Leaks & Service Repairs

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Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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Category: Andrews Roofing

What to Know About Owning a Home with a Low Slope Roof

Owning or maintaining a house with a low slope roof comes with its own set of considerations and challenges.

While homes with a low slope roof are not as common as traditional A-frame or gabled roofs, they are still an important percentage of the home styles one finds in Southeast Virginia, especially near the beach. Because of their low slope, these roofs must be installed and maintained differently than higher pitched roofs. Whether you’ve owned a house with a low slope roof for years or are considering purchasing or building one, here are some critical things you need to know to keep your home’s health in tip top shape.

Drainage: Proper drainage is critical for low slope roofs to prevent water pooling, which can lead to leaks and structural damage. Regularly clean gutters and ensure downspouts are clear to allow water to flow freely off and away from the roof.

Material Selection: Choose roofing materials specifically designed for low slope roofs, such as built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, or single-ply membranes like TPO or EPDM. These materials are more suitable for low slope applications and provide better protection against water infiltration. A good roofing contractor can point you in the right direction and let you know which materials make the most sense for the Tidewater, Virginia climate and conditions.

Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspections are essential to catch any issues early on. Because of the nature of low slope roofs, it may be more difficult to assess the situation from the ground. Having a local roofing company inspect your roof on a regular basis or when you believe an issue may be occurring is critical to ensuring its longevity and preventing further damage.

Regular Cleaning: Keep the roof clean from debris, such as leaves, branches, and dirt, which can accumulate and prevent proper drainage. Regular cleaning can help prevent clogs and extend the lifespan of your roof.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important for any roof to prevent moisture buildup, but it’s especially crucial for low slope roofs where water may not drain as quickly. Ensure you have adequate ventilation in the attic space to prevent condensation and mold growth.

Ice and Snow Removal: Low slope roofs are more prone to ice dam formation, especially in colder climates. Ice dams can cause water to freeze and back up under the roofing material, leading to leaks and damage. Use roof rakes or hire professionals to safely remove snow and ice buildup during winter.

Professional Assistance: Consider hiring a professional roofing contractor experienced with low slope roofs for inspections, repairs, and installations. They can provide expert advice, manufacturer recommended and code-compliant installation to ensure the work is done correctly, which will ultimately prolong the life of your roof and meet your warranty’s standards.

Andrews Roofing Can Help

At Andrews Roofing, we have decades of experience in a wide variety of roofing styles including low slope and flat roofs. Whether commercial or residential, we can provide installation, maintenance, and replacement for your low slope roof. Contact us today to schedule your roofing estimate.

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Shopping for a new house? Don’t forget to look up!

When potential home buyers are house shopping, they tend to focus on a home’s interior features, its location, neighborhood, and general curb appeal.

But one thing you should never overlook in a listing is a home’s roof. As an essential structural component of any home, a roof is one of the largest investments owners can make. In today’s cut-throat, competitive housing market, buyers are often willing to waive home inspections to have their offer considered over others. But this is never a good idea – buying a home without knowing about the condition of its roof is a risk that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

So, what should you look for as you leaf through those listings? Here are just a few considerations for prospective homebuyers when evaluating a property’s roof.

  1. Age: The age of a roof can tell you a lot and is perhaps the most important fact to know about it in advance. An older roof may be nearing the end of its lifespan and could require costly repairs or replacement soon. Look for signs of wear and tear such as missing or damaged shingles, sagging areas, or water stains on the ceiling. If the listing doesn’t say the roof’s age, have your real estate agent inquire about it.
  2. Material: Different roofing materials have varying lifespans, maintenance requirements, and durability. Most commonly in the Hampton Roads region you’ll see architectural asphalt shingles. But there are also metal roofs, clay tile, wood shake, and even synthetic recycled materials. Consider our local climate and what makes the most sense for your lifestyle and the home’s location when assessing roofing materials and whether you’re ready to take on their care.
  3. Leaks and Water Damage: Water damage can lead to extensive structural issues and mold growth. During a home inspection, carefully examine the interior ceilings, walls, and attic for any signs of water stains, mold, or mildew. Additionally, look for evidence of leaks around skylights, chimneys, vents, and flashings. All of these things can point to a roof that at best needs repairs and at worst needs to be completely replaced.
  4. Gutters and Drainage: Proper slope and drainage is essential for preventing water from pooling on a roof and causing damage – this is especially important in low slope or flat roofs. Likewise, gutters keep water from running off the roof and toward the foundation of a house, causing water damage that can affect a home’s overall structure. Inspect the gutters and downspouts for debris buildup, corrosion, or damage. Ensure that they are securely attached and effectively channel water away from the foundation of the house.
  5. Ventilation: Adequate attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, prolonging the lifespan of the roof and preventing issues like ice dams and mold growth. Check for vents along the eaves, ridge, and soffits, and ensure they are clear of obstructions. Improper ventilation can not only reduce the lifespan of a roof, but also dramatically increase your utility bills.
  6. Previous Repairs or Replacements: Inquire about any past roof repairs or replacements and obtain documentation if available. A well-maintained roof with a history of regular inspections and maintenance is sure to be in better condition than one that hasn’t. A roof that was recently replaced likely has material or workmanship warranties. Having the information about that is critical in case you need to make a future claim.
  7. Professional Inspection: While an initial visual assessment of the roof is something you can do yourself while touring a home, hiring a qualified roofing contractor or home inspector for a thorough evaluation is highly recommended. They can identify hidden issues, assess the overall condition of the roof, and provide insights into potential maintenance or repair costs. Don’t skip this step!

