Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Category: Safety

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.

read more

Is Your Roof Ready for Summer Storm Season?

Summer storm season is upon us in Hampton Roads.

While plenty of attention is paid to hurricane season and tropical storms, there are other types of summer storms on the Eastern Seaboard that can cause their fair share of damage as well.

Tornados

According to the National Weather Service, tornado season spikes in Virginia from April to September. April has the highest number of tornadoes on record: between 1950 and 2021 Virginia saw 160 tornadoes in the month of April alone, 37 of which were (E)F2 or higher. While the vast majority of those tornadoes are (E)F0 or (E)F1, they can still cause plenty of exterior damage to property.

Derechos
In addition to tornadoes, summer storms often bring with them derechos. The national weather service defines these storms as “widespread, long-lived wind storms associated with bands of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms.” These storm systems can cause just as much damage with their straight-line winds as a tornado does with its cyclical wind.  On June 29, 2012, Virginia was hit with one of the most destructive derecho storms on record. Dominion Energy reported it as the third worst storm to hit Virginia, leaving one million people in the state without power.

Flooding

Flooding – from any type of storm system – is the most common and costly natural disaster, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. You can find out whether or not you live in a flood zone, and in exactly what area of a flood zone through the Virginia Flood Risk Information System. And as our region’s name implies, Tidewater is even more impacted by flooding due to high tides that coincide with heavy rain.

While these facts and figures can be scary, it’s best to understand the risk to your home and property in advance so that you can be as prepared as possible. Having a comprehensive home insurance policy and flood insurance where necessary is a great start. But to avoid having to make an insurance claim or out-of-pocket costly repairs, prevention is key.

Unfortunately, in the case of severe weather, your roof is often the most vulnerable part of your home due to its location and sheer surface area. And of course, roof damage isn’t ever just roof damage. Leaks and holes can cause interior water and property damage. Clogged, missing or damaged gutters can cause foundation issues. Even loose flashing or shingles can cause impact damage to other parts of your home.

So how can you prepare your home’s roof for summer storms?

First, give your roof a good visual inspection. Walk the entire perimeter of your property, paying attention to shingles, flashing, vents, and gutters. Remember to also check the roofs of any exterior buildings on your property such as sheds, pool houses or workshops. These structures also need regular roofing maintenance and, depending on their use, disrepair can lead to costly property damage.

If gutters are clogged, have them cleaned out. This can prevent overflow which can lead to foundation sagging and water damage or basement flooding. If you see any loose or missing shingles, call a qualified roofing company to make an immediate repair. Even one or two missing shingles make all the other shingles around it substantially more vulnerable to being blown away. Loose or missing flashing also calls for an immediate repair as these can become dangerous and destructive projectiles. Have all work done by a licensed, professional roofing contractor and keep all your paperwork on hand in case you need to make a warranty or insurance claim if damage does occur.

If your roof needs some preventative repairs or maintenance in preparation for this summer’s storm season, contact Andrews Roofing today. We have served the Tidewater area for years and know the unique needs and requirements of homes in this region.

read more

Prepping for Common Hurricane Roof Damage

Here in southeast Virginia we are solidly inside of hurricane season, and while we have been lucky not to be hit with a direct storm recently, the impact of some kind of tropical system is inevitable.

As most of us know all too well, with storms comes storm damage. Thanks to Hampton Roads’ proximity to the coast, we often feel storm surge and hurricane force winds the worst. There are things you can do to be personally prepared for a storm, as well as things you can do to help secure and protect your home, including your roof. But there are also things that you simply can’t protect your home against, and instead need to be rigorous about post-storm inspection of your property to identify any damage as soon as possible. Let’s talk about how you can play both defense and offense to protect your home from long-term storm damage.

Pre-Storm Preparation
While you can’t control or prevent all possible damage, there are things you can do to prepare your roof for a storm. Here’s a quick checklist you can use to offensively protect your roof from the next hurricane or tropical storm.

