Any homeowner knows that the winter season can leave your house vulnerable to many problems due to the frigid temperatures and heavy snow and ice. One of the best ways to be prepared and protect your home is by understanding what areas are most at risk of snow-related damage.  

Here are five areas of your home’s exterior that can suffer from snow damage: 

Roof

Snow accumulation on a roof can cause serious and costly damage. The weight of any sitting snow could, in a worst-case scenario, lead to a collapse or cave-in. Other likely issues that snow can cause for your roof are damaged shingles, leaks opening up, and ice dams that form off the sides of the roof from snow melting and then refreezing. Make sure to have your roof inspected for any vulnerabilities and potential issues before winter.  

Gutters

When heavy ice dams form off the edges of your roofing system, they can cause non sturdy or old gutters to crack and break apart, leaving you with a serious drainage issue. Clogged gutters that weren’t thoroughly cleaned before winter can contribute to ice and snow buildup that creates ice dams and leads to damage.    

Pipes

When temperatures fall below freezing, especially after a snowfall, your home’s external pipes become vulnerable to freezing and bursting. Thankfully, this is easily preventable – before winter or a snowstorm, just shut off your water that leads to outdoor pipes, make sure all the water is drained out, then remove any attached hoses and store them safely away until spring returns. For any exterior pipes you can’t simply shut off, take extra precautions to protect them, such as wrapping them with thick insulation.

Landscaping

When a snowstorm is on its way, it’s normal to have trucks come past your house dropping salt to prevent ice formation – as a homeowner, you may do this yourself to avoid slippery driveways and walkways. However, salt runoff from melting snow can leave your grass and plants significantly damaged and vulnerable to death when it gets absorbed in the soil.  

Driveways and Walkways

Repeated snowstorms can cause serious complications for your property’s driveways and concrete pathways. Like on roads and highways, melting snow and ice will seep into any cracks in the pavement and then refreeze when the temperatures drop; this causes cracks to expand and get bigger and bigger. This is why it’s essential to have any gaps in your driveways and walkways filled before winter arrives.  

Contact Landmark Exteriors for siding or roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system and siding looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

If you’re thinking about updating your home’s roof in 2022, why not opt for something on-trend? Like with interior and exterior design, roofing design sees various trends and popularity shifts each new year depending on what homeowners are interested in. 

From the team at Landmark Exteriors, here are three roofing trends you may want to consider for your next roof replacement:

Metal Roofing

More and more homeowners are forgoing asphalt shingles when redoing their roofs and choosing to use metal roofing instead. Metal as a roofing material has gained popularity over the years for its many benefits, starting with durability and longevity – did you know metal roofs can last more than 40 years? This roofing type is also praised for its energy-saving qualities and sustainability since it’s often made from recycled or natural materials. Metal roofing can also be customizable and comes in many different colors and varieties to match your home’s exterior and get the look you want.  

Contrasting Colors

The days of one roof color are over – multi-colored roofs are in! Roofing can play a significant part in your home’s exterior design, and if you’re looking for a more eye-catching and dynamic look, try opting for a different color section of your roof. Contrasting colors are taking center stage for this trend, too; try playing with dark and light colors to make the biggest statement.  

Eco-Friendly Roofs

With climate change concerns growing each year, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more sustainable, and the roof can be a great place to start! Solar panels added to the top of the roof as a renewable energy source to power your home are a great way to make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. If you’re planning on a total roof replacement, you can also consider having your roof be made entirely from recycled materials, such as rubber, plastic, and more. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Getting a new roof for your home may sound like a stressful time, but if you’re prepared, it can be relatively simple and potentially even a pleasant experience! If you don’t know where to start, the team at Landmark Exteriors has some tips to guide you along the process.

Steps to help you plan for a new roof: 

1. Know Your Budget 

It’s no secret that a roof replacement is a big investment, and knowing your financing options can help you choose the best roofing material and the right roofing contractor for your home. This is important to determine first, as it will help the rest of the process go more smoothly. 

2. Determine What Type of Roofing Material is Right For Your Home

There are plenty of roofing materials to choose from for your roof replacement: You can go with the most popular and cheapest option of asphalt shingles or select a material that’s more unique and durable such as metal or cedar. Whatever you decide, be sure it meets your home’s needs and matches your budget. 

