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Some of the most remarkable images seen in news reporting on hurricanes depict entire roofs being lifted off homes and blown away. However, it doesn’t take a major storm to wreak havoc on a home’s roof; a day of unusually high winds can be enough to damage many standard types of roofing.

Best Wind-Resistant Roofing Options

Whether you have experienced roof damage from winds in the past or you simply want to be prepared for the climate and avoid costly roof repairs, investing in wind-resistant roofing options can help you protect your home from inclement weather. Outlined below are some of the best roofing options for standing up to high winds.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are widely considered the most secure type of roofing when high winds strike. Although some homeowners prefer the appearance of other roofing options, their durability sets them apart. Some metal roofs are designed to mimic the appearance of other roofing materials for a more pleasing aesthetic.

They are not the most affordable option, but metal roofs can stand up to winds as high as 160 miles per hour. Some homeowners may be eligible for discounts on their homeowner’s insurance rates due to the material’s fire resistance.

In addition, these roofs can be installed in large panels or sheets, which means there will be fewer seams where wind can gain entry and lift the roof up.

Slate Tiles

Slate tile is one of the heaviest roofing materials on the market, but that is precisely why it is such a good option in windy environments. Their average wind speed resistance is around 110 miles per hour, and they can last for as long as 100 years when properly maintained.

Before installing slate tiles, homeowners must ensure their home’s structure can support their weight. Keep in mind that a slate tile can cause some damage when it comes loose on account of its weight, so it is important to choose a roofer who is experienced in working with this material to ensure it is installed correctly.

Concrete & Clay Tiles

Although clay and concrete tiles are one of the more expensive types of roofing materials, they are a popular choice for their visual appeal as well as their ability to withstand wind. With resistance of around 130 miles per hour, there is little to worry about in many areas with this type of roof.

Keep in mind that debris that flows onto a clay or concrete tile on your roof in a particularly heavy gust of wind could cause chips or cracks, but the roofing itself is more likely to stay in place compared to many other materials.

Wood Shakes

A wood shake is a type of wooden shingle made out of split logs. These shingles require a lot of general maintenance but are often chosen for their natural beauty. Another bonus is their wind resistance, which is higher than slate, concrete or clay tiles but not as impressive as metal roofs.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt is one of the most popular roofing materials in the US thanks to its affordability, but this material is highly susceptible to wind damage because wind can lift the shingles’ edges and carry them away. In addition, debris being carried by heavy winds can knock the shingles off the home or remove their protective granules.

However, there are some types of shingles that are designed with heavy winds in mind. Homeowners who are considering asphalt shingles for a windy environment should ask their roofing contractors for suitable options. More resistant asphalt shingles tend to cost more than standard asphalt shingles but are worth the investment in areas where winds are expected to be a problem.

Additional Considerations For Wind-Resistant Roofing

Roofing materials are just one factor that determines a roof’s ability to stand up to wind. Here are some other considerations that influence how well prepared your roof is for bad weather.

The Roof’s Pitch

The roof’s pitch can influence how well it stays in place during high winds, with slopes of 30 degrees considered the most resistant to lifting in windy conditions.

Roof Overhang

If your roof has an overhang, it will be more vulnerable to sustaining damage from upforce winds. An overhang of 20 inches or less is considered ideal for reducing the potential for uplift.

The Roof’s Shape

Some roof and home shapes stand up better in high winds than others. Roofs that have multiple panels tend to perform best as they can reduce wind loads.

Reach Out To The Roofing Contractors At Adelphia Exteriors

A severe storm can occur with no notice, and homeowners who are unprepared could experience serious roofing problems that require costly repairs or replacement.

To find out more about the best roofing materials for the Northern Virginia climate or to receive an expert assessment of your roof’s ability to withstand inclement weather, contact the Northern VA roofing contractors at Adelphia Exteriors at (571) 200-2951 or request your free roof evaluation online.

