SB Roofing Blog

Upkeep and repair and maintenance of your home can get expensive, homeowners need to prioritize. Obviously, maintenance involving water intrusion or safety issues should take top priority.

Roof inspection: Water intrusion is issue No. 1. Periodic roof inspection is a must as undetected leaks cause so many costly home repairs: ceilings, insulation, flooring and the roof itself.

Frequency of roof inspections depends on the roof's age and type and local weather conditions. In Virginia Beach, hail damage, wind and rain is a major problem.

Older roofs exposed to severe weather should be inspected more often than newer roofs, and in Virginia we have tough winters with snow and ice and summer-long, extreme-heat periods that dry out asphalt shingles. But don't wait until you see water stains on ceilings to have your roof inspected. Contact SB Roofing for a free, no obligation estimate.

There are several reasons standing-seam metal roofing is becoming more and more popular.  Metal roofs are durable, fire retardant and almost maintenance-free.  They offer environmental benefits, using a majority of recycled material in their construction. They are also energy efficient; metal reflects heat and blocks its transfer into the attic. Research has showed that metal absorbed 34% less heat than asphalt shingles, and homeowners switching to metal roofing reported savings up to 20% on their energy bills.

It is true, metal roofing is more expensive and for many homeowners asphalt shingles are the only way they are able to replace a roof, however, over time steel pays for itself. It is an investment with benefits.

The environmental benefits of metal roofs include their use of recycled material ranging from 60% to 65% use in the construction. Because it weights very little, metal roofing can be installed over existing roofs, eliminating the need to dispose of excess material in the landfill.  Steel is considered the best material for green buildings, as it helps in achieving the goal of reducing and eliminating the use of chemical substances while increasing energy efficiency and reducing waste.

Another advantage of installing a metal roof is its low maintenance. It will not crack, curl, split, rot or lose impact resistance with age, and moreover it lasts for 50-60 years. Therefore, the maintenance expenses for metal roofs are minimal. Contact SB Roofing for more information.

Original article – Republican Journal

The recent bout of destructive weather has left homeowners scrambling to make roof repairs to torn  shingles, eaves, gutters and chimneys.

Roof Inspection and Repair
The typical life span of a roof is between 18 and 20 years, but problems certainly arise along the way. Too often, people wait until there’s a leak or some damage. Be warned, even a few ripped shingles or loose flashing can result in rotted wood in the frames, electrical wiring mishaps or soggy sheetrock.

Still, procrastination can result in a bigger, more expensive project.

Routine roof maintenance and minor roof repairs entail nominal fees for materials and labor whereas total replacement — especially when the damage involves indoor wall structures — can run thousands.

Flat roofs need to be inspected for worn spots, depressions and proper drainage, and touched up or replaced as necessary.

There are dozens of styles and roofing materials available for installing new roofs or for repairing existing roofs.

There are designer styles, but most people opt for the standard asphalt shingles.

Original Article HPBA Newscast

Overall, metal roofs perform better in hurricanes than asphalt or other types of roofs. In fact, Sal Alfano of Remodeling Magazine reported that homes renovated with standing-seam metal roofing show a rate of up to 95.5% cost recouped for homes in the Eastern states, and 6% resale value gain over homes roofed with asphalt.

Over time you'll save money on metal roofs too even though the initial cost is higher than most other roofing materials. The good news is, metal roofs lasts a lifetime, asphalt requires reproofing every 10 to 20 years. And as stated above, a metal roof can increase the resale value of your home.

But, it’s hurricanes that are on people’s minds, so you should know that most metal roofs have been tested to 90 psf uplift testing. That is very strong. Overall in a wind storm, metal will generally do better than asphalt. The best new though, is that metal roofs are just as wind resistant old as they are new. You won’t find that with shingles.

If it is time to replace your roof, contact SB Roofing, Virginia Beach.

Because of affordability and ease of installation, asphalt shingles have long been the first choice in residential roofing. However, metal roofs have slowly been increasing in popularity.

Though metal roofs may cost more up front than asphalt shingle roofs, they can be much more durable. Their lifetime spans anywhere from 40 to 60 years, as opposed to 15 years for asphalt. By choosing a metal roof, it's the last time most homeowners will have to put on a roof.

Besides longevity, metal roofs also can be more energy efficient - a "cool" solution because reflective coatings can be applied to the base metal and reduce how much heat enters a home.

Aesthetics are another plus. Standing seam roofs can also add vibrant color that withstands strong sunlight for decades.

Be sure to hire an experienced pro to install it since it takes more skill than putting on asphalt shingles.

Let's face it. Roof repair or replacement is job number one when considering home upgrades. Everything you do, from remodeling to painting to renovations, will be ruined without a functioning roof. Roof replacement is probably one of the most “boring” home renovations, but certainly is one of the most essential.

Roof Replacement is the process of removing the existing roof when in disrepair. Nailing over the existing roof is not recommended due to the added weight and increased chance of leaks. There are many factors that may cause a roof to fail, such as poor workmanship, faulty materials, inclement weather, age, and improper maintenance.

Your choice of roofing materials depends on your own personal taste and on the style of your home.

• Asphalt Shingles: Cheap and easily obtainable, but less attractive than other options due to "flat" appearance.
• Wood Shake: more expensive, but an attractive shingle.
• Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is less common, and few roofers install it; great for heat reflection and snow shedding.
• Architectural shingles or "Faux" Slate - Recycled post-industrial synthetics gaining in popularity.

Due to the summer heat and strong winds in Virginia Beach, we recommend you perform roof inspections regularly. Virginia Beach roof inspectors will look for uplift around the perimeter shingles. During the next wind storm, is the perfect time to walk around your roof and inspect it from the ground. Look for shingle lifting. Shingle lifting is an indication that the adhesive strip holding down the shingles is no longer performing its duty and should be replaced. As a result, your roof may be vulnerable to leaks and shingle blow off.

Keeping your roof clean is the most important tip we can give you. Built-up debris and plant matter will cause moisture to gather allowing mold and mildew to grow leaving green stains or black streaks. These stains and streaks are unsightly and will damage your roof.  Have moss removed from the roof by sweeping while it is wet or by having a roof moss killer product applied. Also, check all gutters and downspouts to make sure water is flowing freely and clean out all roof drains and gutters from spring time flower blossoms.

We do NOT recommend pressure washing roofs. If you have asphalt shingles, pressure washing can remove the granules which are the shingle's sunscreen material. If you lose that sunscreen layer, the asphalt shingle will be exposed to harsh UV rays which will start premature aging and the shingles will become brittle. If you have cedar shingles, pressure washing them will remove the top, aged layer making your shingle thinner. You will then have to treat the newly exposed cedar so it will once again repel rain water.

Virginia Beach roofing companies like SB Roofing stand ready to provide more roofing tips, inspections, and maintenance if you have any questions about the quality of your roof.