How To Spend Mother’s Day In Connecticut

This blog has been updated: May 9, 2019

This Sunday, it’s all about the moms in our lives — grandmothers and great-grandmothers included! And Connecticut is the perfect place to help you celebrate the day with them.

How To Spend Mother's Day In Connecticut | Roofing Specialist | CT | Landmark Exteriors |

Take mom for a meal. Get your mom out of the kitchen, and treat her to a Mother’s Day meal. Restaurants in Connecticut are helping you celebrate by offering prix fixe menus, special a la carte items, buffets, and more.

Enjoy the great outdoors. If your mother is a fitness junkie, take her on a hike — she can celebrate her special day while still getting her steps in! There are plenty of trails to explore in Connecticut, including Southford Falls, Bear Mountain, and Spruce Brook Ravine to name a few.

Sip on a drink — or two. There are plenty of wineries or breweries in Connecticut, and luckily, many of them are hosting budget-friendly special events for your loved ones. Litchfield Distillery is offering tours and free tastings of whiskey, bourbon, gin, and vodka. The vineyards will have live music, picnic options (for pre-order only), painting classes, and more.

Plan a day trip. Take your mom on a relaxing cruise along the Connecticut River in Haddam or to the Fairfield Dogwood Festival (featuring flowering dogwood trees, music, and food). Check out Connecticut’s event calendar for your full list of options.

We hope you enjoy your Mother’s Day celebrations!

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.

3 Home Improvement Projects To Boost Resale Value

Selling your home is more than just hanging up a “for sale” sign in your front yard. If you want to generate a better ROI (return on investment), there are some home renovation projects you should consider first.

3 Home Improvement Projects To Boost Resale Value | Roofing Specialist | CT | Landmark Exteriors |

Here are three places you should start to sink some money into:

1.Clean up your kitchen.
Despite popular belief, the kitchen is still king – it tops the list of ideal home features for potential millennial homeowners. Even minor kitchen remodels can return 92.9 percent at resale. So don’t be discouraged if your budget is low, even applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls or cabinets, or simply changing the lighting fixtures can breathe new life into the room.

2. Create a ‘smart house.’
Millennials will pay three to five percent more for a home with the right high-tech features. Products like lights, doors, locks, security systems, and programmable thermostats can all increase your homes value and interest. But at the same time, you want to avoid making your home an ‘energy hog.’ Energy efficient homes are second only to a safe community when it comes to aspects that influence a purchase decision.

3. Freshen up the front.
You really want to convey a sense of welcome, and since the exterior of your home is first thing potential buyers will see, it’s important to keep things looking fresh. Making improvements on your homes siding, roofing, and landscape means your home is low maintenance, which is an important issue for cost-conscious buyers. Make sure you replace any broken shingles, power wash your windows and siding, and install plenty of outdoor lighting.

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. Our experienced and well-trained professionals are experts at installing repairing and are ready to take on your next home renovation project! 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.

Tips For Choosing The Right Roofing Contractor

How do I choose the right roofing contractor?

When it comes to your roof, finding the right expert for the job can be as strenuous as a “DIY” home repair. How will you ever be able to find someone who’s trustworthy, honest, and professional? Keep these tips in mind when you’re on your search for a roofing specialist and you’ll be sure to protect your home and your wallet in the process.

 1. Choose a local contractor. If you hire someone from your local community, you prevent the chance of breaking any local rules and regulations. If something does happen to go awry, you can rest assured knowing help is just minutes away.

 2. Ask about their license/insurance. Make sure the contractor you’re hiring shows you their license and insurance certificate – and don’t forget to confirm that they’re valid! This way, if something were to happen, you’ll be covered.

 3. Research BBB ratings. Stay away from contractors who aren’t featured on BBB.org. Through reviews from real customers, the Better Business Bureau helps you find businesses, brands, and charities that you can trust.

 4. Discuss their available materials. A great roofing contractor has a good relationship with their suppliers, which means you’ll have various options to choose from. From shingle, cedar, tile, and clay, Landmark Exteriors offers extensive design and color choices for your home.

