Fun Fall Activities in Connecticut This Weekend

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!

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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.

5 Tips To Help You Find The Right Roofing Contractor

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.

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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!

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.

Metal Roofing: Why It’s Exceptionally Energy Efficient

Metal is one of the ‘coolest’ roofing options on the market. Find out some of the top reasons why our customers choose metal roofing:

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Longevity

This just so happens to be the number one reason homeowners choose metal roofs over any other material. A properly installed and maintained metal roof can last for over 50 years, thanks to its exceptional weather resistance and durability.

Strength/Protection

Metal roofs can reliably protect your home from almost anything Mother Nature throws its way.
As mentioned above, metal roofs are immune to moisture, as well as long-term sun exposure. And they can even survive high winds, heavy rain, and excessive snow.

Attractiveness

Metal roofs can match almost any style with its wide variety of styles, patterns, and designs. Some metal roofs can even look like slate, clay, or wood shake.

Value

The initial price of metal roofs may be alarming, but it’s a great investment since metal can last decades-long with low maintenance requirements. And if you take energy-efficiency into account, a metal roof can reduce the energy consumption of your utilities, which ends up saving you money in the long run.

To learn more about metal roofs, turn to Landmark Exteriors! We offer only top-quality roofing materials to provide our customers with durable, weather-resistant, and guaranteed roofing solutions. Our experienced and well-trained professionals are experts at installing repairing and are ready to take on your next home renovation project! 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.

The Benefits Of Lead Coated Gutters And Roofs

Homeowners are constantly going head-to-head on which roofing material is the best. Well metal has come up against one of their biggest competitors yet, lead coated copper.

Lead Coated Copper Roof

What Is Lead Coated Copper Roofing?

Lead coated copper sheeting combines both copper and lead, making it the more superior roofing option. Copper is lightweight, flexible, resistant to weather and corrosion, and extremely durable (an average lifespan of 75 years!). The lead material, helps further shield the roof from weathering, and is very malleable, making this material combination ideal for wrapping facades, chimneys, and protecting roofs from the elements.

What Are The Benefits?

While we already mentioned durability and flexibility above, there are many other benefits of lead coated copper roofing.

    • Leak resistance: When properly installed, lead-copper panels are watertight.
    • Versatility: It can be used on steep or low pitched roofs, and can either be painted or left with its natural look.
    • Stain resistance: Not only does it avoid corrosion, but it doesn’t stain easily as well.
  • Environmentally safe: The lack of solubility that prevents staining also prevents there being a health hazard or contamination in the environment.

To learn more about lead coated copper, turn to Landmark Exteriors! We offer only top-quality roofing materials to provide our customers with durable, weather-resistant, and guaranteed roofing solutions. Our experienced and well-trained professionals are experts at installing repairing and are ready to take on your next home renovation project! 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.

Protect Your House From Your Landscape

Your landscape may look beautiful from the roadside, but it can also be the culprit standing between you and your damaged home.

However, if you follow these four landscaping rules, your property will be more than just good looks — it’ll also have your home’s back.

Protect Your House From Your Landscape | Roofing Specialists | Fairfield County | Landmark Exteriors

Trim Back Trees

Pruning your trees is important for various reasons, but most specifically in keeping them healthy and avoiding the risk of damage from severe storms. Branches can break, hitting your house and damaging your roof or gutter system.

Space Plants Properly

This is one of the best-kept secrets to a beautiful and healthy garden! While labels sometimes provide a recommendation, optimal spacing can vary based on the goals of your design. All n all, you want to make sure you’re planting your shrubs, flowers, and trees far enough away from one another so they can all absorb the nutrients they need.

Pick the Right Species

Where you live will help you determine which native plants to buy for your garden. The water, soil, and the amount of sunlight all greatly affect a gardens lifespan, so it’s important to check out the maintenance needed before you buy!

Be Careful With Vines

While vines can add both color and character to your backyard, they can also cause serious damage to your homes siding. Some varieties of vines can get a bit aggressive, so plan on providing extra maintenance to this species of plants.

Whether you need siding repairs or replacement, Landmark Exteriors is here to help! We leave our customers 100% satisfied, without exception. To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Is Slate Roofing The Right Choice For Your Home?

If you want to give you home a sophisticated and beautiful exterior, consider installing slate roofing! They may have a higher upfront cost compared to other roofing materials, but we’re here to explain why slate roofing is the most bank for your buck.

Is Slate Roofing The Right Choice For Your Home? | Roofing Specialists | Farifield County | Landmark Exterior

What are the advantages of slate roofs?

Slate roofs last 50-100 years, making the durability and longevity of this material its most appealing factor. Also, the variety of color options to choose from! However, the cost of slate varies on the color preference. Like granite, different colors come from different locations (i.e. New York, Spain, England, and Brazil).

Are there different types of slate roofing?

Synthetic – Synthetic slate roof shingles are made of 100% recycled rubber and plastic, one of the major incentives for people who are environmentally conscious. They’re also lighter and come in a variety of colors and sizes, mimicking real slate.

Metal – Metal slate roofs’ longevity and low costs are a few major advantages to this material. Also, if you live in a colder climate, metal roofs are able to shed snow more easily.

Who should be installing slate roofs?

Homeowners stand back! Installing and repairing slate roofs (or any other roof) is something that should only be handled by a professional. And when it comes to slate roofs, a structural engineer will even need to be involved as well. Your slate roof can easily be damaged, especially if you don’t use the proper tools and technique!

