Duro-Last is a highly reputable company in the Roofing Industry. They are well known in Commercial Roofing circles as a popular Single-Ply Roofing System with superior durability and longevity.
Andrews Roofing is proud of its partnership with Duro-Last and honored to be recognized by them for Outstanding Achievement in our field.
When you are given an award by the Pros in your field, that means we’re doing something right!
Roofing Technology
The roofing industry has come a long way in recent years. New materials and installation techniques are making roofs more durable, energy-efficient, and even better looking—all things we know homeowners in Hampton Roads can appreciate. Whether you’re in the market for a full roof replacement, a minor repair, or just starting to research your options, it’s helpful to know what’s new and why it matters for your home or business.
Here are five roofing innovations that are changing the game:
- Synthetic Roofing Shingles
What it is: Synthetic shingles mimic the look of wood shake, slate, or even traditional asphalt shingles, but they’re made from advanced polymers or rubber-based materials.
Where it’s used: Mostly residential roofing projects where homeowners want a high-end look without the high-end cost or maintenance.
Why it matters: These shingles are lightweight, impact-resistant, long-lasting, and often come with excellent warranties. They’re ideal for coastal homes where weather durability is key—like those along the Atlantic Ocean in Virginia Beach or Chesapeake Bay in Norfolk.
- Impact-Resistant Shingles
What it is: These are reinforced shingles designed to withstand hail, flying debris, and other forms of impact that can damage traditional roofing.
Where it’s used: Residential roofs in areas prone to strong storms and hurricanes such as our own Tidewater region.
Why it matters: Impact-resistant shingles can help prevent costly roofing repairs after major weather events and may even qualify you for insurance discounts. They also add peace of mind for homeowners concerned about unpredictable coastal storms.
- Advanced Moisture Barriers and Underlayments
What it is: Modern roofing systems now include high-performance synthetic underlayments and moisture barriers that offer far better protection than traditional felt paper. These materials are tear-resistant, breathable, and designed to prevent water infiltration beneath shingles or other roofing surfaces.
Where it’s used: Nearly all new roof installations—both residential and commercial—as an essential layer beneath the primary roofing material.
Why it matters: In a climate like ours, where humidity, heavy rain and wind, and tropical storms are common, moisture control is crucial. These upgraded materials offer an extra line of defense against leaks and water damage, keeping your roof (and everything beneath it) safe and dry.
Roofing Innovation, Local Expertise
At Andrews Roofing, we stay up to date on the latest roofing technologies to provide our customers with the best options and service. Our team of experienced professionals knows what works best in our local climate—from the salt air of Virginia Beach to the heavily wooded neighborhoods of Chesapeake to the tornado-prone areas of Suffolk. Whether you’re considering installing a new roofing system, just need a repair or want to know more about energy-efficient material options, we’re here to provide reliable advice and service. Reach out to our team today to set up a consultation.
Understanding Roofing Crickets and When to Use Membrane vs. Shingles
At first glance, a roof may look like a simple series of slopes and shingles, but in reality, good roofing is a careful blend of structure, materials, and strategy—especially when it comes to managing water flow. One critical but under-appreciated element in certain roof designs is the roofing cricket.
What Is a Roofing Cricket?
A roofing cricket—sometimes called a saddle—is a small, peaked structure installed on the high side of a roof penetration such as a chimney, wall, or dormer. Its job is to divert water around these vertical elements and prevent it from pooling, which can lead to leaks, rot, or premature roof failure.
You’ll typically find crickets in low-slope areas or where two roof slopes intersect to form a valley. Without a cricket, water tends to gather and sit—especially during heavy rain which we are prone to in Southeast Virginia—leading to drainage problems and long-term damage.
How Crickets Work
Crickets redirect water using gravity. By adding a subtle peak to the backside of a chimney or at the base of a wall intersection, water is forced to flow down either side of the obstruction rather than gathering behind it. This keeps your roof drier and increases its longevity.
In these photos from a recently completed project in Suffolk, you can see two examples of cricket installations. Each cricket helps manage the directional flow of water and is customized to fit the slope of that particular roofline.
Membrane vs. Shingles: Choosing the Right Material
In most residential roofing, asphalt shingles are the go-to material due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of installation. However, they aren’t ideal in every situation—especially when it comes to areas with very low slopes, also present on this roof that required crickets.
Roofing membranes are single-ply materials (typically rubber or synthetic) designed to be fully waterproof. They’re most commonly used on flat or low-slope areas of a roof where shingles would fail to shed water effectively. It is a material that is often used on commercial buildings, but less often used on residential homes. Their cost can be a little higher than shingles, but their performance in specific areas makes them a necessary investment in certain situations.
In this recent project, we encountered two cricket areas that were previously covered with membrane. Our team made material choices based on pitch and performance needs and determined that in one area with a low pitch, we should reinstall membrane because the slope required a fully waterproof solution to prevent ponding and leaks. In the second area, although membrane had been used previously, the steepness of the slope allowed for us to use shingles instead, saving the homeowner on cost without compromising performance.
