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Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Category: Andrews Roofing

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Financing, Residential Roofing, Roof Installation, Roof Warranty, Roofing Information

How to Pay for a New Roof

Reroofing your home is a major investment, and it’s not always one you were expecting or planning for. This can make it difficult to pay for a roof replacement out of pocket. So how are you supposed to fund a new roof without draining your bank account? Here are a few options that may be available to you.

Insurance Claims

If your roof was damaged during a storm or other catastrophic event, the replacement of it, or the repair costs, may be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. The amount that may be paid out and the process through which you receive this money is different from policy to policy. It’s a good idea to review your homeowners’ policy every year or so to make sure it is still providing the coverage you believe your home may need. For instance, in areas like Hampton Roads, it’s a good idea to make sure you have hurricane, high wind and flood coverage in your policy.

At Andrews Roofing, we work closely with our clients who are going through an insurance claim for roof repair or replacement, providing any necessary paperwork or information they may need to ensure their claims are accurate and paid accordingly.

Home Improvement Financing

If you are replacing your roof because your current roof has reached the end of its life span, you can expect to be paying for it in full on your own. This can be daunting, as new roofs are one of the largest home improvement investments you may make. Fortunately, there are home improvement financing options available. At Andrews Roofing, we work with GreenSky® financing, which offers a variety of different financing options to consumers. They offer financing up to 120 months with fixed rates as low as  9.99%. They also offer 12 month no interest, no payments options for those who qualify.

Applications may be done online quickly and easily, and once you are approved you are provided with a 16-digit account number, which you can then use like a credit card to make payments for the work being done. You have four months after you are approved to make your qualified purchases to the approved merchant, so it’s best to wait to apply until the project is ready to begin.

Home Equity Loan

Depending on the amount of equity you have in your home, another financing option may be to go through a bank or credit union for a home equity loan. The housing market and interest rates are in a great place for homeowners to take advantage of the equity they have in their home in order to make improvements on it. If you know your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan, you may consider taking out a home equity loan to replace it before there are leaks that may cause damage to the interior of your home.

A new roof can also increase your home’s value and make it more appealing to potential buyers if you’re considering moving any time soon. Home equity loans generally do not have strict rules about how long you have to use the money or what exactly it needs to be used for, so if you’re considering doing multiple projects around your house, or you just aren’t sure when you want to begin the work, a home equity loan may be a more flexible option for you.

Manufacturer Warranties

Most material manufacturers have a warranty of some length on their products, provided they are installed correctly by a licensed contractor. If your roof is still within its expected lifespan and warranty period, but you have experienced leaks or other damage, the repairs or replacement may be covered by your warranty. Even if you didn’t have the roof installed yourself, there may still be a transferred warranty from the person who did have it installed.

The best way to determine if the damage or leaks you’re experiencing are caused by the materials is to have a licensed roofing contractor come and inspect your roof. In addition to identifying the cause of the damage, they can also identify the materials that were used so that you can reach out to the manufacturer about a potential warranty. Keep in mind, however, that you will likely need to provide some sort of proof of the installation being completed by a qualified contractor and paperwork showing that the materials were purchased for that purpose.

We Can Help

At Andrews Roofing, we are happy to work alongside customers using a variety of methods of payment for their roof repair or replacement. Whether you’re paying out of pocket, filing an insurance claim or applying for some type of financing, we will help guide you through the process while providing excellent workmanship and products. All of our work is guaranteed, and we use some of the best materials on the market, all of which provide their own manufacturer’s warranty. Contact us today to get started.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Residential Roofing, Roof Installation, Roof Warranty, Roofing Information

Manufacturer Spotlight: CertainTeed Shingles

Andrews Roofing can supply products from any manufacturer a customer desires. However, based on our extensive experience with roofing products, there are certain ones we recommend. One of those products is the Landmark® line of CertainTeed asphalt shingles. Please note that product availability industry-wide has varied greatly between manufacturers including CertainTeed.

The quality of the products we install is the most critical factor in our recommendations, however, we also have to balance that with budget and variety. CertainTeed asphalt shingles check all of these boxes, which is why they are one of the most popular materials we install.

