211 questions about Modern Builders.
With quality coating and prep, 50 years or more is common.
Asphalt shingles or clay tiles work best for local sun, rain, and wind; they recommend based on your home's style and budget during consultation.
No subcontractors—your crew is consistent start to finish.
Guarantees are provided for all types of work, as we are confident in the quality of services provided.
You’ll always know what you are paying for. Your estimate shows the cost of all work, without hidden fees.
1. Meet to ascertain requirements. 2. Create detailed game plan with charges and materials. 3. Complete the job with designated contact throughout.
Yes, fully licensed (CSL #1079589) and insured; Bryan has 25+ years experience.
Yes, 24/7 emergency roof repair for leaks or storm damage.
Pasadena ZIPs and neighborhoods, plus South Pasadena, Glendale, Eagle Rock, and Greater Los Angeles.
Same-day appointments available; quick turnaround for inspections and quotes with photos/videos.
Drywall repair/installation/finishing, stucco repair/installation/restucco, interior/exterior painting.
A standard residential roof installation typically takes 1-2 days, depending on roof size, material type, weather, and whether old materials need removal. Complex roofs or steep pitches may extend to 3-5 days.
Look for curled/missing shingles, granule loss in gutters, interior leaks or stains, sagging roof deck, or age (20-30 years for asphalt shingles). Get a professional inspection before visible ceiling damage.
Possible for asphalt shingles up to 2 layers in some areas, but full tear-off is recommended to inspect decking, improve drainage, and ensure longevity. Check local codes.
Asphalt shingles (affordable, 20-30 years), metal (50+ years, energy-efficient), tile/clay (50+ years, fire-resistant), or slate (75+ years, premium). Depends on climate, style, budget, and HOA rules.
Averages $8,000-$20,000 for asphalt shingles ($5-10/sq ft installed); metal $10-25/sq ft; tile $15-30/sq ft. Factors: size, pitch, materials, location, removal fees. Get multiple quotes.
Yes, most areas require building permits for full replacements to ensure code compliance. Your contractor handles this; verify with local building department.
Material warranties: 20-50 years (pro-rated); workmanship: 5-10 years from installer. Full system warranties require certified installers (e.g., GAF, Owens Corning).
Possible but not ideal—cold affects shingle sealing. Best in warm, dry seasons (spring-fall). Emergency installs ok anytime with proper prep.
Tarps over landscaping, magnetic nail sweepers for debris, dumpster on-site, worker safety gear. Ice/water shield along eaves/valleys prevents leaks.
Rubberized asphalt membrane applied under shingles at eaves, valleys, penetrations for leak protection against ice dams, wind-driven rain. Required in many codes.
No, if properly installed with solid sheathing and insulation. Standing seam preferred over corrugated for quieter performance.
Dumpster/magnetic sweep on-site; recycled where possible (shingles 60% recyclable). Contractor handles haul-away per local regs.
Ridge/soffit vents for airflow (1:150 ratio net free area). Prevents moisture/heat buildup; critical for asphalt shingles.
Wait 24-72 hours for sealants/adhesives to set. Avoid until contractor approves.
Yes—light colors (white/light gray) reflect heat (cool roofs); dark absorb. Energy Star-rated shingles available.
Licensing/insurance proof, references, warranty details, debris protection plan, material samples, timeline, payment schedule (no full upfront).
Annually + after major storms. Check shingles, flashing, gutters, attic for issues.
Many contractors offer 0% financing, loans, or manufacturer programs. Check energy rebates for efficient materials.
Experienced crews use tarps, phased work, valleys shielded first. Delays possible; contracts include weather clauses.
3-tab (basic, 20 years), architectural/laminated (thicker, 30-50 years, impact-resistant options). Match home style.
Hail/wind damage often yes (replacement cost value); wear/tear no. Document storm damage for claims.
Metal strips seal roof-wall/chimney/skylight joints against water. Poor flashing causes 80% leaks.
Not recommended—dangerous, voids warranties, code violations. Hire licensed pros.
