If you own a commercial building in the San Francisco Bay Area, we extend you sincere congratulations and condolences. The COVID Pandemic has been hard on commercial property owners since many businesses have been hesitant to staff their offices in 2020 and 2021 fully. With that said, your property still stands, and it requires regular maintenance and occasional roof repair.

 Just Leaks is a commercial roofing company that specializes in flat, industrial roofs. Our family-owned business has served the San Francisco Bay Area for several decades, and we have seen many different commercial roofing systems throughout our careers.

 One of the most frequent questions we get from commercial property owners and commercial property managers is: “How do I decide which roofing system is best for my building(s)?

 The answer is often, “It depends.” Essentially, the roofing system you choose for your business needs to fit your business tenants’ needs, what you want your power bill to look like, and how much Return On Investment you want from your commercial property.

The truth is that we recommend an in-person meeting at your commercial property so we can fully assess the size of the building, the current state of your rooftop, and discuss your goals over the short and long term. After the Just Leaks team meets with the property owner and property management company, we can dial in the best roofing system for your industrial roof(s).

 With that said, here are a few things to consider when evaluating roofing systems:

 Are you trying to lower the power bills for your commercial property(s)?  If yes, consider a cool roof system that makes the roof’s surface white and reflects a lot of the sun’s heat. To add, you can turn your roof into a quasi-profit stream if you add solar panels on your flat, industrial roof(s).

 Just Leaks has access to a software estimate system that will configure a solar panel system ideal for your commercial room and provide accurate cost and savings profiles. All we need from you are copies of your winter and summer electrical bills, plus the address of the commercial building.

 Saving money — better yet, making money — off of solar is a wise investment for forward-thinking commercial property owners and property managers. This means you won’t have to rely upon your tenants for positive cash flow on your property solely!

 Are you remodeling an old, rundown commercial building?  If yes, you may want to consider installing a brand new industrial roof. If your property experiences frequent leaks and the roof shows signs of extensive decay, a new roof on your business property could be the best solution. You may decide to make it into a cool roof system with solar panels as well.

 Is your roof in good shape, but your budget doesn’t allow for a new roofing system yet?  If yes, annual or semi-annual roof maintenance may serve as your best solution. Just Leaks works with commercial property owners and property management companies to inspect the roofs, service the roofs in preparation for the rainy season or soaring temperatures, and make repairs as needed. 

 When we see issues that endanger your roof, such as moss, algae, debris, pooling of water, and areas that cause leakage, we can clean, repair, and maintain your rooftop, so you don’t have to worry about incurring more damage later. To add, our team would be delighted to help you find ways to get more ROI from your flat, industrial roof so you can further help your business tenants as we continue to navigate this global pandemic. 

 If you are interested in learning about the various roofing systems or installing a solar system on your commercial or industrial building(s), call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646 for an in-person consultation.

Biden Administration’s Solar Blueprint and California’s Fight To Continue The Growth of Solar

Climate change is a hot topic that is not going away anytime soon. With record-breaking temperatures, storms, droughts, and flooding events, the Biden Administration published its Solar Blueprint. This document outlines the studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to envision a decarbonized grid and solar’s role in it.

Here are some excerpts from the Solar Futures Study:

“A dramatically larger role for solar in decarbonizing the U.S. electricity system, and energy system more broadly, is within reach, but it is only possible through concerted policy and regulatory efforts as well as sustained advances in solar and other clean energy technologies.” — Solar Futures Study

If we follow this solar blueprint, we will see a drastic decrease in fossil fuels and a steep increase in solar power and other zero-carbon power production. The charts below show a progression of the U.S. Electric Grid in 2020 compared to the decarbonized grid in 2050, which is 30 years away.

When this study was published, the California Solar + Storage Association jumped into action and released this official statement on September 8, 2021:

“On Wednesday, the Biden administration’s Energy Department released a blueprint to produce 45% of the nation’s electricity through solar energy by 2050 as a critical part of the effort to fight climate change. A new report from the Energy Department clarified that meeting the goal requires the U.S. to “install an average of 30 G.W. of solar capacity per year between now and 2025 and 60 G.W. per year from 2025-2030.” That commitment means an immediate doubling of the amount of solar being built today. In 2020, the U.S. installed a record 15 G.W. of solar power, bringing total capacity up to 76 G.W., representing 3% of the national electricity supply.