The Landmark® line of shingles is made with a dual-layer design that creates the visual dimension to mimic true wood shake. These shingles are heavy weight and come in a wide variety of colors. In our residential roofing portfolio, you can see many homes that have been reroofed using the Landmark® shingles, and get a feel for how varied the colors and styles can be. Of course, CertainTeed manufactures many home building products, so homeowners who are building new construction or doing a major exterior renovation can coordinate their roofing materials with CertainTeed trim, siding, decking, fencing and more.

One of the things we appreciate about the Landmark® product is the attention they’ve given to the installation process. Their proprietary design provides a nailing area that is three times wider than a typical laminate shingle, which increases the efficiency and accuracy of installation. The shingles are also made with a specially formulated adhesive that is resistant to delamination, giving these products longevity and durability.

Roofs in Hampton Roads are apt to staining thanks to our hot, humid weather that fosters mildew and algae growth. To combat this, CertainTeed uses a technology on their shingles that repels algae with a granular blend of algae-resistant copper. This means your roof maintains its curb appeal and is less susceptible to deterioration caused by organic material that could otherwise cling to an asphalt shingle.

Finally, we appreciate a manufacturer who stands behind their product. Certainteed products come with a lifetime, limited transferable warranty. This includes a 10-year SureStart™ warranty (100% replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects), a 10-year StreakFighter® warranty against streaking and discoloration caused by airborne algae and a 15-year, 110 mph wind-resistance warranty. Customers can also choose to upgrade their wind warranty to 130 mph. This option is especially important for our customers along the oceanfront of Virginia Beach when hurricanes move into the region. It’s also important to keep in mind that manufacturer warranties are only valid if they are installed correctly by a licensed roofing contractor.

If you live in the Tidewater region, are ready to reroof your home, and need help choosing the right product for you, please contact Andrews Roofing. We’d be happy to discuss all the available options with you and help you make an informed decision based on our decades of experience in the roofing industry.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Residential Roofing, Roof Installation, Roof Warranty, Roofing Information

What You Need to Know About Roof Damage and Insurance Claims

If you’ve had some damage to your roof, you may be wondering if you should make an insurance claim.

The first thing to note is that every insurance company and every policy is different. The key is hiring a roofing contractor who can work with you through the process regardless of what it looks like.

At Andrews Roofing, we are experienced in working with clients and insurance companies for roof damage that has been caused by the frequent storms we get in Hampton Roads. Not all roofing companies work the same way, but here’s a bit of insight into how we help our clients work through the damage, insurance claim and repair or replacement process.

Roof Repairs

Depending on the extent of your repair needs, we may send an estimator out to take a look first. If it’s a few blown off shingles or nail pops, we can likely give you an idea of the cost over the phone and then schedule a repair at that time. From there, you can file a claim with your insurance company. We will provide you with a detailed and professional invoice to submit with other required insurance paperwork.

If a repair is major or requires partial replacement, we may send an estimator out to take a look first. Armed with a written estimate, you can reach out to your insurance company first to see what may be covered under your policy. Although we generally do not need to get involved first-hand with your insurance representative, we are happy to do so if it helps with the process.

Roof Replacements

If it is clear that your roof needs to be replaced, we will send an estimator out before providing any quotes on work or pricing. Our sales department will schedule an appointment with you to inspect the inside and outside of your roof. They will discuss options and budget before providing a written estimate for you to review. At this point, we highly recommend reviewing this estimate with your insurance representative. Some companies may only pay for a one-for-one roof replacement. This means that if you choose a different material, it may not be covered. It’s also critical to know whether the insurance company will cover any portion of the replacement if your roof is older and beyond its predicted lifespan. They may determine that the roof failed due to its age, rather than damage that is otherwise covered.

