Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Category: Roof Installation

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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Don’t Blame the Roof: Why Your Chimney May be the Cause of a Leak

Roof leaks are a homeowner’s nightmare, leading to potential damage, mold growth, and costly repairs. 

While many people associate roof leaks with damaged shingles or flashing, one often overlooked culprit is the chimney. Chimneys can be a source of significant water damage if not properly maintained. But how do you know whether your leak is coming from your roof or your chimney?

How Your Chimney Can Cause a Roof Leak:

  • Cracked or deteriorated chimney crown: The chimney crown is the concrete or cement layer at the top of the chimney. Over time, exposure to harsh weather conditions can cause it to crack or deteriorate, allowing water to seep into the masonry and eventually into the roof.
  • Damaged or missing chimney flashing: Flashing is the metal strip that seals the intersection between the chimney and the roof. If the flashing becomes damaged, improperly installed, or starts to deteriorate, it can create a pathway for water to enter the roof system.
  • Crumbling mortar joints: The mortar that holds the bricks or stones of the chimney together can deteriorate over time due to weathering. As the mortar crumbles, gaps and openings can form, permitting water infiltration into the roof.

How to Detect a Chimney-Related Roof Leak:

  • Internal signs: Look for water stains, peeling paint, or discoloration on ceilings or walls near the chimney. These are often indicators of a leak. Mold growth or musty odors may also be present.
  • Exterior signs: Inspect the chimney for cracks, crumbling masonry, or missing flashing. Pay attention to any signs of water pooling on the roof or around the chimney after a heavy rainfall.
  • Attic inspection: Check your attic for signs of water damage, such as damp insulation, water stains, or rotting wood near the chimney.

Taking Steps to Repair the Damage:

  • Consult a professional: If you suspect your chimney is causing a roof leak, it is crucial to contact a qualified roofing professional and/or chimney specialist. Depending on the damage you may need both specialists to come in and do repairs – especially if a chimney leak has caused damage to nearby areas of your roof.
  • Chimney crown repair: If the chimney crown is cracked or deteriorated, it should be repaired or replaced. A chimney professional can apply a waterproof sealant or construct a new crown to prevent water penetration.
  • Flashing replacement: Damaged or missing flashing should be replaced with new, properly installed flashing. This will ensure a secure seal between the chimney and the roof. A qualified roofing contractor can do this repair and in some cases a chimney repair company can as well.
  • Mortar joint repair: If the mortar joints are deteriorating, a process called tuckpointing can be performed. This involves removing the damaged mortar and replacing it with new mortar to restore the chimney’s integrity. This should only be done by an experienced chimney and masonry expert.
  • Regular maintenance: To prevent future leaks, schedule regular chimney inspections and maintenance. Keep the chimney free of debris, ensure proper ventilation, and consider applying a waterproofing sealant to protect against moisture.

While chimneys provide warmth and charm to our homes, they can also become a pesky source of roof leaks if neglected. Just like other functional and structural aspects of your home, pay attention to your chimney and visually inspect it regularly. If you think it may be causing any leaks or issues, contact a professional as soon as possible before further damage is done. By addressing chimney-related issues promptly, you can protect your home and preserve its structural integrity for years to come.

Andrews Roofing has been providing homeowners in Hampton Roads with sound roofing repair advice and services for over 25 years. If you’re not sure if your leak is coming from roof or chimney damage, contact us today. Our experts can provide an on-site inspection to help identify the issues and make a plan for repairs – whether we do them ourselves or refer you to a local chimney specialist.

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Why Are Metals Roofs More Expensive?

If you’ve been considering reroofing your home, you’ve probably been researching and pricing out different options.

These days there are many more options than just a traditional 3-tab asphalt shingle. There are composite materials, walkable surfaces, wood, clay tile and metal. Of all of these materials, metal roofing is showing the largest growth in consumer interest. While metal roofs are typically more expensive upfront compared to shingled roofs, there are some good reasons why the price disparity exists and many cost benefits associated with a metal roof. Here are just a few things to consider when evaluating whether metal is the right materials for your home’s new roof.

