5 Mistakes you’ve been making with Your Roof

Having a good roof over your head is something that we all need but often take for granted. Unfortunately, your roof won’t take care of itself, so it is up to you to maintain your roof and address issues when they arise. There are many roofing myths several of which can result in severe damage. Learn the common mistakes people make when caring for their roofs and learn the correct way to maintain yours.

1. Over-Insulating Your Home

Yes, you read that right! There is such a thing as using too much insulation for your roof. If your home has an attic, too much insulation won’t allow the room to ventilate which can cause mold to grow and other issues.

2. Cleaning Your Roof With a Pressure Washer

Cleaning your roof can help enhance its appearance and prevent mold from growing. Many people will use a pressure washer to do the job which can damage the surface of your roof. Next time you clean your roof, opt for a hose instead.

3. Not Regularly Inspecting Your Roof

Just because you don’t see any leaks doesn’t mean there aren’t issues with your roof. Take the time to inspect your roof so you can handle small repairs when needed.

4. Not Checking Your Attic

If you only inspect the outside of your home, you may be missing out on some obvious signs that your roof needs to be replaced. Always check your attic to look for signs of mold growth or excessive humidity.

5. Re-Roofing Over Shingles

No matter what you do, do not simply nail new shingles over old ones. You’re only making things worse. Old shingles need to be removed and replaced by new ones for a proper seal.

Call a Professional!

Roofing problems can be complicated and need to be handled by people who know what they’re doing. Call Andrews Roofing at 757-296-8562 or use our contact us page to avoid these mistakes altogether, and let the professionals do what they do best!

3 Situations Where You Should Replace Your Roof Instead of Repair It

If you notice your roof has experienced some wear and tear,you might be wondering if you should repair or replace your roof. While you likely are hoping you can just quickly fix the issues without having to pay fora completely new roof, sometimes replacing your roof is the best line of action you can take. If you can’t decide how you should handle your roof’s problems,continue reading to learn three situations where you should choose to repair your roof.

Your Roof Is Getting Old

If you notice a missing shingle or an issue with your roof that you think can be fixed, you need to consider the age of your roof before making any repairs. An old roof is better off being replaced. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 15 years, and clay and concrete tiles can last between 30 and 50years. If your roof has reached this limit, it’s a good time to invest in a new one.

The Damage Is Spreading

 It’s often hard to tell the condition of your roof just bylooking from the outside. Although missing or damaged shingles are a good indicator that there could be a severe issue, if you notice water discoloration in your ceiling or find signs of wood rot or mold growth in your attic, you need to replace your roof immediately.

You Want To Sell Your Home

An old or damaged roof scares away buyers if you’re trying to sell. To increase your home’s value and convince potential buyers that you take care of your home, replace your roof if there are any severe issues or it has reached the end of its life expectancy before putting it on the market.

Call a Professional

Whether you choose to have your roof repaired or replaced,the work is best left in the hands of the professionals. Contact Andrews Roofing today at 757-296-2897 for all your roofing needs!

Dinner with Dylan!

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Salvation Army + Baker Roofing

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Winter Window Blues?

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Lights, Ladders, Action!

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How to Make a Tomato Cage Christmas Tree

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Ways To Pay for a Brand New Commercial Roof

It may be time for your commercial property to get a new roof. Replacement results in energy savings, reduced leaks and happier employees. However, it can be expensive to replace an entire roof rather than simply repairing it. The company may not have the revenue necessary to make the additional expense, but there are options if you need to take care of this right away.

Loans

You can get a loan from a local bank or another lending institution to get the necessary funds. You will need to make a down payment and eventually pay interest on the loan. However, for businesses, paying interest may not be all that bad. You may be able to write this interest off as a business expense on your taxes at the end of the year.

Grants

State governments often provide grants for capital improvement projects for businesses. Your company may need to be within a certain industry to qualify. Grants are typically available for small businesses, municipalities and non-profit organizations. If the roof you plan on getting is eco-friendly, then you may qualify for grants meant for energy saving practices.

Section 179

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act received a much-needed update on January 1^st, 2018. The law expanded what property qualified for eligibility for tax deductions. It improved upon what business owners can write off on their taxes because the government wants businesses to invest in their properties. While it can seem daunting to pay for a new roof out-of-pocket, you may be able to write off most or all of the cost on your taxes, which can benefit you greatly in the long run.

