missing shingles – Andrews Roofing

By Andrews Roofing | October 2, 2025

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Architectural Shingles, Financing, Residential Roofing, Residential Roofing Projects, Roof Installation, Roof Leak, Roof Warranty, Roofing Information

Roof Replacement ROI: The Hidden Financial Perks of a New Roof

Replacing your roof is a major home improvement project, and for many homeowners, the upfront cost can feel daunting.

But what many people don’t realize is that a new roof is also a smart financial investment that can pay off in a number of ways—both immediately and long-term. From lowering your monthly bills to increasing your home’s resale value, here are some of the top financial benefits of investing in a total roof replacement.

Lower Energy Costs

Older roofs often have worn-out shingles, deteriorating underlayment, or poor ventilation. All of these factors allow air to escape (or stay trapped), making your HVAC system work harder to heat or cool your home. A new roof with modern materials and proper insulation and ventilation can improve energy efficiency, leading to lower monthly utility bills. Over time, these savings add up significantly. Some roofing products are even ENERGY STAR® rated or “cool roof” certified, which may qualify you for additional rebates or tax credits.

Potentially Lower Insurance Premiums

Insurance companies know that older roofs are more likely to fail during storms, leading to costly claims. Many insurance companies offer better rates for homeowners who invest in a new roof because it reduces the risk of leaks, water damage, and structural issues. In Southeast Virginia, where hurricanes and nor’easters are a constant reality, this can be an especially valuable benefit. A stronger, more resilient roof could keep you from paying hefty deductibles after storm damage and seeing your insurance rate skyrocket.

Increased Resale Value

If you plan on selling your home in the next 5–10 years, a new roof is one of the top upgrades that attracts buyers. A roof replacement not only boosts curb appeal but also provides peace of mind for potential buyers, knowing they won’t need to take on a major repair immediately after purchase. Most real estate agents will tell you that homes with newer roofs sell faster and often for more money. Plus, some roofing warranties are transferable, a great selling point that will appeal to any buyer.

More Home Equity and Better Financing Options

For homeowners considering refinancing or taking out a home equity loan, the appraised value of your home matters. A new roof can raise that appraisal, giving you more equity to borrow against for other improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses. Some lenders also look at roof age when assessing loan risk, so replacing your roof may even help secure better interest rates.

Avoiding Costly Repairs Elsewhere in the Home

Older roofs are more prone to leaks, missing shingles, and other recurring issues. While patchwork repairs might seem cheaper in the moment, they add up quickly and don’t fix the root of the problem when a roof has reached the end of its lifespan. Older, decaying roof materials can also allow water intrusion, causing damage to insulation, drywall, flooring, and even your home’s foundation. By replacing your roof, you’re protecting the rest of your home from cascading repair costs.

Long-Term Protection and Peace of Mind

Financial security isn’t just about immediate savings—it’s also about avoiding unexpected expenses. With a new roof under warranty, you won’t have to worry about sudden leaks or emergency repairs draining your savings. That peace of mind has real financial value, since it lets you plan your household budget without the fear of surprise expenses.

Make a Smart Investment with a Local Team

Replacing your roof is a financial decision that can benefit you now and well into the future. But we know that it’s also a major investment, so if you’re ready to make the financially wise choice for your home, contact Andrews Roofing today. Our team has decades of experience helping homeowners in Hampton Roads, Tidewater, and Southeast Virginia protect their investment with expert roof replacements that last.

By Andrews Roofing | September 8, 2025

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

Hurricane Prep for Homeowners in Southeast Virginia

Hurricane season is an unfortunate, but familiar reality for homeowners in Hampton Roads and across Southeast Virginia.

Every year the local and national meteorologists take their best bet on how many storms we’ll have and how severe they may be, but anyone who has lived here long enough knows – you truly can’t predict the weather when it comes to tropical storm systems. But even if you can’t control how and when the storms will hit, there are things you can control around your own home —starting from the top down. Your roof and gutters are your first line of defense against high winds and heavy rain, and proper preparation can make a major difference in minimizing potential storm damage.

As we head into high hurricane season, when historically the storms in our region are the most frequent and severe, we’ve compiled some practical ways you can prepare your home, including steps that can help you in the event you need to file an insurance claim.

