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.

5 Summer Energy Saving Tips

As temperatures increase, so does your energy bill — unless you adopt a few energy saving tips into your routine! We’re here to help you find the perfect balance between using your home as a cool refuge and not letting your energy bill break the bank:

1. Make sure your cooling system is running efficiently. This means it’s time for an AC tune-up, and to check the window seals on your pane-based air conditioner units. If you notice your home is still not cooling correctly, consider roof ventilation to help let more heat escape out.

2. Avoid heating your home with appliances and heavy lighting. It’s time to show your microwave and grill some love, and take a break from your oven. Instead of turning on every light in the house, utilize natural light during the daytime. Additionally, be more mindful of shutting off switches when leaving a room, and consider switching to energy-efficient bulbs.

3. Use windows to gain cool air. This is where window upgrades can save you money in the long run. On milder days and nights, opt to shut off your air conditioner and crack open the windows. You’ll also appreciate the breath of fresh air!

4. Give your dryer a well-deserved rest. Line dry clothes when you can, or utilize your dryer to its maximum capacity to cut down on how many cycles you need to run.

5. Install a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to customize temperatures from room-to-room throughout your day and help regulate your home — plus they’re one of the home improvement projects known to boost resale value.

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

How the Sun Affects Your Roof

The Threat From Above

When you think of roof damage, winds or storms may come to mind as the apparent troublemakers. But there’s another threat to your roof, one that is far more subtle and long-term – the sun.

Here are just a few of the ways that sunlight can potentially damage your roof, and what you can do to stay on top of the problem:

Bleaching

Think driftwood: being exposed to direct sunlight every day is what causes the wood’s original color to bleach and eventually fade. The same thing can happen to your roof, especially if your roof has darker colored shingles.

Warping and Cracking

Damage from the sun’s UV rays can cause your roof to warp. When summer temperatures reach around the 100 °F barrier your roof tiles will expand, while in the winter or milder days your tiles will contract. The constant heating and cooling of your tiles causes them to loosen, and eventually, tiles can fall out of place.

Decaying

Prolonged exposure to the sun will cause your roof’s shingles to start decaying. If your shingles appear to be rotten, missing chunks, or deformed in any way, they are showing signs of decay and it is important to get your roof repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

What Can I Do About Roof Damage?

To stay on top of any sun damage to your roof, it’s important to perform routine checks. Pull out a ladder and place it against your home, and without stepping out onto the roof, check for signs of decay or damage. Do a visual inspection to look for signs of cracks, shifted or warped tiles, and check your drainage systems while you’re up there!
Sunlight wears your roof out over time, contact Landmark Exteriors to stay on top of your roof maintenance! We are here to replace those old, warped or decayed shingles, tiles, or to help with a complete roof renovation. Call us at 203.838.3838 today to schedule an appointment!

Memorial Day Weekend Events in CT

Local Holiday Fun

Looking for something fun and local to do this Memorial Day? We’ve got you covered! Connecticut is the best place to be for the holiday, with unique and meaningful events all weekend. Whether you take advantage of the summer season beginning, attend a memorial or parade, or engage with your community, there’s something for everyone. Here are some local events you may want to consider attending this Memorial Day Weekend:

Travel Back In Time

Memorial Day was originally instituted by the US government to honor the fallen veterans of the Civil War. This Memorial Day weekend, you can take a trip back to the 1800s to participate in Civil War reenactments, celebrate the heritage of Connecticut, and more.

May 25, 2019:

Memorial ceremony and boat procession to honor the fallen members of the US military that were lost at sea.

Interact with the 5th Connecticut Regiment in full colonial dress, and enjoy entertaining demonstrations of 18th-century medicine, open-fire cookery, camp life, marching and musket firing, music, and more.

May 27, 2019:

Join civic organizations, marching bands, and veteran’s groups to pay tribute to our veterans.

The day will include tending and decorating the graves of the fallen, church services, solemn processions, and a community dinner.

Spend Time Outdoors

Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of the summer season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by getting outdoors! Consider spending time at one of Connecticut’s vast parks or forests, spending time on the water, or racing into the weekend with the TransAm Memorial Day Classic.

May 25 2019:

An all-level class which will conclude with a candle lighting ceremony in honor of our service members. Bring your yoga supplies or a towel.

The race will begin and finish at Weston High School, and is the school’s largest fundraiser, funding school enhancements and educational initiatives.

May 24 – 27, 2019:

Hours of operation may vary.

