How To Avoid Roofing Contractor Scams

Every year, thousands of homeowners who were just looking to take care of their home’s roof fall victim to roofing company scams. It happens more often than you may realize!

All of us at Landmark Exteriors want to remind you of the importance of contacting a reputable roofing company when it comes to inspections, repairs, and replacements for your roof to ensure you are getting the highest quality craftsmanship and are not being scammed.

Take a look at these tips to help you avoid the most common roofing company scams:

Avoid Door-To-Door Salesman

Most scam roofing companies will find homeowners to manipulate by going door to door, especially after a storm. They will likely offer a free inspection and will work to convince you to let them on your roof to point out something needing to be fixed, but never let anyone on your roof! Scammers can create damage themselves while you’re not looking and you’ll be stuck with an even bigger mess. Though there are honest door-to-door roofers out there, be very cautious, trust your instincts, and call your reputable local roofing company for help instead.

Never Sign Something You Haven’t Read

You can spot a scammer easily because they’ll be quick to wave complicated papers and documents in your face, coupled with a sense of urgency, so you sign quickly without reading thoroughly. Never do this, and instead, read every word, including the fine print before you sign your name on any paperwork. 

Never Pay In Full Upfront

You should never have to pay a roofing contractor more than what is a reasonable deposit, meaning no more than 10%-20% of the total cost for the job. Scammers may explain that they need the full amount right away to help them buy all the required materials and hire people, but this is not true. 

If The Quote is Too Good To Be True, It Probably Is

Scammers will be sure to entice you by giving you a quote you couldn’t refuse, but don’t get too excited because it’s likely too good to be true. Especially if they start bargaining the price, you can be sure this is a scam, and you should look elsewhere.  

Stand Strong Against Sob Stories

Fraudulent roofers like to use your emotions against you as a tactic to take your money. They might tell you a sob story or beg for your services to make you feel guilty, but this is almost always a lie. You may feel sad, but you need to stand firm and look to a reputable roofing company instead.

ROOF REPAIR AND INSTALLATION IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

If you’re looking to have your roof fixed or redone or your gutters replaced or cleaned, we’ve got you covered! The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing and gutter systems both look great and are functioning properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.

How Does Roofing Maintenance Save You Money Long-Term?

As any homeowner knows, there’s a lot to consider and time and money to allocate when it comes to exterior house maintenance. While many choose to correct problems as they arise, this can be a damaging practice for your home’s roofing system. 

So, does roofing maintenance help save you money long-term? Simply put, yes! If you want to avoid severe problems with your roof and incredibly costly fixes or replacements, regular maintenance is your best option.

Why Invest in Regular Roof Maintenance?

Many homeowners choose to skip roofing maintenance and inspections entirely, which is a mistake. If this sounds like you, your roof may be at serious risk of a severe or catastrophic problem that will be very costly to fix, especially if not caught soon. There are plenty of reasons why regular roof maintenance should be included in your list of to-do’s when caring for your home, with saving money long-term being the biggest. Here are some more top reasons why roof maintenance is beneficial to you and your wallet:

  • Extend your roof’s life – Any major roof issues will affect its longevity, and that means you’ll need to invest in a brand new roof sooner than you initially thought. Handling any problems sooner rather than later will prevent these problems from escalating.
  • Prevent early deterioration – The materials used to put your roof together each have their own lifespans. To ensure these materials last as long or longer than what your roofers assured you they could, regular maintenance will be required.
  • Make the most out of your investment – A roof is a huge and necessary investment, and when buying your home, a portion of the cost is for the home’s exterior with a roof making up a large portion of that exterior. Without a roof over your head, there is no home, so be sure to take proper care of it.
  • Protect your home’s interior – Even the smallest of cracks can cause leaks into your home. The whole function of a roof is to protect you, your family, your valuables, and anything else inside your home, so it’s essential to make sure that your roof is still able to handle its job at all times.
  • Take advantage of warranties – Your roof’s warranty may cover some maintenance checks and fixes, so take advantage of it! Some warranties won’t cover specific repairs if maintenance was ignored, so be fully aware of your policy and utilize it.    

