Exterior & Roofing: questions, answered with sources
Each answer cites the public sources it was checked against, with the date it checked them. Jobs that need a licensed pro in Virginia say so, and explain the job instead of teaching it.
Concrete & Masonry
5 answers
How do I repoint old brick mortar?
Fix whatever is wetting the wall first, then rake out the loose mortar by hand to about two to two and a half times the joint's width, rinse the joints, and pack in a mortar no harder than the old one in thin layers, tooling each when it is thumbprint hard. Work only on walls you can reach from the ground, and stop for bulging brick or chimneys.
How much does brick repointing cost in Virginia?
There is no standard or official price for brick repointing in Virginia; the number is whatever a written quote says. It is mostly hand labour, so the price moves with how many feet of joint need work, whether it is scattered or one area, how high the wall is, how hard the old mortar is to match, and whether bricks need replacing.
Should I hire a mason or a general contractor for brick repairs?
For repointing, replacing bricks or rebuilding a small section, hire a mason directly, since the skill of the person on the wall matters most. For work valued at $1,000 or more, check the company has a Virginia contractor's licence covering masonry. Bring in a general contractor when the brick repair is part of a bigger job, and a structural engineer first when cracks suggest the wall or foundation is moving.
Why is my brick wall cracking?
Brick walls crack when something moves and the brick cannot: the brick itself expanding with heat and moisture, a foundation settling, a steel lintel sagging or rusting over a window, or water getting in. The shape and place of the crack usually tell you which. Wide, stair-step, tapering or growing cracks are a job for an engineer.
Should I seal exterior brick?
Usually not. Sound brick with good mortar, working gutters and intact caulk resists rain without a sealer, and the wrong coating can trap water and salts that spall the brick. Fix those first. If water still soaks through months later, a breathable siloxane or silane water repellent on the problem area only may help; avoid film-forming sealers and paint-like coatings.
Deck Building
5 answers
What does building a deck involve?
A new deck in Virginia is a permitted structure. It starts with a plan and a plot plan the county reviews, then a Miss Utility locate, footings dug to solid ground and inspected, posts, beams and joists, a ledger bolted and flashed to the house, then decking, guards and stairs, with a framing and a final inspection. A licensed contractor normally handles all of it.
How much does it cost to build a deck in Virginia?
There is no single Virginia price. A deck is priced on its size and height, how it is supported, the decking and railing materials, stairs, any wiring, and county permit fees, which in Loudoun were $265 for a typical deck under 1,000 square feet when we checked in October 2026. Get at least three itemized written quotes from licensed builders and compare them line by line.
Do you need a permit to build a deck in Virginia?
Yes, in practice. Virginia's building code requires a permit to construct a structure, and its list of work exempt from permits does not include decks. Henrico and Loudoun counties say a permit is required for all decks, and inspectors check the footings, the framing and the finished deck. For repairs to an existing deck, ask your building department.
How do I know if my deck ledger board is failing?
Warning signs are a ledger or deck pulling away from the house, a gap or tilt at the wall, rusted or missing bolts, a ledger held only with nails, soft or dark wood at the ledger or the house's band board, and no flashing above it. If you see any of them, stay off the deck and have a licensed contractor inspect it.
How long does a wood deck last?
It varies widely. Fairfax County's building official says a deck built and inspected to code and properly maintained should last 20 years or more, while neglected decks wear out sooner. The frame, the boards and the fasteners age at different rates, so how long yours lasts depends on the lumber, the build, water and regular finishing and inspection.
Deck Staining & Sealing
5 answers
How do I stain a deck?
Use a penetrating, oil-based semitransparent deck stain rather than paint or solid-color stain, which tend to peel on decks. Check and clean the deck, let it dry completely, then brush the stain along two or three boards at a time, keeping a wet edge. Put on only what the wood absorbs, and wipe off anything still shiny after about an hour.
How much does deck staining cost in Virginia?
There is no official or standard price for deck staining in Virginia, so the real number is a written quote. What moves it most: the size of the deck and how much railing and stair it has, how much cleaning or stripping the old finish needs, the type of stain, how many coats, and any repairs. Compare several written quotes for the same described work.
Should I stain my deck myself or hire someone?
Staining a sound, ground-level deck with a penetrating stain is a reasonable weekend job for most homeowners: clean it, let it dry, brush on thin coats and wipe off the excess. Hire a licensed business when old paint or solid-color stain has to be stripped, the deck is high or has a lot of railing, the house predates 1978, or the deck needs repairs.
Why is my deck stain peeling?
Deck stain peels when it has formed a film on top of the wood instead of soaking in. That happens with solid-color stains and paint, with many waterborne semitransparent stains, when too much stain was applied, and when a film went onto wet or sun-weathered wood. The fix is to remove the film and switch to a penetrating stain, or commit to a film finish and its upkeep.
How often should a deck be stained or sealed?
Plan on every two to three years for a semitransparent stain on newer, smooth deck boards, and every three to six years on weathered or rough boards; clear and lightly tinted sealers usually need redoing every year or two. Let the deck tell you: when water soaks in instead of beading up, or mildew and graying show, it is time.
Decks & Fences
5 answers
How do I fix a leaning fence post?
