LANDMARK EXTERIORS

If you happen to live in a cold, snowy climate, you know that if you don’t eventually remove the snow from your roof, you might not see the shingles until spring. You’re probably also aware that the snow on your roof can get very heavy over time, causing strain to your roof’s structural integrity if it’s not cleared. But how do you know when it’s time to clear your roof? Let us explain:

Inch by Inch

Indeed, there’s no magic number for clearing the snow off your roof — but if it helps to have a ballpark figure, experts recommend clearing off the snow at a height of approximately 18 inches. This is especially true for homes with a low-pitched roof.

As a rule of thumb, roofs that are steep and pitched tend to hold snow less than roofs that are flat.

Weighing the Factors

Weight is a factor in determining a roof’s snow capacity, too. Light, fluffy, dry snow weighs considerably less than wet, heavy snow. In terms of weight, six inches of wet snow equates to a yard of dry snow.

While factors like your roof’s age and building materials affect its ability to support extra weight, most roofs can hold up to 20 pounds of snow per square foot. For an approximation, 10 inches of snow equals about five pounds of snow. So a new, sturdy roof can hold roughly four feet of snow!

Safety First

There are several hazards associated with removing snow from your roof. The first is your own safety. Climbing up on your roof is hazardous by nature — add in a steep slope plus slippery snow or ice, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Accidents and mishaps from rooftop snow removal are so common that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns that quite often, attempting to remove snow from a roof causes more harm than good.

What Lies Beneath?

In addition to just posing a slip-and-fall risk, your roof can be dangerous if there is underlying structural damage that you can’t see. Before going out to the roof to clear it off, you can check inside for signs of damage. Go up to the attic and check to see if the rafters are bent or swayed. If you notice any leaks, there may be a crack in the roof, and it will be unsafe to climb up.

Finally, everyone worries about how much snow their roof can sustain after a storm. If the roof is in good condition, it can hold a surprisingly high volume of snow. Remember that wet, heavy snow weighs much more than lighter snow. Therefore, you should clear off accumulating wet snow to prevent roof damage. When in doubt, always call a roofing company to help out!

Are you looking for a helping hand to safely remove that snow? The professionals at Landmark Exteriors are just a call away! Contact us at 203-838-3838 and we can help take care of the problem with ease!

For over a decade, Landmark Exteriors has served people in many communities and suburbs by providing professional roofing services.

As dedicated, seasoned roofers, we built a solid reputation in a practical way using top-of-the-line supplies and tactical roof maintenance and repair techniques. We’ve also made an impact by avoiding the most common mistakes that affect general roofing companies.

Inconsistencies

Inconsistencies are major problems that can make an average home’s roof unappealing. Because we care about customer satisfaction, we always take strategic steps to avoid inconsistencies during all roofing jobs.

For example, if we begin a project with a particular type of roofing material, our contractors will finish the job using the same supplies. To avoid inconsistencies, we never swap out our main products with materials that have similar design elements as they won’t properly match the entire color scheme on a roof.

Legal Problems

In most communities, there are laws that impact residential and commercial roofing projects. When we work with our customers, we help them understand these laws during the preparation phase. If a property owner needs a permit in order to begin a roofing project, we’ll share information about the laws and requirements.

Local laws are also designed for contractors who tackle roofing projects. Since we’re seasoned roofers, we monitor local laws regularly in order to stay up to date. If there are any changes, we’ll make proper adjustment so that we can properly serve our customers.

Cutting Corners

All of our contractors take tactical steps to complete every job in a professional manner according to the laws in different communities. Throughout each project, we never cut corners to complete objectives faster.

If we run out of roofing materials, we won’t buy generic supplies in order to finish a project quickly and inefficiently. Instead, we’ll implement proper procedures to acquire professional-grade materials to complete the job effectively and efficiently!

Are you looking for the best roofers in the business? If so, the professionals at Landmark Exteriors are just a call away! Contact us at 203-838-3838 to discuss how we can help transform your roof with expert quality and care.

Whether you’re in Fairfield or Westchester counties (or Long Island), you’re no stranger to frigid winter storms — and the problems they can create for homeowners.

We tend to receive many questions from residents concerned about protecting their property from weather-related damage. So we’re here to help!

