LANDMARK EXTERIORS

3 Tips For Hiring Professional Snow Removal

Getting rid of snow on your property is no fun, but it’s something that’s got to get done one way or another. There are many reasons you cannot leave snow on your property, from damage to your home to liability laws and more. The good news is that there are professional services that will take care of your snow fast and easily, and you won’t even have to lift a finger. Let’s take a look at three benefits of hiring a professional snow removal service.

1. Complying with Liability Laws

If you’re thinking you can’t be sued by someone who slips on the sidewalk in front of your home or business, guess again. Some cities even have strict laws stating that you must keep the sidewalk in front of your property safe at all times. Prevent getting sued or fined; hiring the pros is the best way to get rid of the snow without worrying.

2. Avoid Property Damage

One of the biggest problems with snow is the fact that it can damage concrete on your property very easily. This is because the tiny particles get into the cracks and pores in the concrete, melt, then refreeze when the temperature drops again. This causes the ice to expand and create even bigger cracks and pits in your concrete. Ignore this for long enough, and you’ll need to repave. Our professional home care experts at Landmark Exteriors can get rid of the snow, and save you the trouble.

3. Seasonal Service

Have you ever shoveled your driveway only to find that you need to do it again a week later? Frustrating doesn’t even begin to describe this. Instead of stressing yourself out, you should be thinking about getting seasonal snow removal services. As the name implies, when you hire a snow removal company on a seasonal basis, they will get rid of the snow on a scheduled basis. This will keep you worry-free all winter.

Additional Services

Hiring our professionals at Landmark Exteriors to get rid of snow is the smart thing to do, but what if you’ve already suffered damage to your property? As it turns out, this won’t be an issue. You see, Landmark Exteriors doesn’t only specialize in snow removal, they also take care of roofing, gutter installation/replacement, and siding repair. If snow has damaged your property, give us a call, and we’ll get things taken care of for you. To book an appointment, contact us today.

Heating bills can be expensive, but there are many affordable ways to keep your home warm during the winter. Here are a few tips to keep you comfortable all season:

Keeping the Heat Circulating During Winter Months

Trapping the warmth your heating system generates is vital to keep your family cozy and warm. You may also want to monitor your thermostat to ensure the heater isn’t running when the house is empty. Some ways to fix these problems include:

Using a Programmable Thermostat

Programmable thermostats are extremely useful. You can design them to automatically turn off while your family is at work or school. You can set it up to turn on an hour before you come home. This will ensure you don’t have to feel cold when you enter the house later in the day.

Installing Storm Windows

Many people like storm windows because they improve the value of a house. They’re also very good at trapping heat. Storm windows keep air from escaping the living space. The hot air continues to circulate within the home, so the heater turns off sooner. This reduces the total amount of energy needed to keep the house warm.

Securing Your Roof

You should consider finding a similar solution for your roof. Securing your roofing is extremely important because heat rises. Warm air eventually rises toward the home’s attic. Securing your roofing can stop the heat from slowly leeching out of cracks. 

If your roof is old, then you may want to have it replaced to seal the heat in. The heat will eventually dissipate, but this process is much slower if it’s harder for it to escape into the atmosphere. You may want to replace your roof’s insulation. The insulation is designed to stop heat from escaping during winter months, but the insulation wears away over time. 

Heat can also escape through small holes in the roof. Professionals may be able to seal these holes using caulk. Replacing the roof is also an option. Roofs made from composition or wood should ideally be replaced every few decades.

Landmark Exteriors can assess your roofing issue. Our qualified professionals will be able to examine the roof and determine the best course of action. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

If you’re searching for family-friendly holiday events to kick off your holiday season, you don’t need to look far! There are plenty of local festivals, holiday strolls, shows, and visits from Santa Claus himself that are not far away from home. Here are some of our favorite events of the season: 

Fantasy of Lights

The 2019 season of Fantasy of Lights is in full swing! The mile-long journey contains 60 animated displays, which all have been upgraded to LED bulbs making them more energy-efficient, brighter, more colorful, and vibrant than ever before. 

When: November 15 — December 31, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Where: Lighthouse Point Park

Greenwich Reindeer Festival

Don’t miss one of the best local holiday festivals of the season at Sam Bridge Nursery! Take a photo with Santa, enjoy sweet treats, and take a few rides on the train or carousel.