Northern Virginia enjoys great weather compared to many other parts of the country, but residents do need to be vigilant during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Although direct hurricane hits are not a common occurrence here, tropical storms and their remnants can lead to heavy winds and rainfall.

All types of storms, from rain storms and hail storms to wind storms, have the power to cause major damage to your home, and even the smallest roof leaks can turn into a major headache. How can you ensure your roof is prepared to withstand these conditions ahead of storm season?

Cut Down Trees & Large Bushes

Trees are a beautiful landscaping feature found in many Northern Virginia homes, but they can quickly become a danger when heavy winds hit. In addition to knocking tree branches onto the roof, heavy winds can cause fruits hanging on trees to become airborne and hit your windows or roof and cause damage.

Consult with experts such as roofing contractors and landscapers to find out which tree branches and tall bushes could pose a problem during the storm season and cut them back before bad weather hits. In general, any branch that is close enough to touch the roof has the potential to damage it or lift shingles in a storm.

Check Trees For Signs Of Weakness

It is not just their proximity to your home that you need to worry about when it comes to trees; you also need to ensure trees won’t become uprooted in heavy winds. This requires checking the trees near your home to make sure they are in good health.

Look for any signs that they may be under stress, such as missing bark, withering branches, deformed leaves or dead limbs. If the tree is leaning to one side, there could be problems in its roots. This means it could struggle to stay upright in a storm. Any tree that does not seem prepared to withstand heavy rain or winds should be removed ahead of the storm season.

Dead limbs should also be addressed as they can easily break off in a storm and cause major damage. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that all branches remain at least six feet away from your roof.

Replace Damaged Shingles

If your roof currently has any damaged or missing shingles, these need to be addressed immediately as they could allow rain or wind to penetrate your roof’s protective layers. Damaged shingles have a high likelihood of breaking off during a storm, while areas where shingles are missing leave your home exposed to leaks.

Remove Outdoor Objects

If any type of storm is in the forecast, put outdoor objects that could blow against your home and roof indoors to avoid damage. This might include patio furniture, toys, tools and decorations. If you have a particularly heavy piece of furniture that is impractical to bring inside, consider staking it down ahead of storms.

Clean Out The Gutters

Gutters can easily become clogged, which causes them to stop performing as expected and renders them unable to drain water away from the home’s foundation. Therefore, they must be checked on a regular basis to ensure they are clear. If there is any debris blocking your gutters, it is vital to have it removed before the next storm hits to prevent backups and flooding.

While cleaning out the gutters, it is essential to check for any dents or unevenness that could impede their ability to function properly. Look out for loose or weak fasteners as well.

Have Your Roof Inspected

Getting your roof inspected regularly is one of the top ways of preventing roof damage during the storm season in Northern Virginia. This is something that must be performed by a professional who has been trained in inspecting roofs safely and knows how to spot signs of damage.

The roofing inspector will make sure the roof is intact and make recommendations for addressing any vulnerabilities they encounter. They will also check the ceilings and walls of your home to look for any signs of leaks.

Learn More About Average Roof Life In Northern VA

After The Storm

After the storm has passed, head outside when it is safe to do so and visually inspect the exterior of your home for signs of damage. Look for cracks, dents, and lifting or missing shingles. You should also look around your yard for any shingles on the ground that have blown off during the storm.

If you find any signs of damage or your home was hit with a particularly heavy storm and you have any doubts about the condition of your roof, you should contact a roofing contractor immediately to assess the damage and make timely repairs before the next storm strikes.

See How To Get Your Insurance Company To Pay For A Roof Replacement Here

Contact The Northern VA Roofing Contractors At Adelphia Exteriors

The storm season can be a challenging time in Northern Virginia, and it is essential to ensure your roof is prepared. Contact the Northern Virginia roofing contractors at Adelphia Exteriors today to arrange a roof inspection and receive tailored advice on how to ensure your home is ready for all weather.

