With the abundance of choices available to today’s homeowners, taking on a major residential repair project can be overwhelming even for the savviest of consumers. You have to weigh each of your possible options based on performance, appearance, durability, and of course, cost. Roofing is no different. As one of the largest investments you’ll make in the long-term maintenance of your home, a new roof should not only upgrade the curb appeal of your residence, it should shelter your family and belongings for many years to come. That’s why for the most discriminating homeowner, the choice is clear. Nothing comes close to the superior roof longevity and strength of standing-seam metal roofing.

No longer limited to commercial applications such as barns or industrial buildings, modern metal roofs are gracing the homes of America from coast to coast. And the reasons are plenty. Made from impervious steel for the utmost durability and function, standing-seam metal roofing boasts a life span of 50 years or longer. That’s three decades more than your typical asphalt shingles. Metal roofs also come in a tremendous palette of colors and finishes to complement any architectural style. So whatever type of home you live in, you’ll have a beautiful new roof to match.

To achieve their distinctive “standing seams,” and lock out any intruding traces of water, these top-of-the-line metal roofs are formed by overlapping long steel panels that run from ridge to eaves. Unlike three-tab shingles that require individual nailing, these large, lightweight sheets bond together smoothly to form a watertight seal. For you, that means fast, efficient installation with minimal disruption to your home and life. Not to mention the peace of mind provided by exceptional rain protection.

As for your local climate conditions, metal roofing is ideal whatever the weather may bring. In fact, many standing-seam metal roofs may be eligible for the Energy Star Federal Tax Credit. That’s because energy-efficient metal roofs reflect the heat of the sun, reducing solar heat gain to keep your home cool and comfortable during the hot summer months. Even more practical in particularly cold locales, residential metal roofing dispels any worry over heavy snow loads. While other homeowners are risking life and limb to shovel off their roofs, you’ll be warm inside knowing that any accumulation of snow will slide right off your metal roofing.

So don’t be overwhelmed by what kind of roof to put over your head. For the ultimate in performance, appearance, and durability, no material can match the advantages of metal. It may cost more at the onset, but as a long-term investment in your home’s maintenance, standing-seam metal roofs are an extremely cost-effective choice.

Energy efficiency is a big buzzword when it comes to home improvement, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s pretty amazing how much energy–and money–you can save with simple projects like weather stripping your doors or installing additional insulation. With major upgrades like putting in energy-efficient replacement windows, you can actually save up to 30% off your heating and cooling bills. But when it comes to deciding on which windows to choose for your home, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and confused. Sometimes it seems like window replacement has a language all its own; however, that jargon doesn’t have to get in the way of finding the perfect window for updating your home and downgrading your energy costs. Here we explain the most common features of energy-efficient home replacement windows so you can make an educated decision for your house and your bottom line.

U-factor: This is an overall measure of a window’s energy efficiency. U-factor measures a window’s resistance to thermal heat transfer, that is how much heat the glass will let in during the summer and how much heat the glass will let out in the winter. A variety of factors contribute to a replacement window‘s U-factor, but this number can be used as a handy reference for all-around efficiency when comparing several models. The LOWER the U-factor, the better the window is at resisting heat transfer and the more it will help you save. For example, a window with a U-factor of 0.30 has more insulating capability than one with a U-factor of 0.40. Especially if you live in New England, where your home is subjected to both cold and hot seasons, a low U-factor can be critical for your new windows’ performance.

Low-e glass: Low-e stands for low emissivity and essentially indicates how much heat a material will reflect. For windows, low-e typically references special coatings applied to the glass to improve the glass’s naturally high emissivity. In plain English, low-e treatments help windows reflect heat: This keeps the heat out in the summer and in the winter. The smaller the number, the more heat will be reflected.

Argon/Krypton filled: In double-paned windows, the space between the two layers of glass has traditionally been filled with air or, in some cases, nitrogen. However, recent technologies have illustrated that filling that area with a different gas can reduce conduction and increase energy efficiency. The two most commonly used options are argon and krypton. Argon is a lower cost gas than krypton, but krypton does offer improved performance, so you’ll need to compare cost versus benefit to decide which is right for you.

