Reasons to be Thankful for Your Roof

With Thanksgiving just a day away, it’s time to start reflecting on what it is you’re thankful for – not just tomorrow, but everyday. With the company of friends and family, it’s easy to think about our homes – or more specifically, our roofs. Here are the reasons we are thankful for healthy roofs:

roofing companies fairfeld county | roofing installation westchesterKeeps cold air out
Your roof is a fundamental, durable element of the home – keeping cold air out and warm air in. Like a hat on a frigid winter’s day or a helmet in a hazard zone, the roof keeps your home comfortable and safe.

Protection from rain and snow
Can you also picture what it would be like to have a home without a roof on rainy days? Believe it or not, in some countries, their homes have damaged roofs or no roof at all. Be thankful for that metal or cedar roof you have – the one you’ll gather under for your Thanksgiving treat.

Improves the appearance of your home
All health reasons aside, roofs also provide an aesthetic benefit by making your home look more beautiful. With so many styles, materials and colors to choose from, you can spruce up your contemporary home or cap off your traditional home – and make all eyes turn.

Brings family together
Your roof is the one home element that brings families together. The fact that roofs keep you comfortable means it’s one place where your friends and family can agree to meet for the holidays or for a weekend of fun. And what can be better than that?

Roofs might have slight imperfections, but that doesn’t stop our appreciation for them. However, it is best that you take care of any slight issues before they worsen and cause irreplaceable damage. Whether you need a maintenance plan or just a last=minute repair, Landmark Exteriors has got you covered! To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

5 Signs Your House Needs New Siding

Does my house need new siding?

From mold to mildew and other damage, there are many signs that your siding needs replacing. There are also some elements you might have no thought about before – we want to share a few with you:

siding installation fairfield countyRot
Siding that has begun to rot or crumble is not a sign of safety – it’s a sign that your siding cannot perform the role it was designed to do. In some cases,  you could repair only the damaged area, but be prepared to redo the entire exterior.

Cracks
Holes and cracks are another sign that you might need new siding, though the situation always depends on other variables. While this could just be a repair for cosmetic purposes, it could also be something more. For example, gaps in the siding could lead to moisture, your home’s worst enemy.

Too Much Time & Money
Is the time and energy you put into repairs and cleaning costing you more than it would to replace your siding all together? Consider upgrading to a new, low-maintenance siding to save yourself hassle and money.

High Energy Bills
You might not be able to see the signs on your home’s exterior, but it will show on your monthly electric bill. If you feel drafts near the walls and windows, or around electrical receptacles, you might need extra insulation or new siding to make a significant difference.

Moving
Planning to put your home on the market? Consider replacing your current siding to boost the resale value of your home. One that provides good insulation, stellar aesthetics, and a limited lifetime warranty are all elements to think about before making your decision.

Whether you need siding repairs or replacement, Landmark Exteriors is here to help! To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Is Your Home Ready for Winter?

Homeowners in Connecticut know that winter is anything but pleasant. With temperatures and snow, it’s important to prepare your home for the weather that awaits. While the sun is still shining strongly, take a weekend to take care of a few last minute tasks:

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Change furnace filter
Don’t wait until the first freezing day of the year! Change your furnace filter now – something that should habitually be done at least once a season. If yours is non-disposable, remove, clean, and put back into place. Your heat will work much more efficiently.

Turn off sprinklers
Turning off the sprinklers and draining excess water from your outdoor pipes will ensure they don’t freeze up and burst, which also keeps your indoor plumbing safe.

Replace weatherstripping
Drafts can occur, especially when your weatherstripping is old. Go along the windows and doors in your home and use your hand or a tealight candle to detect cool air coming through. Solve the problem by replacing the weatherstripping – you won’t lose all the heat you pay for.

Place shovels by the door
Be ready for snowy weather – place shovels close to the backdoor so that you don’t have to trek through the snow to get to your shed or garage.

Check attic and roof for damage
Before the weather gets worse, take care of any damage from the summer now. If you have a leak, the snow will only make matters worse. If the granules on your roof are missing, replace your shingles before the harsh weather does more damage.

Taking these steps are necessary to prepping your home and keeping your family safe during the brutal winter ahead. At Landmark Exteriors, we offer preventative maintenance plans to help you winterize your roof and avoid costly repairs down the road. When you sign up for a Home Care service, it saves you the hassle of remembering to pick up the phone and schedule your follow-up.

Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and set up a schedule for your specific needs. 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.

How Snow Can Damage Your Roof

The leaves are falling and the air is crisp. Before we know it, the first snowfall will hit the northeast. If you live on the east coast, you know how much damage can occur when a blizzard occurs. What all homeowners should do before snow is in the forecast is learn about how snow can affect your home and your roof. At Landmark Exteriors, we know that snow can be problematic for your roof, which is why we’ve put together a short list of the three ways snow can wreak havoc on it:

How Snow Can Damage Your Roof | Roofing Companies Fairfield County | Greenwich | Darien

Leaks
Be cautious if you have a flat roof or skylight, as water can easily accumulate if your drains aren’t working. And when condensation on the inside can’t escape your skylight, it could leak. This is why it is so important to remove the snow carefully once the weather calms down.