Call us today for a quote

If you’re looking to have your roof fixed or redone or your gutters replaced or cleaned, our Fairfield roofing contractors have you covered! The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing and gutter systems both look great and are functioning properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.

Caring For Your Flowers in The Summer

There’s nothing quite like some beautiful flowers to decorate with and enjoy across your home’s landscape! There are so many different species of flowers you can plant at home, but it’s important to be aware that they’ll need lots of extra care during the summer months to help them beat the heat.

Here are some summer flower care tips to help keep your plants blooming and healthy all season long:

Deadheading

The process known as deadheading is removing spent flower buds from your perennials and annuals to keep them blooming. Once a flower’s budding cycle is complete, that flower will drain lots of energy as it tries to develop seeds, which can prevent other buds from blooming. Use a hand pruner to remove these spent flower heads quickly and easily.

Fertilize Properly

A healthy garden starts with healthy soil, so add fertilizer to the ground if your plants need it. Yellowing leaves or plants that aren’t blooming signifies that the soil isn’t enriched enough and needs some help from fertilizer or compost.

Look For Disease

If you’re noticing black spots, powdery mildew, or aphids, a type of bug, on your flowers, they need some help. First, consider whether your plant has enough air circulation; plants too close to each other are more prone to disease. Second, focus on disease prevention. To prevent plant disease, avoid watering at night, and water directly to the soil and not from the top. Some organic extracts and oils may also help prevent disease, so be sure to talk to your local gardeners for advice. 

Weeding is Necessary

Unfortunately, there’s no avoiding those weeds, but it’s necessary to spend the time to get rid of them. Weeds compete with your plants to get nutrients and moisture, so they must be removed if you want healthy flower growth. The sooner the better, as once weeds seed, they will continue to spread and spread.

Plenty of Water

Those high temperatures can cause devastation to your plants, so they’ll need daily watering to stay healthy. If the temperatures are exceptionally high, with no clouds in sight and no rain in the forecast, be sure to give them some extra nourishment through deep watering.

And don’t forget, adding beautiful flowers to your landscape to match your home’s roofing or siding is a great way to add curb appeal!

ROOF REPAIR AND INSTALLATION IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

If you’re looking to have your roof fixed or redone or your gutters replaced or cleaned, we’ve got you covered! The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing and gutter systems both look great and are functioning properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.

How The Summer Heat Affects Your Roof

The temperatures are really heating up now that summer has officially arrived, and your roof is starting to feel it. As a homeowner, you may be tempted to forget about your roof this season when it comes to home maintenance, but that’s a mistake. The summer heat and sun rays can be incredibly damaging to your home’s roofing system and cause serious problems. 

Here are the many ways the summer heat can affect your home’s roof: 

High temperatures

If your roof isn’t shaded, the dark colors in your roof will absorb the heat. These high temperatures being absorbed into your roofing system will accelerate the aging process and cause the materials to break down, meaning costly repairs in the future.  

UV Exposure

The UV rays from the sun hitting your roof day after day for hours cause the aging and wearing process to quicken. As well, these harmful rays cause wood to bleach and crack, asphalt shingles to buckle, and oils used during the construction process to dissipate. 

Thermal Shock

Your home’s roof will reach very high temperatures during the day while the sun is blaring and will then cool off quickly after the sun sets, causing what’s known as thermal shock. This thermal shock causes the materials in your roof to expand and contract as the temperatures change, leading to a weakened structural integrity as time passes.  

Summer Storms

As the temperatures increase, so does the frequency of storms. Summer storms include high winds, heavy rain, lightning, and possibly even hail that can seriously damage roofs. Be sure to check your attic for signs of leaks, look for signs of blockages in your gutters, and call a roofing professional to do a proper roof inspection after a severe storm.  

ROOF INSPECTION, REPAIR, AND INSTALLATION IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

If you’re concerned about the safety of your home’s roofing system, it’s crucial to have it inspected and repaired by a team of professionals. The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing, and gutter systems both look great and are functioning properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.