3. Find a Roofing Contractor

Now it’s time to find the right team to handle the job. When looking for a roofing contractor, make sure you look for a company that has the experience, is well established in your community, and has reputable examples of past work. Don’t be shy about asking questions and getting quotes from multiple contractors; after all, this is an important investment. 

4. Speak With Your Neighbors

Save yourself some potentially cranky neighbors approaching you with complaints by letting them know ahead of time about your roofing replacement. They will be very appreciative! Now, your neighbors have time to adjust their schedules and prepare themselves for the noise and interruptions that can certainly affect them as well.  

5. Get Your Home Ready

When it’s almost time to have your roofing team come and get started on the roof replacement, take some time to get your home and property ready for construction. Outside your home, relocate your vehicles safely away and move grills, patio furniture, decorations, and more out of the work zone. Inside your home, remove your wall decorations as vibrations from the tools can knock them off and cover your attic belongings since dust and debris can fall from the roofers working.  

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Your home’s exterior color can set the tone for the rest of the design, both inside and out. If you’re not in love with the current color scheme of your house’s exterior, it may be time for a change. 

If you’re looking to give your home a color update that’s on-trend for the new year, we have a couple of suggestions for you to get you inspired: 

Going Green

Green isn’t just for your landscaping anymore! Similar to interior design trends, shades of green are becoming increasingly popular for home exterior elements. However, there are two green hues that have been getting the most attention: Olive and forest green. Olive green is inviting, earthy, and allows various shades of accent colors to pop. Deep forest green is unique, warm, and chic, ensuring your home stands out from the neighbors. 

Warm Whites

Homeowners have always loved a crisp and bright white home that gives them the perfect backdrop for exciting architectural elements, landscaping, and decorations to draw your eye, but that’s starting to change – slightly. Becoming more popular are warmer whites and light beige tones to allow for a nice clean look, but a home that’s more soft and welcoming. A creamy, warm white is the perfect neutral to set the stage for a beautiful-looking home. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Go Dark

Dark shades of gray, blue, and even black continue to be a popular choice when reaching for a moody tone to color a house’s exterior. Like last year, more and more homeowners are opting for dark siding, where they can use bright accents to make certain areas of the house pop. This technique is certain to increase your curb appeal!

Contact Landmark Exteriors for siding or roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’sroofing system and siding looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Icicles hanging off the side of your home may be a beautiful sight to see after a snowstorm, but in reality, you don’t want them on your house. That’s because the same conditions that create these icicles also make ice dams – thick ridges of ice that build up along the sides of your roof. 

Why are Ice Dams a Problem? 

Ice dams are dangerous for you and your home – they can fall off suddenly and hurt anyone below it or cause damage to your roofing system and more. Dams can tear off your gutters, loosen shingles, and create holes in your roof, leading to leaks. This damage can be seriously costly and lead to even more issues. As a homeowner, it’s important to look out for these ice dams and have them removed as soon as you can. 

How To Get Rid of Ice Dams

Trying to hack away at the ice dams with a hammer, chisel, or other tools of your choice can damage your roofing without you realizing it. Throwing ice as well may sound like a good idea, but it can do more harm to your plants below than the ice dams themselves. 

If you’re looking to get rid of formed ice dams hanging off your roof to avoid damage, we have a couple of ideas for you. Use these methods to get your ice dams removed from your roof quickly:

• Blow cold air in – If there are active leaks due to the ice dams, take a fan into your attic and aim it at the underside of the roof where the ice is melting. 
• Rake it off – Use a long-handled roof rake to pull off the snow and ice hanging off your roof. Make sure you are standing safely on the ground, away from where the snow will fall. 
• De-icing – Make your own de-icing product by taking a spare pantyhose or stocking and filling it with a calcium chloride ice melter. Then, lay your newly crafted de-icer onto your roof so that it crosses the ice dam and slightly overhangs your gutters. 
• Hire professional help – The best and safest way to have your ice dams removed is to call a team of professionals for help, likely a local roofing contractor. They’ll be able to remove the ice dams and spot any signs of damage that will need to be addressed. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for siding or roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system and siding looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

5 Winter Roof Care Tips 

This winter season, be sure not to forget about your roof! Snowy weather can bring some extra wear and tear to your roofing system, so it’s important to keep an eye out and keep maintenance on your mind during the cold weather months. 

