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Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Tag: roof debris

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Flat Roof, low slope roof

What to Know About Owning a Home with a Low Slope Roof

Owning or maintaining a house with a low slope roof comes with its own set of considerations and challenges.

While homes with a low slope roof are not as common as traditional A-frame or gabled roofs, they are still an important percentage of the home styles one finds in Southeast Virginia, especially near the beach. Because of their low slope, these roofs must be installed and maintained differently than higher pitched roofs. Whether you’ve owned a house with a low slope roof for years or are considering purchasing or building one, here are some critical things you need to know to keep your home’s health in tip top shape.

Drainage: Proper drainage is critical for low slope roofs to prevent water pooling, which can lead to leaks and structural damage. Regularly clean gutters and ensure downspouts are clear to allow water to flow freely off and away from the roof.

Material Selection: Choose roofing materials specifically designed for low slope roofs, such as built-up roofing (BUR), modified bitumen, or single-ply membranes like TPO or EPDM. These materials are more suitable for low slope applications and provide better protection against water infiltration. A good roofing contractor can point you in the right direction and let you know which materials make the most sense for the Tidewater, Virginia climate and conditions.

Inspection and Maintenance: Regular inspections are essential to catch any issues early on. Because of the nature of low slope roofs, it may be more difficult to assess the situation from the ground. Having a local roofing company inspect your roof on a regular basis or when you believe an issue may be occurring is critical to ensuring its longevity and preventing further damage.

Regular Cleaning: Keep the roof clean from debris, such as leaves, branches, and dirt, which can accumulate and prevent proper drainage. Regular cleaning can help prevent clogs and extend the lifespan of your roof.

Ventilation: Proper ventilation is important for any roof to prevent moisture buildup, but it’s especially crucial for low slope roofs where water may not drain as quickly. Ensure you have adequate ventilation in the attic space to prevent condensation and mold growth.

Ice and Snow Removal: Low slope roofs are more prone to ice dam formation, especially in colder climates. Ice dams can cause water to freeze and back up under the roofing material, leading to leaks and damage. Use roof rakes or hire professionals to safely remove snow and ice buildup during winter.

Professional Assistance: Consider hiring a professional roofing contractor experienced with low slope roofs for inspections, repairs, and installations. They can provide expert advice, manufacturer recommended and code-compliant installation to ensure the work is done correctly, which will ultimately prolong the life of your roof and meet your warranty’s standards.

Andrews Roofing Can Help

At Andrews Roofing, we have decades of experience in a wide variety of roofing styles including low slope and flat roofs. Whether commercial or residential, we can provide installation, maintenance, and replacement for your low slope roof. Contact us today to schedule your roofing estimate.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Commercial Roofing, Industry News, Residential Roofing, Roof Maintenance

Why and How You Should Keep Your Roof Clean

When it comes to keeping a sparkling clean home, you probably focus on keeping the floors mopped, the surfaces dusted and countertops disinfected. But there’s one giant area of your home that probably isn’t getting enough cleaning attention: your roof. As a crucial part of your home’s structure and one of its primary protectors from the elements, it’s really important to keep your roof well maintained so that it can perform to your expectations.

Over time, your roof can accumulate dirt, debris, moss, and algae, which not only affect its appearance but also its longevity. Think about your carpet – if you never vacuumed it, never cleaned spots off of it or gave it a shampoo every once in a while, it would deteriorate and be unusable (not to mention unsightly) long before its lifespan should be over. The same is true of your roof.

Here are just a few important reasons why you should keep your roof clean and tidy:

  • Reduces Repairs and Prolongs Roof Lifespan: A clean roof is a healthier roof. The accumulation of debris, moss, and algae can damage your shingles by lifting them up or causing them to deteriorate, leading to leaks and water damage. Regular cleaning can extend the lifespan of your roof, potentially saving you thousands in replacement costs.
  • Enhances Curb Appeal: A clean roof significantly improves your home’s curb appeal. Whether you plan to sell your house or simply want to enjoy a well-maintained home, a clean roof can make a big difference. We’ve all seen the one roof in the neighborhood that’s stained, missing a few shingles or with trees growing out of the gutters. Don’t be that house!
  • Increases Energy Efficiency: Algae and moss on your roof can trap moisture, making it harder for your home to regulate temperature. A clean roof can improve energy efficiency, reducing your heating and cooling costs.
  • Protects Your Whole Home’s Health: Algae and moss growth can create an environment for harmful organisms like mold and mildew. These can infiltrate your home, potentially affecting your indoor air quality and health.

So, by now you’re convinced that your roof could use a good cleaning, but what’s the best way to go about that? It can be dangerous to try and get up on the roof yourself for this chore, so here are some safe suggestions.

  • Professional Roof Cleaning: Hiring a professional roof cleaning service is often the most efficient and safest way to clean your roof. These experts have the knowledge, equipment, and experience to remove dirt, debris, algae, and moss without damaging your roofing materials. Before hiring a professional, make sure they come with a stellar reputation, and are licensed and insured.
  • Ask About Soft Washing: Soft washing is a popular method that uses low-pressure water combined with specialized cleaning solutions to remove stains and growth from your roof. This method is gentle on your roof while effectively eliminating algae and moss. There are professional companies who specialize in this service, which is less intense than pressure washing, therefore safer for roofing materials.
  • Schedule Regular Maintenance: Preventive maintenance is key to a clean and healthy roof. Consider scheduling annual or biannual inspections to identify and address any issues before they become major problems. Regular maintenance can also include gutter cleaning, which helps prevent debris buildup.
  • Use Preventative Measures: To prevent algae and moss growth in the first place, talk to your roofing contractor about having zinc or copper strips installed along the ridge of your roof. Rainwater running over these metals inhibits the growth of these organisms.

Maintaining a clean roof is crucial for the longevity, appearance, and health of your home, so make it a regular part of your annual cleaning and maintenance routine. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your investment but also ensure a safe and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

If you have concerns about the cleanliness or condition of your roof, contact Andrews Roofing today. We’ve been in the roofing business in Hampton Roads for over 25 years, and we have the knowledge and know-how for the very specific types of issues homeowners in southeast Virginia experience.

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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.

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