Trim trees, clean gutters seasonally, remove debris, inspect after storms. Avoid pressure washing shingles.
Custom flashing/step curbs needed. Contractor sketches/shows photos of handling penetrations.
Missing, cracked, or curling shingles; granule loss in gutters; leaks or stains inside; sagging areas; damaged flashing around chimneys/skylights.
Minor shingle repairs: $150-500; leak fixes: $300-1,000; flashing repair: $200-800; full section replacement: $1,000-3,000. Varies by material, size, accessibility.
Minor shingle patches yes if experienced; anything involving leaks, valleys, or steep pitches—no, hire pros to avoid safety risks and further damage.
Simple shingle fix: 1-2 hours; leak repair: half day; extensive storm damage: 1-3 days depending on scope and weather.
After storms causing visible damage, active leaks during rain, fallen branches, or holes—tarps provide temporary protection but pros needed ASAP.
Faulty flashing (80% of cases), cracked/missing shingles, clogged valleys, ice dams, poor ventilation leading to condensation.
Apply roofing cement under lifted shingles; use peel-and-stick ice/water shield patches; tarp large areas secured with 1x3 boards screwed down.
Repair if under 15 years old with isolated damage; replace if over 20 years, multiple issues, or granule loss everywhere. Inspection needed.
Metal strips sealing joints—repair by cleaning, applying cement/sealant, or replacing corroded pieces with new pre-formed flashing.
Age, poor ventilation, thermal expansion, moisture trapped under shingles—repair by replacing affected section, improving attic airflow.
Slide new shingle under overlying one, nail 1-1.25" above sealant strip, seal edges with roofing cement matching color/texture.
Caused by thermal movement—pull nails, add roofing cement, renail higher up into solid decking with ring-shank nails.
Yes for storm/wind/hail damage (not wear/tear); document thoroughly with photos for claims; deductibles apply.
Twice yearly + after major storms; check from ladder/ground for debris, damage, soft spots.
Roofing hammer, pry bar, utility knife, caulk gun, cement, replacement shingles, ladder, safety harness.
No—wet conditions prevent proper sealing; schedule dry weather or use temporary tarps.
Normal aging from rain/foot traffic; excessive means UV degradation—monitor, repair bald spots promptly.
Install ice/water shield full length, weave new shingles or add metal flashing; clean debris regularly.
Re-flash with step flashing/base sheets, bend new counterflashing into chase; silicone seal cracks.
Yes—kills shingles; clean with bleach solution, repair slipped areas, install zinc strips for prevention.
Bruises/dents on shingles/asphalt; soft spots; get adjuster inspection for insurance claim.
Structural issue—don't repair surface; call for full assessment/possible replacement to avoid collapse.
Yes—increasingly for steep/safe assessment; provides photos/videos for accurate quoting.
Trim trees, clean gutters quarterly, ensure ventilation, annual pro inspection, ice/water shield in key areas.
Workmanship 1-5 years; materials match roof type; full replacement often better long-term value.
Durable panels made from steel, aluminum, or copper formed into profiles like standing seam or corrugated, offering 40-70+ year lifespans with low maintenance.
No, when properly installed over solid decking with insulation; sound is comparable to asphalt shingles.
Yes, often—saves time/cost if existing roof is sound, but tear-off preferred for optimal performance and warranty.
1-3 days for average home; depends on complexity, crew size, roof pitch.
$8-20 per sq ft installed; premium standing seam higher, but long-term savings from durability/energy efficiency.
Galvalume/steel coated with Kynar 500 paint lasts 40-60 years; regular cleaning prevents issues.
Yes—reflect up to 70% solar heat, reducing cooling costs by 20-30%; cool roof coatings available.
Minimal: annual hose-down, clear debris/gutters, inspect fasteners every 5-10 years.
Excellent—sheds snow easily due to slick surface; standing seam ideal for cold climates.
Material: 30-40 years non-perforation; finish: 30-40 years fade/chalk; workmanship: 5-20 years.
Prep deck, underlayment, drip edge, panels overlapped/secured with screws, flashing/ridge cap.
