Residents of Northern Virginia enjoy a fairly moderate climate year round. Unfortunately, they also enjoy a variety of weather conditions that can lead to the need for some roof repair down the road. From some of the highest wind speeds in the country on average, to roughly 18 inches of snow a year, learn how your local weather can affect your roof, and what the signs are that you may need some roof repair.

Climate and Your Roof

While it rarely rises above the mid 80s in the summer and below the mid 20s in the winter, residents of Northern Virginia certainly deal with their fair share of rain and snowfall each year at least 75 days of rain and 18 inches of snow. All this precipitation means that you need to ensure that your roof is in good condition to help protect the rest of your home from water damage.

Allowing all of that snow to sit on your roof unchecked all winter can cause some problems such as sagging and deteriorating shingles that can lead to leaks down the road. Combine this with the occasional hailstones that knock the granules of some shingles while cracking others, and the high winds that accompany them, tearing shingles off the roofs, the weather of Northern Virginia spells one thing for homeowners; the need for vigilant roof maintenance and roof repair.

Signs that You Need a Roof Repair

It’s a good idea to check your roof at least twice a year; once at the end of the long winter – preferably before the heavy rains in May – and once at the end of the summer. As you look over your roof, check for these signs that some roof repair may be needed:

  • Signs of water infiltration in your attic, such as water stains, mildew, or rotting wood

  • Shingles that are curling at their corners

  • Broken or cracked shingles

  • Missing shingles

  • Gutters that are filled with granules that have come off the roof

  • Mildew, moss, or algae growing on your roof

Ignoring these signs can lead to further problems down the road. Missing, cracked, and broken shingles can allow water to infiltrate your roof. In addition to the sudden surprise of water suddenly soaking your walls, floors, rugs, and furnishings, a leaking roof can lead to other problems such as:

  • Mildew and mold growth inside your home, leading to poor air quality (at a minimum). (Read more about roof mold repair).

  • Rotting wood and weakening beams and ceiling in your attic

  • Loose and rotting plaster and drywall

(Read more about How To Find a Roof Leak).

Not to mention the fact that many problems on your roof start out small. While sometimes the entire roof can fail at once, often it’s a small area that begins to have problems first, such as missing caulking around some flashing, or a section of roof that needs to be replaced. Ignoring the signs that you have some small problems with the roof only means that these problems are going to get worse. So what might be a small repair job now could turn into a major repair job not only of your roof, but of your attic, ceilings, and floors as well.

Get a Free Roof Repair Estimate

Don’t wait for your roof repair problems to get out of hand. Call today for a free home estimate. Northern Virginia Roofing and Exteriors is a second generation, family owned and operated roof repair company. We have over 50 years of experience working in your neighborhood, and we’ll ensure that your roof gets the attention that it deserves.