Now that the terminology of window replacement makes a little more sense, you’re armed with the information you need to determine which options are best for your home. Get on the road to a more energy-efficient property by getting started with your window contractor today!

Storm damage, stray baseballs, and even backyard barbecue accidents can leave your vinyl siding looking less than ideal. When your house siding is damaged, not only does it look unattractive, it also fails to protect your home from the weather, insects, and other threats. However, the good news is that you can actually repair your exterior siding for a quite affordable cost. By switching out the damaged pieces for new panels, vinyl siding repair can revitalize your home’s appearance, restore its protection, and go easy on your wallet all at the same time.

If you have several sections of severely damaged siding, it might be worth doing a complete new siding installation. However, if the damage is confined to a handful of areas, you may find that vinyl siding repair is a more cost-effective route. House siding repair is a relatively straightforward process, but there are a few tricks to getting it right. You will require some knowledge of siding installation techniques as well as a special siding removal tool. Many DIYers can safely and effectively complete this project on their own, but if you’re not comfortable with tackling your own repairs, a local siding contractor should be able to provide assistance at a reasonable rate.

The very first step, before you ever start cutting or removing the old siding, is to do a color check. This is an extremely important step because vinyl siding can fade after years of exposures to the sun. Hold up a piece of the replacement siding against the area in need of repair. Do the colors match? If so, proceed with the repair process. If not, you need to go back to the drawing board to find a more suitable color match. In some cases, especially with small repairs, you can swap out the new siding for a piece of the old siding, maybe in an area behind a tree or bush that won’t be so obvious. Then you can complete the repair using the old, matching piece of house siding.

The vinyl siding repair process itself is quite simple:

1. Evaluate the damaged siding and determine which panels need to be replaced. Then measure out the length needed for the new siding, adding 2 inches on each siding to create an overlap.
2. Use your siding removal tool to carefully loosen the bottom edge of the siding panel you plan to replace. In most cases, this will be easiest if you loosen it along its entire length.
3. Carefully cut out the damaged siding using a utility knife and snippers. Be sure to only remove the length of the repair piece, minus 4 inches (for the 2 inch overlap on either end).
4. Again using the siding removal tool, lift the bottom edge of the siding above the piece you’re about to remove, revealing the nailing strip. Carefully pry out the nails and remove the siding.
5. For the overlap, snip off the bottom J-channel and top nailing strip from the replacement siding (2 inches on either end).
6. Fit the replacement panel into the hole, running the new siding on top of the old at the ends.
7. Secure the siding by nailing into the nailing strip. 
8. Hook the J-channel of the upper piece of siding into the new section with your siding removal tool.

And that’s it. Your siding repair should blend in and be almost unnoticeable, leaving your home looking great.

For professional-looking results, here are a few additional pointers:

• When removing the old siding, be careful not to tear the surrounding vinyl or you may end up doing a larger repair than you planned!
• Make sure the new siding overlaps the old siding at least 2 inches on each side edge. This will ensure complete weather protection for your home as well as providing a more attractive appearance.
• As with all siding installations, make certain that the nails are NOT snug
  when putting in the new piece. This will prevent the siding from moving
  as it expands and contracts and can lead to broken or cracked siding
  down the line.

Siding repair can restore an attractive appearance as well as a weatherproof finish to your property, and as you can see, it’s an easy process. For the cost of a few lengths of siding, a basic tool (less than $10 at most hardware stores), and a few hours of your time, your home can put its best face forward once again.

Concerned about the condition of your roof? Whether it’s old, worn out, or visibly damaged, it’s important that you take the necessary steps in order to prevent further structural damage.

Your roof is a vital part of your home or commercial building’s construction. Given that it protects you from the weather and other elements, it’s absolutely essential that you have a roof made of only the sturdiest and most durable materials available. That’s why modern roofing contractors have adapted some truly strong, solid roofing strategies and techniques to safeguard the structure of your home as well as the safety of your belongings and family members.