New in 2019, the Trans Am Series by Pirelli and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) will headline the track’s 2019 season opening event, with new events each day of the weekend.

May 25 – 26, 2019:

Cast your line for a chance at the $1,000 top prize or one of many other adult and youth prizes!

Celebrate With Your Community

Attend a Memorial Day Parade or festival in your area to celebrate with your community! For local parades across Connecticut, be sure to check your town’s local listings.

May 25,2019:

A day of music, food, fun, family, and friendship for the Greenwich community.

May 25 – 27, 2019:

Featuring the area’s top food trucks and shops from over 50 local vendors.

May 27, 2019:

  • Westport Memorial Day Parade: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

An afternoon of food, games, crafts, and fun activities for everyone!

A substance-free event for teens, young adults, prevention and the recovery community.

For more events, explore Connecticut.

From all of us at Landmark, we hope you have a happy Memorial Day weekend with your friends and family!

And remember, 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.

Keeping Your Neighbors Happy During Renovation

Home renovations are usually noisy, create debris, and run for an extended period of time. This may cause disturbances to your neighbors’ everyday routine. While your home is being improved, you can use this time to improve your relationship with your neighbors and keep them happy throughout the process.

Here are some ways you can keep the peace with the residents on your block during your home renovation:

Make your neighbors aware of the renovation before it happens.

This is the best way you can make sure your neighbors have a positive experience during your home renovation. Telling them in advance in person, over the phone, or by letter makes them feel considered and allows them to prepare for any disruptions that may arise.

Tell your neighbors about increases in property value.

Most renovations contribute to the resale value of your home, but certain jobs can also raise the property value of a neighboring home. Whether they’re considering moving or not, your neighbor may be quite happy to hear their property might increase.

Begin renovations later in the day.

Everyone enjoys peace and quiet when they first wake up, especially families with small children. The people on your block will wake up on the right side of the bed each morning during your renovation if you are able to push loud construction to the late morning or even in the afternoon.

Keep your construction area confined to your property.

Work with your contractor to make sure that your neighbor’s property is unaffected by any renovations done to your home — unless it is out of your ability to do so. Before any work begins, make sure to read your homeowners association (HOA) regulations regarding construction and refrain from blocking parking or roads.

Do your neighbor favors when you can.

Perhaps you fix something on your property that both you and your neighbor share — such as fencing or trimming an overgrown tree. Lending a helping hand can leave your neighbor feeling more tolerant during your renovation.

Invite your neighbors over when the work is done.

Hosting a dinner party to showcase the work done to your home will show your neighbors that you appreciate their patience during the process. It also gives you the chance to check in with nearby residents you do not already have a strong relationship with and hopefully create a stronger bond.

Utilizing these tips when planning your next home renovation will help the process go much smoother for both you and your neighbors.

For an excellent renovation experience for both you and your neighbors, turn to Landmark Exteriors! From roofing and siding to gutter design and installation, our team of experts has you covered. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your project, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Things to Do Around Connecticut: May 2019

Looking for things to do around Connecticut this month? Look no further! 

Enjoy all the things our great state has to offer, here are a few events you can check out this month:

Attend the Connecticut Spring Boat Show (Essex, May 3 from 1pm-6pm and May 4 & 5 from 10am-5pm)

This weekend, head over to Essex Island Marina for a boutique in-water boat show! See more than 60 boats ranging in size and speak with various dealers and manufacturers. The show will also have gear, accessories and exhibitors set up for guests.

Take a Lighthouse Cruise (Norwalk, May 11 from 10am-3:30pm)

Venture out on a lighthouse cruise on the Long Island Sound from Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium. During the cruise, Aquarium educators will be there to share information about the area’s lighthouses! Feel free to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages along for the ride.

Start Collecting Stamps in your Passport to CT Farm Wineries (Locations and times vary)

The 2019 Passport program will begin Friday, May 3! Be sure to pick up your passport at any participating winery and get stamping! Visit as many participating wineries as you can to add stamps, the more stamps you get, the more chances you have to win prizes — the grand prize is a two-week trip for two (including airfare and lodging) to Spain!

Take in a show at The Palace Theater (Stamford, dates and times vary)

Whether you’re looking for a concert or a comedy show, The Palace Theater has got you covered. May will see acts ranging from Jay Leno and Kevin James to Filmore and Styx. View their full lineup and purchase tickets here»

We hope you enjoy everything CT has to offer! And remember, if you’re in need of assistance surrounding roofing, gutters, and or siding, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at (203)838-3838 to discuss your options!