Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Category: Roofing Repairs

How to Know When to Request a Service Call for Your Roof

For some things in life, it’s very easy to know when it’s time to call in a professional. If your car breaks down on the highway, it’s time for a mechanic. If you break your leg, it’s time for a doctor. But there are some things that are a little less obvious. For instance, knowing exactly when to call in someone to service and inspect your roof can be tricky for some homeowners. A lot of your roof may not be visible to you, and from the ground it can be difficult to spot some of the tell-tale signs of decay or damage. But there are a few good ways to tell if it’s time to call in a roofing professional, so here are some signs to look out for.

Soaring Energy Bills
Your energy bill may be soaring lately because of rate increases, but pay attention to the actual kilowatt hours you’re using each month. If that number has started to rise over time and you haven’t made any changes or added any new electrical elements to your home, that can be a sign of a roof that needs service. That’s because your roof is one of the main temperature control elements of your house. A leaky roof lets water in but it also lets warm or cold air out. Don’t pay money to air condition the outside, call a roofing company instead and see if any repairs are needed that will help make your energy bill (somewhat) more reasonable.

Sagging
A sagging roofline – usually a gentle slope down toward the middle of a roofline, or drooping at the edge of an eave – is a sign that there are problems with the underlying structure. This could mean that the rafters, roof decking or both have started to deteriorate. This can happen due to age, but it can also happen if moisture is coming in through the roof, causing the wood beneath to rot or invite termites. In any of those cases, a professional roofing company and potentially a general contractor and pest company may be needed to address this issue. Left unchecked, a sagging roof can cause massive and extremely expensive damage to the core structure of your home.

Dark Spots
Leaks don’t always present themselves as a steady stream of water or even a drip directly from the ceiling. In slow leak cases, a dark spot on in the interior will appear and start to grow in the area where the water is penetrating the roof. This is often in the corner of rooms that are along the exterior of a home. The dark spots may appear on the ceilings, but they also can appear along and down walls, especially if water is entering the house along the roofline. As soon as you see a dark spot start to appear, call a roofing company. The longer you allow those spots to grow and exist, the more likely it is that mold, mildew, and other types of water damage will occur in areas beyond your home’s roof. Drywall, trim, window casings and even flooring may need to be replaced if leaks are not addressed quickly.

Debris
If you’re finding bits of asphalt shingles in your yard, especially after a weather event, this may be a sign that your roof needs to be replaced. While asphalt shingles are very durable, they do have a life expectancy of 20-30 years. This means that even homes built after the year 2000 may be due for a new roof. Another sign of shingle deterioration is asphalt grit in your gutters. Small, sandy bits of a shingle’s asphalt will start to slough off when they’ve reached the end of their lifespan, and very often this material will make its way into your gutters and even down the downspout. Again, this is especially noticeable after a weather event with heavy rain.

The Obvious
Of course, there are some obvious signs that it’s time for a roofing professional’s opinion. Missing shingles, clear water leaks, or a roof that’s older than 30 years most certainly requires a service call to your local roofing company.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues in your home, contact Andrews Roofing. We’ve been working in the Hampton Roads region for over 25 years and we know the common issues homeowners in Tidewater experience. We can help you determine the best next step for your roof, whether that’s a roof repair or total roof replacement.

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Winter Roofing Concerns: Roof Rat Infestations

You’ve heard of bats in the belfry and skeletons in the closet, but there’s something much scarier and much more likely to be in your home – rats in the roof.

Roof rats, also known as black rats or ship rats, are a common problem in many parts of the United States, but especially in coastal and southern regions such as southeast Virginia. Their populations do particularly well in suburban and urban areas where they can find food and shelter easily and where the climate is mild. In other words – Hampton Roads is their ideal location. But even the Tidewater region can get chilly in the depths of winter, and right now is the time when roof rats and other rodents look for warm places to take up residence.

Since these agile rodents are known for their ability to climb, they can easily access elevated areas such as attics, trees, and sheds. Unfortunately, roof rats can cause significant damage to your roof and home, making it important to understand the signs of an infestation and how to effectively get rid of them.