Here are some tips for caring for your roof throughout winter:

1. Get a Professional Roof Inspection

The best way to be certain your roof is in tip-top shape is to call your local roofing company for a thorough inspection! A roofer can evaluate the condition of your roof (whenever you need it throughout the year) to ensure everything is in proper working order. If there are any issues, they can recommend the necessary repairs and assist you in getting them done.  

2. Trim Back Trees

Don’t be left with regret: trim your trees back whenever you can. Tree limbs and branches can fall off during any season, but winter weather can be particularly hazardous. Overhanging trees can fall onto your roof, causing all kinds of damage, so avoid this problem by having your trees trimmed back.

3. Check The Flashing

Over time, your roof’s shingles can become loose and warped, which can signal issues with your flashing. With improper flashing, snow and ice can move and enter your roofing system, causing leaks and damages. Make sure to get any issue fixed as soon as possible. 

4. Remove Snow

Snow sitting on a rooftop can be a recipe for disaster – especially if more snow is on its way. The heavyweight on the roof can lead to serious damage if it becomes too much. Sitting snow can also lead to ice dams, which are also very dangerous. 

Ice dams are created from melted snow that then refreezes and becomes ice. Those massive icicles hanging off your home may look pretty, but you don’t want to leave them there! Not only are they hazardous to you if they fall off, but they can damage your gutters and roof, leaving you with costly leaks.  

5. Keep an Eye on Your Attic

The condition of your attic is directly linked to your roof! Proper airflow in your attic ensures your roof stays protected. If your attic space is poorly ventilated or insulated, your roofing system may be exposed more to the harsh winter elements, allowing for issues like ice dams to grow. 

After inspecting your roofing system, go into your attic, check for sufficient insulation and ventilation, and get any needed work done soon.  

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Winter weather can be harsh on your home’s siding, which is why, as a homeowner, you need to do your part to protect it! When you give your siding the care and attention it deserves, it can stay looking great and functioning properly for much longer. 

From the team at Landmark Exteriors, here are some important tips to help ensure your home’s siding is well protected this winter season:

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding is considered a homeowner favorite for its ease of maintenance. But with these tips, you’ll help your vinyl siding last longer than expected and prevent damages:

• Don’t handle installs in the cold – If you need to install some new vinyl siding, do it in the spring and never in the cold weather to avoid siding expansion. 
• Rinse and clean – Before winter, it’s best to give your siding a nice rinse down to remove any dirt, grime, or mildew. If you’re trying to remove stains, use a gentle soap or specialized siding cleaner.

Wood Siding 

More and more homeowners are choosing wood siding for their homes for its classically beautiful appearance and durability, but it requires regular care to ensure it stays in good shape. 

• Visual inspection – It’s crucial to keep an eye out for any concerns, especially during winter. Excess moisture from snow and ice leads to rot and wear and tear, which will need to be repaired. 
• Treat the wood – To help the wood withstand all the excess water and moisture, seal the wood siding with a stain, sealer, or paint. A fresh coat should be applied at least every two years for the best results and protection.
• Get repairs done quickly – If there are any loose, rotten, or warped siding boards, don’t hesitate to get repairs done quickly, or the problems can worsen and be more costly.

Fiber Cement Siding 

Fiber cement siding is well known for being incredibly durable and weather resistant, but this type of material can benefit from some extra TLC before and during winter to help it stay in its best shape: 

• Give it a paint job – Painting fiber cement regularly is important to help it last long, especially if you notice any fading. 
• Check the caulking – Water damage from all the snow and loss of heat inside your home can occur if there are any damages or gaps in the caulking, so be sure to check this regularly and get any issues fixed. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for siding inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s siding looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

A new year is beginning, which means it’s time to think about your goals. If you’re a homeowner, why not include caring for your roof in those resolutions of yours? Your home is one of the biggest and most important investments you’ll ever make, so making homecare a priority year after year should always be on your list.  

Your roof, specifically, is one of the most important aspects of your house, and many homeowners continue to ignore the care and maintenance they need to get the most out of your investment. In the new year, make these resolutions for your roof to ensure its working and looking its best:

Get a Professional Inspection

One of the best ways to ensure your roof is in good condition is to get periodic inspections. As a homeowner, you can look around your roof for any signs of damage when you’re outside, but having a professional come take a look once or twice a year is essential. An expert will be able to spot missing or broken shingles, look for signs of mold growth, holes, and potential problems as well. Additionally, getting regular inspections can help you prevent costly repairs down the road.

