Does Your Home Need Roof Ventilation?

When it comes to maintaining a home, many homeowners never consider the importance of roof ventilation.

However, this seemingly small problem can lead to bigger ones if they are not taken care. In fact, there are several ways that we can tell if a client needs roof ventilation. Here are 4 things people should keep in mind. 

Excessive Amounts of Heat

If a client needs roof ventilation, one of the first things we tend to notice is that there is an excessive amount of heat present in the home. Without the proper ventilation, heat from the sun cannot escape the house. Instead, its pushed down low into the house. And this tends to make the air conditioner work much harder.

Attic Leaks

We also check the attic to find out if there are any signs of leaks after a storm or rain. We may also notice leaks when there has been snowfall. This usually takes place when the flashing is deteriorated or if the homeowner does not have enough shingle underlayments.

Stains on Walls and Ceilings

If roof ventilation is needed, we will be able to tell by the state of our clients’ walls and ceilings. We will often notice stains or even a little mold growing inside the home. This is often the result of defective or poor underlayments which are allowing water to seep into the house. Poor roof ventilation can lead to this problem. All of the excessive moisture results in mildew and mold and bacteria tend to love these types of conditions.

Rust

Another thing our company checks for is signs of rust. When there is moisture present, it can cause the metal components of the roof, such its nails, to rust and sometimes break. This often leads to the home losing its shingles. An additional devastating effect is that it causes plumbing and venting duct straps to starting rusting and eventually breaking completely.

Conclusion

The truth is, there are a large number of ways that we go about expecting our clients’ homes when we want to ensure that their ventilation is in good condition. In fact, it is highly recommended that clients have their roofs checked while we are administering our other roofing, gutter, and siding repair services. Being proactive can definitely save a lot of money in the long run.

Fast Fixes that Add Home Value

Home improvements are great to increase the overall value of your home.

Generally, home improvements may seem daunting and not something that you want to tackle but with the right company, you can have a successful home improvement that helps you to increase the value of your home, help to save you money and make your home look great. There are many fast fixes out there that can help you to increase your home’s value.

Improvements to Increase Value

Here are a few of the things that you can do to improve the value of your home.

  • Roof. You roof over the years can see a lot of wear and tear. Replacing your roof might seem like a lot but the fact is that if you have a new roof your home value goes up and your home looks a lot better too. A roof replacement can give your home a fresh look and feel. A new roof can also help to save on energy costs. Getting a new roof can also prevent costly repairs that may happen if your roof becomes too old.
  • Gutters. Gutters are a fantastic addition to any home. If you already have gutters, consider upgrading them to new. New gutters are very functional and give your home appeal. Gutters are relatively inexpensive to put in and can be done quickly.
  • Siding. Consider upgrading your siding on your home. Old siding can give a dirty look to your home and can even harbor mold and other bacteria. Siding may also get holes in it and other damage. This could lead to the interior of your home being damaged. Replacing your siding will allow you to have a fresh new look to your home. Siding now comes in assorted colors and designs, so you can express yourself while increasing your home’s value.
  • Fencing. If you do not already have fencing, consider adding some. This can be fencing in your backyard or even just adding a decorative fence somewhere around your house.
  • Snow Guard. Adding snow guard installation can help to save your home from damage when it snows. This is a great added value to your home.

Each of these fixes will help to increase your home greatly. It will also help to increase the safety and functionality of your home. Consider adding these fixes today and see how quickly the value of your home increases. For roofing, gutters, siding and more, call Landmark Exteriors today!

The Benefits of Siding

Benefits of siding and taking care of it

One unsung hero of home structure is the siding. Siding is very resistant to different types of weather. Wind, rain, and other environmental elements can affect the appearance and functionality of a house. Siding helps keep a house in high-quality condition. It also provides a very unique look that other homes may not have.

Siding also does not need to be painted or stained, which could help homeowners conserve time, energy, and money.

The damage-resistant quality of siding also helps homeowners conserve money by reducing the amount of repairs that may need to be done on a house. Siding is very durable and very versatile.