Identifying Signs of Roof Rats

There are some telltale signs of roof rats that will help you determine if it’s time to take action. Even if you only notice a few of these signs, it’s still worth reaching out to a professional pest service before additional damage is done and even more professionals need to be called in.

Look out for:

  • Droppings: Dark, moist droppings near food sources or around your attic access may indicate a roof rat infestation.
  • Scratching or scurrying sounds: You may hear these in the walls, ceilings, or attic, especially at night.
  • Gnaw marks: Look for holes or gnaw marks on roofing materials, pipes, or electrical wires as well as potential food sources.
  • Nesting materials: Roof rats often use soft materials such as insulation, paper, or cloth to construct their nests. If you find loose material like this mysteriously lying around your house and especially in or near your attic, it may be from a roof rat attempting to transport it to their nest.
  • Unpleasant odors: Roof rats can produce a strong, unpleasant odor, especially when they are present in large numbers.

Roof Rat Damage to Address

If you have any of the signs listed above, then it is important to address the infestation promptly to reduce damage and the risk of disease transmission. Most likely some damage has already been done to your house when they gained access to your attic or other areas, but the longer they stay, the more damage is sure to be done. Here are the main types of damage you should check for:

  • Chewed wires and pipes: Roof rats have sharp teeth and are known to gnaw on electrical wires and pipes, which can lead to short circuits, fires, and leaks.
  • Damaged insulation: Roof rats may nest in insulation and chew through it, reducing its effectiveness and increasing energy costs.
  • Gnawed roofing materials: Roof rats can chew through roofing materials such as shingles and flashing, creating holes that can allow water to enter the attic or home. Their access and movement can also lift shingles and flashing, allowing them to be blown around and water to enter a home.
  • Contaminated food: Roof rats are known carriers of disease, and they can contaminate food stored in pantries and cabinets. Look for droppings or gnawed packaging in your cabinets and pantry and if you see any signs of this, throw the food away immediately and sanitize the area.

Getting Rid of Roof Rats

If you’ve determined you do, in fact, have roof rats – or any other rodents and pests in your attic – there are several things you can do right away to help reduce the damage and eliminate the problem.

  • Remove attractants: Keep food, water, and trash in tightly sealed containers to eliminate sources of food and water for the rats.
  • Remove trees and branches: Roof rats use trees and other structures to climb up and access attics. If you have overhanging limbs near your roofline, it’s an easy way for them to make their way in. Trim back any trees, remove lattices or any other structures that give them an easy entrance.
  • Use traps or bait stations: Place snap traps or bait stations in areas where you have seen rat activity. Be sure to follow safety guidelines and recommendations for the use of traps and bait stations.
  • Hire a professional: If the infestation is severe or if you are unable to effectively manage the problem on your own, consider hiring a pest control professional who has experience with roof rat control.
  • Seal entry points: Do this only AFTER the pests have been removed. If you seal off their access while they are still inside your house, they will just continue to cause damage trying to get back out. Once they are gone, inspect the roof and attic for holes, cracks, and gaps that rats could be using to gain access, and seal these entry points with materials such as steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing.

Repairing Roof Rat Damage

As we said, if they’ve gotten into your home, damage has likely already been done. But if they’ve taken up residence for a while or if you’re noticing leaks, electrical issues or higher energy bills, then it’s definitely time to make some repairs. These types of repairs should always be done by a professional. If you’ve called in a pest service to remove the rats, they may be able to let you know what type of damage they observed, otherwise you’ll want to get up into your attic and take a look around.

  • Roofing: For any damage done to your roof deck, sheathing, flashing, shingles or attic ventilation, you should reach out to a qualified roofing contractor.
  • Electrical: If wires have been gnawed at or chewed through, contact a licensed electrician immediately – this can cause fires and other major issues.
  • HVAC: If ductwork has been chewed through or your air handler has internal damage, call your HVAC company and have them inspect the unit and make any necessary repairs.
  • Structural: In extreme cases, roof rats may have compromised some structural aspects of your home such as roof rafters and floor joists in the attic or framing in the walls. In these cases, a licensed general contractor is the best professional to reach out to for a solution.

