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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)

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Homes, Residential Roofing, Roof Installation, Roof Insulation, Roof Maintenance, Roofing Information, Roofing Repairs

Four Common Roofing Issues for Homeowners in Hampton Roads

If you own a home in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk or any of the other surrounding cities of Hampton Roads, there are specific roofing issues you can expect to arise, but being prepared for them is the best way to minimize their impact.

Missing Shingles

Thanks to our coastal location, hurricanes, tropical storms, nor’easters and plain old summer thunderstorms are a constant concern for homeowners. Especially during hurricane season, it is important to keep a close eye on the condition of your roof. The most common problem you’ll experience during one of these storms is missing shingles. While a few missing shingles may not seem like such a big deal, they can lead to much bigger and much more expensive problems. Replacing these shingles as soon as possible will reduce the risk of having water damage done to your roof deck or experiencing a leak down the road. It is even a good idea to have some extra shingles in storage, so that if and when one blows off, it can be easily patched.

If multiple shingles are missing, or large patches have been blown away by a storm, then it is time to contact a professional roofing company to make the repair. Roofing repairs may seem like a simple job, but can be very dangerous for the average DIY-er to tackle. Protect yourself and your home by using a professional.

Humidity and Moisture Damage

The Tidewater region has its fair share of humidity and moisture, both of which can affect the longevity of a roof if it has not been installed properly. Moisture issues in roofs often start inside the home’s attic, where if enough ventilation isn’t present, condensation can occur. This issue can often be identified from inside the home before exterior damage is noticeable. If you see water dripping from the inside of the ceiling or beams in your attic, there may not be enough ventilation present, in which case additional attic ventilation may be needed. If the damage has already been done, a new roof system with proper venting installed beneath the roofing layer will help dissipate heat and prevent condensation from forming on the interior of the home.

Aging Homes

Hampton Roads has always been a steadily growing area, but it did experience a real housing boom in the 90’s when many large “track” neighborhoods were constructed. These homes are now rounding the 30 year mark, which is just about as long as a roof with asphalt shingles – the most common roofing material used in these homes – is going to last. So when issues start to arise in homes of this age, it’s often better to go ahead and reroof the home than to make repair after repair.

For owners of these homes who are doing a full reroof, there are many more options now than when their home was built. Asphalt shingles are still the most popular choice, but they now come in a wide variety of colors. There are also architectural shingles that have a little longer lifespan and lots of color options. Metal roofs have also become more popular both because of the farmhouse style look as well as their durability and longevity. An experienced and knowledgeable roofing company can help you decide which material is best for your home, location and budget.

Salt Water Exposure

Salt is highly corrosive, so when a home is exposed to salt spray from the water or in the air, you can expect just about any of the exterior materials to decay quicker than they would in a different environment. Of course homes right on the ocean or bay in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, the Eastern Shore and the Outer Banks will experience this the worst, but even homes that aren’t directly on the water can be affected by the salinity in the air. If you live near the water and your shingles are deteriorating, it may be because of salt damage, which may warrant a new roofing system.

While asphalt shingles are still common in waterfront areas, there are other options that may hold up to that environment better such as metal, slate or even cedar. There are also new roofing products on the market that mimic the look of cedar shake shingles, but which are made with recycled and sustainable materials that have excellent durability and lifespan. This is an excellent choice for the beach house aesthetic.

Find a Roofing Expert

If you are experiencing any of these common Hampton Roads roofing issues, your next step should be contacting a roofing professional. Andrews Roofing has been providing the Hampton Roads region with excellence in new roof and reroofing services for over 20 years. We’ve seen, repaired and replaced every one of these issues, and we can work with you to come up with a solution that meets your needs and budget. Contact us today.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Residential Roofing, Roof Installation, Roofing Repairs

New Shingles or New Roof? 

How to know if your roof needs to be repaired or replaced?

Nobody wants to spend more money on a home improvement or repair project than they need to. So if you’re experiencing issues with your home’s roof, you may be exploring the options of repair versus replacement. There are plenty of situations where a simple roof repair is a safe and good option. But keeping long-term costs, appearance and durability in mind is also important in making the best decision. 

How Do You Know if Your Roof Needs Work?

The first step to determining whether your roof needs any sort of work done is by being aware and vigilant about its condition. Particularly in hurricane and storm-prone areas like the Hampton Roads region, it’s important to keep an eye on any possible issues with your roof so that they don’t turn into much bigger issues in the middle of the next big storm. You can do this simply by visually inspecting it on a regular basis. If you clean your own gutters, that’s a perfect time to take a closer look at what’s going on with your shingles, flashing, and sheathing. Otherwise, grab a pair of binoculars and take a peek at your roof every month or so. The other place to inspect regularly is inside your attic. Don’t wait until there’s an actual leak in your home and damage done to your ceilings and walls. Identifying small issues early is the best way to make easy repairs and save money. 

