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Home Improvement Blog

Four Home Projects to Get Ready for the Summer

Once the weather begins to warm up and the last of the winter storms have blown through, many families will take a fresh look at home projects and upgrades. Whether you would like to increase the value of your property or simply make your home more comfortable, here is a look at four great spring projects that you can start working on immediately.

Re-Caulk Doors and Windows

Even if you caulked your doors and windows last fall, changing temperatures and humidity levels will eventually damage this material and lead to efficiency problems. Doors and windows that are improperly sealed could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year in increased energy bills. Caulking these areas of your home can be carried out in just a few hours. It’s one of the best home projects to finish up before the first heat wave.

Exterior Paint

There is no better time to give the outside of your home a fresh coat of paint. In addition to having temperate weather, you might also be able to undo some of the damage that was caused by winter storms. When it comes to painting a home, prepping the surface will give you more durable and attractive results. This includes removing cracked paint and lightly sanding the surface.

Replace Your Roof

A traditional asphalt roof has a life expectancy of just 12 to 20 years. This depends on how well it is maintained and the local weather. Homeowners who are looking to increase the value of their property might want to consider upgrading to a metal roof which has a life expectancy of nearly 70 years. In addition to having a longer lifespan, metal roofs can also reduce energy bills by as much as 25 percent. This is one of the larger home projects to tackle. However, it will not only improve the durability of your home, but the aesthetics as well.

Schedule HVAC Maintenance

When it comes to residential HVAC systems, a little maintenance goes a long way. Homeowners themselves can often carry out some basic maintenance tasks such as switching out filters and cleaning debris away from the outdoor condenser. Professional HVAC technicians can take this project a step further and inspect the ducts, electrical wiring, and fluid levels.

These four spring home projects will perfectly prepare your home for summer.

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Blog Residential Roofing

What To Look For In a Roofer

A homeowner has put one too many buckets beneath leaking areas of the ceiling whenever it rains. It’s time to call in a professional roofer. But what should one look for when the time comes to get the roof taken care of? Here are some tips:

Do the Research

Homeowners shouldn’t just flip open the Yellow Pages and pick any contractor randomly! The roof of a home, barn or place of business is too important to be left to a substandard contractor. A client should do a bit of research before hiring a roofing professional. This includes asking neighbors to recommend a roofer they’ve been satisfied with to checking a roofing contractor’s reviews on the Better Business Bureau’s website. Former clients should ideally not only be happy with the job, but would use that contractor again. This is ultimately the most important step in finding a reputable roofing contractor.

Meet With the Roofer Face-to-Face

It’s always a good idea to invite the professional over to the property. That way, the contractor can have a better idea of the job, and the client can have a better idea of the roofer. The roofing contractor should be courteous, knowledgeable and eager to answer any questions the client has. He should be ready and able to perform whatever roofing job the client requires. He should be ready to show a potential client proof that he’s licensed and insured.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some types of roofs require special skills to install or maintain. These include metal roofs, flat roofs and slate roofs. If the client has one of these special-case roofs, she should make sure the roofer knows how to handle it.

Ask for References

A roofer should also provide references, and if it is possible, to let the potential client take a look at previous worksites. If not the actual site, there should be images taken of previous roofing projects that they would be happy to show you.

Put Everything In Writing

When the job is agreed upon, the client and the roofer need to draw up a detailed contract. This contract will cover everything from the payment schedules to the date the job starts and ends to the materials used. It should also cover worker’s compensation and other liabilities.

By doing this, you will be able to find reputable roofing professionals who will meet your needs and expectations.

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Blog Uncategorized

Signs Your Roof Life Is at Its End

Sometimes a situation makes it obvious that your roof life is at its end, and you need a new roof. This could be a tree branch crashing into it during a storm. Other circumstances are not so cut-and-dry. Issues like water damage may require only a repair. You do not want to jump the gun if you do not have to, but you also do not want to hold out longer than you should, because that could make the problem worse. Here are some signs that you need new roofing in Culpeper.

Signs Your Roof Life Is At Its End

Interior and exterior checks are both important. You probably want to start inspecting the inside of your house first, because it is easier. To check your roof life, head up to the attic and look for any sunlight coming through the tiles. Also look for areas of the roof that are sagging, dark spots of algae, and leakage or other water damage. All of these point to the fact that your roof is getting weaker and needs a replacement.

Exterior Signs

After a thorough interior inspection, look outside for other possible signs of damage that require new roofing in Culpeper. If you can see that the shingles are curling, buckling, or plain missing, your roof has most likely moved beyond its life expectancy. Missing shingles are an especially serious problem if the holes are located near the roof’s valleys, because flowing rain and snow could cause massive leaks. Lots of granules in the gutters tell you that your roof life is at the end, and the tiles have received a lot of wear and tear and need replacing.

If you are unsure, the best thing to do is to call a trusted roofing company to send over some experienced workers to evaluate your roof life. You can get free estimates on what it would cost for a repair and for a new installation,as well as advice on which one to choose. Getting roof inspections twice every year, once in the spring and once in the fall, can keep little repairs to a minimum instead of letting them worsen over time so you can avoid more problems in the future.

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Residential Roofing Blog

Ensure that You Have a Qualified Contractor

It can seem overwhelming when you need to find a good roofing contractor. Of course you want someone who will do a quality job and provide you with a roof that lasts. However, you also do not want to spend more than you have to. You may become frustrated because you do not feel qualified to decide who will be likely to do a good job. Luckily, there are two manageable steps to finding a qualified contractor. You can then compare contractors based on your specific needs. First, ask for proof of licensure. Second, research the candidate by seeking information online, asking about insurance coverage, and calling references.

Finding a Qualified Contractor

If you are hiring a contractor to perform your roofing needs, you may want to be sure that he or she is properly licensed along with the team of workers. The required licensure for a qualified contractor may vary depending on where you live, but you can obtain information online from your area’s Department of Professional Regulation. In addition, some roofing products require that installers have certain licensure or certification for the warrantee to be honored. With a little research, you can find the base requirements for your project. Once you know what licenses or certifications your contractor needs, request proof from any candidates that they meet this requirement.

Find Reviews

Next, research all the remaining candidates by evaluating their websites and online reviews. Also, obtain proof of insurance and ask for references. It is possible that a good contractor may not have a company website. Even if they do not, reviews may still be available online. If you either cannot find information online or everything you find seems to be good, you may want to ask for proof of insurance. In some areas, contractors do not need insurance. However, you need to consider any liability that you may have if an uninsured roofer is injured on your property. Insurance can protect both you and the roofers. Do not be afraid to ask for references. Calling others that have hired the contractor can give you quality feedback about what to expect.

With a little research you can find the right roofing contractor for you. If you first eliminate any unqualified contractors, you can then speak to the remaining good candidates to determine which qualified contractor will best meet your needs.

Finding a qualified contractor that is right for the job takes time, but with these tips you’ll be able to find the perfect roofer for all your needs!

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