Why so high?
So why do metal roofs have a higher upfront cost than traditional shingles?

First, the materials used in metal roofs, such as steel, aluminum, or copper, are generally more expensive than the asphalt materials used in traditional shingles. These heavy-duty materials can also cost more to manufacture and to ship. Most manufacturers have a factory applied paint finish, with a wide range of color options and some custom colors or less common colors may have an additional cost.

Secondly, they have a longer lifespan thanks to the durability of the materials used. While a typical shingle roof can be expected to function properly for 20 to 30 years, a metal roof can be expected to perform for 50 or more years with proper maintenance. This longevity significantly reduces the need for roof replacements. You may go through two asphalt shingle roofs in the lifespan of one metal roof, making the metal roof much more cost effective over time.

Thirdly, metal roofs withstand heavy winds and storms better than a traditionally shingled roof. This matters a lot in places like southeast Virginia where we encounter hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters and plenty of regular old severe storms at any given time of the year. While shingle roofs may be rated for up to 110 mph winds, some metal roofs are rated for 140 mph winds or even more. That’s the difference between withstanding a category two hurricane and a category four hurricane. The reduced costs in repairs over time also contribute to the long-term value of a metal roof.

Finally, metal roofs are more energy efficient, which can lead to cost savings in the long term. They reflect a significant portion of the sun’s radiant heat, reducing the need for air conditioning during hot summer months. This reflective property, coupled with proper insulation, can help lower cooling costs and decrease energy consumption. Moreover, some metal roofs are designed with integral air gaps or coatings that enhance their insulating properties, further reducing heating costs in colder climates. These energy-saving advantages contribute to lower utility bills and, ultimately, a return on investment for homeowners who choose metal roofs.

So yes, metal roofs are a steeper upfront investment in your home. But the cost has long-term benefits that can outweigh the initial cost disparity. The extended lifespan, reduced need for roof replacements, energy efficiency, and consequent cost savings make metal roofs a wise and financially sound choice for homeowners seeking durability, sustainability, and long-term economic advantages.

If you’re weighing your roofing materials options, we’d be happy to help guide you through the process. At Andrews Roofing we take pride in using the best products on the market, no matter what material you decide to go with. We take our time with clients, walking them through the pros and cons, typical costs and even financing options because we know that replacing your roof is a big decision and a long-term investment. Contact us today for a roofing consultation.

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What to Expect During a Roof Replacement

You know your home needs a new roof, but you don’t know what your expectations should be around how that project may impact your daily life.

It’s a common and completely reasonable concern, but one that can be worked out and managed with a good roofing contractor. It’s inevitable that your daily routine will be disrupted a bit during the process, but knowing certain details in advance can help you prepare for this disruption so that your life can still move along smoothly and you can ensure your home is in tip-top shape.

While every project is different, there are a few things that you can expect to experience regardless of the size or type of roof being replaced.

Noise:
Roof replacement necessarily involves a lot of hammering, drilling, and other loud noises. There’s simply no way around this. However, having a timeline worked out in advance with your contractor will allow you to plan around the noise. If you work from home, you may want to find an alternative place to set up shop for a few days. If you have small kids who are at home during the day, it’s a great time to plan some outings or play dates. Please understand that you’ll need to be a bit flexible as roofing work can only be done when the weather is appropriate and sometimes crews need to make up for lost time.

Debris:
During the roof replacement process, debris such as old shingles, nails, and other roofing materials may fall onto the ground around the house. While the work is being done, it is important for the homeowner to ensure that their pets and children are kept away from the area until the work is complete. After work is done, your contractor should clean up the work zone as well as they can, but it’s a good idea to sweep the perimeter of your home to double check for any nails or shingle staples or other debris home before letting kids and pets loose. Using a magnetic pick-up tool is extremely helpful for small metal debris that is hard to spot such as shingle staples, and you can find them for under $20 at your local hardware store.

