Leaks & Service Repairs

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Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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Tag: replacement

Does a New Roof Increase the Value of Your Home?

A new roof is a major investment, and even if you’re getting ready to sell your home and move on to the next, it may still be worth considering.

That’s because a new roof can actually add quite a bit of market value to your home, increasing its likelihood of getting offers (or multiple offers in some real estate markets). The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) noted in their 2019 remodeling impact report that new roofs can provide a 109% return on investment. That same report states that 39% of realtors suggest that their sellers replace their roof before trying to sell their home, and 33% said that a new roof helped close a sale.

Even if a new roof does not give you a one-for-one return on investment, it can help with the marketing and quick sale of your home. New homeowners usually aren’t able to take on a major renovation right after spending money on the down payment and closing costs of their new home. For this reason, lots of new homebuyers are looking for a home that is “turn key” – in other words, one they can walk right into without having to do any work themselves.

When looking at two homes in the same price range, a home buyer is going to be more likely to make a generous offer on the one that has the most recent repairs and updates, because they know it will save them money in the long run. If they are looking at a house that clearly needs a new roof, buyers will mentally tack on thousands of dollars to the listing price.

Of course, if your roof is failing or has incurred damage, you will need to replace the roof before selling, regardless of the return on investment. In many states, it’s a legal requirement to disclose any damage or structural issues in a home to the buyer. Even if it’s not, if the buyer or mortgage lender requires a home inspection prior to closing, the issues will quickly be found and could dead-end a sale, wasting time and delaying your sale.

So how much should you invest in a new roof if you’re preparing your home to sell? This is a great conversation to have with your realtor, as they will know the market value of your home with and without a new roof, and guide you in how to choose materials that make the most sense for your budget. In most cases, installing a typical asphalt shingle roof is enough to make a buyer feel secure and good about the update. But some markets, neighborhoods or price ranges may require the homeowner to invest a bit more in architectural shingles, cedar shake, metal roofing, or a combination of materials for a higher-end look. Again, a realtor can help you make this decision based on comparable sales in your neighborhood and price range.

Even if you aren’t trying to sell your home, NARI’s research shows that 75% of homeowners report feeling “a major sense of accomplishment” after finishing a reroofing project and 49% say they have an increased sense of enjoyment when they’re at home. Your own happiness and comfort is definitely worth the investment.

If you’re preparing your home for the Hampton Roads real estate market and need a new roof, contact Andrews Roofing. We have decades of experience in the Tidewater region, and can help you choose the best materials and look for your budget, home design and style. We also offer a guarantee on our work and use materials with excellent transferable manufacturer warranties, to put your buyers’ minds even more at ease. Contact us today for a free estimate.

 

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What to Look for in a Residential Roofing Contractor

Your roof is obviously a critical component of your home’s structure, and having a new roof installed is a major investment. Even small roofing repairs are important to the integrity of your home. That’s why choosing a roofing contractor shouldn’t be a decision that is taken lightly.

You Get What You Pay For

This is the first thing to keep in mind. It’s typical and understandable of homeowners to be looking for the best price, but be wary of an estimate that is significantly lower than what you’ve researched or than what other contractors have quoted you. As with most things, you get what you pay for with roofing, and a cheap job equals cheap materials, inexperienced labor, bad project management or nonexistent customer service. Your roof is an investment and if you invest in quality, it will likely be the only time you’ll ever need to do it.

Licensed and Insured

We cannot stress how important it is to ensure that your roofing contractor is licensed and insured. There’s a reason you aren’t going to try to tackle reroofing your home yourself and that’s because it can be a dangerous job. Reputable roofing companies will not only have the proper safety equipment, tools and training, they’ll also have insurance on all their employees in case anyone is hurt on the job. They will be licensed and will be able to provide proof of this. They will also file for all appropriate permits required in your city or county. If these things aren’t handled properly by the roofing company, you could be held liable for injuries or work that isn’t to code.

Get It in Writing

When having any work done other than smaller service-related repairs, make sure that everything about your roofing job is put in writing in a contract agreement. This includes price, timeline, warranties or guarantees, materials, safety procedures and liability, clean up methods, and financing terms if applicable.  Having a well-written contract protects both you and the contractor and assures that everyone is on the same page about the project.