  • Check for any loose flashing. If any flashing is loose or missing, repair it before a storm comes to avoid any water damage and possible leaks. Loose flashing can also become a hazard if blown off your home during wind gusts.
  • Check your gutters. Clean gutters will keep water away from your roof when those torrential rains start. You should also check to ensure gutters are well secured to avoid them becoming projectiles during strong winds.
  • Repair and replace missing shingles. It may seem counterintuitive to replace missing shingles or repair damaged ones before a storm, but the reality is that one missing shingle makes the rest of the shingles around it vulnerable to winds. If one or more shingles are missing or damaged in such a way that they are more likely to blow off, then the rest of your roof is at risk. Replacing a few shingles now can prevent the need for dozens of replacements after the storm.
  • Inspect your roof from the inside. Take some time to inspect your roof from inside your attic, paying careful attention to where any rooflines join up, looking especially for any wet or dark spots that may indicate an existing leak. If there is an existing leak, even one that has not been problematic before, it will only get worse during a storm, and could cause major interior damage. Repair a small leak now before it becomes a major leak in the middle of a “shelter in place.”

Post-Storm Inspection
After a storm, doing an inspection of your property will help you identify issues quicker, making it easier to fix them before they become a major problem as well as being able to file for any necessary homeowners insurance claims. Here’s a quick post-storm roof inspection list of things to look for:

  • Missing shingles
  • Loose or clogged gutters
  • Loose or missing flashing
  • Debris that may still be on the roof
  • Visible leaks or holes from inside your attic
  • Damaged or warped shingles
  • Dents in metal roofing
  • Broken slate tiles

What to do if there is damage
If you find any of these items during your inspection, contact a roofing company right away. If possible, get familiar with roofing companies in your area before a storm rolls through so you know who to call if needed. Do research online and read client reviews, websites and get neighbors’ opinions. Only call companies that are licensed and insured and have a good reputation in the community.

Getting a professional opinion and estimate will be critical when filing any necessary homeowners insurance claims. Remember that after a major storm, roofing companies will be swamped with calls, so getting in touch early is the best way to get your issues taken care of as quickly as possible. Do not attempt to fix these issues yourself as roof repair work is potentially dangerous, not to mention any repairs you make yourself may not be covered by your insurance and may void warranties on your roofing materials.

Andrews Roofing Can Help
Whether it’s before a storm or after, if you have concerns about your roof, please contact Andrews Roofing. We’ve worked in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton for decades and we have an excellent reputation in the Hampton Roads community for quality workmanship and customer service. We understand the unique roofing issues that homeowners encounter in the Tidewater region, and we can help you make the best decision for your home.

read more

What to Look for in a Residential Roofing Contractor

Your roof is obviously a critical component of your home’s structure, and having a new roof installed is a major investment. Even small roofing repairs are important to the integrity of your home. That’s why choosing a roofing contractor shouldn’t be a decision that is taken lightly.

You Get What You Pay For

This is the first thing to keep in mind. It’s typical and understandable of homeowners to be looking for the best price, but be wary of an estimate that is significantly lower than what you’ve researched or than what other contractors have quoted you. As with most things, you get what you pay for with roofing, and a cheap job equals cheap materials, inexperienced labor, bad project management or nonexistent customer service. Your roof is an investment and if you invest in quality, it will likely be the only time you’ll ever need to do it.

Licensed and Insured

We cannot stress how important it is to ensure that your roofing contractor is licensed and insured. There’s a reason you aren’t going to try to tackle reroofing your home yourself and that’s because it can be a dangerous job. Reputable roofing companies will not only have the proper safety equipment, tools and training, they’ll also have insurance on all their employees in case anyone is hurt on the job. They will be licensed and will be able to provide proof of this. They will also file for all appropriate permits required in your city or county. If these things aren’t handled properly by the roofing company, you could be held liable for injuries or work that isn’t to code.

Get It in Writing

When having any work done other than smaller service-related repairs, make sure that everything about your roofing job is put in writing in a contract agreement. This includes price, timeline, warranties or guarantees, materials, safety procedures and liability, clean up methods, and financing terms if applicable.  Having a well-written contract protects both you and the contractor and assures that everyone is on the same page about the project.

Warranties and Guarantees

When having a new roof installed, there should be warranties for the materials themselves. Product manufacturers, depending on the type and grade of roofing materials selected, will provide a limited warranty anywhere from one year to a lifetime. Make sure the roofing company you engage goes over the warranties for the materials you choose in detail. However, a reputable roofing contractor will also offer a guarantee on their own work. At Andrews Roofing we provide our clients with a workmanship warranty for up to ten years on new installations.

