Leaks & Service Repairs

757-399-3066 ext 3 (Leaks & Service Repairs)

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

757-399-3066 ext 1 (Reroof Estimates & Inspections)

Category: Roofing Innovations

Top 10 Roof Problems

The health of your roof is crucial to the integrity of your home. Knowing the 10 most common roofing problems can help you to catch the damage early enough to make adequate repairs. Here are the most notable problems.

Roof Leaks

Your roof has to handle the elements. Rain, snow, hail and wind may lead to moisture inside the roof. If this happens, rot and mold are the next step.

Faulty Installation

A badly installed roof leads to bigger problems. If you want your roof to have a long lifespan, it needs to be installed up to standards and by a professional.

Critter Infestations

Small birds and animals may cause a lot of damage to your roof. If you have an animal infestation, you want to take care of it as soon as possible.

Poorly Installed Flashing

Flashing seals areas such as vent pipes, chimneys, skylights. When flashing is not installed properly, it leads to open seams and blown off tiles.

Pooling Water

If water pools on your roof, this problem normally arises from debris buildup or from HVAC units that don’t properly drain. It may also be due to gutter problems.

Ventilation Problems

Ventilation regulates temperature and moisture levels. Ventilation problems lead to costly energy bills and mildew issues.

Shrinkage or Blistering

The roof membrane may shrink and cause cracks in the upper layer. Watch for blistering, splitting and surface erosion.

Overhanging Limbs

Tree limbs may rub the surface and wear away at the top layer of your shingles. Trim your tree limbs back as much as possible. No tree should be a threat to your home.

Improper Maintenance

Your roof needs checking regularly. With proper maintenance, you can control any problems that occur to your roof.

When it comes to taking care of your roof, it’s crucial that you know the most common problems. The more that you know, the easier it will be to ensure that your roof lasts. Contact Andrews Roofing today at 757-296-0553 for help with your roofing needs.

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4 Ways to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Shingle Color

When it comes time to replace your roof, there are dozens of colors available for your shingles. Whether you’re looking to match your current style or go for something brand new, here are four ways to help find the right color for your shingles.

1. Ask a Neighbor

Does your complex or neighborhood have guidelines for shingle color? While brightly colored or unique shingles may look striking, some areas have restrictions on the colors you can use. This helps ensure a uniform look to the neighborhood. Ask a neighbor or consult your association for more information before selecting shingles.

2. Check Out Your House

What color is your siding? Do your current shingles match, accent or clash with your siding color and material? These questions will help steer you toward or away from certain shingle options. Vivid colors may look tempting, but don’t select an option that clashes with your current exterior colors. Otherwise, you may have to repaint your siding in order to match your new, brightly-colored roof.

3. Keep Up the Curb Appeal

Personal preferences aside, you want a home that stands out in a good way. Think about shingle colors that are popular, inviting and increase interest in your home. Whether you’re looking to sell or you’re in your forever home, don’t forget curb appeal.

Some roofs match the color of the siding for a unified look. Others use an accent color to create depth and personality. Don’t forget about other colors visible, such as trim, doors and landscaping.

4. Ask a Pro

Consult a roofing contractor for more information. At Andrews Roofing, our skilled contractors have seen roofs all across the area and are knowledgeable about current trends in shingle colors. Don’t settle with a color simply because that’s how your roof’s always been. Contact us today by calling 757-296-0553 to learn about your options when it comes to engaging, dynamic shingle colors.

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4 Risks of Putting Off Roof Leak Repairs

A leaky roof causes major problems for a home. While a small leak may not seem like an issue, putting it off could lead to these and other costly repairs. Don’t wait to contact a local roofing contractor if you find signs of a leaky roof. Here are four common risks that you face if you put off repairs.

  1. Electrical Damage

Moisture in your ceiling and walls can come into contact with your electrical wiring and outlets. Electrical damage can vary dramatically in scope. It may only cause your breaker to trip, or worse, it could cause an electrical fire, damaged appliances or personal injury. A prompt roof repair will minimize the amount of water that enters your home and could come in contact with your wiring.

  1. Reduced Insulation Efficiency

A roof leak can cause water to pool in your attic and walls, which can soak your insulation. Most homes use fiberglass insulation. This insulation, and many other popular types, clump and compress when exposed to water. Your home will lose a significant amount of energy efficiency if the insulation is soaked with water.

  1. Mold and Mildew

One common health risk in homes with water damage is mold. Mold and mildew growth can occur on nearly any surface in your home, from structural joists to drywall to insulation. Even a few days of water leakage from your roof can start mold to grow in warm, dark areas of your home. While not all molds are harmful to your health, many can damage the look and efficiency of your walls, ceiling and floors.

