A home is only as strong as its roof. Yet due to the fact roof replacement is rarely needed, it is easy for homeowners to neglect roof inspections. The lifespan of a roof depends heavily on the material used in its construction. The average asphalt shingle roof may last for 20 years, whereas a copper or tile roof can last for up to 50 years.
Nevertheless, bad weather can curtail the average lifespan of any roof. It is important to conduct regular inspections and know what to look for that could indicate a roof repair or roof replacement will be necessary in the near future.
5 Ways To Tell If You Need A Roof Replacement
Visual inspections are usually enough to determine whether a roof needs to be replaced or not. It is strongly recommended this is not carried out by a novice because the signs can be subtle and climbing onto the roof without the appropriate safety equipment can be dangerous.
If you spot any of the following signs on your roof, you should call a professional for a more thorough inspection.
Shingles Are Cracked Or Edges Are Curled
The correct term for cracked shingles is thermal splitting. Shingles tend to crack, or the edges curl, due to excessive exposure to the sun. This is a more common problem in the Sun Belt states. When this happens, the underlayment of the roof becomes exposed. This makes a roof more prone to leaking. If this problem is allowed to continue unaddressed, leaks can cause damage to the rest of the property.
If the problem is contained in a single area, a roofing contractor may be able to replace the shingles, but if the problem is widespread it could require a full roof replacement.
There Are Bald Spots Where Granules Are Missing
Bald spots on the roof mean that granules have been lost. Granules form the main protective barrier against heat and other weather hazards on the roof, so their loss reduces the roof’s overall effectiveness. Unfortunately, insurers do not consider uniform granule loss to be a type of functional damage, so they may not pay for the repairs. It is considered to be a natural aspect of the aging process.
The primary reason why bald spots occur is weathering over time. The bond between the asphalt and the granules naturally deteriorates. Prolonged hailstorms are one of the most common reasons why this occurs. Bald spots cannot be repaired without replacing the shingle. In event of uniform granule loss, a professional must be called to carry out a full roof replacement.
The Roof Is Over 20 Years Old
Roofs have different life expectancies depending on the material used. However, most experts agree the average roof will last for 20-25 years with good upkeep. There is a range of factors that could contribute to a roof needing to be replaced. A professional home exterior contractor will do everything they can to avoid a full roof replacement for as long as possible.
Homeowners with roofs over 20 years old should schedule inspections once before winter and once after winter to check for damage.
There Are Dark Streaks Across The Roof
Dark streaks across the roof indicate algae growth known as Gloeocapsa magma. This blue-green algae will accumulate over time, thus growing darker and forming a hard outer coating. The algae are feeding on the limestone present in shingles.
Over time, this can cause granule loss and premature shingle aging. Roofing contractors can maintain the roof by installing zinc or copper strips along the shingles to prevent further growth. If caught early, the damage can be limited, but it will reduce the lifespan of the roof and, eventually, require a full roof replacement.
Moss & Algae Is Growing
Not all types of growth on the roof are as benign as Gloeocapsa magma. Other types of moss and algae can cause a lot of damage to roof granules and shingles. Moss tends to grow in the areas of the roof that does not get much sunlight. This is a particular problem in the more northerly states of the U.S. While most types of moss and algae are simply a cosmetic problem, freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to the tops of shingles afflicted with this problem.
A professional roofing contractor can brush away moss, but they cannot prevent it from growing back without replacing the roof.
Speak To The Professional Northern VA Home Exterior Contractors About A Roof Replacement
A damaged roof can cause severe damage to the interior of a home, if left unaddressed. You need to be aware of the current condition of your roof before periods of extreme weather. Contacting Adelphia Exteriors will ensure you can limit your costs and protect the rest of your home.
Reach out to the professional Northern Virginia roofing contractors at Adelphia Exteriors for an expert opinion on the current condition of your roof and whether a roof replacement needs to be carried out by calling (703) 386-7357.



In the long-term, opting for a full roof replacement may even save money because it reduces the overall frequency of repairs. Deciding on a partial roof replacement may mean scheduling another one after the next period of bad weather.
