Roofing

Colonial homes have long been one of the most popular styles for American houses, and part of the reason for their enduring appeal is the many different customization options homeowners have.

The layout of the home and the positioning of its windows are the main hallmarks of the style, but there are plenty of different choices when it comes to colors and materials that people can choose to make their house stand out while retaining this classic style.

Top Roofing Materials To Consider For Colonial-Style Homes

One area where people with Colonial homes have a lot of flexibility are roofing materials. Most of the roofs found in the days of the colonists were made of slate, wood or clay tile. Wooden roofs were one of the most popular types during the Colonial period because it was easier to source and transport wood at the time, but this has long since fallen out of favor due to fire concerns.

Records show that the homes in the Jamestown settlement in Virginia had slate and clay in their roofs, and these materials may well have been chosen, at least in part, for their resistance to fire. Advancements in shipping in the 19th century helped the popularity of slate as a roofing material grow, and metal roofing started to make its mark not long afterward.

These days, there are so many different modern materials that work well with this style of home, which means every homeowner should be able to find something that is aesthetically pleasing and will work with their budget. Outlined below are some of the best roofing materials for Colonial-style homes.

Slate Roofs

Slate was a popular roofing material for the colonists, and it remains a top choice today. Its aesthetic works well with all different types of Colonial homes, which means it is hard to go wrong when you choose slate roofing.

In addition to being fire- and water-resistant, modern slate roofs have UV inhibitors that stop the sun’s rays from damaging them. They can last for up to 100 years and do not require very much maintenance. The main drawback of slate roofs is the fact that natural slate is very heavy, with tiles weighing as much as 15 pounds per square foot.

This can place a significant strain on the structure of a home. Therefore, care must be taken to ensure the home can support the weight of a slate roof prior to installing it. If not, the home may need to be retrofitted or reframed, which can add on to the cost of the project.

Clay Tile

Another material that has long been associated with Colonial roofs is clay tile. Prepared by baking molded clay, these tiles are available in a wide range of shades, although most homeowners choose something from the terra cotta range. They’re also highly insulating.

Like slate, this long-lasting and fire-resistant material is quite heavy, and some homes may need additional roof framing prior to installation. However, many homeowners feel it is worth the effort and expense to enjoy the curb appeal that clay tiles provide to a Colonial home. They look especially beautiful on Spanish Colonial homes.

Copper Roofs

For homeowners who are seeking a high-end aesthetic, copper is the material of choice. Unlike slate and clay tiles, copper roofing is very lightweight, which means it is easy to install and there is no need to worry about modifying an existing roof to support its weight.

With a life expectancy of more than 50 years with regular care and maintenance and excellent weather and fire resistance, it can provide great value. It’s also considered environmentally friendly as the material is both natural and recyclable. Although copper roofing is largely chosen for its appearance, it is worth noting that it is a very energy-efficient roofing material that reflects the sun’s heat and can help with climate control throughout the year, potentially keeping utility costs down.

It works well on irregular and uneven roof shapes thanks to its flexibility. Copper roofs can also be customized, with roofing fixtures like dormers, spires and weathervanes helping a home stand out.

Asphalt Shingles

For budget-minded homeowners, asphalt shingles are a great choice. In addition to being more affordable than other roofing types, they are available in many different styles and colors so homeowners can get exactly what they want, while their traditional style always works well with the look of Colonial homes.

They do not last as long as slate or clay, but some homeowners view this as a positive as replacing the shingles gives them a chance to change up the look of their home’s exterior from time to time.

Reach Out To The Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors

At Adelphia Exteriors, our team of residential roof replacement and roofing installation contractors are well-trained and prepared to carry out roofing services safely, effectively and affordably. Get in touch today for help choosing the right roof to complement your home’s style and stand up to the Northern Virginia weather.

If you own a Colonial-style home or would like to give your house this classic look, you may be focused largely on the windows and siding of the home. However, choosing a Colonial-style roof is just as important if you want to tie the look together.

Here is a look at what type of roof you should consider for your Colonial-style home.

What Is a Colonial Home?

Colonial architecture has its roots in the U.S. Colonial era. Its basic framework is simple and symmetrical, with homes featuring two or more stories, often with a central staircase that provides access to big, ground-floor rooms on either side.

