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Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Tag: backed up gutters

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Residential Roofing, Roof Flashing, Roof Leak, Roof Maintenance

Don’t Let Fall Get Your Roof Down

We’ve been doing business in Southeast Virginia for decades, which means we know very well that the seasonal beauty of fall comes with a fair share of potential roofing headaches.

Leaves, pine straw, and other debris may look harmless, but they can cause significant roofing issues if left to accumulate in key areas like valleys, gutters, downspouts, and sidewalls. Here’s a closer look at why these buildups can lead to bigger problems and what kinds of repairs you might need if they’re not properly addressed.

Valleys: The Perfect Catch-All

Roof valleys are especially prone to catching and holding onto leaves, pine needles, and other debris. These areas naturally channel water off the roof, so when clogged, water can’t flow properly. The buildup creates the perfect breeding ground for mold, moss, and mildew, leading to water pooling and potential leaks.

Repairs You May Need: If not cleared, debris buildup in valleys can lead to rotting shingles or underlayment, causing leaks and water damage. Left unchecked, this might require a complete valley reinstallation, including shingle replacement and underlayment repair.

Gutters and Downspouts: The First Line of Defense

Leaves and pine straw are notorious for clogging gutters and downspouts, causing water to back up. Especially in the fall, we see a lot of clogged gutters that can lead to roof and structural damage. When water can’t flow freely, it pools in gutters, and the overflow can back up into and under roofing materials, down into walls and eventually into your home’s foundation, which is a costly problem.

Repairs You May Need: Prolonged water overflow can damage fascia boards and soffits, leading to wood rot and, in extreme cases, structural weakening. In some cases, you may need gutter realignment or replacement, downspout extensions, or even partial fascia board replacement.

Sidewalls: An Overlooked Vulnerability

When debris builds up where the roof meets a wall, called the sidewall or step flashing, it can trap moisture. Pine straw and leaves left to rot here create a hidden damp area that erodes flashing over time, opening up the roof to leaks and seepage.

Repairs You May Need: Damaged flashing can lead to leaks that seep into walls, requiring not only flashing replacement but also repairs to affected shingles, woodwork, and insulation.

Roof Shingles: Your Shield Against the Elements

Though shingles are designed to protect your roof, heavy debris can compromise their effectiveness. Leaves and pine straw hold moisture, which can create “hotspots” on shingles, weakening them and promoting mold and mildew growth. In some cases, the weight of accumulated debris on weaker or older shingles can cause cracking or even partial shingle detachment.

Repairs You May Need: Minor issues might require shingle replacement or moss and mold treatment. However, if left untreated, the accumulation can lead to more extensive repairs, like partial reroofing to address compromised shingles and underlayment.

Our Tips for Preventing Roofing Problems in the Fall

  • Regular Gutter Cleaning.
    Clear gutters and downspouts at least twice during the fall. If you have a lot of trees nearby, consider installing gutter guards.
  • Roof Valleys Maintenance.
    Clear valleys of debris regularly to prevent buildup and water retention. To do so, use a roof rake or hire a professional – never get on a ladder and attempt to do this yourself.
  • Sidewall and Flashing Checkups.
    Inspect sidewalls and flashing areas (from the ground) whenever you’re working outside around your house or at least once a month to ensure there are no areas of accumulation.
  • Professional Inspection.
    Schedule a fall inspection with a trusted roofing professional who can catch and address minor issues before they lead to costly repairs.

Andrews Roofing Can Help

The cooler months ahead provide the perfect opportunity to prepare for winter by addressing any potential fall-related roofing issues. If you’re concerned about your roof’s condition, or just want to ensure your investment lasts for a long time to come, contact Andrews Roofing today. We’re here to ensure your home stays dry, safe, and ready to handle the Southeast Virginia weather all year long.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Flat Roof, low slope roof

What to Know About Owning a Home with a Low Slope Roof

Owning or maintaining a house with a low slope roof comes with its own set of considerations and challenges.

While homes with a low slope roof are not as common as traditional A-frame or gabled roofs, they are still an important percentage of the home styles one finds in Southeast Virginia, especially near the beach. Because of their low slope, these roofs must be installed and maintained differently than higher pitched roofs. Whether you’ve owned a house with a low slope roof for years or are considering purchasing or building one, here are some critical things you need to know to keep your home’s health in tip top shape.

Drainage: Proper drainage is critical for low slope roofs to prevent water pooling, which can lead to leaks and structural damage. Regularly clean gutters and ensure downspouts are clear to allow water to flow freely off and away from the roof.

