Roofing, Siding, Windows, and Gutters
For homeowners, an energy-efficient home has become a top priority. The rising costs of energy make it important to have a home that helps reduce those costly monthly bills. Insulated vinyl siding is one way to keep a home running efficiently.
Even if you take the time to clean and maintain your gutters, the sad truth is they’re not going to last forever. Eventually, you’ll have to pay for gutter replacement. But how do you know when it’s time?
Failure to spot the signs of a deteriorating roof can result in extra work and extra costs and even an earlier than necessary new roof installation. A frequent check of the condition of a roof is a great idea. An even better idea is to have a qualified contractor come out annually to inspect the roof for the most common home roofing problems.
You’ve done your homework and hired a reliable, licensed, and insured roofing contractor. You’ve agreed on an estimate and secured a permit. Here’s what to expect once workers are on top of your roof replacement project. Literally.
First, you don’t have to move the family to a hotel—unless you want to. If you do decide to make replacing your roof the reason for a staycation, make sure someone is readily available by phone, just in case the roofing company has questions or concerns once work begins.
The windows of your home allow you to see what is going on around you, but they can also make your heating and cooling system work harder. A contractor who specializes in window replacement can replace your single-paned windows with double glazed windows to combat this problem.
Double glazed windows have two panes of glass that are separated by a pocket of air or gas. The whole apparatus is then sealed to prevent condensation between the panes. The glass is also coated with a special glaze that repels hot air and warms cold air. The gas between the panes is often an inert gas such as argon that, because of its higher density, provides better insulation than regular air.
In today’s DIY culture, it’s not unusual for a homeowner to take on a project like windows and door replacement. And while replacing windows and doors throughout a house is a job best left to professionals, a homeowner can certainly handle a window here or there if they have the right knowledge. Here are a few tips when getting ready for DIY window and door replacement.
Windows and doors can become damaged and worn down over time. However, knowing how to find the right windows and door replacement can be tricky. Consider various factors as you decide what windows and doors to replace and add to your home.
Skylights are beautiful additions to a home, allowing natural light to brighten your day. However, a leak can be a disaster for your home and skylight replacement needs done soon. Several considerations should be made when replacing skylights in your roof.
If you know it’s about time to replace your roof, there are many factors you will need to consider. One thing to think about is the timing of the project. As with many consumer products, there is a busy season and a slow season for roofing companies. What are the benefits of having a roof replacement done during a slow versus busy season?
Lower Labor Costs
Before you begin any cost analysis, you will first have to find a roofing company. Do your homework and be wary of promises that seem way too good to be true: they usually are. Once you find a good, quality roofer, you want to try and schedule your installation during the offseason. The offseason is determined by a few factors, first of which is the area you live in. If you live in Florida, the offseason will typically be the winter months when rainfall is minimum; however, the weather is still unpredictable. Most roofing companies want you to get your roof replaced in the fall when the weather is at its best. It is usually the driest and coolest time for outdoor projects. Labor is cheaper in the offseason. Roofers will typically negotiate more during this time as well.
The Need
The reality is if you are in need of a roof replacement, you need to get it done as soon as possible. The longer you let a degraded roof go, the more likely you will find more significant problems down the road. Water seeping in will grow mold in your attic and can cause boards to rot. This can eventually lead to respiratory issues for you and your family. Hopefully, your need happens during a slower season.
If you are in need of a roof replacement, your best chance at saving some money will be getting it installed in the offseason. When that is depends on the area of the country you live in. Do some research and make sure you stick with a reputable roofing company from the get-go.
Attention do-it-yourselfers: When it comes to roof gutters, don’t try this at home. This is a complex job that could damage your roof if done improperly. Aside from having to replace the roof, water damage underneath it could cost you thousands of dollars in interior home repair bills. It’s not worth the risk. Here are common mistakes people make with gutter installation.
If you purchase the wrong gutter size, you’re in for a world of frustration. Roof gutters are not one-size-fits-all. They are also not uniform in their material. Manufacturers produce gutters from a variety of metals in different gauges. You need to find the right size and material for your roof, which includes the most durable gauge your roof can handle and the best size for your existing shingles. Common gutters include 32-gauge aluminum ones.
Once you’ve determined the material, pitch is next. What is pitch? It’s the angle at which the gutters are hung to ensure water flows down them rather than pools in them. If your gutters don’t drain, you again risk roof damage as well as a horrible, rancid mess every spring and fall. Gutter installation must be done properly to ensure the pitch is such that water runs out of them yet no one notices the angle. Mounting them at a proper pitch is a struggle.
Speaking of mounting the gutters, you must also make certain you have the proper hanging system for your roof. Using the wrong brackets will cause the gutters to sag and water to accumulate in places it should not. Your gutter must be hung so that it is a streamlined extension of your roof, as this is the only way to ensure it does its job properly. Finding the correct location and using the right materials to hang the gutters can stump homeowners.
A roof replacement should not be in your future. Make certain you leave gutter installation to the professionals. This is the only way to ensure the job is done right.