Andrews Roofing Can Help

If you suspect you have roof rats, contact Andrews Roofing today. As a locally owned and operated company, we have decades of experience dealing with the very specific issues homeowners in Hampton Roads may have. We can help you identify if roof rats are the cause of the problem and provide estimates for any repair work that needs to be done. Don’t give roof rats free rent – call us today!

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Roofing 911: What to Do During a Leak

As winter storm warnings, tornadoes and gale warnings sweep across the country, homes are likely to incur damage in one way or another.

Accidents and damage happen, especially when you’re in a storm-prone area like the Tidewater region of Southeast Virginia. As much as we encourage homeowners to prepare their homes and roofs in advance of bad weather to avoid certain issues, sometimes there’s no preparing for mother nature.

So, if you suddenly hear the “drip drip drip” or see the telltale signs of a roof leak, there are things you can do immediately to help mitigate damage until the storm subsides and a full, professional repair can be done.

Document Everything
This may not be your first instinct, but it’s really very critical to document as much as possible as soon as you notice the damage so you can provide this to your insurance company. The clearer you are able to make it that the leak was caused by storm damage, the more likely your claim is to be processed and the quicker it can be resolved.

Of course, do not put yourself in danger in the midst of a storm to get on your roof and take photos, but from where you can inside your house, photograph or video the active leak. Then when it’s safe, take photos on a level area from the outside. Some insurance companies suggest photographing your home when there is no damage and keeping those photos on file for comparison. This makes it easier to show where exactly damage has been done and prove that it was not there prior to the event.

Move Valuables
Another first step in the event of roof damage is to remove any valuable items from the area of the leak. This is particularly important for electronics as they don’t play well with water and can cause electrical damage or fires. Any artwork or photos hanging on walls where the leak may spread should be removed. Curtains, rugs and furniture should be pulled away from the area. If items have been damaged, be sure to document that as well for insurance purposes. Then set them aside to be thoroughly dried and cleaned to avoid mold and mildew.

Contain the Water
If you are able to identify the source of the leak, and the leak is dripping straight downward, place a large container underneath it to catch the water. Check on this container often and empty it before it becomes too heavy or nearly full. It’s also a good idea to place a tarp or sheet of plastic underneath the container in case any water splashes out or spills over, but do not use plastic or tarping to collect water, as it can be difficult to collect and remove water from sheeting without further damaging insulation, flooring or drywall nearby. If plastic sheeting is used under your container, make sure to remove it as soon as the issue is repaired as it can become a vapor barrier, causing condensation where it should not be, without giving it a way out.

Temporarily Cover the Leak
Tarps can seem like a good, easy solution for leaks, but the fact is that putting them onto your roof is dangerous, and if they aren’t placed perfectly over the peak of your roof or tucked under the shingles just right, then they can actually collect water and direct it into other vulnerable areas of the roof. They are also likely to blow off or shift in ways that can cause additional damage. If a large portion of your roof is damaged, this may be the only option, but for smaller areas of damage, try a different patching method instead. Roofing tape and caulk can be used safely from inside your attic to help close up holes and prevent additional water from entering. You can find these items at your local hardware store, and you’d be wise to purchase them in advance of a storm so you’re not running out in the middle of one to stock up. But keep in mind – these are temporary solutions only and professional repairs will need to be made as soon as possible.

Dry Things Out
Anything that has gotten damp or drenched from a roof leak should be dried out as soon as possible. Good ventilation can help in some cases, but you may also want to use a large floor fan directed at any damp areas to help dry them out faster. This will help prevent the growth of mold and mildew, which can lead to additional damage to valuables and your home’s structure. When possible, it is still a good idea to have a professional come out and inspect any wood or materials that got wet to ensure no rot, termite or other structural issues are present.