Clogged Gutters
Once snow turns to ice, it’s almost impossible to remove without causing damage. Make sure you remove the snow before it freezes up. This will prevent a likely need for gutter repair.

Structural Damage
Your roof is strong – sturdy enough to withstand heavy rainfalls and winds. But one thing it cannot do is bear the weight of inches and inches of snowfall. Of course, every roof is different, but do you want to take the risk? Find out how much snow you roof can handle to make the best judgement for your home.

What it all comes down to is knowing what your roof can handle and what it cannot. To help you eliminate the odds of leaks and structural damage this winter, turn to Landmark Exteriors for our Home Care services. Our services include roof inspection and repair, gutter repair, snow guard installation, and ice damming – everything you need to keep your roof in excellent condition. To learn more, give us a call at 203.838.3838 or visit us on the web.

Top 5 Roofing Tips for You

Roofing is kind of a big deal – you invest a lot of money in it and rely on it to keep your family safe. Of all the tips we could share with you to keep you and your roof in the best shape, here are five recommendations to consider:

Top 5 Roofing Tips for You | Roofing Companies Fairfield County | GreenwichKeep safe. Safety comes above everything else, especially when working on your roof. Be sure to wear shoes with good grip and protective gloves. When using a ladder, be sure to have someone spot you and hold the ladder at the base. Take your time and do not do any work if you are feeling under the weather or tired.

Choose quality material. When installing a new roof, you need to choose the right material. We recommend selecting a material of high quality – one that might cost you more money upfront, but will cost you less in repairs and to repair it in only a matter of 5 to 10 years. Some roofing materials have a 25 or 50 year warranty or even lifetime. The decision is yours to make, but consider the cost to repair first.

Keep gutters clear. You hear it all the time – fall is a great time to clear your gutters. But do you know why we even clean out gutters? It’s because we need to keep them free of leaves and debris so that melted ice can drain properly in winter. Be sure to check your downspouts too, which should be tilted away from your home and basement.

Ask about insurance. Check your homeowners insurance be make sure leaks and damage are covered. Roofs are a major investment, and you’ll need your policy to cover it. You also want to make sure your roofing contractor is insured (ask to see a license too while asking these kinds of questions).

Sign up for home care services. A home care service can keep your home (especially your roof) in great shape. Ask your roofing contractor about it and how you can sign up for routine maintenance as well as emergency repairs.

If you need professional help taking care of your roof, Landmark Exteriors can help! We do everything from the installation process to the home care service. Our experienced and well-trained and licensed professionals are experts at installing and are ready to help! To speak with our professional staff about a new siding, give us a call at 203.838.3838 or visit us on the web.

3 Places You Need Insulation the Most

The role of insulation is to prevent heat escaping from your home. By trapping air pockets, insulation slows the movement of heat out of the house in the winter and into the house in the summer.

Looking to insulate your home? The walls, roof, and floors are the most important areas to insulate to keep you comfortable throughout the year and it also helps you save on energy bills!

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Attic Insulation
Loose-fill is the best form of insulation installed in the attic – it is usually inexpensive to install and provides the best coverage. When insulating your attic, don’t forget about the knee walls in your home, which are vertical walls with attic space underneath. If you are remodeling, make sure you have enough space from your HVAC unit or water tank for proper insulation. TIP: Make sure to repair leaks or any other roof problems before you start to insulate your attic.

Wall Insulation
Up to a third of all the heat lost in an uninsulated home escapes through the walls. In order to figure out how to properly insulate your walls you must first find out what type of walls you have. Cavity walls are common in houses built after the 1920’s and are the easiest to insulate due to the gaps between the walls. Insulating solid walls on the other hand, can get a bit tricky. Insulation of solid walls involves placing insulation on the external or internal side of the wall to keep the heat in. This is the most costly option but you will see greater savings on your heating bill. Other types of walls that have insulation installed similarly to solid walls are steel-frame, timber-frame, and prefabricated concrete walls.

Floor Insulation
For upstairs rooms that are above heated rooms, such as a living room, insulation is not necessary, but insulation should be considered if the rooms are above a garage or a similar unheated room. Homes with suspended timber floors will need mineral wool insulation and homes with a ground floor made of solid concrete will need rigid insulation.
TIP: Before insulating your floors, seal all possible sources of air leakage – this will help minimize contamination.