Andrews Roofing Can Help
If you’re in the process of purchasing a new home in the Tidewater area and you’d like a professional roof inspection done by a licensed roofing contractor, contact Andrews Roofing. We can give you the peace of mind that your investment is a solid one and keep you from financial heartache down the road.

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Key Considerations for Homeowners When Choosing a Roofing Contractor

When you know it’s time for a new roof, the most critical decision you’ll need to make isn’t the style or color of your roof’s new materials, it’s who you choose to do the work. No material, regardless of its cost, warranty, or visual appeal, is worth anything if not installed by a competent professional. In fact, a poorly or incorrectly installed roof can lead to serious damage as well as a void in the warranty of your roof’s materials. To ensure your home is protected and beautiful for many years to come, you should carefully evaluate and consider several factors when selecting the roofing company who will do the work.

Credentials and Licensing:

Before even requesting an estimate from a roofing company, verify that they are licensed and insured. A valid license ensures that the contractor meets the necessary standards and regulations in your state. Insurance is crucial to protect both the homeowner and the contractor in case of accidents or damages during the project. Without it, a worker injured on your property during the installation may become your liability.

Experience and Reputation:

As you begin your search for a reputable company, start with your neighbors whose homes you know are well maintained. Ask who they’ve used or who they would recommend. Check online reviews, testimonials, or ask for references to gauge the contractor’s reputation. A reliable contractor should be willing to provide references from previous clients or point you to public places online with positive reviews and feedback from customers. You may also want to ask each company how long they’ve been in business, how many projects they’ve completed, and how long their employees have been on staff.

Locally Owned and Operated:

Always try to look for a local roofing contractor with an established presence in your community. Local contractors are more familiar with local building codes, weather conditions, common issues and can provide better post-installation and warranty claim support. In addition, you’ll also be helping to support small businesses in your region, bolstering the local economy.

Material Options:

Inquire about the types of roofing materials the contractor uses. A reputable contractor will offer a variety of high-quality materials and be knowledgeable about the pros and cons of each as well as their individual warranty options and how they perform in your specific region. Don’t be afraid to ask how many projects they’ve completed with the specific materials you are interested in.

Contracts and Communication:

Before moving forward with any company, make sure they provide a detailed, written contract that outlines all aspects of the project – from materials to timeline and of course costs. Read this contract carefully, ask questions and get clarity on any uncertainties before work begins. At this point, you will likely be able to tell how well the company and your project manager are at communication. It’s critical that they keep you in the loop, are responsive to your questions and concerns, and can explain each part of the process clearly. Talk to them about your preferred methods of communication and your daily availability and expectations up front to avoid misunderstanding during the project.

We Can Help

If it’s time for a new roof, Andrews Roofing is a great choice for homeowners in the Hampton Roads region. With decades of experience replacing and repairing roofs for our Tidewater community, we can assist with material choices, warranty information, maintenance, and repairs. Our reputation in the community speaks for itself, as does our longevity in the industry. Contact us today to schedule your

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Winter Roof Prep

The temperatures are dropping, Christmas lights are popping up, and the days seem to end before they even begin – winter is here. That also means it’s a crucial time of year to prepare your home for the colder weather. Your roof may need some special attention in particular to ensure your home’s safety and comfort over the next few months since it’s the first line of defense against snow, ice, and those dropping temperatures. Here are a few handy tips for getting your roof winter ready.

