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 stormy 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 roof. … [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...]

Let’s say you’re getting your roof repaired and your roofer tells you that you need to replace the flashing around the vent pipe. Do you know what he’s talking about or is he speaking a foreign language? More than any other home improvement field, roofing has a vocabulary all its own. And while you want to choose a roofing contractor who will educate you and walk you through the process, it’s … [Read more...]

What if there were a way to keep your house cooler in the summer and prevent ice build-up in the winter? It can happen and it doesn’t require magic--just a solid roof ventilation system. Like people, houses need to breathe. Our ancestors understood this, but it’s something builders seem to have forgotten about for a few decades. As we relearn how houses function, we’re more aware of the important … [Read more...]

Is it just us or does Northern Virginia seem to be getting windier? It seems like every week there’s a new storm or microburst complete with downed trees in the road and roof shingles flying. This has many of our neighbors thinking about roof replacement and wondering when is the best time to replace their roofs. DryHome is ready to help you with roof replacement decisions at any time of year, but … [Read more...]

If you’re looking to sell your home, aging or missing shingles are a definite turn-off. They can make an otherwise charming home look worn out and unattractive. A fresh new roof does wonders for curb appeal. It also gives buyers a sense of security when your roof passes inspection with flying colors. In fact, Remodeling magazine’s annual cost and value survey (which looks in depth at which … [Read more...]