Call a Professional
As soon as you are able, contact a trusted roofing professional. Even if they cannot come right away, call them as soon as you notice the damage so you can be added to their schedule. It’s never advisable to try and repair your roof yourself – it’s dangerous and if repairs are done incorrectly, it can cause major damage to the entire structure of your home, not to mention your repairs may not meet code requirements and could make it difficult to insure or sell the home in the future.

If you’ve experienced roof damage and leaking, contact Andrews Roofing. We have extensive experience with the type of issues Hampton Roads homeowners experience during storms and bad weather, and we have a local reputation for quality workmanship.

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Leaks Don’t Always Start at the Roof

When you see water spots on your ceiling or water starts trickling down a wall, it’s common to assume that the cause is a defect or damage to your roof. But just because water is coming from somewhere above you, doesn’t necessarily mean your roof is to blame. Unfortunately, there can be many reasons for water leaks, so before you panic and assume you need a whole new roof, investigate some of these other alternative sources.

HVAC Systems
If you have an air handler system that resides in your attic, take a look at this first. There are myriad reasons why an HVAC unit may be leaking, so don’t dismiss it if it’s not obvious at first glance. First, check your unit’s drain pan. This is a metal pan that collects water and filters it to a drain, removing it from the house. Over time, the exposure to moisture can cause drain pans to rust and degrade, allowing water to leak out of the unit.

Another common cause of HVAC leaks is a clogged condensation drain. Over time, as water flows through this drain line, mold and mildew can build up, causing backups of condensation. If this is the cause of the leak, you will need to have an HVAC professional snake the drain, remove the obstruction and clean the line. Leaks can also be caused by faulty drain pumps or low refrigerant. If your HVAC is older or hasn’t been functioning properly, give this a look first and if you spot any issues, call in an HVAC maintenance company to inspect and repair the unit.

Hot Water Heaters
In an area like Hampton Roads where basements are few and far between, it’s not uncommon for builders to put hot water heaters in an attic. Yes, it means it’s out of the way and isn’t a daily eye sore, but it can become a big problem when (not if) it springs a leak. Hot water heaters are not meant to last forever, and they will eventually fail in one way or another.

If you have a hot water heater in your attic and have detected water spots, mold or mildew on the ceiling or in corners, check it immediately. Even a very small leak can cause major damage to joists, ceilings, insulation, and personal belongings. A licensed plumber will need to be contacted to safely remove and reinstall a new hot water heater if this is the case. You may also want to discuss with them the possibility of moving the hot water heater to a better location or switching to a tankless hot water heater.

Mortar Leaks
Mortar leaks can still cause damage to interior walls and corners as well as foundations, basements and along the length of an interior wall. Mortar joints in cinder block, stone or brick walls can deteriorate over time, allowing water to penetrate either through paths left by mortar gaps or directly through the stone. If your home is older and is brick or stone, take a look around the exterior of your house and see if you can spot any damp spots or visible gaps or missing mortar – especially around the areas where you’ve seen water damage inside. If so, you should contact a licensed contractor or mason to do the necessary repairs before the interior damage becomes worse and causes structural and foundational issues.

Siding leaks
Likewise, if you see stains like the ones described above, but your home is sided with vinyl or aluminum, there could be a similar issue. Openings at the lap joints of vinyl siding, as well as drain openings along the bottom edge of most vinyl siding products, allow the system to breathe and drain off any wind-blown rain that may enter behind the siding. If the house wrap or door or window flashing behind the siding is not properly installed or has sustained damage, the water that should be draining can enter the structure instead. These types of leaks can be slow to show up on the interior and by the time they do, they may have caused extensive wood rot, mold, and insect damage. To avoid this, do regular visual inspections of your home’s siding, looking for any gaps between planks or holes that may have been caused by storm damage or animals.

Burst Pipes
Any plumbing that runs through your walls, ceilings or attic may be the cause of water damage you spot inside your home. Particularly if your home is older and has not had any plumbing material upgrades done to it, deterioration may be occurring. Since most plumbing is hidden away behind walls, many people first detect a plumbing leak by spikes in their water bill. If your bill is suddenly significantly more than usual, it may be time to start a visual inspection of the pipes you are able to see or listen for areas where you may hear trickling or dripping. This is particularly common when you have a bathroom upstairs – toilets, sinks and bathtubs can easily spring slow leaks that over time create large, ugly water stains on the ceiling below. If this is the case, call in a professional plumber as soon as possible to fix the issue.