Find out why it leans first. A sound post that has tipped in soft soil can usually be dug out on one side, pushed plumb, braced and set again with fresh concrete. A post that has rotted or snapped at the ground line has to be replaced instead. Either way, Virginia law requires a free 811 locate request before you dig.
Is a composite deck or a wood fence worth the extra cost in Virginia?
Composite decking is worth it mainly if you would otherwise refinish a wood deck every few years and plan to stay; it costs more to build and still sits on a wood frame. A wood board fence costs more than wire to build and maintain, and buys privacy and looks. On either job, the money that matters most goes into ground-contact posts.
Should I hire a fence company or a deck builder for my yard?
Hire for the hardest part of the job. A deck is a permitted structure with footings, framing and inspections, so a builder who regularly pulls deck permits should lead it. A fence usually needs no building permit, only local zoning approval, which a fence company handles routinely. Above $1,000, either one needs a Virginia contractor's licence, so check it with DPOR.
Why is my wood fence rotting at the bottom?
Because the bottom stays wet. Decay fungi need moisture, mild temperatures and air, and wood at the soil line, under mulch or in sprinkler spray rarely dries out. Boards touching the ground, untreated sapwood, posts not treated for ground contact and bare cut ends rot first. Find which parts are soft, fix the water, then replace what has rotted.
How do I make a wood fence last longer?
Keep it dry and keep it finished. Use posts treated for ground contact, keep soil, mulch and sprinkler spray off the wood, seal cut ends and post tops, and refinish before the old finish wears through: a semitransparent stain lasts about 4 to 8 years on rough or weathered wood, a clear water repellent 1 to 3. Check the posts at the ground line every year.
Downspouts & Drainage
5 answers
How do I extend a downspout away from my foundation?
Fit an elbow at the bottom of the downspout and attach a solid extension pipe that carries the water at least 5 feet from the house, ideally 10, onto ground that slopes away. End it on a splash block or stones. A buried line works too, but in Virginia you submit a locate request to Virginia 811 before you dig.
How much does it cost to bury downspouts in Virginia?
Burying downspouts is priced job by job. The number of downspouts, the length and depth of each trench, what the line drains into and what is in the way set the cost, so compare itemized written quotes. For scale, Virginia Cooperative Extension put above-ground extensions at $25 to $100 per downspout in June 2024.
Who installs underground downspout drains?
Landscape and drainage contractors do most buried downspout lines, and many gutter companies and home improvement contractors do them too. In Virginia, a job over $1,000 needs a business with a DPOR contractor licence whose specialty fits the work. Whoever you hire should submit the Virginia 811 locate request, use solid pipe sloped away from the house, and sign a written contract.
Why is water pooling near my foundation?
Usually because roof water is landing at the wall or the ground no longer slopes away. Overflowing gutters, downspouts that empty within a few feet of the house, a clogged buried downspout line, and soil that has settled into a dip along the foundation are the common causes. Water that stays for months, even in dry weather, points to a leak or high groundwater instead.
How do I keep downspouts from clogging?
Keep leaves out of the gutters, where downspout clogs usually start: clean them at least once a year, more often under trees, and fit a strainer or guard at each outlet. Clear the bottom elbow when it slows, check extensions and buried lines for crushing or blockage, and consider larger downspouts where clogs keep coming back.
Driveway Sealing
5 answers
How do I seal an asphalt driveway?
Wait until the asphalt is old enough for your sealer's label and the forecast gives you a warm, dry day and night. Trim, sweep and wash the driveway, scrub out oil spots, fill cracks up to half an inch wide, then squeegee on two thin coats, the second at right angles to the first, and keep cars off for a day or two.
How much does driveway sealing cost in Virginia?
There is no fixed Virginia rate. The price follows the driveway's square footage, how much crack filling and patching it needs, how many coats go on and how much hand work the edges take. Doing it yourself costs the sealer, about one 5-gallon pail per 300 to 350 square feet per coat, plus tools. For a hired job, compare three written quotes.
Should I seal my driveway myself or hire someone?
Seal it yourself if the asphalt is sound, with only narrow cracks, the driveway is fairly flat and short, and you can keep cars off it for a day or two. Hire a licensed sealcoating business for a long or steep drive, a surface with wide cracks or potholes, or when you want spray application with sand in the mix.
Why is my asphalt driveway cracking?
Most driveway cracks come from age and weather: asphalt hardens and shrinks over the years, and daily heating and cooling splits it into lines and blocks. A pattern of small, many-sided pieces where the tyres run is different. That is fatigue from repeated loads, usually over a weak base, and it needs repair, not just sealer.
How often should an asphalt driveway be sealed?
Reseal when the old coat has worn through, not on a fixed calendar. Applicators commonly recommend every 1 to 5 years. The signs are grey patches where the black coat has worn off, a gritty surface and new hairline cracks. Seal a new driveway only after the cure time on the sealer's label.
Entry & Storm Doors
5 answers
How do I install a storm door?
Check that the trim around your entry door is solid and deep enough, measure the opening at three widths and one height, and buy the size that fits. Then fasten the hinge rail to the door, set the door on the sill, screw the hinge rail, rain cap and latch rail to the trim, and finish with the sweep, handle and closer, following your door's own guide.
How much does a new front door cost installed in Virginia?