You should never delay getting a new roof for your commercial property, and there are plenty of ways to pay. Once you have the financing in place, contact Andrews Roofing today by calling (757) 296-2897 or sending an email to ben@andrewsroofing.net to get a free estimate for your next project. To learn more about our roofing services, please click here.

Roof Inspections Always Pay Off

Roof replacement is an investment that you have to take seriously. You want the best roof that fits your budget and suits your needs. There is a large array of different types of roofing materials on the market. This makes choosing a new roof overwhelming for some building owners. To help ease your decision-making, professional roof inspectors can look at your roof and help you make an educated decision. Here are a few of the way that an inspection can help you.

You Get an Evaluation

A roof evaluation is one of the best assessments to have done. Roofers use a variety of tests to assess your roof’s condition. For instance, they may use infrared surveys, aerial photography, core tests and other scans. The point is to figure out what you can do to enhance your roof.

You Get a Quote

Whether or not an inspector works for a roofing company doesn’t matter, they can still help you with pricing. They will help you to understand what types of costs you’re looking at and how to get the best deal. They understand what type of roofing job you need done and can advocate for you.

You Get Material Advice

After a roof inspection, you’ll usually be told which materials would work best on your roof. The inspector looks at your environment, plus the architecture to determine what would suit you. There may be several options, of course. Still, after an inspection, take into account the different factors that help you decide on a material. For instance, weather, budget and architecture are important to deciding on a roof.

When it comes to installing a new roof, an inspection will help you save more money. Without it, you may not know the best material to use, much less what kind of roof repair you need.

Do you have a roofing need at one of your properties? Contact Andrews Roofing today by calling (757) 296-2897 or sending an email to ben@andrewsroofing.net to get a free estimate for your next project. To learn more about our roofing services, please click here.

Install Skylights the Right Way

Skylights introduce beautiful, natural lighting into your business or home. Of course, like any window, you have to install your skylight properly to avoid future problems. Improperly installed skylights often leak water or allow the outside temperatures in. Here is how you need to install a skylight to avoid common issues.

Leaking Skylights

A professional contractor won’t leave you with a leaky skylight. A properly installed skylight is going to have tightly sealed joints. A contractor may even mount the frame above the roof’s surface so that leaks are less likely.

Controlled Temperature

If you install the skylight yourself, you’re more at risk for less temperature control. In the summer, you want to keep the cool air in, while in the winter, you want to retain heat but also allow the sun to beat down on the glass. The way that contractors make sure your skylight helps keep your temperature under control is by installing it at the right slope. Often, they will use a skylight that has a tilted base.

You want a skylight that has a slope equal to your latitude plus five to 15 degrees. Of course, a professional may also install blinds or shades so that you can further control the amount of light and heat that you allow into your building. Now, if you think that you would benefit from a skylight that opens like a window, you can have that too.

Use a Professional

When it comes to installing a skylight, you need to have a professional on hand. When you install a skylight improperly or poorly, it can lead to worse problems. Leaking skylights lead to water damage, whereas temperature control can help you save on your energy bill. While many people swear by DIY projects, there are certain aspects of construction like windows and skylights that you should always look to a professional for help with.

Do you have a roofing need at one of your properties? Contact Andrews Roofing today by calling (757) 296-2897 or sending an email to ben@andrewsroofing.net to get a free estimate for your next project. To learn more about our roofing services, please click here.

Reasons to Fix Your Roof This Fall

Although the summertime seems like it would be the best season to undertake construction-related projects, fall is an excellent time as well. Fall is actually the ideal season to fix any issues with the roof of your home.

Prepare for Winter

One of the biggest reasons to have your roofing projects completed by fall is to make sure your home is ready for the winter that is approaching. Damage to the roof caused by issues such as missing or broken shingles will only worsen during the winter months with the harsher weather conditions, so it is a good idea to complete these repairs before the temperature drops.

In addition to protecting your home physically from harsh conditions, fixing your roof can also help keep your utility bill as low as possible. A solid, high-quality roof will help make sure that the heat is not escaping, keeping your home nice and warm without having to crank up the thermostat unnecessarily. This will not only save energy, it will also help save you money in the long run.

Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold

Fall provides cooler temperatures than the summer without the harsh, bitter cold of winter, so conditions are ideal for the roof’s materials. For example, asphalt shingle roofs generally should be installed when the weather is between 45 and 50 degrees. This temperature range can generally be found in the fall.

Make sure your home is ready for those winter months with high-quality, solid roof. Keep your house protected from harsh weather elements while improving your energy-efficiency by completing all the repairs necessary by the end of the fall season.

Contact Andrews Roofing today by sending an email to ben@andrewsroofing.net or completing our contact form to see what we can do for you. We are dedicated to giving you the best service possible, so when you shop with us, you can be confident knowing that your satisfaction is a top priority.

Meet Keanu!

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Repairing Roof Leaks Doesn’t Have to Be a Nightmare

Fixing a leak on the roof can be like finding a needle in the haystack. Many times, the leak ends up in a different place than where it starts. Even if it’s raining, it can still be difficult to find the origin of the leak. You’ll need to look for water marks, discoloration and stains in the attic.

How to Find the Leak

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to rain to find where the water is coming in. Here are three ways to find where your leak starts:

• Use light. Look for the leak during the day. Use a bright flashlight to follow the stains and water marks. If you can get up in the attic when it’s raining, you may be able to follow the water.
• Work backwards. It’s rare that the leak is directly where it’s coming in. Water travels down a path until finding a vulnerable spot to drip down.
• Add water. When the weather is clear, send a friend up to the roof with a garden hose. Have your friend systematically work across the roof, one area at a time.

Call in an Expert

Fixing a roof is not always a DIY project. You might void the warranty of your roof if you try and fix it yourself. An older roof may be disintegrating even more. When you don’t know what you’re doing, you could create an even bigger problem. Steep roofs are extremely hazardous too. Most homeowners don’t have the right tools or even know how to repair a roof properly. Unless you’ve done roofing before, it’s better to call a professional to ensure that the job is done right.

Experienced Residential Roofers in Virginia

Andrews Roofing has 20 years of experience in residential roofing. If your roof is leaking, protect your largest investment by sending an email to ben@andrewsroofing.net or completing our contact form to get a free estimate for your next project.

Most Common Roofing Questions

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Top 3 Reasons to Have a Well-Ventilated Attic

Most people don’t pay attention to the ventilation in their attic. After all, you don’t live up there, so why does it matter how the air circulates? It only takes you a few seconds to drop things up there that you don’t plan to use for a long time. While it may be true that most people don’t spend much time in their attic except for storing or retrieving items, having a well-ventilated attic is actually quite important. Here are three reasons you should make sure that air is properly circulating in your attic.

Heat and Moisture

Everyone knows that their attic gets extremely hot during the summer. However, most people don’t know that some of the structural components that make up the attic are vulnerable to too much heat and moisture. Parts such as the roof deck, trusses and rafters can become warped when exposed to extreme heat for an extended period of time, which can lead to a weakened structure and eventually a collapsed roof if not addressed in time.

Mold and Mildew

Where there is heat and moisture, you can expect mold and mildew. This is true for anywhere in your home, but the attic is especially at risk for heavy growth because you don’t spend too much time up there. It’s possible that by the time you notice it, the mold and mildew infestation has gotten out of control and caused serious damage.

Damage to Insulation

It’s also possible for heat and moisture to get absorbed by the insulation in the attic and cause them to become damaged. If this happens, then your home’s energy efficiency can be thrown off which can lead to a significant increase in your monthly utility bill.

It’s clear that proper attic ventilation is more important than most people think. If you’re concerned about the air circulation in your attic or want to speak with a professional about a consultation, contact the experts at Andrews Roofing today by sending an email to ben@andrewsroofing.net or completing our contact form to get a free estimate for your next project.

Women in Construction Week 2018

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Baker Roofing Visits Ludowici Headquarters!

We often think about quality and products we are providing to our customers by looking at old processes, while aiming to improve them without sacrificing the true value to the consumer. Baker Roofing is committed to always good work. Our good work starts with quality training and materials.

A few weeks ago, our team visited the Ludowici corporate headquarters in Ohio. Ludowici makes terra cotta tile products from clay mined a few miles away from their New Lexington, OH factory. We watched as clay was mixed, formed into blocks, and tested for quality. Ludowici has strict quality standards, and any clay that does not pass the test gets separated into large bins. The rejected clay goes back to be broken down, remixed, and retested. The approved clay moves on to the next step.