Get Repairs Done 

If you are told you need repairs done after your inspection, don’t wait. Since roofs have to continuously handle the harsh elements, damages can get worse quickly, making them more costly. Even if there are just minor issues, it’s always better to get them fixed right away.  

Keep It Clean

Another important way to increase the longevity of your roof is keeping it clean! Start by making sure trees around your house are trimmed back, and any debris is removed. Moreover, depending on your roofing material, make sure it is being properly maintained. For example, if you have a cedar roof, regular cedar shingle maintenance is needed to keep it looking great and doing its job.  

Don’t Ignore Your Gutters

A home’s gutters are also an important part of the roofing system; make sure they get the attention they deserve as well. Gutters and downspouts collect debris which leads to clogs, so don’t forget to give them a thorough cleaning at least twice a year. In addition, if there are any damages, don’t wait to get those fixed either. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing systems look great and function properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Icicles are considered one of the true natural beauties of winter and can often be found hanging off the side of your home. However, a large build-up of icicles after a winter storm could be a sign of a very serious problem with your home’s roofing system.   

What are Ice Dams and What Causes Them?

Ice dams are ridges of ice that hang off the edges of your roof, like a big formation of icicles. These ice dams get in the way of snow melting and draining off of your roof. 

Ice dams form due to indoor hot air rising through the ceiling and attic, therefore warming the roof surface. If snow is sitting on your roof, it will quickly melt and flow downward until it meets the lower parts with a temperature below freezing. This freezing water then turns into an ice dam, which can continue to grow as this process continues. 

What Do Ice Dams Mean For Your Home?

As previously mentioned, ice dams form due to hot air rising in your home and melting snow off your roof’s surface. This process occurs due to poor ventilation in your attic space. Proper air circulation and ventilation in an attic are crucial to the well-being of your roof, especially during the winter months. So, if you are noticing more and more ice dams forming after each snowfall, it’s time to look to your attic and see about adding more vents. 

Why are Ice Dams Dangerous?

Ice dams themselves can be incredibly dangerous for you and your home too. First of all, as they melt or strong winds blow, they can break off and harm anyone or anything underneath them with their sharp point and weight, making them a serious hazard. As for your house, if left undisturbed, they can destroy your gutters, loosen roofing shingles, and lead to leaks. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing systems look great and function properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Is your home ready for the cold and snowy weather on its way? Proper winterization of your home is essential to ensure it can handle the drastic change in temperature and keep you and your family protected throughout the season. 

Take a look at these important areas of your house to check and make sure they are prepared for winter:

Inspect Your Roof

Your home’s roof is one of the most important defenses for your house from the harsh elements this winter, so it’s crucial to make sure it’s in working order. Have your roof professionally inspected to ensure that any damages can be spotted and fixed as soon as possible. Also, make sure any debris is cleared off and nothing is blocking any vents.  

Trim Trees

If you have overhanging tree limbs or branches, now is the time to cut them down. Trees can be a serious hazard to your roofing system and home since wind and snow can force them down and potentially cause damage. 

Clean The Gutters

Your gutters are likely clogged with debris such as leaves and sticks from the fall season, so make sure to have them thoroughly cleaned out before snow comes! As the snow melts off your roof, that water needs to be safely rerouted away from your home’s foundation, making clean gutters an essential aspect of a proper roofing system. Don’t forget to check the downspouts too!

Insulate Your Windows

Drafts of cold air seeping in through cracks and crevices can drive up your energy bills and leave you with chills! If you notice any air leaks in your home’s windows, take some time to properly insulate them with weather stripping, caulking, or other methods so you can stay warm while inside. 

Check The Fireplace

Giving your fireplace and chimney an inspection from inside and outside your home can ensure it’s all ready for some cozy winter fires. Be sure to look for any debris buildup, missing or crumbling bricks, a functioning chimney cap, and that the roof flashing is tight against the chimney during the inspection.  

Make Sure Your Heating System is Working Properly

Don’t be left in the cold with a broken heating system once winter weather arrives! Take the time now to have your home’s heating system checked that it’s in working order and get any issues repaired quickly. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing systems look great and function properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.