6 New Year’s Resolutions for Homeowners

The New Year is almost here, bringing with it an abundance of resolutions. Normally, we focus resolutions on how to improve our well-being, but what about our home? There are important factors that often get overlooked over the years for homeowners. Keep these New Year’s resolutions in mind if you own a home:

1. Cut down on your energy use

Resolutions for your home can also help the planet. Going green is a great way to conserve energy as well as cut back on your bills. You can make small steps in the stride to going green. For instance, try properly recycling, remember to turn off the lights and other appliances when not in use, and turn the water off when washing your face or teeth. You don’t have to go as far as investing in a hybrid car to make a difference.

2. Improve your indoor air quality

Poor indoor air quality can lead to many health hazards for you and your family. Problems caused by poor air quality are even more eminent during the winter when we prefer to keep our windows and doors shut. Maintain your HVAC system, use low-VOC painting solutions, and properly ventilate your home.

3. Get your space organized

Getting rid of clutter is the perfect way to start fresh, just in time for the new year. While the act itself can seem a bit overwhelming, the final product will leave you with a clean, organized home. Try to create extra space while organizing, this way you’ll never find your home in clutter again.

4. Get to know your finances

Creating a yearly budget can benefit you in the long run. You will avoid overspending and end up saving money for the future. Set some money aside for important things such as home improvement and maintenance. The big projects may seem out of your budget zone, but if you invest now, chances are you won’t have to spend another dime later.

5. Create a healthy kitchen

One of the main rooms used in your home is your kitchen, so why not give it some attention during the new year? Consider creating zones specifically for kids or pets to help make your kitchen multi-purpose, but also clutter-free. Try keeping your kitchen clean, organized, and healthy throughout the year.

6. Spend time on home improvements

One of the biggest ways to help your home – keeping up with maintenance. If you regularly inspect your home you will avoid potential disasters. You could try some DIY projects to fix problems or help decorate, but for more serious issues, call a professional.

If you’re looking for an expert in home care services, look no further than Landmark Exteriors. We can provide solutions to any of your homes problems. Check out our preventative maintenance plans to help avoid costly repairs and damage. Speak with one of our professionals at 203.838.3838.

5 Tips To Protect Your Roof This Winter

The winter is a tough time for your roof. With the storms, heavy rain, and snow, it’s hard to keep your roof in top condition. Just like any situation with your home, it’s best to have a plan of attack in order to prevent any problems. Here are some tips to help you prepare and protect your roof.

Protect Your Roof This Winter | Roofing Companies Fairfield County

Tip #1

Regular Inspections – Scheduling regular inspections for your home is important. Whether you want to check it yourself or hire a professional, you should be keeping an eye out for any problems regarding your roof. Look for any missing shingles or tiles, as well as any cracks or leaks. If your roof is visibly uneven and spotty, it might need replacing.

Tip #2

Clear Your Gutter – If you leave your gutters filled with snow, it will eventually freeze and cause an ice dam to form. Ice dams block water from escaping your roof, so instead, it will make it’s way into your home. Clean your gutters to make sure you don’t cause roof damage and in turn high repair costs.

Tip #3

Trim Nearby Trees – Are there any trees near your home? Check the tree branches that hang over your roof. If the branches are old, they will break with the weight of the snow. This will cause problems for your roof and gutters.

Tip #4

Invest In A Roof Rake – If there is more than four feet of snow on your roof, a roof rake will come in handy. A roof rake has a long handle, allowing you to reach certain areas to pull the snow off your roof. Roofing jobs can be dangerous, if you have any doubts, hire a roofing specialist.

Tip #5

Purchase Repairs – DIY roofing jobs aren’t as easy as they look. Before you go outside and tend to the problem yourself, hire a professional. They will provide an inspection, work on any repairs, and install a new roof if need be.
If you’re in Fairfield County CT or the surrounding areas, contact Landmark Exteriors. Whether you need a maintenance plan, ice damming, or just a last minute gutter repair, our team has got you covered! To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

3 Benefits of Hiring a Contractor for Snow Removal

Just when you think the coast is clear this winter, it starts snowing cats and dogs outside your window – the first snowfall since last year. And you know what comes next – a busy morning of bundling up and shoveling all that heavy snow on your property. How we wish we could avoid it! But what if we said there was an easier (and safer) way to get the job done? Dare we say it: hire a contractor to remove the snow for you.

While many homeowners prefer to get the job done themselves, but we’re here to tell you there is a big plus to hiring a contractor for such a task. Here is why:

roof snow removal greenwich ct | roofing companies fairfield countySaves you time and pain
Shoveling is time consuming – sometimes it can take hours of strenuous activity. Most of the time, you risk throwing your back out or dealing with the backlash of achy knees once the task is done. Hiring a contractor to get the job done means you’re not alone in the cleaning up process. In fact, there are many more of them which means you don’t have to do any of the shoveling.

