LANDMARK EXTERIORS

Your home’s siding protects the exterior walls, and it gets dirty and discolored over time. Try these tips for a proper power washing to reveal a brilliant color under that grimy film: 

1. Time it Right

Your siding is ultimately a vertical element, and because of this, it doesn’t attract dust and dirt like other flat parts of the home. Ideally, schedule a professional power washing every two years. This general rule-of-thumb can vary based on your location. Homes that accumulate a lot of snow come winter may require extra attention.

2. Examine the Siding

Take a look at the siding’s condition and age. Siding that’s crumbling from termite damage cannot be power washed, and in fact, will probably need to be replaced. Another concern is age, which includes possible asbestos or lead materials within the siding. If you suspect these substances, contact professionals for an evaluation.

3. Move Exterior Obstacles

Remove any items around the home’s perimeter that might be damaged by water. Move potted plants, barbecues, patio furniture, and similar items from the area. The water that drips down from the siding will be dirty. Don’t give yourself another cleaning duty by leaving these items in place!

4. Prep the Surface

Your siding has a lot of elements included on its surface area. Walk around the structure, and cover those electrical outlets and vents. A better idea is to cut off the electricity entirely to the outlets. Cover your deactivated HVAC system too. 

5. Test the Tool

Always test the tool away from the siding. Hook it up to your water supply. Point the nozzle at a sidewalk or street. Turn on the water. Verify that you have a strong spray by cleaning the ground a bit. Alter the spray’s strength if necessary.

6. Spray Like a Professional

Activate the tool so that the spray is about a yard away from the siding’s surface. Watch how the grime falls away. Alter your position if you need to get a bit closer to remove the film. Start at the top of the home, and use a side-to-side motion with the tool. 

7. Verify the Cleanliness Factor 

Walk around the home. Examine the siding for its overall cleanliness. Document any damages that might have occurred during the cleaning. In most cases, the siding is clean and merely needs to drip dry.

Need to Schedule a Power Washing or Siding Estimate?

Contact Landmark Exteriors for your siding, roofing, and gutter needs today. Our experts examine, quote and fix issues before they worsen over time. Keep up with your power-washing chores while leaving the repairs to Landmark Exteriors!

Moss roots can lift up shingles, create leaks in your roof, and breed bacteria that can cause health concerns for your family. While not all mold poses a health risk, some are harmful, especially for older people, children and those who suffer from asthma and respiratory problems.

How to Prevent Moss Growth on Your Roof

Moss commonly thrives in damp, shady environments, making your roof a prime location for it to grow. You can prevent moss growth on your roof by taking a few simple measures:

• Cut back overgrown trees to ensure your roof isn’t completely shaded, allowing for sunlight to dry up any moisture.
• Keep your roof free of debris through regular roof maintenance and cleanings.
• Use zinc strips to prevent the future growth of moss. These strips can be nailed along with the ridge caps at the peak of your roof. Additionally, when it rains, the zinc will be released onto your roof and inhibit any moss growth.

Similar to algae, if you have moss on your roof, you should contact a professional to remove it. Not only is walking on your roof dangerous, but it can be harmful to your health should you come in direct contact with the moss. 

Call a Professional to Remove Moss 

At Landmark Exteriors, we’ll employ one of the following tactics, or a combination, to rid your roof of moss:

• Scraping the moss off by hand by using a pressure washer and a hand scraper. This will remove any large areas of moss.
• Bleach the moss away. While bleach will kill the moss, it may also discolor your roof because of its corrosive properties. 
• Spread moss control powder. This is one of the best ways to prevent and remove moss from roofs. The powder is made from zinc sulfate and does no damage to your roof. However, moss control powder has the potential to be harmful to wildlife and vegetation.
• Replace damaged shingles. If your roof is severely damaged, it may be time to replace the lifted or damaged shingles.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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 Sea Ceremony at South Benson Marina: 10 a.m.

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

• Revolutionary War Encampment at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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:

• Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

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

• Decoration Day at the Mystic Seaport:  9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

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:

• Yoga Benefit Class with The Veterans Yoga Project at Fairfield Museum: 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

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.

• Weston Memorial Day 5k Road Race: 8 a.m.

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:

• State Parks and Forests Across Connecticut

Hours of operation may vary.

• TransAm Memorial Day Classic at Lime Rock Park: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m

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:

• Town of Hartford 12th Annual David Childs Memorial Fishing Derby: 6 a.m. –  5 p.m.

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:

• Greenwich Town Party: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

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

May 25 – 27, 2019:

• Milford Food Truck Festival & Open Air Market: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

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

May 27, 2019:

• Danbury Memorial Day Parade: 8 a.m.
• Fairfield Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m

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

• Memorial Day Picnic at the Fairfield Museum and History Center: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

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

• Summer Fest 2019 at Penfield Pavilion: 7 p.m.

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.