LANDMARK EXTERIORS

Bird watching is a great way to appreciate nature and all the amazing wildlife in your surroundings. Some of the most beautiful birds can be found in your own Connecticut backyard! Here are some of the most common birds to look out for while enjoying some fresh air at home:

American Goldfinch

These sweet little birds are easy to spot with their bright yellow plumage. Their black heads and tails help the yellow to pop even more. You’ll likely hear them making a very high pitch, short, chirping sounds. Make sure to leave out some birdseed specifically with sunflower seeds in it to keep these birds coming back!

American Robin

The American Robin is the state bird of Connecticut, so of course, you’ll be seeing them around! Their coloring varies but they typically have a gray or black head, red chest, and brown back. Their diet consists of insects, worms, fruits, and berries. Because of their diet, they can stay up north much longer than other birds as they can rely on eating winter berries.

Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore oriole, with colors of yellow and black that match their cities baseball team, might be far from their original home in Maryland up here in Connecticut, but can actually be found all over North America! Their thick, pointed beaks allow them to eat insects, fruit, nectar, and seeds. Listen for a loud, bold, echoing chirp if you think one might be around.  

Barn Swallow

Barn swallows are the most widespread of the swallow species and can be found all over the world. When it comes time for their breeding season, they often use man-made structures, often barns, to make their nests, hence how they got their name! They have beautiful, deep blue colored wings with sometimes white spots, with an even darker blue tail, and reddish-orange face and chest. Look out for these swallows as they dive down quickly to catch their preferred prey; insects!

Black-Capped Chickadee

These birds are highly characterized by their bold and curious nature. They can often be seen eating directly from people’s hands and are not afraid to get up close and personal. Just like the name, they have a black head and chin, with white by their cheeks and chest, and a dark tail. Black-capped chickadee’s love to eat their favorite caterpillars and other insects, but will resort to eating winter berries so they can stay up north during the cold-weather seasons. To help them survive, they also like to store food in secret hideaways that they can recall for up to 28 days after hiding food there!

Northern Cardinal

The iconic northern cardinal can easily be spotted with their bright red plumage and dark-colored face. These birds love to eat seed and will sometimes even feed each other when seeking a mate. These birds as well love to get loud and have a variety of different sounding chirps depending on what they are trying to tell their fellow northern cardinals.

If you need help fixing up your outdoor space so that you can enjoy being outdoors on your own property, give Landmark Exteriors a call at (203)838-3838 and let us know how we can help you.

Don’t let a rainy day dampen your mood even more than it needs to.  Heavy rain can cause serious damage to your home if you’re not doing what’s necessary. To ensure your home is ready for whatever summer storms we have ahead, here are some things to consider:

Get Your Roof Inspected Regularly

Your roof is what directly protects the inside of your home from the rain. However, a damaged or neglected roof can easily lead to a leak or flood. That’s why it’s important to get a roof inspection done, so you can avoid any costly problems down the road.

Make Sure Your Gutters Are Clean

Gutters work to drain rainwater from the roof away from the house. If they’re clogged, the backed up water can cause damage to the gutters, roof, yard, driveway, and foundation of your home making it very costly to fix. Clean your gutters at least twice a year to keep them functioning properly.

Check The Seals Around Your Doors And Windows

Look at all your doors and windows and see that they seal completely when closed. You can often feel a draft or breeze in poorly sealed areas. If not, make sure to reapply caulk to get the right seal so that no water can enter. If your windows or doors are made from wood, make sure they are properly repainted and stained to prevent rot.

Check Your Property For Low-Lying Areas

Have a professional, or do so yourself, and look for areas all across your property for low-lying areas that can easily become too saturated when it rains and can cause costly damage.  

Install a Sump Pump

Is your basement or crawl space subject to a yearly summer flood? It’s time to invest in a sump pump. Sump pumps are used to drain water out of the inside area where they’re installed to outside of the home and will make those summer floods less of a worry. 

If you need help protecting your home from heavy rain or need any repairs done, call Landmark Exteriors at (203) 838-3838 so we can help!

Gutters serve an important function to our houses in making sure that they guide and transport rainwater off of the roof and away from the foundation of the home.  Unfortunately, that also means that unwelcome items such as leaves, dirt, and sticks can get stuck in them, leading to a clog that prevents them from doing their function. Because of this, it’s important to clean them out and get rid of any debris.

 It’s not easy to take a look at your gutters and spot any issues making it tough to know if there’s a problem.

So, how often should they be cleaned?

Like many other areas of home cleaning and repair, how often you clean your gutters depends on other factors such as the amount of rain you receive and the number of trees that hang over your roof and gutters. Ideally, it is best to keep in mind that you should clean your gutters at least twice a year: in the spring and in the fall.  Specifically cleaning your gutters during these two seasons when the temperature changes greatly, there are more storms, and more leaves and debris fall from the trees.

