Renovating vs. Relocating: How Roofing Impacts Your Decision
For many Hampton Roads homeowners, there comes a time when the question arises: Should we renovate our current home, or is it time to move? While budget, location, and lifestyle all play important roles in the decision, one often overlooked factor is the roof. Your roof not only protects your home but also defines its…
Rhinobond Roof System
Any roofer that has ever installed a fully adhered TPO or PVC roof system knows the frustration of waiting for the adhesive to dry. Not to mention, the mess that glue makes, and the many, many empty buckets that result from it. There is an alternative to using adhesive. It’s called Rhinobond. It involves using…
Origin of asphalt roofing materials
In the early to mid-1800’s, urban construction was on the up rise, and it became abundantly apparent that a new kind of roofing material was needed. This was particularly true for row houses, which often times had low slope roofs. Common roofing materials of the time consisted of wood or metal roofing systems, which with…
What are the black streaks on my roof and how do I remove them?
We’ve all seen those black streaks on shingle roofs that cause them to look old and dirty. Sometimes mistaken for soot, mold, or mildew, typically the discoloration is caused by algae. Fortunately, the algae can be removed with a bleach solution. The most common type of roof algae is called Gloeocapsa Magma, although it’s not actually…
How to replace a missing shingle
The unfortunate reality of three tab shingles is that sometimes they blow off during high winds, leaving your roof exposed to possible water infiltration. If you notice a missing shingle tab on your roof, and you feel confident that you can repair the area yourself, there are certain steps you must follow to ensure that…
Does your shingle roof need to be replaced?
Let’s face it, not very many people pay much attention to their roofs. That is, until it leaks. Then people pay a lot of attention to their roof. And sometimes, a lot of money. So how do you know when it’s time to replace your shingle roof? First, how old are your shingles? Are they…
Is your roof ready for the next big storm?
Hurricane season is upon us! But what does that mean for your roof, and which storms should you worry about? Obviously, any storm with significant wind speeds can cause damage, and add pouring rain to that, and you can end up needed an umbrella in your bedroom. High winds can blow shingles off, cause tree…
How to choose a roofing contractor
How do you choose which roofing contractor to do business with? There are many roofers out there, and they all will tell you they can fix your leak or replace you roof quickly and at an affordable price. But how do you know which companies to go with? Never do business with a roofing contractor…
Architectural Shingles vs. Three Tab Shingles
Three Tab Shingles Three tab shingles, also known as strip shingles, or simply three tabs, are flat, asphalt shingles that have three regularly spaced tabs, giving the roof a repetitive pattern. Normally they measure 12 by 36 inches, with an exposure of approximately 5 inches. This type of shingle was the most popular for many…
Three Tab Shingles, or Strip Shingles
Three tab shingles, also known as strip shingles, or simply 3 tabs, are flat, asphalt shingles that have three regularly spaced tabs, giving the roof a repetitive pattern. Normally they measure 12 by 36 inches, with an exposure of approximately 5 inches. This type of shingle was the most popular for many years, but are…
Attic and Roof Ventilation
Attic ventilation is typically not a subject many homeowners think about on a regular basis. However, it is a very important topic, as it can help the longevity of your roof and home, as well as save you money on heating and cooling cost. In a proper attic ventilation system, air continually flows through attic,…
Missing shingles
A bad storm rolls through and causes tree branches to fall down, knocks garbage cans over, and tears some shingles off your roof. We all know that missing shingles are unsightly, but how do they cause leaks? After all, just because one shingle is missing doesn’t mean the roof is open, does it? Actually, the…
Exposed nails and nail pops
When a nail is driven into wood to secure a shingle, it must be long enough to attach to it, and the wood must be thick and solid to hold the nails. If any of these isn’t, then the roofing nail can back out, possibly causing a hole in the shingle. This of course…
What are those pipes sticking out of your roof?
Plumbing vent pipes are an important part of your plumbing system. They are responsible for safely carrying sewer gases out of your home or building. This is to keep the gases from becoming trapped or backed up and potentially causing you to become sick. Except for floor drains, just about all plumbing fixtures need a…
Top 7 Ways to Prepare your Roof for Storms
Visually inspect your roof What type of roof system do you have? Check for loose, missing, or curled shingles and shakes. For slate, metal, and tile, look for missing or loose areas. Also check around your roof at branches that overhang or touch your roof, and leaves or plants visible out of your gutters. Any…