Roof Warranty Claims

If your roof is fairly new and has sustained damage, it’s possible that you have a manufacturer warranty on the materials. Ideally your roofing contractor will have talked to you about the warranty of the materials you chose and provided you with information on making a claim. For instance, one of the products we offer to our clients are CertainTeed shingles, which carry a wind warranty of 110 to 130 mph. As long as they are installed property per the manufacturer specs, clients shouldn’t need to worry about paying for any storm damage out of pocket. Keep in mind, you may first need to reach out to the warranty provider, then contact your roofing contractor to perform the warranty or replacement.

The Bottom Line

Before you ever need repairs made to your roof, make sure you understand your homeowners insurance. Talk to your rep to ensure your roof will be covered in the case of a storm or other natural disaster. Understand what their claims process looks like. When damage does happen, reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible and document everything. And, of course, only use a licensed, insured roofing contractor who is experienced in both roof repair and replacement and who can provide a professional written estimate, manufacturer warranty information and great service.

If you’ve had damage to your roof and you live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk or any of the other surrounding Hampton Roads cities, Andrews Roofing can help. Contact us today and we’ll help you determine the best course of action for getting your roof back in working order.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Roof Maintenance, Roofing Repairs

Anatomy of a Roof Leak

No one wants to hear that dreaded “drip drip drip” that means you’ve got a roof leak. Or looking up and suddenly seeing a big dark spot on the ceiling. But when you do, your first thoughts are probably “how did this happen?” and “where exactly is this coming from?” Understanding the answers to these two questions is the key to getting your roof leak fixed quickly and efficiently and also to possibly avoiding them in the first place.

How do roof leaks start?

Typically, a leak will start one of two ways: damage or deterioration. However, there are many different types of both damage and deterioration that may have occurred and that might not be immediately obvious. Here are several that are common for homes in the Hampton Roads area.

Storm Damage

This likely is the most obvious source of a roof leak and also one of the most common in the Tidewater region. Thanks to hurricanes, nor’easters, snow storms and torrential rains, there are myriad ways a Hampton Roads roof can be damaged. But storm damage isn’t always as obvious as a giant tree falling through your roof. Sometimes damage can occur that isn’t noticeable right away. Hurricane force winds can blow flashing off a house, which can eventually lead to water damage and leaks. Winter storms can cause limbs heavy with snow or ice to drop onto a roof and cause a hole that you aren’t able to see or hear right away. Torrential rain can cause gutters to overflow and damage roof decking.

Your homeowners insurance may cover this type of damage, but you have to identify it and file your claim in a timely manner. This means that after each major storm, you should visually inspect your property for any damage on both the inside and outside of your roof. If you believe any damage may have occurred, you should call a licensed roofing company to come and physically inspect and provide any estimates needed for insurance purposes.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are a common cause of roof leaks, but they are also one of the most preventable. When gutters are clogged, water can build up on the roof, getting under the shingles and causing water damage that could eventually lead to a leak. If you notice dark spots on your ceiling near the outer edges of the house, this may be a gutter issue. Cleaning your gutters (or having them cleaned by a professional) 3-4 times a year is the best way to avoid this issue altogether.

Condensation

Believe it or not, a leak can start inside your home, without the exterior of your roof being damaged at all. That’s because condensation build up in an attic can cause interior leaks. This happens when there is not proper ventilation or proper insulation that would prevent extreme temperature changes – something that is not uncommon here in southeast Virginia. In addition to causing leaks, this condensation build up can also be the source of mold and mildew. Ensuring proper ventilation and insulation is installed in your attic and along your roof line is critical to avoid this type of leak.

Missing or Damaged Flashing

Flashing is just as critical to the integrity of your roof as shingles. Flashing is the metal that covers joints and seams on a roof, and when it is not installed and sealed properly, water can enter and damage the roof decking. If flashing isn’t well attached, it can move or get blown away during a storm. It also ages just like shingles, so corrosion or cracks in the metal could also allow water to enter your home. If some of your flashing is visible from the ground, inspect it after every major storm. However, some flashing may be difficult to see or access and in those cases, a licensed roofing contractor can inspect those areas if you believe there is an issue.

