LANDMARK EXTERIORS

As temperatures increase, so does your energy bill — unless you adopt a few energy saving tips into your routine! We’re here to help you find the perfect balance between using your home as a cool refuge and not letting your energy bill break the bank:

1. Make sure your cooling system is running efficiently. This means it’s time for an AC tune-up, and to check the window seals on your pane-based air conditioner units. If you notice your home is still not cooling correctly, consider roof ventilation to help let more heat escape out.

2. Avoid heating your home with appliances and heavy lighting. It’s time to show your microwave and grill some love, and take a break from your oven. Instead of turning on every light in the house, utilize natural light during the daytime. Additionally, be more mindful of shutting off switches when leaving a room, and consider switching to energy-efficient bulbs.

3. Use windows to gain cool air. This is where window upgrades can save you money in the long run. On milder days and nights, opt to shut off your air conditioner and crack open the windows. You’ll also appreciate the breath of fresh air!

4. Give your dryer a well-deserved rest. Line dry clothes when you can, or utilize your dryer to its maximum capacity to cut down on how many cycles you need to run.

5. Install a smart thermostat. These devices allow you to customize temperatures from room-to-room throughout your day and help regulate your home — plus they’re one of the home improvement projects known to boost resale value.

At Landmarks Exteriors, our professionals are here for all your home needs! Large or small, we take care of everything from roof ventilations, window upgrades, and routine maintenance checks. Contact us today to see how we can help!

The Threat From Above

When you think of roof damage, winds or storms may come to mind as the apparent troublemakers. But there’s another threat to your roof, one that is far more subtle and long-term – the sun.

Here are just a few of the ways that sunlight can potentially damage your roof, and what you can do to stay on top of the problem:

Bleaching

Think driftwood: being exposed to direct sunlight every day is what causes the wood’s original color to bleach and eventually fade. The same thing can happen to your roof, especially if your roof has darker colored shingles.

Warping and Cracking

Damage from the sun’s UV rays can cause your roof to warp. When summer temperatures reach around the 100 °F barrier your roof tiles will expand, while in the winter or milder days your tiles will contract. The constant heating and cooling of your tiles causes them to loosen, and eventually, tiles can fall out of place.

Decaying

Prolonged exposure to the sun will cause your roof’s shingles to start decaying. If your shingles appear to be rotten, missing chunks, or deformed in any way, they are showing signs of decay and it is important to get your roof repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

What Can I Do About Roof Damage?

To stay on top of any sun damage to your roof, it’s important to perform routine checks. Pull out a ladder and place it against your home, and without stepping out onto the roof, check for signs of decay or damage. Do a visual inspection to look for signs of cracks, shifted or warped tiles, and check your drainage systems while you’re up there!
Sunlight wears your roof out over time, contact Landmark Exteriors to stay on top of your roof maintenance! We are here to replace those old, warped or decayed shingles, tiles, or to help with a complete roof renovation. Call us at 203.838.3838 today to schedule an appointment!

Local Holiday Fun

Looking for something fun and local to do this Memorial Day? We’ve got you covered! Connecticut is the best place to be for the holiday, with unique and meaningful events all weekend. Whether you take advantage of the summer season beginning, attend a memorial or parade, or engage with your community, there’s something for everyone. Here are some local events you may want to consider attending this Memorial Day Weekend:

Travel Back In Time

Memorial Day was originally instituted by the US government to honor the fallen veterans of the Civil War. This Memorial Day weekend, you can take a trip back to the 1800s to participate in Civil War reenactments, celebrate the heritage of Connecticut, and more.

May 25, 2019:

• Memorial Sea Ceremony at South Benson Marina: 10 a.m.

Memorial ceremony and boat procession to honor the fallen members of the US military that were lost at sea.

• Revolutionary War Encampment at the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Interact with the 5th Connecticut Regiment in full colonial dress, and enjoy entertaining demonstrations of 18th-century medicine, open-fire cookery, camp life, marching and musket firing, music, and more.

May 27, 2019:

• Ridgefield Memorial Day Parade: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join civic organizations, marching bands, and veteran’s groups to pay tribute to our veterans.

• Decoration Day at the Mystic Seaport:  9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

The day will include tending and decorating the graves of the fallen, church services, solemn processions, and a community dinner.