Standing seam: clips hidden, sleeker, better wind uplift; exposed: cheaper, faster DIY install.
No, if installed correctly over shingles; manufacturer guidelines followed.
Yes, but use walk pads during install; avoid during heat expansion.
30+ standard Kynar colors; custom matches possible for HOA/architectural needs.
Class A fire-rated; non-combustible metal won't fuel spread.
Boosts value 6-7%; appeals to eco-conscious buyers with longevity claims.
Synthetic or ice/water shield; high-temp for steep pitches/valleys.
Minimal; thicker gauges (26-29) resist; impact-resistant options available.
#10-14 wood screws with neoprene washers; never nails—thermal movement loosens.
Yes, up to 1/8" per 10 ft; panels designed with slots for movement.
Yes, like any roof; local codes dictate pitch, fasteners, ventilation.
Yes, minimum 3:12 pitch; low-slope systems with raised seams.
Nibblers, shears, or circular saw with metal blade; avoid torches/grinders (sparks).
25-95% recycled content; fully recyclable at end-of-life; reduces landfill waste.
Stucco is a cement-based plaster applied in 3 coats (scratch, brown, finish) over metal lath for durable exterior finish; total 7/8-1 inch thick.
Full house: 1-2 weeks depending on size, weather; each coat needs 24-48 hours cure time with misting.
Install weather-resistant barrier (2 layers building paper), metal lath stapled every 6", weep screed at base, trim accessories.
Yes, two-coat system: dampen surface, apply brown coat directly (skip scratch), then finish coat.
$7-15/sq ft installed; traditional cement higher than synthetic one-coat systems.
Poor mix/water ratio, fast drying, no control joints, substrate movement, inadequate lath attachment.
Chip out loose material, clean, apply bonding agent, patch with matching stucco, texture to blend.
Traditional: cement-based 3-coat (heavier, more durable); synthetic: acrylic one-coat (lighter, flexible, faster).
Optional but recommended every 5-10 years; elastomeric paint best for breathability/moisture protection.
Finish coat applied with trowel, sponge, or spray; knockdown, lace, swirl patterns common.
Ground-level trim allowing water drainage from wall cavity; required by code at foundation line.
No—above 40°F; protect from freezing, use anti-freeze admixtures if needed.
Every 144 sq ft max; cut through all coats, embed in sealant to allow movement.
3.4 lb/sq yd self-furring diamond mesh; stapled not less than 3 strands, 6" spacing.
Prevents rapid drying/cracking; light water mist 24-48 hours per base coat.
Yes, Class A non-combustible; 1-hour rating typical for 7/8" system.
Install casing bead, back-wrap flashing, ensure lath continuous, caulk joints.
Minor ok if not frozen; prolonged saturation causes efflorescence/softness—allow redry.
Remove paint or acid-etch/sandblast; bonding agent required for adhesion.
Scratch/brown: 3/8" each; finish: 1/8"; total base 3/4" over lath.
Sample from house, mix custom batch, spray/trowel same technique; test patch first.
R-value ~1-2 per inch; EIFS systems higher with foam insulation backing.
Inspect annually for cracks, clean with low-pressure wash, re-caulk joints every 5 years.
Yes—structural exterior; building dept approves lath inspection before coats.
50-100 years with proper install/maintenance; cracks normal, repair promptly.
Drywall (gypsum board) is a panel made of gypsum plaster pressed between paper layers, used to create interior walls/ceilings quickly and smoothly for painting.
Measure/cut sheets, hang perpendicular to studs starting from corners/ceiling, screw every 12-16" into framing, tape/mud joints, sand smooth.
Drywall lift/jack, screw gun, utility knife, T-square, rasp, joint compound, tape, mud trays/knives (6-12"), sandpaper/pole sander.
Walls: 1/2"; ceilings: 5/8" for sag resistance; garages/fire-rated use 5/8" Type X everywhere.
Edges: 8"; field: 12-16" on ceilings, 16" on walls; countersink slightly below surface.
Smoothest finish with 3-4 thin skim coats over entire surface; required for flat paint or glossy finishes.