Deterioration

If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be deteriorating and causing leaks. Every roof has a lifespan, although that number can vary greatly depending on the material used. For traditional asphalt shingles, 20 years is usually the lifespan. Fiber cement shingles can last closer to 30 and metal roofing can last for 50 or more years. As roofing materials age, they can become brittle and shingles may crack or warp, allowing water to get underneath. They may also fall off more easily – even during a less than severe storm. If you know your roof is nearing the end of its life, it’s better to replace it before a leak causes interior damage, requiring you to repair multiple areas of your home.

What to do when your roof starts leaking

When a leak occurs, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Roof repair can be dangerous for the average DIY’er and if not done properly, can cause more damage or void material warranties. Instead, research your local roofing contractors and find one with a good reputation in your community. The sooner you contact them, the less damage the leak can cause, so don’t put this task off.

At Andrews Roofing, we’ve been helping homeowners in Hampton Roads repair or replace their roofs for decades. We have experience with the specific types of damage and leaks common in this area, and we have the knowledge, skills and experience to make it right, right away. Contact us today.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Roof Maintenance, Roof Warranty, Roofing Repairs, Safety

Prepping for Common Hurricane Roof Damage

Here in southeast Virginia we are solidly inside of hurricane season, and while we have been lucky not to be hit with a direct storm recently, the impact of some kind of tropical system is inevitable.

As most of us know all too well, with storms comes storm damage. Thanks to Hampton Roads’ proximity to the coast, we often feel storm surge and hurricane force winds the worst. There are things you can do to be personally prepared for a storm, as well as things you can do to help secure and protect your home, including your roof. But there are also things that you simply can’t protect your home against, and instead need to be rigorous about post-storm inspection of your property to identify any damage as soon as possible. Let’s talk about how you can play both defense and offense to protect your home from long-term storm damage.

Pre-Storm Preparation
While you can’t control or prevent all possible damage, there are things you can do to prepare your roof for a storm. Here’s a quick checklist you can use to offensively protect your roof from the next hurricane or tropical storm.

  • Check for any loose flashing. If any flashing is loose or missing, repair it before a storm comes to avoid any water damage and possible leaks. Loose flashing can also become a hazard if blown off your home during wind gusts.
  • Check your gutters. Clean gutters will keep water away from your roof when those torrential rains start. You should also check to ensure gutters are well secured to avoid them becoming projectiles during strong winds.
  • Repair and replace missing shingles. It may seem counterintuitive to replace missing shingles or repair damaged ones before a storm, but the reality is that one missing shingle makes the rest of the shingles around it vulnerable to winds. If one or more shingles are missing or damaged in such a way that they are more likely to blow off, then the rest of your roof is at risk. Replacing a few shingles now can prevent the need for dozens of replacements after the storm.
  • Inspect your roof from the inside. Take some time to inspect your roof from inside your attic, paying careful attention to where any rooflines join up, looking especially for any wet or dark spots that may indicate an existing leak. If there is an existing leak, even one that has not been problematic before, it will only get worse during a storm, and could cause major interior damage. Repair a small leak now before it becomes a major leak in the middle of a “shelter in place.”

Post-Storm Inspection
After a storm, doing an inspection of your property will help you identify issues quicker, making it easier to fix them before they become a major problem as well as being able to file for any necessary homeowners insurance claims. Here’s a quick post-storm roof inspection list of things to look for:

  • Missing shingles
  • Loose or clogged gutters
  • Loose or missing flashing
  • Debris that may still be on the roof
  • Visible leaks or holes from inside your attic
  • Damaged or warped shingles
  • Dents in metal roofing
  • Broken slate tiles

What to do if there is damage
If you find any of these items during your inspection, contact a roofing company right away. If possible, get familiar with roofing companies in your area before a storm rolls through so you know who to call if needed. Do research online and read client reviews, websites and get neighbors’ opinions. Only call companies that are licensed and insured and have a good reputation in the community.

Getting a professional opinion and estimate will be critical when filing any necessary homeowners insurance claims. Remember that after a major storm, roofing companies will be swamped with calls, so getting in touch early is the best way to get your issues taken care of as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to fix these issues yourself as roof repair work is potentially dangerous, not to mention any repairs you make yourself may not be covered by your insurance and may void warranties on your roofing materials.