What is Cedar-Life’s Cedar Preservation Process?

Cedar roofing and siding continue to grow in popularity! If you have cedar roofing or siding, proper treatments and maintenance are essential to maintaining a beautiful appearance, increasing the longevity of the shingles, and increasing your home’s value. Luckily, Cedar-Life is here to help.

What is Cedar-Life?

Cedar-Life is a division of Landmark Exteriors and is a leader in cedar roof and siding preservation. We utilize a process that cleans and preserves cedar, which delays the aging process, prevents the harmful effects of sun, rain, and snow, and protects against mildew and algae growth. This treatment will help not only keep your home’s cedar in great, beautiful condition but will also improve the overall structural integrity of the roof or siding.

Our Cedar-Life roofing preservation process consists of:

  • A comprehensive roof inspection to determine the structural integrity.
  • An assessment of any necessary repairs or shingle replacement.
  • Our bleach-free, environmentally-friendly cedar cleaner is applied to remove dirt and fungus in conjunction with a controlled, pressurized cleaning system.
  • Lastly, we use our exclusive, highly-refined, formulated preservative, which will make the shingles more supple and protect them from sun damage.

We have used this process on countless homes with cedar roofs across Connecticut to improve the appearance and lifespan of their roof.  

Why Choose Cedar-Life For Your Cedar Preservation

Here are a few reasons why you should choose Cedar-Life for your home’s cedar roofing or siding:

  • We are recognized as an industry leader in cedar roof and siding preservation.
  • Cedar treatments require a specialist who is knowledgeable and trained in properly cleaning and treating cedar, and every person in our team is an expert.
  • We use only proven, tested, and certified products. Our cedar cleaning and restoration products are bleach-free and environmentally friendly.
  • We are fully insured and follow strict safety standards as well as Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau guidelines.
  • Our preservation process has been proven to last longer than the competition. Our products help extend a cedar’s roof life by 35 to 50 years.
  • Customer satisfaction is our top priority, and our experts are committed to improving the health and beauty of your home’s cedar.

CEDAR ROOF INSTALLATION & PRESERVATION IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

If you’re looking to have a cedar roof installed on your home or need your home’s cedar to be restored and maintained, we’ve got you covered! The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s cedar looks beautiful and is healthy for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more!

What To Do If Your Roof Is Leaking

A home’s roof handles a lot of intensity from the natural elements to protect you and your family, so damage and leaks are unfortunately inevitable. No one wants to spot a leak coming from their home’s ceiling, but if the time comes, it’s important you know what to do. The most crucial thing to remember when it comes to roof leaks is to always take immediate action.

Contain The Roof Leak

Once you’ve found a leak in your roof, the first step is to contain it the best you can so further damage doesn’t spread. Start by clearing the area where your leak is so your personal belongings don’t get ruined. Then, try to catch the water with a pot or bucket wherever the leak is dripping.  

One important thing to be aware of is that the leak is likely not coming from where you believe it is, and to find the cause, it’s crucial you call your local roofing company in Connecticut

Don’t Wait, Call A Professional

Contact your local roofers for a thorough inspection to see what needs to be done to resolve the issue. It’s essential you don’t wait to get your leak fixed, even if it doesn’t seem to be serious. The longer it persists, the worse the damage will spread, and the more costly the repairs will be. Other than water dripping from your ceiling, some signs to look out for that mean your roof is leaking include: 

  • Water spots on the ceiling or walls
  • Water spots or roof decking that is wet (visible in the attic)
  • Cracked or damaged shingles
  • Missing shingles
  • Missing flashing around your chimney

Prepare For Repairs

Hopefully, you were able to catch the leak quickly, and the repairs will be isolated to one area. However, if the damage was extensive or your roof is relatively old, a total roof replacement may be needed. Be sure to consult with your local expert roofers to handle any repairs or replacements.

ROOF REPAIR AND INSTALLATION IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

If you’re looking to have your roof fixed or redone or your gutters replaced or cleaned, we’ve got you covered! The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing, and gutter systems both look great and are functioning properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.

When Do Roofs Need To Be Replaced?