There is no single Virginia price: the total depends on the door's material and glass, whether it is a slab or a pre-hung unit, how much rot the installer finds in the sill and jamb, the lockset, finishing and any storm door. Get written quotes that itemize each of those, and check the licence: DPOR says work valued at $1,000 or more needs a valid Virginia contractor's licence.
Should I hire a contractor or a handyman to replace an exterior door?
In Virginia the law looks at the work and the contract value, not the job title. DPOR says work valued at $1,000 or more requires a valid Virginia contractor's licence, usually with the home improvement specialty. Any job that changes the framed opening or touches a structural component needs a permit and a contractor who does structural work.
Why is my front door hard to lock?
Usually the deadbolt is fine and the door is out of line: the bolt rubs on the strike plate because the door has sagged on loose hinges, the house has settled, or the door swells in humid weather. Thick weatherstripping and a shallow bolt hole cause the same drag. If the bolt is stiff even with the door open, the lock itself needs attention.
How often should a wood front door be refinished?
Refinish it when the finish shows wear, not on a fixed date, and check it at least once a year. A clear finish on a door in harsh sun may last barely a year; a painted door, or one under a deep porch roof, lasts years longer. Refresh at the first hairline cracks or dullness, before the finish peels and has to be stripped.
Exterior Painting
5 answers
How do I prep a house for exterior painting?
Fix the water problems and rotted wood first, then wash off dirt, chalk and mildew and let the house dry. Scrape loose paint back to a firm edge, sand bare and weathered wood, prime bare spots quickly, and caulk open joints. If the house was built before 1978, treat the old paint as lead paint and keep the work wet and contained.
How much does it cost to paint the exterior of a house in Virginia?
There is no reliable statewide price, because an exterior repaint is mostly labour and the labour depends on the house. The biggest drivers are how much scraping and repair the paint needs, the size and height of the walls, how many coats go on, trim detail, and lead-safe work on a pre-1978 house. Compare two or three itemised written quotes.
Does a painter need to be lead-safe certified to work on an older house?
Yes, if the house was built before 1978 and the painter is paid to disturb paint. Scraping and sanding count. Under the EPA's Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which EPA runs directly in Virginia, the firm must be lead-safe certified and a certified renovator must direct the work, unless the paint is documented lead-free or the job disturbs 20 square feet or less outside.
Why is my exterior paint peeling?
Most often because water is getting into the wood behind the paint, from gutters, failed caulk, flashing, shrubs or moisture inside the house. Other common causes are paint put on dirty or chalky old paint, bare wood left weathering before it was primed, too many old layers, and paint applied too thin. Where and how it peels points to which one.
How often should a house exterior be painted?
Repaint when the paint stops protecting the wood, not on a fixed calendar. A good primer and two topcoats on sound wood can last 10 to 20 years, solid-color stain 6 to 15, and sunny walls wear out well before shaded ones. Check the house every spring, wash off dirt and mildew, and touch up cracks and peeling before they spread.
Fence Installation
6 answers
How do I set a fence post in concrete?
Request a Virginia 811 locate first, then dig a hole about three times the post's width and a third of its length deep, plus 6 inches. Tamp the bottom, add 6 inches of gravel, set and brace the post plumb, pour fast-setting concrete dry to 3 to 4 inches below grade, add water, and backfill with soil once it sets.
How much does a fence cost in Virginia?
No Virginia agency publishes fence prices, so the real number comes from written quotes on your own fence line. The price is driven by total length, height, material, the number of gates and corners, the ground, removal of an old fence, and any zoning permit or survey your locality requires. Get at least three bids on identical specifications.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Virginia?
Usually not a building permit: Virginia's building code exempts fences of any height unless the fence is a swimming pool barrier or is required for pedestrian safety. Local zoning still applies, though. Your county or city sets height limits, and some, such as Prince William County and Virginia Beach, require zoning approval or a zoning permit before you build.
Do you need a permit for a fence in Virginia?
Usually not a building permit. Virginia's building code exempts fences of any height, unless the fence is a swimming pool barrier or is required for pedestrian safety. Your city or county's zoning rules still apply: they limit height, often to 42 inches or four feet in a front yard, and some localities, such as Prince William County and Colonial Heights, require zoning approval or a fence permit.
Why are my new fence posts leaning?
New fence posts usually lean because the holes are too shallow or too narrow, the concrete had not set when the braces came off, the backfill was not tamped, or the soil is loose, wet or prone to frost heave. Wind on a solid fence and the weight of a gate add steady sideways force. Most single posts can be dug out and reset.
How long does a wood fence last?
A wood fence lasts about as long as its posts. Virginia Cooperative Extension gives treated southern pine posts 25 to 30 years and untreated southern pine only 3 to 7. Boards and rails above ground usually outlast posts that are not rated for ground contact. Keeping soil, mulch and sprinkler water off the wood, and treating cut ends, adds years.
Fence Repair
5 answers
How do I fix a sagging fence gate?
Find what moved first. Most sagging wood gates have loose hinge screws, a frame that has racked out of square, or a hinge post that leans. Tighten or upsize the hinge screws, prop the latch side until the frame is square, then hold it there with corner brackets, a diagonal brace or an anti-sag cable. A leaning hinge post has to be reset first.
How much does fence repair cost in Virginia?