View Costs Of A Roof Replacement In Northern Virginia

Many homes in Centreville experience roofing issues from time to time. From gutter and shingle damage to fallen trees during storm season, nature often throws a lot of challenges at Northern Virginia homes. Below are some insights on how to address the most common roofing issues encountered in our area.

Roof Shingle Damage

One of the most common roofing issues seen in Centreville, VA is shingle damage, which can be caused by the Northern Virginia weather or general aging. Impact from storms and heavy winds can cause shingles to break, tear, or lift off the roof, while aging shingles are prone to curling and becoming brittle.

Another type of shingle damage homeowners may encounter is “bald” shingles, which are shingles that have lost the granules that protect their outer layer. In addition to being unsightly, this problem can lead to premature aging in shingles by exposing them to too much sunlight.

When just a few individual shingles are damaged, it may be possible to simply repair or replace the affected shingles. However, when the damage is more extensive, the roofing may need to be replaced.

Damage to Gutters and Downspouts

Gutters and downspouts play an important role in protecting your home from water damage, directing roof runoff away from the foundation and helping avoid basement flooding. Unfortunately, even small scrapes and dents can be enough to compromise the functioning of these important features. In heavy storms, gutters and downspouts may even become bent or crushed. Another cause of damage is wood rot, which can weaken fascia boards and cause gutters to come loose.

When a gutter is not functioning properly, the problem might also be a clog. If debris such as leaves is blocking the gutter, clearing it out may be enough to restore proper functioning. However, if the gutters or downspouts have sustained enough damage to change their shape or have pulled loose from the home, professional gutter replacement or repair is needed.

Blow-Off Roof Damage

Another problem that can be caused by storms or heavy winds in Centreville is blow-off damage. This occurs when a strong gust of wind blows roofing completely off of the home. This type of damage is normally seen on just one side of the roof; the side that is not exposed to wind may remain fully intact. Blow-off damage can impact a section or an entire side of the roof, and it may also affect roof sheathing and roofing felt.

This type of problem cannot be solved as a DIY project. Instead, roofing professionals are needed to assess the damage and install new roofing. When the damage is just confined to one section, a full roof replacement may not be necessary. Roofing professionals will also ensure the home is prepared for future storms.

Roof Leaks

Some roof leaks are very obvious, such as when a large branch falls off of a tree in a storm and creates a sizable hole in the roof. However, most roof leaks are far more challenging to detect. Even a smaller hole created by a popped nail can be enough to allow water to make its way into the home. Water can also leak around compromised flashing as well as through water backups created by ice dams. Complicating matters further is the fact that the place where the leak makes its way into the home is not always close to the external entry point in the roof.

Any time water is leaking into your home from the roof, it is best to contact roofing professionals right away as they have the experience and tools needed to identify the source of the leak and address it quickly to prevent further damage.

Faulty Roof Flashing Issues

One problem that can arise when a roof has been installed improperly is faulty flashing. The flashing in a roof normally serves to direct water away from weak areas in the roof. When the components of flashing are not tightly sealed, it can cause water to leak into the home.

This issue must be addressed by experienced roofing contractors who are trained in identifying flashing issues and correcting them.

Structural Damage

Storms are a part of life for Centreville residents, with hurricane season being a particularly challenging time of year for your roof. Even in the absence of a direct hurricane hit, strong winds and rains associated with tropical storms can cause trees and other objects to fall on your roof. This can cause anything from a small puncture to a complete collapse.

Structural damage, no matter how small it is, requires an assessment by a roofing professional. Some types of damage can be addressed with a spot repair, while more extensive damage may necessitate a full roof replacement.

Learn More About Roof Replacement from Adelphia Exteriors

Whether your roof has already sustained damage or you want to learn more about how to avoid the common roofing issues encountered in Centreville, the team at Adelphia Exteriors can help. Contact us today to find out more about our Northern Virginia roof inspection and replacement services.

