​​Richmond VA Roofing
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New Asphalt Shingled Roof

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are designed for moderate to steep pitched roofs that shed water quickly. They are sometimes called composition shingles and nearly 80% of all pitched roofs in the USA are built with them. Most homes have pitched roofs because they are usually less expensive, easier to install then flat roofs, and have a longer lifespan than low or flat slope roofs.   Flat roofs have lot of penetrations, such as exhaust pipes and vents that are difficult to cut around making them harder to install.

Fiberglass Reinforcing Mat

Asphalt shingles are made with a base layer of a fiberglass reinforcing mat. This mat is then coated with asphalt making the shingle waterproof. Finally, ceramic granules are embedded on the top to block ultra-violet light, harden the surface of the shingle from impact, and impart color.

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Types of Asphalt Shingles

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Asphalt 3-Tab Shingles

Dimensional Asphalt Shingles

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

3-Tab shingles (strip) are arranged with cutouts or tabs along the long bottom edge. This will make the shingle appear to look like 3 separate pieces when installed. They are the least expensive shingle type available.  Consequently, they are thinner then other types of shingles and have a shorter lifespan.

Dimensional or Laminated shingles are thicker and multi-layered to produce a 3-dimensional look on a roof and to provide more texture. They are also more expensive, heavier in weight, and have longer warranties ranging from 30-years to Lifetime.

Luxury Roofing Shingles are laminated shingles made to look like natural shingles made of wood or slate to mimic traditional luxury shingles or tiles but they are less expensive and easier to install. They usually have lifetime warranties because they are a very substantial shingle with improvements to impact resistance, UV-rays’ reflectivity and carry a longer lifespan of 50 years or longer. Luxury shingles are the most expensive type of asphalt shingle.
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Note:
​Asphalt Shingles used to be made from a base layer reinforcing mat of organic material of wood chips, recycled cardboard, rags and paper. At first, they were considered waterproof because of the asphalt coating, however they easily became saturated with moisture, especially in areas with high humidity or very cold climates. This moisture saturation caused the shingles to decompose and break apart before their 20-year lifespan and most homeowners have had to replace their organic shingles with fiberglass ones. Organic asphalt shingles were and are very hard to find after 2005 because of their established quick decay.  ​

Asphalt Shingle Roof Assessment 

Our roof assessments are based on a very thorough roof inspection looking for evidence of faults. Most roof problems will have a visual component all we have to do is find them.  These faults can be explained and pointed out to our clients when in plain sight, otherwise pictures will be taken.

The Types of Roofing Problems most often observed are:

Shingles that are curling, broken, missing or with popped nails.

Missing ceramic granules from the top of shingles- usually they appear as round grains of colored particle in the roofs downspouts and surrounding ground near the home. Ceramic granules cover the top of the asphalt shingle to repel minor collisions with blowing debris and repel damage caused by the sun’s UV rays and passing seasons.

Exterior condition of the fascia, gutters, downspouts, flashings, roof valleys, and vents will be checked for damage. All sealants will be checked around vents or flues.

Interior condition of the roof deck as observed from inside the attic (if accessible).

Evidence of interior ceiling cracks and leaks.

During the roof assessment, we also discuss the clients’ future plans for the property, age of roof and any recent repairs. The written repair estimate will be based on the roof’s assessment. We always, when possible, suggest repair first, and offer affordable options when replacement is advised. 

Asphalt Shingle Repair 
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Sloped roofs rely on gravity to keep water flowing quickly down and off the shingles but sometimes it's not quite quick enough- water will still leak through small openings. The weak points of a roof, such as flashing around perforations vent stacks, chimneys and skylights are one of the most likely places to find a leak. Leaks also occur because of improper installations, inadequate attic ventilation, and storm damage.
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Flashing leaks
Using incorrect sealant around the flashing will quickly rot, crack, and fail allowing water to seep around and under shingles. Also a flashing may not extend all the way around the vent stack, chimney or skylight because it was cut too short to reach completely around the roofer was in too much of a hurry to re-do it. The repair depends in part of how bad the moisture damage is. In some cases, just the sealant needs to be replaced and in others the flashing needs replacement. And of course, any damage to the sub roof will have to be repaired also.

Curled Shingles- Inadequate Attic Venting

Nail Pop- Improper Placement

Bad Flashing For Chimney

​​Curled Shingles
Curling shingles are caused by inadequate attic venting resulting in moisture and heat being trapped against the bottom side of the roof deck causing shingles to age prematurely. The attic ventilation should be evaluated by an experienced roofer that understands air flow properties in a home. Steps ca be taken to improve the air flow to expel humidity and stop the premature ageing. Shingles that have minor curling can be carefully repaired with nails and roofing cement.
 
Nail Pop Under Shingle
A bumped-up shingle caused by a nail pop can be fixed if it hasn’t worn a hole through the shingle on top by slipping thin pieces of wood between the nail pop and the shingle above it and using a rubber mallet to set the nail back in place.

 The Repair Appearance
As long as a roofer can find close matching shingles in appearance to the original shingles, the repair won’t be that noticeable because it’s usually viewed from a distance. Anticipating future repairs are always a good reason to ask the roofing contractor to leave some shingles after finishing a roof replacement.
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Asphalt Roof Repair Costs

Repair Costs

​How to determine the total costs of repair or replacement? First, we’ll address the absolutes (problems that need fixing). Next your plans and desires will factor in. The result is unique for every client, and we will provide you with estimates for the bare bones repair or replacement as well as upgraded plans.  

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