Types of Colonial Roofs

Here is a look at some popular types of colonial roofs:

Slate Roofing

A slate roof is a great choice for a Colonial home. As a classic roofing material, it has been popular for hundreds of years and is considered a great match for the uniform styling of colonial homes. It can last for as long as 100 years and needs little in the way of repair and maintenance.

Fire- and water-resistant slate roofs contain UV inhibitors that can prevent damage from the sun’s rays. However, homeowners should keep in mind that natural slate tends to be quite heavy, so it is important to make sure the home is able to support the weight.

Copper Roofing

Another good roofing material for Colonial homes is copper, which creates an upscale aesthetic and is incredibly durable. Its light weight means that it is easy and quick to install and is not likely to require any modifications to the existing roof to support it.

It is also considered highly energy-efficient, helping indoor temperatures to remain stable throughout the year thanks to its ability to reflect the sun. This can help to reduce utility costs. For Colonial homes that need some extra character, unique ornamental metal designs such as steeples and weathervanes can be incorporated.

Clay Tiles

Tiles made of clay were often used as a roofing material for Spanish Colonial homes. Noncombustible and highly durable, they can last for 50 years or longer. However, like slate, they are very heavy, which means additional roof framing may be needed to make sure the structure is able to support the weight of the tiles. One benefit clay tiles have over those made of slate is the fact that they are available in lighter shades.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles come in more shapes, textures and colors than most other roofing options, which means it is not difficult to find styles that will work well for Colonial homes.

They can help to create a more rustic-looking home, and they can last for 50 years or longer. They do not come with the weight issues that clay and slate roof tiles are known for, and they are also highly energy-efficient.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a very popular roofing material on account of their low price and ease of installation. They work well with most types of architectural styles, including Colonial homes, and offer greater durability than wooden shingles. Although their longevity varies by manufacturer, homeowners can expect to get around 15 to 30 years out of these shingles.

Other Factors to Consider

There are a few other factors to keep in mind when choosing roofing materials for your Colonial-style home. The first is the style of the neighborhood. If all the homes in your neighborhood feature a specific type of material on their roofs, consider going with the same material to fit in with the surrounding homes. There is a good chance you can find a suitable style in any material to complement your Colonial home.

The specific subtype of Colonial home you have will also dictate the materials you can use to some extent. For example, gambrel roofs, with their steeply pitched sides and almost level top, can be difficult to hang traditional shingles on and can place further stress on heavier materials like slate roof tiles.

Synthetic shingles are often a better choice for roofs of this style. With a classic gabled roof, cedar shake shingles are a more traditional choice.

It is also important to consider the weather where you live. While you may have your heart set on a specific roofing material on account of its aesthetics, you need to ensure you are choosing something that is also prepared to stand up to whatever weather challenges your region faces.

Finally, keep in mind that a roof is a long-term investment. Following a trend might seem like a good idea, but be sure to choose something that you can envision yourself being happy with for many years to come.

Reach Out to the Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors

If you are looking for residential roof replacement and installation services, get in touch with the experienced roofing contractors at Adelphia Exteriors to learn more about our services or request a free roof evaluation.

When the roof on a house fails, it needs to be replaced as quickly as possible to protect the home from potential damage. Otherwise, water can get inside the home, extending from the attic down through the other floors and damaging everything in its path.

If your roof appears to be approaching the end of its useful life, it is time to start thinking about getting a roof replacement. In addition to choosing the materials and style of the roof, you will need to ensure the project adheres to local building regulations and is carried out by experienced professionals. Here is a look at everything you need to know when planning your roof replacement.

Permits for Roof Replacement

Before you can even begin a roof replacement, it is important to check with your municipality to find out if there are any regulations that must be followed. This will depend on the area in which you live.

In Falls Church and many other Virginia towns, a roof replacement is generally considered a type of routine work that does not require a permit when it is being performed on a single-family home. However, this only applies if you are not going to replace the rafters or a significant part of the decking. Keep in mind that if you will also be adding or removing walls as part of the project, even if they are not load-bearing, a permit will be required.

If a permit is required in your neighborhood, you must obtain it prior to beginning the project. If you are working with a roofing contractor, they may be able to arrange for the permit on your behalf. Your local municipality may have applications available online to facilitate the process.