A professional roof inspection is an excellent way to find out about any issues your roof is facing so they can be addressed before they become an even bigger and more expensive problem. In addition to getting a yearly roof inspection, it may be necessary to have your roof inspected after a big storm involving high winds or flying debris. Here is a look at what roof inspections entail and why they are so valuable.

What Is in a Roof Inspection?

During an inspection, your roofing professional will look for problems that could compromise the strength and safety of your roof. The specifics will depend on the materials. For example, with a shingle roof, roofing professionals will look for signs of water damage, shingle deterioration, clogged gutters and mold. With metal roofs, some areas of concern are loose seams, rust and damaged flashing. 

Roof inspectors are trained to spot even the most subtle signs of roof damage both on the roof and inside the home, such as in the attic or on the walls and ceilings. After they have completed their inspection, they will provide you with a list of the issues they have identified and how they can be addressed.

Warning Signs You Need a Roof Inspection

In addition to yearly roofing inspections, there are some warning signs that it may be time for an inspection outside of your regular schedule. One of the biggest causes for concern is water leaks, whether you can visibly see water leaking or you observe stains and dark streaks on your ceiling. Any of these issues can allow moisture to get into your home and cause damage. 

Another problem that calls for a roof inspection is the presence of cool drafts. Although these are not always caused by a roof issue, faulty roofs do sometimes impact air circulation and ventilation, which can lead to an increase in energy bills.

Exterior and Interior Roof Inspections

The most thorough roof inspections will involve exterior and interior checks. As you might expect, an exterior roof inspection involves having a professional climb up onto the roof and look for flashing issues, leaks, damaged shingles and chimney issues. An interior roof inspection will look at factors such as insulation in the attic, moisture and mold in the home, and ventilation.

1. Detect Damage Before It Can Get Worse

If you suspect that your home has been damaged by a storm or strong winds, a roof inspection is the best way to detect damage before it gets worse. If you find signs of roof problems after bad weather, such as broken or missing shingles on the ground, heavy debris on your roof or divots, an inspection can save you significant money in the long run.

2. Increase Your Roof’s Lifespan

Different roofing materials have specific theoretical lifespans, but the conditions outside your home can impact how long your roof actually lasts. Although it is not always possible to prevent a roof replacement, an inspection may point to situations where a partial roof replacement can be enough to increase the roof’s lifespan and postpone the need for a costlier full replacement. 

3. Home Safety and Security

Although it is possible to observe some signs of a damaged roof yourself, climbing onto the roof can be a very dangerous prospect. Professional roofers are experienced in walking across a roof without falling and possess appropriate safety equipment to carry out this important task without injuring themselves or damaging the roof. 

They are also experienced in spotting signs of roof degradation so they do not inadvertently walk across a weak spot of the roof and fall through it, creating further damage. These weak spots can also put your home’s security at risk, making inspections valuable from a security standpoint as well.

4. Compliance With Home Insurance

A roof inspection is also an important part of complying with homeowners insurance, with some policies specifying that roofs need to be inspected after damaging weather-related events. 

An inspection will also be needed when filing a claim for roof-related damage. It can also protect your roof’s warranty, as many specify that homeowners must obtain a yearly inspection for their warranty to remain valid.

5. Save on Energy Bills

Having a roof inspection can help you save money on your energy bills by identifying minor leaks that are causing your HVAC system to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home.

6. Increase Your Home’s Market Value

A roof inspection can increase your home’s market value by providing potential buyers with proof that the roof has been checked by a professional for potential problems. A full roof replacement can be very expensive, and those looking to purchase a home often value this type of reassurance.

7. You Need Roof Improvements

Regular inspections can identify improvements that can be made to the roof to prolong its lifespan. For example, it may highlight the need for lightning protection, gutter updates or new flashing. Small repairs like replacing a worn-out shingle or metal strips can help avoid the need for replacing larger sections of the roof that have failed.

Contact Adelphia and Book Your Roof Inspection Today!

At Adelphia Exteriors, our trained and experienced Northern Virginia roofing contractors can carry out a thorough inspection and identify issues before they get out of hand. Contact us today to book your roof inspection.