It is available in a variety of colors and textures. It does not require a lot of maintenance over time. Most likely, it will get dirty or stained. It’s very easy to manually clean. Siding is attached to a house loosely. It does not fit tightly onto structure. This allows it to expand and contract with the change of the weather.

Another benefit of siding is its impact on energy costs. Siding helps prevent a house from losing heat. Which means in winter, it’s a big help by keeping in the heat. The same goes for the warmer seasons, it keeps in the cooler temperatures in your home.

If you have any questions regarding siding, which styles to choose, curious about the costs, need a quote on installation or repair? Talk to our siding installers today.

Call us today.

(203) 838-3838

Landmark Exteriors, Roofing CT

Spring Cleaning, Roof Maintenance

It is time for spring cleaning and on your spring cleaning list, should be roof maintenance.

Whether your roof is brand new or 10 years old, your roof needs to be maintained. Failure to maintain roofs is what causes people thousands of dollars in roof repairs and replacements. You could see sticker shock when you must replace your roof. Having your roof maintenance completed at least once a year will help you to avoid costly roof repairs.

 

Why Should You Get Roof Maintenance

Preventative roof maintenance can help you to avoid costly problems. When a contractor comes out, he or she will inspect your roof for all kinds of damage. From loose shingles, to hail damage, your contractor will go over your roof with a fine-toothed comb. Just because you do not see damage on your roof, doesn’t meant it is not there. There are many areas of your roof that could be prone to damage.

When You Do Not Take Care Of Your Roof

If you do not get maintenance on your roof, your roof could be damaged, and you could end up with leaks into your ceiling. Roof leaks can seep into your ceiling and walls. This can lead to the destruction of ceiling joists and rafters due to water making them rot. Once it gets bad enough, the roof leak can also get into the insulation in your home.

Leaks could lead to mold and mildew. This can be a health hazard and many people have gotten sick because of roof leaks and mold growing in their home. The problem can also grow throughout your roof, leading to you having to replace your entire roof.

Avoid costly issues

 

To avoid having to replace your roof, having a yearly maintenance schedule with a trusted contractor can help you to prevent any kind of roof damage. Your contractor will be able to catch problems quickly and repair them before they ever become a problem.

When your contractor comes out, he or she will check your roof and roofing fixtures like chimneys, gutters and vents. They will also make sure that all your roofing materials are intact with no issues. Debris such as leaves, and sticks will be removed from your roof if they are there.

This maintenance will help to save you money and help to extend the overall life of your roof.

To set up a spring cleaning roof maintenance, call Landmark Exteriors today! They can help you with your roof as well as siding and gutters.

 

What is Cedar-Life?

What is Cedar-Life? Here is a brief breakdown of what it is and what we treat.

 

Cedar-Life, a division of Landmark Exteriors, is a leader in cedar roof and siding preservation. We are fully insured and follow strict safety standards as well as Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau guidelines.

Our proprietary process cleans and preserves cedar, delaying the harmful effects of sun, rain, and snow. We will restore and rejuvenate the natural beauty of the cedar.

BEFORE Cedar Roof Installation Fairfield County | Darien | Greenwich

 

AFTER   Cedar Roof Installation Darien | Fairfield County | Greenwich

Cedar-Life delays the onset or return of mildew and algae and will improve the structural integrity of the roof or siding. Our cedar cleaner/restorer is bleach-free and environmentally-friendly.

An untreated cedar roof may need complete replacement after 10 – 15 years, while treating your roof every 5 – 7 years can extend roof life by 35 to 50 years.  We are a local provider with a long track record servicing homes throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties.

If you are interesting in restoring your cedar, contact us today for a free consultation. 

 

 

Trendy Roof Designs for 2018

The roof on your home might not be something you give much consideration. Other than the fact that it is designed to protect your home from the outside elements.

In fact, there are roof trends that change as the years go by and each year there is something new that you may see on a number of newly built homes or homes that are going through some sort of exterior transformation. If you are thinking about getting a new roof this year then let’s take a look at some of the top trending roof designs for the upcoming 2018 year to see if they would work with your home:

Asphalt Shingles

It may sound like something a bit outdated but in fact, you will see a lot of this roofing option in 2018. Asphalt is a really common material when it comes to roofing thanks to their affordability. They are also really lightweight and can be installed quickly and easily.

