Has your Northern Virginia roof gotten to the point that you are considering a major repair or replacement? We all know it is better to deal with roof problems sooner than later to avoid unnecessary costs and/or damage to the home. We recommend obtaining help for a licensed, trained Northern Virginia roofing contractor. However, whether you are tackling a do-it-yourself project or hiring a professional, it pays to consider these five tips:

Tip #1 Make Safety a Priority

When it comes to any home improvement project, including Herndon roofing, safety should come first. There is no reason to climb onto your roof as soon as the leak occurs, especially if it is still raining or snowing. Adverse weather conditions can result in a slippery rooftop and can cause you to slip and fall, which of course can cause serious bodily harm or even death. Not worth it! Wait for Mother Nature to run her course before heading onto the roof to fix a leak. The dryer the conditions, the easier it will be to find the source of the leak and keep your footing while performing the fix.

Tip #2 Water the Roof to Uncover the Leak

The best way to find the leak is to hose down the roof until water begins to enter your home. Heed this warning: do not try this during the wintertime because the water can freeze, causing more damage to the roof, and even cause you to slip off the roof. Ouch!

Tip #3 Keep Your Gutters Clean

Gutters should be cleaned routinely to prevent the buildup of debris and leaves, which can cause water to remain on the roof and leak into the home. Either know how to do it yourself the right way, or hire a professional to take care of your gutters for you. This simple act can save you a lot of headache and hassle in the long run.

Tip #4 Prevent Herndon Roofing Dry Rot

If it is not ventilated properly, a roof can suffer from dry rot, regardless of whether there is water build-up or not. The expert installation of a ridge vent, will push cool air through the bottom of the roof and release hot air out through the top of the roof. This method can go a long way to prevent detrimental dry rot.

Tip #5 Check the Quality of Your Roof Installation

After a new roof has been installed, check the nails from the installation. Sometimes, a contractor will not completely nail down all of the nails, causing leaks in different areas. If you purchased the home after the roof installation and do not know the roof's history, it is wise to have an evaluation performed by a Northern Virginia roofing contractor who can help you to determine the age and health of your roof.

Visit http://www.roofingandmoreinc.com/blog/ for more information on Northern Virginia roofing tips and to reach professional Herndon roofing contractors who can help you with check-ups, repairs or roof replacement.