If you have not already done so, consider taking the below six steps to help prepare your home for freezing temperatures:

1. Caulk, Weather-Strip, And Insulate

You’ll stay warmer and prevent drafts by caulking around window and door frames and by installing weather strips beneath exterior doors. Also insulate walls and attics well. Taking these measures helps conserve heat. Make sure you insulate the attic floor well to prevent warm air from leaving the home rapidly and rising up to the roof (where it might promote the development of ice dams).

2. Maintain Effective Attic Ventilation

Keeping the attic in a well-ventilated condition also helps prevent dangerous rooftop ice dams. An experienced professional can assist you in installing an attic ventilation system.

3. Repair Roof Leaks Promptly

By maintaining your roof in a leak-free condition, you’ll help shelter your household against inclement weather. Leaky roofs allow moisture to enter the residence.

4. Keep Fireplace Flues Closed When Not in Use

When you don’t have a fire burning in the fireplace, consider closing the flue. This channel, designed to allow the release of smoke, enables cold air to enter the premises from outdoors through an empty fireplace.

5. Protect Exposed Basement And Crawl Space Water Pipes

Wrapping cloth and masking tape around poorly insulated basement and crawl space water pipes also helps prevent freeze damage.

6. Leave Indoor Faucets Dripping

If you reside in your home during the winter, consider leaving a small flow of water trickling through interior faucets. This action may help reduce problems associated with frozen pipes. Since water expands when frozen, the pipe may eventually sustain damage, and cause leakage problems in the future.

Taking these helpful cold-weather maintenance steps might even assist you in lowering high winter utility bills!

And remember, the professionals at Landmark Exteriors are just a call away! Contact us at 203-838-3838 about any cold weather roofing concerns.

Attic ventilation is a common problem in many homes. Unfortunately there are a number of misconceptions surrounding this topic, which can lead to higher heating bills as well as ice dams or mold for homeowners — yikes!

That said, here are the most common myths, debunked:

1. The more ventilation, the better!

Similarly to choosing the right air conditioning unit, the key with effective attic ventilation is balance — not size. Some people might think that they can’t go wrong with more ventilation. But bigger isn’t better!

Insufficient ventilation can lead to decreased energy efficiency and moisture problems. That’s why you’ll want to talk to a professional to ensure your home has the right amount.

2. Ventilation causes heat loss.

Heat does rise, but if you are losing heat through your attic, it is because of insufficient insulation and not a vent problem. Warm, damp air can further damage insulation that is already inadequate and may eventually lead to rot.

However, heat from the furnace should not reach the attic if it is properly insulated and ventilated.

3. All roof vents are the same.

It is not enough to simply have any type of roof vent, and certain types of roof vents can cause problems. For example, too little air may be circulated by gable vents. A contractor can identify the most effective type of vent for your attic.

4. I read research online, so it must be true.

While you can read plenty of research online about what kind of roof ventilation system is most effective in laboratory conditions, it all gets more complicated in real-world settings. Your local contractor, who is familiar with the weather systems, building materials and other challenges in your area, is more likely to know what solutions will work best in your situation! Trust us, this isn’t something you want to DIY.

Attic ventilation is important for regulating temperature and moisture, but attic ventilation that is poorly done can be just as harmful as no ventilation at all!

That said, make sure to give the professionals at Landmark Exteriors a call. We’ll be able to help with your ventilation needs and any roofing problems you may have!

Ah, slate roofs — they stand the test of time, while adding beauty and value to your home.

With slate roofs lasting over 100 years (if properly installed and maintained, of course), this material can certainly compliment  an older home filled with rich history.

If you’re tired of the same old roofing options, then slate will be the perfect choice. Still not sold on the idea? Take a glance at some of the many benefits of this timeless roofing material:

1. Variety is key, no matter what avenue you’re dealing with. Luckily, slate is available in a range of sizes, thicknesses, and colors. You’ll be able to pick the roofing tiles that work best for your particular home, so you can best complement other details of the exterior.
2. They stand the test of time. Consider this: most roofs last 20 years before they’re in need of replacement. Slate, on the other hand, can last over a century — which makes it one of the best investments a homeowner could ever make!
3. They’re virtually indestructible. Did you know, unlike other materials, slate tiles are totally fire resistant? Should a neighboring home catch fire or a stray spark from a firework were to hit your roof, you’ll be in the clear.
4. They’re environmentally friendly. Fact: other roofing materials need replacement every 20 or so years, which leads to landfill waste. As you’ve read above, slate can last significantly longer, a wise choice if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint. Further, you may choose synthetic slate roof shingles which are made of 100% recycled rubber and plastic — win! 

