Leaks & Service Repairs

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

Reroof Estimates & Inspections

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

Tag: tidewater roofing

Purchasing A New Shingle Roof

When getting a new or replacement roof on your home or business there are a few simple facts to remember.

All roofing contractors are not the same. The right company will install it to perform better and last longer. The materials must be installed the way the manufacturer specifies because they engineered them. Check the roofing contractor out before you hire them. Make sure they have a good, long reputation for quality.

All shingle types and manufacturers are not the same either. See consumer reports and look around online before you buy. I ( Robert Andrews) recommend CertainTeed manufacturer for quality and service and warranty.

The limited lifetime guaranteed fiber-glass asphalt algae resistant shingles are driving the market in the mid Atlantic region including Hampton Roads and Richmond, Virginia and in the Outer Banks (OBX) of North Carolina. They look great and perform well with a 130 mile per hour (mph) wind warranty when installed properly with the proper accessories such as pre-cut starter strips and cap or ridge shingles. A 3-tab shingle will work, but only comes with a 60 mph wind warranty in some cases and does not look as good. Wind rating may be higher. Architectural shingles are reasonably priced making them the best value in many cases.

Remember that your roof is a big part of how your home or business looks from the curb too. Take your time making decisions about style and color. Go online and consult with the contractor.

A roof is not cheap so pick the right roofer and material for the job. It is at least a 20 year commitment once it is on your building. Thank you. Good luck!

Robert Andrews                                                                                                                       robert@andrewsroofing.com

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TPO Membrane Roof System

Single-ply roof systems include TPO, P.V.C., E.P.D.M. and some modified bitumen assemblies. TPO or thermo-polyolifin is currently driving the flat or low slope roof market and is used on residential, commercial and industrial applications. Because of its lite weight, hot air welded seams, and competitive price many roof consultants consider it to be a great value compared to other roof system options. It comes in 45, 60, 80 mil (.045 ,.060,.080) thicknesses and also comes in a fleece back option. A mil is equal to 1/1000 of an inch. It can be mechanically fastened or fully adhered. It is reinforced for durability. It is white in color and can be bought gray or tan as well. Many consumers believe a white roof is best because it reflects sunlight and heat but sometimes this is not true. If you have trouble cooling a building in summer then a white roof will help of course but with proper attic, roof ventilation and building insulation the color does not matter. Many old buildings do not have either so a white roof does make since especially when you are installing TPO over top of an existing roof. Often the best value is to install a one half inch poly-iso , e.p.s., or high density wood fiber board insulation as recovery board and a TPO membrane roof system right over a built-up roof with gravel.

Firestone Building Products offers workmanship and material warranties from 5 to 30 years. A certified Firestone contractor must install it to get one of these warranties. Many call single-ply roofs rubber roofs. TPO roofs are also easy to repair and easy to install. I (Robert Andrews) believe that because of all of these characteristics ,TPO membrane will continue to be the roof system of choice in most flat or low slope applications for a long time and will even grow in popularity over the years.

Robert Andrews II                                                                                                                     robert@andrewsroofing.com

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An Ounce of Prevention…

Welcome to the Andrews Roofing blog.  This is Robert, Owner and President. I am writing this blog. My associates will be part of the team that does future blog postings.  With this our first blog, I want you to know that, while you may be a past, present or future customer of Andrews Roofing, we think of you first and foremost as our friends.  We don’t think of ourselves as being in the “roofing business”-rather we are in the “need satisfaction” business. That is what we do for our friends. We help them meet their needs.

I want to focus on some helpful tips now that fall has arrived. The heat of the summer is behind us, but it’s possible that you could have buckled shingles, dried out caulking, or leaking roof penetrations. The wind may have lifted and moved shingles or blown debris onto your roof.  Seams on flat roofs may have failed or drains may have become clogged. With fall and winter approaching, they bring cold weather, higher winds, and blowing leaves and other debris, thereby exposing your roof to additional harm. As your roof continues to be exposed to nature’s elements, your roof integrity can degrade resulting in damage that can go undetected until it becomes a serious problem. It is good to remember that your roof is protecting one of your most valuable assets-your home or commercial building.

We all have learned that preventive maintenance on our cars and trucks can save us money and prolong their useful life.  The same is also true of our roofs which protect an asset which is far more costly than our vehicles.  I encourage you to have your roof inspected at least every two years, or more if your roof is subject to the frequent accumulation of leaves and other debris that can clog drains or otherwise inhibit water removal. Some of you are able to get up on your roof and do the kind of inspection that can save you a lot of money. Others may be more comfortable having a professional do it.  If you would like help from Andrews Roofing,  please call us at (757) 399-3066.

Thank you for visiting our blog.

Robert Andrews II                                                                                                                     robert@andrewsroofing.com

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