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Purchasing a new home is an exciting prospect, but it can also be a stressful one. You want to make sure your new home is in good shape and will protect your family, keeping you comfortable and safe from the wind and weather. Whenever you visit a home for sale, keeping an eye out for a few details can help you assess the condition of the roof before you make any further decisions. Understanding the signs of major and minor roof damage can help you assess any potential home’s needs and whether it could be the right home for you.

Look for Water Damage

Water damage is one of the most common—and potentially costly—types of damage that affects residential roofs. While you’re making an outdoor inspection of any potential home, take a moment to look up at the roof. Keep in mind that you may need to step back to the edge of the property to get a clear view. Look for signs of water damage that include dark streaks or stains, peeling or curling shingles, visible rot, moss, or corrosion, bowed or clogged gutters, and pooling water on the roof or around the home if it has recently rained. If the roof is made from clay tile, look for deposits of dirt and debris, which signal poor water flow and drainage from the roof and could be the cause of leaks or other trouble later on.

Look for Signs of Age

An older roof doesn’t necessarily spell trouble, but a roof that’s showing clear and abundant signs of its age should be a cause of concern. Check asphalt roofing for signs of excessive granule depletion; when the coating of asphalt granules has washed or worn away, the shingles are left vulnerable to further wear, while granule runoff can clog or damage the gutters. Split, cracked, curling, or missing shingles are another clear sign of age, especially if you notice a large number of damaged areas over the entirety of the roof. Check clay tile roofing for cracked or missing tiles as well, which could let water inside and affect the weather-tightness of the roof. If the home has a metal roof, look for loose panels, signs of corrosion, or missing fastenings; check a foam roof for holes in the membrane or widespread discoloration or changes in texture.

Talk to the Roofer

One of the simplest ways to evaluate a roof’s quality is to talk to the roofing company responsible for installing the roof. If you are seriously considering a home for purchase, ask the current homeowners when the roof was last repaired or replaced and which company was hired for the work. Even if the roof looks fine to you—and your home inspector—it’s still worthwhile to perform a little research on the reputation of the company responsible for the home’s roof. Talking with the roofers themselves about the job they performed will also give you a clear picture of the roof’s current condition and whether there may be any potential roofing concerns in the short or long term.

Working with a trusted roofing contractor can make the purchase of your new home a smooth and stress-free process. You can find out more about our residential and commercial roof inspection, maintenance, repair, and replacement services in Alexandria when you visit us on the web.

Your roof is an important functioning component of your home. Making roof upgrades can improve your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and even provide added protection against flooding and mold. Whether you are scheduled for new roof installation or are simply looking for ways to add value to your property, there are several smart roof upgrades that can benefit your home and your family for years to come.

Improve Your Chimney

If you have a fireplace, you may not consider it an integral part of your roof. However, your chimney and its condition can have a significant effect on your roof’s overall integrity, making fireplace and chimney care an important part of roofing maintenance. A poorly-sealed or older chimney can be a significant energy drain in your home, causing heated or cooled air to be lost up the flue, even when it is closed. Giving your chimney a refresh and installing an airtight chimney cap will not only improve the look of your chimney and your roof but also protect your home from pests and reduce energy loss for a more comfortable home at a lower cost.

Protect Your Roof from Ice Dams

Ice dams are a common problem during the winter, particularly for older roofs that may be suffering from poor insulation or ventilation. Making a few simple changes—especially if you are considering re-roofing—can help you prevent ice dams to protect your roof and your home from the damage they cause. Adding ventilation can improve air circulation in your attic and help to equalize the temperature of your roof with the outside air, which reduces ice dam formation. There are many different ventilation options available, including minimally-invasive vent additions that are easy to perform without a major re-roofing project. Additionally, eave flashing consists of self-sealing membranes that improve the water tightness of your eaves, which protects these vulnerable areas from water penetration if an ice dam or excessive snow runoff does occur.