Warranties and Guarantees

When having a new roof installed, there should be warranties for the materials themselves. Product manufacturers, depending on the type and grade of roofing materials selected, will provide a limited warranty anywhere from one year to a lifetime. Make sure the roofing company you engage goes over the warranties for the materials you choose in detail. However, a reputable roofing contractor will also offer a guarantee on their own work. At Andrews Roofing we provide our clients with a workmanship warranty for up to ten years on new installations.

Reputation is Key

Do your research on the companies from whom you’re getting quotes. Look at their website, review sites and ask around your neighborhood. Has the company been in business for awhile? While all businesses have to start somewhere, it is ideal to hire a company that has been working in your area for long enough to have earned a good reputation.

Locally Owned

A locally-owned company is also a plus, as they will know the issues and best practices for your specific location. In Hampton Roads, it’s critical to engage a roofing company that understands the issues that can arise from hurricanes, nor’easters, humidity and salt air. A local company can provide the best advice for your specific situation, but they will also be working hard to maintain and uphold their local reputation. This is their community also, after all.

Andrews Roofing Can Help

Andrews Roofing has been providing quality roof replacements and repairs to the residents of Hampton Roads cities for over two decades. Our reputation and breadth of work speaks for itself. We care deeply about our community, which is why we handle each project and client with the utmost respect and guarantee our work for ten years. We’re licensed and insured and you’ll always get the details of your project in writing before we begin work. We’d be happy to provide you with a free estimate roof replacement, so contact 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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The Basics of a Residential Roof Replacement Project

Letting professionals handle your roof replacement project means putting the protection of your home into someone else’s hands. Understanding what a roof replacement entails, may help put your mind at ease. The following are some basics.

The Materials Used

You no doubt want the highest quality materials used for your home, but you may not know what those are. Speaking with your residential roofer about the options available can help you make that decision. Some materials commonly used for home roofs include asphalt composition shingles, metal roofing, wood shakes, and slate roofing. These materials come in different colors as well, so you can match a variety of exterior home features to your roof.

The Professionals Doing the Job

One thing you don’t want to do is trust the job to someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing. Contacting a professional residential roofer will ensure the job will be done correctly and last a long time. You want a company that does what they say they’ll do, as well as exceeding your expectations. Look for a roofing company with a great reputation that hires roofing professionals and ensures they are properly trained. With all these components pulled together, your roof will get done correctly.

The Cost of the Project

The cost of your residential roof replacement project will depend on the size of the job, the materials used, and the pitch of the roof. Speak with your roofer about the specifics of the job to truly understand what you’ll be expected to pay by the end. If the cost doesn’t work with your budget, you can work out a different arrangement beforehand to ensure you receive a nice roof within your price range.

Getting Started

Understanding a few basics of residential roof replacement can get you ready to face the project head on. Contact Andrews Roofing at 757-296-0553 to get your roof replacement scheduled.

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5 Factors That Affect the Lifespan of Your Commercial Roof

While the life expectancy of a commercial roof is anywhere from 10 to 40 years, there are several factors that can affect how long it lasts. Pay attention to these five factors to extend your roof’s lifespan and save money by avoiding unnecessary repairs or having to replace your roof prematurely.

Installation

When having your roof installed, make sure to choose a reputable company that is licensed and experienced in installing commercial roofs. An improperly installed roof can cause a large variety of problems including sagging and leaking.

Roofing System

The quality and types of materials used to build your roof will have a direct effect on how long it will last. While TPO or EPDM roof systems have a life expectancy of 22 to 35 years, an asphalt or metal roof can last up to 45.

Weather

While you certainly can’t control the weather, extreme weather conditions like rain, wind, and snow can take a toll on your roof. Even extremely sunny weather all year long can be problematic. Take the proper precautions to prepare for storms and inspect your roof whenever harsh weather hits.

Maintenance

All roofs are subject to wear and tear and will need to be properly maintained to last as long as possible. Perform routine inspections on your roof and quickly address any leaks you find. Replace damaged or missing shingles immediately and clean off any debris or algae growth.

Proper Ventilation

Excessive heat can cause damage your roof and quickly cut years off its life. Ensure that your roof and building is properly ventilated and insulated to help keep your roof cool. Not to mention, a well-insulated building will keep the interior nice and comfortable and help lower utility bills.

Inspecting your roof to make sure it is in the best condition is worth the time and money you will save down the road. Choose Andrews Roofing to install your roof and make any repairs you might need. Call us today at 757-296-0553!

 

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