Homeowners are recommended to have their roofs professionally inspected on a regular basis. New roofs only to be inspected every 5 years, with more frequent inspections as the roof ages. Be sure to check for any signs of damage after storms with heavy rain and high winds. When shopping for a newly built or existing home be sure to hire a licensed and qualified home inspector to look over the prospective home's roof to report any defects.

The cost of roof repairs or replacements can vary greatly depending on the size and material used. A total roof replacement can cost from $1,500 to over $10,000, making roofs one of the most expensive components to repair within your home. Defects within a roof make the structure susceptible to moisture damage leading to rotting wood and mold growth. Remove any organic growth, including moss and vines, from your roof to avoid decay.

​It is good for homeowners to know the basic components to their roof in case any issues arrise. All roofs are made of the same basic setup, however the materials used may vary greatly. Age and location of the home can create an impact on the variation of materials used.

Decking (or Sheathing)
Decking is the first layer that lays on top of the bones (Structural Trusses or Rafters) of the roof.

• Wooden Planks were commonly used in older homes; this decking is generally sturdy and easy to repair.
• Tongue and Groove boards create an attractive look. They were popular in the 1950s and 60s, today they are popular for cathedral ceilings.
• Plywood or OSB is found in most homes built since the 1970s; it is cost effective and has an easy installation process.

Underlayment
Underlayment is a crucial part of the roof, it acts as a barrier to protect the decking and structure from moisture damage. There are 2 commonly used underlayments.

• Felt is considered the standard underlayment installed by developers. Felt comes in 2 thickness levels, 15- or 30-lb, the thicker the underlayment the stronger it will stand up to wind, rain, and repairs. All felts are coated in either asphalt or fiberglass.
• Synthetic is durable and acts as a water-repellent, however it is more expensive than traditional felt. 

Flashing
Flashing is designed to protect areas of your roof that shingles are not able to. These areas may include around skylights, drip edges, ventilation pipes, chimney bases, or valleys and intersections. In Virginia, homes are commonly built with 2 different types of metal flashing, however many other types of metals may be used. It is important to carefully choose your flashing to avoid Galvanic Corrosion from mixing incompatible materials.

• Copper Flashing is an excellent choice as it is easy to use for most applications and is extremely durable. Copper also has a very long lifespan, saving you maintenance costs in the long run. Unless your copper flashing is coated with lead, it will have a reaction with galvanized steel.
• Aluminum Flashing is popular because it is low-cost and easily manipulated. It is easily susceptible to corrosion around bodies of salt water and when in contact with pressure-treated wood or wet mortar.

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Shingles
​Shingles are designed for water to properly run-off your roof and avoid moisture damage. It is important that the shingles are laid down flat and completely cover the underlayment.

• Asphalt Shingles are the most common and affordable shingle; they come in many different styles and colors.
• Tile Shingles are very attractive, but are more costly than asphalt and can last up to 80 years. Ceramic styles are popular in Europe and some parts of Asia.
• Wooden Shingles are durable (with a lifespan of 30-50 years) and are more expensive than tile shingles.
• Metal Roofing is generally affordable and has a lifespan of 50 years. Metal roofing can be noisy when rainy or windy and is not recommended near salt water areas.
• Slate Shingles have a lifespan of up to 100 years, however they are quite expensive and heavy. Due to their heavy weight they are not recommended for all houses.

With leaves beginning to change colors and geese flocking south, Autumn is definitely on its way in. Fall is a great time to focus on preparing your house for the harsh cold of Winter. While maintenance for your home is an ongoing chore, our home inspector has some tips on what things you should focus on during the Fall season. Please consider making this list a part of your yearly maintenance schedule every Fall.

• Flush water heater and remove sediment.
• Have chimney professionally cleaned and inspected.
• Inspect or service heating system for proper working condition.
• Test sump pump.
• Turn off, flush, and cover/insulate  all exterior water faucets.
• Examine caulking around windows, doors, and service penetrations and replace or renew as required.
• Check all vents outside your home to make sure they are free and clear.
• Keep gutters clear of any leaves or debris.
  

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Wooden fences are a great touch to almost every home. They can provide security and privacy for your family, while still allowing for an attractive look. Wooden fences can be installed as a tall privacy fence or shorter picket fence, whichever is your preference. Fences using untreated lumber are usually expected to last about 7-12 years if maintained properly, while fences using pressure treated lumber have a life expectancy of about 30 years.