Upgrade Your Gutters

An old, failing, or inconvenient gutter system represents not only a risk to your home and your roof but also an excess of work to maintain. Upgrading your gutters to a low-maintenance option lets you rest easier with the knowledge that your gutters will continue to perform their function easily, without requiring the extensive maintenance needed by older systems. Curved gutter covers are a recent innovation that all but eliminates the possibility of leaves and dirt accumulation inside the gutter, significantly reducing the chances of a gutter clog while effectively channeling rainwater into the trough to eliminate overflow and the water damage it can cause to your home’s siding, foundation, and basement.

Our Alexandria roofing company offers a variety of roof solutions that include roofing inspections, replacement, and repairs for your home. We can also install skylights, gutter systems, and more to improve your home’s aesthetics, value, and energy efficiency. You can find out more about your roofing options when you click through our website, or take a look at our blog for additional tips and information on roofing materials and maintenance.

Roofing inspections are an important part of your annual residential or commercial roof maintenance plan. Many of the most common roofing problems occur simply because regular inspections have been skipped, which allows small problems to persist and grow larger over time without repairs. Because your roof’s condition can be difficult to assess from the ground and problems may be impossible to identify without professional training, scheduling an annual roofing inspection is the best way to protect your property and reduce the risk of a major roofing problem. During a professional roofing inspection, your roofer will examine your roof from both the ground and the surface of the roof, checking all roofing materials and gutters for signs of wear or damage that should be addressed.

Roofing Inspections Can Save Money

Major roofing repairs and replacements can represent a significant upfront cost; dealing with a leak or mold damage is similarly an expensive endeavor. Roofing inspections first and foremost help you save money by identifying problems and potential issues before they require major repairs or cause extensive damage to your property and your belongings. Making minor repairs as they are needed can strengthen your roof and improve its longevity, which will ultimately save you money over the long term because your roof will last longer before replacement is needed. A roofing inspection can also find signs of pest problems, water damage, or mold growth that may be undetectable inside your property, helping you take fast action to prevent the problem from growing larger.

Roofing Inspections Can Help You Improve Your Home

If you’re considering making changes or upgrades to your home, a roofing inspection is a good place to start. Especially if you are thinking about projects such as updating the exterior of your home, finishing your basement, installing a skylight, or adding an additional room, the quality and condition of your current roof are important factors in this process. A roofing inspection can help you determine whether your roof is currently sufficient to accommodate any changes or renovations, or whether repairs or replacement is needed to protect your current home and any future changes you plan to make. Ensuring your roof is sound will protect your investment in your home improvement project so you can get the greatest return on your money spent.

Roofing Inspections Can Save Your Warranty

If you’ve had roofing repairs or even a complete roof replacement in the recent past, it’s important to check the warranty you received with your service. Warranties provide peace of mind and a financial security net in cases where faulty labor or parts affect your roof, but many warranties also require regular roofing inspections to remain valid. Neglecting to follow the roofing inspection requirements on your warranty may void part or all of its protection, which can affect you financially if you encounter a problem with your roof in the future. Thus, scheduling roofing inspections is the best way to keep your roof and your roofing warranty working for you.

Is it time for your home’s next roofing inspection in Bethesda? You can reach an experienced roofing expert to schedule roof services of any kind when you visit our comprehensive website. We also invite you to take a look through our other blog articles to learn even more about maintaining and upgrading your roofing system for amazing long-term benefits.

Your gutters and downspouts work all year long to funnel rain and snow runoff away from your roof and your home. This essential component of your roofing system also plays a vital role in the protection of your roof, your home’s exterior, and even your foundation and your basement. Spotting common gutter problems and acting quickly to solve them is the best way to keep your roof and your home free from damage caused by leaks, excess water runoff, and even mold or pests.

Gutter Clogs

Because they are open channels, gutters are particularly prone to clogs due to leaves, twigs, dirt, and other debris that can easily gather in the trough. When clogs form inside your gutters, it backs up the flow of water, causing it to overflow and run down the side of your home, soaking the ground around your foundation. This is the top cause of siding damage and basement flooding; excessively clogged gutters can also become heavier, eventually damaging your roof and your siding if they sag or pull away from their attachment points on your home. Thus, addressing gutter clogs as soon as you notice them is the key to a healthy roof and home. If you can access your gutters safely via ladder, check them regularly and remove gutter clogs using heavy work gloves or a small spade. Alternatively, talk to your roofers about scheduling regular gutter maintenance to keep your gutters clear, and request service any time you notice the signs of a gutter clog.