Inspect Your Roof for Weak Points

Before hurricane season ramps up, schedule a professional roof inspection. A roofing contractor can check for:

Loose, missing, or damaged shingles
Exposed fasteners or flashing issues
Soft spots in decking that may indicate water damage
Signs of aging or deterioration in your roof system

If issues are found, addressing these small problems now, by having a professional do the repairs, can help prevent much larger issues if a storm rolls through. If major damage occurs, you’ll also have paperwork showing that your roof was recently inspected and/or repaired and so any subsequent damage was, in fact, caused by the storm itself. This can come in handy when filing insurance claims.

Clean and Secure Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters play a critical role in keeping water away from your home’s foundation. Before a storm, clear out any leaves, sticks, or debris that may be clogging them. Also, check that your gutters and downspouts are securely fastened to your home—strong winds can easily tear loose systems away, creating projectiles that could cause even more damage. Consider installing gutter guards if you live in a heavily wooded areas where pine needles, leaves or other debris buildup is a recurring problem.

Trim Overhanging Branches

Tree limbs that hang over your roof or gutters can break during high winds and cause serious damage. Trimming back trees from around your house before storm season will reduce the likelihood of branches penetrating and damaging your roof. It also reduces the impact of leaves clogging your gutters. Call out a professional tree company before the storms hit, because once they do, it could be months before any tree company in the area will have availability again.

Document Your Roof and Home Exterior

If you’ve ever had to file an insurance claim for storm damage you know how important this step is. In the event of storm damage, having clear, up-to-date photos of your roof and home exterior can make the insurance claims process much smoother. Take detailed photos and videos of your roof, gutters, siding, and yard before hurricane season begins and before each major storm is predicted to come through the Tidewater region. Store them digitally in case you need to access them quickly. Having them on your phone is ideal, in case computers or other hardware is damaged or inaccessible.

Review Your Insurance Coverage

Now is also the time to check your homeowner’s insurance policy. Make sure your coverage is current and that you understand what is and isn’t covered when it comes to wind and water damage. If necessary, update or increase your insurance coverage. This is especially important for homeowners without mortgages. While individuals with mortgages typically have to keep their insurance at a particular level to satisfy the lender, unmortgaged homes don’t have this requirement. If your home is paid off and it’s been a while since you’ve updated your coverage, now is the time to do so. Keep a copy of your policy and your insurance company’s contact information in a safe, waterproof location as well as in your phone for easy access.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

The best preparation is ongoing care. Regular roof and gutter maintenance not only protects your home during hurricane season but also extends the lifespan of your roof. Consider setting up annual inspections with a trusted local roofing company to ensure your roof is always ready to face the elements.

Trust Andrews Roofing to Help You Weather the Storm

At Andrews Roofing, we’ve been helping Hampton Roads homeowners protect their homes for decades. From routine inspections to emergency repairs after a storm, our team has the expertise for our particular region to keep your roof performing at its best. If you’d like to schedule a roof inspection before hurricane season, contact us today.

By Andrews Roofing | December 7, 2023

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

Winter Roof Prep

The temperatures are dropping, Christmas lights are popping up, and the days seem to end before they even begin – winter is here. That also means it’s a crucial time of year to prepare your home for the colder weather. Your roof may need some special attention in particular to ensure your home’s safety and comfort over the next few months since it’s the first line of defense against snow, ice, and those dropping temperatures. Here are a few handy tips for getting your roof winter ready.

The first step is always to perform a visual inspection from both the outside and inside of your home. Look for damaged, loose or missing shingles, loose flashing, cracks around pipe collars or areas of moisture or drafts in your attic. Identifying these potential issues first is critical for how to move forward with your winter prep.

During your inspection, you should also check in on your gutters and downspouts. If they’re full from all those falling leaves, it’s time to give them a good cleaning. If gutters are clogged, a heavy rain followed by dropping temperatures can cause your gutters to produce an ice dam, which can cause serious damage to your roof, the gutters themselves and the interior of your home. You may also want to consider installing larger, high capacity gutters and/or gutter guards to prevent future build ups and issues.

Inside your home, inspect your attic carefully, as roofing issues are often easier to spot from this point of view. Damp areas may indicate a leak in the roof or condensation build up from lack of ventilation. Heavy air drafts can also point to punctures or damaged areas. While you’re there, take note of your attic’s insulation – if your home is older, it may be time to replace or add new insulation to keep your home’s temperature consistent, which reduces condensation and your heating and cooling costs.

If you have a wood burning fireplace and chimney, then hopefully you are having it inspected and cleaned at the beginning of the winter season as well. This is a good time to ask your chimney specialist to take note of the flashing around your chimney. Loose or missing flashing around a chimney can cause major structural damage over time, but avoiding this is an easy fix that’s far less expensive than the potential damage it could cause.