A roof replacement can be a very costly home improvement project for Northern Virginia homeowners, costing thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. However, this type of work cannot be delayed as a home could experience widespread and costly damage if its roof is not performing optimally, especially if bad weather strikes. In some cases, a roof warranty or insurance can help defray some of these costs. Here is what you need to know about roof warranties and insurance in Northern Virginia.

Understanding Roofing Warranties

There are two main types of roofing warranties to be aware of: contractor warranties and manufacturer warranties. The key to getting the most out of any type of warranty is understanding which type you have, what it covers and the steps you need to take to maintain its coverage.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

Most roof warranties are manufacturer’s warranties, which mean they come from the company that made the shingles. For example, on a typical asphalt shingle, the manufacturer will often include a 25 to 30-year warranty. However, some offer 50-year coverage or lifetime options.

A basic manufacturer’s roofing warranty generally covers the materials of the roof. When it is time to submit a claim, homeowners should bear in mind that the price will be prorated. In addition, this type of warranty does not normally cover the cost of disposal.

Although most general manufacturer’s roofing warranties will not cover workmanship, it may be possible to upgrade to an enhanced warranty that covers workmanship and the full replacement value of the roof for a set period.

Contractor’s Warranty

Some roofing contractors may offer a warranty to cover their workmanship. However, these warranties can vary significantly depending on the contractor. Therefore, homeowners should study the language of the warranty carefully. When working with a contractor who is offering a warranty, be sure to receive it in writing with detailed information about what it covers and what is not covered. Although most contractor warranties only cover workmanship, some may also cover materials.

What Is Not Covered by a Warranty

There are some types of damage that will not be covered by most warranties, even with extended coverage. For example, roof damage associated with heavy snowfall is a common exclusion. However, homeowners who are concerned about this type of damage may be able to request coverage for it and pay an additional fee. Your roofing contractor can add protective features to the roof to protect against these types of issues.

Protecting Warranty Coverage

Failing to properly maintain a roof can render a warranty null and void, making it impossible to pursue a roof replacement using its coverage. There are several steps homeowners can take to protect their warranty coverage.

First, regular inspections are essential. A roof should be inspected at least once every one to two years so contractors can find any minor problems and address them before they get worse. Staying on top of issues such as deteriorating caulking and damaged shingles or flashing can help maintain your warranty coverage; check the fine print to find out how often these inspections need to take place. You should also check whether you are permitted to conduct small repairs and maintenance tasks yourself or if you need to use your contractor.

You should also ensure you register your warranty by submitting the form to the manufacturer. If it is an enhanced warranty, the contractor who installs the roof may be required to register the warranty on your behalf.

If you are obtaining protection via a contractor’s warranty, be sure to read the fine print as it may be voided if a different company is used to alter their installation.

Roof Insurance

Some homeowners insurance policies provide coverage for your roof, including replacement in the event that it becomes damaged. However, this coverage is typically limited to damage caused by acts of nature or emergencies. This means that issues related to aging roofs or wear and tear will not be covered as these are considered general maintenance responsibilities that fall on the owner.

Homeowners will be required to pay the deductible that applies to their policy before their insurance for covered damage will kick in. In states where there is a high risk of weather-related damage, there may be a higher deductible for roof damage stemming from hail, tornados or hurricanes.

In cases where a roof is damaged, the water damage caused by leaking to the furniture, flooring or walls may be covered by the “all perils” component of the policy, even if the roof repair is not covered.

Many insurers will not cover a roof that is more than 20 or 25 years old. Some also exclude neglect and improper maintenance, roofs that have more than two layers of material, and some types of high-end roofing materials, such as cedar shakes.

Discuss Your Roofing Needs with Adelphia Exteriors

If you are seeking a roof repair or replacement, reach out to the experienced roofing contractors at Adelphia Exteriors. Our team can help you determine if your warranty or insurance will cover some of the costs and carry out the work professionally and affordably.