If your neighborhood has a homeowners’ association, you will need to check with them to make sure there aren’t any procedures or requirements you must follow. In some neighborhoods that are overseen by a homeowners association, you might need to secure written approval prior to getting the roof replacement.

Most associations cannot stop a homeowner from replacing their roof, but there may be rules governing the materials, colors and styles that can be chosen. Failing to get permission could result in an association forcing the homeowner to redo the work in a way that complies with their rules, and there could be fines involved. It is best to look at the homeowners’ association’s covenants, conditions and restrictions before beginning the work.

In addition, many homeowners’ associations will require homeowners to hire qualified roofing contractors that are licensed and insured.

What Does a Roof Replacement Entail?

A roof replacement on a moderately sized home will only take a few days. First, all of the existing shingles will be removed and discarded. Then, the roofing contractors will make any minor repairs needed if the roof is in otherwise good condition. If necessary, bad wood that is revealed when the shingles are removed will be replaced with sheathing.

Next, they will install ice dam protection if the local weather conditions require it. Then, they will lay down asphalt roofing paper over the sheathing to create an inner barrier for protection against water making its way into the home. Metal drip edging will then be applied.

Finally, they will apply tab shingles, beginning at the roof’s eaves and working up toward the peak. Flashing will be applied anywhere that a leak could occur, such as around any skylights or chimneys. In some cases, a ridge vent might be installed to help with air circulation.

The contractors will then carry out a final cleanup and haul all of the debris away. The installation may need to be approved by a building inspector after it is complete.

Choosing a Roofing Company

A roof replacement is an important job that should be entrusted to roofing professionals. The entire home could be at risk if the replacement is not performed well, so be sure to work with an experienced and reputable roofer with a proven track record of high-quality work.

Ensure your chosen roofer is licensed in your area and that their insurance is current. They should also be bonded, which means that a bonding company makes funds available to consumers in the event that they need to file a claim against the roofing company. Be wary of any company that is not willing to provide references or written estimates.

When deciding between roofers, look beyond price and consider availability and experience with the type of roofing material your project will involve, particularly if it is a less common material such as natural slate or solar shingles.

Discuss Your Project with the Northern Virginia Exterior Remodeling Contractors

Adelphia Exteriors offers a range of residential roof replacement services, from full replacements on aging roofs to partial replacements for damage or other issues. Reach out to our experienced roofing contractors to find out more about our services today.

A patio roof extension can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the great outdoors from your own backyard. If you are considering a patio roof extension, here are nine useful advantages to help you make up your mind.

Provide More Shade

One of the biggest reasons many homeowners seek a patio roof extension is to provide their yard with more shade. There are many different types of patio covers available that offer varying amounts of shade.

For example, a gazebo or pergola with an overhead aluminum framing weave can provide partial shade of around 40%, while solid patio roofing will cast the most shade on the yard. For those who want to filter out some sunlight but keep their patio bright, a translucent patio roof can filter out UV rays without putting the area in full shade.

Create Extra Living Space

In warmer climates like Northern Virginia, a patio roof extension is all it takes to create additional living space outdoors. It offers a place for sitting and relaxing or entertaining that is protected overhead from the elements so that you can enjoy outdoor living throughout the year. In areas with a lot of precipitation, screening in the area beneath the patio roof extension can make it even more usable.

Add More Privacy to a Yard

A patio roof extension adds a degree of privacy to a backyard space. It will make it more difficult to peer into the patio, and the additional space underneath the extension will also enjoy reduced exposure to prying eyes. However, keep in mind that a lack of side walls means that it will not afford complete privacy. Some cleverly placed planters can help reduce the line of sight further if this is a concern.

Reduce Your Energy Bills

The shade provided by a patio roof extension can reduce the heat that goes indoors to some degree, but for maximum benefits, it is necessary to install an insulated roof. With this type of roof, you can stop the sun’s heat from extending through large glass doors and windows, which means your air conditioning won’t have to work as hard to keep your house cool.

Create a New Family Gathering Place

Families have traditionally tended to flock to the living room or kitchen, but pandemic lockdowns have given many people a new appreciation for spending time outside. For families with young children, a patio roof extension provides a space where parents can sit outside and keep an eye on their kids while they are playing in the yard or swimming.

For families with teens who are constantly glued to their laptops or smartphones, a covered patio extension provides a place for them to use these devices while enjoying some fresh air.