When: November 29th – December 24th

Photos with Santa:

Monday – Friday 12 pm – 6 pm

Saturdays 9 am – 6 pm

Christmas Eve 9 am – 3 pm

Carousel and Train Rides: 

Wednesdays 3 pm – 6 pm

Thursdays & Fridays 12 pm – 6 pm

Saturdays 9 am – 6 pm

Christmas Eve 9 am – 3 pm

Reindeer and Christmas Shop: 

Monday – Saturday 8:30 – 6:00

Where: Chabad of Stamford – 770 High Ridge Road Stamford, CT

Ridgefield Holiday Stroll

Join the town of Ridgefield for their 20th annual Holiday Stroll, completed with horse-drawn carriages, live music, strolling carolers, ice sculpting, toy soldiers, local store promotions just in time for holiday shopping, and much more!

When: December 6, 5 pm — 10 pm and December 7 beginning at 9 am

Where: Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Ave. Norwalk, CT 06851

Wonder of Winter FREE Christmas Concert

Enjoy traditional songs performed by local children and members of the community. 

When: December 7, 7:30 PM

Where: Downtown Ridgefield, Connecticut

Jingle Jam

Take the kids for a morning of crafts, holiday jingles, and fun!

When: Dec 7, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM

Where: 203 Liberty Square, 203 Liberty Square, Norwalk, CT 06855, USA

$20/1st child, $15/2nd child, $10/3rd child.

From our family to yours, we hope you have a happy and merry holiday season!

Give Your Home a Good Cleaning

From your dining room to your bathrooms, make sure that all the main living spaces in your home are clean and ready for your friends and family. Doing a large cleaning a few days before Thanksgiving and then a smaller cleaning the day-of is the best way to make sure your home is as pristine as possible.

Clean Out the Fridge

Don’t stop the cleaning at the living room! Your fridge is about to have a large, large bird sitting in it waiting to be cooked — which means you need a lot of space! Clean up any items that can be tossed away, and move other items around in order to create room for platters, your turkey, and other dishes.

Prep Dishes Early

From desserts to side dishes, don’t leave all the cooking for the last moment. If you can make anything ahead of time, especially items that are served cold, get to prepping! Be sure to also give yourself plenty of time to defrost that turkey.

Take Help When It’s Offered

Just because you’re hosting Thanksgiving, doesn’t mean that you have to do all of the work. If your house guests or family members offer their help — don’t turn it down! There’s plenty of chopping, table-setting, and dish-washing to do (you can even volunteer your kids as tribute).

Tidy Up the Porch

Your porch is the first impression your house guests will have of your hosting skills, so don’t disappoint! This means adding some last-minute fall decor to the porch such as a wreath or a few lights.

Prepare Your Exterior For the Holidays

Whether it’s a loose shingle or damaged siding, our experts at Landmark Exteriors have the skills to get your home’s exterior looking fresh for the holiday season. Give us a call today to book an appointment. (203) 838-3838  From all of us at Landmark Exteriors, we hope you have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving with your family!

Remodeling projects can be some of the most expensive investments you will make in your lifetime; second only to the purchase of your own home and a new car. Added to that price is the top quality materials that should be used on your roof to protect it for years to come. Here’s how to choose the best roof for your home.

Choosing Your Roofing Materials

Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt roofing rolls use small flat pitches, angled and rolled out in strips across the roof. Asphalt roofing is fairly easy to install and can be cost-effective for a lot of people doing it themselves. It is not a terrific material for home roofs and works better for non-home spaces such as garages and sheds. Asphalt roofing lasts for up to 10 years and requires the buyer to keep it clear of moss and other debris on the roof.

A 2,000 square foot house will average $2.25 per square foot, with a total average cost of $4,500 for the entire home.

Built-Up Roofing

Built-up roofing (BUR) alternates roofing materials, fiberglass, and tar. Built-up roofing is good for roofs that are flat with little angle. Built-up roofs can last up to 30 years if they are kept repaired and in good condition.

BUR roofs cost about $4.00 per square foot with a 2,000-foot house close to $8,000 to do. This roof is not good for a roof with an extreme slope.

Composite Asphalt Shingle Roof

The composite roof has organic materials mixed with asphalt and chips or graduals of ceramic or slate. It is a low-cost roof that has a relatively long life. The composite roof averages up to 40 even 50 years if well cared for.

Costing around $5.00 a section, a 2,000 square foot house will cost $11,000 to put on.

Wood Shingle Roof

Wood shingles are not easy to install for the average person and are more of a fire hazard in some regions. Made of Cedar or yellow pine, the can provide a good insulating layer to any home. The average wood shingle roof will last up to 30 years if the roof cared for overtime. High maintenance roofing can enable the roof to last 50 years.