 5. Communication is key. Did they return your calls? Did they send over the documentation you requested? When you have questions or concerns, it’s imperative that your roofing contractor doesn’t leave you in the dark.

Have questions about your roof? We’ve got your answers. At Landmark Exteriors, we offer only the top-quality roofing materials to provide our customers with durable, weather-resistant, guaranteed roofing solutions. Our experienced and well-trained installation professionals are experts at installing and are ready to take on your next home renovation project! 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.

Why Are Gutters So Important?

Is your mind in the gutter? Well, for most homeowners, it should be! Gutters provide a critical function in your home (they channel and redirect water away from your property). And, if cared for correctly, they can protect you and your home for years to come.

Why Are Gutters So Important | Ogee gutters | Fairfield | Landmark Exteriors |

Benefits of gutters…
Gutter systems funnel water away from your home, which protects your siding, windows, doors, and foundation. Properly installend and maintained gutters can also preent or mitigate:

•Home flooding
•Cracked/damaged foundations
•Mold
•Paint damage
•Rotting/rusting
•Damage
•Infestations (insects breed in standing water)
•Erosion (if water is not correctly diverted away from your home, topsoil will erode, leaving your foundation unprotected)

Warning signs of damaged gutters…
•Cracking
•Peeling
•Mildew
•Water marks
•Sagging

Keep up with gutter maintenance…
Determining your homes gutter maintenance schedule depends on a few factors, including the proximity of trees to the roof line, the type of trees (deciduous vs. evergreen), and the slope of the roof. Even if your home isn’t surrounded by trees, your gutters still need to be cleaned.

•Call a professional to repair or replace all leaking or sagging gutter systems.
•Make sure your downspouts are taking water far enough away from your house.
•Clean gutters of any dirt, debris, leaves, and branches (gutters should be cleaned twice a year – in the early spring and late fall).

Landmark Exteriors will custom design the perfect gutter system for your homes needs. We will work to ensure that your gutter system allows for proper drainage while remaining architecturally appealing. Meanwhile, our Landmark Exteriors Home Care division can help maintain your gutters with regular cleanings. To speak with one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Famous Roofs From Around The World

While having a roof over our heads is a basic necessity, that doesn’t mean it can’t also be beautiful. Roofs will always need to be leak-proof, sturdy, and lined with a gutter system, however, these famous buildings take roofing design to a whole other level.

Here are five famous examples of roofs that provide much more than function and security:

Famous Roofs From Around The World | Roofing Specialists | CT | Landmark Exteriors |

The Sydney Opera House – Sydney, Australia
The Sydney Opera House is known as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century. The curvaceous, shell-like design of this roof is what makes this building so unique and iconic. Each of the ‘shells’ are precast concrete panels, covered by over one million glossy, white and matte tiles.

Famous Roofs From Around The World | Roofing Specialists | CT | Landmark Exteriors |

St. Stephens Cathedral – Vienna, Austria
This roof is covered by 230,000 multicolored, glazed tiles. In addition to the geometric patterns, these tiles also form images, including a coat of arms and a two-headed eagle. And because the roof is so steep, it only needs rainwater to wash it clean.

Famous Roofs From Around The World | Roofing Specialists | CT | Landmark Exteriors |

St. Basil’s Cathedral – Moscow, Russia
St. Basil’s Cathedral, also known as Pokrovsky Cathedral, has had several makeovers over the years. But since 1947, this famous landmark has remained the same – featuring eight domed spires, designed with colorful hues and intricate patterns.

Famous Roofs From Around The World | Roofing Specialists | CT | Landmark Exteriors |

The Grand Palace – Bangkok, Thailand
Spanning over 200,000 square meters, The Grand Palace is clearly not known for its modesty. One of the most famous elements is the roof of the throne hall (also known as The ‘Golden Roof’). Each tile is filled with symbolism from Thai culture and history.

Famous Roofs From Around The World | Roofing Specialists | CT | Landmark Exteriors |

Fukuoka Prefectural International Hall – Fukuoka, Japan
This architectural wonder sets itself apart with its ‘green’ rooftop. The green-terraced roof can be explored like a park with walking paths, gardens, and reflection pools.