Provide Shelter From Rain

During the rainy season, many people start to feel anxious about their inability to get outside and feel close to nature. With a patio roof extension, everyone in the house can enjoy the benefits of fresh air without worrying about getting wet. As an added bonus, the sound of the rain landing on the roof extension can be incredibly relaxing, making it a great place to curl up with a good book.

1. Provide Additional Space for Entertaining

If you tend to avoid hosting large gatherings because your kitchen or dining room doesn’t accommodate a big crowd, a patio roof extension can give you a larger space to set up tables and chairs for entertaining. This is particularly useful in spring and summer when people prefer to spend time outdoors enjoying the great weather. Plus, if there is a sudden shower, the festivities won’t have to come to an end as the roof will keep everyone dry.

2. Improve the Resale Value of Your Home

Although a patio roof extension is unlikely to give you a 100% return on your investment when it comes time to sell, a high-quality roof extension can add some value to your home. It may also help your home to sell more quickly because many potential buyers will prefer a home that has a large patio cover over one without one.

3. Protect Your Deck and Furniture

If you have a deck or other type of high-maintenance patio floor, an extended patio cover can offer it protection from the elements and extend its lifespan. This means you won’t have to pay for partial or whole outdoor patio replacements as soon as you otherwise might have if you didn’t have the area covered.

It can also protect your outdoor furniture from the effects of sun and rain, which means you can enjoy them for far longer than if they were left exposed to the elements.

Improve Your Outdoor Living Area With a Patio Roof Extension

Spend more time enjoying the Northern Virginia weather and make the most of your patio with a professionally installed patio roof extension by contacting the residential roofing team at Adelphia Exteriors for a free roof evaluation today.

When homeowners need to repair their roofs, it is important to ensure that they obtain the right number of shingles to complete the project. No one wants to come up short once the work is already underway, but purchasing significantly more shingles than needed can be an expensive mistake.

Although square footage and shingle calculators may help, if the roof is measured incorrectly, the measurements that are input into these calculators could lead to inaccurate results.

Outlined below are seven steps for how to measure a roof for shingles accurately.

1. Draw A Diagram

Before heading onto the roof to take measurements, take some time to sketch an overhead view of the roof’s shape in a notepad so that each measurement can be jotted down on the right plane.

It is not necessary to draw this diagram to scale, but you should use distinct and clear two-dimensional shapes such as squares and rectangles to represent each plane of the roof.

2. Set Up For Taking Safe Measurements

Before heading up to the roof, ensure the ladder is set up on level ground. The base should extend at least three feet out from the roof’s edge to create a stable support. Be sure to enlist the help of another person to hold the ladder steady while standing on the ground. This person should also be responsible for contacting emergency services should an accident occur.

Before heading up to the roof, use fall arrest equipment such as shock absorption lanyards, braided rope lifelines or harnesses to prevent trips, falls and slips. Place your notepad, tape measure and pencil securely in your pocket while climbing the ladder and remember that you must always keep three points of contact while climbing. Closed-toe footwear featuring a solid grip can provide better traction while up on the roof.

3. Obtain The Measurements Of Each Plane

Head to the peak of the roof to confirm the sketch is correct and orient it to your current position so that each plane is labeled accurately. Begin with one section and lay the measuring tape out along the plane’s length, then write the measurement in the corresponding location in the sketch.

Then, place the tape along the width of the same plane and jot down that measurement. When measuring from the roof’s peak, plant your feet on one side of the roof and then feed the measuring tape downward to the roof’s bottom edge.

Then, measure from the edge to the peak. When measuring parallel to the peak, begin with the tape measure at the edge of the roof on one side of the peak and run it across the length of the peak to the other edge of the plane.

4. Do The Math

After safely descending the ladder while a partner holds it steady, use the measurements to calculate the square footage of each plane. If you have planes that are not square or rectangular, such as a trapezoid or triangle, you can look up the formula for calculating the surface area online.

After calculating the area of every plane on the roof, add it together to determine the roof’s total square footage.

5. Calculate The Roofing Squares

Once you have obtained the total square footage of the roof, it needs to be converted into roofing squares. Shingle bundles will typically cover about 1/3 of a square; a square of shingles in roofing is 100 square feet. This means that you can divide the total square footage by 100 to obtain roofing squares.