Failing Hardware

Clogs aren’t the only reason that gutters sag and pull away from your home. As the hardware holding your gutters in place begins to age, it can rust, corrode, or deteriorate and cause the gutters to become loose. Alternatively, gutters that have been improperly installed or have fasteners that are spaced at improper intervals will also start to pull away from your home as the gutter and roofing system age. Over time, this issue will only grow in severity, putting the lower areas of your roof at risk for damage in stormy or windy conditions. As soon as you notice that a portion of your gutters is sagging or has become detached, call your roofing service to repair the issue. You should also have your entire gutter system inspected to determine whether the problem affected only a small area, or whether it could indicate a bigger problem with your gutter system’s hardware or installation as a whole.

Gutter Leaks

Leaks may form in your gutters for several reasons, including corrosion, physical damage, and detachment of adjacent lengths of gutter material. You can easily spot leaks by running a hose through your gutter system, or by checking for standing water around your foundation after a rainstorm. Small leaks can be sealed with caulk; if you can’t reach your gutters easily or don’t feel comfortable doing so, call in your professional roofer to handle the repairs. Larger leaks and damage will always need professional attention—your roofers can make any necessary repairs quickly to restore the integrity of your gutter system and prevent further issues.

Scheduling an annual inspection of your roof and gutter system is a great way to prevent small problems from becoming large one that threaten your roof and your home. Please visit us online to find out more about our roofing solutions in Fairfax County, or click through our blog for more tips on protecting your roof and gutters from damage.

Whether it’s simply time to replace your roof or you are looking for an effective way to increase your property value and home comfort in Alexandria, a roof remodel could be the perfect long-term solution. Keep reading to learn more about how to plan your roof remodel to get the most from this project; your roofing contractors can also provide personalized advice and assistance if you still have questions about the best materials and design to use for your new roof.

Consider Your Style Options

The average roof comprises approximately 40% of a home’s exterior—this means your roof is a significant contributor to your home’s outward appearance and curb appeal. Remodeling your roof can completely change the look of your home and your property as a whole. When selecting the materials for your roof, as well as any stylistic elements you may want to remove or add, consider how the look of your roof will impact the overall look of your home. The ultimate style of your roof should complement the style of your home, whether your house has a sleek, modern design, or a more traditional or cottage-like appearance. It’s also beneficial to check with your city and, if applicable, your homeowner’s association to ensure any materials you want to use or changes you want to make are allowed by local housing codes.

Consider Your Green Options

Going green during a roof remodel may be easier than you think. Opting for recycled or energy-efficient roofing materials can reduce your home’s impact on the local and global environment, as well as lower your energy bills by keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Adding options such as overhangs to shadow windows that receive direct sunlight can also reduce the amount of home cooling needed during the summer, while skylights can help smaller rooms feel more open and lower your lighting costs. Even if you don’t choose a specifically eco-friendly product, try to select a roofing material known for its durability—the longer your roof lasts, the less waste it will generate by reducing the number of times it must be replaced over the total lifetime of your home.

Consider Your Current Roof

Your current roof can tell you a lot about the changes you should consider during a roofing remodel. If your roof has been prone to certain problems, such as leaks in valleys and seams or consistent moss or algae growth, modifying your roof plan during a remodel can help to eliminate these issues for greater convenience and financial savings. Developing a budget that allows you to put as much as possible into your roof today will pay off in the future with lower maintenance and repair costs throughout the lifetime of your new roof. Your roofing contractor can also help you identify possible problem areas and the best way to correct them to enjoy the greatest return on your remodeling investment.

Are you ready to discover how a whole new roof can transform the look of your home? Take a look through our website to find out more about our comprehensive roofing services in Alexandria, including roof installation, repair, and maintenance. You can find more ideas and inspiration to help you choose your new roof on our monthly blog.