So, is slate roofing the right choice for your home? Contact Landmark Exteriors today!

If you want to find out what a slate roof can offer your home, we’re here to help! Give us a call at 203.838.3838. We proudly serve homeowners in Fairfield and Westchester counties, as well as Long Island.

Your roof is there to protect you against the harsh weather of winter, as well as the heat of summer. If your roof is in disrepair, don’t wait until next season to address the problems — now is the time to get those repairs done.

Here are 8 common roof repairs you should make immediately:

1. Roof leaks. If your roof is leaking now, get it fixed ASAP. The longer you wait, the more potential damage (like mold, mildew, and rot) the water is going to do to your home.
2. Damaged flashing. Flashing is what keeps water from getting in around chimneys, vents, and skylights. If the flashing is damaged, water can enter your home (causing damage as mentioned in point 1).
3. Clogged gutters. Gutters are meant to move water away from your home. If they become clogged, due to leaves and other debris, water will remain stagnant in the trough. This can eventually lead to overflow and cause your roof to rot, helping water seep into your home.
4. Lifted shingles. Winds and other severe weather can lift shingles. If you have any shingles that are not flat against the roof, give us a call to assess any damage.
5. Sagging roof. Your roof deck and ridge line should be straight. If there is any sagging, it’s a sign the roof is not structurally sound.
6. Tree damage. Whether your tree is overgrown or simply battling against strong winds, it’s not uncommon for trees to break or fall, causing roof damage. If you notice a tree is a bit too close for comfort, consider calling a tree trimmer to minimize potential issues.
7. Small animal infiltration. Small animals like squirrels, raccoons, and birds can take advantage of small openings and start nesting in your eaves and attics. Get the animals removed and the holes covered!
8. Missing, cracked or broken shingles. One broken shingle may not sound like a problem, however, shingles work together to protect your roof! A single missing or broken shingle is a spot where water can get in.

When it comes to your roof, preventative maintenance is key! Don’t wait for something to become a major problem before you take action. Addressing issues now can save you headaches later — trust us, even your wallet will thank you!

For any roof inspection, roof repair, or roof replacement needs, contact the pros at Landmark Exteriors today.

The winds of winter are here, bringing cold rain and snow with them. The roof on your home is going to be the first to take the brunt of a Northeastern winter so of course, you’ll want it to be in tip-top shape. That’s why we recommend a proper roof inspection, now!

Why Get Your Roof Inspected Right Now?

Do you know what kind of shape your roof is in? Can it handle the season’s harsh weather? Trust us, the last thing you want to discover is a leaky roof in the middle of a storm.

Overlooking roof damage can lead to a whole slew of problems, such as:

• Costly and unplanned winter repairs! The last thing you want to do is have to pay for an emergency roof repair in the midst of a winter storm. Opting for a roof inspection now can ensure minor issues or weak points are fixed before they can develop into something more serious.
• Increased utility bills! In the colder months, you want to keep the warm air inside your home, right? Well, if you have any small holes in your roof, the opposite will happen! In addition to having water leak into the home, you’ll find warm air will escape, driving up your electric bill each month. Repairing these holes will stop leaks AND stop wasting energy, a win-win!
• Mold! More of a longterm problem, but mold and mildew growth can result from a leaking roof. Mold can spread into the home’s structure, making it a difficult and costly nuisance to get rid of! Not to mention the health issues that come with mold spore production.

Signs You Might Have Roof Problems

Still not convinced you need a roof inspection? Here are a few obvious signs:

• Curled, buckled, or missing shingles. Most roofs can last 20-25 years, with others even longer pending the material. However, if your roof starts deteriorating before its lifespan, it is time for repair or replacement.
• Sagging roof. A roof deck should be level and straight. If you see any dips in your attic, you have a problem.
• Outside light. If in your attic during the day you notice streams of light coming through, that means water can also sneak through those openings.

