Month: June 2019

Fourth of July Events in CT

In Connecticut, we love fireworks no matter where or when they take place. That’s why our Fourth of July celebrations span across our community, all through the first week in July.  If you’re looking for the best places to watch a patriotic display this Independence Day, we’ve got the best local spots for you:

Norwalk Fireworks Display

What: Annual firework display right here in Norwalk, how much more local can you get!?

When: Wednesday, July 3rd (rain date Thursday, July 5)

Where: Calf Pasture Beach

Price: Free

Fairfield Fireworks Celebration

What: Celebrate the holiday with live music, followed by an explosive firework show around 9:15pm.

When: Wednesday, July 3rd at 6:00 pm

Where: Jennings and Penfield Beaches

Price: Free (parking is $50 without residents pass)

Stratford Firework Show

What: The firework display will begin shortly after sunset.

When: Wednesday, July 3rd at 9:00pm

Where: Short Beach

Price: Free

Wilton Freedom 5K Road Race and Firework Display

What: Wilton will be hosting a day complete with races, games, food, fireworks, and more.

When: Thursday, July 4th.

  • 5K start time: 8:30am, Wilton Track
  • Wilton High Varsity Softball Game: 12:00pm
  • Food trucks, live music, and family fun: 5:00pm
  • Firework display: 9:30pm

Where: Wilton High School

Price: Free

Weston Fourth of July Celebration

What: complete with a barbeque, food trucks, music and fireworks.

When: Thursday, July 4th at 4:30pm

Where: Weston Middle School

Price: $30 per car (must be purchased in advance)

Ridgefield Fireworks

What: Fireworks will light up Ridgefield as the town celebrate the Fourth of July with food, family fun, entertainment, and more.

When: Thursday, July 4th at 6:00pm

Where: Ridgefield High School

Price: $20 per car (must be purchased in advance)

Simsbury Celebration of America

What: The Hartford Orchestra will perform classic patriotic songs in honor of the holiday. Fireworks will follow the concert.

When: Friday, July 5 (Rain Date Saturday, July 6), ay 7:30pm

Where: Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center

Price: Lawn seats $25, reserved seats $40, children $5.

Wherever you choose to celebrate, we hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July holiday with your friends and family. From all of us at Landmark Exteriors, Happy Independence Day!

What are the Black Stains on my Roof?

black stains on roof

Although they may seem like dirt from afar, the black stains on your roof are actually algae – specifically, gloeocapsa magma (blue-green algae). Starting off as small spots, this algae typically grows and eventually becomes large, visible streaks on your roof. By the time most homeowners notice the algae, it’s usually been there for about 2 months.

Why Do Shingles Get Algae?

Algae spores can be carried by the wind, animals, or your clothing, making them airborne. Algae spores can easily be spread from your rooftop to rooftop across your neighborhood or complex.

Asphalt shingles are most prone to algae, but any type  of roofing can develop algae. Common materials that make up asphalt shingles typically include fiberglass and crushed limestone, which is provides sustenance for algae to thrive. This is why asphalt shingles provide the perfect home for algae to develop and spread.

Warmer and humid climates are the friendliest environments for algae to grow in, but can affect homes in every climate. While algae in itself is not harmful, it can eventually cause the UV granules that cover a roof to come off and dry out, leaving your roof exposed to direct sunlight.

How Do I Remove the Algae Streaks?

Algae can be removed through a simple professional roof cleaning. Don’t risk climbing on a slippery algae-covered roof. Schedule a cleaning for your roof as soon as possible.

Preventing Streaks in the Future

You can’t permanently prevent streaks, but you can take measures to lessen the risks of algae in the future. Your roof algae is similar to a cold —  airborne and unavoidable. Here’s a few simple ways to improve the health of your roof:

  • Trim tree branches to allow more sunlight, and limit the amount of debris that may fall on your roof. This will make your roof environment less inviting the growth of roof algae.
  • Keep your gutters and downspouts clean of clogs to ensure your home has proper water drainage.
  • Get new shingles. If your roof is severely damaged, it may be time to replace it. Consider switching from asphalt to a different material, and make sure you get shingles that have the best and longest warranty.

Contact A Professional Today!

At Landmarks Exteriors, our professionals are here for all your roofing needs! Large or small, we take care of everything from routine maintenance items to emergency roof repairs. Contact us today to see how we can help!

What to Do During a Summer Blackout

Summertime blackouts can be uncomfortably hot, inconvenient, and even dangerous, especially for children and the elderly. Increased usage of air conditioners increases the voltage of electricity being used in your area. It’s better to be prepared ahead of time in the event of a power outage this summer.

Keep Cool

Make sure to keep all windows and doors completely closed and block any incoming sunlight to the best of your ability. If your power does go out in the summer, you’ll want to stay as cool as possible.

Stay Safe

If you are on medication, find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and be sure to keep medications on-hand that are critical for life.

It is also helpful to create an emergency kit for power outages that can be utilized at any point. Add batteries, flashlights, bottled water, and any first aid equipment you may need. Sign up for local alerts and warning systems in advance, and monitor updated weather reports. If you are able to, be sure to check on neighbors that may need assistance.