It depends on what failed. Replacing a few boards or a loose rail is a small job, while new posts, a rebuilt gate or a storm-flattened run cost far more because of digging, concrete, materials and labor. The reliable way to price it is two or three written quotes on the same scope that list posts, materials, haul-away and any permit.
Who is responsible for a fence between neighbors in Virginia?
Under Virginia's division fence law, neighbors share the cost of building and keeping up a fence between their lands equally, unless one lets their land lie open or they agree otherwise. When an existing shared fence falls into disrepair, either owner can give written notice; if the other does not repair their half within 30 days, the first can repair it and recover half the cost.
Why is my fence leaning after a storm?
A storm finds the weakest part of a fence. Most often that is posts already rotting at the ground line, footings too small for soaked soil, or a tree or limb that landed on the run. Look at the posts at the ground first: a sound post that tipped can usually be reset, while a rotted or snapped one has to be replaced.
How do I keep a fence gate from sagging?
Hang the gate on a stiff, well-set hinge post, keep its frame square with a diagonal brace running from the bottom hinge corner up to the latch side or an anti-sag cable, use strong coated hinges with long screws, and keep the wood off wet ground. Then check it each spring and fall: tighten screws and adjust the hinges or turnbuckle before the latch starts to drag.
Flat & Low-Slope Roofing
5 answers
What kinds of flat roof systems are there?
Most flat and low-slope roofs on Virginia houses are one of four families: built-up roofing (layers of asphalt and felt, often under gravel), modified bitumen sheets, single-ply membranes (EPDM rubber, TPO or PVC), or a liquid-applied coating or spray foam. They differ in how seams are made, how they are installed, and how long they tend to last.
How much does a flat roof replacement cost in Virginia?
There is no reliable Virginia average. The price depends on the roof's area and access, whether the old layers come off, how much wet insulation or rotten decking turns up, whether tapered insulation is needed to fix ponding, the membrane you choose, and any permit or asbestos testing. Compare at least three itemized written quotes from licensed roofers.
Should I hire a commercial roofer for a flat roof on my house?
Often, yes: low-slope membranes are what commercial roofers install every day. In Virginia, though, check the licence. A roofing specialty licence covers roofs on any building, but a company holding only a commercial building licence cannot work on houses, and its customers cannot claim from the state's recovery fund. Ask about membrane experience, warranty approval and residential contract terms too.
Why is water pooling on my flat roof?
Water pools on a flat roof when it cannot reach a drain, scupper or edge: a drain or gutter is clogged with leaves, the roof was built with too little slope, the deck or framing has sagged, insulation has been crushed or soaked, or a curb or chimney blocks the flow. Water still standing 48 hours after rain needs a roofer's look.
How do I keep debris from damaging a flat roof?
Stop debris arriving, and have it cleared before it does harm. Keep overhanging branches cut back, store nothing on the roof, and have a roofer inspect and clear drains, scuppers and gutters twice a year, usually spring and fall, and after big storms. Limit foot traffic with walkways and keep grease and chemicals off the membrane.
Gutter Cleaning
5 answers
How do I clean gutters safely from a ladder?
Work from a sound ladder on firm, level ground, never the roof, and only on single-storey eaves. Set the base out a quarter of the height to where the ladder rests, have someone foot it, climb facing it with three points of contact, stay off the top two rungs, and keep clear of wires. Scoop debris into a bucket, move the ladder often, then flush each downspout.
How much does gutter cleaning cost in Virginia?
There is no official or standard price for gutter cleaning in Virginia, so the real number is a written quote. What moves it: how high the gutters are, how many feet of gutter and how many downspouts you have, how full they are, whether guards must come off, and whether flushing, haul-away and small repairs are included. Get several written quotes that list the same work.
Is it worth paying for gutter cleaning?
Usually yes when the gutters are above one storey, wires run near the eaves, the ground below is steep or soft, or you are not steady on a ladder. On single-storey eaves over firm, level ground with a sound ladder, doing it yourself is reasonable. Not cleaning at all is the costly choice: overflowing gutters soak the soil along the foundation and erode the drip line.
Why are my gutters overflowing?
Usually because something is blocked: leaves and grit in the gutter, or a plug in the outlet or downspout. If the gutters are clean and still spill in an ordinary rain, the cause is the system itself: gutters or downspouts too small for the roof, too few downspouts, a gutter that has lost its slope or sags between hangers, or, in winter, ice and snow.
How often should gutters be cleaned?
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District, in Fairfax County, advises at least once a year, and more often if trees grow close to the house. Plan the main cleaning for late fall, after most leaves are down, and clean sooner whenever you see water spilling over, streaks on the gutter face, or standing water in the gutter.
Gutter Guards
5 answers
How do I install gutter guards?
On a single-storey eave you can install most DIY gutter guards from a ladder. Clean and flush the gutters, fix leaks, then cut and bend the sections on the ground. Fasten each one to the gutter's front lip with screws or tape and to the fascia or the back of the gutter, so you never lift the shingles. Then check the fit and test with a hose.
How much do gutter guards cost in Virginia?
No Virginia agency publishes gutter guard prices. The price comes down to the guard type, total feet of gutter, storeys, corners and valleys, the gutters' condition and whether labour is warranted. Get three written, itemized quotes for the same product and footage, and remember that a sale solicited at your home can be cancelled until midnight of the third business day after you sign.