Andrews Roofing Can Help
Whether it’s before a storm or after, if you have concerns about your roof, please contact Andrews Roofing. We’ve worked in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton for decades and we have an excellent reputation in the Hampton Roads community for quality workmanship and customer service. We understand the unique roofing issues that homeowners encounter in the Tidewater region, and we can help you make the best decision for your home.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Homes, Residential Roofing, Roof Installation, Roof Insulation, Roof Maintenance, Roofing Information, Roofing Repairs

Four Common Roofing Issues for Homeowners in Hampton Roads

If you own a home in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk or any of the other surrounding cities of Hampton Roads, there are specific roofing issues you can expect to arise, but being prepared for them is the best way to minimize their impact.

Missing Shingles

Thanks to our coastal location, hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters and plain old summer thunderstorms are a constant concern for homeowners. Especially during hurricane season, it is important to keep a close eye on the condition of your roof. The most common problem you’ll experience during one of these storms is missing shingles. While a few missing shingles may not seem like such a big deal, they can lead to much bigger and much more expensive problems. Replacing these shingles as soon as possible will reduce the risk of having water damage done to your roof deck or experiencing a leak down the road. It is even a good idea to have some extra shingles in storage, so that if and when one blows off, it can be easily patched.

If multiple shingles are missing, or large patches have been blown away by a storm, then it is time to contact a professional roofing company to make the repair. Roofing repairs may seem like a simple job, but can be very dangerous for the average DIY-er to tackle. Protect yourself and your home by using a professional.

Humidity and Moisture Damage

The Tidewater region has its fair share of humidity and moisture, both of which can affect the longevity of a roof if it has not been installed properly. Moisture issues in roofs often start inside the home’s attic, where if enough ventilation isn’t present, condensation can occur. This issue can often be identified from inside the home before exterior damage is noticeable. If you see water dripping from the inside of the ceiling or beams in your attic, there may not be enough ventilation present, in which case additional attic ventilation may be needed. If the damage has already been done, a new roof system with proper venting installed beneath the roofing layer will help dissipate heat and prevent condensation from forming on the interior of the home.

Aging Homes

Hampton Roads has always been a steadily growing area, but it did experience a real housing boom in the 90’s when many large “track” neighborhoods were constructed. These homes are now rounding the 30 year mark, which is just about as long as a roof with asphalt shingles – the most common roofing material used in these homes – is going to last. So when issues start to arise in homes of this age, it’s often better to go ahead and reroof the home than to make repair after repair.

For owners of these homes who are doing a full reroof, there are many more options now than when their home was built. Asphalt shingles are still the most popular choice, but they now come in a wide variety of colors. There are also architectural shingles that have a little longer lifespan and lots of color options. Metal roofs have also become more popular both because of the farmhouse style look as well as their durability and longevity. An experienced and knowledgeable roofing company can help you decide which material is best for your home, location and budget.

Salt Water Exposure

Salt is highly corrosive, so when a home is exposed to salt spray from the water or in the air, you can expect just about any of the exterior materials to decay quicker than they would in a different environment. Of course homes right on the ocean or bay in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, the Eastern Shore and the Outer Banks will experience this the worst, but even homes that aren’t directly on the water can be affected by the salinity in the air. If you live near the water and your shingles are deteriorating, it may be because of salt damage, which may warrant a new roofing system.

While asphalt shingles are still common in waterfront areas, there are other options that may hold up to that environment better such as metal, slate or even cedar. There are also new roofing products on the market that mimic the look of cedar shake shingles, but which are made with recycled and sustainable materials that have excellent durability and lifespan. This is an excellent choice for the beach house aesthetic.

Find a Roofing Expert

If you are experiencing any of these common Hampton Roads roofing issues, your next step should be contacting a roofing professional. Andrews Roofing has been providing the Hampton Roads region with excellence in new roof and reroofing services for over 20 years. We’ve seen, repaired and replaced every one of these issues, and we can work with you to come up with a solution that meets your needs and budget. Contact us today.

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