At the same time, in California, the Newsom Administration’s Public Utilities Commission is moving towards a critical decision that will determine whether rooftop solar continues to grow or whether the state puts the brakes on this form of popular clean energy. At issue is the future of net metering, which makes rooftop solar affordable for everyday consumers by blocking discriminatory fees and compensating people for the excess energy they produce and share with their neighbors.” — CALSSA.org

Solar industry experts from CALSSA state that “The timing of this study couldn’t be better as some California decision-makers consider buckling under pressure from utility interests to do the opposite of what President Biden is calling for: speed up the growth of solar, not slow it down.”

The California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA) released the following statement on the Biden administration’s plan from CALSSA executive director Bernadette Del Chiaro: 

“Solar consumers, workers, small business owners, and clean energy advocates all over our state applaud the Biden administration’s goal to produce nearly half of our national energy from the sun within the next 30 years. The new plan aligns with California’s established goal of getting to 100% by 2045, but puts a clear emphasis on the here and now by showing the near-term needs for solar growth today, not just in 25 years. 

No matter how you add it up, these ambitious and necessary clean energy commitments will require a lot more solar energy, not less. California, and America at large, need all forms of solar energy to grow, including utility-scale solar that investor-owned utilities prefer. But to make the transition to 100% clean energy and make that transition less expensive for ratepayers while helping conserve open space requires advancing rooftop solar in a big way. 

Because of rooftop solar’s essential role in meeting state and national clean energy goals, it is especially puzzling that the CPUC is considering drastic changes to net metering at the request of large investor-owned utilities. Proposals by the utilities would pull the plug on the expansion of rooftop solar by making it prohibitively expensive for consumers of all types to benefit from solar in their homes, businesses, and schools.  

The utility-driven effort to kill rooftop solar in California is out of step with our clean energy goals at a time when the climate crisis demands we help a lot more people go solar.” 

Additional Roof Top Solar Resources 

Cost savings: A new grid modeling report from Vibrant Clean Energy shows growing local solar and storage would save California ratepayers $120 billion over the next 30 years, the equivalent of $295 per year for the average California ratepayer. Utility proposes to curb rooftop solar would have the opposite effect. By essentially halting the local solar and storage market and turning potential savings into costs borne by consumers, the utility profit grab would cost California tens of billions over time and each ratepayer $295 a year.

Ability to scale up fast: California is currently building a power plant’s worth of rooftop solar – 500 megawatts – every five months. Rooftop solar can be up on homes and apartments in a matter of days and operating on commercial properties in weeks — faster than any other reviewable energy can come online. By contrast, utility-scale solar projects take an average of six years to complete.

Land use: A new study by Environment California found that building 28.5 GW of rooftop solar, rather than utility-scale solar, would enable California to maintain existing land uses on more than 148,000 acres of land, an area about half the size of the City of Los Angeles.

Why Should I Care About This Solar Futures Study?

Simply put, if you own a commercial property with a flat, industrial roof, the financial return on your investment could be greater if you installed solar panels on your rooftop. Not only will you be helping planet Earth by reducing carbon emissions, but you could be earning money through energy credits, property appreciation, and increased rental rates.

But this fight for building out more solar power sources isn’t over. To continue the movement for the growth of solar, CALSSA has launched a $1 million fundraising campaign. They are seeking donations by September 30 to defend the initiative’s time constraints. To donate today and learn more, visit the CALSSA website.

“California’s world-renowned solar market is under siege by some of the country’s most powerful fossil fuel industry players,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar and Storage Association. “We can win, but we need everyone to stand up and help us fight.”

Just Leaks is proud to help the solar market continue its growth within California, and that is why we hope you will join us in moving solar power forward by installing solar panels on the roofs of your commercial properties.

