Residential Roofing Projects

By bc-admin | May 21, 2026

Tags: algae covered shingles, algae on roof, algae resistant shingles, gutter loosening, power wash roof, power washing roof, professional gutter cleaning, roof granule loss, roof inspection, shingle breakage, shingle cracking, shingle lifting, shingle loosening, should i power wash my roof, soffit penetration, soft wash roof, void roof warranty

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Residential Roofing, Residential Roofing Projects, Roof Damage, Roof Flashing, Roof Leak, Roof Maintenance, Roof Warranty, Roofing Information

Protecting Your Roof While Power Washing

This is the time of year that many Hampton Roads homeowners get outside and start tidying up their yard and home’s exterior as outdoor living season takes off.

For some, this includes power washing off mold, mildew and other dirt that has accumulated on vinyl siding, wood fascia, gutters and even brick. While this is a good task to stay on top of to keep your house looking good and to protect your home’s building materials from decay, there are also risks, especially the higher up you go.

It’s tempting to take the power washing all the way to the top – especially when you see algae and mold buildup on your roof. If it works on the siding and driveway, why not the roof, right? But the damage you can cause to yourself and your home with this well-intentioned chore could be disastrous.

What Happens When You Power Wash Shingles

It’s never a good idea to power wash your roof. First and foremost, it’s incredibly dangerous to you. Walking on a slick, steep slope roof with a powerful tool in hand is a recipe for injury. But it’s also likely to do more harm than good to your roof as well. Here’s how:

Granule loss: the protective granules embedded in asphalt shingles are what shield them from UV rays and weather. The high pressure of the pressure washer strips them away, which can make them age faster.
Shingle breakage and cracking: older or already-weathered shingles are brittle; the added pressure can crack, split, or blow them away entirely.
Voided manufacturer warranty: many shingle manufacturers explicitly exclude damage from pressure washing, so don’t take any chances of losing a valuable warranty.
Water penetration to roof decking: a power washer has the ability to raise shingles up when the spray is pointed at the right angle. When that happens, water can penetrate to the underlayment and even to the roof decking, leading to rot, mold and eventually structural damage.

Power Washing Fascia, Gutters and Soffits

It’s also tempting to power wash the fascia, gutters and soffit on the outside of your house, as they can tend to get mildewed, especially in highly shaded areas or on the north side of your home. There are some ways to do this safely but keep these points in mind.

Upward spray under shingles: angling the wand upward forces water past the shingle’s overlap. As mentioned above, this can penetrate to the roof deck, causing much bigger and long-term damage.
Shingle lifting and loosening: the force can break the seal strip between shingles, leaving them vulnerable to strong wind lift afterward.
Gutter loosening: the force of a power washer may loosen or even detach gutters from the fascia or your home, or downspouts from their connection points. When gutters are not in place, they don’t move water away from your home correctly, which can lead to water damage along your foundation.
Soffit penetration: water driven into soffits can reach attic insulation, causing moisture buildup and mold growth inside the home.

What Should You Do Instead?

You want your home to look beautiful and protect it from long-term staining and damage, but there are right ways and wrong ways to do that. Here are a few ideas that are safer but still effective.

Soft washing: consider a low-pressure application of a biocide or cleaning solution designed specifically for roofs. These often attach to regular water hoses and can kill algae and mildew without physical force.
Professional gutter cleaning: Hire a local professional to manually clean your gutters with professional tools and leave the ladder climbing to them.
Annual professional roof inspection: catch buildup and early damage before it becomes a bigger problem. Call your local roofing professional if you have any concerns about roof aging, damage or maintenance. They will know what to look for and also how to identify and deal with it safely.
Algae-resistant shingles: there are some roofing materials now that have built-in algae resistance. Talk to your roofing contractor about these options if you’re considering a roof replacement. This is a particularly good choice for homeowners in the Hampton Roads region, which sees wet, humid weather year-round.