Sure, we have come a long way since the days of unreliable thatched roofs made of straw, reed, and heather–but that does not mean our modern roofing materials are indestructible, either. In fact, it’s very common for roofs to deteriorate over time, considering that they are exposed to a constant battery of elements and weather patterns. Particularly for homes and other buildings in the Northeast, where ice is a near-constant presence during the winter months, it’s important to make sure your roof is intact at all times.

Whether your roof has worn out from years upon years of wear and tear, or there’s a noticeable problem with some of your shingles following a storm, you’ll be able to tell if you need a new roof. However, there are some instances in which you may not be aware right away that you need roofing repair. While calling a team of roofers to come and take a look is certainly one option, and perhaps the easiest, there are certain things you can do on your own to identify the symptoms of a failing roof that will save you from paying for a professional service call.

For starters, take a look around your house. There are certain tell-tale signs that may very well indicate the need for a new roof. Some of the possible red flags include:

• Missing or damaged shingles
• Roof or attic leaks
• Water stains on the ceiling
• Paint or wallpaper that’s peeling

If you detect the existence of any of the above issues, it’s important to take all of the necessary steps to ensure you don’t allow additional structural damage to your roof or building. Unless you’re a confident, competent handyman, you’ll probably need to call a licensed roofing contractor. Roofing contractors should not be too difficult to locate, especially if you consult with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for the names of locally accredited businesses that have all of the necessary certifications.

Once you’ve determined that you do need to obtain a brand-new roof or even a minor repair, you have several options for your materials. A professional roofer will be able to discuss them with you to determine exactly which material matches your existing structure–or, if you need an entirely new roof, which material will be the most suitable to your building and local weather patterns. Your options will include:

• Asphalt shingles
• Metal roofing
• Rubber roofing
• Recycled rubber roofing tiles (imitation slate)

Remember: If you have any concerns whatsoever about the quality or durability of your existing roof structure, it’s imperative that you take the right steps and contact an experienced roofing contractor in order to avoid further damage to your architecture.

Roof repair is an unfortunate but realistic part of owning a home. Shingles can deteriorate with age or blow off in a storm, but metal roofing makes a home last longer, look better, and hold up stronger.

Regular shingled roofs are susceptible to the wear of old age, weather, and other outside forces that can cause them to decay over the years. However, metal roofing is energy-efficient, modern in style, and quick to install. With its long-term, durable performance, it eliminates worry over water leakage or weight due to snow. Making it easier to help keep your home in great repair without tons of work, metal roofing is a simple solution for hassle-free home maintenance.

Gone are the days when metal roofing was only for barns and industrial buildings. Now it comes in a variety of colors and finishes to accent your home in the most appealing way possible. Not only are the innovative standing seams typically associated with modern metal roofing attractive, they also completely seal the seams between the panels to keep out wind, rain, and pests. Standing-seam metal roofs are also super long-lasting and exceptionally durable: in fact, while asphalt shingle roofs have to be replaced, on average, every 17 years, a properly installed metal roof can last more than twice that long! That longevity can save you major time and hassle in the long run.

The other benefits of metal roofing include, but are not limited to:

• No snow load. Because metal roofing is slippery, unlike traditional asphalt shingles, snow slides right off!
• Energy efficiency. Many types of metal roofing reflect the sun’s heat, helping reduce heat gain and improving your home’s overall energy efficiency by helping it stay cooler in the summer.
• Fast installation. Unlike asphalt shingles, standing seam metal roofs are installed in large sheets that cut installation time down drastically, helping you get your new roof faster.

A standing-seam metal roof is not just an aesthetically pleasing addition to your home, but a cost-effective one as well. Metal roofing is durable and will last much longer than regular shingle roofing. And unlike some older styles of metal roofing materials, properly installed standing-seam metal roofs are completely water-resistant, helping you avoid repairs over the years. With its longer life and resilient performance, metal roof installation can help you save substantial amounts of money over the lifetime of your roof.