Although we don’t get snow very often here in Hampton Roads, when we do, any accumulation can put a strain on your roof. Roof rakes can be used to remove built up snow, which can be especially stubborn on the north side of your roof where the sunlight is less likely to melt it away.

The final winter prep tip isn’t about your roof, but your landscaping. Check the trees and vegetation around your home’s roofline. If there are any branches that are overhanging your roof, brushing up against your gutters or scraping at shingles, they will inevitably cause damage, especially when severe winter weather arrives. Trimming back trees, removing overhanging brush or vines can help prevent problems before they happen.

If you have any concerns about your roof’s winter weather readiness, contact Andrews Roofing today to schedule a roof inspection. One of our experienced roofing specialists can let you know if there are any issues that can be easily handled and repaired before extreme weather hits. Doing so will ensure your comfort and your peace of mind this season.

By Andrews Roofing | April 7, 2023

Tags: annual roof cleaning, block gutters, clean gutters, Clogged Gutters, dark stain roof, gutter inspection, ice dams, missing shingles, professional roof cleaning, roof cleaning, roof debris, roof maintenance, roof mildew, roof rake, spring cleaning, tree branches touching roof, water damage

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

Spring Cleaning for Your Roof

Spring is here which means it’s time to throw open the windows, clear out the clutter and give your home a good spring cleaning.

Typically spring cleaning may look like purging your closet of items you haven’t worn in years, emptying and cleaning the fridge (and throwing out those ten expired salad dressings!) or even washing the windows, but there’s another part of your home that you probably don’t have on your list that could also use a good annual cleaning – your roof!

Particularly after a long winter, your roof needs some extra attention to ensure it is functioning optimally for all the spring showers and summer storms. Annual roof cleaning will extend the life of your roof as well, saving you thousands of dollars in the long run. Here are a few spring cleaning tips to keep your roof in tip-top condition.

Ditch the Debris
It’s not uncommon over the winter for leaves, sticks and other debris to build up on your roof, especially in any roofing valleys your home may have or around dormers. Removing the debris from your roof keeps anything from building up and causing mildew, or from damaging or even removing shingles. Debris can be removed from a roof while staying safely on the ground using a roof rake, which you can purchase online or at a hardware store for a small investment. If you are able to access parts of your roof from windows, you can use a roof rake or even a leaf blower while staying safely inside your home to remove debris from those areas. Whatever method you choose, just stay away from climbing on top of your roof on your own, as this is dangerous and better done by a professional with the appropriate safety equipment.

Trim the Trees
To keep additional vegetation and debris from building up on the roof once you’ve cleaned it, make sure the trees and other plants around your roofline are trimmed back. Tree branches that touch your roof can easily scrape up against shingles or flashing during a storm, removing or damaging them which can eventually lead to leaks. Call in a professional tree service for larger or taller trees so you don’t cause more damage to your home in the trimming process.

Clean the Gutters
Clogged or at least partially blocked gutters are nearly a given after the winter months. When gutters become clogged or obstructed, it can cause water to back up and seep under the eaves of your home, causing water damage and leaks. In the winter, clogged gutters can freeze and cause ice dams to form which can cause major damage to shingles and the gutter itself. Each spring it’s a good idea to call in a professional gutter cleaning service to remove any debris so that water can flow easily away from your roof and your home. It’s also a good idea to inspect the gutters, including downspouts to make sure that there are no punctures or other damage and that where the water exits the gutter is properly graded to move water away from your foundation.

Roof Cleaners
If your roof is plagued with mildew or dark stains, there are several different types of roof cleaning solutions available. Many of these cleaners come in containers that can be attached to the end of a standard garden hose, so you can spray the areas of your roof that are stained from the ground or a ladder (with assistance, of course). If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, there may be professional roof cleaning companies in your area that offer this service. If you choose to tackle this yourself, just be sure to carefully follow any manufacturer instructions that come with the product.

If you find any issues with your roof during the process of spring cleaning, contact Andrews Roofing. We’ve helped homeowners in the Hampton Roads region extend the life of their roofs through proper maintenance and repairs and we also provide gutter installation and replacement services. We are very familiar with the types of issues and concerns that arise in homes in southeast Virginia, and we have decades of experience in how to make them right. Contact us today.