If your roof shows any of these signs, give us a call! Our pro roofers here at Landmark Exteriors are here for all of your roof inspection, roof repair, or roof replacement needs.

Is the cedar roof protecting your house grayer than the sky on a rainy day?

If you were to look at a picture of your roof the day it was installed and compare it to what it looks like today, we’re pretty confident you’d be upset at the difference.

We want to explain to you why this happens and then offer you a solution to fix this ugly problem.

Over-Exposure to UV Light

When you’re in the sun for too long, your skin will begin to change colors due to the effects of UV light. The same principle applies to wood that’s exposed to the sun. However, instead of the skin pigment changing colors, the cellulose fibers that make up the wood will begin to degrade and deteriorate.

Over time, roofs with wood shingles will begin to turn gray due to the constant exposure to UV light. You cannot prevent your roof from being exposed to UV light, but you can treat the wood shingles to help restore those fibers. This will help keep your roof looking new, instead of a lifeless gray.

Precipitation and Mildew Growth

When it rains and snows, the moisture can begin to negatively affect wooden roof shingles as time goes on. New roofs with high quality materials (that are properly installed) are unaffected by precipitation. However, as time goes on, constant UV light and fairing against the elements will cause shingles to become weakened.

As wooden shingles weaken over time, they will become susceptible to the growth of mildew and other fungi. This can discolor wood, causing some areas to become darker or lighter than others. In addition to the loss of color from UV light, the growth of mildew will further the discoloration.

How to Prevent Discoloration of Your Roof

You can’t cover your roof to protect it from UV light or moisture, but what you can do is have it treated every few years. Cedar-Life is a treatment you can have applied to your cedar shingles that will preserve the wood and delay the negative effects of the sun and precipitation.

A cedar roof that is left untreated may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. Having your cedar roof treated with Cedar-Life every few years can easily increase this lifespan to the range of 35 to 50 years!

Cedar-Life is a proprietary process designed and implemented by the pros here at Landmark Exteriors. So when you want to breathe new life into your roof and up your curb appeal, be sure to give us a call!

When you think of the roof, you probably think about the roofing shingles that cover the top of your house.

While the roofing shingles are a big part of your roof, there are many other parts that make up the entire roofing system.

Knowing each part of the roofing system will help you understand how the roof is supposed to work and what parts need the most maintenance.

The Parts of the Roofing System

• Decking/Sheathing – The structure of the roof itself is called the decking of the roof. This gives the roof its shape and support. Laid on top of the roof deck is the sheathing. This is the plywood that lays flat onto the structure where you will nail in place all of the other roofing materials.
• Underlayment – Once the sheathing has been nailed into place, it must be covered in an underlayment material. This black paper (usually a felt material) helps protect the wood it sits atop of from any rain or moisture that might squeeze passed the shingles.
• Flashing – Like any structure, there are going to be areas of the roof that are “weaker” than others. In the case of a roof, there are areas that aren’t protected from precipitation as well as others. These areas include: hips, valleys, around chimneys, etc. To ensure water doesn’t penetrate these exposed areas, a metal sheet known as flashing is installed underneath the shingles. This will divert rainwater away from the exposed areas toward the gutter system.
• Shingles – Now comes the most known piece of the roofing system — the shingles. The shingles are what give the roof its unique look, as well as helping protect the structure from the elements of Mother Nature. Shingles can be made from a variety of materials, including: asphalt, cedar, slate, aluminum, etc.
• Fascias & Soffits – Roofs extend outward from the side of the house, leaving a few feet of additional roof. The face of the edge of the roof is known as the fascia. The underneath of the edge of the roof is known as the soffit.
• Roof Vents – Every properly installed roof should have an attic space with the proper ventilation. This will protect the attic space from enduring extreme temperatures by ventilating the air out of specifically designed roof vents. Without the right number of roof vents, the underneath of the roof that lives in the attic can become damaged.
• Gutter System – Yes, the gutters hanging on the edge of your roof are a part of the overall roofing system. They have the important job of channeling rainwater away from your roof to help prevent leaks. The gutter system is made up of the gutters, downspouts, elbows, gutter extension, splash block, etc.

Knowing what each part of your roofing system is and does is something every homeowner should know.

If any part of your roof is damaged and needs repair, or is missing and needs replacement, know that Landmark Exteriors is only a small call away!