Store Food

“Get the bread and milk!” We may joke about this when a storm is coming, but it’s important to be prepared. Did you know, a full freezer or fridge will last longer than a half-filled one without power? A full freezer can last around two days if unopened and a full fridge will last around 4 hours. Have in mind what you want to remove before you stand there with the door open.  It’s best to make sure to keep non-perishable items in your pantry such as rice, pasta, and snacks just in case. You’ll be safe rather than sorry, and full rather than hungry!

Back-up and Disconnect Electronics

Turn off appliances, equipment, and electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage. Before your phones, computers, tablets or any other devices lose power, make sure to back them up in order to prevent losing information. Surge suppressor power strips can help keep your electronics powered during a surge. It’s always helpful to have a portable charger fully-charged and handy in case of a power surge or a blackout.

Get Creative

We all rely on our phones to keep ourselves entertained, so when the WiFi goes out we panic. Consider reading books, playing a card game, or any other creative activity that you and your family can enjoy to make the time go faster until power is restored.

At Landmarks Exteriors, our professionals are here for all your home needs! Large or small, we take care of everything from roof ventilation, window upgrades, and routine maintenance checks. Contact us today to see how we can help!

How To Live in Your House Safely During Renovation

Home renovation: It’s messy, it’s loud, and sometimes it smells. But that doesn’t mean you have to pack your bags.  Staying in your home allows you to closely monitor the progress in your home, and also eliminates any additional hotel costs that you would need to calculate into your renovation budget.  If you plan on staying put, make sure you have a plan for how to live in your home safely.

Determine Your Construction Schedule

You should be able to work with your contractor to create a schedule to know exactly when workers will be in your house, and when construction will begin each day. This not only ensures privacy and the ability to plan around work times, but also prevents any security system trips. If you do plan your construction during a time you will be away from the home such as a vacation or work trip, still be sure to stay in constant contact with your contractor.

Seal off Renovation-Free Areas

There’s no reason you cannot enjoy other areas of your home that aren’t construction zones. Your home will get messy no matter what, but you can contain dust in the areas that are being worked on. Make sure to specify which rooms workers should not enter to prevent any debris being tracked into other rooms.

Turn Off Your HVAC System

Dust is easily blown around homes if your air is turned on. You can open windows in living areas that are not affected by construction to keep cool, and you may also choose to utilize an air handler to filter dust and debris out.

Keep Kids and Pets Away

To avoid risk of injury or disturbance in the process, make sure that pets are either crated or kept separately from any work areas in you home. Sit down and talk with young children before construction begins and tell them what rooms they must avoid so they do not get hurt or create a delay in the construction.

Wear Shoes at All Times

You never know what’s going to be on the floor of a construction site. If you wouldn’t walk barefoot on a work zone outside, don’t walk barefoot inside your home! Nails, glass and other work materials could be lying around until the construction is cleaned up. Assure that when the work does stop, workers clean up any loose debris and do a full cleaning for yourself to ensure nothing is left behind.
Need a roof repair or installation? We’ve got you covered at Landmark Exteriors and our Home Care division! We offer only top-quality roofing materials to provide our customers with durable, weather-resistant, and guaranteed roofing solutions. To speak with our professional staff about a new roofing installation, give us a call at 203.838.3838, or visit us on the web.

5 Common Patio/Deck Repairs to Complete for Summer

Warm weather means your backyard may become a hotspot for dinners, parties, and events. Here are five things that may cause you to repair your deck before your busy social calendar heats up this summer:

1. Water Damage

Just because your deck has been sealed once doesn’t mean it will prevent water damage indefinitely. Especially after winter snow storms and April showers, you should test your deck or patio’s water resistance. Sprinkle it with a few drops of water, and if the water seeps into your boards instead of beading, it’s time to reseal.

2. Fading Color

Wood naturally loses color over time, slowly fading to gray or white. Your faded patio or deck can actually be restored by cleaning any debris that may be stuck to the wood. If all else fails, a fresh coat of paint never hurt anyone!

3. Board Gaps

The enemy of high heels! Certain types of wood used for patios and decks may shrink over time, causing gaps in between the boards that can be dangerous for your family, pets, and guests. If you notice there is a gap between your boards, they will need to be replaced.

4. Wood Rot

The worst-case scenario for an unseal, unprotected deck is wood rot. This will cause your wooden boards to decay, and if left unfixed, to fall apart. The easiest way to replace rotten boards is to call on the help of a professional, who can inspect the area, replace boards, and seal or reseal your deck.

5.  Loose Handrail

A shaky handrail is an accident waiting to happen and is usually due to worn masonry anchors on your deck or patio. If your railing is rusted, you may want to consider replacing it altogether. Employing the help of a professional to put your handrail back into place, or remove it and install a new one, is the best course of action.

In the end, performing seasonal checks on your patio and deck can help you avoid costly repairs down the road and keep your friends and family safe. Landmark Exteriors is here to help! Whether you need a maintenance plan or just a last minute-repair, we’ve got you covered!  To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.