Keeps you safe
When we talk about achy knees and a sore back, we aren’t just talking about pain – we’re talking about your safety. Might we also mention the danger that comes from slipping on ice or getting up on your roof. Snow needs to be removed for many places on your property, and a contractor has the tools, time, and practice to get it done in a timely fashion.

Gives you time time for other tasks
We’re talking other household projects that you make time for. Shoveling snow is a distraction that can get in the way of those other projects. Why not ask for a helping hand so that all household tasks can get done in one day?

If you’re in Fairfield County CT or the surrounding areas, contact Landmark Exteriors learn about roof snow removal. It’s just a small part of our Home Care division, which offers an extensive list of routine maintenance items like gutter cleaning and emergency roof repairs to keep you safe all winter long. To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

3 Ways to Prevent Gutter Damage

Gutters may look like a small part of your home’s exterior. But they are extremely significant to keeping your home safe and sound. Gutters should stay clear and debris-free, especially in winter. When you know snow is in the forecast, you’ll want to take these three preventative measures:

Ways to Prevent Gutter Damage | Roofing Companies Fairfield County
1. Clear all the leaves
Cleaning the gutters is important – they should be clear of all leaves and debris before snow and ice begin to accumulate. Without a gutter cover system or a team of professionals to tackle this task for you, your gutters will clog fairly easily.

2. Never leave snow in gutters
Clear out the snow as it  builds up. It’s likely for ice dams to occur when blockages in your gutters stop the flow of water to your downspouts. Instead, the water freezes in place. When the water melts, it can still freeze if not cleared away, effecting not only your gutters but your roof too.

3. Ask about home care services
Home care services can provide you with maintenance programs like ice damming and gutter repair. Ask your local roofing contractor about their home care services and what it includes. Ice damming ensures that snowmelt doesn’t back up and cause a leak in your home. Gutter repairs are essential during winter, as backups can likely occur and cause damage to the exterior of your home.

If you’re in Fairfield County CT or the surrounding areas, contact Landmark Exteriors. Whether you need a maintenance plan, ice damming, or just a last minute gutter repair, our team has got you covered! To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

The Safe Way to Hang Your Holiday Lights

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – time to hang your holiday lights! It’s easy to get carried away when it comes to decorating without putting our safety first. So before you start lighting up the home, consider these five tips:

roofing repairs greenwich ctRead instructions
Use UL approved extension cords specifically designed for outdoor lights. Then, be sure to check the holiday lights package for this, how many strands to connect and if there are any restrictions.

Test your lights
Whether your holiday lights are brand new or two years old,be sure to check them. Frayed or damaged lights are a big no-no. All it take is one defective strand to cause a safety hazard or ruin your entire holiday lighting design.

Use clips
If not hung properly, holiday lights can damage your gutters. Attach the lights to your gutters using an all-purpose light clip. Lights can be hung pointing up or down as long as they are clipped in the same direction.

Grab a hanging pole
If you’re hanging lights to your tree, use a light-hanging pole – a great alternative to a ladder. This is a safer option that is also easy and won’t hurt your back every time you need to move ladder in the right spot.

Ask a friend to help
If you’re hanging lights from high places and need to use a ladder or hop up on the roof, ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to help. You need a spotter to make sure the ladder is still and you aren’t in any danger you might not realize.

For more roofing tips or home care services to keep your roof healthy, turn to Landmark Exteriors! Whether you need a maintenance plan or just a last minute-repair, our team has got you covered! To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Reasons to be Thankful for Your Roof

With Thanksgiving just a day away, it’s time to start reflecting on what it is you’re thankful for – not just tomorrow, but everyday. With the company of friends and family, it’s easy to think about our homes – or more specifically, our roofs. Here are the reasons we are thankful for healthy roofs:

roofing companies fairfeld county | roofing installation westchesterKeeps cold air out
Your roof is a fundamental, durable element of the home – keeping cold air out and warm air in. Like a hat on a frigid winter’s day or a helmet in a hazard zone, the roof keeps your home comfortable and safe.

Protection from rain and snow
Can you also picture what it would be like to have a home without a roof on rainy days? Believe it or not, in some countries, their homes have damaged roofs or no roof at all. Be thankful for that metal or cedar roof you have – the one you’ll gather under for your Thanksgiving treat.

Improves the appearance of your home
All health reasons aside, roofs also provide an aesthetic benefit by making your home look more beautiful. With so many styles, materials and colors to choose from, you can spruce up your contemporary home or cap off your traditional home – and make all eyes turn.

