Landmark Exteriors F.A.Q. Answered

There are a lot of questions when it comes to roofing. We understand, this is a vital piece of your home. Here are some highlighted questions we receive.

Copper Roofing Fairfield County

I’ve had bad experiences with other roofers. What makes you different?

For more than 20 years, we have set the standard with the quality of our work, professionalism and on-time performance. Clients regularly recommend us to their friends and neighbors. At times, we have worked for multiple generations of the same family.

 

Is your CEDAR-LIFE treatment product available to the public?

No. Cedar-Life’s proprietary solution contains special concentrates which we directly control and manufacture in small batches exclusively for our customers.

 

 

Are your products recommended by the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau?

The CSSB does not make product recommendations. However, scientists from Texas A&M University and the U.S. Forestry Service have confirmed that our company’s formula provides the most complete, long-lasting protection available.

 

Once it’s installed, how soon should I have my cedar treated?

Because cedar shingles can start to dry, curl and crack after only 6 months to 1 year, we recommend having an initial treatment completed approximately one year after installation.

How long will my cedar roof last if left untreated?

An untreated cedar roof may need complete replacement after 10 – 15 years, while treating your roof every 5 – 7 years can extend roof life by 35 to 50 years.

We hope these provided some updates to any questions you’ve had about our roofing. If not, please do not hesitate to give us a call: 203 838 3838

What Are Main Causes of Trim Rot?

Understanding Wood Trim Rot Causes

No matter what type of material the exterior of a home is, most commonly there is a trim. They also are typically made of wood.  Over time these areas of wood trim can rot and break down. While it may seem this would be a surface issue, rot on trim can actually affect some of the structure balances in a home.

Wood trim along doorways, windows, garages, and entryways can rot and cause cracking of the walls around the trim area as the wood begins to disintegrate.

This can cause more long-term problems for a homeowner because in addition to repairing the rot, you may find yourselves repairing the walls around the rot as well.

Primary Causes of Trim Rot

In general, there are usually three causes of trim rot on a home. They are weather, dry air and insect infestation. No matter what the cause is, it is advisable to tend to any wood trim rot as soon as it is noticed to avoid having any increased problems from arising.

Weather Trim Rot

If a window or door casing tends to have a water pooling problem, over time this will cause the wood to rot. Wood is not shielded from the effects of water damage. Just as tree trunks can rot in standing water, so can wood trim on a doorway or window if left with a constant exposure to a water leak situation.

Dry Air Rot

Wood that is not pressure treated properly has a better chance of being affected by arid conditions. Overly dry air and extreme sun can cause wood trim rot. Rot from high sun exposure is usually found when the wood trim on doorways or windows when there is extensive sun exposure on a daily basis over years of time.

Insect Infestation

This is actually a quite common problem no matter what the home’s exterior is. Wood boring insects can cause extensive damage to wood trim and sills. Insects such as termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles and carpenter bees can cause extensive wood trim rot. The good news is, once the infestation cause is mitigated, repair can begin.

The good news is that no matter what your trim rot cause was, it can be repaired. Our roofing and siding contractors at Landmark Exteriors can help get your wood trim rot removed.

We also replace any damaged area before it causes more wall cracks or other damage. For more information go to: Landmark Exteriors To learn more.

Why It Might Be Time To Replace Your Gutters

There are various reasons as to why you need to replace your gutters. One of the major reasons for this is to ensure that you get adequate and clean water in your house.

Reasons why you should replace your Gutters

Effect brought by wind during the rainstorm. This is one of the first reasons as to why you need to have your gutters replaced. Wind will probably direct water where it is not supposed to go.

This, therefore, implies that without proper gutters the wall of your house will not be protected well. When your wall is exposed to rainwater, it will affect its heating capacity.

The other reason is that the water from the unprotected roof will directly go to the ground close to your home. If this happens for long, the water will infiltrate through the dirt and find its way into the foundation of your house hence weakening it in the long run.

The other challenge brought about by damaged gutters is flowing water ever flowing water which can destroy the landscape of your home as well as sidewalks.

How do you know your gutter needs replacement?

There are various indicators that will point when it’s time to replace your gutter system. The following are some of these indicators.

1. When you start seeing small ponds of water stagnating at your home after rain.
2. When you start seeing some areas of your landscaping being washed away.
3. When you observe signs of molds and stains of water on the building façade.
4. When you gutters become floppy, and you see nails popping out.
5. Channels of water begin to emerge within your landscaping close to your house.
6. When you check, and you can’t find some gutters.
Gutter Contractors

To ensure that your gutter system gets to be replaced or installed properly, it is important to ensure that you choose the right service provider.

