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Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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Tag: hurricane roof damage

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Chimney Leak, Commercial Roofing, Rapid Rain Gutter System, Residential Roofing, Roof Flashing, Roof Leak, Roof Maintenance, Roofing Information, Roofing Repairs

What Tree Trimming Has to Do With Your Home’s Health

That beautiful tree in your backyard that provides shade in the summer, fragrant blooms in the spring, vivid colors in the fall, and maybe even holds a swing or treehouse for your kids could also be damaging your home without you knowing it.

When trees are not properly managed and maintained, they pose a significant risk to your home’s roof health. And that risk isn’t just sudden, storm-related damage. Even without a storm or major weather event, trees can take a toll on your roof over time in subtle ways. But there are ways to mitigate this damage, particularly for homes battling the specific environment and severe weather of southeast Virginia.

How Trees Affect Roofs

  • Falling Debris
    Falling leaves, branches, pine needles and twigs are common culprits when it comes to roof damage caused by trees in Hampton Roads. A few leaves or needles here and there may seem harmless, but over time they can accumulate on your roof, leading to clogged gutters, water pooling, and damage to shingles and flashing.
  • Moss and Algae Growth
    Trees can create shaded and damp areas on your roof, providing an ideal environment for moss and algae growth. This is especially true in the humid and often damp climate in the Tidewater Region. Over time, moss and algae can compromise the structural integrity of your roofing materials.
  • Wildlife
    Trees are often home to a variety of wildlife including squirrels, birds and even racoons or possums. If the trees they inhabit are close enough to your house, these critters can find their way onto your roof and potentially create entry points or damage the roofing materials while searching for shelter or food. For instance, it’s not uncommon in Hampton Roads for small birds to build nests in open gutters during the spring season, creating serious clogs when summer storms hit. Roof rats and other pests are also common during the cold or wet months.
  • Falling Limbs or a Tree
    Of course, the most obvious source of tree-related damage to a roof is by limbs falling off during storms or strong winds. In our hurricane, tropical storm and nor’easter-prone region, this is especially common. During any one of these types of weather events (or even just a summer pop up thunderstorm) overhanging tree limbs can break and fall onto your roof, causing serious damage by knocking off gutters or flashing, puncturing shingles or even the roof decking below, which can lead to more extensive structural damage. There is the rare occasion when an entire tree comes down and, hopefully hits nothing, or it does hit something.

What You Can Do to Prevent Tree-Related Roof Damage

  • Identify Tree Rot
    The most likely offender in the forest is a tree with any kind of rot. Tree rot can happen for a variety of reasons: damage from storms, animals or disease, but trees that are dead or dying also invite in termites, which are certain to finish the job, causing a tree to lose any structural integrity it had left. By inspecting the trees on and around your property regularly, you can identify rot early and either call in a professional arborist who can assist in removing the affected portions of the tree while saving the rest or a tree removal company if the damage is too far along.
  • Remove or Trim Encroaching Trees
    Even if trees are healthy, they can still create an unsafe situation if they begin to encroach on your home’s immediate perimeter. Pruning and trimming trees near your home is essential, because even if a limb or debris doesn’t come flying off, consistent contact between a tree and your roof can cause its own kind of damage. This is often seen in loose gutters and loose or missing shingles. Again, consult with a professional arborist and/or tree trimming company to remedy this.
  • Keep Gutters Clear
    Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent debris accumulation and water damage. Clogged gutterscan lead to water overflow, which can damage your roof, siding, and foundation.
  • Install Gutter Guards
    Consider installing high capacity gutters and gutter guards to prevent leaves and debris from entering your gutters. High quality gutters and leaf guards can be a valuable investment in maintaining your roof’s health.
  • Don’t Forget the Flashing
    Properly installed flashing around roof penetrations, such as chimneys or vents, can help protect your roof from water intrusion due to tree-related damage. A roof specialist can inspect your roof to ensure flashing is properly installed and that existing flashing is not damaged, loose or missing.

While the variety of trees in coastal Virginia can enhance the beauty and value of your property, it’s essential to be mindful of their potential to damage your home’s roof. Regular maintenance, including tree trimming, gutter cleaning, and roof inspections, is key to preventing costly roof repairs. By taking proactive steps to protect your roof, you can continue to enjoy the benefits of having trees on your property without worrying about the potential damage they may cause. Your home and roof will thank you for it in the long run.

