Roofing and Gutter Questions, Answered
The questions Northern Virginia homeowners actually ask us about roofs, gutters, storms and insurance, answered straight by the crew that does the work.
Most asked
Parts of a house, explained
Tap the fascia, soffit, drip edge, kick-out flashing and more to see what each part does and what goes wrong with it.
Open the houseStorms and insuranceDoes Homeowners Insurance Cover Gutters?
Usually yes, when the damage is sudden and caused by a covered event such as wind, hail, a falling tree or limb, or the weight of ice and snow….
Read the answerGuttersHow Often Should You Clean Your Gutters in Northern Virginia?
Twice a year for most Northern Virginia homes: once in spring after the seeds and pollen drop, and once in late fall after the leaves are down,…
Read the answerGutters questions
How gutters work, when to clean them, and how to tell when they are failing.
How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters in Northern Virginia?
Twice a year for most Northern Virginia homes: once in spring after the seeds and pollen drop, and once in late fall after the leaves are down,…
Read the answerGuttersSigns Your Gutters Are Not Working (and What Each One Means)
Your gutters are not working if water spills over the front or behind them in a normal rain, they sag or pull away, there is water pooling at the…
Read the answerGuttersHow Long Do Gutters Last?
Seamless aluminum gutters, the most common kind in Virginia, typically last 20 years or more. Copper can last 50 years or longer, galvanized steel…
Read the answerGuttersDo I Need Gutters on My House?
Almost every home in Northern Virginia needs gutters. A roof collects a lot of water in a storm, and without gutters it pours straight down onto the…
Read the answerGuttersDIY vs Professional Gutter Cleaning
A single story home with easy access is a reasonable DIY job if you are comfortable on a ladder. Two and three story homes, steep roofs and packed…
Read the answerGuttersHow to Choose a Gutter Contractor
Choose a gutter contractor who holds a Virginia contractor license, shows proof of insurance, forms seamless gutters on site, puts the metal gauge…
Read the answerGuttersWhy We Don’t Install Gutter Guards, Screens or Caps
Guards can make ice dams bigger, hide clogs and still need cleaning. Eight reasons, explained.
Read the answerGuttersWhy Gutters Matter
What a failing gutter actually damages, from the fascia down to the foundation.
Read the answerRoofing questions
Materials, timelines, warranties, and how to tell a repair from a replacement.
Types of Roofing Materials for Virginia Homes
The main residential roofing materials are asphalt shingles (three-tab and architectural), metal (mostly standing seam), natural slate, cedar shake,…
Read the answerRoofingHow Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?
Most asphalt shingle roof replacements on a single family home in Northern Virginia take one day, start to finish. Large or steep roofs, a lot of…
Read the answerRoofingHow Long Do Roof Warranties Last?
A new roof usually carries two warranties: a manufacturer warranty on the shingles, often marketed as limited lifetime but prorated after the first…
Read the answerRoofingRoof Repair or Replacement? How to Tell Which You Need
Most roofs do not need replacing. A single leak, a few missing shingles, a cracked pipe boot or failed flashing is a repair. Replacement makes sense…
Read the answerRoofingIce Dams and How to Prevent Them
How ice dams form at the roof edge, and what actually stops them.
Read the answerStorms and insurance questions
What insurance covers and what to do after a storm.
Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Gutters?
Usually yes, when the damage is sudden and caused by a covered event such as wind, hail, a falling tree or limb, or the weight of ice and snow….
Read the answerStorms and insuranceWhat to Do After Storm Damage to Your Roof
After a storm, stay off the roof and check from the ground. Photograph any damage the same day, cover active leaks, and get a documented inspection…
Read the answerWant a straight answer about your house?
We inspect, photograph what we find, and tell you honestly what it needs, including when it needs nothing.