Take the Pressure Off Yourself

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Don’t let a DIY weekend compromise it, costing you money or even your safety. At Andrews Roofing we know all the telltale signs of roof damage – whether it was caused by you, the weather, age or previous owners. Contact us today if you have any concerns about your roof’s condition; we’d be happy to help point you in the right direction, while taking the pressure off you.

How a Home Renovation Can Impact Your Existing Roof

Are you planning a big home renovation this spring to add a screened in porch, a sunroom, second story addition, kitchen expansion or anything else that affects the footprint of your home?

If so, you’ve probably been focused on floor plans and layouts, but it’s time to look up. One very critical component can be overlooked in the early stages of renovation planning: how the new structure will tie into and affect your existing roof system.

We work with plenty of homeowners in Hampton Roads who are surprised to learn that a renovation may require more than just “adding on” a little extra roofing. Here’s what you should know before construction begins so you can plan and budget accordingly.

When New Roofing Has to Tie into an Existing Roofline

Even if the existing shingles look fine from the ground, portions of the original roof may need to be removed to ensure the tie-in is watertight and structurally sound. A roof is a system, not just shingles. Proper flashing, underlayment, decking, and ventilation all have to work together. When a new roof section is integrated, those components must align seamlessly with the original system.

When you add a screened porch, covered patio, garage, or full home addition, the new roof must physically connect to the existing roof system. This connection point is often where issues arise. During construction, contractors may need to open up sections of the existing roof decking, depending on how the new structure ties into your existing structure. A new roof tie-in can involve creating a new valley where the two roof planes meet – a critical juncture point that can make or break the integrity of a roofing system.

At minimum, it will require removing existing shingles to properly install flashing and underlayment or even modifying the roof decking or underlying rafters for structural support. They may also need to modify the home’s framing to support any new load. This is especially true for second-story additions or large bump-outs. New ridge or soffit vents may be necessary, and gutters and downspouts are likely to be rerouted. Finally, the ventilation in your attic may need to be adjusted to accommodate an expanded footprint.

Will You Have to Replace the Entire Roof?

The answer really depends on several factors to determine whether a partial replacement is sufficient or whether a full roof replacement makes more sense.

Age of the Existing Roof. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan (for example, a 20-year-old architectural shingle roof), it may not be cost-effective to tie new roofing into aging materials. You could end up replacing the entire roof a few years later anyway.
Condition of Existing Materials. If there’s curling or brittle shingles, granule loss, prior storm damage, or soft decking, a full replacement may be necessary. Unfortunately, some of those issues may not be apparent until construction begins.
Matching Materials. Shingle colors and product lines change over time. If your current shingles are discontinued, the new section may not match perfectly. For homeowners concerned about curb appeal this can be a deciding factor.

In many cases, homeowners choose to replace the entire roof during a major renovation simply for aesthetic continuity, long-term value and getting all of the construction out of the way at once.

What to Expect

Every type of renovation project is different, but there are some similarities across certain types of projects.

Screened Porch or Covered Patio

These projects often involve cutting into the existing roof line to create a new connection and new slope. Expect partial shingle removal and new flashing installation.

Garage Addition

This may create new valleys and require significant integration into the main roof structure. Expect removal of some existing roofing materials, possible structural changes to rafters and roof decking.

Second-Story Addition

Adding a new story to a home typically requires removing large portions (or all) of the existing roof structure. The new structure will require a new roof system, and whether or not that ties into your existing roofline will depend on the design.

Bump-Out or Kitchen Expansion

Bump outs can involve complex transitions and slope changes that demand careful waterproofing and sound structural design and construction. Expect that significant changes will need to be made to the existing roofline and plan for the possibility of needing to replace all exterior roofing materials in order to have a seamless transition to the new structure.

Timing Matters in Hampton Roads

Because of the unpredictable weather patterns we see across Southeast Virginia, scheduling roofing work strategically during renovations is important. Temporary exposure during tie-ins can create vulnerability if unexpected rain or storms roll in. Coordination between your general contractor and roofing contractor ensures that materials are delivered and staged properly, that open roof sections are protected, and that the installation sequence minimizes risk to your home. Bringing in a licensed roofing contractor during the planning phase before framing begins can prevent costly change orders and water intrusion issues later.

