SB Roofing Blog

Many homeowners forget about their roof until there is a problem. This is no way to treat one of the most important aspects of your home. Other than visual signs that you have an aging roof, there are additional components to your roof system that are not always easily identifiable.
 
Thorough roof inspections can identify areas of concern and identify items that could potentially lead to more costly damage and repairs. In the case of roof inspections, do not ignore your roof.

At SB Roofing we are experienced providers of the industry's most secure residential roofing solutions, providing Hampton Roads homeowners with over 15 years experience. From immediate roofing estimates to quick service to final clean-up, we have built our reputation on protecting your most important investment - your home!

At SB Roofing, we do a comprehensive roof inspection that covers the basics as well as an inspection and review of potential issues. Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection.

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.

Some contractors will take a cursory look at the exterior of your roof and call it a roof inspection. If you have had your roof for a long time or feel it is time for a roof inspection, call a reputable roofer who does roof inspections.

A thorough roof inspection is necessary because there are parts to your roof system that are not easy to identify without a comprehensive inspection. With roofs, you don’t need any surprises.

At SB Roofing, we do a comprehensive inspection that covers the basics as well as an inspection and review of potential issues and you will receive a detailed overview of what we find.  Our comprehensive inspection includes:

• Inspect all flashings in the roof system
• Inspect all pipe collars, storm collars, and air vents
• Check for any damage to the roof deck on the exterior AND interior surfaces
• Complete spot checks across the roof system for straight lines, appropriate fasteners, and number of layers of existing roof
• Inspect gutter system to insure adequate drainage
• Complete an attic inspection for moisture, mold, mildew and adequate ventilation

Contact SB Roofing today to schedule a free roof inspection.

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

Well, hurricane season is supposed to be exciting through November. Now is a good time to take care of any roof issues you may have. If it has been a while since you have had the roof inspected, consider making an appointment. Often roof leaks develop slowly and can go undetected for a while.

Ignoring or not knowing about a leak can cause substantial harm to your home and to your belongings.  When leaks are hidden within you roof, structural deterioration can occur. Obviously, this can result in more damage, which causes more expensive repairs. Leaks need to be addressed fast.

Roofs should be inspected after serious weather; you may have some leaks that you have never had before. Now is the time to catch them. Contact SB Roofing.

We don’t often look up at the roof. But inspecting your roof regularly and repairing it as needed can prevent some costly repairs down the road. Keeping your roof in good condition will also benefit you if you decide to sell your home.

What do you look for and how often do you inspect the roof?

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends you do a roof inspection at least two times a year -- spring and fall. The best place to begin is inside your house, head to the attic with a flashlight.

Here are four things to look for on the inside:

1.   Places where the roof deck is sagging
2.   Signs of water damage or leaking
3.   Dark spots and trails
4.   Outside light showing through the roof

What to look for on the exterior:  

When you take a look at the exterior of the roof, pay attention to such things as damaged flashing, missing shingles, curling, blistering, buckling, rotting and algae growth (which occurs most often in humid climates and appears as dark or greenish stains).

1. Visually inspect your roof for cracked, torn, bald or missing shingles.
2. Scan the roof for loose material or wear around chimneys, vents, pipes or other penetrations.
3. Watch out for an excessive amount of shingle granules in the gutters, this is a sign of advanced wear.
4. Check for signs of moisture, rot or mold. Note that wet spots may not be directly under your faulty shingle; water can travel down to its lowest spot before it drips. Mold, fungi and bacteria can grow quickly, within 24 to 48 hours of a water-related problem.
5. Examine the drainage, and make sure gutters and downspouts are securely attached. Also ensure all drains are open and allow water to exit, and all gutters and downspouts are free of debris.
6. Check that all bath, kitchen and dryer vents go entirely outside of your home, not just into the attic space.

Original article – Home and Garden

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.

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.

Many homeowners have experienced roof leaks or have noticed visible signs that their home or roof is aging.  However, unfortunately, there are additional components to your roof system that are not always easy to identify.

There are many contractors who will do a basic roof inspection, meaning an examination of the exterior of your roof, sometimes from street level, and basic components like flashings.  Unfortunately, this is a basic standard in the industry.  However, more thorough roof inspections can identify areas of concern and identify items that could potentially lead to more costly roof damage and roof repairs. In the case of roof inspections, ignorance is not bliss.

At SB Roofing, we do a comprehensive inspection that covers the basics as well as an inspection and review of potential issues. We will provide you with a detailed overview of what we find.  Our comprehensive inspection includes:

•   Inspect all flashing in the roof system
•   Inspect all pipe collars, storm collars, and air vents
•   Check for any damage to the roof deck on the exterior and interior surfaces
•   Complete spot checks across the roof system for straight lines, appropriate fasteners, and number of layers of existing roof
•   Inspect gutter system to insure adequate drainage
•   Complete an attic inspection for moisture, mold, mildew and adequate ventilation

Contact us today to schedule a free roof inspection.