By Andrews Roofing | January 13, 2023

Tags: Asphalt Shingles, brittle shingles, Broken Shingles, gutter cleaning, home-improvement resolutions, licensed roofing contractor, loose flashing, loose shingles, missing shingles, monthly roof inspections, roof algae, roof damage, roof holes, roof inspection, roof leak, roof mildew, roof repair, roof replacement

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Commercial Roofing, Rapid Rain Gutter System, Residential Roofing, Roof Maintenance, Roofing Information

Four New Year’s Roofing Resolutions

It’s the beginning of a new year, and that means it’s time for resolutions.
Most New Year’s resolutions revolve around self-improvement, but the truth is, you’re great just the way you are. So instead, we suggest making some home-improvement resolutions that don’t require a scale, a short-lived gym membership, or eventual self-loathing. Here are a few that can improve not just your home, but your enjoyment of it as well.

Monthly Inspections
This resolution is easy to implement, only takes a few minutes and can help save your home from preventable damage. Once a month, do a visual inspection of the exterior of your home. Add it to your calendar, set a reminder on your phone, or whatever you use to keep track of recurring tasks.

From the outside of your house, walk the perimeter and look for any holes or damage to siding, loose flashing, loose or missing shingles, brittle or broken shingles, moisture around your foundation, debris that may have landed on your roof, mildew or algae buildup or anything else that seems out of place or damaged. From the inside, peek into your attic and make sure all the rafters and roof decking are dry, that the ventilation is working properly and that insulation is in place. Take a look out any windows that may give you a view of dormers or roofing valleys that aren’t visible from the ground.

If you spot any damage, take photos – especially if you believe the damage requires an insurance claim – and call in a licensed contractor to have a second look and give an estimate for repairs. Your visual inspection should only take a few minutes but could save you thousands of dollars and lots of headaches down the road. As they say in medicine, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Gutter Cleaning
Your monthly visual inspection may give you an idea of when your gutters need to be cleaned out, but you also may not be able to see all the debris in your gutters from the safety of the ground (which is the only place we recommend doing an inspection yourself). In Hampton Roads, the amount of foliage and storm debris increases the likelihood of needing a good gutter cleaning. While many websites and professionals will say cleaning your gutters twice a year is fine, we recommend once per season if you live in Southeast Virginia.

This year, resolve to have a professional gutter cleaning service come to your house every three months. You can schedule these cleanings in advance, so you don’t even have to think about it once you’ve made the initial call. The great thing about having a professional gutter cleaning is that it can reduce the likelihood of roof damage from water that builds up and pushes up under your roofing material when gutters are overfilled with debris. It also means there are professional eyes on your roof several times a year. A good cleaning company will alert you if they see any damage, debris or signs of aging that you should know about – all without you ever having to climb a ladder.

Make the Repairs
Maybe you already know your roof is in need of repairs. Perhaps you’ve seen the shingles fly off during a storm, or you can hear flashing or loose gutters banging around on a windy night. If so, then the new year is the perfect time to resolve to finally have it fixed.

Taking care of these types of repairs extends the life of your roof, saving you money and protecting your investment. A simple repair may have a small upfront cost, but in the long term it will be well worth it. Make sure to call in a professional, licensed roofing contractor to make the repairs. It may also be the case that the damage that needs to be repaired is under warranty, in which case you may not even have to pay out of pocket. If you think this is the case, find your original paperwork and reach out to the manufacturer or installer to make a claim.

New Year, New Roof
Lastly, if you know it’s time, then make this the year that you finally get that old roof replaced. Living under a roof that is past its recommended life span is just asking for trouble and interior damage that will not be covered by insurance. In the Tidewater region, the majority of residential roofs are asphalt shingles, which typically have a lifespan of 20-30 years. So, if your home was built before 1993 or if your home’s roof hasn’t been replaced since then, it’s likely time to make this a priority.

Roof replacements typically happen in the spring and fall, so if you know ahead of time that you will be needing a new roof this year, start vetting roofing companies now during the slower months. Gather several estimates and start researching your options for materials, colors, manufacturers, etc. Once you’ve made your decisions, get on your chosen roofing company’s installation schedule and get the materials ordered. Some materials are taking significantly longer to get in stock because of supply chain issues, so the sooner you can make your decisions and place orders, the better.

At Andrews Roofing we want to wish all of our Hampton Roads neighbors a beautiful, blessed 2023. If you find yourself in need of roofing repairs, replacements or inspections, we would be happy to help you determine the right course of action for your home so that you can enjoy it for many more years to come. Contact us today.

By Andrews Roofing | September 23, 2022

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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.