Are gutter guards worth the money?
Often, if trees drop leaves or needles on your roof and cleaning the gutters is hard or risky for you. Guards reduce how often gutters need clearing but do not end it, they will not fix gutters that are undersized or failing, and Gutterglove's warranty, for one, leaves unclogging the mesh to the owner. They pay off most on wooded lots and tall houses, and least on open lots.
Why do my gutter guards keep clogging?
Usually because debris sits on top where wind cannot clear it, below roof valleys and in sheltered corners, or because the guard is too flat. Sap, moss and mildew can also build up on the mesh. Gaps at joints and ends, clogged downspout strainers and undersized gutters cause the rest. Brush the top, check the fit, and flush the downspouts.
How do I maintain gutter guards?
Check the guards from the ground periodically and after big storms, and brush debris off the top with a gutter guard brush on an extension pole, paying most attention to roof valleys and sheltered corners. About once a year, look under a section, clear the downspout strainers and flush the system with a hose. Refit loose sections, and watch for ice in winter.
Gutter Install & Repair
5 answers
How do I adjust gutters so they drain properly?
Clean the gutter, find the low spots with a hose, then reset the hangers so the whole run falls steadily toward the downspout, at least 1/16 inch per foot of run. Fill any gaps in hanger spacing so the gutter is less likely to sag again, and extend the downspout so the water lands at least 5 feet from the foundation.
How much do new gutters cost in Virginia?
There is no standard Virginia price: new gutters are usually quoted by the foot, and the total depends on how many feet you have, the material and size, how many downspouts and corners, how high the eaves are, and whether old gutters or rotten fascia come off first. Measure, then compare at least three written, itemized bids for the same specification.
Are seamless gutters worth it?
Usually, if you are paying someone to install new gutters anyway. Seamless gutters are formed on site in one piece per run, so the only joints are at corners and outlets, which leaves fewer places to leak or pull apart. Sectional gutters come in lengths a homeowner can join and replace one at a time, but every joint is sealed by hand and has to stay sealed.
Why are my gutters pulling away from the house?
Usually because the fasteners have lost their grip: old spikes work loose, hangers are too far apart, or the fascia board behind them has rotted. Weight finishes the job, from wet leaves, standing water, snow and ice, or a ladder leaned on the gutter. Sound wood with loose hangers is a ladder fix; soft or rotten fascia is a repair for a pro.
How long do aluminum gutters last?
No official source gives a single number. The metal itself rarely wears out; seams, hangers and fascia usually give out first, and dents from ladders and branches shorten its life. One coil maker, Englert, backs its gutter finish with a 20-year limited warranty on installations done to its specifications. Upkeep is the part you control: clean gutters, tight hangers, sound fascia and no ladders leaned on them.
Metal Roofing
5 answers
How is a metal roof installed over shingles?
A roofer first checks that the old roof can stay: usually one flat layer of shingles over a sound deck, with local code allowing a recover. The metal then goes on in one of three ways: over wood furring strips fastened through to the structure, directly through the shingles over a separation layer, or on a manufacturer's clip-and-panel recover system. New flashing and trim finish the job.
How much does a metal roof cost in Virginia?
There is no current, published Virginia price list for metal roofs, so the honest answer is a written quote for your house. The price is set by the panel type (exposed-fastener screw-down panels cost least, standing seam most), roof size, pitch and complexity, the paint system, tear-off or recover, deck repairs, flashing and local labor. Get three itemized bids.
Is a metal roof worth it in Virginia?
Often, if you plan to stay in the house for a long time. A well-specified metal roof costs more than shingles up front but can outlast two or more shingle roofs, sheds snow and resists wind. It is a weaker deal if you will sell soon, or if the bid uses thin galvanized steel, economy paint or an installer with little metal experience.
Why is my metal roof making popping noises?
Popping, ticking or banging from a metal roof is usually thermal movement: steel panels grow and shrink as the sun heats them and the air cools them. A roof built to let the panels slide stays fairly quiet; one where clips, screws, tight trim or insulation hold the panels back makes noise. Loose screws and wavy, oil-canned panels can add to it.
Does a metal roof need maintenance?
Yes, though far less than shingles. Panel makers advise a yearly inspection and gentle cleaning, clear valleys and gutters, and a check of screws, seams, flashing and sealant, with a contractor's closer look about every two years. Screw-down roofs need their fasteners watched and eventually replaced. Many warranties require upkeep, so keep records, and leave the roof work to a roofer.
Pressure Washing
5 answers
How do I pressure wash vinyl siding without damaging it?
Read your siding maker's care instructions first, because some, such as CertainTeed, advise against power washing vinyl at all. Where a pressure washer is allowed, fit the widest, gentlest nozzle, stand about 4 feet back, never spray upward behind the laps, apply cleaner from the bottom up, rinse from the top down, and work only from the ground.
How much does pressure washing siding cost in Virginia?
There is no official or standard price for washing siding in Virginia, so the number that counts is a written quote. It moves with the size and height of the house, the siding material and the method it allows, how much mildew or algae there is, extra surfaces such as a porch or driveway, and lead-safe precautions on a pre-1978 painted house.
