Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Category: Safety

The Basics of a Residential Roof Replacement Project

Letting professionals handle your roof replacement project means putting the protection of your home into someone else’s hands. Understanding what a roof replacement entails, may help put your mind at ease. The following are some basics.

The Materials Used

You no doubt want the highest quality materials used for your home, but you may not know what those are. Speaking with your residential roofer about the options available can help you make that decision. Some materials commonly used for home roofs include asphalt composition shingles, metal roofing, wood shakes, and slate roofing. These materials come in different colors as well, so you can match a variety of exterior home features to your roof.

The Professionals Doing the Job

One thing you don’t want to do is trust the job to someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Contacting a professional residential roofer will ensure the job will be done correctly and last a long time. You want a company that does what they say they’ll do, as well as exceeding your expectations. Look for a roofing company with a great reputation that hires roofing professionals and ensures they are properly trained. With all these components pulled together, your roof will get done correctly.

The Cost of the Project

The cost of your residential roof replacement project will depend on the size of the job, the materials used, and the pitch of the roof. Speak with your roofer about the specifics of the job to truly understand what you’ll be expected to pay by the end. If the cost doesn’t work with your budget, you can work out a different arrangement beforehand to ensure you receive a nice roof within your price range.

Getting Started

Understanding a few basics of residential roof replacement can get you ready to face the project head on. Contact Andrews Roofing at 757-296-0553 to get your roof replacement scheduled.

read more

Top 10 Roof Problems

The health of your roof is crucial to the integrity of your home. Knowing the 10 most common roofing problems can help you to catch the damage early enough to make adequate repairs. Here are the most notable problems.

Roof Leaks

Your roof has to handle the elements. Rain, snow, hail and wind may lead to moisture inside the roof. If this happens, rot and mold are the next step.

Faulty Installation

A badly installed roof leads to bigger problems. If you want your roof to have a long lifespan, it needs to be installed up to standards and by a professional.

Critter Infestations

Small birds and animals may cause a lot of damage to your roof. If you have an animal infestation, you want to take care of it as soon as possible.

Poorly Installed Flashing

Flashing seals areas such as vent pipes, chimneys, skylights. When flashing is not installed properly, it leads to open seams and blown off tiles.

Pooling Water

If water pools on your roof, this problem normally arises from debris buildup or from HVAC units that don’t properly drain. It may also be due to gutter problems.

Ventilation Problems

Ventilation regulates temperature and moisture levels. Ventilation problems lead to costly energy bills and mildew issues.

Shrinkage or Blistering

The roof membrane may shrink and cause cracks in the upper layer. Watch for blistering, splitting and surface erosion.

Overhanging Limbs

Tree limbs may rub the surface and wear away at the top layer of your shingles. Trim your tree limbs back as much as possible. No tree should be a threat to your home.

Improper Maintenance

Your roof needs checking regularly. With proper maintenance, you can control any problems that occur to your roof.

When it comes to taking care of your roof, it’s crucial that you know the most common problems. The more that you know, the easier it will be to ensure that your roof lasts. Contact Andrews Roofing today at 757-296-0553 for help with your roofing needs.

read more

Top 3 Spring Residential Roofing Maintenance Tips

Warm weather is one of the first signs of spring and that means it is time to schedule roof maintenance for your home. However, it can be difficult to know where to start. Follow the three cleaning tips for routine roof care and then go from there.

1. Clean Out Gutters

One of the first things you’ll want to do is clean any debris out of the gutters and surrounding areas. Damp leaves and twigs can block the gutter canal and even cause damage to your roof and siding if not taken care of properly. A professional contractor can help you safely and correctly clean out the gutters for best results.

2. Check the Shingles

Once debris has been removed, it is time to check the shingles. If any are loose, broken, curling or cracked, you need to replace them. It’s also a good idea to look for missing nails or any that are sticking up, and fix that before any shingles fly away. If there is too much damage, it may be time to install a new roof with the help of a roofing expert.

3. Look for Water Damage

Lastly, it’s important to look for signs of water damage. There may be cracks on your roof or even soft spots. If you do notice a leak or any form of water damage, taking action right away can prevent further problems from occurring, such as rot. If you suspect water damage, hire a professional to do the repairs so you know all damage is taken care of.

Preventative Maintenance is Key

Spring is the perfect time for roof checkups and maintenance. Most inspections feature preventative measures that help increase the longevity and effectiveness of your roof. If you are worried about roofing maintenance, hire professionals from Andrews Roofing to take care of your roof. Give us a call today at 757-296-0553!

read more

How To Protect Your Roof From Snow and Ice

During the winter you should always remove snow and ice around your property promptly. However, many homeowners neglect to remove snow and ice from the one place where it matters most: the roof. An abundance of snow might result in substantial damage that can cost thousands of dollars to repair. Here are simple ways to keep your roof safe during the winter.