Window leaks
Old windows or improperly installed windows are common sources of leaks. If the casing around a window has rotted or was installed incorrectly, rainstorms can easily penetrate the exterior of your home. Often you will be able to see water coming in from the window casing, but other times the water collects between the wall and drywall, creating damp spots, mold and mildew. This can mimic the siding and mortar leaks we discussed above, so if you’re not sure what the cause is, call in a licensed contractor to help you determine the best way forward.

Gutters and fascia
Fascia is technically a part of your roof that covers the eaves above your gutter system. However, leaks in these areas are not always caused by the roof itself, but by clogged gutters. When a gutter system is full of debris, water can’t drain properly and will build up, pushing up against the fascia and causing rot. Over time this rot can allow that water buildup into the house, causing leaks that look very much like a true roof leak, with water coming down the sides of the wall or causing wet spots in corners. To avoid this, have your gutters cleaned regularly and the fascia board inspected and replaced if any rot has occurred.

If you investigate these other potential causes and still can’t find the source of the leak, it may be time to call in a qualified roofing professional. At Andrews Roofing, we provide roof inspections and repairs for all types of commercial and residential structures and on any type of roofing material. Don’t let a leak cause additional costly damage to your home. Contact us today.

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Common Roofing Storm Damage

If you watch the local news or even just tune in for the weather forecast, you know that we’ve reached peak hurricane season and that the tropics have been very active thus far.

Fortunately, the Mid-Atlantic coast including Southeast Virginia and Hampton Roads have been spared from any direct hits. But there are still two more months of hurricane season, and now is the time to be prepared for anything that may come our way. Not to mention that as soon as hurricane season is over, nor’easter and winter storm season will be upon us.

When it comes to your home and your home’s roof, there are plenty of things you can do in advance to avoid certain types of damage during storm season. But there are some things you simply can’t prevent from happening, and being responsive after the fact is the best you can do. Here are a few common types of roof damage to keep an eye out for as we weather hurricane season this fall.

Tree Damage

Tree damage isn’t always as obvious as an entire tree crashing through your roof and into your home. Some tree damage can go unnoticed until it causes interior damage – days, weeks or even months later. A stray limb with enough wind and force behind it can cause shingles to fly off, roof sheathing and decking to be pierced and make your roof vulnerable to leaks.

Tree damage can even come from overhanging branches that simply rub along shingles and cause unwanted wear and tear. It’s always a good idea to keep low hanging or potentially destructive branches trimmed back from the roofline where possible.

After a storm, visually inspect your roof as well as you can from the ground to see if any limbs, branches or even leaf buildups can be seen. If so, they should be removed immediately and the roof should be inspected to ensure no damage was caused. If damage was caused, a roofing contractor will typically be able to do a repair confined to that area without a major overhaul of your roof.

Loose or Missing Shingles

Perhaps the most common damage after a storm is loose or missing shingles. While it may not seem like a big deal if one or two shingles come off, their absence makes the shingles all around that area more susceptible to blowing off, and jeopardizes the roof sheathing beneath. Depending on when and how your roof was installed, the material manufacturer or installer may have specific warranties to cover shingle replacement. In any case, the shingles should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Loose or Missing Flashing

Flashing is the metal sheets that are used in roofing around joints in a roofline and around other roof penetrations such as pipes, chimneys and vents. They play an important role in protecting your roof decking and if jeopardized, major interior damage can occur. Loose flashing can actually cause quite a bit of damage to the rest of your roof, tearing up or removing shingles around it, especially in a wind event.

Missing flashing can allow water intrusion and will also make it easier for nearby shingles to be blown away. Some flashing you may be able to visually inspect from the ground, but if you have reason to believe that flashing may be loose in spots that you’re not able to inspect from the ground, call in a qualified roofing contractor to inspect for you – don’t risk causing damage to yourself to find damage on your roof.