While researching for a gutter contractor, don’t forget to check us out at: https://www.landmarkexteriors.com/ and contact us to see what we can do for you.

Important Places at Home that NEED Insulation

Understanding Your Homes Insulation

When you have a home in climates where the winters get cold, having the proper insulation is an essential part of keeping heating costs down and drafts out.

Newer homes have significantly different amounts of insulation than older homes do. Because of this, people who own older homes can often find themselves in an especially expensive winter heating situation. Most homeowners think of insulation as keeping out the cold air in winter. In fact, proper insulation also keeps cooler air from air conditioning in a home during the summer months.

The only way to ensure that a home is not losing heat or cooling is by properly insulating a home. If you have a home that is particularly drafty, the truth is it may in fact be going right out through your roof. It can also leak through various other places. If you notice your heating and cooling costs are higher than usual, poor insulation could be a reason.

There are key places in your home that need to be properly insulated. This way you’ll ensure that you are not losing heating and cooling. However, too much insulation in a home can actually prove to be quite dangerous, especially if it is covering attic vents.

There are several key checkpoints in your home that need to be properly insulated to protect it against heat and cooling loss. The primary places for insulation in a home are:

  • Walls
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Attics
  • Ceilings
  • Basements
  • Roofs

While most people are familiar with the need to insulate walls, ceilings and attics, doors, and windows are key. Air will find ways to escape through any small cracks or leaks. The insulation rating in your home is based on all factors of areas. Make sure to check your walls, windows, doors, attics, ceilings, basements and roofs for current insulation.

When any of these areas in a home are not properly insulated, you can rest assured you are losing heat in the winter and cooling in the summer through cracks, drafts, improper seals and a lack of insulation.

The only way for you to repair this is through having insulation put into the areas that are lacking by replacing out any areas that have old and outdated exterior protections with updated better insulated products.

To best way to ensure your home is properly insulated is to run a check. Look at all exterior buffers in the home to see if there are any drafts coming in. Feel for cold spots or short bursts of chill around windows. Verify that your wall, ceiling and attic insulations are sufficient for your home.

Properly insulating your home can save costs annually. Insulation is also a good protectant against getting colds and flu’s from a drafty home.

 

Which Gutter Type Do I Choose for My Home?

Are you in the market for new gutters? Maybe your home was recently damaged in a storm? Maybe you are simply looking to replace your old gutters.
Take a minute before you make aThe Benefits Of Lead Coated Gutter And Roofing | Roofing Specialists | CT | Landmark Exteriorsny purchasing decisions and ask yourself a couple of questions. For example, are you aware that there are more than one type of gutter systems? Depending on the style and the features of your home, including porch, roof, and patios, the type of gutters you choose makes a huge impact on protecting your homes foundation, driveway and sidewalk.

So what type of gutter would be most beneficial to your home? That all depends on such factors as what materials your home is built with, the design of your home, and of course your personal preference as to aesthetic appearances. Here are there excellent gutter types that cover all the bases.

Yankee Gutters (Built-In)

This type of gutter is built straight in to the existing roof in order to provide superior protection your home’s woodwork. These traditional appearing gutters are made from wood and lined in copper, with wider channels that common gutters to allow for better drainage of runoff.

Half-Round Gutters

Don’t let the decorative appearance of this beautiful gutters fool you, they are far more than just functional. The rounded shape isn’t just for looks, the design allows maximum drainage at less of a pitch than standard type gutters. The Half-Round gutters work best with Shake, Slate, and Tile roofs. Available in Aluminum, Copper, Galvanized Steel, Lead-coated Copper, and Zinc.

OGEE Gutters

OGEE Gutters is a popular choice. They are custom made to fit your roof. They are made with no seams and cutting back on leakage or build up of debris. These gutters are available in a variety of materials including Copper, Galvanized Steel, Lead-coated copper, Painted aluminum, Painted Steel and Zinc Coated Copper.

If you need any further help on deciding between which style of gutters to get, contact us today. Visit our website or give us a call at (203) 838-3838

The Benefits of Hiring a Roofing Contractor

When it comes to your home, everyone knows that repairing it or building one is an expensive process that can run into the thousands of dollars. Especially when it comes to the roofing. This is often an overlooked part of the home, but it is really one of the most crucial parts of your home.

