LANDMARK EXTERIORS

The approach of winter brings with it the promise of a beautiful Winterland and hours of invigorating snow play; however, as beautiful as the snow is to gaze at and get lost in, it can present various problems for your home if left unattended. In fact, there are various ways that snow can damage your home, including:

Roof Damage

Persistent or heavy snowfall can accumulate several inches of snow on your roof, which can cause your roof to become weighted. In fact, you witness this weight yourself each time you shovel the snow. If left unattended, the weight of the snow can cause your roof to collapse if it is not sturdy enough. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you promptly remove the snow from your roof following each snowfall in order to prevent roof damage.

Structural Damage

As snow melts, it creates a large amount of water, which requires proper drainage in order to remove. Clogged gutters can hinder proper drainage, which can lead to water build-up. When this occurs, it allows water to accumulate on your roof and in your gutters, which can then saturate the ceiling and other structures and cause them to warp, split or crack. It can also seep into slates, tiles, fixtures and other gaps and cause condensation inside your home.

Gutter Damage

Through the seasons your gutters collect their share of debris, which if left unattended can present various issues during the winter. When your gutters are clogged, it prevents melting snow from properly draining, which in turn allows packed snow and water to build up in your gutters and down spouts that can freeze and split or crack your gutters and pipes and lead to costly repairs. Having your gutters cleaned on a regular basis helps prevent water build-up, which can help preserve your home during the winter.

Siding Damage

Siding protects your home from damage, mildew and mold, and helps keeps your home cozy during the colder months. However, if snow gets behind the siding, it can dampen the wood, which can cause bowing in your ceiling, walls and floors. Keeping your gutters properly cleaned and promptly removing snow and ice after each snowfall can help preserve your siding as well as your home.

Professional roofing, gutter and siding service and repair by Landmark Exteriors can help protect your home, so you can enjoy the joy of winter as it was meant to be.

When winter hits, it can be an expensive time of the year when it comes to that energy bill. You can assist your budget by addressing any leaks, gaps, cracks and minor repairs that will drive up your heating bill. Here are a few tips to prep your home for this winter season.

Roof Inspection and Repair

Because most ceilings are not air tight or insulated well enough, heated air will escape into the attic. When the attic is warming up with this air, any leaks or cracks in the roof will allow that hot air to further escape the rooms below. People then crank up their thermostats without realizing it’s because heat is constantly leaving the home through the ceiling. Up to 25% of heat escapes the home through the roof, so when snowfall arrives, this escaping heat can melt the snow as well, allowing moisture to enter the home through the roof. This can cause mildew / mold build up in the attic, causing a whole other headache of problems. Having a trained technician come out and inspect the roof and repair any damages could greatly help out your heating bill in the long run.

Reverse Ceiling Fans

Heat rises, which means the warmest point of a room can be the ceiling. If you have any rooms with ceiling fan, flipping the blades or running the blades in clockwise direction (check your owner manual for seasonal instructions) will assist the hot air to stay in the room longer. This is really beneficial for rooms with high ceilings, the air will begin to circulate instead of staying at the top of the room.

Window Repair

Check your windows for any cool breezes / cold spots you might feel coming in from the outside. Take the precaution and add caulk around all the windows inside and out. One of the better options is to have a trained technician inspect your windows inside and out. Some windows might need more than just caulk that would repair any leaks.

Clear the gutters

Clear out your gutters of debris. All the waste, leaves, rubbish that is in the gutters can cause water to back up against the house and damage the roofing, the siding and trim. This build up can also cause ice dams to build up. Avoid damage to your home by clearing these out.

At Landmark Exteriors, we have a team of trained specialists that are able to assist with any roofing, window, siding, and gutter repairs. Look no further than Landmark Exteriors to help your home get ready for winter! To learn more about our services, check out our website or speak with one of our professionals at 203.838.3838.

You may be safe inside your home when a storm hits, but what about your property? High winds, rain, thunder, and lightening can all take a toll on your home — and even large trees! That’s right, sometimes a storm can be so bad that a tree ends up falling on top of your roof. Here are the necessary steps you should if this ever happens to you.

Safety

We know it hurts to sit back and not do anything, but removing a tree from your property can be really dangereous. Wait for the pros who have the qualifications and experience necessary to get the job done right.

Check Inside

Check inside your home for signs of damage and then call a professional. You may not find anything substantial, but sometimes damage may not be visible, so it’s important to make sure your property is thoroughly checked just in case.

Document Everything

You will want to take pictures all around your home for your insurance claim and your own personal records. Try to snap some shots of every angle — even inside your home and after the tree is removed.

Fix Your Roof

Contact a roofing specialist to repair or replace your roof. Landmark Exteriors Home Care division provides an extensive list of services to keep your home in great shape. Large or small, we take care of everything from routine maintenance items like gutter cleaning to emergency roof repairs. At Landmark Exterior Home Care, we take pride in finding solutions to your problems and helping you sustain the beauty of your home.

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.

Autumn can wreak havoc on your home. All of those beautiful leaves, branches, and seeds falling off the trees end up on your roof, clogging your gutter system. Thankfully you can simplify your gutter cleaning by installing gutter guards.