Here are some benefits of solar energy for commercial buildings: 

1. Solar power is an excellent return on investment. We like to think of solar panel installation as an investment, not an expense. 
2. Solar panel installation will reduce your operating costs. We strongly believe the cost of installing solar panels will more than pay for itself over the lifespan of your solar panel system. 
3. You can easily predict your future energy bills. A commercial solar panel system will dramatically reduce your energy costs, and you will know exactly what to expect each month. 
4. You are eligible for tax credit and bonus depreciation when installing solar panels on your commercial or industrial roofing system, especially since we live in California. 
5. You will now be committed to green and clean energy. Not only is this good for the environment, but you will be sharing a positive message with your customers. 
6. Most importantly, commercial solar panels require little to no maintenance and are built to withstand rain, hail, snow, and any other elements you can think of. 

If you are interested in learning about installing a solar energy system on your commercial or industrial building or would like to hear more about the financial benefits of this system, call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646.

The 2020 Just Leaks Roofing Crew

We can’t believe how fast the year went by! The holidays will soon be here, and we will be rushing around trying to get everything ready. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is easy to forget about what the holidays are all about — to show our appreciation and gratitude for all our loved ones. It is the time of the year that we can connect and get together. 

For this blog post, the team at Just Leaks wants to show you just how much care and appreciate your support. Throughout the Bay Area, our clients mean the world to us — we wouldn’t be here without you, to put it simply. We consider you part of our extended family as we take the time to get to know you and understand your needs as a business owner. We go beyond just fixing your roofing system. We want you to rely on our team to be there when your commercial or industrial roofing system needs us the most! 

The team at Just Leaks wants you to stay and secure during the holiday season, especially as the temperatures start to drop. If you need us throughout the holiday season, we encourage you to reach out to our team, and we make sure your commercial or industrial roofing system is ready to go. 

Again, we just want to remind you how much we genuinely care for you, and we wish you a safe and healthy holiday! If your commercial or industrial roofing system needs maintenance, the Just Leaks team would be happy to help. To schedule an appointment for a free roof estimate, call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646. 

At Just Leaks, we are a firm believer in solar panels for buildings, as the advantages strongly outweigh the disadvantages of installing solar panels on your commercial or industrial roofing system. The team of roofing experts at Just Leaks can provide you with a roofing estimate and develop a plan of action, designed to get the sun shining on those panels.

Here are some of the main advantages of commercial solar panels in San Jose & Bay Area:

• Watch your electricity bills lower. Solar panels often generate more electricity than your operation consumes, meaning even on those cloudy Bay area days, you can stop being so dependent on your electricity company.
• The installation of solar panels can result in tax breaks. Taking all the tax incentives into account, you can expect to pay off the installation and equipment costs of solar panels within five to ten years.
• Solar panels often require little to no maintenance, which means it is exceptionally easy to keep your solar panels up and running. It is even easier with the Just Leaks team on your side.
• Solar panels are an alternative source of energy that is safe and affordable, which beats out a lot of other energy sources that come from foreign countries.
• Overall, one of the biggest benefits of solar panels is how they affect the environment. Solar energy represents an investment in the future of our planet Earth.

If you still aren’t persuaded yet, we encourage you to reach out to the team at Just Leaks, the commercial roof company in San Jose experts. We would more than happy to discuss how solar panels are the right fit for you, your operation, and your roofing system. We encourage you to contact us for a complimentary roofing estimate. Please give us a call at (408) 249-4646.

At Just Leaks, we specialize in industrial and commercial roofing systems, and for many of our clients, a roofing assessment is the first place we start. So why not start 2019 off on the right foot with a roofing assessment? Our team at Just Leaks couldn’t agree more.

When our roofing contractors arrive at your business, we will get straight to work, examining every nook and cranny of your commercial or industrial roof for any signs of wear or damage. We will provide you with a clear report of your roofing systems’ present condition and expected performance.

Our roof condition report will contain photographs of the roof to illustrate each issue. Often, we will capture a video and a roof map to accurately show you any complicated issues.

Despite the invaluableness of our reports, we don’t charge a fee for them. Instead, we provide these roofing assessments to you so that you can have a complete and clear understanding of your roof’s overall condition, including general roof conditions and specific defects. We will develop a detailed plan for you and your commercial and industrial roofing system.