Should I pressure wash my house myself or hire someone?
Wash it yourself if the house is one storey, your siding maker allows the method, and the paint is not old and flaking. Hire a company for any wall you would need a ladder to reach, for heavy growth across a large house, and for painted siding on a pre-1978 home, where paid crews must be lead-safe certified.
Why is my siding turning green?
Green on siding is usually algae or mildew growing on a film of dirt where the wall stays damp: shaded and north-facing walls, behind shrubs, under eaves and porch roofs, and below overflowing gutters. Vinyl itself resists mildew, so a gentle wash with a siding cleaner removes it, and drying out the wall keeps it from coming back.
How often should I pressure wash my house?
Plan on washing the siding about once a year, and it does not have to be a pressure wash. CertainTeed recommends cleaning its siding once a year, and James Hardie suggests a garden-hose rinse every 6 to 12 months. Shaded, damp walls may need a second rinse; use the gentlest method your siding maker allows, every time.
Roof Inspection
5 answers
What does a roof inspection include?
A roof inspection checks the roof covering, the flashing around chimneys, skylights and vents, the gutters and downspouts, the attic ventilation, and the roof framing, sheathing and insulation seen from the attic. In Virginia, a licensed home inspector must describe each of these in writing, say how the roof covering was inspected, and explain anything that could not be inspected.
How much does a roof inspection cost in Virginia?
There is no set Virginia price. The cost depends on who inspects (a home inspector as part of a whole-house report, or a roofer bidding on repairs), the roof's size, height, steepness and material, whether the attic and photos are included, and how detailed the report is. A Virginia home inspector's written contract must state the cost before the work begins.
When should I get a roof inspection?
Get a roof inspection in spring and fall as routine upkeep, after hail or a severe windstorm, when you buy or sell a house, when a ceiling stain or attic leak appears, and more often once the roof is getting old. Hire a licensed roofer or home inspector rather than climbing up yourself.
What does a roof inspector look for after a storm?
After a storm, a roof inspector looks for missing, lifted or creased shingles from wind, bruises and lost granules from hail, punctures from limbs and debris, loose or bent flashing around chimneys and vents, damaged gutters, and signs inside the attic that water is already getting in. They also photograph the damage, which your insurer will want to see before final repairs.
How often should a roof be inspected?
Twice a year is the common recommendation: a professional inspection in the spring, so repairs can be made in warm weather, and another in the fall before winter. Add an inspection after any severe hail or windstorm, and watch more closely once the roof is near the end of its expected life. Between visits, look from the ground with binoculars and check the attic with a flashlight.
Roof Repair
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When can a roof be repaired instead of replaced?
A roof can usually be repaired when the damage sits in one area and the rest of the roof is sound: a few wind-lifted or punctured shingles, a leaking flashing, or nails that have backed out. Replacement is the honest answer when the decking is rotted, the roof sags, the shingles are too distorted to lie flat, or the wear is spread across the whole surface.
How much does roof repair cost in Virginia?
Roof repair prices in Virginia depend on the job more than on any average: how much of the roof is damaged, the material, how steep and high the roof is, whether flashing or decking has to be replaced, and whether a temporary fix comes first. Get at least three written, itemized quotes from licensed roofers, and limit the deposit to 10 percent or $1,000, whichever is less.
How do I avoid roofing scams after a storm in Virginia?
Hire a roofer you contacted yourself and checked on DPOR's License Lookup, insist on a signed written contract, and pay as the work is done: 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less, and never cash. Be wary of door-to-door offers, pressure to sign today and requests to sign your insurance check over. Virginia law usually lets you cancel a door-to-door sale within three business days.
Why does my roof leak only when it rains hard?
A leak that shows up only in heavy or wind-driven rain usually means water is being pushed sideways or backing up, not dripping through an open hole. The usual causes are worn flashing at a chimney, vent or wall, shingle edges lifted by wind, a section pitched too low for shingles, and gutters or roof edges that overflow. A roofer can trace which from where the stain appears.
How can I check my roof for damage from the ground?
Walk around the house with binoculars after big storms and in spring and fall, looking for cracked, curled, lifted or missing shingles, bare patches where granules have worn off, loose flashing at chimneys and vents, a sagging roofline and branches on the roof. Then check the attic with a flashlight for stains or wet spots. Stay off the roof; anything up close is a roofer's job.
Roofing
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What happens during a roof replacement?
The crew takes the old roof off down to the wood deck, replaces any rotten decking, then puts down underlayment, an ice barrier where the code calls for one, new flashing, vents and shingles. The job ends with cleanup and, where a permit was pulled, a final inspection. Before any of it, Virginia requires a signed written contract.
How much does a new roof cost in Virginia?
There is no single Virginia price. The total depends on the roof's size and steepness, how many old layers come off, how much rotten decking turns up, the shingle line, flashing, vents and ice barrier, and whether a permit is needed. Get at least three itemized written quotes from licensed roofers and compare them line by line.
Do you need a permit to replace a roof in Virginia?
For a house, often not. Virginia's building code exempts replacing any amount of roof covering on one- and two-family homes and townhouses, unless the house is in an area where the nominal design wind speed is over 100 mph. Replacing more than 256 square feet of decking, structural repairs, and work in historic districts or flood zones can still need one.
