Roofing Company Blog: Tips & Tricks

A closer look at low-slope decking near the coast revealed just how crucial safety details become when working high off the ground.

Examining roof edge water runoff on a home during a heavy storm brought an all-too-common problem to light for our Roofing for Reel series.

In this highlight from our Roofing for Reel series, we headed out to perform routine maintenance on a commercial flat roof in Newport News, expecting the usual clear-out of stray leaves or coastal pine needles.

This classic 1950s property in Newport News, Virginia, is a reminder of just how durable natural stone can be. Natural slate is built to withstand coastal winds and sea air for well over a century, giving local occupants generations of reliable shelter.

Brian inspected a century-old standing seam metal roof, well aware he was looking at a piece of local history. Classic metal roofs were built to handle the heavy coastal rain and humid summers of Hampton Roads for generations.

While on a routine attic inspection on a classic home in Hampton, our team expected the usual checks: examining insulation, evaluating roof deck framing, and checking for moisture buildup.

We headed out to Newport News, Virginia, where the combination of coastal moisture and older architecture always keeps us on our toes. Brian uncovered a classic example of why a popular home makeover trend actually spells serious trouble for local homeowners.

If you’ve lived in Hampton Roads for any length of time, you know that our weather doesn't play favorites. Between the salt air in Virginia Beach and those heavy Nor'easters that rattle the windows in Newport News, your roof is under constant pressure.

The Problem Brian visited a commercial property in Chesapeake, Virginia, to investigate persistent leaks on a flat roof. Upon inspection, he found exactly what we call "roofing in a bucket"—layers of thick, mismatched sealant applied haphazardly over various sections.

During a walk-through, Brian Chalsma spotted a situation that makes any experienced roofer cringe. A low-slope (or "flat") roof was tied directly into a shingle ridge vent. While a ridge vent is a fantastic tool for keeping your attic cool, it was never designed to live at the bottom of a slide.