.
Attic Ventilation
Attic ventilation is necessary for maintaining
a consistent flow of air through eaves and out
through the roof. By maintaining proper air
intake and exhaust, one can greatly improve
the heating and cooling efficiency of the
entire home. Without proper ventilation,
damage such as warping can occur, and high
humidity can damage the integrity of the
home’s structure. To combat this, use of intake
and exhaust vents will ensure that the attic is
properly ventilated.
Ridge Cap Shingles
The hips and ridges on a roof are under a
higher level of stress than the rest of the roof.
Rather than using modified strip shingles,
GAF for example recommends the use of high-
quality ridge cap shingles that are designed to
properly protect these high-stress areas from
leaks and damage while also accentuating the
ridges of the home.
Regardless of the options chosen, one cannot
go wrong with the selections offered by a GAF
factory-certified Master Elite roof company.
Only three percent of all roof contractors in
the nation can claim that distinction!
Simmitri is a “Master Elite Company” with GAF and is also a SunPower PREMIER Dealer, certified by
SunPower to design and install their top-of-the line solar energy solutions. Simmitri, previously Affordable
Roofing & Solar, has been exceeding the expectations of hundreds of Solar & Roof customers for decades.
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
JULY / AUGUST 2016
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