Your existing roof is starting to get worn, and it’s time for new shingles. It’s an exciting prospect and a significant investment. One of the biggest decisions is whether to install new shingles over your old ones (reroofing) or remove and replace them for a completely fresh start. There are some cost advantages and time savings to overlaying your existing roof. In some cases, we can make it … [Read more...]

We spend a lot of time thinking about our shingles. Are they clean? In good shape? Do they look great from the ground? But what’s underneath those shingles? Roof decking is the foundation that keeps your shingles supported. Sound, high-quality roof decking is essential to keeping your house dry and your roof in great shape. What Is Roof Decking? Decking (also called sheathing) is the layer of … [Read more...]

Late spring/early summer is the perfect time to clean your roof. You just can’t beat an annual or bi-annual spring cleaning to shake off the grime, especially after a damp winter and early spring. As the sun shines through and we welcome warmer dryer days, it’s the perfect time to get a trusted pro on your roof to get rid of unsightly black streaks and check for mold, moss, and lichen. What … [Read more...]

The elements can be tough on roof shingles, and you may need to replace a handful or more at some point.  But what if replacement shingles don’t match your existing roof? A good match can be hard to find, and random repairs can leave your roof looking like a patchwork quilt. But a new roof may be cost-prohibitive unless it’s covered by insurance. Here are a few FAQs and tips for getting the … [Read more...]

If your attic is under-insulated, you could be losing money through your roof. Fortunately, it’s an easy fix. Beefing up insulation in your attic is one of the best ways to make a big difference in energy costs. Upgrading your roof insulation keeps heat from flowing out, reduces heating and cooling costs and makes your home more comfortable. But there are more choices than ever, so what kind of … [Read more...]

We’ve seen a few reliable sources calling for a snowier than average winter here in the Mid-Atlantic. While it’s impossible to predict at this stage, it’s probably a good idea to be prepared. We often get questions from clients and neighbors about whether it’s necessary to remove snow after a big storm. The good news is that building codes require that houses support a significant amount of snow … [Read more...]

Fall has been laying some unseasonably cold and blustery weather on us so far this year, and winter’s just getting started. This not only means branches and shingles flying, it can also mean mysterious popping and banging noises from our roofs and attics. Those weird noises from above can range from annoying to a little scary and often get us wondering whether something might be wrong with our … [Read more...]

Nominations for this year's roof giveaway will be accepted through November 30, 2020. Do you know a family or individual who’s having a tough time and has been putting off needed roof replacement? Is there a non-profit in our community operating in a facility that needs roof repair? Don’t forget DryHome’s annual Free Roof for the Holidays program serving Northern Virginia. Now in its 19th … [Read more...]

Getting up on a ladder isn’t for the faint of heart. Especially as we age, we may approach tasks that require a ladder with a little uneasiness--and with good reason. Reaching our roof with a ladder can be dizzying and a little scary. In fact, ladders are more dangerous than many of us realize. They’re great tools but need to be used safely to prevent injury. Tis the Season for Pulling Out That … [Read more...]

Solar panels are hot. They’re popping up on houses large and small around Northern Virginia. When done right, solar panels are a great way to bring your energy costs way down and do your part to help our environment. But before you start looking at panels and installers, let’s take a good look at your roof. Your roof is where your solar panels will be anchored for more than 20 years, so it’s … [Read more...]