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

Selecting the Best Possible Roofing Contractor

Selecting the Best Possible Roofing Contractor

One of the most important investments you will ever make for your home is a sturdy, durable roof. With warm weather across the United States, it’s an excellent time to have a new roof installed or to hire a contractor to do some needed repairs on your roof. Finding the right contractor can be a little challenging, but we have some tips you can use.

Consider Referrals

If you have a neighbor, coworker, or friend who has had a roof installed or repaired, ask them about their experience. You may find out things you won’t elsewhere. Ask about how the work was done and if they are satisfied looking back on the experience. You can also hit up lumber yards or hardware stores to get ideas.

Research Local Companies

First things first, consider your options. Make sure you can find contact information and determine that the companies are licensed and insured. Check how long they’ve been operating and what sort of reviews they have online. You can search for complaints using Angie’s List or Yelp. You should also consider visiting the company website to see if it is professional and well put together.

Meet the Contractors

You likely have narrowed down your options and have a few that you are considering. This sets stage two, when you actually meet with representatives of the companies you’re looking at. Have them visit to talk about your roofing needs, potential materials, and how long the job may take. Ask any questions that you have before you choose a contractor to do the job.

Get it in Writing

Before you allow anyone to start work, you need a contract. That contract should state everything from what materials will be used to the length of product warranties. You should also find information about liability and safety procedures. Finally, check for a schedule, payment amount, and what method of clean-up is covered. If you have questions, this is another great time to get them answers.

Whether you need a small repair, huge repair, or a full roof installation, Andrews Roofing can help. Contact us today by sending an email to [email protected] or completing a contact form to get a free estimate for your next project.

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Our Peope: David Wood, Estimator/Project Manager

David Wood_Head shot_103114David Wood has always been a hands-on type of guy. With his strong work ethic, natural talent for building and big heart, we are lucky to have someone so dedicated to delivering the very best to our customers.

Early in life, David learned that he received an incredible amount of satisfaction from managing projects from start to finish. Building was more than an interest; it was a passion that he has always taken a great deal of pride in.

After 7 years of government contracting experience working a superintendent and project manager, David found himself at Andrews Roofing where he could use his talents to specialize in the field of roofing.

With a wealth of experience and training in residential remodeling, David is a natural at estimating for homeowners. His responsibilities include residential estimation as well as overseeing each installation from estimate to final inspection. His strength lies in his ability to understand the customer while delivering a quality finished product. Installing roofs is a process, and with David on the job, we know that the outcome will be one of quality.

When you do what you love and love what you do, the end result will always be one that is sure to please. This most certainly is true for David. His personality and work ethic make him an invaluable asset to our team.

If you are interested in a residential shingle roof replacement, ask for David Wood and we will schedule and estimate for you.

Jeri Eley – Operations Coordinator, 757-399-3066, [email protected]

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TPO for Commercial Roofs

TPO, or Thermoplastic Polyolefin, is a synthetic rubber compound that is one of the most popular roofing solutions for commercial buildings today.

There are many notable advantages to installing a TPO system on a commercial building. For one, TPO can be fused to create a highly reliable, long-lasting seam. In addition to its strength, it is a heat-reflective, energy efficient material that was created to withstand the effects of ozone, chemical, and ultraviolet exposure. The materials’ ability to endure these types of effects is what makes it such a cost effective option.

Flat roof with skylights from 2010

TPO comes in several different thicknesses and can be mechanically fastened, fully-adhered, or ballasted, depending on the existing structure. It is most commonly applied in a white color to maximize its efficiency. By reflecting heat and light, TPO guards the roof from absorbing and transmitting outside temperatures to the interior of the building.

Having a qualified roofer is essential when installing TPO. The estimator must assess the current condition of the roof and recommend the best system to install. Even the preparation to the surface of the existing roof is essential for proper installation.

Andrews Roofing has highly qualified, knowledgeable estimators and installation crews with several years of experience with TPO systems. If you are interested in inquiring about a new TPO roof for your commercial building, feel free to contact our office.

Jeri Eley/Operations Coordinator |757-399-3066 | [email protected]

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A Few Things to Consider When Replacing Your Residential Roof

There are many factors that can determine when and how you replace your residential roof. Here are a few things to consider if you think it may be time to replace your roof:

Geographic Location
Do you live by the water or in an open field? Is your property located in area that regularly experiences high winds? If so, you may want to consider higher grade materials for your roof, in lieu of basic 3-tab shingles. If you live by the ocean, salt water is also a factor, as it can affect metal, so if metal is used you should consult with your estimator on recommended options.

Budget
If money is an object, the most popular, economical choice for a residential reroof is an architectural style shingle. This roof is a step up from the basic grade, 3-tab shingle. Although the 3-tab shingle can provide a good quality roof, it can withstand winds up to about 60 mph, whereas an architectural roof can withstand up to 130 mph. The difference in price for your investment is usually worth the upgrade if that increase can be accommodated by your budget.