How do I know if I need a new roof?
Age and widespread wear are the main signs. Shingle roofs are generally rated for 15 to 30 years, so one in or past that range deserves an inspection. From the ground, look for cracked, curled or missing shingles and heavy granule loss; in the attic, look for stains or wet spots on the deck. Sagging, soft decking or wear across the whole roof points to replacement.
How long does a roof last in Virginia?
A 2000 U.S. Forest Service overview puts 3-tab fiberglass shingles at 15 to 25 years and architectural shingles at 20 to 30, the most common house roofs; standing-seam steel, tile and slate last longer. Sun, wind, ice and poor attic ventilation shorten a roof's life, while clean gutters, trimmed trees and regular professional inspections help it reach its full age.
Screens & Screen Repair
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How do I rescreen a window screen?
Take the screen out and lay it flat, pull out the old rubber spline and torn mesh, then lay new mesh over the frame and press fresh spline into the groove with a spline roller, working around the frame and into each corner. Trim the extra mesh with a utility knife cutting toward the outside edge of the groove, and pop the screen back in.
How much does it cost to rescreen a window or porch in Virginia?
Doing it yourself mostly costs the mesh, spline and a roller: in a March 2023 Phifer guide, a 100-foot roll of 48-inch standard fiberglass started at $75. A hired job adds labour, and the total depends on how many screens or porch panels there are, the mesh you pick, how the screen is fastened, access, and any frame repairs. Get written quotes on identical specifications.
Should I rescreen my porch myself or hire someone?
Do it yourself if the porch is at ground level, the mesh sits in spline grooves or simple wood trim, the framing is sound, and you have a helper. Hire someone if the panels are high off the ground, the wood is rotted, there are many large panels, or you want to change the porch itself. For a job over $1,000, check the business's Virginia contractor licence.
How do I keep window screens from tearing?
Most screen tears come from pets, children, wind, rough cleaning and old, sun-worn mesh. Check screens every spring, patch small holes before they spread, clean them gently with a hose or soft brush, keep the clips and tracks working so screens are not forced, and switch to pet-resistant mesh where a dog or cat pushes on them.
Shutters & Exterior Trim
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How do I replace rotted exterior trim?
Probe the trim to find how far the rot goes, then remove only what is soft. A small spot can be filled with exterior epoxy or a spliced-in patch; a board that is soft through gets replaced. Prime every face and cut end before it goes up, nail it with stainless or hot-dipped galvanized nails, caulk, paint, and fix the leak that caused it.
How much does it cost to replace exterior trim in Virginia?
It depends on how much trim is involved, how far hidden rot has spread, how high the work is, the material, and whether old paint must be handled lead-safely. In Virginia, any contractor taking a job over $1,000 needs a state licence, so get at least three written bids on the same scope and ask how extra rot will be priced.
Should I hire a carpenter or a painter to fix exterior trim?
Probe the trim with a screwdriver. If the wood is sound and only the paint or caulk is failing, a painter is the right call. If the wood is soft, split, loose or missing, you need a carpenter first, then paint soon after. In Virginia, a contractor taking a job over $1,000 needs a licence covering that work.
Why is the paint on my window trim cracking?
Usually because the paint can no longer move with the wood. Many old layers turn hard and brittle and craze, water gets in at sills, joints and end grain and swells the wood, or the wood itself checks along the grain, at knots or at finger joints. Find the water and any rot first, then remove paint back to a sound layer and repaint.
How do I keep exterior trim from rotting?
Keep water out of the wood and let it dry. Inspect the trim every spring, keep paint and caulk intact, seal any exposed end grain, keep gutters flowing and plants off the walls, and make sure trim ends do not sit on sills, steps or roofs. When a piece is replaced, prime every face first or use a material that does not absorb water.
Siding
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How do I replace a damaged piece of vinyl siding?
Unhook the panel above the damaged one with a zip tool, pull the nails from the damaged panel and slide it out, then lock a matching panel onto the course below. Nail it loosely in the centre of the slots, leave room at the trim for expansion, and zip the panel above back down over it. Ground-level panels are a one-hour job.
How much does new siding cost in Virginia?
There is no single Virginia price; it depends on how many squares of wall you have, the siding you choose, whether old siding comes off, how much rotten sheathing turns up, how high the walls are, and lead-safe rules on pre-1978 houses. Most Virginia houses need no permit for re-siding. Get three written bids on the same specification and compare them line by line.
What should I look for in a siding contractor?
Look for a Virginia contractor's licence in the right class for the job's price, checked on DPOR's lookup; local references and finished jobs you can see; a crew that follows the siding maker's installation instructions; EPA lead-safe certification on a pre-1978 house; and a written contract that names the products, tear-off, rot repair, payments and a workmanship warranty.
Why is my vinyl siding buckling?
Vinyl buckles when it cannot move as it expands in the heat. The usual causes are nails driven tight or off-centre, panels with no gap at the trim, caulked joints, shutters or downspout straps screwed tight through the siding, an uneven wall behind it, or heat from a grill or a reflecting window. Loosening the nails fixes most; heat-warped panels need replacing.
How long does vinyl siding last?
