What to Expect During a Roof Replacement

Winter Was Brutal . Time for Your Home's Glow-Up. Let's be real - your home just survived another DMV winter, which means it endured: ✅ Temperature whiplash (70° on Tuesday, snowing by Friday) ✅ Pollen Armageddon (that thick yellow blanket coating everything) ✅ Wind gusts that tested your siding's commitment to staying put ✅ Potholes deep enough to lose a Mini Cooper in But fear not! With this funny-but-actually-helpful checklist, you'll have your home looking fresher than cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin. And if any task seems too intense? That's what we're here for! 1. Gutters: Evict Those Leaf Squatters & Their Friends The Problem: Your gutters are running a full-service Airbnb for leaves, twigs, and probably a family of chipmunks. What to Do: Suit up (this job is messy) Scoop out the gunk (gloves recommended unless you like nature under your nails) Flush with a hose to test drainage Check for sagging or leaks Pro Tip: Install gutter guards now and thank yourself later when all your neighbors are cleaning theirs again in fall. When to Call Us: If your gutters are pulling away from the house or you spot rust/rot. 2. Siding: Remove the Pollen Couture Collection The Problem: Your home looks like it's been dusted with radioactive powdered cheese. Spring Cleaning Steps: Gentle wash with garden hose and soft brush For vinyl: Use a mild cleaner (no pressure washers - they can damage!) Inspect for cracks, warping, or loose panels DMV Reality Check: If your siding has more cracks than I-495 during rush hour, it might be time for an upgrade. 3. Roof Inspection: Spot Winter's Damage Before It Spots You The Problem: Your roof took a beating from ice, wind, and possibly a frisbee golf incident. DIY Check-Up: Binoculars are your friend (no need to channel your inner Spider-Man) Look for: Missing or curling shingles Dark stains (potential leaks) Flashing that's come loose Any suspicious animal activity (raccoons are terrible tenants) When to Panic: If you see daylight through your attic boards or your ceiling looks like a watercolor painting. 4. Windows & Doors: Stop the Draft Drama The Problem: That chilly breeze isn't "ambiance" - it's your heating bill screaming for help. Energy Efficiency Boost: Feel for drafts (a lit candle helps spot air leaks) Replace worn weatherstripping Re-caulk around frames Clean tracks and lubricate moving parts Fun Fact: Properly sealed windows can save you 10-20% on energy bills. That's a lot of Starbucks! 5. Deck Rescue: From Splinterville to Staycation Central The Problem: Your deck looks like it's been through a lumberjack competition. Pre-Summer TLC: Sweep away winter debris Check for loose boards or protruding nails Give it a good cleaning Apply fresh sealant if needed DMV Pro Tip: Wait for consistent 50°+ nights before sealing - otherwise it won't cure properly. 6. Masonry & Hardscaping: Fix the Winter Wounds The Problem: Your walkways and walls developed more cracks than a DMV sidewalk. Check For: Crumbling mortar Heaved or uneven pavers Spalling (flaking) bricks Quick Fixes: Power wash (carefully!) Re-sand paver joints Mark any areas needing professional repair 7. Landscaping: Tame the Jungle The Problem: Your bushes are plotting to swallow the house whole. Spring Cleanup: Trim branches back from siding and roof (6" minimum) Refresh mulch beds (3" deep max) Redirect downspouts away from foundation Remove dead plants/limbs Warning: Ivy might look charming, but it's basically nature's wrecking ball for your siding. 8. Outdoor Plumbing: Avoid Surprise Water Features The Problem: That burst pipe last year wasn't the "outdoor shower feature" you wanted. Preventative Steps: Test all outdoor faucets Check for leaks at connections Insulate exposed pipes Drain and store hoses until freeze risk passes 9. Driveway & Walkways: Fill Those DMV-Special Potholes The Problem: Your driveway has more dips than a Six Flags rollercoaster. Quick Fixes: Fill small cracks with sealant Patch asphalt areas Note any major issues for professional repair 10. The Final Touch: Curb Appeal Check Stand across the street and assess: Does your house number need refreshing? Are light fixtures working? Does the front door need a wash or new paint? 🎉 Congratulations! Your Home is Now Spring-Ready (Or at least ready enough that the neighbors will stop side-eyeing your property.) Remember: This list might seem long, but tackling a few items each weekend makes it manageable. And for anything that feels overwhelming..