SB Roofing Blog

Metal Roofs are increasingly common not only due to the fact of cost but for the reason that of versatility and green capabilities.

Whether you want to replace your old roof or are considering the what roofing material to add to your newly built home, a metal roof will complement any home.

What makes metal roofs more attractive to homeowners is its long-term durability. Metal roofs are “green” and aesthetic. There are many colors to select from. The characteristics of metal roofs, from price to longevity to durability to aesthetics are what draw architects, homeowners and builders to metal roofs.
 
Metal can survive the high winds seen in Virginia and keep out water. They can also effortlessly shed winter snow. But metal has another benefit, they keep houses cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, generating more energy efficient and environmentally friendly homes.

Resistant to fire, mildew, insects, and rot, metal roofs last a life time. Contact SB Roofing for more information on metal roofs.

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.

Hire the right roofer. Being selective and ensuring that you do your research on the company you choose to do your roofing is very important. When we were thinking about what to blog about this week it came to us on a Google search. Some of the top roofing headlines from around the country say:

"….Roofer agrees to refund homeowners"
"…XXX Roofing used deceptive practices"
"…XXX-Based roofer agrees to pay restitution"
"…Roofer to pay for misleading homeowners"

This is true; these are the headlines we found. These types of roofers put all roof installers to shame. Did you know that most roof issues are a result of bad installers? Poor installation around the chimney, seams where two roof sections meet, and skylights are the cause of most roof leaks.

SB Roofing is committed to providing our customers with the highest quality residential roofing materials, service and workmanship available in Hampton Roads. Our goal is to offer you the most economical solution for your roofing needs.

From simple roof repairs to completely new roofing systems, SB Roofing, Inc. would appreciate the opportunity to become your roofing company. Contact us.

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.

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.

Architectural shingles are also known as laminated or dimensional shingles. They are some of the highest quality shingles because they are heavier, and do not require additional support under the roof. They are used by homeowners who like a distinctive, upscale  look to their roofs. Their weight and design give a three-dimensional appearance. Some are nailed on, while others in addition to nails, have interlocking tabs. They are also attractive to builders because of ease of installation.

What are they?
Architectural shingles are made using a heavier base than a standard asphalt shingle. The base is made from fiberglass or organic materials, with some asphalt added. The back of the shingles are coated with a special material and granules are added to the top layer.

How long do Architectural shingles last?
In most cases they're designed to last for 30-50 years. They contain asphalt and minerals, are strong and flexible. They withstand extreme temperatures and other weather events. They are often available with a lifetime warranty.

Metal roofing is becoming a popular alternative to shingles because it is strong, aesthetically pleasing and exceedingly durable. Should you consider metal roofing for your Virginia Beach home? Other than a great appearance, metal roofing offers many benefits.

Long lasting
Metal roofing offers exceptional longevity compared to other roofing materials. Metal withstand adverse weather conditions much better than other roofs. Metal roofs look great for years with little to no maintenance.

Better Energy Efficiency
The main benefit of metal roofing is that it can help to improve your home's energy efficiency. It reflects heat away from the home rather than absorbing it like other roofing materials, so the home's attic stays much cooler. This increase in energy efficiency will lower your utility bills.

Value
Like many energy-efficient additions, a metal roof can also boost your home's resale value while making your home look great, boosting curb appeal and helping it stand out in a crowded real estate market.

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.

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