Leaks & Service Repairs

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Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Tag: roof maintenance

How to Know When Your Roof Needs a Checkup

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care, but that doesn’t just apply to your physical health. The same could be said for anything you maintain, including your house and its major systems such as your roof. While there’s no getting around the fact that a roof will eventually need to be replaced, there are many things that can happen over the course of a roof’s lifespan that should be serviced, repaired and maintained. This is especially true in areas prone to severe weather such as the Hampton Roads region.

But how do you know when you should call in a professional roofing contractor? Here are a few things to keep an eye out for to help extend the lifespan of your roof.

Curling, cracking or buckling shingles are a tell-tale sign that your roof needs some attention. You may also notice asphalt granules in your gutters, which have deteriorated from damaged shingles. This doesn’t mean you need an entirely new roofing system! While this type of roof symptom can sometimes be a sign that a roof has reached the end of its serviceable life, it can also be an isolated incident that simply needs to be repaired or patched.

While it may not necessitate a total replacement, shingles that are damaged or worn should be a high priority on your home to-do list. Just a few curling shingles can allow water to penetrate your roof causing leaks, mildew and other interior damage.

Speaking of interior damage, dark spots on your ceiling or walls also signal that it’s time to have a roofing professional come out and inspect. Even if you don’t see a hole or missing or damaged shingles from the outside, the leak may still be the result of a failure in your roofing system such as loose or missing flashing, backed up gutters or damage that simply isn’t visible from the ground.

Dark spots indicate that moisture has penetrated your roof, the sheathing, decking, and potentially attic flooring. These are serious signs that should be attended to as soon as possible by a professional to ensure additional damage does not occur and that harmful mold and mildew do not start to grow.

Moisture in your attic may also be a sign of problems with your roof as well as your insulation. If you find that the insulation, wood, flooring, ductwork or other items in your attic seem damp, it may be caused by a lack of proper ventilation and/or unsatisfactory insulation. But these issues, over time, can also affect the health of your roof by causing water damage to decking from the underside. An ideal attic temperature is close to that of the temperature outside. This prevents condensation, which is often the cause of interior moisture damage. A licensed professional contractor will need to address these issues if you find them.

Of course, sometimes all of these things indicate that a roof has simply reached the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. Most modern asphalt shingle roofs have a lifespan of 20-30 years. In the cities of Virginia Beach and Chesapeake and across the Tidewater region, many homes and large neighborhoods were constructed in the 1990’s, making them the age now to need total replacement.

A qualified roofing company can provide you with a roofing checkup to help you determine whether a repair or total roof replacement makes the most sense for your home and budget. At Andrews Roofing, we provide professional evaluations, customized quotes and affordable financing options as well. Whether you think your roof needs an ounce of prevention or a pound of care, we can help. Contact Andrews Roofing today.

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Where is That Roof Leak Coming From?

If your roof is not well-maintained, there is a whole list of issues that could occur, including structural damage and unhealthy mold growth. If you have noticed water stains or actual water coming from the ceiling, you might have a leak. Immediately repairing leaks is essential to keeping your roof in the best condition, but how do you know where the leak is coming from? The following are some common problem areas you can check to find your residential roof leak.

Shingles and Other Materials

The actual shingles or other roofing materials on your roof could have damage that is allowing moisture into your home. Damaged shingles will be buckled, corroded, cracked, or missing all together. You could also look for granules on the ground surrounding your home or nails that are missing or backing out. If you have trees that hang over the roof, be sure to check those areas, as a swaying branch could easily wear out your roofing.

Flashing

The point of flashing is to guide water in another direction when it wants to seep down into a seam on the roof. Flashing is located around chimneys, vents, and other areas where there’s an intersection or an angle in the roof. When flashing is not properly installed or sealed, water will begin to flow underneath and damage your home. Look for loose flashing, ripped pieces, or missing areas.

Skylights and Chimneys

The more extra features you have on your roof, the more chances water has to get in. Skylights and chimneys can be both functional and aesthetically appealing, but without proper installation, it’s easy for water to penetrate the roofing materials surrounding them. You should have a professional look at the seams and the installation to make sure it is all sealed correctly.

Hiring the Professionals

If you’re worried about a leaky residential roof, it’s important you contact the professionals for an inspection. Contact Andrews Roofing today by calling 757-296-0553 or sending us an email to learn more.

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Use a Beautiful Roof to Improve Curb Appeal

America has steadily moved into what more closely resembles a residential seller’s market. However, buyers are not without options. As home prices go up, many buyers are also withdrawing from the market. Nevertheless, a beautiful home can help to motivate even the most reluctant buyer, because it’s the first impression in deciding the value for money.

The Shape

The first thing many people recognize about a roof is the shape of it. In fact, some people prefer homes with certain roof shapes over others. For example, some owners prefer flat roofs that can hold a terrace, while others prefer steep A-shaped roofs that can fit an attic with standing space. You can’t create a roof that suits all preferences, but you can make sure yours is a high-quality option of its type.

The Material

First-time home buyers often do not have a preference for roof types beyond aesthetics. If they have lived in an apartment for years, then this is all the more likely. Seasoned home buyers may know exactly what kind of roof they want based on prior experience with roof maintenance. Consider this when choosing a roof.

The Color

Winter snow, fall leaves, and spring blossoms are just some of the things that may disguise a roof’s color. However, this does not mean that the color of your roof doesn’t matter. When choosing the color for your roof, consider the overall exterior of your home. Make sure the color of your roof complements the color of your siding, trim, shutters, etc.