Decades. A federal life-cycle study modelled vinyl siding with a 40-year useful life and noted that many makers warrant it for 50 years or longer, some as a lifetime warranty that becomes prorated when the house changes hands. How long yours lasts depends mostly on how well it was installed, how much sun and heat it takes, and whether it is kept clean and repaired.
Skylights
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What does installing a skylight involve?
Installing a skylight means opening the roof between the rafters or reframing it, mounting and flashing the unit so it sheds water, then finishing the ceiling, often with a drywall light shaft through the attic. The rooftop and interior work together take half a day to three days. Because it changes the roof structure, expect a building permit and hire a licensed contractor.
How much does it cost to install a skylight in Virginia?
No public Virginia price list exists, but VELUX's national estimates, when we checked on October 26, 2026, ran from $2,800 to $5,000 for a new fixed skylight installed and $3,900 to $7,150 for a new solar-powered venting one, with sun tunnels from $880. Roof pitch, ceiling height, the light shaft and local permit fees move the final price.
Should I replace my skylight when I get a new roof?
Usually yes, if the skylight is more than about 20 years old, fogged, discolored or has ever leaked. A proper reroof takes the skylight's flashing off anyway, VELUX recommends replacing skylights with the roof, and doing both together lines up the warranties. A young, sound skylight can often stay with new flashing, so ask your roofer to price both options.
Why does my skylight have condensation on it?
Water on the inside of skylight glass is usually condensation: warm, humid indoor air meeting glass that is colder than its dew point, which is why it shows up on cold days and over bathrooms and kitchens. Lowering indoor humidity and moving more air usually fixes it. Fog between the panes means a failed seal, and drips that come with rain point to a leak.
How long does a skylight last?
VELUX says its skylights last about 20 to 30 years with normal wear and recommends updating after about 30. In practice the flashing, the glass seal and the roof around the skylight decide the number. Controlled indoor humidity, clear gutters and a flashing check whenever the roof is inspected help a skylight reach the long end of that range.
Soffit & Fascia
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How do I replace a rotted fascia board?
On a single-storey eave you can reach safely from a ladder, take down the gutter, probe to find where the rot stops, and cut the soft fascia out back to sound wood over a rafter. Fit a new board primed on every face and cut end, nail it into the rafter tails, caulk, paint and rehang the gutter. Soft rafter tails or roof decking mean calling a pro.
How much does soffit and fascia replacement cost in Virginia?
There is no fair single price, because the bill is set by how many feet are damaged, what is hidden behind the boards, the material, the height of the eaves and whether old paint must be handled lead-safely. Expect rot in rafter tails, gutter removal and roof-edge work to add the most. Compare written quotes built on the same scope from licensed contractors.
Should I hire a roofer or a siding contractor for soffit and fascia?
It depends on where the damage starts. If you are re-roofing, or the problem is the drip edge, the shingle edge or the roof decking, hire the roofer: Virginia's roofing licence covers roofing components installed with a roofing project. For soffit and fascia on their own, a siding or exterior carpentry contractor licensed for home improvement work is the usual fit. Check either one's licence with DPOR.
Why are birds or squirrels getting into my soffit?
Because the eave offers a dry, sheltered cavity and there is a way in: a gap at a corner, a loose or missing soffit panel, a torn vent, rotted fascia, or a gap behind the gutter, often reached from an overhanging branch. Have the opening found, make sure no young or protected birds are inside, let the animals leave, then have it closed and repaired by a licensed professional.
How do I keep soffits and fascia from rotting?
Keep water off them and air moving behind them. Clean and check gutters at least twice a year, make sure the roof edge has a drip edge, keep paint and caulk intact so no bare wood or end grain is exposed, keep soffit vents open on both sides, and probe the fascia once a year so small soft spots are fixed before they spread.
Window Replacement
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How do I measure for replacement windows?
From inside, check the window is square by measuring both diagonals; they should be within 1/8 inch of each other. Then measure the width jamb to jamb at the top, middle and bottom, and the height head to sill at the left, centre and right, and keep the smallest of each. Use these numbers to compare prices, and let the installer take the final ordering measurements.
How much does window replacement cost in Virginia?
There is no single Virginia price, because it depends on the number of windows, size, frame material, insert or full-frame installation, lead-safe work in pre-1978 homes, and any repairs found when the old window comes out. Get several written quotes for the same windows, with labor and materials shown separately.
Do I need a permit to replace windows in Virginia?
Usually not for a like-for-like swap. Virginia's building code exempts replacing windows in a house with windows of similar operation and size that need no change to the framed opening. You do need a permit to enlarge or add an opening, change structure or alter a required egress window, and a historic district or flood zone can require one even for a straight swap.
How do I know if my windows need to be replaced?
Replace a window when the frame or sill is rotted, fog or moisture sits between the panes because the seal has failed, it is single-pane and drafty, or it will not open, close or stay open. A broken balancer, lock, crank, worn weatherstripping or a cracked pane can often be repaired instead, and condensation on the inside glass usually means high indoor humidity.
How long do vinyl replacement windows last?
There is no single figure: life depends on product quality, installation, care and exposure. Warranties are the best guide. One major vinyl maker covers frames for life while the original buyer owns the home and sealed glass for 20 years, while weatherstripping and screens get 1 year. Yearly cleaning, clear weep holes and caulk upkeep help windows reach those terms.
Window Washing
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