Spend Time Outdoors

Memorial Day unofficially marks the beginning of the summer season, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by getting outdoors! Consider spending time at one of Connecticut’s vast parks or forests, spending time on the water, or racing into the weekend with the TransAm Memorial Day Classic.

May 25 2019:

• Yoga Benefit Class with The Veterans Yoga Project at Fairfield Museum: 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

An all-level class which will conclude with a candle lighting ceremony in honor of our service members. Bring your yoga supplies or a towel.

• Weston Memorial Day 5k Road Race: 8 a.m.

The race will begin and finish at Weston High School, and is the school’s largest fundraiser, funding school enhancements and educational initiatives.

May 24 – 27, 2019:

• State Parks and Forests Across Connecticut

Hours of operation may vary.

• TransAm Memorial Day Classic at Lime Rock Park: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m

New in 2019, the Trans Am Series by Pirelli and the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) will headline the track’s 2019 season opening event, with new events each day of the weekend.

May 25 – 26, 2019:

• Town of Hartford 12th Annual David Childs Memorial Fishing Derby: 6 a.m. –  5 p.m.

Cast your line for a chance at the $1,000 top prize or one of many other adult and youth prizes!

Celebrate With Your Community

Attend a Memorial Day Parade or festival in your area to celebrate with your community! For local parades across Connecticut, be sure to check your town’s local listings.

May 25,2019:

• Greenwich Town Party: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

A day of music, food, fun, family, and friendship for the Greenwich community.

May 25 – 27, 2019:

• Milford Food Truck Festival & Open Air Market: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Featuring the area’s top food trucks and shops from over 50 local vendors.

May 27, 2019:

• Danbury Memorial Day Parade: 8 a.m.
• Fairfield Memorial Day Parade: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m

• Westport Memorial Day Parade: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

• Memorial Day Picnic at the Fairfield Museum and History Center: 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

An afternoon of food, games, crafts, and fun activities for everyone!

• Summer Fest 2019 at Penfield Pavilion: 7 p.m.

A substance-free event for teens, young adults, prevention and the recovery community.

For more events, explore Connecticut.

From all of us at Landmark, we hope you have a happy Memorial Day weekend with your friends and family!

And remember, if you’re looking for a dedicated, experienced, and dependable roofing contractor, look no further than Landmark Exteriors! To learn more about our services, check out our website or speak with one of our professionals at 203.838.3838.

Home renovations are usually noisy, create debris, and run for an extended period of time. This may cause disturbances to your neighbors’ everyday routine. While your home is being improved, you can use this time to improve your relationship with your neighbors and keep them happy throughout the process.

Here are some ways you can keep the peace with the residents on your block during your home renovation:

Make your neighbors aware of the renovation before it happens.

This is the best way you can make sure your neighbors have a positive experience during your home renovation. Telling them in advance in person, over the phone, or by letter makes them feel considered and allows them to prepare for any disruptions that may arise.

Tell your neighbors about increases in property value.

Most renovations contribute to the resale value of your home, but certain jobs can also raise the property value of a neighboring home. Whether they’re considering moving or not, your neighbor may be quite happy to hear their property might increase.

Begin renovations later in the day.

Everyone enjoys peace and quiet when they first wake up, especially families with small children. The people on your block will wake up on the right side of the bed each morning during your renovation if you are able to push loud construction to the late morning or even in the afternoon.

Keep your construction area confined to your property.

Work with your contractor to make sure that your neighbor’s property is unaffected by any renovations done to your home — unless it is out of your ability to do so. Before any work begins, make sure to read your homeowners association (HOA) regulations regarding construction and refrain from blocking parking or roads.

Do your neighbor favors when you can.

Perhaps you fix something on your property that both you and your neighbor share — such as fencing or trimming an overgrown tree. Lending a helping hand can leave your neighbor feeling more tolerant during your renovation.

Invite your neighbors over when the work is done.

Hosting a dinner party to showcase the work done to your home will show your neighbors that you appreciate their patience during the process. It also gives you the chance to check in with nearby residents you do not already have a strong relationship with and hopefully create a stronger bond.

Utilizing these tips when planning your next home renovation will help the process go much smoother for both you and your neighbors.

For an excellent renovation experience for both you and your neighbors, turn to Landmark Exteriors! From roofing and siding to gutter design and installation, our team of experts has you covered. We welcome the opportunity to speak with you about your project, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Looking for things to do around Connecticut this month? Look no further! 