Material Selection: Choose roofing materials specifically designed for low slope roofs, such as built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, or single-ply membranes like TPO or EPDM. These materials are more suitable for low slope applications and provide better protection against water infiltration. A good roofing contractor can point you in the right direction and let you know which materials make the most sense for the Tidewater, Virginia climate and conditions.

Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspections are essential to catch any issues early on. Because of the nature of low slope roofs, it may be more difficult to assess the situation from the ground. Having a local roofing company inspect your roof on a regular basis or when you believe an issue may be occurring is critical to ensuring its longevity and preventing further damage.

Regular Cleaning: Keep the roof clean from debris, such as leaves, branches, and dirt, which can accumulate and prevent proper drainage. Regular cleaning can help prevent clogs and extend the lifespan of your roof.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important for any roof to prevent moisture buildup, but it’s especially crucial for low slope roofs where water may not drain as quickly. Ensure you have adequate ventilation in the attic space to prevent condensation and mold growth.

Ice and Snow Removal: Low slope roofs are more prone to ice dam formation, especially in colder climates. Ice dams can cause water to freeze and back up under the roofing material, leading to leaks and damage. Use roof rakes or hire professionals to safely remove snow and ice buildup during winter.

Professional Assistance: Consider hiring a professional roofing contractor experienced with low slope roofs for inspections, repairs, and installations. They can provide expert advice, manufacturer recommended and code-compliant installation to ensure the work is done correctly, which will ultimately prolong the life of your roof and meet your warranty’s standards.

Andrews Roofing Can Help

At Andrews Roofing, we have decades of experience in a wide variety of roofing styles including low slope and flat roofs. Whether commercial or residential, we can provide installation, maintenance, and replacement for your low slope roof. Contact us today to schedule your roofing estimate.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Architectural Shingles, Chimney Leak, Flat Roof, Rapid Rain Gutter System, Residential Roofing, Roof Flashing, Roof Installation, Roof Leak, Roofing Information, Skylight

Shopping for a new house? Don’t forget to look up!

When potential home buyers are house shopping, they tend to focus on a home’s interior features, its location, neighborhood, and general curb appeal.

But one thing you should never overlook in a listing is a home’s roof. As an essential structural component of any home, a roof is one of the largest investments owners can make. In today’s cut-throat, competitive housing market, buyers are often willing to waive home inspections to have their offer considered over others. But this is never a good idea – buying a home without knowing about the condition of its roof is a risk that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

So, what should you look for as you leaf through those listings? Here are just a few considerations for prospective homebuyers when evaluating a property’s roof.

  1. Age: The age of a roof can tell you a lot and is perhaps the most important fact to know about it in advance. An older roof may be nearing the end of its lifespan and could require costly repairs or replacement soon. Look for signs of wear and tear such as missing or damaged shingles, sagging areas, or water stains on the ceiling. If the listing doesn’t say the roof’s age, have your real estate agent inquire about it.
  2. Material: Different roofing materials have varying lifespans, maintenance requirements, and durability. Most commonly in the Hampton Roads region you’ll see architectural asphalt shingles. But there are also metal roofs, clay tile, wood shake, and even synthetic recycled materials. Consider our local climate and what makes the most sense for your lifestyle and the home’s location when assessing roofing materials and whether you’re ready to take on their care.
  3. Leaks and Water Damage: Water damage can lead to extensive structural issues and mold growth. During a home inspection, carefully examine the interior ceilings, walls, and attic for any signs of water stains, mold, or mildew. Additionally, look for evidence of leaks around skylights, chimneys, vents, and flashings. All of these things can point to a roof that at best needs repairs and at worst needs to be completely replaced.
  4. Gutters and Drainage: Proper slope and drainage is essential for preventing water from pooling on a roof and causing damage – this is especially important in low slope or flat roofs. Likewise, gutters keep water from running off the roof and toward the foundation of a house, causing water damage that can affect a home’s overall structure. Inspect the gutters and downspouts for debris buildup, corrosion, or damage. Ensure that they are securely attached and effectively channel water away from the foundation of the house.
  5. Ventilation: Adequate attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, prolonging the lifespan of the roof and preventing issues like ice dams and mold growth. Check for vents along the eaves, ridge, and soffits, and ensure they are clear of obstructions. Improper ventilation can not only reduce the lifespan of a roof, but also dramatically increase your utility bills.
  6. Previous Repairs or Replacements: Inquire about any past roof repairs or replacements and obtain documentation if available. A well-maintained roof with a history of regular inspections and maintenance is sure to be in better condition than one that hasn’t. A roof that was recently replaced likely has material or workmanship warranties. Having the information about that is critical in case you need to make a future claim.
  7. Professional Inspection: While an initial visual assessment of the roof is something you can do yourself while touring a home, hiring a qualified roofing contractor or home inspector for a thorough evaluation is highly recommended. They can identify hidden issues, assess the overall condition of the roof, and provide insights into potential maintenance or repair costs. Don’t skip this step!

