SB Roofing Blog

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Promising rock-bottom prices and quick turnaround for a new roof, unlicensed and untrained home improvement “professionals” prey on consumers when they're most vulnerable.

Unfortunately, this is a common practice that usually results in poor installations that later cause trouble, when the installer has moved on to the next town. 

Choosing a new roof to protect your home and family is a big decision, and deserves careful consideration.
The nonprofit Metal Roofing Alliance recommends homeowners ask these questions before signing a contract for a new roof:

1. Is the company licensed, and are the employees bonded and insured? How long has the company been in business?
2. What types of roofing materials does the company offer?  The industry has evolved - there are many choices beyond the old asphalt shingle.
3. Will the contractor provide a written, final estimate?
4. Can the new roof be installed over the existing roof?
5. What are the environmental considerations of the new materials and disposal of the old roof?
6. What company manufactures the roofing material the contractor will use?
7. How long with will the new roof last?  What does the warranty cover?
8. Will the company use subcontractors?  If so, how will they be managed/supervised?
9. Is there pending legal action against the company?
10. Can you speak with former customers? 

Most homeowners will have to buy three or more roofs in their lifetime.

A growing number of homeowners are avoiding the chore and cost of multiple roof installations by choosing durable and environmentally-friendly metal roofs.   Resistant to cracking, shrinking and eroding, metal roofs stand up to hail, high winds and even wildfires.  Today's residential metal roofing is competing with common roofing material - such as asphalt shingle, cedar shake, clay tile or slate roofing - only stronger and more durable. No matter the style, most homeowners who choose a metal roof will never have to worry about re-roofing again.

Original article on PR Newswire

Choosing the right roofing materials for repair or installation of a new roof is a pretty hard thing to do especially for those who do not have any experience. Roofing is one of the most important facets in the structure and integrity of your home, so it is necessary to do the proper research for the best roofing materials for your home and your needs.

Deciding on the best roofing material to use depends on your personal preference but it also depends on the area where your house is located.

Asphalt Shingles - The most cost effective among all types of roofing - that's why they are widely used. Asphalt shingles provides a variety of colors that add style to your roof. Asphalt shingles usually have 30-, 40-, 50-year or limited lifetime warranties. They are widely being used by homeowners.

Architectural Shingles- Synthetic Architectural Shingle roofs are designed to look exactly like the natural roofs, such as slate or cedar, but synthetic materials are lighter weight and usually less expensive to repair. Synthetic slate and cedar are highly fire resistant.  They are also backed by a 50-year manufacturer's warranty.

Standing Seam Metal Roof – Similar to  asphalt shingles in functionality and durability, they are inexpensive, long-lasting and easy to install. A properly installed metal roof should last at least 50 years. They are great in warmer climates where they reflect the heat from the sun.

Wood Shingles - the ideal choice of many homeowners. The color of wood shingles turns lighter over time, but this look is often what the homeowner is looking for. With proper care and maintenance, wood shingles could last for about thirty to fifty years.

If you're replacing your roof, cedar shakes or cedar shingles are an excellent way to increase the curb appeal of your home and increase your home's value. It's easy to see why homeowners would want to add cedar shingles to their home. The beauty of cedar shingles is unsurpassed by any other roofing material.

Cedar shakes, above all, add a beautiful look to your home.  Whether you like the hand-split style or the perfections, SB Roofing can accommodate.  In its natural state, cedar has a rich, textured grain.  It's one of nature's best building products.

Cedar shingles have a natural ability to resist the elements, insects, UV rays and other sorts of decay; also allowing your home to stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Cedar shake shingles are able to provide a higher insulation value than any other roofing products.

Everybody wants the house to look great, and one of the best ways to do this is to make sure that you use the right roofing material. There are many different roofing choices on the market, but be sure to consider cedar shake roofing.

Contact SB Roofing for a cedar shake roof that is beautiful, and a great investment.