A roof replacement in Fairfax VA is one of the largest investments you’ll make, so it’s best to know the process before the first shingle is pulled off. Roofs in Fairfax County experience a beating between the humid summers, icy winters and periods of weather from a tropical storm. We’ll help you understand the signs, the timeline, the expenses, and the questions you need to ask to make a confident, instead of rushed, decision.
Signs You May Need a Roof Replacement in Fairfax, VA
Leaks do not necessarily indicate complete tear-out, but there are a number of indicators that suggest tear-out instead of leak repair. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Shingles that are curled, cracked or missing on major areas of the roof.
- Granules of debris piling up in gutters – this is an indicator of worn out shingles.
- Light can be seen through the attic boards or water stains don’t go away on the ceiling
- A 20-25 year old roof, which is the typical life expectancy of asphalt shingles in our climate conditions
- Sagging rooflines or soft spots (may mean damage to the deck or structure)
If you’re seeing two or three of these at once, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection. A good Fairfax roofing contractor will evaluate if selective repairs will be sufficient to provide some time, or if a full roof replacement is the better path to take in the long run.
The process of the roof replacement is as follows:
One to three days is the typical time it takes to replace a typical Fairfax home’s roof with an asphalt shingle roof, depending on weather, size and pitch. A good project will proceed something like this:
- Inspection and estimate. Contractor takes roof measurements, notifies of damage and offers written scope.
- Material selection. The type, color of shingle and other enhancements, such as better underlayment and ridge venting are all left to your decision.
- Tear-off. The existing roofing material is stripped away all the way to the roof decking to allow for identification of concealed rooftop rot.
- Repairing and prep of decks. Plywood is replaced if damaged and ice and water shield is installed in the valleys and eaves.
- Installation. It is covered with new underlayment, shingles, flashing and ventilation.
- Clean up and final inspection. Crews magnet-sweep for nails and walk the job with you.
A reputable crew safeguards your landscape, installs flashing correctly around chimneys and vents, pulls the necessary permit for Fairfax County and your job passes inspection.
How Much Does it Cost to Replace a Roof in Fairfax?
The first question most homeowners have is “how much does it cost?,” and the answer is it depends. In the Fairfax region, the typical asphalt shingle roof replacement for an average single family dwelling will be somewhere between $8,000 and $20,000, depending on the size and complexity of the roof. That number changes according to several factors:
- Roof size and pitch — steeper and larger roofs will need more material and labor
- Material selections — architectural shingles, metal or high-end designer shingles are not equal.
- Decking repairs — hidden rot found during the tear off, increases costs
- Number of layers — the more layers there are, the longer it takes to remove them
- Accessibility – multi-story houses and difficult roof lines increase labor costs.
Always obtain a written estimate instead of a “ballpark” estimate, and be wary of significantly lower bids. The shortcuts that may be taken with flashing, underlayment or ventilation are likely to result in costly issues in just a few years.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
The contractor that you hire is more essential than the brand of shingle that you choose. Before entering into any contract, be sure the company has a Virginia license, liability and worker’s compensation insurance, and a written workmanship warranty in addition to the manufacturer’s material warranty. Request references in Fairfax, Vienna or Burke and check out recent reviews. Another indicator of quality is a manufacturer certification, like a GAF or Owens Corning designation.
This also helps you to understand your warranties. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, proper roofing and ventilation are a real factor in home energy efficiency, so be sure to ask your contractor how he is going to deal with attic airflow.
Timing Your Project
The best time for roofing in Northern Virginia is late spring or early fall; however, good roofing contractors are available to work around the year. Planning ahead can mean better pricing and flexible timing, as roofing needs will come in the wake of a major storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time frame for roof replacement?
Typically, most homes are completed in Fairfax within 1-3 days (weather permitting).
Does home insurance cover the replacement of a roof?
It may be covered if the damage is caused by a covered event such as a storm or downed tree. Wear and tear that occurs due to age is not usually.
Is it possible to put a new roofing system on the top of the old roof?
Sometimes it is permitted, but with a complete tear out, the crew can inspect the decking and usually it will last longer.
On the mend and ready to move forward?
A roof replacement in Fairfax VA will cover the entire roof area and all of the contents below, so it’s best to get it right the first time. If you see any warning signs or your roof is just getting on in years, book in a free, no hassle roof inspection and get a detailed, written quote today.