Andrews Roofing Can Help
If you’re in the process of purchasing a new home in the Tidewater area and you’d like a professional roof inspection done by a licensed roofing contractor, contact Andrews Roofing. We can give you the peace of mind that your investment is a solid one and keep you from financial heartache down the road.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Rapid Rain Gutter System

Spring for Gutters

April showers might bring spring flowers, but they can also bring a lot of damage to your home if you’re not prepared.

Did you know that Virginia Beach and the surrounding Hampton Roads cities get an average of over 9” of rain during the spring season? And as the seasons change some of that precipitation comes in the form of severe weather, which can dump several inches of rain over the course of just a few hours. If you’ve lived in the Tidewater region long enough, you’ve surely been caught in one of those spring deluges.

Those same pop-up storms that can put a kink in your commute, delay your kids’ baseball games or ruin a nice day at the beach can also negatively impact your home. This is especially true if your home doesn’t have functional gutters.

Why Should Your Home Have Gutters?

Gutters play a critical role in protecting your home’s roof and foundation. When a roofline doesn’t have gutters, water sheets off the roof and straight down to the base of the house. This creates pooling water around your foundation which can cause long-term moisture damage. Moisture at the foundation level of your home can result in mold, mildew, termites and structural damage.

When water isn’t properly channeled off a roof, it can also cause water damage to the vertical surfaces of your house including walls and windows. Leaky windows, wood rot or discoloration can occur.

Gutters also protect your landscaping. By moving water through a downspout into a drain or appropriate area of the yard, you can help prevent erosion in your garden beds, losing costly topsoil, mulch or plants.

How to Maintain Your Gutters

Gutters should be cleaned annually or preferably semiannually. We always recommend using a professional company for this task as doing it yourself is dangerous and could result in serious injury.

When gutters are not cleaned out regularly, they can actually cause just as much damage as not having gutters at all. Water will sheet over a filled gutter, causing the same problems as we mentioned above. Clogged gutters can also cause water to back up toward the roofline, pushing water up underneath shingles and potentially damaging your roof’s decking.

In addition to having gutters cleaned out each year, make sure all gutters are securely attached to the roofline and all downspouts are secured to the corners or sides of your house. Check to see that the areas where the downspouts direct water is clean and cleared as well as directing water away from your home’s foundation.

Inspect gutters and downspouts from the ground for holes or punctures. These could cause water to leak onto the sides of your house or into your windows. If you notice a gutter has any damage, contact a local roofing company or other licensed contractor who is experienced in gutter installation and repairs.

What to Look for in a Gutter

Not all gutters are created equal. In precipitation-prone areas like coastal Virginia, high-capacity gutters can be particularly useful. If you’re installing or replacing the gutters on your home, look for a system like our Rapid Rain Gutter System™ that has a high-volume control of water flow but is designed to look like a traditional 5” gutter.

Pay attention to the metal quality and thickness – you don’t want anything that is so thin that you have to worry about punctures from trees or other debris during storms. You’ll also want something that is visually appealing next to the siding or brick on your home as well as your roof color, so look for a manufacturer that offers a wide variety of colors. Make sure the material is covered under a warranty, even for things like scratches, which can quickly become rusted and unsightly.

You may also want to look into some type of gutter guards, especially if your home is surrounded by trees or other vegetation. Our MicroGuard system has over 48 perforations per square inch to keep out the smallest debris while allowing water to flow through easily.

Where to Go for Gutters

Always use a licensed and insured contractor for gutter repairs and installation, and make sure their work and products are warrantied and that they have an upstanding reputation in your local community.

At Andrews Roofing, we provide installation and maintenance of our Rapid Rain Gutter Systems™, and we stand behind the product with a lifetime ScratchGuard™ guarantee and our reputation for quality and satisfaction. Installing gutters is a smart investment that can prevent costly repairs and help maintain the value of your home. Contact us today for more information about installing gutters on your home.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Commercial Roofing, Financing, Residential Roofing, Roof Maintenance, Roofing Information, Roofing Repairs

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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