We Can Help

If you’ve experienced damage to your roof from trees or other causes, Andrews Roofing can help. We’ve been providing reputable, high-quality roofing services in the Hampton Roads region for decades, and we’re familiar with the specific issues that arise in this area. We can help you not just repair your roof, but also identify and fix potential problems so your roof and home remain healthy long after our work is done. Contact us today.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Rapid Rain Gutter System, Residential Roofing, Roof Installation, Roof Maintenance, Roof Warranty, Roofing Repairs

Common Roofing Storm Damage

If you watch the local news or even just tune in for the weather forecast, you know that we’ve reached peak hurricane season and that the tropics have been very active thus far.

Fortunately, the Mid-Atlantic coast including Southeast Virginia and Hampton Roads have been spared from any direct hits. But there are still two more months of hurricane season, and now is the time to be prepared for anything that may come our way. Not to mention that as soon as hurricane season is over, nor’easter and winter storm season will be upon us.

When it comes to your home and your home’s roof, there are plenty of things you can do in advance to avoid certain types of damage during storm season. But there are some things you simply can’t prevent from happening, and being responsive after the fact is the best you can do. Here are a few common types of roof damage to keep an eye out for as we weather hurricane season this fall.

Tree Damage

Tree damage isn’t always as obvious as an entire tree crashing through your roof and into your home. Some tree damage can go unnoticed until it causes interior damage – days, weeks or even months later. A stray limb with enough wind and force behind it can cause shingles to fly off, roof sheathing and decking to be pierced and make your roof vulnerable to leaks.

Tree damage can even come from overhanging branches that simply rub along shingles and cause unwanted wear and tear. It’s always a good idea to keep low hanging or potentially destructive branches trimmed back from the roofline where possible.

After a storm, visually inspect your roof as well as you can from the ground to see if any limbs, branches or even leaf buildups can be seen. If so, they should be removed immediately and the roof should be inspected to ensure no damage was caused. If damage was caused, a roofing contractor will typically be able to do a repair confined to that area without a major overhaul of your roof.

Loose or Missing Shingles

Perhaps the most common damage after a storm is loose or missing shingles. While it may not seem like a big deal if one or two shingles come off, their absence makes the shingles all around that area more susceptible to blowing off, and jeopardizes the roof sheathing beneath. Depending on when and how your roof was installed, the material manufacturer or installer may have specific warranties to cover shingle replacement. In any case, the shingles should be replaced as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

Loose or Missing Flashing

Flashing is the metal sheets that are used in roofing around joints in a roofline and around other roof penetrations such as pipes, chimneys and vents. They play an important role in protecting your roof decking and if jeopardized, major interior damage can occur. Loose flashing can actually cause quite a bit of damage to the rest of your roof, tearing up or removing shingles around it, especially in a wind event.

Missing flashing can allow water intrusion and will also make it easier for nearby shingles to be blown away. Some flashing you may be able to visually inspect from the ground, but if you have reason to believe that flashing may be loose in spots that you’re not able to inspect from the ground, call in a qualified roofing contractor to inspect for you – don’t risk causing damage to yourself to find damage on your roof.

Clogged or Broken Gutters

Particularly if you live near a lot of trees, storms can cause debris to fly off of nearby vegetation that can eventually land right into your gutters. This debris will cause your gutters to work less effectively, which means water will build up and potentially seep up underneath your shingles and sheathing, causing damage to the roof decking below, often seen as dark water spots in the corners and along the top of the walls in your home. Ideally, have your gutters cleaned before storm season so that they are cleared and ready to carry all that stormwater away from your home. But it’s also a good idea to check on them after a storm and make sure nothing has caused any clogs or damage to the gutter itself.

Broken or loose gutters are also common after a storm, and if you see evidence of that, call in a licensed contractor to fix the problem before the next rain event occurs. Broken gutters can funnel water into places it should not go including near your home’s foundation and onto walls and windows, causing even more damage. If you don’t have gutters, or your home’s gutters need to be replaced, you may also want to consider installing a Rapid Rain ™ gutter system which is designed for high capacity that comes with living in a storm prone area.

