Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Tag: Andrews Roofing

What You Need to Know About Roof Damage and Insurance Claims

If you’ve had some damage to your roof, you may be wondering if you should make an insurance claim.

The first thing to note is that every insurance company and every policy is different. The key is hiring a roofing contractor who can work with you through the process regardless of what it looks like.

At Andrews Roofing, we are experienced in working with clients and insurance companies for roof damage that has been caused by the frequent storms we get in Hampton Roads. Not all roofing companies work the same way, but here’s a bit of insight into how we help our clients work through the damage, insurance claim and repair or replacement process.

Roof Repairs

Depending on the extent of your repair needs, we may send an estimator out to take a look first. If it’s a few blown off shingles or nail pops, we can likely give you an idea of the cost over the phone and then schedule a repair at that time. From there, you can file a claim with your insurance company. We will provide you with a detailed and professional invoice to submit with other required insurance paperwork.

If a repair is major or requires partial replacement, we may send an estimator out to take a look first. Armed with a written estimate, you can reach out to your insurance company first to see what may be covered under your policy. Although we generally do not need to get involved first-hand with your insurance representative, we are happy to do so if it helps with the process.

Roof Replacements

If it is clear that your roof needs to be replaced, we will send an estimator out before providing any quotes on work or pricing. Our sales department will schedule an appointment with you to inspect the inside and outside of your roof. They will discuss options and budget before providing a written estimate for you to review. At this point, we highly recommend reviewing this estimate with your insurance representative. Some companies may only pay for a one-for-one roof replacement. This means that if you choose a different material, it may not be covered. It’s also critical to know whether the insurance company will cover any portion of the replacement if your roof is older and beyond its predicted lifespan. They may determine that the roof failed due to its age, rather than damage that is otherwise covered.

Roof Warranty Claims

If your roof is fairly new and has sustained damage, it’s possible that you have a manufacturer warranty on the materials. Ideally your roofing contractor will have talked to you about the warranty of the materials you chose and provided you with information on making a claim. For instance, one of the products we offer to our clients are CertainTeed shingles, which carry a wind warranty of 110 to 130 mph. As long as they are installed property per the manufacturer specs, clients shouldn’t need to worry about paying for any storm damage out of pocket. Keep in mind, you may first need to reach out to the warranty provider, then contact your roofing contractor to perform the warranty or replacement.

The Bottom Line

Before you ever need repairs made to your roof, make sure you understand your homeowners insurance. Talk to your rep to ensure your roof will be covered in the case of a storm or other natural disaster. Understand what their claims process looks like. When damage does happen, reach out to your insurance company as soon as possible and document everything. And, of course, only use a licensed, insured roofing contractor who is experienced in both roof repair and replacement and who can provide a professional written estimate, manufacturer warranty information and great service.

If you’ve had damage to your roof and you live in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk or any of the other surrounding Hampton Roads cities, Andrews Roofing can help. Contact us today and we’ll help you determine the best course of action for getting your roof back in working order.

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Four Common Roofing Issues for Homeowners in Hampton Roads

If you own a home in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk or any of the other surrounding cities of Hampton Roads, there are specific roofing issues you can expect to arise, but being prepared for them is the best way to minimize their impact.

Missing Shingles

Thanks to our coastal location, hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters and plain old summer thunderstorms are a constant concern for homeowners. Especially during hurricane season, it is important to keep a close eye on the condition of your roof. The most common problem you’ll experience during one of these storms is missing shingles. While a few missing shingles may not seem like such a big deal, they can lead to much bigger and much more expensive problems. Replacing these shingles as soon as possible will reduce the risk of having water damage done to your roof deck or experiencing a leak down the road. It is even a good idea to have some extra shingles in storage, so that if and when one blows off, it can be easily patched.

If multiple shingles are missing, or large patches have been blown away by a storm, then it is time to contact a professional roofing company to make the repair. Roofing repairs may seem like a simple job, but can be very dangerous for the average DIY-er to tackle. Protect yourself and your home by using a professional.

Humidity and Moisture Damage

The Tidewater region has its fair share of humidity and moisture, both of which can affect the longevity of a roof if it has not been installed properly. Moisture issues in roofs often start inside the home’s attic, where if enough ventilation isn’t present, condensation can occur. This issue can often be identified from inside the home before exterior damage is noticeable. If you see water dripping from the inside of the ceiling or beams in your attic, there may not be enough ventilation present, in which case additional attic ventilation may be needed. If the damage has already been done, a new roof system with proper venting installed beneath the roofing layer will help dissipate heat and prevent condensation from forming on the interior of the home.

Aging Homes

Hampton Roads has always been a steadily growing area, but it did experience a real housing boom in the 90’s when many large “track” neighborhoods were constructed. These homes are now rounding the 30 year mark, which is just about as long as a roof with asphalt shingles – the most common roofing material used in these homes – is going to last. So when issues start to arise in homes of this age, it’s often better to go ahead and reroof the home than to make repair after repair.

For owners of these homes who are doing a full reroof, there are many more options now than when their home was built. Asphalt shingles are still the most popular choice, but they now come in a wide variety of colors. There are also architectural shingles that have a little longer lifespan and lots of color options. Metal roofs have also become more popular both because of the farmhouse style look as well as their durability and longevity. An experienced and knowledgeable roofing company can help you decide which material is best for your home, location and budget.