To learn more about a cedar roof installation, turn to Landmark Exteriors. We proudly serve homeowners in Fairfield and Westchester counties, as well as Long Island. Our process is thorough and valuable. Visit our website to learn more.

Roofing Basics 101: The Anatomy Of Your Roof

Your roof is made up of wood, cement, shingles, and a long list of complicated trade terms (we get it). But, since your roof protects you day in and day out, it’s important to be educated on a few important parts of the system.

Roofing Basics 101: The Anatomy Of Your Roof | Roofing Specialists | Fairfield County | Landmark Exteriors

Deck The structural base for the roof (usually made of wood or plywood).

Dormer A structure with a window that projects vertically through the slope of the roof.

Eave The eaves are the lower edges of the roof that overhang the home’s exterior walls.

Metal drip edge A narrow strip of non corrosive metal used at the rake to facilitate water runoff.

Rake The outer edge of the roof from the eave to the ridge.

Rafters Part of the frame of your home. They are the underlying structure that’s holding your roof up.

Decking The decking goes on top of the rafters and acts as a solid surface for the rest of your roof.

Underlayment On top of the decking is a felt underlayment. The underlayment protects the decking and rafters from moisture.

Valley The intersection of two sloping roofs that join at an angle to provide water runoff.

Now that you know the different parts of your roofing system, it’s easier to note when there’s a problem that needs to be fixed. We’ve got you covered at Landmark Exteriors and our Home Care division! We offer only top-quality roofing materials to provide our customers with durable, weather-resistant, and guaranteed roofing solutions. Our experienced and well-trained professionals are experts at installing repairing and are ready to take on your next home renovation project! 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.

Why Do Certified Roofing Contractors Matter?

Why do certified roofing contractors matter? It’s almost like the game, Who Wants To Be A Millionaire. When your roof is on the line, and you decide to ‘phone a friend,’ the last thing you want is for them to not be educated on the subject. Avoid the headache and protect your costly assets by using this as a guide to help you find a qualified worker in the field.

Your roofer understands your type of roof system.
There are a variety of roofing systems on the market. How each are installed and repaired differ greatly. With that being said, you want to choose a contractor who’s certified to work with your specific roof so you can rest assured that they know the proper methods and materials.

You’ll comply with all warranty requirements.
If your roof is still under warranty, it’s important to hire a contractor who’s certified by your systems material manufacturer. If you hire someone who does a repair on your roof who isn’t, you risk the chance of no coverage if another problem arises in the future.

Your roofer is up-to-date on industry trends and manufacturer best practices.
If your contractor has difficulty answering most of your questions, that’s a bad sign. Contractors have to go through factory training to educate themselves on installing, maintaining, and repairing all of the products in the market. And in order to retain that certification, they have to continue their education throughout their career. So, make sure you’re checking up on the businesses certifications online before you hire!

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.

The Importance Of Historic Building Preservation

When you think of a historic building or home, you may think old and trouble. But, what’s historic is actually worth saving. Here are four reasons why preserving historic buildings are so important.

The Importance Of Historic Building Preservation | Roofing Specialists | CT | Landmark Exteriors |
1. Old buildings have natural value.
Buildings of a specific time period, namely pre-World War II, tend to be built with higher-quality materials — heart pine and rare wood from old forests than no longer exist. Prewar buildings sometimes even have better structures, due to the different building structures from years ago.

2. You could be saving a building with serious value.
For instance, a decade ago,the Daylight Building in Knoxville went on the market. During renovations they found drop-ceilings made with heart-pine wood, a large clerestory, and a facade lined with bright copper.

3. Old buildings attract people.
Maybe it’s the style, or the materials it’s made of, but older buildings are always topic of conversation for homeowners.

4. Old buildings are a reminder of our culture.
Historic buildings are famous for tourists and even longtime residents. To be able to witness history brings a sense of permanency and heritage to a community.

Want to preserve your home? The first step is keeping up with your home’s maintenance! Need a roof repair or installation? We’ve got you covered at Landmark Exteriors and our Home Care division! We offer only top-quality roofing materials to provide our customers with durable, weather-resistant, and guaranteed roofing solutions. Our experienced and well-trained professionals are experts at installing repairing and are ready to take on your next home renovation project! 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.

Fourth Of July Fun In Connecticut

Fourth of July weekend is finally here! How are you planning on celebrating America’s birthday? If you need a few ideas, Connecticut has plenty of patriotic events scheduled — here are our top four for the weekend!

Fourth Of July Fun In Connecticut | Roofing Specialists | CT | Landmark Exteriors |
Reds, Whites, and Barbecue – Staehly Farm Winery & Tree Farm
Staehly Farm Winery and All Fired Up are partnering up to bring you great food and local wines this Independence Day weekend. You’ll even enjoy a lineup of some great live music!
Date: July 1 – 3
Time: 12 p.m.

3-D Fireworks – Quassy Amusement & Waterpark
This fireworks display over Lake Quassapaug is not one to be missed. But seriously, for those who attend, no matter where you sit, you’ll be able to enjoy the view!
Date: July 4
Time: 10:30 p.m.

Independence Day Celebration – Mystic Seaport
Celebrate America’s birthday circa 1876. You’ll enjoy boat races, an old-fashioned spelling bee, picnics, live music, and delicious ice cream (that you’ll help churn yourself!).
Date: July 4
Time: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Talcott Mountain Music Festival – Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center
This music festival includes all of the fan-favorite patriotic melodies! And it also ends with a fireworks show, of course!
Date: June 30
Time: 7:30 p.m.

We hope you enjoy your Fourth of July 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.