If there are problems with it or you invest less money into it than should be, there can be very big problems down the road that could have been prevented. One of the best things you can do for your home is to hire a roofing contractor that knows what they are doing, and also has a great and fair price. 

One of the best benefits of hiring a roofing contractor is the experience that they provide. Not many people know how to properly fix or install a roof.  That is why you need to be sure that you choose a contractor that has a great track record. Pick one with references from previous happy clients that they have done work for.

A great roofing contractor can walk you through the process. They also complete the project with quality and in a specific time frame. This is great if you need a new roof now. Even if there is a major problem with the roof that needs to be addressed urgently.

Another great aspect of hiring a roofing contractor is the price. If you decide to fix the roof or to install the roof yourself, the price range can be variable. Depends on what material you buy, how many times you need to redo things, and also the opportunity cost of doing it yourself.

A roofing contractor can help you pick out materials. They also will be able to give you a solid price so that you can know beforehand. This way you can budget for this part of your home.

Installing or fixing a roof can be a very stressful process. All the things that need to be involved in the process contribute to this. To make sure that the process is done correctly, consult and hire a roofing contractor.

This will really help you save money and get the job done fast. Especially since the roof is so important for your home, you need to be sure that you get it done right. Feel free to contact us for all of your roofing needs.

Signs Your Home Needs New Siding

Landmark Exteriors can Help You with Siding

You know it’s cold outside. You can feel the chill in the air. Do you feel it in your home, too? Is the problem that it is just too cold outside? Perhaps your siding needs replacement. How can you tell if it’s the latter? Below is a checklist of tell-tale signs it’s time for a replacement.

Bubbling and Blistering
Bubbling or blistering siding can be a tell-tale sign that it is time to replace it. We can help you to determine the level of degradation of your siding. We’ll also provide you with a reasonable cost for replacement.

Rain, Snow, Hail
Weather damage is a big problem in Connecticut. From wet spring to dry and hot summer and into the chill of fall, temperature changes can create damage to your siding. On top of the normal weather changes, hail, snow and sleet, ice, and the scorching summer sun can all reduce the life of your siding. The professionals at Landmark Exteriors are experienced with detecting even the faintest damage that may lead to higher expenses if your siding isn’t replaced quickly.

Aesthetics
Fading color is a sign of aging siding. Are you ready to give your home a facelift? We will be happy to help you to upgrade the exterior of your home and provide you with a positive neighborhood image.

Hidden Damage
Crumbling along the edges is a sure indication of dry rot. This kind of damage can be hidden under the surface, too. An inspection by Landmark Exteriors will tell you if it is time to change your siding due to dry rot and other hidden damage. Cracks in the surface of your siding can be an indicator of more advanced damage under the surface, too. Stay on top of your home’s value as well as your on comfort by trusting our professionals to give your home an inspection and quote on replacement of your damaged siding.

High Energy Bills
Energy costs are rising everywhere. Is it because of the price of the energy, or is it because your home is leaking your valuable heat or air conditioning into the external environment through damaged or cracked siding? We will be happy to install new, attractive, energy-efficient siding on your home. Homeowners love the reduced energy costs, improved internal environment, and the added beautification of your home.

If you have any questions regarding your siding or siding installation, be sure to give Landmark Exteriors a call today: (203) 838-3838

Metal Roofing, Is It Right For My Home?

Have you ever been curious about getting metal roofing? Initially, the cost is a bit steep per square foot compared to other roofing materials such as shingles, yes, but it pays out in the long run. Let’s take a journey.

copper roofing
Metal roofs are fire resistant, shed off snow and ice, maintain cooler temperature during summer months, are almost always wind resistant (due to interlocking panels), lasts a lifetime, and will not leak (when properly installed). The lifetime of most metal roofs are anywhere from 40 to 70 years. Compared to regular asphalt roofing is 12 to 20 years. It’s lighter in weight which will assist your structures integrity overtime.  Realizing this now almost makes you wonder how long and why the information Gods have been holding out on you!

When comparing shingle roofing, imagine your metal roofing in a large storm. The metal roofing will absorb the abuse much easier. High wings, rain is riding in horizontally, and now hail is in the mix. What would be happening to those slightly cheaper shingles you decided to use as a roof? Once the storm finally passes and you can go look at the evidence and why you should have said “yes” to the metal roofing.

You can come back to reality and clearly see why metal roofing is always a fantastic choice for roofing. Not to mention, the installation of metal roofing is far less time-consuming than that of the labor of shingle roofing. Let’s not forget that it is fire resistant! Not to mention how gorgeous and shiny copper roofing looks if you go that route.