Workers:
You can expect several workers to be on site during the entirety of the project. You may want to introduce yourself to these individuals or at least to the project manager or foreman at the start of the project so you feel comfortable asking them questions or answering theirs. Keep in mind you’ll need to keep driveways and pathways around the house clear for the crew to get trucks and materials in and out. Removing lawn furniture or other outdoor equipment and items from around your house will make their job easier and also help to make sure none of your property is damaged.

Delays:
Even the best laid plans for a roof replacement can be undone by bad weather, material delays or crew shortages. Things happen that are outside of everyone’s control, so expect for a few bumps in the road along the way. Finding the right roofing contractor who communicates with you promptly and clearly is the key to getting through these little inevitable inconveniences without too much frustration.

If you’re ready for a new roof and are looking for a roofing contractor with a great reputation in the Hampton Roads region, give Andrews Roofing a call. We’ve worked with customers in the Tidewater area for decades and have a proven track record of great customer service and high-quality workmanship. Contact us today.

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Under the Same Roof: How to Repair and Replace Shared Roofing Structures

If you live in a townhouse, condo or rowhouse situation in which you share a roof with your neighbors, you likely have legitimate concerns about ever having to repair or replace it.

A shared roof can pose unique challenges for homeowners living beneath them, especially when there are no condo or homeowner associations to manage the decision making. If your home has a shared roof, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Get to Know Your Neighbors
For many reasons, it’s a good idea to get to know your neighbors. But it’s particularly important if you share walls, fences, roofs, yards, etc. The better you know your neighbors, the more likely you are to have an amicable discussion about repairs and replacements when the time comes. You’ll also be more aware of their specific situation and whether they are ready and willing to invest money in their home.

It’s also a good idea to have frank conversations with your neighbors about where they stand on shared repairs so no one is taken by surprise when something comes up. These conversations are easier to have when there isn’t an emergency or dire need so people don’t feel pressured to make a decision.

Get Ahead of the Problem
An ounce of maintenance is worth a pound of repair. Talk to your neighbors about having your roof professionally inspected every few years, and work together to ensure the roof is maintained from the outside, keeping gutters clear and debris removed. Each of you should also be checking your attic spaces to check for moisture, leaks or ventilation issues, and keeping each other informed of what you find.

This is more important than you’d think, but we’ve personally seen neighbors suing neighbors because one person’s roof was causing a leak on the other homeowner’s side due to disrepair. Nipping these issues in the bud early can prevent a lot of headache and cost down the line.

Work Together
If and when the time comes for a roofing replacement, it is possible to work together with your neighbors to come to a solution. We have replaced roofs for multiple owners under the same roof who worked together to find the right contractor, material, color and installation schedule that worked for all of them. Don’t assume this is an impossibility. Give your neighbors the benefit of the doubt that they also want to make sure their home is well maintained and protected.

The first and most important thing to do is to discuss your budget and what each homeowner is reasonably willing and able to spend on the project. The next step is to decide who will be in charge of certain responsibilities. For instance, will one person be in charge of collecting all the estimates, or should each neighbor schedule and report back on a single estimate? Will one person be responsible for cutting the check and getting payment from everyone else, or will the contractor accept equal payments from each person directly? Does someone need to finance their portion? If so, then they may need to work directly with the contractor to set up a payment plan, while everyone else can pay their share in cash.

Finally, it’s critical to be flexible. Not everyone is going to agree on every single thing, whether it’s budget, contractor, material or color. Talk about your non-negotiables and try to find some common ground to reach a solution that meets everyone’s top needs. But don’t go into the situation assuming you will get every single thing you want on your checklist.

Last Resort: Go It Alone
It is possible in some cases to have a single portion of a shared roof repaired or replaced if you cannot get your neighbors on board for a full reroofing. It is by no means ideal, and it’s important to note that it can impact warranties and workmanship guarantees. But, if your roof is damaged or at the end of its life, you’re better off doing something now and avoiding further damage than waiting for all your neighbors to get on the same page.

If you have a shared roof situation and need an estimate, advice or inspection, give Andrews Roofing a call. We’ve worked with families in the Hampton Roads region for decades and we know this area’s specific types of housing scenarios so we can give you the best solution to your roofing problem. Contact us today.

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