 

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. Our experienced and well-trained professionals are experts at installing repairing and are ready to take on your next home renovation project! 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.

How To Prepare For Rain

They say April showers bring May flowers, but the rainy season can also bring on costly home repairs. While there’s no need to be fearful of a little rain, the last thing you want to deal with is a leaky roof or a flooded basement. Here are a few preventative measures you can take to help keep your property out of danger.

How To Prepare For Rain | Ogee gutters | Fairfield | Landmark Exteriors |

Step #1: Roof Inspection
Rain plus warmer weather is the perfect combination for leaky roofs, so it’s important to schedule a full inspection. A professional roofing contractor will check your entire roofing system, not just the visual appearance of your shingles. Even if you find out that your roof is in good condition, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Step #2: Gutter and Downspout Cleaning
The purpose of gutters is to collect water, while downspouts funnel it away from the foundation of your home. However, they can’t effectively perform their job if they’re clogged with debris. Give your gutter system a good cleaning and trim any trees hanging over your roof, which can clog your gutter system with branches and leaves.

Step #3: Examine Your Siding
Snow, ice, wind, and freezing temperatures can all take a toll on the siding of your home. Before the rainy season officially begins, check your siding for any cracks, holes, or other signs of damage.

Step #4: Seal Windows
Keep the moisture outside of your home by securing your windows. Not only will this help keep you dry, it will also improve your energy efficiency. When your windows are properly protecting your home from the elements, you can more easily and efficiently heat and cool your home.

We’re all guilty of it – waiting until something becomes a problem before we take action. A leaky roof. Clogged gutters. Damaged siding. If you’re in Fairfield County CT or the surrounding areas, our team at the Home Care division has you covered! For more information about Landmark Exteriors or to sign up for our preventative maintenance plans, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

St. Patrick’s Day Events In Connecticut

We’re green with joy because St. Patrick’s day is finally here! This holiday’s a time to take part in Celtic traditions with parades, music, food, and plenty of good Irish cheer!

St. Patrick's Day Events In Connecticut | Roofing Specialists | CT | Landmark Exteriors |

Here’s a look at the celebratory events going on in Connecticut this weekend!

Parades
– The 14th annual Mystic Irish Parade is three hours of fun, hosted by the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation. With over 2,000 participants, the parade will feature bands, floats, dignitaries, national acts, and local groups. The parade forms at Mystic Seaport and marches downtown to the Mystic Arts Center at 1:00 p.m on March 19th
– Celebrate Irish culture at Greenwich St. Patrick’s Day Parade. There will be Irish wolfhounds, pipe bands, marching bands, and floats. The parade begins at Town Hall on Field Point Road and travels north to West Putnam Avenue at 2 p.m. on March 19th.

Running of the green
If parades aren’t up your alley, maybe wearing all green while running a 5k sounds more amusing. Luckily, It’s not too late to join in for the weekend, just make sure to check the website for weather alerts and location updates.
O’Niantic 5K: March 18th
O’Hartford 5k: March 19th

Irish Food
– Celebrate Irish traditions at Tavern Night: A Taste of Ireland on March 17th. Enjoy live music, tavern games, and an Irish cuisine meal including beef stew, Irish soda bread, pickled beets, and apple cake!
Mcladden’s in Hartford has a full day of Irish-inspired entertainment for St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th – including Irish dancers!

We hope you enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations!

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.

Comparing Our Gutter Options

Gutters are one of the most fundamental parts of a home’s exterior. By channeling and redirecting water away from the house, they help maintain it’s beauty and structure. Are you having trouble figuring out which gutters to choose for your home? Here’s a rundown on the different types of gutter systems available, so that you can make the best educated and informed decision.

Comparing Our Gutter Options | Ogee gutters | Fairfield | Landmark Exteriors |

Yankee Gutters
These gutters preserve the details of a home’s structure and are built into the framing of your roof, which creates a more traditional aesthetic. Their channels are generally wider than modern gutters and consist of wood-framed gutter troughs lined with copper.