Not only are they really affordable to install but they last a good amount of time. As many as fifteen years you can have these shingles on your home. Some of the heavier materials may last longer but sometimes some additional support is needed because of how heavy these items are.

Greenery

Here’s one you probably haven’t seen before. People are now using the space on their roof to grow a variety of grasses, plants and even flowers. You can turn your roof into green space if you live somewhere where your climate will cooperate. Cities that are commonly using green space on their roof are Portland and Washington.

Some of these cities are offering up incentives to utilize this kind of roof when it comes to your yearly taxes. Not to mention, let’s be honest, these green roofs are really unique and inviting.

You can plant what you like but do your research ahead of time. Plants that self seed themselves are ideal and much easier to maintain.

If you are looking into replacing your current roof then take time to consider Landmark Exteriors for advice on your roof.

For two decades Landmark has designed, created and installed unique cedar, slate, tile and copper roofing for homeowners. We work  in Fairfield and Westchester counties, as well as Long Island.

Landmark Exteriors F.A.Q. Answered

There are a lot of questions when it comes to roofing. We understand, this is a vital piece of your home. Here are some highlighted questions we receive.

Copper Roofing Fairfield County

I’ve had bad experiences with other roofers. What makes you different?

For more than 20 years, we have set the standard with the quality of our work, professionalism and on-time performance. Clients regularly recommend us to their friends and neighbors. At times, we have worked for multiple generations of the same family.

 

Is your CEDAR-LIFE treatment product available to the public?

No. Cedar-Life’s proprietary solution contains special concentrates which we directly control and manufacture in small batches exclusively for our customers.

 

 

Are your products recommended by the Cedar Shake & Shingle Bureau?

The CSSB does not make product recommendations. However, scientists from Texas A&M University and the U.S. Forestry Service have confirmed that our company’s formula provides the most complete, long-lasting protection available.

 

Once it’s installed, how soon should I have my cedar treated?

Because cedar shingles can start to dry, curl and crack after only 6 months to 1 year, we recommend having an initial treatment completed approximately one year after installation.

How long will my cedar roof last if left untreated?

An untreated cedar roof may need complete replacement after 10 – 15 years, while treating your roof every 5 – 7 years can extend roof life by 35 to 50 years.

We hope these provided some updates to any questions you’ve had about our roofing. If not, please do not hesitate to give us a call: 203 838 3838

What Are Main Causes of Trim Rot?

Understanding Wood Trim Rot Causes

No matter what type of material the exterior of a home is, most commonly there is a trim. They also are typically made of wood.  Over time these areas of wood trim can rot and break down. While it may seem this would be a surface issue, rot on trim can actually affect some of the structure balances in a home.

Wood trim along doorways, windows, garages, and entryways can rot and cause cracking of the walls around the trim area as the wood begins to disintegrate.

This can cause more long-term problems for a homeowner because in addition to repairing the rot, you may find yourselves repairing the walls around the rot as well.

Primary Causes of Trim Rot

In general, there are usually three causes of trim rot on a home. They are weather, dry air and insect infestation. No matter what the cause is, it is advisable to tend to any wood trim rot as soon as it is noticed to avoid having any increased problems from arising.

Weather Trim Rot

If a window or door casing tends to have a water pooling problem, over time this will cause the wood to rot. Wood is not shielded from the effects of water damage. Just as tree trunks can rot in standing water, so can wood trim on a doorway or window if left with a constant exposure to a water leak situation.

Dry Air Rot

Wood that is not pressure treated properly has a better chance of being affected by arid conditions. Overly dry air and extreme sun can cause wood trim rot. Rot from high sun exposure is usually found when the wood trim on doorways or windows when there is extensive sun exposure on a daily basis over years of time.

