Spring Note From a Reston Roofer

By David Michaelson, MRI

Spring is usually when people start noticing their roof again. The light changes, the trees fill in, and after a winter of wind and rain, something about it just feels worth a second look.

Having grown up in Reston and now working on roofs here every day, I’ve learned that our homes tend to age quietly. We rarely see the dramatic storm damage reported in other parts of the country. Instead, it’s the small things, like loosened flashing, worn sealants and drainage issues, that slowly add up over time.

I often suggest to neighbors that they simply get to know the condition of their roof before a problem arises. Spring is an ideal time for that—no urgency or pressure, just an opportunity to understand what’s there and what might need attention down the road.

One caution I share is to avoid letting too many people walk on the roof after storms. Not every storm causes damage, and unnecessary inspections can sometimes create more questions than answers. When you already have a clear sense of your roof’s condition, it’s easier to make calm, informed decisions later if something really changes.

Most of us think about our roof far less than almost anything else in our home, even though it protects everything beneath it. A little springtime attention, unhurried and thoughtful, can go a long way toward avoiding surprises later.