A roof that measures 1,842 square feet equals 18.42 squares, which would need to be rounded up to 19 when purchasing. Alternatively, a square calculator for roofing can convert your roof square footage to roofing squares.

6. Determine The Shingle Bundles

Next, you will need to determine the number of shingle bundles that must be obtained. A bundle of shingles typically contains material to cover 1/3 of a roofing square. Therefore, multiplying the number of roofing squares obtained in the previous step by three will tell you how many bundles of shingles you must purchase. In our example, 19 x 3 is 57, so you will need 57 bundles of shingles.

7. Round Up By 15%

Many roofs have odd angles that require shingles to be altered to fill the gap. In addition, some shingles may arrive bent or cracked and cannot be used. Therefore, experts recommend purchasing 15% more material than the calculations show in order to account for such issues.

If, for example, you determined that you need 57 bundles of shingles, multiply that by 1.15 to get 65.55 bundles, then round this up to the nearest whole number. In this case, you will need 66 bundles of shingles.

Reach Out To The Northern Virginia Roofing Professionals

Although many home improvement jobs can be carried out as DIY projects, roofing is one task that is best left to the professionals as climbing up on the roof, even just to take measurements, is extremely risky.

Ensure the job is done safely and correctly by trusting the job to the roofing team at Adelphia Exteriors. Contact us today for more information about our residential roofing replacement and installation services.

Roofs play an important role in protecting a home, but their position at the top of the house leaves them constantly exposed to the elements. This can lead to major problems for the roof itself that can impact the entire home if not corrected quickly and effectively.

Roofing requires specialist knowledge, so homeowners who are experiencing problems with their roof or seeking a replacement need to hire a roofing contractor to ensure the work is carried out safely and correctly. Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are created equally.

Roofing work can be quite expensive, so homeowners need to weigh their options carefully. Here is some advice on how to choose the right roofing contractor.

Ask For Recommendations

The first step is compiling a list of potential roofing contractors that can be narrowed down, so ask around for recommendations. Neighbors who have recently had roofing work done are an excellent source, as are family and friends who live in the area.

Even if they would not recommend the contractor they used, this can help to eliminate prospects from the list. Homeowners’ associations may also be able to provide recommendations.

Homeowners should get bids from several roofing contractors before making their decision, so aim for at least five preliminary recommendations.

Check Their Qualifications

Roofing is a job that poses a lot of risks to those carrying out the work, and improper roofing can put the home’s structure and inhabitants at risk. Therefore, it is important to take the time to check the qualifications of the roofing contractors you are considering. This is particularly important if a roofing contractor has contacted you unsolicited following a storm with a low bid for work.

First, the roofing contractor you work with must be licensed in your area. This can be verified by visiting the website of the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. There is a listing for each state where homeowners can search for contractors by name.

They also need to be insured, and it is worth asking them what type of coverage they have and if it is current; this can be verified with their insurance company if there are any doubts. They should also be bonded, which means a bonding company has placed money in an account where it will be available to consumers if they need to file a claim against the roofer.

Be sure to ask the roofers you are considering to provide you with references, and make a point of contacting them to find out whether they were happy with the work. Be wary of contractors who are unwilling to provide references.

Few roofers will provide the contact information of someone who was unhappy with their work, so be creative and ask if anything unexpected arose during the job and how this was handled and communicated to the homeowner.

You should also conduct some of your own research online to get more opinions about the roofer’s work. Keep in mind that a particularly unhappy customer is more likely to post about a negative experience online, and you may also encounter some glowing reviews that come from the business itself or their associates to enhance their reputation.

Therefore, it is best to eliminate extreme outliers when making your assessment of online opinions and instead look at the overall trend and any common praises or complaints that arise repeatedly.

Find Out What Services They Offer

Some roofing contractors specialize in one particular area, such as inspections or replacements, while others offer a broader menu of services. If you anticipate having significant roofing needs in the future, it is best to go with a full-service contractor and establish a relationship with them. This is less important for one-off repairs for homeowners who plan to move soon or have a relatively new roof that is unlikely to encounter issues.

Some of the services to look for include roof repair and replacement, roof inspections, infrared scans for leaks, debris removal, roof weatherproofing, insulation and ventilation installation, and cleaning.

