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Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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Tag: roofing insulation

Know Your Roof

Your roof is a key feature of your home that prevents water damage and other hazards. There are a number of materials and layers that make up your roof. Understanding how these materials are used will make you better equipped to notice signs of damage that may require a roofing repair service.

Shingles or Metal Sheeting

Most residential and many commercial roofs use either asphalt shingles or metal sheets as the exterior layer. This layer is the most prone to damage, so it’s a good idea to perform a visual inspection periodically to ensure there are no missing shingles, signs of rust on metal, or other hazards. Typically, asphalt shingles last around 15-20 years and metal roofing lasts as long as 50-75 years.

Underlayment and Decking

The main structure of your roof is decking. This is typically plywood or OSB, but some commercial roofs use a decking of concrete or metal. Underlayment is laid between the decking and asphalt shingles to improve water resistance. This layer shouldn’t have any issues or signs of wear unless water has leaked past your shingles or metal.

Insulation and Support

The bones of your roof are wood or metal joists. This support structure keeps your roof firm even during high winds or other weather-related issues. Joists can be angled or flat, depending on the type and size of building. Between the joists is insulation. There are a number of types of insulation, with fiberglass being the most common. This traps hot or cold air in your home or building and improves the energy efficiency of your structure.

Invest in Professional Roof Installation or Repair Services

Learn how to spot the signs of roof damage by contacting Andrews Roofing today. A qualified roofing contractor can inspect your roof and offer affordable repair or installation services if you have a compromised roof. Protect your property by investing in expert repairs and long-lasting materials on a new roofing project. Call 757-296-0553 or email us today to learn more!

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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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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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How Important is Roofing Insulation?

While many commercial buildings invest in a durable, waterproof roofing material, some business owners forget to invest in proper roofing insulation. Whether your roof is completely uninsulated or has less than optimal insulation, read on to discover some important benefits you’ll enjoy by properly insulating your commercial roof.

Lower Utility Bills

The primary goal of insulation is to trap warm or cool air in your building. Whether you’re operating your air conditioner in the summer, or furnace in the winter, insulation reduces the energy consumption of these two units and provides you with a comfortably controlled interior temperature.

Because hot air rises, your furnace can especially benefit from proper roof insulation. Insulation is measured in R values, with a roof insulation recommendation anywhere between R-20 and R-49, depending on your climate and other factors. Contact a local roofing expert to determine the R value needs of your commercial building.

Improve Fire Safety

One of the worst-case scenarios in a commercial building is a fire. In the unfortunate event of a fire, insulation can protect your roof material from igniting. Be sure to use an insulation material that is fire resistant to add another layer of protection to your commercial building.

Prevent Mold Growth

Climate control in a commercial building produces a great deal of moisture. Whether you’re heating or cooling, humid air can become trapped under your roof. Without insulation, this moisture can condensate on the interior framework and harbor mold growth. Insulation can be mold-resistant and protect your building and your air quality.

Insulate Your Building Today

It’s never too late to properly insulate your roof. Contact Andrews Roofing to learn about your insulation options and find a solution that works for you. Whether you’re replacing your roof, renovating your interior, or focusing solely on new insulation, you’ll enjoy a professional installation team that can identify your insulation needs and help you enjoy energy-efficient solutions that can save you money.

Contact Andrews Roofing by calling 757-296-0553 or sending us an email today!

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3 Benefits of Replacing Your Commercial Roof

When it comes time to replace your commercial roof due to age or extensive damage, it’s easy to focus on the financial burden of the replacement. While you may not realize it, there are actually several reasons why investing in a new roof can make your company more money in the long run. Here are three great benefits of having a new roof installed on your building.

  1. Attract Customers

Customers and passersby will notice if you have an old roof that needs replacing. However, a brand new roof will enhance the overall appearance of your building and attract new customers to your business. Additionally, existing customers will continue going to your business when they see that you care to put time and money into your property. This will allow you to build trust with customers and give them an idea of the quality of service they can expect from your business.

  1. Increase Energy Efficiency

Installing a new roof made from high-quality materials can save your company money in utility bills. There are many energy-efficient roofing materials to choose from that are able to reflect solar energy or provide greater insulation. These roofing materials will allow you to spend less money on heating and cooling, as less air will escape through your roof. Additionally, you’ll increase customer and employee satisfaction by keeping them comfortably cool in the summers and warm in the winters.

  1. Avoid Repairs

Continuously making repairs to your roof adds up in cost, and in the end, you’ll save more money by simply replacing a worn roof. Additionally, delaying a necessary replacement can result in leaks and damage to the interior of your building. If your commercial roof is showing obvious signs of damage or deterioration, it’s best to replace your roof immediately.

When it comes time to replace your roof, don’t trust just anybody. Contact Andrews Roofing today at 757-296-0553 for a roofing company you can trust.

 

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