Pitch of Roof
Pitch or slope (steepness) of your roof, or certain portions of your roof, plays a major role in what type of roof will best perform on that surface. Anything from flat to a 3:12 pitch is considered a low slope roof and should, in almost all cases, receive a membrane roof system for best performance.

Home or Rental/How Long Do You Plan to Stay?
People who plan to live in a property for several years typically tend to invest a little more in their roof system so that it will not need to be replaced as frequently. When replacing the roof on a rental property, the decision to go with a lower or higher grade material depends on what you are looking for as far as your return on investment.

Look/Style of the Roof System
Luxury shingles, metal, flat, slate, and specialty materials all have a unique appearance. Choose a roof system that will not only last, but that compliments the appearance of the property.

Tearing Off Old Roof vs. Roofing Over
We do not recommend installing materials over shingles. It is important to inspect the wood deck to ensure that the new roof is being installed over a sound structure. Roofing materials are extremely heavy, and building on a structure that cannot support the weight of the materials can be dangerous.  Roofing over a previously installed roof can be considered under certain circumstances, usually with flat roof systems, but consult with your roofer for the best solution.

Timing
Not waiting too long to replace a roof can save you quite a bit of money in the long run. Ongoing leaks on any roof can lead to rotten and deteriorated sheathing, which adds up in the end.

Be sure to consult with a qualified, licensed roofing company on best practices.

Jeri Eley/Operations Coordinator/757-399-3066/[email protected]

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Flat / Low Slope Roof Overlay Replacement as an Option (Retro – Fit)

There are many ways to handle your roof replacement. A lot of commercial and residential flat roof owners know that you can install a new roof over top of an old one. Many old built-up roofs are still out there, and most even have rocks on them. These roofs can be expensive to tear off and dispose of, so for years roofers have been overlaying with “recovery” insulation board and single – ply roof systems such as TPO membrane, E.P.D.M., modified bitumen membrane, and P.V.C. membrane. These roof systems will last about 20 years and then you tear both roof layers off and start over.

Single-Ply roof systems are also roofed over. Building codes only allow for two layers of roofing and we agree with this code. Also, the insulation and roof deck on your existing roof must be dry and in such a certain condition to be roofed over. Some roofs cannot be left in place and roofed over for several reasons, so consult with a roofing professional to see if it is an option.

Special specifications are made by the industry when roofing over, so be sure you can trust and rely on your roofer to do the job correctly. Generally, it is better to tear off the old roof, but in many cases a roof over is a very acceptable option. In fact, based on my experience, the vast majority of one layer flat roofs get a retro-fit treatment.

Call or email me if you want to talk about it. Thanks for reading.

Robert Andrews, II
President/Estimator
Phone: 757-286-7400
Email: [email protected]

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Roof Coatings

Sometimes you can coat your roof instead of having to actually remove it and replace it with a new one. It can be much more cost effective, and in some cases, it can be better for your home, business or church roof.

Asphalt shingle roofs can’t be coated, but just about all other types of roofs are “coatable.” Of course, your roof must be in a “coatable” condition. We coat mainly metal and single – ply membrane flat or low slope roofs and it works very well on these surfaces. Examples of single – ply roofs are smooth modified bitumen membrane, TPO membrane , P.V.C. membrane, and E.P.D.M.

Coating a metal roof is usually more cost effective than replacing it because metal roofs are a premium roof system and, in some cases, are old with historic architectural designs that you may want to preserve. You can simply prep it and use a fibrated coating such as aluminum coating or asphalt coating to stop minor leaks and maintain the roof.  This application can also dress it up a bit for aesthetic reasons.  If you really want something nice, we can apply an acrylic / elastomeric coating system, which may or may not include fabric, and even get you a real warranty! This is like roof “membrane in a can.” They do come in colors, of course, and most localities do not require a building permit for coatings, which keeps costs down.

We can apply the same types of coatings to single – ply roofs. We make sure there is no moisture in the flat roof or standing on the surface (ponding water) in a case where a coating would be feasible.

Believe it or not, one can even use some coatings as, “stand alone roof systems,” where the coating is applied right over the plywood roof sheathing.  One advantage, under these circumstances, is that coatings do not blow off and they are extremely light weight, making it alright to overlay an old roof.

High end premium coatings come with 10 and 15 year water tight warranties from the manufacturer and are renewable in most cases. The manufacturer would come out, inspect the roof when it is near the end of its warranty period, tell you what to do to maintain the roof coating system, and renew it for another 10 years even!

If you are interested in coating your roof, ask a roofing professional if it will work for you.

Thanks for reading. Call or email with anytime with any questions because I have not included everything here. I’m really not that good of a writer so … just the facts!

Robert Andrews, II
Andrews Roofing Company, Inc.
757-286-7400
www.andrewsroofing.com
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