Happy New Years from the Just Leaks team! Let’s get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions with a roofing assessment with the best commercial roofing company in San Jose. Please give us a call at (408) 249-4646, if your commercial or industrial roofing system in need of service. You can also set up a time for a free roofing estimate.

Did you know that solar panels installed on a flat, commercial roof can not only save the building owner money, but they can make that same building owner money? Solar panels are a terrific investment for commercial property owners that have flat, industrial roofs. Trouble is, a lot of commercial building owners are not aware of the advances the solar industry has made, so our goal at Just Leaks is to help building owners cut through the noise and find clarity.

It’s no secret that the solar industry has exploded over the past decade. When oil and electricity costs are high and summertime heat taxes even the toughest HVAC systems, switching to solar energy is a no-brainer. But now that oil prices have steadily dropped and energy costs are more affordable, the solar energy industry is seeing “solar fatigue” among prospective clients. Solar fatigue happens when a commercial building owner is approached by a solar panel installation company, receives a quote — or multiple quotes — from the seller, and is not impressed with the Return On Investment. The most common disappointment is the “Solar Power Purchase Agreements” (also known as PPAs) – where the system is leased to, but not owned by, the client.

Many of the building owners and property managers going through “solar fatigue” tell us something like this:

“Yes, we looked into installing solar panels in 2016, but the owner decided against it. He did his research and found it was too much work and wasn’t worth the investment.”

But in 2018, we have great news. The solar energy industry has reached a tipping point that greatly benefits the buyer. As a result, Just Leaks offers the ideal opportunity to save folks some substantial $$$.

• There is now an option that allows us to:
• Install a solar panel system with no money down
• Take payments that are less than your old electrical bill
• And then give ownership of the system to the client when the system is paid for – usually within 8 years.
• After that – free power on a system that, with the new micro-inverter technology, is rated at 30 years!

Just Leaks has access to a software estimate system that will configure a solar panel system that is ideal for your commercial room and provide accurate cost and savings profiles. All we need from you are copies of your winter and summer electrical bills, plus the address of the commercial building.

Saving money…. Better yet. Making money off of solar is a smart investment for forward-thinking commercial property owners and property managers. This means you won’t have to solely rely upon your tenants for positive cash flow on your property!

Who knew the solar energy tipping point could be so exciting? Please spread the word. Solar is the big wave of the future!

Below are photos of the Just Leaks team working atop one of our Cool Roofs with our racking and solar system. A solar panel installation project like this requires extensive roofing experience. When the Just Leaks team performs solar panel installation, it is absolutely not going to leak, the roof will remain unencumbered, and the panels will be installed correctly. We guarantee it.

If you are interested in learning about the installation of a solar system on your commercial or industrial building, or would like to hear more about the financial benefits of this system, call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646.

It starts off when you notice something unusual growing on your commercial and industrial roofing system. Upon closer inspection, you realize it is something from Mother Nature. This situation is a very common scenario, as at times, trees, moss, and algae can wreak havoc on the roof of your commercial building.

1. Moss: In more humid and rainy weather, moss tends to grow on rooftops. Most of home and business owners will ignore this green mess, until it starts to ruin the appearance of your property. While it doesn’t immediately damage your roofing system, it does hold in moisture, which can result in expensive repairs in the long-run. It’s important to get rid of this green nuisance before it’s too late.
2. Algae: Similar to moss, algae is attracted to wet and humid areas. It’s not as harmful as moss, but it still can cause problems and should be taken care of. THe amount of algae accumulating on your roof can depend on the sunlight exposure.
3. Trees: Trees bring a myriad of problems, as fallen overhanging branches to leaves and pine needles can create an issue. Don’t forget about your gutters too, as leaves and pine needles are especially prone to get in this area.

Either way, from trees to algae, our team at Just Leaks will thoroughly examine your roofing system for any signs of disarray. If we notice too much moss, leaves and pine needles, or algae, we will quickly eliminate the problem.