Insect Infestation

This is actually a quite common problem no matter what the home’s exterior is. Wood boring insects can cause extensive damage to wood trim and sills. Insects such as termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles and carpenter bees can cause extensive wood trim rot. The good news is, once the infestation cause is mitigated, repair can begin.

The good news is that no matter what your trim rot cause was, it can be repaired. Our roofing and siding contractors at Landmark Exteriors can help get your wood trim rot removed.

We also replace any damaged area before it causes more wall cracks or other damage. For more information go to: Landmark Exteriors To learn more.

Why It Might Be Time To Replace Your Gutters

There are various reasons as to why you need to replace your gutters. One of the major reasons for this is to ensure that you get adequate and clean water in your house.

Reasons why you should replace your Gutters

Effect brought by wind during the rainstorm. This is one of the first reasons as to why you need to have your gutters replaced. Wind will probably direct water where it is not supposed to go.

This, therefore, implies that without proper gutters the wall of your house will not be protected well. When your wall is exposed to rainwater, it will affect its heating capacity.

The other reason is that the water from the unprotected roof will directly go to the ground close to your home. If this happens for long, the water will infiltrate through the dirt and find its way into the foundation of your house hence weakening it in the long run.

The other challenge brought about by damaged gutters is flowing water ever flowing water which can destroy the landscape of your home as well as sidewalks.

How do you know your gutter needs replacement?

There are various indicators that will point when it’s time to replace your gutter system. The following are some of these indicators.

1. When you start seeing small ponds of water stagnating at your home after rain.
2. When you start seeing some areas of your landscaping being washed away.
3. When you observe signs of molds and stains of water on the building façade.
4. When you gutters become floppy, and you see nails popping out.
5. Channels of water begin to emerge within your landscaping close to your house.
6. When you check, and you can’t find some gutters.
Gutter Contractors

To ensure that your gutter system gets to be replaced or installed properly, it is important to ensure that you choose the right service provider.

While researching for a gutter contractor, don’t forget to check us out at: https://www.landmarkexteriors.com/ and contact us to see what we can do for you.

Important Places at Home that NEED Insulation

Understanding Your Homes Insulation

When you have a home in climates where the winters get cold, having the proper insulation is an essential part of keeping heating costs down and drafts out.

Newer homes have significantly different amounts of insulation than older homes do. Because of this, people who own older homes can often find themselves in an especially expensive winter heating situation. Most homeowners think of insulation as keeping out the cold air in winter. In fact, proper insulation also keeps cooler air from air conditioning in a home during the summer months.

The only way to ensure that a home is not losing heat or cooling is by properly insulating a home. If you have a home that is particularly drafty, the truth is it may in fact be going right out through your roof. It can also leak through various other places. If you notice your heating and cooling costs are higher than usual, poor insulation could be a reason.

There are key places in your home that need to be properly insulated. This way you’ll ensure that you are not losing heating and cooling. However, too much insulation in a home can actually prove to be quite dangerous, especially if it is covering attic vents.

There are several key checkpoints in your home that need to be properly insulated to protect it against heat and cooling loss. The primary places for insulation in a home are:

  • Walls
  • Windows
  • Doors
  • Attics
  • Ceilings
  • Basements
  • Roofs

While most people are familiar with the need to insulate walls, ceilings and attics, doors, and windows are key. Air will find ways to escape through any small cracks or leaks. The insulation rating in your home is based on all factors of areas. Make sure to check your walls, windows, doors, attics, ceilings, basements and roofs for current insulation.

When any of these areas in a home are not properly insulated, you can rest assured you are losing heat in the winter and cooling in the summer through cracks, drafts, improper seals and a lack of insulation.

The only way for you to repair this is through having insulation put into the areas that are lacking by replacing out any areas that have old and outdated exterior protections with updated better insulated products.

To best way to ensure your home is properly insulated is to run a check. Look at all exterior buffers in the home to see if there are any drafts coming in. Feel for cold spots or short bursts of chill around windows. Verify that your wall, ceiling and attic insulations are sufficient for your home.

Properly insulating your home can save costs annually. Insulation is also a good protectant against getting colds and flu’s from a drafty home.