Clogged or Broken Gutters

Particularly if you live near a lot of trees, storms can cause debris to fly off of nearby vegetation that can eventually land right into your gutters. This debris will cause your gutters to work less effectively, which means water will build up and potentially seep up underneath your shingles and sheathing, causing damage to the roof decking below, often seen as dark water spots in the corners and along the top of the walls in your home. Ideally, have your gutters cleaned before storm season so that they are cleared and ready to carry all that stormwater away from your home. But it’s also a good idea to check on them after a storm and make sure nothing has caused any clogs or damage to the gutter itself.

Broken or loose gutters are also common after a storm, and if you see evidence of that, call in a licensed contractor to fix the problem before the next rain event occurs. Broken gutters can funnel water into places it should not go including near your home’s foundation and onto walls and windows, causing even more damage. If you don’t have gutters, or your home’s gutters need to be replaced, you may also want to consider installing a Rapid Rain ™ gutter system which is designed for high capacity that comes with living in a storm prone area.

Contact a Local Roofing Contractor

This hurricane season, if your roof sustains any damage during a storm, contact Andrews Roofing. We are locally owned and operated and we are highly experienced in the issues that are unique to the Tidewater region. We know what to look out for and how to best fix and repair an issue to withstand future weather events.

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How to Know When Your Roof Needs a Checkup

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care, but that doesn’t just apply to your physical health. The same could be said for anything you maintain, including your house and its major systems such as your roof. While there’s no getting around the fact that a roof will eventually need to be replaced, there are many things that can happen over the course of a roof’s lifespan that should be serviced, repaired and maintained. This is especially true in areas prone to severe weather such as the Hampton Roads region.

But how do you know when you should call in a professional roofing contractor? Here are a few things to keep an eye out for to help extend the lifespan of your roof.

Curling, cracking or buckling shingles are a tell-tale sign that your roof needs some attention. You may also notice asphalt granules in your gutters, which have deteriorated from damaged shingles. This doesn’t mean you need an entirely new roofing system! While this type of roof symptom can sometimes be a sign that a roof has reached the end of its serviceable life, it can also be an isolated incident that simply needs to be repaired or patched.

While it may not necessitate a total replacement, shingles that are damaged or worn should be a high priority on your home to-do list. Just a few curling shingles can allow water to penetrate your roof causing leaks, mildew and other interior damage.

Speaking of interior damage, dark spots on your ceiling or walls also signal that it’s time to have a roofing professional come out and inspect. Even if you don’t see a hole or missing or damaged shingles from the outside, the leak may still be the result of a failure in your roofing system such as loose or missing flashing, backed up gutters or damage that simply isn’t visible from the ground.

Dark spots indicate that moisture has penetrated your roof, the sheathing, decking, and potentially attic flooring. These are serious signs that should be attended to as soon as possible by a professional to ensure additional damage does not occur and that harmful mold and mildew do not start to grow.

Moisture in your attic may also be a sign of problems with your roof as well as your insulation. If you find that the insulation, wood, flooring, ductwork or other items in your attic seem damp, it may be caused by a lack of proper ventilation and/or unsatisfactory insulation. But these issues, over time, can also affect the health of your roof by causing water damage to decking from the underside. An ideal attic temperature is close to that of the temperature outside. This prevents condensation, which is often the cause of interior moisture damage. A licensed professional contractor will need to address these issues if you find them.

Of course, sometimes all of these things indicate that a roof has simply reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Most modern asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 20-30 years. In the cities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake and across the Tidewater region, many homes and large neighborhoods were constructed in the 1990’s, making them the age now to need total replacement.

A qualified roofing company can provide you with a roofing checkup to help you determine whether a repair or total roof replacement makes the most sense for your home and budget. At Andrews Roofing, we provide professional evaluations, customized quotes and affordable financing options as well. Whether you think your roof needs an ounce of prevention or a pound of care, we can help. Contact Andrews Roofing today.

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