The Condition

If people remember nothing else about a house, they remember the state it was in. Was it clean or dirty? Did it look stately and sophisticated or old and broken? The roof plays a big role in this. If there are missing shingles or the colors do not line up well together, it may give the wrong impression and subtract from the curb appeal.

If you need help visualizing your new roof, Andrews Roofing can help. Contact us today by calling 757-296-0553 or sending an email for more information.

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Common Maintenance Steps for Your Commercial Flat Roof

A flat roof is an excellent option for a commercial roof. Not only is it long lasting, but it can also hold your commercial air conditioners and other utilities. Make the most of your investment and prevent emergency repairs by following these common maintenance steps.

Trim Surrounding Trees

Nearby trees can increase the risk of damage to your flat roof. Not only can a tree or a limb potentially fall on your commercial building, but falling leaves and increased shade can reduce the lifespan of your roof. Have a professional trim back trees before they damage your flat roof.

Prevent Pooling Water

Flat roofs still need to efficiently drain water. Pooling water on your flat roof can slowly leak into your building. Be sure to clear off any standing water on your commercial roof and have a professional check for adequate drainage. Large amounts of water may have already compromised your roof, so consider hiring a professional to safely remove standing water.

If pooled water does start to leak through your flat roof, you need to address the leak immediately. Hire a professional roofing team to inspect the damage and provide a safe, effective patch to prevent further water damage.

Clear Off Debris

Twigs, leaves, and other debris may not seem like a major issue on your flat roof, but over time all this debris can retain moisture and encourage pooling. Prevent water pooling and other flat roof damage by routinely clearing off your commercial flat roof.

Hire a Professional Inspector and Maintenance Team

The best way to maintain your commercial flat roof is to invest in routine inspection and maintenance services. Some issues are difficult to spot without experience working with flat roofs, so contact Andrews Roofing today to receive a comprehensive inspection. Discuss any maintenance issues and discover how you can save money and avoid a complete flat roof replacement with proper maintenance. Call 757-296-0553 or email us today to learn more!

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Should I Worry About Frost on My Roof?

Have you ever walked outside on a cold morning and noticed the frost that covers the ground? You might have to scrape your car before you can drive, and your grass may look like a sparkling wonderland. Direct your view upward to have a look at the roof. Is there frost on it? Do you know whether frost is good or bad for your residential roof? How do you know when to worry?

Is Frost Good or Bad?

The frost itself that collects on your roof isn’t necessarily good or bad. Roofing materials are made to withstand the weather, and roofers who work in cold environments know which materials will hold up best. As long as your roof is in good repair, you shouldn’t have to worry about water damage.

The fact that there’s frost on your residential roof could actually be a good thing. If you look around and notice all your neighboring houses have frost, but yours does not, it could be an indication that your attic insulation isn’t quite up to par. The frost may be spotty, which also means the insulation isn’t properly in place. Without proper insulation, the heat that should be warming your home is leaking out through the attic and the roof, which is melting the frost.

Should I Worry About a Lack of Frost?

If there’s a lack of frost on your roof, there could be cause for alarm. You should only worry if your neighboring houses have the same amount of sun exposure as yours. For example, your neighbor’s house might be blocked from the sun by tall trees or a taller building, while your home is in direct sunlight. As soon as the sun hits, your frost could melt away, but will remain on your neighbors due to the shade. If that’s the case, you would not need to worry.

Contacting a Roofer

If your house is not in direct sunlight, and everyone else has frost, you should contact a roofer to see if there’s a problem with your roofing and insulation. Contact Andrews Roofing by calling 757-296-0553 or emailing us today for more information.

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4 Reasons to Be Thankful You Have a Roof Over Your Head

You’ve probably heard people express how they’re thankful to have a roof over their heads, and perhaps you’ve just considered it a figure of speech. In reality, there are a lot of reasons you should be thankful for that roof over your head. It doesn’t just signify the fact you live in a home. The following are four additional reasons to be thankful for your roof.

  1. Home Value

Did you know the appearance of a new roof makes the entire home look newer? Those fresh shingles and the comfort of knowing a new home buyer won’t have to replace the roof any time soon can make the value of your home rise. Whether you’re looking to sell or just want to increase the value of your home, a new roof can help you out.

  1. Protection Against Weather

When your roof is properly repaired and maintained, it serves as protection against the weather. It keeps the cold air out during winter and blocks the heat from penetrating during summer. It acts as a barrier between your furnishings and the rain and stops the sun from fading everything inside.

  1. Energy Efficiency

Depending on the type of roof you have installed, maintenance costs can be cut, and energy costs can be reduced. A properly insulated roof will help ensure the perfect temperatures inside your home don’t literally go through the roof, causing your HVAC system to work overtime. Instead, the roof can help your home stay at a comfortable temperature with minimal effort by the HVAC system.

  1. Prevention of Mold and Mildew

Roofs need to be properly ventilated so moisture cannot thrive inside your home. Condensation that builds up will typically turn into mold and mildew, which are both common causes of a variety of health issues. Your roof ventilation system can help to avoid such issues.

Contact the Professionals

There are a lot of reasons to be thankful this year, and having a roof over your head gives you many reasons to express that thankfulness. Whether you need a roof installed or repaired, contact Andrews Roofing by calling 757-296-0553 or emailing us today!

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