SB Roofing Blog

There may be some indications that you have some problems with your roof. Do you need a roof repair or a new roof? Obviously, roof repairs are less expensive.
 
Replacing your roof is more expensive, but depending on your circumstances it is often the better choice. However, sometimes there are long term costs when you opt for one or the other. There are some things you should consider when considering a new roof.

If your roof is fifteen years or older, a new roof is on its way anyway. Don’t want to waste money on repairs, just replace the roof. If severe weather causes the roof damage, the damage is probably extensive. If you opt for roof repairs, they may help for awhile, but do you need a new roof? We can confidently say that if moisture or mold is an issue, a new roof is the best choice.

A new roof is often the best option for serious roofing problems, however, roof repairs are a good option If the damage is limited, or  if you are moving in the next six to twelve months, a new roof is not worth the costs when a repair can keep your home in good shape for the time being.

If you are still not sure whether your roof needs to be replaced or repaired, contact SB Roofing.

No one wants to repair the roof or put on a new roof. A new roof is perhaps the most unexciting home improvement project. But it may be one of the most necessary. Not only is it a huge project but it also has a dramatic effect on the appearance of  your home.

If you choose the wrong shingles, you won’t like how your home looks, and roofs last for years, so you will have to live with the decision for years. There are so many types of roofing shingles to choose from, it is very difficult to know which will be right for you.

Composite shingles are one of the most popular shingle materials. These shingles are popular, because they are inexpensive. They last a long time, but metal lasts the longest. Composite shingles are the latest trend in roofing. Composite shingles are similar to other conventional and traditional shingle materials. They also come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Metal shingles are perhaps the longest lasting roofing material. They come in copper, steel and iron. There is also Standing seam metal roofs which have a more modern look.  They are available in steel or aluminum, and a variety of thicknesses.  Metal roofs are a great investment, and are available in a wide range of styles and colors. They are very durable, and maintenance free.

Wood shingles, or shakes, are made from medicated woods like pine, spruce, or cedar. These are higher end shingles with a very unique look and style. The color of these shingles usually turns to gray in the first year. Some of the problems with wood shingles are breakage, deformity, and cowering. So it is usually recommended that you do roof replacement in 10 years or so.

Architectural Shingles look like shake shingles.  They make a very classy looking roof, and last much longer than wood shakes and there is a warranty which usually ranges from 30 years to lifetime, depending on the manufacturer.

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used and you see them on the largest variety of homes. Asphalt Roofing Shingles are made of paper, glass, or fiber and are very strong. These shingles can last up to twenty years.

If you live in Virginia Beach and you need a new roof, think about getting a metal roof. Metal roofs are perfect for Virginia weather, keeping homes cooler in the summer and preventing ice dams in winter.
 
In the winter, snow slides off a metal roofing preventing ice dams. You don’t have to worry about water seeping in below the shingles, freezing and causing the shingles to lift.

Metal roofing is more energy efficient that asphalt shingles. They are have highly reflectivity coating which commonly saves 20-30% on air-conditioning costs because they reflect much of the sun's heat.

But like all energy efficient home improvements, metal roofs will increase the value of your home; and with such a long life, 20-30 years longer than shingles, the investment in metal roofing promises you a high ROI, should you choose to sell at some point.
 
For a new roof, contact SB Roofing.

Remember the home energy tax credit? That was extended through the end of 2011. If you need to fix a roof, or need a new roof, now is the time. If you have not had a roof inspection for a while, have it done now. If you need any roof repairs, or if you need a new roof as a result of your roof inspection, get it done while you can take advantage of the home energy tax credit.

You may claim a credit for 10% percent of the total cost of the metal roofing or asphalt shingles, or new energy efficient skylights for your existing primary residence.

There are a few rules and restrictions, however:

• The maximum combined credit is $500 (10% of $5,000 in total cost) for all allowable products purchased between 2006 and 2011.
• The credit is for the price of the product only, not labor.
• Energy tax credits are nonrefundable, which means you can only claim a credit to offset taxes you owe for the year.
• Tax credits may only be claimed once and are limited to the year in which you purchased the item.

If you are in need of a new roof or need a roof inspection, or if you are installing energy efficient skylights, contact SB Roofing.

You may have been putting off the new roof, but it isn’t easy to forget about when large storms loom off the coast of Mexico. Now may be the time for you to consider taking on that roofing project.

Replacing your roof is a large and expensive home improvement project but when done right, with the right materials you improve your home’s appearance, value and structural integrity. But your roof will also look great, last a long time, and do its job.

But, which roofing shingles do you choose?

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used. They are relatively cheaper than most other types of shingles, and they come in a wide range of colors and designs and are quite durable. These shingles can last up to twenty years.

Composite shingles are made from many different materials. These shingles are are inexpensiveYou also have a lot of options in their appearance because they come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Wood shingles or shakes, are made from medicated woods : pine, spruce, or cedar. Some setbacks of wood are breakage, deformity, and cowering. So it is usually recommended that when using wood that you do a roof replacement in 10 years or so. However, they look beautiful.

Architectural Shingles resemble a shake shingle.  These shingles look great and have a great warranty which usually ranges from 30 years to lifetime.

In this slow Virginia real estate market, anything you can do to make your home more saleable would be beneficial. Many homeowners who are thinking about putting their home on the market need to consider the buyer. This is no longer a seller's market, and it hasn’t been in a while. So, while those who want to sell and know they need a new roof used to be able to put their home on the market without fixing the roof. Maybe they took some money off the asking price.

Not these days. If your roof has less than 5 years on it, or if you haven’t had a roof inspection in several years, or you know you actually need a new roof, you should get this fixed before you put your house on the market. Either you're going to pay for a new roof or lose that much off the sale, but the sale will almost certainly take longer than it would with a new roof. There are just too many competing homes for sale. 

When buyers make an offer in this market, they will usually add up everything they think they need to have fixed in a home and their number will usually be higher than what you can do the job for. Then they subtract their cost from your asking price and then some. Weigh the costs of the job and your return and you will find it is probably worth the new roof.