Repair vs. Replace

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Repair or Replace?

If your roof isn’t very old and you spot a few loose or damaged shingles, you may be able to just replace them. But for broader or more extensive damage, it may be time for a new roof. The key is a regular roof inspection so you know what’s going on up there. At K&M Roofing and Contracting we can do a complete inspection of your roof, inside and out and give you an accurate estimate of what damage there is, and what it will take to repair or replace it.

Attic Leaks

Check your attic after severe weather. A leak could mean some shingles are damaged, the underlayment a protective barrier between your shingles and the plywood of your roof has failed, or flashing the material that seals joints on your roof has deteriorated.

Blistering or Peeling Paint

Poor ventilation may cause moisture to get trapped in your house, which may cause exterior paint to peel and blister.

Ceiling and Wall Stains

Leaks from outside the house or moisture trapped inside it can cause stains and possibly mold or mildew.

Sheathing Decay

Another issue with poor ventilation and moisture in your layers of roofing materials is the decay of sheathing also called decking which is the layer of plywood that forms the foundation of your roof. If you notice a sagging ceiling, broken gutters, leaks or missing patches of shingles, your sheathing may be damaged.

Shingle Damage

When shingles reach the end of their useful life, you may notice they fall off or become cracked, brittle or curled, which means it may be time for a new roof.

Dark Streaks

It may look like dirt, but dark stains on your shingles may be moss, lichen, or blue-green algae. This may not require a new roof, but if and when you do replace your shingles, ask for Stain Guard and Stain Guard Plus protection, which are available on many GAF shingles.

Tips on Keeping Your Roof in Good Shape
  • Know how old your roof is: If you didn’t install it and you’re not sure, check the inspection report from when you purchased your home. You can also ask a roofing company, such as K&M Roofing and Contracting, or building inspector to look at the roof and estimate its age and condition.
  • Spot-check your roof twice a year, once in spring, once in fall: Use a ladder to access it and look for trouble spots, but also check your attic for damage. Not feeling up to it? Reaching out to K&M Roofing and Contracting LLC for an inspection is always the best and safest option.
  • Watch the homes around you: They experience the same weather yours does and were likely built around the same time. If your neighbors are getting new roofs, do a roof inspection to see if your home needs one too.
  • Check your roof after a significant weather event: If there were heavy winds or a hail storm, check for exterior damage as soon as it’s safe.

How to Do a Roof Inspection

  • Start inside: Look around your attic for signs of leaks, dark spots, holes, or sagging sheathing. Check your ceilings for stains, mold or mildew
  • Step outside: If you’re comfortable climbing a ladder, you can see your roof up close. If not, you can do a relatively thorough inspection from the ground, using binoculars.
  • Clean leaves and debris out of gutters and downspouts, check them for sagging or leaks
  • Look in hidden areas, like the underside of eaves and fascia the board that connects the roof to the outer walls of your house for rotting or signs of animal infestation
  • Head to the street: From this distance, look for dark spots, missing shingles or sagging. See if the exterior paint is blistering or peeling. If it was an icy or snowy winter, keep an eye out for ridges of ice that form at the edge of your roof. If water can’t drain off the roof, it may leak into your home.
  • Examine the roof: Check for cracked, torn, warped or missing shingles and popped or rusted nails. Look for open seams or joints and make sure roof vents aren’t covered or clogged. Make sure pipes and roof penetrations, like your chimney or skylights, are sealed and don’t have any exposed nails. Make sure flashing, which is used to seal joints and keep water off of them, is not damaged or providing inadequate coverage

Contact us to Repair or Replace Your Roof

Contact us today to learn more about our Northern Virginia roofing services and to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation estimate.

  • Outstanding Reputation

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    K & M Roofing and Contracting has a reputation built on over 25+ years of home improvement excellence. It’s our attention to every detail, top-quality materials and expert staff that separates us from the rest.

  • Quality Products

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    Proper installation and industry-leading materials are the key to a long-lasting roof. When you choose K & M Roofing and Contracting to replace your roof, you enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that trained, trustworthy professionals are working with the best products in the roofing market.

  • Unparalleled Customer Service

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    Our roofers are courteous, punctual experts and we’ll make sure your home and yard are safe and clean when our work is complete.

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