Choose a contractor with experience in the type of project at hand and the type of material involved. While most roofers can repair and install asphalt shingles, some may not have experience with materials such as natural slate or clay tiles. More unusual choices such as green roofing material or solar shingles often require specialist roofing contractors.

Important Questions to Ask

There are a few questions you should ask potential roofing contractors beyond the points mentioned above. These include:

• When can you start?
• How long will the job take?
• Will you provide a written estimate?
• What payment methods do you accept?
• Is the work covered by a manufacturer’s warranty?
• What happens in the case of inclement weather?
• Will you take care of disposing of old roofing materials?
• How much experience do you have with my roofing material?

Discuss Your Project With The Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors

If you are looking for professional residential roofing contractors for your installation or replacement project, get in touch with Adelphia Exteriors today to request a free roof evaluation. Reach out to them online or over the phone at (703) 386-7357.

Many homeowners looking to save money on a roof replacement may be tempted to hire subpar contractors or even attempt the work on their own. However, this could put the entire house at risk as roofs are highly vulnerable to the elements.

Installing a roof requires precision, skill, experience and the right equipment. Here is a look at some of the problems that can arise due to faulty roof replacement work.

Leaks

One of the most obvious signs of roof trouble is a leak. Many people believe that small leaks are harmless and may even go away over time, but these leaks often have a way of getting worse surprisingly quickly and should never be ignored. Any amount of moisture that is able to seep into the layers of the roof will eventually lead to mold and rot.

Some of the causes of roof leaks can be attributed to poor installation practices, such as nails being incorrectly placed in shingles and improperly installed flashing. Other potential causes are missing or damaged shingles, broken skylights, punctures from tree branches, and ice dams.

Unfortunately, it can be very difficult to detect small leaks and they can cause damage for years before they become noticeable. Regular roof inspections from professional roofing contractors can help prolong the life of a roof replacement and avoid the need for expensive repairs.

Damaged Flashing

Flashing around the roof keeps any awkward or protruding areas sealed to protect them from leaks and water damage. A home may have flashing installed on areas around skylights, venting pipes, heating and cooling systems, and chimneys located in the roof.

However, if flashing is not properly installed and secured, it can easily run into trouble. Once flashing is damaged, the seams sealing the roof and any structures protruding from it will open up and can lead to serious problems.

Clogged Gutters

Although many people do not associate clogged gutters with roof problems, experts warn that clogged gutters can lead to expensive damage over time. When gutters are clogged for extended periods, water will back up into the roofing system and eventually the home, leading to leaks, rot and structural damage.

A roofing replacement must be installed in such a way that it does not compromise the gutters’ ability to do their job or raise their risk of clogging.

Snow and Ice Damage

Ice dams can be a major problem in the winter. When snow accumulates on the roof and undergoes repeated freeze-thaw cycles, it can put the roof at serious risk. Water can end up under the shingles, particularly if they have not been installed properly. Once the temperatures drop again, the water will refreeze. This can push shingles or flashing up and expose the roof underneath, creating large sheaths of ice and dangerous icicles that can compromise the home’s structural support.

Shrinkage

All types of roofing materials are vulnerable to shrinkage to some extent, but roofs with coverings such as synthetic rubber membranes have a particularly high risk. When the material shrinks and pulls from all directions, the extra pressure creates problems.

Roof shrinkage can manifest as tears or cracking in the shingles or flashing. A professional installation and regular inspections and maintenance can prevent shrinkage from occurring on roofs.

Shingle Damage

One of the most common roofing problems that homeowners experience is damaged shingles. There are many ways that shingles can sustain damage, from heavy storms and winds to sun exposure, debris and aging.

Although damaged shingles may seem like mainly an aesthetic concern, they leave the roof exposed and, as a result, more vulnerable to damage. Although there is not much that homeowners can do to protect their shingles from damaging storms, a properly installed roof will fare far better in inclement weather than DIY roof replacements.

Standing Water

Another problematic roof issue is standing or pooled water. This may occur when the roof starts to sink in certain areas and is most commonly found on flat roofs. Roofs must be installed carefully to ensure that water will be able to completely drain off of them. Otherwise, standing water can create issues such as mildew, algae, mold and rot. It can also seep into the home’s support system over time and lead to structural damages that could put the home’s overall stability at risk.