Contact a Local Roofing Contractor

This hurricane season, if your roof sustains any damage during a storm, contact Andrews Roofing. We are locally owned and operated and we are highly experienced in the issues that are unique to the Tidewater region. We know what to look out for and how to best fix and repair an issue to withstand future weather events.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Residential Roofing, Roof Installation, Roof Warranty, Roofing Information

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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Category: Andrews Roofing, Roof Maintenance, Roofing Repairs

Anatomy of a Roof Leak

No one wants to hear that dreaded “drip drip drip” that means you’ve got a roof leak. Or looking up and suddenly seeing a big dark spot on the ceiling. But when you do, your first thoughts are probably “how did this happen?” and “where exactly is this coming from?” Understanding the answers to these two questions is the key to getting your roof leak fixed quickly and efficiently and also to possibly avoiding them in the first place.

How do roof leaks start?

Typically, a leak will start one of two ways: damage or deterioration. However, there are many different types of both damage and deterioration that may have occurred and that might not be immediately obvious. Here are several that are common for homes in the Hampton Roads area.

Storm Damage

This likely is the most obvious source of a roof leak and also one of the most common in the Tidewater region. Thanks to hurricanes, nor’easters, snow storms and torrential rains, there are myriad ways a Hampton Roads roof can be damaged. But storm damage isn’t always as obvious as a giant tree falling through your roof. Sometimes damage can occur that isn’t noticeable right away. Hurricane force winds can blow flashing off a house, which can eventually lead to water damage and leaks. Winter storms can cause limbs heavy with snow or ice to drop onto a roof and cause a hole that you aren’t able to see or hear right away. Torrential rain can cause gutters to overflow and damage roof decking.

Your homeowners insurance may cover this type of damage, but you have to identify it and file your claim in a timely manner. This means that after each major storm, you should visually inspect your property for any damage on both the inside and outside of your roof. If you believe any damage may have occurred, you should call a licensed roofing company to come and physically inspect and provide any estimates needed for insurance purposes.

Clogged Gutters

Clogged gutters are a common cause of roof leaks, but they are also one of the most preventable. When gutters are clogged, water can build up on the roof, getting under the shingles and causing water damage that could eventually lead to a leak. If you notice dark spots on your ceiling near the outer edges of the house, this may be a gutter issue. Cleaning your gutters (or having them cleaned by a professional) 3-4 times a year is the best way to avoid this issue altogether.

Condensation

Believe it or not, a leak can start inside your home, without the exterior of your roof being damaged at all. That’s because condensation build up in an attic can cause interior leaks. This happens when there is not proper ventilation or proper insulation that would prevent extreme temperature changes – something that is not uncommon here in southeast Virginia. In addition to causing leaks, this condensation build up can also be the source of mold and mildew. Ensuring proper ventilation and insulation is installed in your attic and along your roof line is critical to avoid this type of leak.

Missing or Damaged Flashing

Flashing is just as critical to the integrity of your roof as shingles. Flashing is the metal that covers joints and seams on a roof, and when it is not installed and sealed properly, water can enter and damage the roof decking. If flashing isn’t well attached, it can move or get blown away during a storm. It also ages just like shingles, so corrosion or cracks in the metal could also allow water to enter your home. If some of your flashing is visible from the ground, inspect it after every major storm. However, some flashing may be difficult to see or access and in those cases, a licensed roofing contractor can inspect those areas if you believe there is an issue.

Deterioration

If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may be deteriorating and causing leaks. Every roof has a lifespan, although that number can vary greatly depending on the material used. For traditional asphalt shingles, 20 years is usually the lifespan. Fiber cement shingles can last closer to 30 and metal roofing can last for 50 or more years. As roofing materials age, they can become brittle and shingles may crack or warp, allowing water to get underneath. They may also fall off more easily – even during a less than severe storm. If you know your roof is nearing the end of its life, it’s better to replace it before a leak causes interior damage, requiring you to repair multiple areas of your home.

What to do when your roof starts leaking

When a leak occurs, it’s time to bring in the professionals. Roof repair can be dangerous for the average DIY’er and if not done properly, can cause more damage or void material warranties. Instead, research your local roofing contractors and find one with a good reputation in your community. The sooner you contact them, the less damage the leak can cause, so don’t put this task off.

At Andrews Roofing, we’ve been helping homeowners in Hampton Roads repair or replace their roofs for decades. We have experience with the specific types of damage and leaks common in this area, and we have the knowledge, skills and experience to make it right, right away. Contact us today.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Roof Maintenance, Roof Warranty, Roofing Repairs, Safety

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.

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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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