How to Make Your Yard Dog-Friendly

There’s nothing better on a sunny day than spending some time outdoors with your pup! However, before you let your pet roam free in your backyard, you should make sure it’s safe for them to do so. Here are a few simple ways to make your yard dog-friendly:

1. Keep Your Yard Fenced Off

Allowing your dog to run loose in an open yard can be problematic, even if your pet is the most well-behaved on the block. Dogs are easily frightened by loud noises that can send them running. You also want to protect your pet from other animals in the neighborhood, like stray cats or dogs, neighboring pets, and wild animals. So, be sure to fence in your lawn before you let your furry friend play outdoors!

Maintaining your fence and doing regular fence checks is another safety measure for your pet. If an area looks like it may be big enough for your dog to squeeze through, fix it immediately. Other questions you should ask yourself require thinking like your dog: can they jump over it? Can they dig out?

2. Create a Digging Area

Digging is second-nature to all dogs, and without a proper place to dig, your lawn will start to look like it has craters in it! A flower bed or newly planted garden is irresistible. However, you can distract your pup by creating a digging corner with fresh sand or use a child’s sandbox. You can bury treats or toys beneath the sand to encourage your dog to dig there. Be sure to find a cover for this area so local cats and other animals don’t use it to their advantage.

3. Leave Out Plenty of Water

It can be easy for your companion to feel dehydrated during a day of fun in the sun. Be sure to leave out a bowl of water and refill it often. Additionally, you may want to set up a baby pool or sprinkler hose for some extra fun. Many dogs enjoy splashing around in the water, and it will help keep them cool while watering your lawn!

4. Add Some Shade

If your pup is spending a lot of time outside, it’s important for them to have a place to cool off. Make sure you set up a shady spot where your dog can lay down and relax in between playing. This will prevent your pet from overheating. Try setting up a cabana, tent, or a lightweight blanket under a tree.

5. Be Mindful of Toxic Plants

When landscaping your yard, keep your furry loved one in mind. Some plants and trees can be toxic to dogs. 

Avoid putting the following plants in your yard:

  • English Ivy
  • Castor bean or castor oil
  • Mistletoe
  • Autumn crocus
  • Lilly of the valley
  • Foxglove
  • Tulip/Narcissus bulbs
  • Rhubarb
  • Chrysanthemum

Additionally, avoid planting the following trees:

  • Wisteria
  • Azalea
  • Chinaberry tree
  • Rhododendron

You can visit the Pet Poison Helpline for their Top 10 Plants Poisonous to Pets, and the ASPCA for their extensive list of Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.
At Landmark Exteriors, we provide an extensive list of services to keep your home in great shape. Large or small, we take care of everything from routine maintenance items like gutter cleaning to emergency roof repairs. Need a home repair? Contact us today!

How Humid Weather Affects Flat Roofs

Summertime in Connecticut is famous for being long and especially humid. Not only does the heat affect us, but it also affects our homes — especially homes with flat roofs. If you’ve noticed something unusual with your roof this summer, here’s why:

Top 3 Reasons Your Flat Roof Hates Muggy Weather

1. Water Infiltration

Many homeowners don’t realize that heat can translate to water damage. When we think of heat, we think of everything being dry, sometimes too dry. However. Building materials expand and contract due to changes in temperature. The rate of thermal movement increases the more open a roof is. Material elongation can result in wear and tear to your flat roof, creating gaps water can utilize to infiltrate into your home. 

Connecticut not only has very humid summers, but we also have a great deal of rainfall during the year. This means our roof is vulnerable to water damage when a summer storm or wet weather does arrive.

2. Fading

Summertime brings a lot of sunny beach days, which are great for us but can be potentially damaging to your roof. If your flat roof isn’t reflective, it may lose its coloration more quickly. To prevent fading, it’s best to pick a lighter, reflective roof color with tones of tan, beige, white, and grey.

3. Blistering

Blisters, or trapped moisture or air underneath the membrane of your roof, are also a common occurrence in muggier weather. Blisters are triggered by hot and humid weather, so you’re likely to notice them earlier in the summer. Blistering membranes appear like harmless eyesores, but experienced roofers such as our professionals at Landmark Exteriors know that they require immediate professional attention. 

The sun’s ultraviolet rays are infamous for material degradation, as well. This means the flashings on your flat roof may also begin to weaken due to sun exposure.