The first step is always to perform a visual inspection from both the outside and inside of your home. Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles, loose flashing, cracks around pipe collars or areas of moisture or drafts in your attic. Identifying these potential issues first is critical for how to move forward with your winter prep.

During your inspection, you should also check in on your gutters and downspouts. If they’re full from all those falling leaves, it’s time to give them a good cleaning. If gutters are clogged, a heavy rain followed by dropping temperatures can cause your gutters to produce an ice dam, which can cause serious damage to your roof, the gutters themselves and the interior of your home. You may also want to consider installing larger, high capacity gutters and/or gutter guards to prevent future build ups and issues.

Inside your home, inspect your attic carefully, as roofing issues are often easier to spot from this point of view. Damp areas may indicate a leak in the roof or condensation build up from lack of ventilation. Heavy air drafts can also point to punctures or damaged areas. While you’re there, take note of your attic’s insulation – if your home is older, it may be time to replace or add new insulation to keep your home’s temperature consistent, which reduces condensation and your heating and cooling costs.

If you have a wood burning fireplace and chimney, then hopefully you are having it inspected and cleaned at the beginning of the winter season as well. This is a good time to ask your chimney specialist to take note of the flashing around your chimney. Loose or missing flashing around a chimney can cause major structural damage over time, but avoiding this is an easy fix that’s far less expensive than the potential damage it could cause.

Although we don’t get snow very often here in Hampton Roads, when we do, any accumulation can put a strain on your roof. Roof rakes can be used to remove built up snow, which can be especially stubborn on the north side of your roof where the sunlight is less likely to melt it away.

The final winter prep tip isn’t about your roof, but your landscaping. Check the trees and vegetation around your home’s roofline. If there are any branches that are overhanging your roof, brushing up against your gutters or scraping at shingles, they will inevitably cause damage, especially when severe winter weather arrives. Trimming back trees, removing overhanging brush or vines can help prevent problems before they happen.

If you have any concerns about your roof’s winter weather readiness, contact Andrews Roofing today to schedule a roof inspection. One of our experienced roofing specialists can let you know if there are any issues that can be easily handled and repaired before extreme weather hits. Doing so will ensure your comfort and your peace of mind this season.

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How a New Roof Can Help Sell Your Home

If you’ve been thinking about putting your house on the market, you may be making a list of items to repair or update prior to listing it. Depending on the age of your home or your home’s roof, it may be worthwhile to add it to the list.

While installing a new roof can be a big investment, there is definitely a worthwhile return. Here are a few ways that installing a new roof can help you sell your home.

Increase Your Curb Appeal and Property Value
A new roof enhances the overall appearance of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. A dingy, stained roof and particularly a roof with broken, brittle or missing shingles is a big turn-off and could be the reason a buyer walks away.

A new roof can also increase the value of your home and lead to a higher appraisal value, which is beneficial if buyers are trying to secure financing. You may be able to set your selling price a little higher than the competition because buyers can be confident that they won’t have to invest in a new roof themselves for many decades. This also gives you leverage in negotiations as buyers may be less likely to negotiate for a lower price based on the home’s condition.

Expedited Sale
Homes with a new roof tend to sell faster because buyers are confident that they won’t have to go through the roof replacement process themselves for several decades. And with transferable warranties, they also won’t have to be concerned with repairs for many years. When your home has a new roof, it can be marketed as “recently renovated” or “move in ready” and this can attract more potential buyers looking for a turnkey home.

If you’ve chosen energy efficient materials to replace your roof with, you can also use that as a marketing tool, letting buyers know that their heating and cooling costs will be lower than average.

Reduce Inspection and Code Issues
A new roof installation ensures that your home complies with current building codes and regulations which can also reduce the likelihood of inspection issues or repair requests from buyers. This can lead to smoother negotiations and a more seamless closing process.

Choose the Local Experts
While installing a new roof is an investment, it will set your home apart in the competitive real estate market of southeast Virginia. So, before you stick the “for sale” sign in the yard, contact your local roofing experts at Andrews Roofing. We offer a basic or in-depth roof inspection service that, depending on the level you choose, will give you information such as your roof’s average life expectancy, current status, any needed repairs and any necessary quotes to repair or replace the roof, all in writing on Class A state licensed contractor letterhead. This is an excellent service to have done prior to putting your home on the market so a potential buyer can feel confident in their offer and so that you are not blidnsided by anything during the inspection process. Contact us today to schedule your roof inspection report.

