Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Tag: fix tricky leaks

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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Common Maintenance Steps for Your Commercial Flat Roof

A flat roof is an excellent option for a commercial roof. Not only is it long lasting, but it can also hold your commercial air conditioners and other utilities. Make the most of your investment and prevent emergency repairs by following these common maintenance steps.

Trim Surrounding Trees

Nearby trees can increase the risk of damage to your flat roof. Not only can a tree or a limb potentially fall on your commercial building, but falling leaves and increased shade can reduce the lifespan of your roof. Have a professional trim back trees before they damage your flat roof.

Prevent Pooling Water

Flat roofs still need to efficiently drain water. Pooling water on your flat roof can slowly leak into your building. Be sure to clear off any standing water on your commercial roof and have a professional check for adequate drainage. Large amounts of water may have already compromised your roof, so consider hiring a professional to safely remove standing water.

If pooled water does start to leak through your flat roof, you need to address the leak immediately. Hire a professional roofing team to inspect the damage and provide a safe, effective patch to prevent further water damage.

Clear Off Debris

Twigs, leaves, and other debris may not seem like a major issue on your flat roof, but over time all this debris can retain moisture and encourage pooling. Prevent water pooling and other flat roof damage by routinely clearing off your commercial flat roof.

Hire a Professional Inspector and Maintenance Team

The best way to maintain your commercial flat roof is to invest in routine inspection and maintenance services. Some issues are difficult to spot without experience working with flat roofs, so contact Andrews Roofing today to receive a comprehensive inspection. Discuss any maintenance issues and discover how you can save money and avoid a complete flat roof replacement with proper maintenance. Call 757-296-0553 or email us today to learn more!

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Common Issues Caused by Leaks in Your Commercial Roof

Your roof is a critical part of your commercial building. If your commercial roof is compromised in any way, it can lead to exponential costs and headaches in the future. Whether you own your business location, an apartment complex, or office building, understanding potential issues is critical. Learn more about these common issues caused by a leaking roof.

Mold Growth

The first thing that will happen when a roof leaks is that water will enter your roofline and begin to soak into interior elements. Very quickly, this will cause mold growth. Mold only needs a few basic features in order to start growing in your building:

  • Moisture
  • Heat
  • A food source

Some common food sources for mold are drywall and carpeting, but mold and mildew can grow on the grout of a bathroom floor, on your insulation, and even on the wood frame of your building.

Rotting Wood

As mold grows and moisture soaks into your wood support beams, it could reduce the strength of your entire support structure. Over time, it could create a dangerous situation. From a sagging roof line to a complete collapse of your commercial roof, it’s best to prevent water damage before your framing begins to rot.

Compromised Insulation

Finally, a leak in your roof could cause your insulation to become wet. Most buildings are insulated with fiberglass insulation. This insulating material uses air pockets between the fibers to create a heat barrier. When exposed to water, fiberglass insulation will become heavy and crumple. Not only will this reduce its insulating properties, it could add significant weight to your commercial ceiling, creating a dangerous situation.

Don’t let a lack of maintenance or prompt repairs compromise your roof. Contact Andrews Roofing today to have your commercial roof inspected, repaired, or replaced. Protect your investment and ensure a reliable water barrier for years to come by calling 757-296-0553 or emailing us today!

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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!

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Top Reasons Roofs Fail

When you install a new roof, the last thing that you want to happen is for the roof to fail. Unfortunately, when a contractor does a poor-quality job, this is exactly what happens. Here are some of the most common reasons for roof failure.

Poor Ventilation

Good ventilation keeps a roof in good health. You should have a ventilation system that pushes heat and moisture out during the summer. This will minimize expansion due to temperature changes. Also, it will keep your attic cool throughout the year.

Poor Installation

When it comes to home renovation, it is important that the projects are finished right. Even with the best materials, if the roof is not installed properly, it is not going to function correctly. You need to ensure that your roof is installed right the first time, by a contractor who knows what they’re doing.

Poor Quality Materials

When it comes to choosing materials, you want to take more than cost into consideration. Even if the low-cost products look appealing, you need to keep in mind that the lower costs can also mean lower quality materials. When you have high quality materials, your roof is more likely to last.

Poorly Chosen Flashing

You need to protect the protrusions where exhaust pipes, chimneys, and dormers connect to the roof. These areas are prone to leaks and other problems. Metal flashings are the best way to seal this area. You do not want to use caulk or any other type of sealant. These products degrade over time.

Roofs can fail for a number of different reasons. If you want to make sure that your roof doesn’t fail, then you’ll have to invest in regular maintenance and inspections. The higher quality the job, the more likely you are to have a roof that lasts. For a roof that will last, call a company you can trust. Contact Andrews Roofing by calling 757-296-0553 or sending us an email today!

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How to Maintain an Industrial Roof

When it comes to your building, there are few components as important as the roof. The roof provides safety from the elements and adds structural integrity. If you are unfamiliar with industrial roofs, you may not know the unique needs that they present. Here is what you need to know.

Semi-Annual Inspections Are Necessary

In order to maintain your roof, you need to schedule an inspection at least twice a year. In addition, you want to schedule inspections after any severe weather event. These inspections will analyze the roof and roof components’ condition, as well as leave you with a report of any problems. When you have a semi-annual inspection, you can catch problems quickly. This will provide you with the means to take care of maintenance and repairs as soon as possible.

Maintenance Is Necessary

When you neglect an industrial roof, it deteriorates quickly. As it deteriorates, it can leak and the water will damage the underlying support system, decay the structure, and harm electrical systems. The chain of events that might develop when you neglect maintenance can be severe. Some businesses can lose their inventory and equipment due to leaking water. When you own an industrial building, you have to schedule regular maintenance.

Repairs and Maintenance Are a Priority

After an inspection, it is crucial that you schedule maintenance right away. For instance, say that you have open seams or punctures. These problems increase in severity over time. You need to ensure that you take care of everything as quickly as you can. This also goes for less serious maintenance. Do not let your problem turn into something more serious.

Industrial roofs are different from residential roofs. If you are used to maintaining a residential roof, you still need to pay special attention to the unique needs of an industrial roof. For more information about your industrial roof and maintenance, contact Andrews Roofing by calling 757-296-0553 or emailing us today!

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