Protect your flat roof from the most common hot weather–inflicted issues by scheduling an appointment with Landmark Exteriors. Count on our expertise to protect and repair your roof. Contact us today for more information!

What You Need to Know About Dormer Windows

Dormer windows are amenities that are proving to be a popular addition to many homes across Connecticut. But what are dormer windows, anyway? These windows, in short, enable lighting to access interior spaces from the outdoors. They’re equipped with tiny roofs as well, which are situated right on top of the windows. Dormer windows are linked to all kinds of architectural approaches, from Greek Revival to Colonial. 

The Benefits of Dormer Windows

Why do so many people these days gravitate to the universe of dormer windows? They do so to enable natural light to make its way inside their homes and eliminate needing to add additional lighting fixtures.

“Dormer” is a nod to a term in the French language. The term translates simply to “sleeping space.” The natural light offered by dormers can travel has the ability to provide light to your bedrooms, attics, and other living spaces. Dormers consistently display a minimum of single windows.

Why Choose Natural Light?

Natural lighting adds a brighter feel to your space without harsh overhead lighting. There’s nothing more refreshing than drawing your shades back in a dark room and welcoming in all of that sunlight.

An abundance of natural lighting can reduce how much electricity your home is using. This, in turn, is good for your utility bill and the environment. Dormer windows are often eye-catching and diverse, and add dimension to the outside of your home.

Additionally, you can pick between all kinds of appealing and memorable dormer window styles. The most popular styles include eyebrow, doghouse, shed and recessed windows. For the most practical option, shed dormers may be your best bet. If you’re fond of chic approaches, eyebrow choices may be up your alley. 


If you’re interested in learning more about dormer windows or require a roof or window repair, don’t hesitate to call Landmark Exteriors. We welcome the opportunity to talk with you about your vision for your home and how our experience can benefit your project. Contact us today to set up an appointment!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Picking a New House Color

facade of home with manicured lawn, landscaping, and backdrop of trees and dark blue sky. Glowing interior lights create a welcoming mood.

Maybe you just bought your dream home and wanted to make it your own, or you’ve owned your home for years and want to freshen it up. Whichever your situation is, picking an exterior paint color for your home is a big decision. It’s the first thing someone notices about your home, and will most likely be a color you live with for a long time. Before making a final decision, here are some of the do’s and dont’s to help you choose the perfect color for your home

DO: Have a Little Fun!

Many homeowners think choosing a neutral color such as gray, beige, or white for their home will cost them less, but this isn’t the case. Unique colors cost just as much as more common ones do, so if you want to have fun with your new color scheme, have some fun!

Keep in mind; light colors make a house look larger and more inviting. Dark colors, in contract, make a house look more substantial and can suggest stability and permanence.

DON’T: Ignore Your Neighbors

It’s great to be creative, but it can be a bad idea to pick colors that clash with your neighbors’ exteriors. For example, if your neighbor’s home is green, you may want to stay away from painting your home red. You can still stand out without conflicting with your neighboring home. 

DO: Take a Good Look Before Painting

You can’t change every outdoor aspect of your house with a fresh coat of paint. The dark specks of your brick, or the color cast from your roof shingles. When deciding on a new color for your home’s siding, choose one that will complement the other exterior elements of your home.

DON’T: Wing It

Exterior painting is a big deal, so it’s essential to hire a reputable painter to complete the project. They will paint a small area of your main exterior, trim and your accent color, so you can see how your new theme is coming together. Additionally, they’ll make sure the paint is applied and dried correctly.

DO: Consider Trends

The color you choose for your home today is very likely to still be in style tomorrow, or ten years from tomorrow. While white is considered a ‘safe’ choice, more homeowners have been experimenting with accenting their homes and trying colors or tinted neutrals. Tour a few neighborhoods to see colors in action and to get a better feel of what you like.

DON’T: Misplace the Accent

Add character and dimension to your home by accenting its exterior. Painting your window trim and exterior details in a contrasting color will add a great accent to your home. Only use a highlight on the more attractive features of your home, and steer clear of features like your gutters.
If you’re looking for a dedicated, experienced, and dependable roofing contractor, look no further than Landmark Exteriors! To learn more about our services, check out our website, or speak with one of our professionals at 203.838.3838