Bakersfield Roof Makeover By BSW Roofing Solar & Air With Raised Radiant Barrier, Insulation & GAF Grand Sequoia^® Shingles

When you combine a fabulous home in the Rio Bravo area of Bakersfield, CA with GAF Grand Sequoia^® composition shingle roof it equals a dramatic visual impact.

BSW Roofing Solar & Air removed an old wood shingle roof, installed raised radiant barrier, attic insulation, and a  new Grand  Sequoia^® composition shingle roof by GAF building products. The combination of these three products provides the homeowner with a roofing system for both energy efficiency and curb appeal.

Your attic can get extremely hot and cold. If you have attic air leaks and insufficient insulation, a lot of your conditioned air will escape into your attic and out of your roof. Additionally, lack of insulation means more hot and cold temperatures seeping into the home.

Radiant barrier insulation is a reflective insulation system that offers a permanent solution to reducing energy costs. Radiant barrier insulation systems reflect radiant heat energy instead of absorbing it. When temperatures start climbing, the hot rays from the sun beam down on your roof. As the roof absorbs heat from the sun, it starts to heat up your attic like an oven.

Proper insulation in the form of radiant barriers will drastically reduce the rate of heat transfer. On hot days when the sun is beating down on your roof, radiant heat from the underside of the roof causes most of your attic’s heat absorption. Radiant barriers are most effective in warmer climates with air duct located in the attic.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, “radiant barriers can reduce cooling costs 5% to 10% when used in a warm, sunny climate.” It’s important to improve your  thermal insulation as well, such as blow-in fiberglass first as was done on this Rio Bravo home. Radiant barriers will work best in attics that have the proper R-value thermal resistant insulation. Radiant barrier insulation benefits include:

• Works to keep warm air in during the winter and solar radiant heat out during the summer.
• Prevents up to 97% of solar radiation.
• Reduces attic temperatures by up to 30ºF
• Improves energy efficiency and lowers utility costs, especially if HVAC and duct systems are located in the attic.
• Provides faster heating and cooling with fewer cycle times. This reduces the need for repairs and extends the lifespan of your HVAC equipment.
• Greater control over heating, air conditioning, and humidity.
• More comfortable, more precise heating and air conditioning.
• No maintenance required.
• Lasts a lifetime.

Wood shingles offer a classic look, but, if your home has a wood shake roof, you’re going to pay more for insurance. In some cases, insurers may refuse to cover a house with wood shakes. These fiberglass asphalt shingles from GAF feature over-sized shapes and large tabs that mimic the look of wood, for less. Grand Sequoia Shingles have a Class A fire rating and a 130 mph wind warranty. They come in a variety of colors for the Bakersfield region.

Contact BSW Roofing Solar & Air for a free quote today to replace your wood shake roof through bswroofing.com or email or call us at 661-327-ROOF (7663).

SHOULD I CLEAN MY SOLAR PANELS?

Many homeowners ask the question, “Should I clean my solar panels on the roof?” Solar panels are generally self cleaning, but in particularly dry areas  like Bakersfield, dust, fire residue and other substances such as bird droppings can build up over time. This build up of substances impacts the amount electricity generated by a module. You should clean solar panels when you see the production falling.

Solar panel cleaning is not an easy DIY job.  There are several reasons for this. First, because most residential solar panels are mounted on roofs, they are not particularly accessible.  Accessing and walking around on the roof is the only way to clean the solar panels.  The risk of falling is increased when the roof gets wet during the cleaning process and then becomes slippery.  Second, water with a high mineral content, such as tap water in Bakersfield, can leave deposits behind and impede your solar output.

Watch BSW Roofing Solar & Air panel cleaning for Bakersfield, CA solar systems affected by the dust and fire residue.

Contact BSW Roofing Solar & Air to schedule your residential solar panel cleaning for $300 at 661-327-7663 or email us at solar@bswroofing.com.

3 SIGNS YOU SHOULD REPLACE YOUR AC DUCT WORK

The condition of your AC duct work is very important because it delivers warm or cool air to every room in your Kern County home. Troubles with your air ducts can shorten your HVAC system’s life by forcing it to work harder, and it can make your home less comfortable. A professional can take care of many problems, but a replacement is often simpler and less expensive. Some of the most common signs you should replace your duct work are old ducts, high utility bills, and poor indoor air quality.

OLD DUCT WORK

The duct work in most homes lasts between 10 and 15 years before problems arise. If your ducts are more than 15 years old, have them replaced before major issues such as pests, gaps, or even collapsed sections of ducts appear. That way, you can prevent drafts or stuffy areas and make sure all parts of your home stay comfortable.

HIGH UTILITY BILLS

If your utility bills keep going up, you could be losing energy through leaks in your duct work. An HVAC professional can run a blower door test to find any problems. If the leaks are small enough, you can have your duct work sealed to save energy. Otherwise, you should have it replaced to keep your power bills affordable.

POOR INDOOR AIR QUALITY

Gaps or holes in your duct work let dust, pollen, and other pollutants bypass your HVAC system’s air filter and circulate through your home. This makes allergies and asthma symptoms worse and causes stuffy noses, irritated eyes, and other health problems. It can also spread mold through your duct work and the rest of your home. This causes unpleasant smells and damage to your HVAC system. Mold can even grow in insulation and underneath your wallpaper.

BSW Roofing, Solar & Air can help you with repairs, replacements, and new installations for your duct work and your heating and air conditioning system. We are a Coleman Factory Authorized Dealer with over 75  years in business, so call us anytime at 661-327-7663 or sign up for a free quote for excellent service.