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What Tree Trimming Has to Do With Your Home’s Health

That beautiful tree in your backyard that provides shade in the summer, fragrant blooms in the spring, vivid colors in the fall, and maybe even holds a swing or treehouse for your kids could also be damaging your home without you knowing it.

When trees are not properly managed and maintained, they pose a significant risk to your home’s roof health. And that risk isn’t just sudden, storm-related damage. Even without a storm or major weather event, trees can take a toll on your roof over time in subtle ways. But there are ways to mitigate this damage, particularly for homes battling the specific environment and severe weather of southeast Virginia.

How Trees Affect Roofs

  • Falling Debris
    Falling leaves, branches, pine needles and twigs are common culprits when it comes to roof damage caused by trees in Hampton Roads. A few leaves or needles here and there may seem harmless, but over time they can accumulate on your roof, leading to clogged gutters, water pooling, and damage to shingles and flashing.
  • Moss and Algae Growth
    Trees can create shaded and damp areas on your roof, providing an ideal environment for moss and algae growth. This is especially true in the humid and often damp climate in the Tidewater Region. Over time, moss and algae can compromise the structural integrity of your roofing materials.
  • Wildlife
    Trees are often home to a variety of wildlife including squirrels, birds and even racoons or possums. If the trees they inhabit are close enough to your house, these critters can find their way onto your roof and potentially create entry points or damage the roofing materials while searching for shelter or food. For instance, it’s not uncommon in Hampton Roads for small birds to build nests in open gutters during the spring season, creating serious clogs when summer storms hit. Roof rats and other pests are also common during the cold or wet months.
  • Falling Limbs or a Tree
    Of course, the most obvious source of tree-related damage to a roof is by limbs falling off during storms or strong winds. In our hurricane, tropical storm and nor’easter-prone region, this is especially common. During any one of these types of weather events (or even just a summer pop up thunderstorm) overhanging tree limbs can break and fall onto your roof, causing serious damage by knocking off gutters or flashing, puncturing shingles or even the roof decking below, which can lead to more extensive structural damage. There is the rare occasion when an entire tree comes down and, hopefully hits nothing, or it does hit something.

What You Can Do to Prevent Tree-Related Roof Damage

  • Identify Tree Rot
    The most likely offender in the forest is a tree with any kind of rot. Tree rot can happen for a variety of reasons: damage from storms, animals or disease, but trees that are dead or dying also invite in termites, which are certain to finish the job, causing a tree to lose any structural integrity it had left. By inspecting the trees on and around your property regularly, you can identify rot early and either call in a professional arborist who can assist in removing the affected portions of the tree while saving the rest or a tree removal company if the damage is too far along.
  • Remove or Trim Encroaching Trees
    Even if trees are healthy, they can still create an unsafe situation if they begin to encroach on your home’s immediate perimeter. Pruning and trimming trees near your home is essential, because even if a limb or debris doesn’t come flying off, consistent contact between a tree and your roof can cause its own kind of damage. This is often seen in loose gutters and loose or missing shingles. Again, consult with a professional arborist and/or tree trimming company to remedy this.
  • Keep Gutters Clear
    Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent debris accumulation and water damage. Clogged gutterscan lead to water overflow, which can damage your roof, siding, and foundation.
  • Install Gutter Guards
    Consider installing high capacity gutters and gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters. High quality gutters and leaf guards can be a valuable investment in maintaining your roof’s health.
  • Don’t Forget the Flashing
    Properly installed flashing around roof penetrations, such as chimneys or vents, can help protect your roof from water intrusion due to tree-related damage. A roof specialist can inspect your roof to ensure flashing is properly installed and that existing flashing is not damaged, loose or missing.

While the variety of trees in coastal Virginia can enhance the beauty and value of your property, it’s essential to be mindful of their potential to damage your home’s roof. Regular maintenance, including tree trimming, gutter cleaning, and roof inspections, is key to preventing costly roof repairs. By taking proactive steps to protect your roof, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of having trees on your property without worrying about the potential damage they may cause. Your home and roof will thank you for it in the long run.

We Can Help

If you’ve experienced damage to your roof from trees or other causes, Andrews Roofing can help. We’ve been providing reputable, high-quality roofing services in the Hampton Roads region for decades, and we’re familiar with the specific issues that arise in this area. We can help you not just repair your roof, but also identify and fix potential problems so your roof and home remain healthy long after our work is done. Contact us today.

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