Reputation is Key

Do your research on the companies from whom you’re getting quotes. Look at their website, review sites and ask around your neighborhood. Has the company been in business for awhile? While all businesses have to start somewhere, it is ideal to hire a company that has been working in your area for long enough to have earned a good reputation.

Locally Owned

A locally-owned company is also a plus, as they will know the issues and best practices for your specific location. In Hampton Roads, it’s critical to engage a roofing company that understands the issues that can arise from hurricanes, nor’easters, humidity and salt air. A local company can provide the best advice for your specific situation, but they will also be working hard to maintain and uphold their local reputation. This is their community also, after all.

Andrews Roofing Can Help

Andrews Roofing has been providing quality roof replacements and repairs to the residents of Hampton Roads cities for over two decades. Our reputation and breadth of work speaks for itself. We care deeply about our community, which is why we handle each project and client with the utmost respect and guarantee our work for ten years. We’re licensed and insured and you’ll always get the details of your project in writing before we begin work. We’d be happy to provide you with a free estimate roof replacement, so contact us today.

read more

Avoid These DIY Roofing Hazards

DIY projects are all the rage, and some can certainly save homeowners a significant amount of money. However, residential roofing is an area that’s best left to the professionals. If you’re considering repairing or replacing your own roof, here are some common hazards that might make you reconsider a project of this scope.

Leaking Roof

Improper installation of roofing elements can create an ineffective roof. While nailing asphalt shingles may look straightforward, you’ll need to carefully install underlayment and flashing in order to create a leak-free roof. It’s very easy to create gaps, holes, and other imperfections that can create major headaches later on as your roof begins to leak.

Personal Injury

Perhaps the biggest hazard when tackling DIY roofing is personal injury. There are a number of dangerous situations you may get yourself into. Here are just a few ways that you could be injured while attempting to work on your own roof:

  • Improper use of tools
  • Falling through weak points in your roof
  • Losing awareness of your roof edge
  • Slipping on a steep roof pitch

Many of these issues are particularly dangerous if you have a two-story house. Even proper personal protective equipment doesn’t offer adequate protection for falls, improper use of nail guns, and other hazards.

Additional Expenses

In the end, many homeowners find they actually invest more in a DIY roofing project. From the significant time devoted to the added materials required to fix any mistakes, you may have more invested than a straight-forward professional project. Spend your weekends and evenings relaxing or working on another, more manageable home improvement project.

If you need to replace your roof, don’t risk your time, money, and personal health attempting a DIY solution. Contact Andrews Roofing today to receive a quote. Discover how safely and affordably you can enjoy a professional roof replacement and avoid the time, effort and risk of a DIY project. Call 757-296-0553 or email us today!

read more

3 Signs You Should Give Your Roof Some Attention Today

The roof on your commercial building is protecting a huge investment. Whether you run a business from your building or lease the space to other business owners, you need it to stay in good shape. Do you know what signs indicate that the roof needs immediate attention? The following are three to get you started.

  1. Leaks

Some leaks are sneaky, and others are quite noticeable. Some things to look for are stained walls, both inside and outside the building. You may notice streaks that seem to begin at the roofline and work their way down. You may also notice stains on the ceiling, indicating there is pooling water that is beginning to seep through. Stains often point out a smaller leak.

Another sign you have a leak, is actual water flowing from the ceiling inside or the soffit outside. This could indicate a more serious leak, making it more important that you have it inspected immediately.

  1. Poor Workmanship

Whether the roof was installed improperly to begin with, or you’ve had some poor repairs done, your commercial roof won’t be efficient unless it is in good repair. It’s important that you hire the professionals who have the right tools and products to get the job done right. If your roof is in disrepair at all, it’s time to call in a commercial roofer.

  1. Standing Water

There are many commercial buildings with flat roofs. If yours is one of those, be sure you periodically check for standing water. This could occur because the materials weren’t installed correctly, or the building has structural damage of some sort. It could also be due to clogged drains. Ponding water will create further damage, so it’s important to get it taken care of right away.

Contact a Commercial Roofer Today

If you’ve noticed leaks, poor workmanship, or standing water on your commercial roof, seek immediate attention. Contact Andrews Roofing by calling 757-296-0553 or sending us an email today, to find out what you need to do next.

read more