Homeowners often forget to think about a roof’s needs until it’s too late and there is a serious issue. However, proper care and maintenance can help ensure your roof stays strong for years to come. Are you thinking about getting a replacement done soon? 

When Should My Roof Be Replaced?

Determining when a well-cared-for roof needs to be replaced will depend on the roofing material. Here is the general timetable for each type of roof:

  • Asphalt shingles – 15-30 years
  • Metal roofs – 25 – 35 years
  • Copper roofs – 30 – 50 years
  • Slate roofs – 50 – 100 years
  • Cedar roofs – 18 – 25 years

Getting yearly professional inspections, fixing any issues as soon as possible, and getting any required maintenance done when it’s recommended will all help you extend the life of your home’s roof.

Signs Your Roof Needs Replacement

It may be time for a replacement if any of these are the case for your home’s roof:

  • You have a leaky roof – Check the inside of your home, specifically the attic, for signs of leaking. Any leak, especially one that went untreated, will likely require a total roof replacement.
  • Shingle problems – If you notice there are missing, curled, or cracked shingles, a repair is needed as soon as possible. If problems with shingles and granules are progressively falling off, a replacement will be required soon.
  • Rot – A noticeably drooping or sagging roof will need to be replaced right away to prevent a collapse and further home damage.
  • Your roof is turning green – Green patches on your roof aren’t a good sign. This means that moss, mold, or fungi have started growing because of trapped moisture, which can ruin your roof.
  • It’s been a long time – Check your paperwork and see when it was that your roof was last replaced. If it’s past the average time that your roofing material lasts, it’s time to contact your local roofers for a replacement.

ROOF REPAIR AND INSTALLATION IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

If you’re looking to have your roof fixed or redone or your gutters replaced or cleaned, we’ve got you covered! The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing and gutter systems both look great and are functioning properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.

Tips To Prevent Carpenter Ants

Have you noticed any large black or reddish ants wandering through your home’s interior or exterior? You may want to get a close look at those ants because if it is indeed a carpenter ant, you’ll need to ensure they don’t cause your house any severe damage. 

Carpenter ants are wood-destroying insects that love to make their nests in the wooden parts of your home, such as decking, cabinets, siding, fencing, and more. Actively preventing these ants from hurting your home should be on the list of to-dos for any homeowner. 

Why Carpenter Ants Are A Serious Problem

Many homeowners shrug off seeing one or two carpenter ants crawling around, which is a mistake. Just because you only see a couple of these little ants doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty more eating out at the wooden areas of your home. 

Carpenter ants don’t eat through wood the same way that termites do, but they still can leave you with a lot of damage. These ants create tunnels throughout the wood to create comfortable nests. When this happens, support beams can break, floors can dip, walls can bulge, and much more severe destruction can ensue.  

What You Can Do To Prevent Carpenter Ants

Before these carpenter ants start infesting your home, it’s ideal to take preventive measures to ensure they never find their way to your house in the first place. Here are some ideas to help you prevent a carpenter ant infestation:

  • Relocate wood items – If you have any firewood, construction materials, or any other wood products, consider storing them outside of your house at least 20 feet away, and if possible, elevate them off the ground. 
  • Cut back branches – Keep branches and brushes cut short and away from your home, so shade is reduced. The sun can dry up any exterior moisture and prevent rot, which attracts carpenter ants. 
  • Keep your gutters clean – Obstructed gutters with any breaks throughout the system create puddles and moisture outside your home, which create rot.
  • Fix any issues – If there are any water issues near your home or any rot, have them fixed as soon as possible. 
  • Get an inspection – Have a professional inspect your home for any issues or signs of carpenter ants frequently to ensure your house is safe and protected.

ROOF REPAIR AND INSTALLATION IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

If you’re looking to have your roof fixed or redone or your gutters replaced or cleaned, we’ve got you covered! The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing and gutter systems both look great and are functioning properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.

How to Start Composting at Home

If you’re looking to reduce your food waste at home and live a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, composting is for you! Easily done at home, composting helps give items you would typically throw out in the garbage a new life.  

