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!

Whether you’re building a new home or it’s finally time to replace your existing house’s old siding, making up your mind about what material to choose can take some time. That’s alright: There are tons of great products out there for siding installation, but it’s important that you consider each type of siding to evaluate how it fits with your specific needs. What’s right for your neighbor’s home might not be right for yours, so do your research! To get you started, here’s a discussion of the pros and cons of the three most popular types of house siding.

Wood Siding

Wood siding is the most traditional type of siding and can be found on homes across New England. In fact, in some historic districts, due to regulations, wood siding may be the only type of material you can use for your replacement siding. If you do have a choice, make sure to really weigh the pros and cons of wood siding or shingles. This type of home siding is beautiful, offering a level of detail and customization that other materials simply can’t match. However, it is a high-maintenance choice. Options like natural cedar shingles can stand up to years of use and weather without much maintenance beyond the occasional power washing (use low pressure to avoid damaging the wood!), but typical clapboards need to be painted to avoid wood rot. And when it comes to painting your siding every couple years, the hassle of maintaining your wood siding can really feel arduous. First you have to scrape off any loose paint, sand down the siding, and then meticulously apply the new color… For many homeowners, this labor-intensive process means wood siding is definitely out. On the other hand, if you think the high-maintenance nature of wooden siding is worth it for the material’s handsome appearance, this may be the right option for you.

Vinyl

Most modern houses utilize vinyl siding for its affordability and low-maintenance performance. Unlike wood siding, vinyl siding will never have to be painted, and it has a cost-effective price tag that appeals to budget-minded property owners. However, some people complain that vinyl looks “flat” or unnatural, so you’ll have to decide if the high-end wood-grain vinyl clapboards or shakes are better suited to your home. Today’s vinyl house siding is even available in insulated versions, so you can revitalize the appearance of your building and improve its energy efficiency all at once.

Cement Fiber Siding

An innovative approach to exterior siding, cement fiber siding is a relatively new addition to your range of house siding options. The material is actually made from compressed cement and cellulose fiber, creating a clapboard or shake that has the sturdiness of concrete and the beauty of wood. In fact, when painted, cement fiber siding is virtually indistinguishable from natural wood. Cement fiber siding is extremely long-lasting, and unlike wood, it isn’t susceptible to rotting, cracking, or splitting. House paint even lasts longer on this type of exterior siding, helping make it virtually no-maintenance. This low-maintenance aspect appeals greatly to many homeowners, but remember, cement fiber tends to be much more expensive than vinyl siding, and because of its unique construction, it does require professional installation. If you’re looking for house siding on a budget, cement fiber probably isn’t for you. But for other property owners, you’ll definitely want to look into its extensive life span and long-term attractiveness.

The most common name for cement fiber siding is the brand-name HardiePlank. In fact, many homeowners don’t realize that there are other brands of cement fiber! However, today most major siding manufacturers do offer a cement fiber siding option, and there are various profiles and colors available, so you’ll have practically unlimited choices when it comes to your new home siding installation.

Of course, there are other types of less common house siding available as well, including steel and aluminum siding. If you’re interested in learning more about these kinds of siding or have questions about the materials discussed above, your local siding contractor should be able to provide you with additional information. Taking the time to learn about the different types of exterior siding available can help make certain that your new home siding is well-suited to your needs, helping it last longer and look better.

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.

Houses give us shelter, but in order to continue to live in comfort, we have to give them some care in return. When it comes to home maintenance tasks, both cosmetic and practical, no one benefits more than you, the owner. Keep your home something to be proud of, or flip that fixer-upper into a dream house by staying current on home improvement tasks with help from a handyman service.

Congratulations! You’ve just bought a house. You’re in for many years of joy… but with the perks of owning a home come great obligations. After all, your house won’t just maintain itself after you’ve signed the deed. It takes diligent maintenance in order to keep your structure in good shape on the inside and out.

Some major benefits of keeping current on your home maintenance include:

• Aesthetic appearances: Do you want to be known as the person who lives in the house with the peeling paint or the broken steps? Probably not. Fixing problems like these are pretty straightforward, but not everyone has the time, knowledge, or physical ability to perform them, causing these seemingly small household needs to pile up until your honey-do list seems endless! If you’ve found yourself drowning in chores, or you simply need help with one particular household challenge, call a professional home handy man. You’ll be surprised at the difference you see after just one visit. In addition to being a great way to maintain your property’s outward appearances, keeping up with these tasks is also excellent preventative maintenance.
• Convenience: You can’t fully enjoy your home if your essential utilities leave something to be desired. Flickering lights and stopped up pipes just won’t do. Having your local plumbers or electrical contractors in for repairs and upgrades ensures that the vital pipes and wires in your home are up to date and in safe, working condition. Services from these professionals can also help you maintain your property’s value.
• Energy efficiency: When you’re paying high utility rates, energy efficiency becomes a major priority. Heating and air conditioning can escape from many points in your home, even places you’d never suspect. When you have good insulation and fully functional windows and doors, you can keep energy inside where it belongs. This reduces your bills and allows for more efficient use of your energy–and your money. You’ll be amazed at the difference that replacement windows and quality exterior siding can make!

Another way to bring out the full potential of your home is to make sure that your home’s interior style fits your particular needs and tastes. After all, no one can be truly comfortable when they are forced to use a kitchen that is too small to handle the constant demands of their large family, or a bathroom equipped with fixtures so old they’d be better off in a museum. If your home doesn’t match up with your everyday needs, don’t just put up with the inconvenience. Call a remodeling contractor today to help you modernize and customize your home. Most are available for kitchen and bathroom remodeling, basement finishing, and more.

Every home presents different challenges based on the structure’s initial construction, the care it has received in the past, and its location. No matter what your home requires, prompt attention is the key to preventing further damage or deterioration, keeping labor costs low, and ensuring that your full enjoyment of your home is not affected. When you make the effort to take care of your property, you will reap the benefits now and for years to come. Make the smart move, and start crossing out items on your chore list today. Your home handyman service is here to help.