What Homeowners Should Know
If your roof includes valleys, dormers, or chimneys, especially if your home has a complex roof layout, it’s worth asking your roofer whether crickets are needed. These small features can make a big difference in preventing leaks and prolonging the life of your roof.
Also, be aware that not all areas of your roof should be treated the same. Experienced roofers assess each slope and intersection to determine whether shingles are sufficient or if membrane is a better long-term solution. A one-size-fits-all approach simply doesn’t work when it comes to effective roofing.
Andrews Roofing Can Help
If you’re considering a roof replacement or have concerns about water pooling near roof features like chimneys or walls, our team at Andrews Roofing is here to help. We bring the technical expertise and attention to detail that complex roofing projects demand. Contact us today for an inspection or consultation.
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How Small Hail Can Damage an Asphalt Fiberglass Shingle Roof
Recently Hampton Roads has experienced a rash of late-spring severe weather events, which have included small hailstorms. You may have experienced damage to your property from these storms that was obvious: cracked windows, dented car hoods, beaten or broken plants and landscaping. But did you know there may also be damage that you can’t see immediately?
Small hail, generally considered to be less than 1 inch in diameter (think pea to marble-sized), can still cause damage to your home’s asphalt fiberglass shingled roof – especially over time and with repeat incidents. The impact may seem minimal, but if these types of severe storms continue as they have been, there are signs you should keep an eye out for and damage that can add up.
Granule Loss
The most common damage that occurs from small hail is the dislodging of the protective granules on the surface of the shingles. These granules shield the underlying asphalt and fiberglass layers from direct sunlight, which causes UV damage and weathering. Even small hail can have a big impact on your roof if the storm is long enough, severe enough, or if the hail events happen repeatedly.
What you are likely to notice if this damage occurs is granules accumulating in your gutters and downspouts after a hail event or rainstorms that occur shortly after the hail event. When the granules are degraded, you’ll start to notice shingles that are brittle, and that will begin to crack and fail over time.
Bruising and Indentations
Small hail is unlikely to puncture your shingles; however, it can cause small indentations or bruises on the shingle surface. These impact points can weaken the shingle structure at a microscopic level. Pressure from the hailstones (especially in the case of slightly larger hail), can actually cause the asphalt layer to compress, while also crushing the asphalt granules. While these compression points may not immediately cause leaks, they can create points of weakness where cracking or further granule loss is more likely to occur – especially when temperatures change.
Exposure of the Fiberglass Mat
In some cases, if the hail is severe or torrential enough, the impact can be forceful enough to not only remove granules but also damage or expose the fiberglass mat beneath the asphalt. This mat is what provides tensile strength to each shingle, so even small tears or damage to the fiberglass layer can increase the risk of roof damage, especially when wind becomes involved. Shingles that are damaged down to this layer should be repaired and replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the roof decking.
Damage to Flashing and Other Components
Even if your shingles don’t experience significant damage, it doesn’t quite mean you’re in the clear. Small hail can still damage metal flashing around vents, chimneys, and other roof penetrations by denting or loosening them. Gutters and downspouts can also sustain minor dents from small hail or loosening from the roof edge or side of the home. While this may not cause an immediate leak, it can affect their functionality, which over time can cause water damage to other parts of your home. It may also simply affect the aesthetics of your home’s exterior.
Bottom Line: Accelerated Weathering
The cumulative effect of this type of hail damage (granule loss, bruising, fiberglass exposure, denting) can accelerate the overall weathering process of your roof. Exposed asphalt deteriorates faster; the shingles lose their flexibility and become more brittle and likely to break. This can shorten the lifespan of your entire roof, while also making it more susceptible to damage from other types of subsequent weather events.
Things to Consider:
- Age and Condition of the Roof: Older roofs or those already in poor condition are more susceptible to damage from even small hail. Brittle shingles will be more easily damaged.
- Duration and Intensity of the Hailstorm: A prolonged storm with even small hail can cause more cumulative damage than a brief one.
- Wind: Small hail accompanied by strong winds can exacerbate the damage by driving the hailstones with more force and potentially lifting shingle edges, making them more vulnerable to impact.
What to Do Next
It’s always a good idea to have your roof inspected by a qualified professional after any hailstorm, even if the hail appears small, to assess for potential damage that might not be immediately visible. This is especially true for older roofs, roofs with existing damage or in the case of severe, prolonged, or repeated hail events.
The professionals here at Andrews Roofing are highly experienced with the Hampton Roads region and the types of damage that are common with our weather conditions. As a locally owned and operated licensed roofing company, we do our best to treat every customer like our neighbors – because they are! Contact us today if you have any concerns about the condition of your roof after a severe southeast Virginia weather event.
What’s Beating Up Your Roof Between Storms?