You may need a roof repair or replacement if you identify any of these issues during your inspection: 

  • There are obvious leaks or dark water spots on your ceilings or walls 
  • You are finding water or ice buildup in your attic after a heavy rain or snow
  • You’ve noticed that some shingles look warped or have started curling
  • Shingles are mildewed and/or deteriorating 
  • Shingles are missing from your roof 
  • Flashing is loose or missing

Should You Repair an Older Roof?

The first thing to consider is the age of your roof. Different types of roofing materials are rated for different lifespans. If your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan, it may make more financial sense to have it replaced rather than repaired. Much of the labor cost of roofing goes into the setup – scaffolding, equipment, hauling materials up and down, disposal of old materials – doing that several times over for small repairs can add up to the cost of a new roof fast. 

If your roof is not within a few years of its lifespan, it may make more sense to consider a repair, depending on the size and impact of the damage. Replacing missing shingles or flashing or small roof deck repairs could do the job for a whole lot less. Keep in mind, however, that when replacing shingles, it may be hard or impossible for a roofing contractor to acquire the exact same material, so there may be slight color discrepancies in the new shingles. 

When is the Damage too Big to Repair?

If the damage done to your roof is major, it is probably time for a replacement – regardless of the age of your roof. In the Tidewater Region we see this most often after major storm events. A tree going through a roof, widespread shingle loss and major water damage to roof decking all constitute a full roof replacement. Perhaps the one upside to situations like this is that they may be covered under a homeowners’ insurance policy, which means you should take the greatest advantage of your policy by having as much work done as is covered. 

How Do You Choose a Residential Roofing Contractor?

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a roofing contractor, but start by getting quotes from two or more companies. If multiple companies agree about whether a roof should be repaired or replaced you will be able to put your mind more at ease about your decision. If two companies disagree about the solution, bring in a third or fourth estimate for a consensus. Regardless of how many companies you call, make sure every one of them is licensed and insured. Read their reviews online and research their listing on the Better Business Bureau. Do your homework, ask around your neighborhood and see which companies have the best reputations. The cheapest option is not always the best and often in roofing, you get what you pay for. 

How Andrews Roofing Can Help

Andrews Roofing has been working in the Hampton Roads area for decades. We are experts at roofing issues that are specific to this region. Our expertise means we can give you an honest, accurate assessment of whether or not your roof can continue to protect your home after experiencing damage. We take on jobs large and small and never pressure customers into more work than is needed. We are licensed, insured and proud of the reputation our work has earned. We’d be happy to provide you with an estimate for any repair or replacement your roof may need, so contact us today. 

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Residential Roofing, Roof Installation, Roof Warranty, Roofing Information, Roofing Repairs, Safety

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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Category: Andrews Roofing, Commercial Roofing, Flat Roof, Residential Roofing

How Good Communication Makes for a Better Roof

When it’s time to replace your roof, it’s important to choose a reliable company. You want a company that has the skills, equipment, and training to put a strong roof over your head. One important aspect of this is good communication skills. It’s possible that a roofing company can complete the job in a satisfactory manner without good communications, but even if this is the case you are likely to be frustrated. You could be unsure of the final cost, or the timeline for completion of the project. More likely, though, a good relationship with your roofing contractor will improve all aspects of the job, resulting in the roof you want for a fair price and finished in a timely fashion.

The Traits of Good Communication

You deserve a contractor that is available to answer any questions that arise before, during, and after the job. These important traits should inform all of your interactions with your contractor:

  • Regular discussions: These could come in the form of regular meetings or informal phone calls. These discussions keep you in the loop and let you know if any problems or complications have occurred. It also allows you to express any concerns about the progress of the job.
  • Good records: You should write down any important discussions you have with the crew or the supervisor, especially concerning the budget. Also, jot down any questions that occur to you, to ask the next time you speak with the contractor,
  • Mode of Communication: Let the contractor know which types of communication you prefer: email, phone calls, texts, or face-to-face talks.

The Hallmarks of a Strong Roof

Many factors go into getting a solid roof over your head. Good, regular communication is certainly an essential one. It keeps you informed about the progress of the job and answers your questions. Contact Andrews Roofing by calling 757-296-0553 or sending us an email to learn more about a trouble-free roof replacement.

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Category: Andrews Roofing, Commercial Roofing, Financing, Flat Roof, Roof Installation, Roof Maintenance, Roofing Information, Roofing Repairs

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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Category: Andrews Roofing, Roof Installation, Safety

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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