We watched an artisan hand mold the fresh clay against a cast to form a specialized piece. At another station, a team worked on cutting tile, and stamping the Ludowici name into the underside of the fresh product. We walked through the glazing processes, and the team showed us the large kilns used to finish the product. There is an exact science to the color the tile will become after it is fired in a kiln. The ceramic engineers even work to match historic tile, taking great pride in offering such a wide array of color and texture variations. Ludowici has been making their tile in the United States for over 130 years, and as a true test of time, many of their processes have not changed. For every procedure, there is a quality standard that the procedure protects.

The craftsmanship of their roof tiles provides an unmatched aesthetic that can be found on buildings of all kinds, including both historic and newly built. Baker Roofing Company is honored to be a Crown Roofer with Ludowici, and has hand installed Ludowici tile on notable buildings at Duke University, the Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville High School, and homes and businesses across the country. Together, the materials we use and our skilled roofers installing these materials deliver the quality product that Baker is proud to stand behind.

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Finding Good Work is Hard Work: Roman’s Story

 

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3 Tips For Applications From a Construction Recruiter

1. Be Professional
Let your recruiter or interviewer know how serious you are about the job by doing more than simply telling them. Be proactive in communicating with the company representative, and make sure to respond to phone calls, emails, and questions with appropriate and professional responses. It may seem simple, but often times showing up early for appointments and interviews, demonstrating good manners, and maintaining eye contact can really distinguish you from others applying for the same position. When comparing two candidates who are otherwise equal, the candidate who is polite and professional will get the job every time.

Recruiting horror stories are never ending (seriously, just Google it!). Acting inappropriately, and making your interviewer, or someone you encounter during the hiring process uncomfortable, will very likely cost you the job. It’s better to keep it professional.

2. Stay Open-minded
Even if you have years of experience in the construction industry, remaining open-minded when interviewing or starting a new job can alleviate lots of stress on your boss and yourself. Your new company may have a different way of doing things, and training at each company takes time. Show your interviewer, recruiter, or boss that you are open-minded and willing to try something new by letting them know of past learning opportunities you have taken advantage of.

Think back to when you were a child and what you dreamed of becoming when you grew up. Chances are, who you are now is not exactly what you planned to be then. Staying open-minded can allow for new and different opportunities that can lead to great success.

3. Demonstrate a Track Record of Hard Work
Jobs in the Construction industry do not always require previous construction experience. Previous work history is important, but does not always indicate your abilities. During the interview, or when other opportunities present themselves in the hiring process, make the effort to prove that you have previously, and expect to continue working hard.

Providing examples and stories of consistently staying driven and doing hard work will help any interviewer get a better understanding of the work they can expect from you if you join their company. Baker Roofing Company understands the value in good work, and expects employees at all levels to push themselves to always do good work above anything else. Being able to prove your hard work will always give you an advantage over anyone who can’t.

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4 Areas Construction Companies Need To Celebrate More

In the construction industry it’s very easy (and many times necessary) to get into a focused production mindset with blinders on to everything else. It is no surprise that day-in-and-day out, the life of a construction professional is filled with and consumed by budgets, timelines, change orders, and frustration, leaving room for very little else. A good work place, is a place that finds a balance. A balance between getting done what needs to be done, and creating a place where we don’t check our humanity at the door.

Below are a few areas, specific to the construction area, where you can step aside for a moment, and celebrate areas of our day that can simply be passed over. Recognition and celebration of employees’ accomplishments have been studied over and over again, proving its positive impact on morale, engagement, and productivity. We all know this, but finding the will and energy to actually do it can be a challenge. We would like to offer a few concrete ideas, that may seem common, but many companies simply take for granted.

Celebrating Safety
It is always one of the top mantras of every construction organization — “safety first.” We are all quick to recite it. Additionally, we are quick to penalize (and often rightly so) someone for operating outside of approved safe working practices. But we often neglect recognizing the employee that comes to work, and performs their tasks safely, efficiently, and with consistency.