The Bottom Line

A home renovation doesn’t just expand your interior living space, it changes much about your home’s exterior, including the roofing system. Sometimes a tie-in is simple. Other times, it’s an opportunity to upgrade aging materials, improve ventilation, or invest in a full replacement that enhances both curb appeal and protection.

If you’re planning a screened-in porch, home addition, or structural renovation in the Tidewater Region, involving a local, qualified roofing professional early in the process can help you make informed decisions and avoid surprises. At Andrews Roofing, we’re happy to evaluate your existing roof, collaborate with your contractor, and help you determine the smartest path forward for your home. Contact us today.

Roof Replacement ROI: The Hidden Financial Perks of a New Roof

Replacing your roof is a major home improvement project, and for many homeowners, the upfront cost can feel daunting.

But what many people don’t realize is that a new roof is also a smart financial investment that can pay off in a number of ways—both immediately and long-term. From lowering your monthly bills to increasing your home’s resale value, here are some of the top financial benefits of investing in a total roof replacement.

Lower Energy Costs

Older roofs often have worn-out shingles, deteriorating underlayment, or poor ventilation. All of these factors allow air to escape (or stay trapped), making your HVAC system work harder to heat or cool your home. A new roof with modern materials and proper insulation and ventilation can improve energy efficiency, leading to lower monthly utility bills. Over time, these savings add up significantly. Some roofing products are even ENERGY STAR® rated or “cool roof” certified, which may qualify you for additional rebates or tax credits.

Potentially Lower Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies know that older roofs are more likely to fail during storms, leading to costly claims. Many insurance companies offer better rates for homeowners who invest in a new roof because it reduces the risk of leaks, water damage, and structural issues. In Southeast Virginia, where hurricanes and nor’easters are a constant reality, this can be an especially valuable benefit. A stronger, more resilient roof could keep you from paying hefty deductibles after storm damage and seeing your insurance rate skyrocket.

Increased Resale Value

If you plan on selling your home in the next 5–10 years, a new roof is one of the top upgrades that attracts buyers. A roof replacement not only boosts curb appeal but also provides peace of mind for potential buyers, knowing they won’t need to take on a major repair immediately after purchase. Most real estate agents will tell you that homes with newer roofs sell faster and often for more money. Plus, some roofing warranties are transferable, a great selling point that will appeal to any buyer.

More Home Equity and Better Financing Options

For homeowners considering refinancing or taking out a home equity loan, the appraised value of your home matters. A new roof can raise that appraisal, giving you more equity to borrow against for other improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses. Some lenders also look at roof age when assessing loan risk, so replacing your roof may even help secure better interest rates.

Avoiding Costly Repairs Elsewhere in the Home

Older roofs are more prone to leaks, missing shingles, and other recurring issues. While patchwork repairs might seem cheaper in the moment, they add up quickly and don’t fix the root of the problem when a roof has reached the end of its lifespan. Older, decaying roof materials can also allow water intrusion, causing damage to insulation, drywall, flooring, and even your home’s foundation. By replacing your roof, you’re protecting the rest of your home from cascading repair costs.

Long-Term Protection and Peace of Mind

Financial security isn’t just about immediate savings—it’s also about avoiding unexpected expenses. With a new roof under warranty, you won’t have to worry about sudden leaks or emergency repairs draining your savings. That peace of mind has real financial value, since it lets you plan your household budget without the fear of surprise expenses.

Make a Smart Investment with a Local Team

Replacing your roof is a financial decision that can benefit you now and well into the future. But we know that it’s also a major investment, so if you’re ready to make the financially wise choice for your home, contact Andrews Roofing today. Our team has decades of experience helping homeowners in Hampton Roads, Tidewater, and Southeast Virginia protect their investment with expert roof replacements that last.

Category: Residential Roofing Projects