What Are Gutter Guards?

Gutter guards are designed to minimize gutter cleaning. They cover the gutter to keep out debris and allow rainwater and snow to flow freely through and away from your home.

What Are The Five Types Of Gutter Guards?

1. Screen gutter guards are the most common and inexpensive type. However, they don’t filter out smaller items like pine needles.
2. Foam gutter guards are extremely porous foam strips, inserted in the gutter. Water will pass through the foam, but solids will be trapped on the top.
3. Brush gutter guards are similar to foam. They are placed inside the gutter, allowing only water to pass.
4. Micromesh gutter guards have tiny holes in them, which allows them to filter out almost every size of debris. *This should ONLY be installed by an experienced roofing pro*
5. Surface tension gutter guards are curved covers that guide water into the gutters and solids on the floor of your home.

We will work to ensure that the gutter system allows for proper drainage while remaining architecturally appealing. Landmark Exteriors will determine the proper pitching and the correct number of downspouts for your property. Meanwhile, our Landmark Exteriors Home Care division can help to maintain your gutters with regular cleanings. To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

With all of Connecticut’s history, there’s no shortage of spooky events and activities for Halloween. Check out some of our top freaky events happening this weekend:

Graveyard Shift Ghost Tours – Mark Twain House and Museum

This isn’t any ordinary tour — this ghost tour is as much educational as they are goosebump-inducing and was also featured on Syfy Channel’s Ghost Hunters and the Biography Channel’s My Ghost Story.

Date: October 26 – 28

Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Admission: Tickets are $25, $17 for children ages 6 to 16, and $20 for members of The Mark Twain House & Museum.

Hallowed History Lantern Tour – Cedar Hill Cemetery

Watch as history comes alive on this lantern-led tour of Cedar Hill. Be prepared with appropriate walking shoes and a flashlight — NOT suitable for children under 13!

Date: October 27

Time: 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Admission: $15

Halloween Hysterics at Henry’s – Henry Whitfield State Museum

The Halloween Hysterics at Henry’s include flashlight tours, scavenger hunts, craft activities, displays on the Whitfield/Salem witch trial connection and the cemeteries under the Guilford Green, and tours of the Holidaze exhibit.

Date: October 28

Time: 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Admission: $8 adults / $6 seniors (60 years+) and college students with ID / $5 children (6-17)

Things that Go Bump in the Night at the Hale Homestead – Nathan Hale Homestead

Travel each room by candlelight, all the way up to the dark and dreary attic. Hear the history and staff’s spooky Homestead stories, as featured on the Syfy channel’s Ghost Hunters!

Date: October 27

Time: 6 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Admission: $15

We hope you enjoy a spooky-filled weekend!

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.

Autumn means leaves will be falling off the trees. And even though this is a beautiful sight to see, if your gutters are not in tip-top shape, they won’t be as happy during this time of the year. Here are three reasons your gutters won’t make it til springtime.

1. Your current gutters are old.

When it comes to your home, age is NOT just a number. Age is one of the most common reasons for most home repairs or reconstruction. While the quality of the material, conditions, and weather all come into play, nothing can combat old age.

2. There’s damage.

Your gutter system is constantly exposed to the outdoor elements. And for this reason alone, they can take quite a beating overtime. If professionals find them broken beyond repair, don’t delay replacement. You could end up facing serious structural and moisture damage in the end, especially during the harsh winter weather conditions.

3. Your gutters are clogged.

Leaves falling off the trees makes for a pretty autumn sight. But they also make for clogged gutters which leads to costly repairs. And don’t forget about all those acorns (or chestnuts) — gutters clogged with nuts can lead to pesky critters like mice or squirrels, and they have no problems chewing holes in your roof and/or siding!

Landmark Exteriors Home Care division provides an extensive list of services to keep your home in great shape. Large or small, we take care of everything from routine maintenance items like gutter cleaning to emergency roof repairs. At Landmark Exterior Home Care, we take pride in finding solutions to your problems and helping you sustain the beauty of your home. To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

It may not feel like it, but soon enough the rough, autumn weather will be here. Check the following off your maintenance to-do list and your home should be more than ready for cooler weather.

1. Check for cracks.

Cracks in your home’s foundation or near windows can be an entryway for unwanted critters like mice! You’ll also want to make sure you seal them properly to prevent cold drafts from getting inside your home.

2. Inspect your roof.

Hire a professional to check for any issues with your shingles or gutter system. They’ll be able to make any necessary repairs before the autumn and winter storms arrive. They will also come clean your gutters after the leaves have fallen to ensure optimum drainage.

3. Reinforce doors and windows.

Now’s the time to replace your door and window screens with storm windows. You can also add weather stripping to keep the cool air from getting in.

4. Trim your trees.

Noticing dead branches or decaying limbs around your property? Call your landscaping service to have the dead branches removed. And the decaying limbs can become quite hazardous if they fall on your home or your car, so it’s best to remove those as well!