Shingles are the first layer of defense of any roof. They are constantly exposed to difficult weather conditions, but poor workmanship and old age are major factors in how long they last. Shingles that have split due to heat, or that are curled or torn must be replaced as they are not protecting the roof structure. Some damaged shingles can be replaced as part of a partial roof replacement.
Many colonial-style homes feature wood siding. This is largely due to primed wood being so readily available in the past, whereas vinyl and other more modern siding options may have not been an option. Wood siding provides authenticity to the home and is relatively durable if it is properly maintained. Weather damage can occur and the paint can fade if not properly updated periodically.
Stucco is a combination of sand, cement, lime and water. A waterproof base is also applied before stucco siding is placed for an adequate hold long-term. This is far less common for colonial-style homes and is not as frequently recommended. However, stucco siding can look great on colonial-style homes if applied correctly. It is also easy to customize stucco siding by painting it the color you desire. Stucco siding is both affordable and durable, and it is very possible that stucco siding will last for the lifetime of the home with proper maintenance. 
There are two main types of window shapes to consider — rectangular and bay. Rectangular windows are more traditional, which many find complementary to the traditional features associated with colonial-style homes. They work well in keeping the simple and symmetrical design that colonial-style homes often display, while still giving the home an updated and high-quality feel.
The three primary material options for windows for your colonial style home are vinyl, aluminum-clad and primed wood. Vinyl was not an option for window frames constructed hundreds of years ago. However, vinyl provides an affordable and rot-resistant alternative to wood that still looks similar to wood and is relatively durable. 
So how do you know that you need new windows? There are some more obvious signs that replacement is necessary, and there are also some more subtle signs. It’s easy when you can see it, like when you can visualize mold and decay, or moisture and condensation.
Recently manufactured windows are all double, or even triple-glazed, and for good reason. Those extra layers provide insulation, helping to keep the temperature in your house regulated and also keeping your house soundproofed. Your windows provide insulation in much the same way that the pink stuff in your attic does. If your windows are only single paned, they aren’t providing any insulation for your home.
While condensation is moisture, when talking about the presence of moisture between your window panes, we’re really talking about actual droplets. In double-glazed windows there is supposed to be an air-tight seal, which is to prevent heat transfer. 
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for residential homes in the United States. This is due in large part to the combination of affordability, ease of installation and attractive appearance they provide. They also come in a variety of color options, so you can personalize your roof. Asphalt shingles are particularly popular among suburban-style homes, although they work with a range of house styles.
Metal roofs are interested due to their fantastic durability during bad weather. They also allow for effective drainage of rainwater as water slides right off the metal roof. Many also have a preference for their appearance as well, although some still prefer the more traditional asphalt shingle appearance. They offer excellent durability that matches or improves upon asphalt shingles, slate roofs and clay and concrete tiles. While they are somewhat affordable, they do cost substantially more than asphalt shingles. 
At Adelphia Exteriors, we seek to ensure our commercial clients have the best in all aspects of their workspace. We offer quality commercial remodeling services for businesses throughout the Northern Virginia area. Below, we highlight some benefits in receiving a
Modern windows have also advanced in their functional design and appearance. Double and triple-pane windows insulate your indoor space, preventing problematic weather conditions from affecting your workspace. Other designs such as venting or casement windows can also be easily installed to provide you and your workforce with the option of allowing fresh air flow in. There are a variety of window types, styles, and functions, all to service your workplace’s needs, so if you aren’t sure which one is right for you, allow our team to assist you!
The exterior of your home is very important to its overall appearance. It is the first thing that your guests or potential homebuyers see when they visit. At Adelphia Exteriors, our experts understand the value of properly maintaining a home’s exterior, as we offer dependable services to residential and commercial property owners.
For the outdoor aesthetic to your home, wood trim is the best choice. Unlike with composite,
When you are looking to update your home, there are many types of trim to consider, and it may be a bit overwhelming. With Adelphia Exteriors, our highly skilled team will sit with you and help choose the trim installation service that is right for your home. Along with our other high-quality services, such as siding, painting, and insulation, we ensure that your home will be well taken care of.