Wood shingles are more expensive than other types of materials and, depending on the type of wood, can cost up to $11.00 per square foot; with a 2,200 square foot home costing $19,800 to complete.

Making Your Decision

The better the quality the roofing materials is the more it will cost to replace. Choosing roofing materials based only on price will not last nearly as long. A good quality roof should last 20 to 30 years. A roof of lesser quality can expect to last maybe 8 years.

At Landmark Exteriors, we’re the experts in choosing the right roof for your home. Our Cedar-Life roofing materials are the best in Connecticut. Cedar-Life delays the onset or return of mildew and algae and will improve the structural integrity of the roof or siding.  To book a consult or for any questions, please call us. (203) 838-3838

How to Keep the Pests Out this Season

Winter weather in Connecticut typically means we’re spending more time inside of our homes than outside — unless we’re building a snowman or shoveling our driveway. This means that we don’t typically pay as much attention to the outside of our homes than we would in the spring and summer. During these few months, we may let our home’s exterior go without necessary maintenance.

Late fall and winter is the best time for pests to seek shelter inside your home through any openings they can find. Luckily, there are some quick steps you can take to protect your home until warm weather comes again.

Pests That Make Your House Their Home

Wildlife should remain outside in the wild and not in your home. However, the following critters can find their way into your home:

• Rodents (mice and rats)
• Insects (yellow jackets, bees, ants, flies)
• Fall bugs (stink bugs, ladybugs, box elders)

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. These animals can find their way into your home through any of these openings:

• In your walls.
• Cracks and gaps in your exterior.
• Holes in your roof, closets, pantries, or attic.

Fall Pest Maintenance Tips

If pests make their way into your home, they can cause a lot of damage. Beyond forming a colony in your home, they can also chew wires, harm your property, leave droppings, and nest in your insulation. If you do notice an insect or rodent infestation, you will need to call a professional exterminator immediately. 

Prevent any pest problems this season by performing the following home maintenance:

• Check your home for gaps or holes (especially near pipes and utilities).
• Pull out old plants that could attract bugs.
• Store firewood at least 20 feet from your exterior.
• Check fall decorations before bringing them in the house (straw piles and scarecrows).

The best way to protect your home and focus on celebrating all that the holiday season has to offer is by calling your professional home care company to give your home a good double-check. At Landmark Exteriors, we can help get your home ready for winter early, so you can prevent any problems or emergencies when temperatures drop. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Prepare for Your Roof for Winter

At Landmark Exteriors, we know that winters in Connecticut can be harsh and long. Not only will your snow boots take a beating, but so will your roof. With winter approaching quickly, now is an excellent time to go over the many ways the winter weather can affect the strength and structure of your home’s roof.

Wind Damage

Winter storms generally are accompanied by gusty winds. Strong winds can damage the roof by ripping shingles off. Ice and snow lying on the roof weaken the shingles, causing them to become loose and brittle. High wind can also knock branches from trees onto the roof or cause low hanging branches to bang the roof in the wind. These branches can easily remove shingles and puncture holes in your home’s structure.

Snow And Water Damage

If you live in an area where it snows consistently during the winter months, the snow can build up for days onto the roof. Snow becomes very heavy over time and can cause the roof to cave in completely. Snow also melts, and depending on the shape of the roof could be problematic as well. Water from melted snow could drain and seep into cracks of the roof and under shingles causing mold and rotting.

Proper Winter Roof Maintenance

Before winter begins, it is always a good idea to trim any low hanging tree branches away from your roof. Gutters should also be inspected to make sure they are clear and can drain melting snow adequately. You can easily hire a professional roofing company to inspect the gutters and look over the roof for any loose shingles or weak spots and have them repaired before more significant issues develop. 

After a bad winter storm season, your roof should be inspected thoroughly again to make sure no damage occurred. Prepare your roof for winter now and enjoy all the season has to offer instead of worrying about repairs. 

Landmark Exteriors Home Care division provides an extensive list of services to keep your home in great shape. From roof maintenance to gutter and siding repair, we can help prep your home for winter now before snow hits! Contact us today to set up an appointment. (203) 838-3838

It’s no surprise that homes are expensive, and with such an investment, we want our homes to look good inside and out. Finding the right combination of exterior colors isn’t always easy, but it is crucial to keep your home’s exterior looking cohesive. 