Salt Water Exposure

Salt is highly corrosive, so when a home is exposed to salt spray from the water or in the air, you can expect just about any of the exterior materials to decay quicker than they would in a different environment. Of course homes right on the ocean or bay in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, the Eastern Shore and the Outer Banks will experience this the worst, but even homes that aren’t directly on the water can be affected by the salinity in the air. If you live near the water and your shingles are deteriorating, it may be because of salt damage, which may warrant a new roofing system.

While asphalt shingles are still common in waterfront areas, there are other options that may hold up to that environment better such as metal, slate or even cedar. There are also new roofing products on the market that mimic the look of cedar shake shingles, but which are made with recycled and sustainable materials that have excellent durability and lifespan. This is an excellent choice for the beach house aesthetic.

Find a Roofing Expert

If you are experiencing any of these common Hampton Roads roofing issues, your next step should be contacting a roofing professional. Andrews Roofing has been providing the Hampton Roads region with excellence in new roof and reroofing services for over 20 years. We’ve seen, repaired and replaced every one of these issues, and we can work with you to come up with a solution that meets your needs and budget. Contact us today.

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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.

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Where is That Roof Leak Coming From?

If your roof is not well-maintained, there is a whole list of issues that could occur, including structural damage and unhealthy mold growth. If you have noticed water stains or actual water coming from the ceiling, you might have a leak. Immediately repairing leaks is essential to keeping your roof in the best condition, but how do you know where the leak is coming from? The following are some common problem areas you can check to find your residential roof leak.

Shingles and Other Materials

The actual shingles or other roofing materials on your roof could have damage that is allowing moisture into your home. Damaged shingles will be buckled, corroded, cracked, or missing all together. You could also look for granules on the ground surrounding your home or nails that are missing or backing out. If you have trees that hang over the roof, be sure to check those areas, as a swaying branch could easily wear out your roofing.

Flashing

The point of flashing is to guide water in another direction when it wants to seep down into a seam on the roof. Flashing is located around chimneys, vents, and other areas where there’s an intersection or an angle in the roof. When flashing is not properly installed or sealed, water will begin to flow underneath and damage your home. Look for loose flashing, ripped pieces, or missing areas.

Skylights and Chimneys

The more extra features you have on your roof, the more chances water has to get in. Skylights and chimneys can be both functional and aesthetically appealing, but without proper installation, it’s easy for water to penetrate the roofing materials surrounding them. You should have a professional look at the seams and the installation to make sure it is all sealed correctly.

Hiring the Professionals

If you’re worried about a leaky residential roof, it’s important you contact the professionals for an inspection. Contact Andrews Roofing today by calling 757-296-0553 or sending us an email to learn more.

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How Good Communication Makes for a Better Roof

When it’s time to replace your roof, it’s important to choose a reliable company. You want a company that has the skills, equipment, and training to put a strong roof over your head. One important aspect of this is good communication skills. It’s possible that a roofing company can complete the job in a satisfactory manner without good communications, but even if this is the case you are likely to be frustrated. You could be unsure of the final cost, or the timeline for completion of the project. More likely, though, a good relationship with your roofing contractor will improve all aspects of the job, resulting in the roof you want for a fair price and finished in a timely fashion.

The Traits of Good Communication

You deserve a contractor that is available to answer any questions that arise before, during, and after the job. These important traits should inform all of your interactions with your contractor:

  • Regular discussions: These could come in the form of regular meetings or informal phone calls. These discussions keep you in the loop and let you know if any problems or complications have occurred. It also allows you to express any concerns about the progress of the job.
  • Good records: You should write down any important discussions you have with the crew or the supervisor, especially concerning the budget. Also, jot down any questions that occur to you, to ask the next time you speak with the contractor,
  • Mode of Communication: Let the contractor know which types of communication you prefer: email, phone calls, texts, or face-to-face talks.

The Hallmarks of a Strong Roof

Many factors go into getting a solid roof over your head. Good, regular communication is certainly an essential one. It keeps you informed about the progress of the job and answers your questions. Contact Andrews Roofing by calling 757-296-0553 or sending us an email to learn more about a trouble-free roof replacement.

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Use a Beautiful Roof to Improve Curb Appeal

America has steadily moved into what more closely resembles a residential seller’s market. However, buyers are not without options. As home prices go up, many buyers are also withdrawing from the market. Nevertheless, a beautiful home can help to motivate even the most reluctant buyer, because it’s the first impression in deciding the value for money.

The Shape

The first thing many people recognize about a roof is the shape of it. In fact, some people prefer homes with certain roof shapes over others. For example, some owners prefer flat roofs that can hold a terrace, while others prefer steep A-shaped roofs that can fit an attic with standing space. You can’t create a roof that suits all preferences, but you can make sure yours is a high-quality option of its type.

The Material

First-time home buyers often do not have a preference for roof types beyond aesthetics. If they have lived in an apartment for years, then this is all the more likely. Seasoned home buyers may know exactly what kind of roof they want based on prior experience with roof maintenance. Consider this when choosing a roof.

The Color

Winter snow, fall leaves, and spring blossoms are just some of the things that may disguise a roof’s color. However, this does not mean that the color of your roof doesn’t matter. When choosing the color for your roof, consider the overall exterior of your home. Make sure the color of your roof complements the color of your siding, trim, shutters, etc.

The Condition

If people remember nothing else about a house, they remember the state it was in. Was it clean or dirty? Did it look stately and sophisticated or old and broken? The roof plays a big role in this. If there are missing shingles or the colors do not line up well together, it may give the wrong impression and subtract from the curb appeal.

If you need help visualizing your new roof, Andrews Roofing can help. Contact us today by calling 757-296-0553 or sending an email for more information.

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