Enjoy all the things our great state has to offer, here are a few events you can check out this month:

Attend the Connecticut Spring Boat Show (Essex, May 3 from 1pm-6pm and May 4 & 5 from 10am-5pm)

This weekend, head over to Essex Island Marina for a boutique in-water boat show! See more than 60 boats ranging in size and speak with various dealers and manufacturers. The show will also have gear, accessories and exhibitors set up for guests.

Take a Lighthouse Cruise (Norwalk, May 11 from 10am-3:30pm)

Venture out on a lighthouse cruise on the Long Island Sound from Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium. During the cruise, Aquarium educators will be there to share information about the area’s lighthouses! Feel free to bring food and non-alcoholic beverages along for the ride.

Start Collecting Stamps in your Passport to CT Farm Wineries (Locations and times vary)

The 2019 Passport program will begin Friday, May 3! Be sure to pick up your passport at any participating winery and get stamping! Visit as many participating wineries as you can to add stamps, the more stamps you get, the more chances you have to win prizes — the grand prize is a two-week trip for two (including airfare and lodging) to Spain!

Take in a show at The Palace Theater (Stamford, dates and times vary)

Whether you’re looking for a concert or a comedy show, The Palace Theater has got you covered. May will see acts ranging from Jay Leno and Kevin James to Filmore and Styx. View their full lineup and purchase tickets here»

We hope you enjoy everything CT has to offer! And remember, if you’re in need of assistance surrounding roofing, gutters, and or siding, we’ve got you covered. Contact us at (203)838-3838 to discuss your options!

When you’re choosing a new roof, it’s important to get everything right the first time. After all, your roof is an expensive investment and one that may be on your home for 20 years or longer! This includes what color roof shingles you should choose. 

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered.

Choose a color that compliments your home.

Consider your home’s exterior color, the architecture, and landscaping. Unless you’re ready to redo them all, you’ll probably want to choose a roof color that matches everything well. Even if you may save slightly more by choosing a different color, it could cost you much more to repaint or redo your landscaping if you don’t like the color combination.

For some assistance, cream, brown or beige homes match well with brown or grey shingles. A gray or blue home may call for darker shingles (think dark gray or black). A white exterior can look good with almost any roof color! 

Abide by community rules.

If you live within a community, there may be certain rules pertaining to the exterior of your home. Sometimes, the rules require very specific shades so that all the houses look alike or follow the historic look of the neighborhood.

Before committing to a certain roofing shingle, make sure it’s approved!

Try before you buy.

Think about it — if you were to repaint your bedroom, you wouldn’t just go out and buy the first color paint you saw. You’d take a few samples of colors home and compare. Same thing should happen for your roof! Take some shingle samples and look at them outdoors at different times of day. Also pay attention to other homes as you walk or drive by, for additional inspiration!

At Landmarks Exteriors, our roofing contractors are here for all your roofing needs! Large or small, we take care of everything from routine maintenance items to emergency roof repairs. Contact us today to see how we can help!

A little can go a long way when it comes to helping the environment. See below for some quick tips on how to make your home more eco-friendly, while also saving money on your utility bills!

Give your home a green makeover. 

One of the easiest ways to green your home is by switching over to energy-efficient light bulbs. They not only save energy, but they last longer than traditional bulbs.

You may also consider replacing energy-inefficient appliances with smarter options. When it’s time for a new refrigerator, washing machine, microwave or air conditioner, look for products with the Energy Star label — all of which have a high level of energy efficiency.

Stop wasting water. 

Look for ways you can prevent water waste around your home. Do you leave the water running while brushing your teeth? Turn it off! According to the EPA, doing this can save 8 gallons of water per day.

Notice a small drip from your faucet? Get it fixed! Leaks, regardless of how small, can result in a huge source of water waste in the home (9,400 gallons of water annually, to be exact).

Cool your home wisely. 

The summer season is just around the corner! How will you stay cool? For starters, if you have an air conditioner, you’ll want to keep the cool air inside your home, right? Now is the time to make sure all windows, doors and your attic are properly insulated.

You may also want to install a programmable thermostat if you haven’t already. This device helps to regulate temperatures inside your home at certain times of the day.