Landmark Exteriors Home Care division provides an extensive list of services to keep your home in great shape. Large or small, we take care of everything from routine maintenance items like gutter cleaning to emergency roof repairs. At Landmark Exterior Home Care, we take pride in finding solutions to your problems and helping you sustain the beauty of your home. To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Trust is an essential part of any relationship — and that includes your roofing contractor! After all, you’re depending on them to work on the main structural component of your home. With their help, you and your family can sleep safe and sound. But trust isn’t always so easy to find. Can you trust your roofing contractor?

A History of Good Business Practices

A reputable roofing contractor has a positive history in the area, as well as:

• A current license from the Department of Consumer Protection. Here, you can check a contractor’s status and how long they’ve been licensed on the Department’s website.
• Workers compensation, personal liability and property damage coverage (a dependable contractor should willingly provide copies of these certificates).

A Good Local Reputation

As previously mentioned, responsible roofers have a positive connection with the customers and suppliers in the local area. You can check a contractors background by going to BBB.org and looking out for an A+ rating (which Landmark Exteriors is proud to have!), as well as recognition awards from well-known services like Angie’s List or Thumbtack.

Certifications from Roofing Manufacturers

Every contractor needs to go through training in order to be qualified to work. But, only top-of-the-line contractors have certifications like CertainTeed and GAF. In order to obtain this, roofing companies have to:

• Be in business for at least seven years.
• Provide ample insurance coverage.
• Have an acceptable credit rating — no bank overdrafts, liens, or unpaid suppliers.
• A good BBB standing — high customer satisfaction surveys.
• A dedication to high-quality workmanship.

Landmark Exteriors prides itself on its high level of experience and craftsmanship. Our commitment to quality means we won’t cut corners, so we understand the importance of certification in the field. For 20 years, Landmark Exteriors has designed, created, and installed unique cedar, slate, tile, and copper roofing for homeowners in Fairfield and Westchester counties, as well as Long Island. To speak with our professional staff about a new roofing installation, give us a call at 203.838.3838, or visit us on the web.

There’s nothing quite like Connecticut in the fall. You can go pumpkin or apple picking, attend one of our many fall festivals, or hike to see some of the best views of the autumn foliage. Here’s how to enjoy every second of fall in Connecticut, starting this weekend!

49th Annual Southington Apple Harvest Festival – Southington, CT

Can’t make it this weekend? You’re in luck! This family-fun festival is held over the course of two weekends. There will be live music and entertainment, food, contests, crafts, carnival rides, and more!

Times: Sept. 29th – Oct. 8th
Admission: FREE

Mystic River Oyster Festival – Mystic Seaport

This event is exactly what the name suggests — a celebration of all things to do with the oyster and other popular shellfish. *ONE DAY ONLY!*

Times: Sept. 30th
Admission: Adults $28.95 / Seniors (ages 65+) $26.95 / Youth (4-14) $18.95 / Children (3 and under) FREE

The New England Chowdafest – Sherwood Island State Park

This is a 2016 Yankee Magazine Top Event you won’t want to miss! Grab a spoon, ballot, and pencil, and start sampling New England clam chowder recipes from 40 award-winning restaurants.

Times: Oct. 1st
Admission: Adults $20 / Children (6-12) $5

Harvest Festival – Miranda Vineyard
Miranda Vineyard is kicking off the fall grape harvest season with its annual Harvest Festival. There will be live music, crafts, food vendors, wine tastings, and the ever-popular grape stomp!

Times: Oct. 1st
Admission: FREE with non-perishable food donation.

We hope you enjoy your weekend!

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.

It’s important for every homeowner to have an honest and trustworthy roofing contractor on call.

However, we know how hard it can be to find a reputable professional that’s capable of getting the job done right the first time around.

That’s why we’re here to share with you our pro tips to help you find the right roofing contractor for your home.

1. Get Local Referrals.

You reduce the chance of any issues when you choose a contractor from your community. They’re more familiar with local rules and regulations. They also have a relationship with local crew and suppliers. So all and all, they can get your job done more quickly and efficiently compared to others.

2. Research Certifications and Memberships.

It’ll boost your confidence with the company once you see all their certifications and licenses. Take it one step further and start researching them on the Better Business Bureau website. GAF factory-certified contractors are required to maintain satisfactory ratings with the BBB in order to retain their certification.

3. Warranty On Repairs.

Check if the work they provide is warranted. A contractor that is proud of his work will offer warranty plans, no questions asked.

4. Free Estimates.

Most contractors offer free estimates, but ask before you hire someone to come give you a quote. The expected outcome is that you’ll be able to compare quotes with other contractors without any added costs. Good contractors don’t add an estimation fee because they are confident with their work.

5. Read Testimonials.

Are their social pages filled with testimonials from previous clients? This is a BIG plus because this means they’re delivering on their promises!

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Landmark Exteriors prides itself on its high level of experience and craftsmanship. Our commitment to quality means we won’t cut corners, so we understand the importance of certification in the field.

For 20 years, Landmark Exteriors has designed, created, and installed unique cedar, slate, tile, and copper roofing for homeowners in Fairfield and Westchester counties, as well as Long Island.

To speak with our professional staff about a new roofing installation, give us a call at 203.838.3838, or visit us on the web.