Need help with roof repairs before insulating your home? At Landmark Exteriors, we understand how important it is to maintain your roof. No matter how big or small the damage, our professionals are here for your every repair and re-installation. To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Winterizing Your Roof

The air is cool, the leaves are falling, and now is the perfect time to winterize your home. Protect your investment by checking these two tasks off your to-do list this season:

home care roofing fairfield countyCheck the attic
To ensure your roof stays in top shape when spring bloom again, check attic ventilation. Ask your roofing contractor to take care of the task for you, as they have the tools and experience to know when signs re obvious. They will look for signs such as dampness, blackened color, mold, or rusty metal fasteners. Moisture is more likely to be present during cold, rainy weather. However, mold tends to grow in the warmer months. So now that we’re rolling into winter, you’ll want to schedule your inspection.

Clean the gutters
Roofing contractors will also take care of another major fall task – cleaning the gutters. Cleaning the gutters ensures that snowmelt doesn’t get backed up and drains properly, avoiding leaks and flooding issues. From leaves to twigs and other debris, you’ll want a professional to clear the space, pick up the leaves, and make sure there are no structural issues with your gutters.

At Landmark Exteriors, we offer preventative maintenance plans to help you winterize your roof and avoid costly repairs down the road. When you sign up for a Home Care service, it saves you the hassle of remembering to pick up the phone and schedule your follow-up.

Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and set up a schedule for your specific needs. 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.

A Cedar Life for Me

Wishing you could delay harmful effects of sun, rain, and snow on your roof? We’ve got your solution! Cedar Life is a division of Landmark Exteriors that protects and prevents your roof from being damaged. Here are three reasons many of our customers find it essential:

cedar roof installation farifield county1. We are industry leaders
When it comes to cedar roof and siding prevention, Landmark Exteriors has the proven track record servicing homes throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties. Cedar treatments require a specialist who is trained and knows the ins and outs of proper cleaning and treatment. Careless powerwashing does no good – what you need is a to hire a contractor who is fully insured and licensed, who also follows safety standards as well as Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau guidelines – and that’s exactly who we are!

2. We only use the best products
Our cedar cleaner and restorer is bleach-free and eco-friendly, tested and certified. The key ingredient that keeps your cedar roof and siding alive is a high-solids penetrative coating for extending the service life of cedar. This coating prevents erosion and water leaching and enhances its overall appearance.

3. Our process lasts longer than the rest
An untreated cedar roof may need a total replacement after 10 to 15 years, but our treatments can extend your roof life by 35 to 50 years!

When you choose Cedar Life, you are hiring cedar experts dedicated to improving the health and beauty of your home’s cedar. We leave our customers 100% satisfied, without exception. To speak with on one of our professional staff members more about Cedar Life, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Why You Should Hire a Roofing Contractor

Some people like to reduce the cost of roofing repairs by doing the job themselves. It’s safer to bite the bullet and hire a roofing contractor – one who has valuable training and experience. Here’s why:


Safety

Do what you can to avoid unfortunate falling accidents – and that means hiring a roofer. When you learn a new skill, your mind is focused on the task at hand instead of your safety. A contractor, on the other hand, has years of trained experience and can do the task efficiently and safely. As the years go on, the more technology and techniques advance. If you do choose to complete a task on your own, we strongly advise someone working beside you to ensure your safety throughout the process.

Time

If you’re trying to do it by the book the first time, you can bet the project will take a fair amount of time. Oftentimes the task is difficult, and most of the time it takes hours, days, or weeks. The time you spend on your roof is precious, especially with winter approaching. Before you commit to a roofing project, consider calling your roofing contractor instead. Once you have the materials you need, your contractor can come in with the proper tools, expertise, safety equipment, and time.

Need a roof repair or installation? We’ve got you covered. 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.

Clear Your Gutters for Fall

The temperatures are dropping and pretty soon the leaves will start falling. But there’s still plenty of time and sunshine for a little outdoor maintenance. One of the most important tasks you’ll need to tackle before winter arrives is clearing your gutters. Clearing your gutters helps protect your home from water damage, so here is what we suggest you take care of first:

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Get rid of debris
Place a dropcloth below where you will be working so that leaves and debris can be caught and taken care of after your gutters are emptied. By getting rid of debris, you allow water that freezes and melts to easily escape your gutters.

Check downspouts
Are your downspouts clear of nests and other obstructions? Also, be sure your downspout is aimed away from your home to allow proper drainage come wet winter weather.

Address leaks
Sometimes the sealant will deteriorate over time, causing your gutters to leak. Now is the perfect time to address those issues by replacing your gutter if necessary.

When it comes to cleaning your gutters, safety should always come first. Use a sturdy ladder on solid level and well-gripped shoes.The safest plan of action is also to call a roofing contractor for home maintenance services.At Landmark Exteriors, we offer preventative maintenance plans to help you avoid costly repairs and keep you safe. When you sign up for a Home Care service, it saves you the hassle of remembering to pick up the phone and schedule your follow-up.

Got more questions? Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and set up a schedule for your specific needs. 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.