Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Tag: qualified roofer

Why Roof Ventilation Is So Important

As the weather changes from cold to mild to hot in Hampton Roads, you may find yourself fiddling with the thermostat more than usual. The dramatic changes in temperature that the spring season brings to southeast Virginia can affect a lot of systems around your house, and your roof is no exception.

Your roof is highly susceptible to temperature changes both inside and outside of your home due to the sheer surface area and exposure to the elements. This is why proper ventilation is critical. In fact, ventilation may be the most important factor in roof durability. It’s easy to focus on the durability factors of your roofing materials – the lifespan of metal versus asphalt shingles versus composite materials and so on. But no matter how well made a roofing material is, if it’s installed over an unventilated roof, it’s bound to fail.

When the temperature swings from cold to hot and back again, especially with the level of humidity that’s standard for the Tidewater region, condensation can form in your attic, causing rafters to rot, shingles to buckle and insulation to deteriorate and lose its efficacy. While the code requirements for attic ventilation can vary greatly from state to state, a general ventilation formula is based on the length and width of the attic space beneath it. There should always be a minimum of one square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor. Vents should be placed proportionately at the eaves and at or near the ridge.

Because of their importance to your roof’s overall health, it’s important to never block off sources of roof ventilation such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit vents – even in the winter! You may think you want to keep the cold winter air out of your attic, but maintaining an even temperature between the surface of the roof and the space beneath it is actually helpful in preventing moisture build up and damage.

In addition to this free flow of air, insulation can play a key role in proper attic ventilation. Ideally an attic will have a gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor to protect the house below from heat gain or loss. It will also have a vapor retarder under the insulation and next to the ceiling to stop moisture from rising up from the home into the attic space. Then there should be enough vented spaces to let air in and out, and finally, there should be a minimum of one inch between the insulation and the roof sheathing. With these systems in place, your attic and roof are likely to stand the test of time.

The best way to ensure that all of the proper ventilation measures have been taken to extend the life of your roof is to work with a qualified, licensed roofing contractor. At Andrews Roofing, we’ve been providing Hampton Roads homeowners with high quality roofing services for years, and we are experienced with the unique seasonal and meteorological issues that homes in this area face. If you’re concerned about your roof receiving ideal ventilation or if you need your roof system repaired or replaced, contact Andrews Roofing Today for more information and to schedule your estimate.

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The Best Time for a Commercial Roof Replacement

Timing is important in a lot of matters, including comedy, investing, and commercial roof replacement. If you wait too long to replace your roof you could make a number of unnecessary and costly repairs. Even worse, the whole roof could come crashing down on your business. Replacing a roof when it still has good life in it is probably a foolish thing to do. So how do you know when it’s the optimal time for a roof replacement? Although a roof replacement for your business shouldn’t interrupt your operations, there may be times of the year when it is more convenient. Otherwise, the main considerations are the shape of your roof.

Choose the Perfect Time

As with other major business expenditures, there is always the question of repair versus replacement. This is a difficult question, and it’s different for each situation, but the following advice can help.

  • Consult with a qualified roofing contractor. The company can give you the benefit of its experience with roofing matters.
  • Get an inspection and a free estimate. The cost may be less than you expected and favorable financing may be available.
  • Analyze what you have been spending on roof repairs. The annual cost may be higher than what you would pay to finance a new roof.
  • Consider the benefits of a new roofing system. You would have no worries in the roof department for many years.

After consulting with a reputable roofing contractor, and crunching the numbers, you will probably have a good idea where you are. It’s possible you can put off a new roof for a couple of years, which gives you time to save and plan.

Pick the Right Company

The right roofing contractor makes the decision easier. You will get good information from a source you can trust. For assistance with commercial roofing contact Andrews Roofing by calling 757-296-0553 or emailing us today!

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A Few Things to Consider When Replacing Your Residential Roof

There are many factors that can determine when and how you replace your residential roof. Here are a few things to consider if you think it may be time to replace your roof:

Geographic Location
Do you live by the water or in an open field? Is your property located in area that regularly experiences high winds? If so, you may want to consider higher grade materials for your roof, in lieu of basic 3-tab shingles. If you live by the ocean, salt water is also a factor, as it can affect metal, so if metal is used you should consult with your estimator on recommended options.

Budget
If money is an object, the most popular, economical choice for a residential reroof is an architectural style shingle. This roof is a step up from the basic grade, 3-tab shingle. Although the 3-tab shingle can provide a good quality roof, it can withstand winds up to about 60 mph, whereas an architectural roof can withstand up to 130 mph. The difference in price for your investment is usually worth the upgrade if that increase can be accommodated by your budget.

Pitch of Roof
Pitch or slope (steepness) of your roof, or certain portions of your roof, plays a major role in what type of roof will best perform on that surface. Anything from flat to a 3:12 pitch is considered a low slope roof and should, in almost all cases, receive a membrane roof system for best performance.

Home or Rental/How Long Do You Plan to Stay?
People who plan to live in a property for several years typically tend to invest a little more in their roof system so that it will not need to be replaced as frequently. When replacing the roof on a rental property, the decision to go with a lower or higher grade material depends on what you are looking for as far as your return on investment.

Look/Style of the Roof System
Luxury shingles, metal, flat, slate, and specialty materials all have a unique appearance. Choose a roof system that will not only last, but that compliments the appearance of the property.

Tearing Off Old Roof vs. Roofing Over
We do not recommend installing materials over shingles. It is important to inspect the wood deck to ensure that the new roof is being installed over a sound structure. Roofing materials are extremely heavy, and building on a structure that cannot support the weight of the materials can be dangerous.  Roofing over a previously installed roof can be considered under certain circumstances, usually with flat roof systems, but consult with your roofer for the best solution.

Timing
Not waiting too long to replace a roof can save you quite a bit of money in the long run. Ongoing leaks on any roof can lead to rotten and deteriorated sheathing, which adds up in the end.

Be sure to consult with a qualified, licensed roofing company on best practices.

Jeri Eley/Operations Coordinator/757-399-3066/jeri@andrewsroofing.com

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