              Hands down, metal roofing is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for roofing. It lasts a lifetime, resist many weathering and natural disaster effects, and is cost efficient in the summertime by maintaining a cooler temperature than that of a house with regular shingles.  Contact Landmark Exteriors for a quote or if you have any questions at all.  https://www.landmarkexteriors.com/roofing

 

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day

January 10 is National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. Celebrate saving money! Now that the holiday excess is over, it’s time to think about reality and get efficient.

Simple Tips to Cut Your Energy Costs

  1. Turn the thermostat down to 67 or lower before you go to bed.
  2. Close off vents and doors to rooms rarely used.
  3. Turn down your thermostat when cooking with the oven.
  4. Only use energy efficient LED and CFL bulbs.
  5. Wash your clothes in cold not warm or hot water.
  6. Open curtains and drapes on sunny days and let the sun do its job!
  7. Change your furnace filter on a regular basis and keep it clean.

It doesn’t seem like much but, you’ll see a big difference when the energy bill comes in.

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day is a good time to assess the outside conditions of your home, too. Snow and ice are a way of life for us, and accumulations of it can have serious consequences to your home and how you live.

Roofs and Snow and Ice, Oh No!

Do you see icicle formations hanging from the roof around your home? Those icicles have the potential to damage your shingles and the gutters around the roof. Proper gutters are crucial for correct roof drainage. Gutters should be clean and free of debris and have no cracks to work effectively.

As warm air from your heating rises, or the sun shines, the shingles warm and cause snow and ice to melt. This snow, freeze, thaw cycle places stress on your roof and it can crack and leak. When freezing water expands it adds pressure to your roof and the size of the crack increases.

What About Siding?

Remember heat expands and cold contracts. During the times the sun comes out finally and gives us some warmth the siding on your house can take a beating.

If there are small gaps or cracks in your siding, they can widen during the snow, freeze, thaw cycle. Cracks and gaps in your siding allows a cold breeze in and if that area has plumbing, your pipes can freeze and burst.

Get started today on National Cut Your Energy Costs Day. Find out what you can do to save every day and contact Landmark Exteriors.

Getting Your Roof Through the Winter

One of the main results of poor winterization of roofs here in Connecticut is interior leaking. As in-home heating is running, it escapes the home because heat rises. Poorly insulated walls or attics allows the heat in-home to escape. 

The snow on top of your home will liquefy and enter through any nooks or breaks in the structure. Here are some tips to prevent any roof catastrophes this winter.

Do Not Use Rock Salt On Your Roof

Many people try applying rock salt or calcium chloride to melt the snow on the roof. This technique’s drawback is that it can damage your current shingles. One broken shingle may not sound like a problem, however, shingles work together to protect your roof! A single missing or broken shingle is a spot where water can get in.

Replace Cracked Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a very common choice for roofing.  When the temperate drops below freezing, they get brittle and tend to break or crack easily. When the water settles into these cracks, it freezes and expands, causing the cracks to become bigger. A cracked shingle, therefore, becomes counterproductive in the process of preventing leakage. It allows for the water to penetrate the cracks and flow into the inner side of the roof.

Add More Insulation

Missing insulation in the roofs of old houses and buildings makes the roof much more susceptible to mold and damages. Any amount of heating used to warm a room without an insulated roof and walls can leak outside. Thus, losing any heat created by your in-home heating unit. Getting insulation installed into your roof and walls will prevent spikes in your heating bill.

Make Necessary Repairs

If your roof is in disrepair, don’t wait until next season to address the problems — now is the time to fix these common roof repairs: 

  • Roof leaks
  • Damaged flashing
  • Clogged gutters
  • Lifted, missing or cracked shingles
  • Tree damage
  • Animal infestation

Have Your Roof Inspected Regularly

You can prevent any leaking by getting a routine inspection. A professional roofing contractor will be able to inspect your current siding and can look to see if there are any adjustments needed. 

It is a precarious undertaking to attempt these winter tips yourself and many homeowners can attest to the high risk of safety in doing so. Do not jeopardize your well-being and leave these dangerous tasks to professionals with the expertise and appropriate equipment.

Experienced and trained technicians at Landmark Exteriors can assist you with your winterization process right when you need it. For any roof inspection, roof repair, or roof replacement needs, contact the pros at Landmark Exteriors today. Make sure to enjoy your winter hassle-free!