Northern Virginia Home Improvement

Design Pro Home Improvement Information

Choosing the Right Roof for Your Home

While it's always wise to inspect your roof on a regular basis, it's probably in good shape if it's keeping out water and drafts, and keeping in warm air (in winter) and cool air (in summer).

However, if a leak develops it should be immediately patched since minor leaks can cause major damage if they go unnoticed. If more leaks develop, you may be looking at the possibility of replacing the entire roof. If your roof is nearing the end of its warranty, you might consider replacing it to avoid any risk of damage to the frame, insulation, or any interior parts of your roof.

With so many roofing options in the Northern Virginia-Washington, D.C. metro area, choosing the right one for your home can be difficult. Here are a few options available, and an explanation of their pros and cons.

Asphalt shingle is a readily available and relatively inexpensive roofing option, and consequently the most popular. There are two kinds of asphalt shingles on the market: Fiberglass shingles and organic-mat shingles. Both are made with asphalt, but fiberglass shingles use a fiberglass reinforcing mat, while the organic kind use a cellulose-fiber mat derived from wood. The organic mat of traditional shingles has to be saturated with soft asphalt, then coated with a harder asphalt for protection; the fiberglass shingles need only the hard asphalt coating. Fiberglass shingles are thinner, lighter, and carry a better fire rating than organic shingles, but organic-mat shingles are tougher and stay more flexible in cold weather. Asphalt shingles are estimated to last about 15-20 years.

Slate - Although slate can be an expensive choice, it offers a very natural look and can be laid out in a variety of patterns. The benefits of slate are identical to those of tile: a very long lifespan, good fire protection, more wind resistance, low maintenance, and an invulnerably to rot and insects. It comes in a good selection of sizes and colors, although colors are limited to those found in nature. Slate roofs also leak much less often than other kinds of roofing.

Like tile, slate can be very heavy, sometimes requiring extra support. It, too, is breakable enough that walking on it is difficult for a non-professional, complicating such tasks as rooftop maintenance, gutter cleaning and painting.

Wood roofing - Cedar, red wood and cypress are often used on historic homes. It offers a natural look that weathers beautifully with age, though the wood may become brittle or shrink. It can be viable for up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance.

The experts at Design Pro Exteriors are here to help you make the right roofing decision, based on your budget, taste and needs. Call us today to schedule a free estimate!

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Northern Virginia Home Improvement: Replacement Window and Siding Services

WINDOWS: Custom Window Replacement • Window Replacement • Vinyl Replacement • Skylight Windows • Window Replacement Installation • Insulated Windows • Sunroom Windows • Composite Windows • Fiberglass Windows • Double Hung Windows • Awning Windows • Bay Windows • Casement Windows • Picture Windows • Vinyl Replacement Windows • Window Installation / Replacement • Quality Replacement Windows • Anderson Windows • Pella Windows • Palladian Windows • CertainTeed Windows • Jeld-Wen Windows • Energy Efficient Windows • Energy Star Windows SIDING: Vinyl Siding • Clapboard Siding • Composite Siding • Green Siding • Cedar Siding • Wood Siding • James Hardie Siding • hardie board siding