One of the ways we can get ahead of Mother Nature is to provide annual inspections and repairs. For most of the industrial and commercial buildings in the Bay Area – we have found that a single roof maintenance call during Autumn before the rainy season is extremely effective in minimizing the frequency and severity of roof leaks, moss, algae, and trees. Similarly, we find that industrial roof inspections performed in the Spring allow us to service and repair roofs that have withstood storm damage, collection of debris, and water pooling.

If you want to remove unnecessary roof hazards from your commercial property, schedule an appointment for an inspection, call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646.

Many of us underestimate the importance of proper roof ventilation, but 90% of properties in the United States have unreasonably high levels of moisture. With this startlingly high statistic, we think it is imperative to address how and why roof ventilation is so important for the overall condition of both your roofing system and property.

Proper roof ventilation is a complete roof-saver, and in some cases, even a complete life-saver. If your roof does not have roof ventilation, it can lead to moisture problems, especially during the colder and wetter months of winter. In the summer, a lack of proper roof ventilation can lead to decreased energy efficiency. If your operation is not properly ventilated during the summer, temperatures can rise up to 150 degrees, which means you would most likely be quickly turning on your A/C, causing your energy bill to go up. Overall, roof, lacking proper ventilation, can lead to the excessive growth of ice dams, mold, rot, and energy bill.

If you are worried about the condition of your roofing system, specifically the proper roof ventilation, leave it to us. Our team will assess the condition of your commercial or industrial roof ventilation system. We will decide on a course of action, tailored to you and your business.

We provide tailored, experienced, and reliable roof service to commercial and industrial companies throughout San Jose and the surrounding communities. If you fear there is something afflicting your commercial or industrial roofing system, you can trust us to quickly and accurately correct the problem. To schedule an appointment for a free estimate, call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646.

Summer is officially here, and as much as we love the sun, we have to be mindful of sun damage. Those UV rays are not just harmful to our skin, but they can also cause severe damage to your commercial or industrial roof. We can help you combat the sun’s dangerous side effects.

UV light, IR radiation, and thermal expansion can wreak havoc on your commercial roof, and often this damage goes unnoticed until the rainy season. During the summer, the chances of your roofing system deteriorating are heightened, and roof deterioration can lead to leaks and other problems.

A cool roofing system is an excellent and effective way to combat the sun. This type of roof coating will draw the sun’s heat away from your building, along with lowering its overall surface temperature. This coating is easily applied to your existing roof, and will provide ample protection against both water and the sun. You can think of it as sunscreen for your roofing system.

We also recommend routine roofing inspections. A thorough roof inspection will identify any sun damage and help curb problems before they become bigger and more expensive issues. The team at Just Leaks can carefully and expertly inspect your commercial or industrial roof for any signs of current or impending damage.

Just Leaks provides tailored, experienced, and reliable roof service to commercial and industrial companies throughout San Jose and the surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment for a free estimate, call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646.

It can be a challenge to find the right roof for your commercial building. It gets even more challenging when you are searching for an eco-friendly roof. How do you choose which eco-friendly option is right for you and your business? The team at Just Leaks has compiled a list of eco-friendly options for you to consider:

• Cool roof: Cool roofs are also known as white roofs. Due to the roofs’ high solar reflective, the temperature inside your building will stay much cooler, compared to a building equipped with a darker roof. Because of less heat in your building, you will be able to keep the cost and usage of your energy down.
• Metal roof: Metal roofs have the same advantages as a cool roof. They are lighter in color and are able to reflect heat. Because they are extremely durable, they can withstand severe weather, such as heavy wind or rain. Metal roofs are also made with recycled materials.
• Solar roof: With a solar roof, you basically possess your own independent source of energy, and this source of energy is reliable. Fortunately, we have access to excellent weather predictions, which allows us to prepare for interruptions. Solar roof shingles can also be integrated into your roof’s original design. They come in several different styles from a variety of manufacturers.

Just Leaks provides tailored, experienced, and reliable roof service to commercial and industrial companies throughout San Jose and the surrounding communities. We will find an eco- friendly roof tailored to your individual needs.To schedule an appointment for a free estimate, call Just Leaks at (408) 249-4646.