At Andrews Roofing, we’ve spent decades up on the roofs of homes and businesses across Hampton Roads, and one thing we’ve learned is that while hurricanes and nor’easters tend to get the most attention, they’re not the only culprits when it comes to roof damage in our region. Living in Southeast Virginia brings with it a mix of unique environmental conditions that can take a toll on your roof—often silently and slowly over time.
Here are some of the most common (but often overlooked) issues that can affect your roof in our coastal, wooded, and weather-variable region:
Salt Air and Coastal Winds
If you live near the Atlantic Ocean or Chesapeake Bay—or even a few miles inland—you’re probably already familiar with the effects of salt air on your car or outdoor furniture. That same salty moisture can corrode roofing materials over time, especially metal components like flashing, nails, gutters, and vents. Coastal winds, even when they’re not hurricane-force, can also lift shingles or blow debris across rooftops, causing wear and tear that might not be noticeable from the ground.
Pine Needles and Tree Debris
In more wooded parts of Hampton Roads—like parts of Chesapeake, Suffolk, and even some neighborhoods in Virginia Beach and Portsmouth—pine needles and other tree debris can be a real issue. Pine needles may seem harmless, but when they accumulate on a roof, they can trap moisture against shingles, leading to mold, mildew, and even rot. They also clog gutters quickly, which prevents proper water runoff and can result in leaks or damage to your fascia and soffit over time.
Extreme Temperature Swings
We may not have the harsh winters of New England or the Midwest, but Hampton Roads does see its share of extreme temperature swings—from hot and humid summers in the 90s to occasional winter days that dip below freezing. Sometimes we even see these swings in the course of a single day! These fluctuations can cause roofing materials to expand and contract repeatedly, weakening seals, loosening shingles, and reducing the lifespan of your roof. Older roofs in particular are more susceptible to this kind of damage.
High Humidity and Moisture
Let’s face it—southeast Virginia is humid. That constant moisture in the air can be rough on a roof, especially if it’s not properly ventilated. High humidity can contribute to the growth of algae, moss, and mold on shingles, which not only looks bad but can also degrade roofing materials over time. If you’ve noticed black streaks or green patches on your roof, moisture-loving organisms might be to blame.
Poor Installation or Aging Materials
Not all roof problems come from the environment. Sometimes we see damage simply because the original installation wasn’t done correctly, or the materials used weren’t appropriate for our coastal climate. Even a well-installed roof will eventually reach the end of its life. In this region, the combination of weather and environmental factors can sometimes mean a shorter lifespan than in other parts of the country.
Andrews Roofing Can Help
The best way to protect your real estate investment is to stay informed and stay proactive. Regular inspections and maintenance can help catch small issues before they become big (and expensive) problems. If you’re not sure what shape your roof is in—or if it’s time to start thinking about repairs or replacement—we’re always happy to offer honest, local advice from folks who live and work in the same communities you do. Contact your neighbors at Andrews Roofing today.
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The HULK Machine Provides Faster, Stronger Commercial Roofing
At Andrews Roofing, we are committed to researching and educating ourselves on innovative, high-quality roofing products and technology so we can provide them for our residential and commercial clients in Hampton Roads.
That’s why we’ve invested in the HULK Spray Rig, a state-of-the-art adhesive application system designed specifically for installing rigid board insulation on flat and low-slope commercial roofs. This advanced equipment allows us to provide a more efficient, consistent, and durable insulation installation—giving your roof better long-term performance.
What Makes the HULK Machine So Effective?
The HULK Spray Rig is an automated, self-propelled system that precisely dispenses low-rise polyurethane foam adhesive in pre-measured patterns. This ensures even coverage across the entire roof deck, eliminating the inconsistencies that can come with manual application. Once the adhesive is applied, the machine uses its built-in roller system to firmly press the rigid board insulation into place, creating a strong, uniform bond between the insulation and the substrate.
The Benefits of Using the HULK Machine
By incorporating this cutting-edge equipment into our installation process, we provide our commercial roofing clients with several key advantages:
- Stronger Adhesion & Wind Resistance: The precision application ensures a secure bond, reducing the risk of insulation shifting or lifting due to wind uplift, something we are always thinking about in our storm and hurricane prone region.
- Faster Installation: The HULK machine speeds up the process significantly, reducing labor time and getting your roof installed quicker with minimal disruption to your business.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Properly adhered insulation minimizes gaps and air pockets, helping to enhance thermal performance and lower energy costs.
- Reduced Waste & Cleanup: The controlled application minimizes adhesive waste and overspray, resulting in a cleaner job site and a more environmentally friendly installation.
Hampton Roads Commercial Roofing Specialists
We are proud to bring this industry-leading technology to our commercial roofing projects in Southeast Virginia. If you are looking for a high-performance, energy-efficient roofing system that will stand the test of time, contact Andrews Roofing today to learn how the HULK advanced installation methods can benefit your business and property.