At Landmarks Exteriors, our professionals are here for all your roofing needs! Large or small, we take care of everything from routine maintenance items to emergency roof repairs. Contact us today to see how we can help!

Your roof is a sizable investment, which means that you want to ensure it will last for many years to come.

Since it’s constantly exposed to the elements, you’ll want to ensure it hasn’t suffered any damage between seasons. In fact, many common roof problems — and even expensive repairs — can be avoided with regular roof maintenance and inspections!

Roof Cleaning And Tidying

If you want to make sure that your roof is protected, routine cleaning is essential. Debris, such as leaves and branches, can accumulate on your roof rather easily, and it’s important to make sure they’re removed on a regular basis.

It’s also important to make sure you take steps to be proactive, removing vegetation that is causing this debris whenever possible. This can be a dangerous task, meaning it’s best to hire a qualified contractor.

Roof Inspection

Cleaning and tidying your roof will make the next step easier, which is roof inspection. It’s important to make sure your roof is checked for serious problems — we recommend an inspection twice a year, in the spring and fall. With a comprehensive roof inspection, many minor issues can be fixed with quick repairs before they turn into major problems.

Repair

If you have shingles that are broken or missing, it’s important to make sure they’re repaired or replaced as soon as possible. You also need to be sure any repair of your flashing, gutters, or downspouts is performed promptly. These features of your roof all work to keep water flowing away from the home to prevent damage.

At Landmarks Exteriors, our professionals are here for all your roofing needs! Large or small, we take care of everything from routine maintenance items to emergency roof repairs. Contact us today to see how we can help!

April showers bring May flowers — and possible water damage and flooding if you’re not careful!

Make sure your home is well equipped for the new season. After all, preventing water damage ends up being far cheaper than needing to pay for full home repairs!

Ensure Proper Drainage

Make sure you check that your gutters are clear of debris, as clogged gutters can send water directly down the side of your home (damaging both your foundation and siding). You’ll also want to ensure your downspouts are directing water away from your house, at least 5 to 10 feet!

Test Your Sump Pump

The last thing you want is for a major storm to hit and your sump pump to fail! Check your sump pump at least once, annually, or more often if we find ourselves in a particularly rainy season. All you need to do is slowly fill the sump pit with water and watch for the float to rise. Once it does, the sump pump should kick on and the water level should fall.

Repair Missing or Loose Shingles

If your roof has any damaged shingles, it’s time to get them repaired! It’s also the perfect time to check any damaged caulking and inspect for leaks surrounding flashing. If you get these things fixed early, you may not have any long-term damage!

Contact the Professionals at Landmark Exteriors!

If you’re in need of assistance surrounding roofing, gutters, and or siding, we’ve got you covered. We’d be happy to help you prepare your home for the spring season. Contact us at (203)838-3838 to discuss your options!

Spring is a time for warmer weather, brighter days, and new life after a dark and dreary winter. From cleaning your windows to inspecting your roof, here’s how you can get your home in tip-top shape so you can enjoy the lazy summer ahead!

Check the Roof

From heavy snow to rough winds, the winter weather could have done a real number on your roof. Take a walk around your home and check your roof for damaged, loose, or missing shingles, sagging fascia, or loose gutters. Any damage like that will need to be repaired.

Clean the Gutters

April showers bring May flowers…and flooding issues if you have dirty gutters. Take a Saturday to clean out your gutters and rid them of any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may clog them. You should also inspect your downspouts for obstructions  and consider extending them.

Clean Your Windows

Wipe down the insides and outsides of your windows to get them sparklingly enough to let the spring sunshine in. While you’re at it, you should always check for any cracks or drafts in your current windows and consider replacing them with better-insulated models.

Wash Your Siding

If your home’s siding is covered in dirt or other grime, wash it off using soap, water, and a gentle scrub brush. This is especially important to do if you were using ice-melting salt around your home, as it can also eat away at your siding.

Trim Your Landscaping

Your shrubbery will need some grooming once the spring weather lets them grow their leaves back again. You should also seed your lawn so it grows full and green, and add soil to any areas where it was depleted over winter.

Contact the professionals at Landmark Exteriors!

When it comes to roofing, gutters, and siding, we know our stuff. We’d be happy to help you update your home before putting it on the market. Contact us at (203)838-3838 to discuss your options!