Installation
Fences must be properly installed. If you are unsure of how to install a fence yourself you should contact a professional for assistance. To avoid warping, make sure that your lumber has been adequately dried prior to installation. Posts are exposed to high levels of moisture from damp soil making them prone to rotting out quickly. It is recommended that a naturally moisture-resistant hardwood (such as Cedar) or pressure-treated lumber be used for posts to extend your fence's life. Posts are recommended to be installed at least 2-3 feet deep. Avoid galvanized nails if you live close to the ocean or any body of salt water. Adding a stain or paint finish will help to protect your fence's above ground structures.

Maintenance
Once your fence has been installed it is important to maintain the integrity of your fence. Organic growth, such as vines, should be removed to prevent damage to the wood and avoid any wood-damaging insects. Pressure washing your fence occassionally can become part of your maintenance routine. Take care to not pressure wash using more than 1,000 PSI from about 6-10 inches away. Make sure that your yard is free from standing water or drainage issues near your fence's posts to minimize risks of rotting. Keep any sprinkler systems aimed to avoid wetting the fence. If you notice any signs of defects, take the proper measures to address them quickly. Contact a professional if you are unsure of repairs. 

Water damage can wreck havoc on a house bringing rot and mold with it. Bathrooms are a common place for water damage to be  found. It is imperative to the health of your home and your family's health to minimize moisture; any leaking valves or plumbing issues should be addressed quickly.

Eliminate any signs of mold before they affect your family's health. Mold is attracted to moisture, by keeping your bathroom as dry as possible you keep mold spores from becoming attached. Wash towels, rugs, and fabric curtains often. Avoid using wallpaper in your bathroom as moisture can get stuck behind it allowing for mold growth to be hidden in the wall.

Leaking valves are a common cause of water damage in bathrooms. Leaking valves can cause rust and corrosion in your sinks, toilets, and showers. Make sure you know where all of your shut-off valves are in case of leaking or emergencies, including your main shut-off valve. In your bathroom there should be a shut-off valve behind each toilet.

Water damaged bathrooms are a common issue found within foreclosed or abandoned houses. Houses that have been left with water running for long periods of time while not being used or maintained run the risk of water damage running rampant. Repair costs for water damaged bathrooms can be very expensive.

Here are some tips to help maintain the health of your bathroom:

• Use exhaust fans that vent outside your home to remove moisture in the air.
• Allow for air circulation by keeping shower curtains and doors open after use.
• Regularly inspect and repair any leaks.
• Wipe up any spills around the shower, tub, or sink areas.
• Wash towels, curtains, and rugs often.
• Sanitize and disinfect toilet, sink, shower, and bath areas frequently.

The key to maintaining your bathroom is keeping all surfaces as dry as possible. Always contact a professional if you are unsure of completing any repairs yourself.

You may have come across a house that is missing handrails from the stairs either on the interior or exterior. Frequently, handrails are usually found missing from porches and decks.  Are handrails considered necessary for every set of stairs?

According to the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), interior or exterior staircases with 3 or more risers must have a handrail on at least one side. Handrails should not exceed a height of 38 inches or below 34 inches. Handrails should not project further than 4.5 inches on either side of the stairway.

It is important that the handrail is continuous through the entire flight. A handrail that consists of 2 or more pieces presents a risk that the handrail will fail causing damages or injuries. Remember to check your handrails regularly for any signs of defects such as looseness, rust, or rot. Be sure to also inspect the spindles for any defects. If you are unsure of how to manage the repairs, be sure to contact a professional.

You may have found yourself wondering if gutters on a home are really necessary and what exactly are they protecting? The truth is gutters can be crucial to protecting your home and extending its health.

Properly installed and working gutters are important in protecting your home from the following:

• Erosion, settling, or cracking to areas surrounding the house, gardens, sidewalks, or driveways.
• Foundation issues.
• Flooding risks underneath the house or within basements.
• Water damage to any exterior doors, garage doors and siding.

Gutters do take some work to maintain. Homeowners should always check to verify that their gutters are properly draining. Improper maintenance to your gutters can cause the following:

• Increase in mosquito breeding from standing water.
• Deterioration of gutters creating an increased risk for leaks and failures.
• Possible water damage to your home's roof, walls, or flooring.

Ivy crawling up the side of a house can create a very quaint and romantic look, but is it healthy for your home? While Ivy may not always cause issues to your home, it is always recommended to avoid it altogether.

Research completed by the Oxford University has found that ivy can act as a thermal barrier for your home and that it is not usually considered strong enough to cause any cracks in your home's exterior brick or wood. However, that doesn't make homes overtaken by ivy are cleared for any potential defects. 

Ivy growth that has found its way into existing cracks or holes will create damage to your home. Ivy growth can become quite heavy and will put pressure on any weakened structures such as gutters or fences. Ivy growth on wood surfaces, including fences, can seep into the cracks of the wood grain and cause rot. It can also harbor many pests, including insects known to destroy wood.