What is Composting?

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter and turning it into a beneficial fertilizer to help enrich your soil and help plants grow. The composting process involves putting items such as food scraps, paper waste, and yard waste into a bin or pile where worms and microorganisms can break down the scraps and turn them into nutrients. 

How Can I Start Composting at Home?

Are you ready to start composting? Here’s how to get started:

  • Select your food scraps and be ready to store them – Think about what foods you eat and cook with and what scraps you’ll have available. When composting, you’ll learn that there is a decomposition time frame that requires you to layer your scraps over time rather than throw it all together at once. So, gather some containers and make space in your fridge and freezer to store these scraps.
  • Choose the right location for your compost – Depending on your space available, you’ll want to decide if a compost bin or pile is right for you. Luckily, both options work great! Determine which part of your home or backyard you’d like to keep your compost.
  • Make your mix – Start making your compost mix with both green and brown organic material. The green would be considered food scraps, while the brown would be paper or yard waste. Ideally, you want to layer the browns on the bottom with the greens on top.
  • Wait and aerate – The decomposition time varies based on the temperature. If it’s hot, it can be as short as two months. Another crucial part of composting is allowing air to flow throughout, so turning your compost every seven to ten days will bring you success.

What Items Can and Can’t be Composted?

There are plenty of different items from your home that can be composted that you would normally throw away. This includes: 

  • Vegetable scraps
  • Fruit scraps
  • Cooked food without oil, dairy, or meat
  • Coffee grounds
  • Teabags
  • Eggshells
  • Grass clippings
  • Flowers
  • Tree leaves
  • Wood shavings or sawdust
  • Black and white newspaper clippings
  • Printed paper

Be sure not to add these items to your compost:

  • Oils and butter
  • Dairy
  • Meat and fish
  • Bones
  • Diseased yard waste

ROOF REPAIR AND INSTALLATION IN FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT

If you’re looking to have your roof fixed or redone or your gutters replaced or cleaned, we’ve got you covered! The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing and gutter systems both look great and are functioning properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.

5 Most Commonly Asked Roofing Questions

Roofs are easy to forget about when caring for your home, but they have an important job and can get damaged easily! Doing your research to understand the maintenance needed for your roof and what to do if there are any issues can be very beneficial. Take a look at these most frequently asked questions about roofing.

How can I tell if my roof needs to be replaced?

Typically, roofs, especially asphalt roofs, should be replaced at least every 25 years. By this time, shingles can curl or fall off, mold can grow, and leaks and cracks can develop, leading to more costly damage to your home. If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to speak with a local roofing contractor about repairs or a complete roof replacement.  

If there’s a leak in my roof, do I need a whole new roof?

It depends on what has caused the leak. Older roofs that are leaking because of severe wear and tear and damage will need to be replaced soon. If the leak is due to an issue with the chimney, or a missing or damaged shingle, repairs can be done. Your roofing contractor can help determine the severity of the leak and damage and recommend the best course of action.

What is the best type of roof?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question. The best roof for your home is the one that suits your needs, budget, and house the best. Every roofing type such as asphalt shingles, metal, tiles, cedar, slate, and more all have their positives and negatives. When considering which roof type to install for your home, be sure to think about the budget you have available, beauty and curb appeal, durability, weather resistance, longevity.

Why are the shingles discolored?

If you notice your shingles are changing color, there is likely algae, fungus, or mold growing. This growth occurs when the weather is very humid. It’s essential to have a roofing contractor come and clean the issue and determine if more serious damage is a problem that will persist the algae, mold, or fungus growth.

How long do roofs last?

On average, asphalt roofs last up to 30 years, metal roofs last up to 70 years, and cedar roofs can last up to 50 years. With any roof, proper maintenance and routine inspections can help extend the lifespan of your span. When it does come time to get a roof replacement, being proactive is key to ensuring a quick, easy, and successful new installation.

Call us for an inspection today

If you’re looking to have your roof fixed or redone or your gutters replaced or cleaned, we’ve got you covered! The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing, and gutter systems both look great and are functioning properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 to learn more.