What happens if they’re not cleaned?

If there is a clog in the gutters, water can’t freely flow through, and it will sit there. Leaves sitting in the still water can grow mold that you don’t want to get inside your house. Sitting water also attracts bugs. Other problems that can arise are flooding in your house, damaged roofs, cracks in the home foundation, and yard or driveway damage. All of these problems can be very serious and costly to fix.

If you need professional help cleaning your gutters that’s quick and easy or help correcting the damage that your gutters have caused, give Landmark Exteriors a call at (203) 838-3838.

Wooden fences make great additions to your property for privacy, security, and beauty. With a typical lifespan of 15 years, it’s only natural that your wood fence might start to rot over time. However, with proper care and routine maintenance, you might be able to stretch that lifespan for another five years. 

If your wooden fence needs some TLC, here are some tips to consider:

Practice Routines Inspections and Repairs

At least once a year, you’ll want to take a walk along your fence and look for any possible damage or issues that need to be addressed. Some of these issues could be rot, insect damage, overgrown bushes or vines, broken pieces, loose nails or screws, or posts that have become loose from the ground. Correct any of the issues on your own if possible by cutting overgrown bushes or vines, hammer in any loose nails or tighten any loose screws, and fix any broken pieces.

 If significant issues are present or you don’t feel comfortable taking on the task, consider getting your fence professionally repaired if needed.  

Check Your Sprinklers

Water from your sprinklers can cause discoloration and rot of the wood. Make sure that your sprinklers are aimed away from your fence. It will also help you reduce your water waste, too.

Give it a Good Cleaning

Give your fence a good cleaning at least every two or three years. You can do this by clearing off any dirt or moss and power washing the fence. If you can’t power wash, scrub the fence with a formulated wooden fence or deck cleaner and a long-handled brush. If you notice any mildew, mix a solution of 20% and 80% mild detergent and spray it over the area before washing. This will kill any mold and prevent it from growing back.

Reapply Paint and Stain

Coat your fence with a water-repellent coating to prevent water damage after it has been thoroughly washed. To reduce your chance of rot and discoloration, consider reapplying any paint or stain to your fence at least every three years.  

If you need help maintaining or repairing your wooden fence, give Landmark Exteriors a call at (203) 838-3838 for more information on how we can help you. 

Your backyard is the perfect place to spend time as a family and get the kids active and out of the house.  With the weather getting warmer and nicer every day, being outside is becoming more and more enjoyable! To get your family to soak up some sun, consider these below activities: 

Games Galore

There are plenty of fun games to play outside as a family.  There are of course the traditional fun games to play such as tag, hide and seek or a scavenger hunt. There are also a wide variety of sports you can play or try out as a family such as soccer, whiffle ball, football, or badminton. Why not get creative and make your own ring toss, corn hole, or bocce game?  There are so many options that can be played by people of all ages right in the comfort of your own yard! 

Opt For Some Water Fun

If you have a pool you can jump in, go right ahead! If not, grab the sprinkler, gardening house, or even fill up some water balloons and have fun in the hot weather!

Let’s Eat

Take your family meals outdoors! Fire up the grill if you have one, eat dinner on your patio set instead of the kitchen, or go picnic style. Just don’t forget dessert, after all, it’s not summer without some s’mores!

Get Swinging

Do you have a sturdy tree branch in an open space in your backyard?  Give making an easy rope swing a try! With only a few materials needed and plenty of ways to make one, a rope swing will be a lot of fun making and enjoying all summer long.

Make a Garden

Get together and plant and decorate a family garden in an area of your backyard. Consider planting flowers or even make it a vegetable garden and decorate with painted rocks, stones, and shells. 

Movie time

Do you have a projector somewhere in the house? Grab the popcorn, pillows, blankets, and lawn chairs; it’s family outdoor movie night! Set up a white sheet against the house or on the lawn and project a favorite family movie or show you can all enjoy together.  Perfect for a warm summer evening!

If you need any help perfecting the exterior of your home, give Landmark Exteriors a call at (203) 838-3838 for any questions or information on how we can help you!

Your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home, so maintaining it should definitely be a priority.  Asphalt roofs are the most common roof type and should last between 20-30 years. But no matter the type of roof you have, you can still do your part to ensure that your roof lasts as long as possible.  

Here are some ways to help increase the lifespan of your asphalt roof.

Give it a Quick Look Around

Especially after a bad snow or rainstorm, go outside and check your roof.  Walk around your house and see if you can find any glaring problems that you need to get fixed immediately or could be a problem in the future.  

Get Regular Roof Inspections

There could be damage to your roof that you can’t see yourself or is only noticed by a trained professional.  Getting your roof inspected can help catch any serious problems sooner than later.  

Clean the Gutters

Leaves piling up in the gutters can cause water to wick into parts of the roof and cause rot.  Cleaning your gutters each spring and fall can help prevent rot damage which can be a pricey fix.  