Save yourself from having to hire roofing contractors for repairs by putting on a metal roof. Your home will immediately become more lovely to look at and more affordable for you, both today and into the future. Professional metal roof specialists can help you add a touch of modern design and old-fashioned durability to your home with metal roofing, so contact your area roofer today.

When your home looks unkempt on the outside, it brings the value down and can even affect the energy efficiency of the house. That is why siding and roof repair are important issues to keep in check. Many construction companies can do jobs ranging from vent cleaning to remodeling and can make your home more valuable and less costly to maintain.

Hiring a construction contractor may sound intimidating, but in reality it will probably make your life hassle-free. Replacing your roof or siding is quite a big job, but it will make your home warmer, safer, and dryer and can even reduce your energy costs. By purchasing replacement windows or hiring a remodeling contractor, you will increase the value of your home without having to take on any time-consuming projects yourself.

Although replacing your siding may seem like a huge undertaking, it is actually one of the fastest ways to improve the look of your home. With this one project, you can change the entire appearance of your house. In addition, a siding contractor can help you safeguard your home by improving its R-factor for better insulation, keeping out the elements, and blocking insects or vermin from entering.

With a small, multipurpose remodeling contractor, things like fire restoration become less stressful and take less time. Area professionals can get the job done quickly and can even make your home look better than it did before. This makes the tragedy and hardship of a fire easier to deal with.

However, even if you are looking to do something cosmetic such as kitchen and bathroom remodeling, your local home improvement contractor is still the best option for the job. Even if you are happy with your home but want something along the lines of replacement windows for aesthetic reasons, you can get the job done quickly and economically.

It can be somewhat alarming to look at a project as large as a roof replacement or outdoor kitchen construction, but a contractor can make the job seem easy and take the stress off of you. For help with your next remodeling or home improvement project, large or small, contact your local pros today.

If you have trouble keeping your basement dry, call on both interior and exterior contractor experts to work as a team to solve the problem. From above and below, they’ll be able to deal with the cause of whatever basement leak or dampness you have, and keep your basement dry for years to come.

When it comes to your home, managing and maintaining drainage systems is key to keeping the whole house in good condition, but this is especially true when it comes to the basement level. If you find that you have a less-than-waterproof foundation, get in touch with both an exterior contractor and an interior basement expert to make sure that you cover all the possible issues in play. Together, these professionals will be to get your home’s water management and drainage systems working well so that you don’t have to worry about basement leaks or dampness again.

On the exterior level, gutters are one of the most prominent contributing factors that can cause a leaky basement. Properly working gutters are essential when it comes to making sure that water is draining off and away from the house in the right way. Due to their location, however, it’s hard to see or assess the state of your gutters on your own. Gutter contractors, however, have all the necessary equipment and expertise to get to the gutters, evaluate the situation, and perform any necessary gutter repair work. When gutters aren’t draining properly, they can essentially leave a pool around your whole building, leading to wood rot, foundation erosion, and, of course, a damp basement. Correct gutter protection, installation, or service can solve these problems, though, so that water is carried away from the building in the appropriate manner, leaving your home safe and dry.

While having correctly working gutters is important to keeping your basement free of water, there are also, of course, a number of other things to consider on the ground level. Even if water is draining away from your house well, your basement may simply not be sealed correctly or may not have the right type of drainage system in place. If you have a wet basement, also call a professional basement contractor to come and check it out. These experts have access to up-to-the-minute industry information and techniques that they can use to solve any kind of basement water problem. From putting in interior French drains to installing or repairing dry wells, basement contractors will be able to do whatever work is necessary so that you have a dry basement.

When given half a chance, water will get into the foundation of your home. If you have problems with foundation waterproofing, contacting a gutter installation or repair expert and a basement waterproofing professional is in your best interest. Between them, these two contractors will be able to find out what the problem is and fix it up so that you don’t have to deal with a damp basement ever again.