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.

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.

Door and window replacement is a wise investment for all-around improving your property. Adding security, great looks, and energy efficiency to your home, replacing your old windows and doors just makes sense!

Your windows and doors form the gateways between your home and the outside world. That’s why it’s so important to ensure they’re in tip-top shape. Older doors and windows often don’t provide you with the performance you need to make certain your home is safe, beautiful, and energy efficient.

If you have concerns about the condition of your windows and doors–and how that can affect your house–your window and door contractors can help! Offering quality replacement windows and doors that provide all the advantages of new, modern construction and materials, these professionals can help you get the absolute most out of your home!

Security

Because windows and doors provide potential entrances for intruders, the condition of these portals is extremely important to the safety and security of your home and family. From old flimsy latches to frames that are crumbling to broken panes, older windows and doors just can’t keep you safe. But with door and window replacement, you can switch out potential hazards for secure, sturdy doors and windows that can help guarantee your safety.

Beauty

Damaged, deteriorating, and outdated windows and doors can keep your home’s facade from looking its best. With a huge range of options available, you can get gorgeous looks, low-maintenance, and long-lasting durability when you replace an old sliding glass door or a dated double-hung window. Replacement vinyl windows are a great choice because they’ll never need to be painted, reducing maintenance requirements and providing beautiful looks that last. And with exterior replacement door options available in a truly vast array of styles and materials, you can pick the one that best suits your home, needs, and budget.

Energy Efficiency

Remember, new windows and doors can also help you save money. That’s because modern technologies and a snug fit mean that replacement doors and windows are more energy efficient than old, single-pane windows and drafty doors. So what are you waiting for? Contact your area window and door contractor team today for additional information on one of the smartest upgrades you can make for your home!

Exterior remodeling brings many benefits, including beauty, security, efficiency, and more. For any job big or small, call your local exterior handyman today!

Your mother probably told you never to judge a book by its cover, and that’s great advice. But the truth is that sometimes, appearances do matter. When neighbors and passers-by look at your home or business, what do they see? Do they see a well-kept property that is tended, updated, and protected, with a fresh coat of paint and a new door? Or do they see a neglected, derelict building with peeling paint and a broken fence?

Impressing your peers and potential customers isn’t the only reason to keep your building maintained and beautiful. Exterior repairs performed by a professional handyman services company are essential for:

• Maintaining property value – No one wants to buy a building with serious structural problems that will cost vast amounts of money to fix. A leaky roof, for example, could mean the difference between sale and no sale and could also cause untold further damages to other parts of the building. The life span of roofs is limited, and roofs can also become damaged in a storm, by pests, and more. No matter why you require roof replacement or repair, your local professional roofing contractor is there to help. And, believe it or not, gutters also help protect buildings, and therefore your property value. Gutters are meant to collect precipitation and drain it away from the home or business in order to prevent water from pooling on your property, which can lead to wet basements, a cracked foundation, and subsequent building stability problems. If your gutters are cracked, clogged, or have been ripped down, call your local gutter contractor today to restore your protection.

• Security - Exterior upkeep also provides home and business owners with quality security against potential vandals, trespassers, and burglars. After all, your doors and windows could be the only things keeping your loved ones and your possessions safe from the dangers of the outside. You want to be able to trust that the portals to your home are strong, sturdy, and have quality locks. If you have flimsy exterior doors and brittle, old-fashioned windows that will be easy for a burglar to break, contact your local door and window contractor today. Additionally, if you would like added security as well as an aesthetic accent for your yard, a call to your local fence contractor may be just what the doctor ordered.

• Energy efficiency - Quality doors and windows can also help to keep your energy bills down, as can insulated siding. When your doors and windows don’t fit perfectly into their frames, or when your siding is damaged, aged, or simply not the correct choice for your particular building and climate, massive amounts of heating and air conditioning escape. Call your local siding contractors and window and door professionals today if you have been noticing drafts or very high energy bills and make the upgrades you need for energy efficiency.

Your local exterior handymen also perform deck builder services, garage door repair, and other great home services that provide added beauty as well as safety, security, and convenience to any home or business.

No matter if your main motivation is aesthetics, security, or something else entirely, exterior home remodeling and repairs are always smart investments. Call your local handyman today for more details on all of their exciting services.

Keeping up with your building’s exterior maintenance will help you prevent serious damages and promote safety on your property. Call your local handyman service today!

If you think the condition of your building’s exterior is of minimal importance, think again. For a business, a shabby look could turn potential customers away and earn you a bad reputation. For a home, a poor appearance could upset neighbors and drive down your property value. In both cases, prolonged apathy toward maintenance could result in serious safety concerns or additional damages to your building or property, which will wind up costing you more heartache and money in the long run. Don’t let your home or business deteriorate! Contact your local handyman services provider to receive expert repairs, installation, and more!

A driveway is the first part of your property that your customers or guests will see. A pockmarked, potholed, and crumbling driveway is not only unattractive, but it can be damaging to cars and pose safety risks for all–from scraped knees and twisted ankles to broken bones. Rip out that sad old driveway and have it replaced with the help of your local handyman’s concrete contractor services. You can even turn you old straight driveway into a circular one or add extra parking for additional convenience. Your local concrete expert can also install patios, walkways, and more. From smoothing out the ground for building to hauling away debris, everything will be handled with care and quality craftsmanship.

Interested in planting award-winning gardens or just jazzing up your boring lawn with some new landscaping? When you call your local landscaping service, the possibilities are endless. Change your average-looking property into the talk of the town with dynamic layers and colors. Your landscaping professionals will examine your location, terrain, and soil content to help you determine which landscaping choices may best complement your lawn. They can even install or repair irrigation and sprinkler systems to help your new landscaping maintain its lush beauty.

Storms, neglect, and just plain time can cause a backup in your gutters, which may not seem like a big deal–until the gutter system fails to funnel water away from your house, increasing the potential for a flooded basement, not to mention numerous other problems for your structure. With the help of professional gutter contractors, you can avoid a wet basement, drainage issues, the presence of pathogens and pests, and other problems that can occur due to clogged or broken gutters.

Fences, gutters, and other parts of the house might not seem like they make much of a difference. But imagine entering a home or business with a ravaged fence and broken driveway, where the lawn in unkempt and the gutter is hanging off the roof. Paints a sad pictures, doesn’t it? Don’t let this be you! Keeping up the exterior of your property is essential for aesthetics, safety, and preventative maintenance. If you suspect that your property is becoming rundown, call your local handyman today! From fence
contractors to landscapers to other pros, your handyman service is your full-service expert for exterior maintenance and repairs.