Half-Round Gutters
These gutters are the most decorative option on the market because they complement both traditional and contemporary architecture, adding upscale detail to your home. Half-round gutters are available in copper, lead-coated copper, zinc, aluminum, and galvanized steel.

OGEE Gutters
OGEE gutters are the most common gutter system used. They are seamless and reduce the possibility of leaks. These gutters are available in copper, lead-coated copper, galvanized steel, painted steel, painted aluminum, and zinc-coated copper.

Gutter Maintenance
Once you choose the right gutters for your home, make sure you’re keeping your gutter system well-maintained. Gutters can be easily clogged with leaves, pine needles, and other debris. When your gutters clog, they can no longer do their job which can lead to costly home damage and repairs.
Landmark Exteriors has the ability to custom design the perfect gutter system for your homes needs. We will work to ensure that your gutter system allows for proper drainage while remaining architecturally appealing. Meanwhile, our Landmark Exteriors Home Care division can help maintain your gutters with regular cleanings. To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Why It’s Important To Have A Healthy Roof

Many homeowners don’t think about the health of their roof until a problem arises. Waiting for an issue is a disaster waiting to happen, meaning costly emergency service and possible damage to your home’s interior. Here are a few more reasons why your roof is an asset you can’t afford to ignore!

Why It's Important To Have A Healthy Roof | Roof Installers | Fairfield | Landmark Exteriors |

Protects your investment in your home

Buying a home is one of the largest investments in most people’s lives. And roofs are  fundamental elements to any home, which is why it’s so important to keep up with ongoing maintenance. Maintenance is key to extending both the life of your roof and the life of your property. This will help prolong it’s life and by extension, the life of your whole property.

Increases home value

A roof is a major selling point on a home. According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs Value Report, a new roof will bring you close to 70% return on your investment, making it one of the best home improvement projects. So whether you’re planning to sell your home now or in the future, this should be one of the first updates you make.

Guards against costly hidden damage

A major leak in your roof will quickly be evident as it soaks through your ceiling. But, if you’re not performing routine maintenance, there could be more subtle damage occurring without your knowledge. Set up a preventative maintenance plan to help expose hazards and remedy them before they become major problems.

Saves money on heating and cooling

A properly ventilated and insulated roof will help you save money on heating and cooling, ensuring a cooler summer and a warmer winter. Since it’s fairly expensive to heat and cool your home, don’t let your money escape out of a poorly insulated roof.

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. Our experienced and well-trained professionals are experts at installing repairing and are ready to take on your next home renovation project! 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 Warning Signs You Need Gutter Replacement

Gutters are the unsung heroes of your home. When they’re properly functioning, they go a long way towards protecting your house against rain. And with proper maintenance, gutters can last for many years, but certainly not forever. Here are five warning signs that it may be time for you to replace yours.

Man Installing Gutter | Gutter Replacement Fairfield CT

1. Cracking
While small cracks in your gutters may not seem like a big issue, they will eventually turn into one. If you don’t fix the cracks right away, they can end up damaging the fascia boards behind the gutters, the shingles above the gutter, and the foundation below.

2. Peeling
The paint on your gutter is designed to last throughout the seasons. Unless your gutters are extremely old, peeling paint is an indicator that water is present, which could be a result of cracks or other damage to your gutter.

3. Mildew
Do you notice pools of water or mildew near your home’s foundation? This could be caused by something as simple as a clog or by something as complex as a defect in the gutter system.

4. Water Marks
Water marks underneath the gutter indicate that leaking or overflowing water is escaping the gutter. This type of water intrusion can damage your soffit and fascia board.

5. Sagging
This is one of the easiest ways to tell if you need gutter repair or replacement. Gutters should never sag or pull away from the house. This can indicate that the gutters are full of water and can no longer withstand the weight.

If you’re in Fairfield County CT or the surrounding areas, contact Landmark Exteriors. Whether you need a maintenance plan, ice dam prevention, or just a last minute gutter replacement, our team has you covered! To speak with one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.