At Baker, we not only recognize good safety habits on the job site, but also on the road. With over 400 trucks on the road, the company is greatly concerned about good driving habits. With that, Baker Roofing Company boasts a quarterly and annual “Safe Driver Award” that recognizes drivers for exceptional driving safety. The award comes with benefits of newer trucks, as well as other monetary and non-monetary recognitions.

Celebrate Exceptionalism
Every company has stories of ‘success’ that do not necessarily fall within standard job or project performance measures. Whether it was the foreman who pulled onto the side of the road to change a tire for a stranded driver, or the estimator that helped buy a stranger a tank of gas, these are sometimes the stories that are most worth celebrating. Authentic acts like these are never done for recognition, but just because it was the right thing to do.

Every month Baker Roofing Company celebrates acts like this. We call it the ‘Always Good Work Award’ — and it recognizes these acts of Exceptionalism. Nominated by peers, supervisors, or subordinates, and awarded in person by the Board of Directors (usually by surprise), it has resulted in some of the most memorable moments for the company.

Celebrate Commitment
It’s easy to celebrate the new addition to the team, taking them out for lunch, and showing outward excitement by introducing them to everyone in the office, but companies often fail to recognize those that have been with the company for years, and even decades. Formalize your tenure recognition by celebrating it the same time every year and categorically. At Baker Roofing Company we celebrate every new year, with those employees that have achieved the milestones of 5 years, 10 years, 15 years, etc… (we even have a few who have hit 50 years!).

Celebrate Healthy Living
Let’s face it, when we are working the last thing we often think about is “am I making healthy choices right now?” Having a good working environment includes one that encourages making healthy living choices. Find ways at work you can implement and encourage activities and choices focused on overall wellness. Try stretching or exercising at your desk (link), or Pre-job on-sight stretching to help prevent and alleviate muscle soreness. At Baker Roofing Company, we handed out over 100 Fitbits to employees who committed to an activity level goal, and saw great success! In this case, celebrating really points to an active effort of lending value too. The best perk of all is that being in a constant state of celebrating can also promote healthy lifestyles at your workplace!

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5 Challenges People Face When Finding Work They Love

Finding Good Work is Hard Work
5 Challenges People Face when Finding Work They Love

1. Working through a challenging background
Making mistakes in the past doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set job goals and try for the career you want. What is most important is that you are prepared to explain your decisions and mistakes, and discuss what you have learned from those errors. How did your mistakes help you grow? Did they drive you to make changes or improvements in your life?

2. Selecting a company whose values fit your own
It can be hard to know what a company is really like before becoming part of the organization. However, this doesn’t mean you have to go to an interview knowing little about a company’s culture and values. Research the company – look up information they share on their website and social media outlets. Search company leadership, and read reviews from employees and customers on social media and internet sites such as Glassdoor.com. Explore the history of the company, and ask questions as they arise.

3. Confusing job description
Focus on tasks or specific jobs the description mentions for a good understanding of what the job would entail. Many job descriptions include company background information, benefits, and additional information that may not specifically relate to the job you would be performing each day.

Learn the art of asking great questions. Ask for examples of work or tasks you would complete if you held the job, or what the interviewer would describe as a typical daily schedule for a person in this position. Think of questions you have before going into an interview, and make sure you have a purpose in asking each question. Start with broad topics, then focus in where you have more specific questions. Concentrate on the purpose behind each question to make sure your questions are relevant and contributing to the conversation.

4. Lack of connections
Be involved in networking! LinkedIn is a great platform to begin. Start by adding friends, family members, and people you may know (as suggested by the site). Don’t shy away from letting these people know you are looking for employment – even if you don’t know someone who is in the field you hope to join, someone you know might. Follow leaders and mentors who inspire and motivate you to succeed. Comment on posts from these leaders, as well as other connections, and open the doors to an ongoing conversation. Share relevant and interesting content to spark conversations of your own. More than anything, stay engaged!

5. Overcoming tunnel vision
Be open to new experiences, or jobs you have never considered before. Just because you have stayed in one field for your entire working life, doesn’t mean you can’t make a major change. Statistics show adults typically work anywhere from 10-15 jobs in their lifetime, with the average tenure at a job sitting at only 4.2 years. A company or position might be the perfect fit for your skills and values, but staying focused in a particular industry would keep you from giving it a chance. Broaden your horizons and look for positions that could start you on the path to your “dream job.” Take the first step by submitting an application.

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