Choosing a Roofing Color

When selecting a roofing color, you want it to pair nicely with the siding of your home. The architectural design of your home is one of the most important factors to think about, as well as what kind of statement you want your home to make.

Here’s a list of tips and suggestions to help get you started:

• Lighter siding colors paired with a lighter roofing material will help make your home appear larger and more expansive.
• Lighter colors used on siding and roofing help exemplify architectural features.
•  In general, medium tones paired harmoniously with siding and roofing will look good with almost every style of home, while not overpowering architectural details.
• A robust and dark roofing color paired with a more moderate siding tone will create a strong balance to the home.
• When wanting to blend the exterior colors of your home, using a light to moderate siding paired with a darker shade of the same color for the roof, the house will have a beautiful, finished look.
• Using complementary colors typically looks better than matching the siding and roofing colors exactly.
• Newer, contemporary homes look better and more intensified with varying tones of black and gray. It’s also good to make sure your gutters/trim don’t clash but help exemplify the colors you choose for siding and roofing.

Siding can dramatically boost the appearance of your home. Landmark Exteriors offers a variety of siding applications from horizontal to vertical siding, in various wood species and cuts. Our materials can be left unfinished to patina, or it can be installed pre-primed to be finished at a later date. Contact us today to turn your vision for your home’s exterior into a reality.

If you’ve noticed that the trim on your house has begun to rot, then it’s time to repair the damage before it gets worse. However, it is essential to work with a qualified company such as Landmark Exteriors to ensure the job is done correctly. 

Signs You Need New Trim Boards

When we check our homes for damage, trim boards are probably not one of the first things that come to mind. Here are some signs to help you recognize if you have your trim boards are rotting: 

• Boards have become swollen
• Boards are breaking or sagging
• Water seeps behind trim boards when it rains
• Fungi or moss is growing on the trim boards
• Wood is darker than the rest of the wood
• Trim wood is cracked, bubbling, or peeling

If you have noticed any of these signs, it’s best to call upon the help of a professional who can thoroughly inspect the damage and properly repair it. If your trim work is not correctly installed or additional damage is ignored, you will find yourself facing the same problem again. A professional company will not only repair the damage but adequately assess the job to ensure that all necessary repairs are completed. With the help of Landmark Exteriors, you can quickly reduce moisture infiltration, have rotting trim replaced, and even add gutters to your home if necessary.

Professional Trim Repair

When you work with an experienced professional, you can rest assured that your home will be thoroughly inspected at the edge of your roof before any further action is taken. This is important because the trim boards on your house are not just for decoration. On the contrary, they help reduce moisture infiltration, which in turn protects wood that has been used for framing and roofing. If you ignore the problem, then you will face far more extensive repair work in the future.

With the help of Landmark Exteriors, you can get your leaky roof repaired, repair damaged siding, and replace your rotten trim. All of these fixes are necessary to ensure your house will last for many years to come. Do not let mold and fungus take over your home; especially when there is qualified help is just a phone call away.

Fall in Connecticut is one of the best times to enjoy outdoor activities, not to worry about home maintenance. Leave the fall clean up to the professionals! The best way to prepare your roof for everything fall may throw (literally and figuratively!) at it is to have your roofing professional perform the following tasks:

Remove Debris

You’d be surprised what debris can get caught up in your gutters. It’s important to have all tree branches, plants, toys, and any other debris removed from your roof. Even small objects can cause a major problem with your roof and gutters. Take time now, before the weather drops and snow comes! 

Clean Your Gutters

After you remove any debris, your gutters should get a good cleaning so they can keep doing their job without any obstructions. When our gutters become full of leaves or other debris, this clog can cause water to pool on your roof. This moisture can eventually run the risk of seeping under your shingles and entering your home. Without debris, your gutters will keep flowing and have no issues when rain and snow come their way.

Check for Leaks

If your attic is properly insulated, you may think that you’re defended against leaks. However, you should still take time to check for leaks. Not only can leaks left unfixed cause you to have to spend more on repairs, but they will pose a threat to your home’s structure. Have your roofing professional check for leaks now, and avoid having to do the repair in the colder, snowy months.

Schedule an Inspection

The summer sun can make your roofing materials swell, shift, or even crack from the heat. It’s best to get an inspection as the weather starts to cool off to ensure you won’t encounter any problems during months of snow, ice and harsh temperatures. A professional inspection this autumn is essential for identifying areas of damage. Contact our professionals at Landmark Exteriors to schedule a maintenance and inspection appointment.