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FAQs

Get Answers to Some Frequently Asked Roofing Questions

A. While leaks are an obvious clue that your roof needs attention, the condition of the shingles will determine whether a repair or replacement is appropriate. When worn out, shingles sometimes curl, warp or lose granules and may have missing or damaged shingle tabs. Pay particular attention to any visible signs inside your home such as discoloration spots on the wall, loose wallpaper, peeling paint on the ceiling and drips.

A. We recommend a complete removal of the old roof system for homeowners seeking a replacement roof. While it is possible to re-roof or re-cover existing shingles (if there is only one layer), possible dry rot underneath the first layer would remain undetected. Additionally, placing a new layer of shingles over aging shingles may give the roof an uneven appearance. Since underlayments and flashings are not addressed you may also compromise the warranty.

A. Our estimators inspect the roof covering, drainage systems, flashing (around skylights, chimneys and vent pipes), ventilation systems and the roof’s rafters and trusses (if access to the attic is available). Click here for helpful information on the major components of your roof.

A. Yes. Please call us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced estimators. After our inspection, we will provide you with a written proposal detailing specifications, options and costs—many times before we leave your property.

A. Depending on the selection of roofing components, new shingle roofs are given a 25-year to limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty. In general, the validity of a manufacturer’s warranty is determined by the manufacturer’s specified roofing components which must be installed together—eave guard membrane, felt underlayment, starter strips, shingles ridge caps and roof ventilation system. You must choose an approved applicator who is certified to install materials according to manufacturer roofing guidelines in order to meet the requirements of their warranty.

The lifetime of a roof depends on several factors including its exposure to natural elements such as sun, rain, humidity, wind, snow and ice. These conditions will eventually age the roofing components. If you have a few roof shingles that are damaged or missing, this can have a cascading effect—weakening adjacent shingles and shortening the lifetime of the roof. Clogged gutters also pose major problems to roofing components. Gutters that do not drain properly will allow rain water to flow back onto the roof underneath good shingles possibly rotting the decking. Overflowing gutters will eventually cause problems along the fascia such as paint peeling, mildew and wood rot. To learn more about the benefits of gutter protection for replacement and existing home gutters, visit our Gutter Protection page. Inadequate roof ventilation can also reduce the lifetime of roofing components. Without sufficient attic ventilation, extreme temperature buildup will prematurely age the asphalt causing granules to come off and the shingles to curl. For more information on the importance of proper ventilation, visit our Ventilation Systems page.

A. A properly insulated attic and a well-ventilated roof will help you reduce heat loss and moisture condensation in the winter and heat retention in the summer enabling you to conserve energy. Adequate ventilation and insulation in your attic will also help reduce the possibility of ice dams from occurring caused by uneven roof temperatures and melting snow.

A. Melting snow often refreezes on the roof’s overhang where the surface is cooler, forming an ice dam. Ice dams block proper drainage into the gutter and can cause water to backup underneath roofing components triggering wood rot of decking and rafters. During heavy snow periods, an accumulation of snow, ice and water may clog downspouts and gutters, damaging them beyond repair or tearing them off the house. While there is no guarantee against ice dams forming, the following preventive measures will reduce your risk:

  • Make sure your attic has adequate insulation and check that insulation does not cover your soffit vents. If you don’t have soffit vents, consider adding them.
  • Install sufficient ventilation to expel heat and moisture. Ridge vents combined with soffit vents will improve attic air flow and validate most manufacturer’s shingle warranty requirements for ventilation.

A. We take every precaution to ensure that your home and surrounding areas are protected during our installation process. Please mark any underground sprinkler heads and make sure outdoor furniture is protected and barbecue equipment is covered. We are happy to assist in moving any items that you would like protected.

A. Typically, someone is home for window, door and skylight installations because we need to gain access to the inside of your residence. For most roofing, gutter and siding installations, you do not need to be home unless you want to. Installations can be noisy and messy while they are happening. If you have children, please make sure they remain inside during the installation. If you have pets, please keep them indoors. After the completion of the job, we will go over your property with a nail magnet to find and remove any remaining debris. We make every effort to leave your property in the same condition in which we found it. For roof installations, after the first rain, you will probably see shingle granules that wash out through the gutters which is a natural process. Nails may also wash out through the gutters so it is a good idea to check your yard for debris that may not have been visible to our crew at the time the job was completed. A properly insulated attic and a well-ventilated roof will help you reduce heat loss and moisture condensation in the winter and heat retention in the summer enabling you to conserve energy. Adequate ventilation and insulation in your attic will also help reduce the possibility of ice dams from occurring caused by uneven roof temperatures and melting snow.

A. Yes. For a $300 fee, we will inspect the roof and write a letter reporting its current condition and if any repairs are required. Please note that there is no warranty with this letter of inspection.

A. No. Under no circumstance should you allow anyone to power wash your roof. The granules on shingles protect them from ultraviolet radiation, and power washing will cause the granules to loosen and come off. If you are trying to remove algae, there are solutions you can try from home improvement stores to gently remove it.

A. If you ask us to clean your gutters during the process of a larger installation or repair we are happy to oblige. Because our roofing crews are technically trained, it is not cost effective for our customers to have us come to your home solely for the purpose of cleaning your gutters.

A. Yes. We hold a Virginia State Contractor’s License Class A 2701032098, as well as all local business licenses. We are fully insured with liability and worker’s compensation insurance and will gladly provide copies of both our license and insurance certificate. You may also view and print these items by visiting our Awards & Credentials page.

A. Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. We can’t take your Diner’s Club card but we do like checks. Financing is available subject to credit approval by the lending institution. Visit our Contact Us page for more information and the links to apply.

"Pond Roofing exceeded our expectations. Very professional and friendly."
5/5
David Salamone
"They have been my "go to" firm for roofing issues for over 20 years."
5/5
Frank Key
"We would highly recommend Pond Roofing for their high quality installation and price."
5/5
Jennifer Hines
"We had an excellent experience with Pond Roofing all around. Exceptional job!"
5/5
Diane DePallo
"If you want feel secure in your decision than go with Pond."
5/5
Michael Van Dyke

Why Choose Pond as Your Residential Roofing Contractor

We know that your home’s deteriorating roof may be causing you stress, but you can enjoy a worry-free experience when you place your project into our hands. We make roof replacements and repairs easy thanks to our detailed Pond Proven Process. Contact Pond Roofing & Exteriors today for an expert roofing solution for your home in Fairfax or elsewhere in Northern Virginia.

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