Measure/mark, cut outline with utility knife on front, punch out paper backing with drywall saw.
Vertical preferred for fewer seams; horizontal ok on tall walls but more taping labor.
Setting-type (hot mud): 20-90 min; pre-mixed: 12-24 hours per coat depending on humidity/thickness.
Paper stronger for high-stress joints; mesh faster for setting compounds, less cracking.
Apply mesh patch, 3 thin mud layers feathering wide, sand smooth after full dry.
Too much mud under tape, poor adhesion, or fast drying—use thin mud layer, press firmly.
Yes—seal paper texture, uniform paint absorption; use drywall primer or PVA.
Measure length x width x height/8 (4x8 sheets); add 10-15% waste; ceiling separate.
Coarse for wood studs; fine for metal studs; #6 x 1-1/4" standard.
Metal/plastic bead with mesh flanges, mud over both sides alternately.
Settling, poor taping, humidity changes, no back-blocking on edges.
Resilient channels, double layers, Green Glue damping compound between sheets.
Bathrooms, kitchens, laundry—greenboard or cement board; not showers (use tile backer).
Type X with fiberglass; 5/8" single layer 1-hour walls; layered for apartments.
Wet sanding with sponge, purple sanding screens, vacuum attachments, dustless sander.
T-braces (2x4s), deadman (plywood triangle), helper, or French cleats.
3 coats minimum: tape embed, fill, skim; Level 4 = 3 coats tapered joints.
$1.50-3/sq ft labor; materials $0.50-1/sq ft; full room $500-1500 average.
Spray orange peel/knockdown with hopper gun, hand texture with slap brush/sponge.
$2,000-$6,000 average for exterior (1,500 sq ft, 2-story); $1.50-4/sq ft interior. Factors: size, prep work, paint quality, location, access.
Premium 100% acrylic latex (Sherwin-Williams Duration/Everlast, Benjamin Moore Aura); durable, mildew-resistant, self-priming for exteriors.
2 coats standard (prime + finish); 3 for drastic color changes or heavy stains.
Spray for speed/even coverage on large areas, back-roll immediately; brush/roller trim/details.
Yes—windows, doors, siding joints with elastomeric sealant to prevent water intrusion.
No fixed-price quotes; change orders signed/approved before extra work.
20-30% deposit, progress payments, final on completion—no full upfront.
Interior room: 2-4 days; full exterior: 3-7 days depending on size/prep/weather.
Verify contractor's license, $1M+ liability/workers comp; proof on request.
Power wash, scrape loose paint, sand, patch holes/cracks, prime bare spots, mask/tape.
Spring-fall (50-85°F, low humidity); avoid rain/ extreme heat/cold.
No, but provide access; exterior ok unsupervised if prepped.
Drop cloths/plastic sheeting, mask vents/fixtures, move/ cover furniture.
Exterior: satin/semi-gloss (washable); interior walls: eggshell/satin; trim: semi-gloss.
Quality job: 7-10 years exterior, 5-7 interior; depends on exposure/prep.
Yes—bring chip/sample or use color match scanner at paint store.
Tarp areas, pause/resume when dry; contracts include weather delays.
Optional—hire designer or use store tools; confirm before ordering paint.
Clear walls/trim, move furniture, unplug electronics, cover fish tanks/plants.
1-3 years workmanship; paint manufacturer defects 10-25 years.
Exterior first (messy ladders); interior anytime.
Remove or score/perforate, prime, test adhesion first.
Yes—most premium paints qualify; check labels for certifications.
2-6 typical; consistent team, background-checked, uniformed.
Full—remove tape/drops, sweep/vacuum, final walk-through.
$4-40 per linear foot installed; aluminum $8-28, copper $25-74; average home (200 ft) $1,000-5,000 total including labor. modernize
Aluminum (light, affordable); steel (durable); copper (premium, patinas); vinyl (cheap but brittle); seamless preferred over sectional.
Seamless custom-formed on-site (leak-proof, cleaner look, $6-28/ft); sectional pre-made joints ($3-20/ft, more seams/leaks).