Trim Overhanging Branches

Trim your trees to prevent branches and leaves from piling up on your roof.  When branches and leaves pile up it as well causes rot damage.  Especially if there is a storm, debris won’t fly on to your roof if the nearby trees are trimmed. 

Remove Piled Up Snow if Possible

Removing snow can help prevent ice formation and leaks into your home. Don’t pull off the ice that’s already been formed to prevent damage.  Try using a roof rake to push snow off the roof and away from the gutters safely to prevent leaks and roof damage.

If you’re looking to get your roof done or need help maintaining, Landmark Exteriors can help.  Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 for more on how we can help you.

When the weather starts getting warmer, it’s time to get your deck ready! After all, it’s the perfect place to relax and get some fresh air with family and friends.  So here’s how to makes sure your deck is in tip-top shape for all your spring and summer plans.

Clean Off Any Debris

Fall and winter can leave behind plenty of backyard droppings on your deck.  Start by sweeping or blowing off any leaves, branches, and any other debris.  

Clean Any Furniture 

Scrub down and rinse off all your furniture items so that they are fresh and clean and ready to be enjoyed by you and your guests.  Put any cushions that can fit in your washing machine, power wash outdoor rugs, empty and clean any planters, and throw out anything that isn’t salvageable. 

Scrub the Deck Down

How you clean your deck depends on what your deck is made from.  Typically, power washing is your best option or scrub it down yourself with a long-handled scrub brush and a brand of deck cleaner.

Replace or Add New Furniture

If you need to get new furniture, make sure to get items that compliment your deck and your home.  Find pieces that are durable, comfortable, and fit your overall vision.  

Decorate!

Add pops of color and comfort to your deck space with outdoor pillows, rugs, and accessories.  Adding fresh plants adds a sense of freshness, vibrancy, and a nice natural scent.  If you plan on entertaining at night make sure to add some fun lights. 

If you need help getting your deck clean and ready for all your warm-weather plans, give Landmark Exteriors a call at (203) 838-3838.

Your house is your home, and making your home exterior look finished and attractive can be a challenge. Picking siding for your home can seem tricky, but the right color siding can make your home stand out and give it the curb appeal you’ve always wanted. Whether it’s blue or yellow, every home has a siding color that fits just right. Here are some tips on helping you find the perfect color siding for your home:

Look Around the Neighborhood

A significant first step on deciding a siding color is driving around your neighborhood and getting an idea of what looks you like or dislike. Also, consider your neighbors’ homes and determine if you want to match or stand out from the houses near you. 

Set the Tone For Your Home

Deciding the tone for your exterior is an essential next step. Decide whether you want to utilize warm tones like reds or yellows, or cool tones like blues and greens. Warm tones are more bright and energizing, while cool tones are more cozy and relaxed.  

Match Your Roof and Other Exterior Elements

You want your home to look finished and have all the exterior elements match. Make sure to consider the color of your roof, trim, windows, and other exterior features.  

Look at Plenty of Samples

Ask for siding samples or get some color swatches to test out how different colors look on your home. Look at your samples on different areas of your house and see how it looks next to all your other exterior elements.

Be Mindful of How Colors Look at Different Times of Day

Siding colors will look different depending on the lighting and time of day. So make sure to keep that in mind and look at your color samples under different lights or on the side of your house at different times of the day.  

If you need help deciding on what siding is perfect for your home and installation, give our siding contractors a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more about how Landmark Exteriors can help you.

When deciding what roofing you want for your home, you want to consider quality, durability and look, among other factors. Metal roofing might be a great option if you’re looking to update your home. But, why choose metal roofing over different types of roofing such as asphalt or cedar? We have a few reasons below.

Lightweight 

Metal roofing is very lightweight and can often be applied directly over an existing roof, saving you the cost of tearing off your existing roof.  

Durability

Metal roofs can last up to 50 years when properly maintained. They are almost impenetrable and can resist rot, rust, and insects.

Great for Snow and Rain

The surfaces on metal roofing are hard and slippery, making it easy for rain and snow to slide right off. Metal roofing also conducts heat, which helps snow to melt faster.  

Fire Resistant

Because they are non-combustible, metal roofs are the most fire-resistant roof type and can often receive a Class A fire rating, depending on the materials in the decking underneath.

Saves Energy

Metal roofing reflects the sun which helps to keep your home cool in the hotter months and enabling you to save energy on cooling your home.  

Environmentally Friendly

Today, metal roofs are often composed of at least 50 percent recycled material and are 100 percent recyclable themselves. Metal roofs are perfect if you are environmentally conscious — only a small fraction of your roofing materials will end up in landfills one day. 

If you have any questions or want more information on metal roofing, let Landmark Exteriors help you. Give us a call at (203) 838-3838.