    1. Increased Roofing Damage

While you may think a minor leak isn’t worth repairing, small leaks can quickly turn into major headaches. A small amount of water begins to soak the wood of your roof. This creates soft spots that could cause more leaks, ice dams or even a collapsed roof. If your roof has a minor or major leak, don’t wait to contact us at Andrews Roofing for comprehensive, professional repairs. Call 757-296-0553 today for a quote!

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How To Finance Your Roof

If the top of your house is weathered and worn beyond repair, you may be in the market for a new roof. Unfortunately, the price of a fresh roof is well above what most folks would consider spare change. A new roof can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 and beyond. The best way to tackle such a vast home improvement project is through financing. Here are several steps you should take in considering a payment plan for some up-to-date shingles:

  1. Identify Problems With Your Existing Roof
    Faulty flashing, animal or plant intrusions, leaks, water stains and penetrations are all valid reasons for needing your roof replaced—and the list goes on and on. Presenting your bankers or store-credit representatives with a proper list of damages helps them to consider your level of necessity.
  2. Research Materials and Labor
    The best financing agreements derive from knowledge. If you hope to pay a contractor through the bank, prepare to discuss information on the cost of supplies and hourly assistance as it applies to your circumstances. If you hope to finance directly through the store, demonstrate that you understand their product and negotiate for what you need.
  3. Know How Much You Can Put Down
    Financing plans sometimes ask for a portion of the total cost up front before dividing the rest into scheduled payments. Know what you can afford. If you agree to a promotional rate that offers minimal interest early on, be sure to pay off your roof in the allotted time before interest rates increase.

A sturdy roof is one of the most important features of your home—protecting your family from the wild outdoors and brightening the face of your humble abode. Safety and style are worthy investments within your reach with a smart financing plan.

Andrew’s Roofing works closely with finance partners at Greensky. Visit our finance page or call us at 757-296-0553 today to learn more or and begin your journey towards a new roof today.

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5 Mistakes you’ve been making with Your Roof

Having a good roof over your head is something that we all need but often take for granted. Unfortunately, your roof won’t take care of itself, so it is up to you to maintain your roof and address issues when they arise. There are many roofing myths several of which can result in severe damage. Learn the common mistakes people make when caring for their roofs and learn the correct way to maintain yours.

1. Over-Insulating Your Home

Yes, you read that right! There is such a thing as using too much insulation for your roof. If your home has an attic, too much insulation won’t allow the room to ventilate which can cause mold to grow and other issues.

2. Cleaning Your Roof With a Pressure Washer

Cleaning your roof can help enhance its appearance and prevent mold from growing. Many people will use a pressure washer to do the job which can damage the surface of your roof. Next time you clean your roof, opt for a hose instead.

3. Not Regularly Inspecting Your Roof

Just because you don’t see any leaks doesn’t mean there aren’t issues with your roof. Take the time to inspect your roof so you can handle small repairs when needed.

4. Not Checking Your Attic

If you only inspect the outside of your home, you may be missing out on some obvious signs that your roof needs to be replaced. Always check your attic to look for signs of mold growth or excessive humidity.

5. Re-Roofing Over Shingles

No matter what you do, do not simply nail new shingles over old ones. You’re only making things worse. Old shingles need to be removed and replaced by new ones for a proper seal.

Call a Professional!

Roofing problems can be complicated and need to be handled by people who know what they’re doing. Call Andrews Roofing at 757-296-8562 or use our contact us page to avoid these mistakes altogether, and let the professionals do what they do best!

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Repairing Roof Leaks Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

Fixing a leak on the roof can be like finding a needle in the haystack. Many times, the leak ends up in a different place than where it starts. Even if it’s raining, it can still be difficult to find the origin of the leak. You’ll need to look for water marks, discoloration and stains in the attic.

How to Find the Leak

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to rain to find where the water is coming in. Here are three ways to find where your leak starts:

  • Use light. Look for the leak during the day. Use a bright flashlight to follow the stains and water marks. If you can get up in the attic when it’s raining, you may be able to follow the water.
  • Work backwards. It’s rare that the leak is directly where it’s coming in. Water travels down a path until finding a vulnerable spot to drip down.
  • Add water. When the weather is clear, send a friend up to the roof with a garden hose. Have your friend systematically work across the roof, one area at a time.

Call in an Expert

Fixing a roof is not always a DIY project. You might void the warranty of your roof if you try and fix it yourself. An older roof may be disintegrating even more. When you don’t know what you’re doing, you could create an even bigger problem. Steep roofs are extremely hazardous too. Most homeowners don’t have the right tools or even know how to repair a roof properly. Unless you’ve done roofing before, it’s better to call a professional to ensure that the job is done right.

Experienced Residential Roofers in Virginia

Andrews Roofing has 20 years of experience in residential roofing. If your roof is leaking, protect your largest investment by sending an email to ben@andrewsroofing.net or completing our contact form to get a free estimate for your next project.

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