1-2 days for average home; complex roofs/multi-story add time for measuring, cutting, hanging.
Yes—K-style (angular) or half-round (semicircle) to complement architecture; size 5" or 6" based on rainfall/roof size.
5" for homes <40' wide; 6" or 7" for larger roofs/heavy rain; calculate roof sq ft x rainfall factor.
Yes—prevent clogs (leaf screens $1.50-25/ft, foam $2-3/ft, micro-mesh $8-25/ft); pay for self in reduced cleaning.
1 per 40-50 ft gutter; corners get extras; 2x3" residential standard.
Yes, but pitch matters (1/4" per 10 ft fall); low-slope needs larger/heated systems.
Remove old gutters, fascia repair, clean soffits, measure precisely for seamless machine.
Usually no, but check local codes for multi-story or drainage changes affecting neighbors.
Spring/fall—avoid frozen ground or leaf season; dry weather ideal.
Aluminum 20-30 years; copper 50-100+; regular cleaning extends life.
Materials 20-50 years; labor 1-5 years; manufacturer prorated for perforations.
Minimal—ladders/scaffolding footprint; pros use drop cloths, hand-carry sections.
1/4-1/2" drop per 10 ft toward downspouts; level checks during hang.
Micro-mesh/SS screens for debris-heavy areas; foam inserts cheap but clog; surface tension best flow.
DIY sectional possible (<100 ft); seamless requires truck/machine—hire pros.
Perimeter of roof edges minus gables; add 10% waste; measure each run separately.
Yes—self-regulating cables in cold climates ($10-20/ft installed); integrate during new install.
Aluminum lighter/cheaper, rust-proof; steel stronger but heavier, needs painting eventually.
Install fascia brackets or wood blocking first for hanger support.
Marginal ROI (50-70%); appeals for curb appeal, protects foundation/siding.
2-4x/year; guards reduce to 1x; check after storms.
Yes for storm/tree fall (not neglect/clogs); document for claims.
Sagging sections, leaks at seams, standing water, plants growing, peeling fascia paint, soil erosion at foundation.
$150-500 minor fixes (seals, hangers); $300-1,000 section replacement; full run $500-2,000 depending on material/access.
Yes for simple sealants, loose hangers, downspout clogs; hire pros for sagging, large holes, or multi-story.
Clean area, apply gutter sealant (silicone or butyl rubber), clamp overnight; replace if corroded.
Loose/missing hangers, thermal expansion, ice weight overload; re-secure or add brackets every 2 ft.
House settling, ice expansion, poor initial install; new hangers/spikes into rafter tails.
Patch with flex tape or metal flashing sealed; cut out bad section and splice new for larger holes.
Check slope (1/4"/10ft), enlarge downspouts, add leaders, trim trees; clean debris first.
Reconnect with sleeves/cement, replace elbows, secure straps; extend buried sections.
1-4 hours minor; full day extensive; weather dependent.
Gutter-specific polyurethane or butyl caulk; flexible, waterproof, paintable.
Loose brackets or thermal expansion; add straps, slip joints for movement.
Remove broken sections, check for rot in fascia/soffit, heat tape prevention.
Heat with torch (metal only), push into shape, reinforce with braces.
Replace section (vinyl easier to cut/splice); brittle from UV—upgrade to metal.
Scoop by hand/roach rod, flush with hose/gutter vacuum; install guards long-term.
Stabilize base, use standoff, tie off, 2-person for high work; hire pros over 1-story.
Storm/tree damage yes; neglect/wear no; document with photos.
Replace hidden hangers under shingles, spike into fascia/rafters not just siding.
Extend downspouts 5-10ft from house, splash blocks, French drain if pooling.
Wire brush, rust converter, prime/paint; replace if perforated.
Snap/rivet new matching material, silicone seal edges.
Install corner miters or adjustable miters, screw/seal securely.
Run hose end-to-end, watch flow speed/ponding; adjust hangers as needed.
Annual inspections, gutter guards, tree trimming, heat cables in freeze areas.