Too Many Layers

Some homeowners may choose to cut costs by installing a new layer of asphalt roofing over an old one rather than installing an entirely new roof. However, once there are more than two layers of roofing on a home, it will not only be in violation of most building codes, but it also is very dangerous as it can exceed the load-bearing threshold of the framing.

It may also be uneven and poorly anchored to the sheeting of the roof, which can pose a long list of problems. Reputable roofing contractors will never offer to exceed two layers of roofing.

Talk To The Professional Roof Replacement Team At Adelphia Exteriors

A roof replacement is a major home improvement project that can lead to serious problems when performed incorrectly. Protect your investment in your home with the professional Virginia roof replacement services offered by Adelphia Exteriors.

A roof is a critically important part of a home. Not only does it provide the home with protection and structural integrity, but it also plays a significant role in the home’s value. As a result, roofing is one of the biggest and costliest home improvement projects. Finding a high-quality roofing contractor who can be trusted with this important job is essential.

Here are some tips for choosing the right roofing contractor:

Get A Referral

One good method of finding a dependable roofing contractor is asking friends and neighbors for referrals. The best people to ask are those who have had roofing work carried out more recently. Be sure to ask them if they were happy with the work and would work with the contractor again.

For those who do not know anyone personally who has recently had roofing work done, other good sources of potential referrals are lumberyards and hardware stores.

Research Potential Roofing Contractors

After identifying three or more qualified roofers, the next step should be investigating each name on the list. Homeowners should never hire a roofer before checking whether they have proper licensing in the state and confirming it is up to date. Likewise, they must have valid workers’ compensation and liability insurance.

Then, reach out to the Better Business Bureau and the local Chamber of Commerce to find out if there have been any complaints. Contractor review sites online can also provide valuable insight.

Meet With The Candidates

After narrowing down the field, ask the prospective contractors to come and see the roof and discuss the job in person. They should explain the amount of work that needs to be done and the roofing materials they intend to use, along with the amount of time and labor they expect the job to take.

During this in-person interview, observe the contractor and ensure that they are professional and knowledgeable. Ask a lot of questions, and steer clear of those who do not answer patiently. Be sure to ask for a list of references before they leave.

Check Their References

Reach out to the references provided by the contractor to find out whether they had a positive experience. Some good questions to ask include:

• Was the contractor professional?
• Did they stay on budget?
• Were there any delays, and if so, how were they handled?
• Has the roof encountered any problems?
• Did they clean up properly after completing the work?

Agree On A Timeline

Whether it is a quick fix or a longer roof replacement job, it is important to map out a timeline so all parties know what to expect. Delays can happen and may be out of the contractor’s control, but it is useful to have a rough timeline.

Be sure to discuss milestones and estimated completion dates, along with any prep work that will be needed prior to installing the roof, such as ordering materials or cleaning.

Homeowners should also ask if there are any days during the project when they will need to be at home, such as providing access to the attic. In addition, find out when you can schedule a final run-through to ensure the work has been carried out satisfactorily.

Get Everything In Writing

Make sure to get a signed contract that details every aspect of the work before beginning. This contract should cover safety procedures as well as liability and workers compensation insurance. In addition to the payment amounts and schedule, it should detail matters such as cleanup. From estimates to timelines, it is essential to have paperwork that can be referenced if any issues arise.

Include A Strategy For Cleanup

Roofing jobs can be quite messy, so it is important to look for a contractor who includes a clear cleanup strategy. Leftover debris, asphalt, and small roofing nails can be very dangerous for families and pets if they are left strewn around the yard after the work has been completed. A good cleanup strategy will include both a final sweep-through of the roof and property and an explanation of how the work site will be tidied up each day.

Decide Carefully

Although it may be tempting to go with the cheapest bid, it is important to keep in mind that better-quality contractors often charge higher prices. It can be difficult to compare prices as different contractors may use different types of materials.

Roofing is not an area where corners should be cut, so it may be worth spending a little extra to have the peace of mind that comes from hiring professionals. Factors such as working style, experience and availability should be weighed alongside the price.

Reach Out To The Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors

For high-quality residential roof replacement and installation services, get in touch with Adelphia Exteriors. Our experienced Northern Virginia roofing contractors carry out every job safely, efficiently and professionally.