Hire a Professional to Get Rid of It

It’s dangerous to get on a roof when you don’t have professional training. Any time your roof needs work done you should hire a professional roofer in your area to handle it. After a major snow storm a professional roofer removes the heavy weight of the snow safely. You do not want to make the mistake of removing the snow yourself with salt or chemicals as they can damage your shingles and possibly cause the gutters to erode. You could end up doing more harm than good when you use salt or chemicals to remove snow on your roof.

Remain Aware of the Signs of Roof Damage

After a snow storm it’s also possible that ice is building up on your roof without you being aware. This is common with the snow melting slowly during the day and refreezing at night. You’ll want to be aware of any signs that something is happening with your roof. Some interior structural symptoms you could experience if your roof is damaged from snow and/or ice include:

  • Cracked interior walls
  • Visible water leaks
  • Sagging ridgeline
  • Creaking sounds inside your house
  • Drooping ceilings
  • Jammed doors

Snow or ice damage on the roof can be prevented, you simply need to know who to call when a snow or ice storm comes. Homeowners should get in touch with our experienced professionals at Andrews Roofing. Fill out our contact us form or call us today at 757-296-0553 for a quote.

read more

3 Signs You Need Help from a Professional Roofer

Your home’s roof is one structure where you should always get professional help. Many people enjoy doing projects around the house, but it is dangerous to work high up on a roof with no professional training. While you should have a professional roofer come out once a year to inspect your roof, you also need to contact one if you notice any of the following signs of damage.

1. Sagging Roof Deck

Every so often you’ll want to take a good, hard look at your roof from the sidewalk. By paying attention to your roof’s foundation, you should be able to tell if it’s beginning to sag. Even if you only suspect sagging, you’ll want to have someone come out to inspect it, as this can be caused by a few different things.

2. Clogged Gutters

Your gutters always need to be clear of debris so that they adequately move water away from your house. Homeowners need to inspect their gutters often, especially during the fall and winter when leaves are falling more frequently. If any of your gutters have previously sustained damage, then you should have a roofer come out and inspect around it to make sure the roof hasn’t been impacted.

3. Broken Shingles

Your roof’s shingles should always be in good condition, however, you may notice over time that some shingles are starting to crack. It’s also common for shingles to fall off entirely leaving behind patches. This is more likely to happen if you live in an area that is prone to high winds. One or two missing shingles is not overly concerning, although you still want to have it looked at to avoid additional damage. If your roof is missing a large amount of shingles, then you may have an underlying structural problem that needs to be addressed.

At the first sign of any of these or other roofing problems, contact the professionals at Andrews Roofing right away by calling 757-296-0553 or using our contact us page. Prompt repairs help you avoid more serious problems and save your roof. With our help, your roof will last for years to come.

read more

How To Deal With Water Stains on Your Roof

When the outside becomes treacherous, a solid roof is your first line of defense against the elements. You can imagine how disheartening it is when the protective covering of your home starts to change in appearance—a clear indicator that your roof is feeling the impact of inclement weather over time. Water is among the most common causes of aging in a roof, leaving unsightly moisture stains that threaten to compromise the security of your house if left untreated. Consider the color of water stains and extent of damage when coming up with a solution for your roof.

Black or Green Roof Stains

Black or green water stains on your roof indicate growing organisms, such as algae or moss. The presence of constant moisture and sunlight makes for a delicious and cozy harvesting area for such microscopic tenants. They can lock in unwanted dampness or invite other, larger creatures to wreak havoc on the top of your house. Power-spraying or scrubbing the problem on your own is possible, but likely to cause further, irreparable damage.

White or Yellow Roof Stains

White or yellow discoloration on your roof suggests hard-water buildup from an air conditioner or evaporative cooler. This type of staining often occurs on lower areas roof beneath cooling units and sticks out like a sore thumb. Similar to algae-type staining, attempting to scrub or power-wash will probably make things worse. Rather, you can try fading the damage with a vinegar solution, which works to gradually dull mild stains without risk to the plants or animals around your home. Be careful of any harsher home remedies, as they can become dangerous if mishandled.

When in doubt, professional roofing companies are better equipped to eradicate roofing stains with special chemicals, sealers or new repellent shingles when necessary. Expert solutions work quicker and last longer, saving you the hazardous trip up the ladder. Call Andrew’s Roofing at 757-296-2897 or use our contact page for more information.

read more