Brings family together
Your roof is the one home element that brings families together. The fact that roofs keep you comfortable means it’s one place where your friends and family can agree to meet for the holidays or for a weekend of fun. And what can be better than that?

Roofs might have slight imperfections, but that doesn’t stop our appreciation for them. However, it is best that you take care of any slight issues before they worsen and cause irreplaceable damage. Whether you need a maintenance plan or just a last=minute repair, Landmark Exteriors has got you covered! To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

5 Signs Your House Needs New Siding

Does my house need new siding?

From mold to mildew and other damage, there are many signs that your siding needs replacing. There are also some elements you might have no thought about before – we want to share a few with you:

siding installation fairfield countyRot
Siding that has begun to rot or crumble is not a sign of safety – it’s a sign that your siding cannot perform the role it was designed to do. In some cases,  you could repair only the damaged area, but be prepared to redo the entire exterior.

Cracks
Holes and cracks are another sign that you might need new siding, though the situation always depends on other variables. While this could just be a repair for cosmetic purposes, it could also be something more. For example, gaps in the siding could lead to moisture, your home’s worst enemy.

Too Much Time & Money
Is the time and energy you put into repairs and cleaning costing you more than it would to replace your siding all together? Consider upgrading to a new, low-maintenance siding to save yourself hassle and money.

High Energy Bills
You might not be able to see the signs on your home’s exterior, but it will show on your monthly electric bill. If you feel drafts near the walls and windows, or around electrical receptacles, you might need extra insulation or new siding to make a significant difference.

Moving
Planning to put your home on the market? Consider replacing your current siding to boost the resale value of your home. One that provides good insulation, stellar aesthetics, and a limited lifetime warranty are all elements to think about before making your decision.

Whether you need siding repairs or replacement, Landmark Exteriors is here to help! To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

Is Your Home Ready for Winter?

Homeowners in Connecticut know that winter is anything but pleasant. With temperatures and snow, it’s important to prepare your home for the weather that awaits. While the sun is still shining strongly, take a weekend to take care of a few last minute tasks:

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Change furnace filter
Don’t wait until the first freezing day of the year! Change your furnace filter now – something that should habitually be done at least once a season. If yours is non-disposable, remove, clean, and put back into place. Your heat will work much more efficiently.

Turn off sprinklers
Turning off the sprinklers and draining excess water from your outdoor pipes will ensure they don’t freeze up and burst, which also keeps your indoor plumbing safe.

Replace weatherstripping
Drafts can occur, especially when your weatherstripping is old. Go along the windows and doors in your home and use your hand or a tealight candle to detect cool air coming through. Solve the problem by replacing the weatherstripping – you won’t lose all the heat you pay for.

Place shovels by the door
Be ready for snowy weather – place shovels close to the backdoor so that you don’t have to trek through the snow to get to your shed or garage.

Check attic and roof for damage
Before the weather gets worse, take care of any damage from the summer now. If you have a leak, the snow will only make matters worse. If the granules on your roof are missing, replace your shingles before the harsh weather does more damage.

Taking these steps are necessary to prepping your home and keeping your family safe during the brutal winter ahead. At Landmark Exteriors, we offer preventative maintenance plans to help you winterize your roof and avoid costly repairs down the road. When you sign up for a Home Care service, it saves you the hassle of remembering to pick up the phone and schedule your follow-up.

Our knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and set up a schedule for your specific needs. Whether you need a maintenance plan or just a last minute-repair, we’ve got you covered! To speak with on one of our professional staff members, give us a call at 203.838.3838.

How Snow Can Damage Your Roof

The leaves are falling and the air is crisp. Before we know it, the first snowfall will hit the northeast. If you live on the east coast, you know how much damage can occur when a blizzard occurs. What all homeowners should do before snow is in the forecast is learn about how snow can affect your home and your roof. At Landmark Exteriors, we know that snow can be problematic for your roof, which is why we’ve put together a short list of the three ways snow can wreak havoc on it:

How Snow Can Damage Your Roof | Roofing Companies Fairfield County | Greenwich | Darien

Leaks
Be cautious if you have a flat roof or skylight, as water can easily accumulate if your drains aren’t working. And when condensation on the inside can’t escape your skylight, it could leak. This is why it is so important to remove the snow carefully once the weather calms down.

Clogged Gutters
Once snow turns to ice, it’s almost impossible to remove without causing damage. Make sure you remove the snow before it freezes up. This will prevent a likely need for gutter repair.

Structural Damage
Your roof is strong – sturdy enough to withstand heavy rainfalls and winds. But one thing it cannot do is bear the weight of inches and inches of snowfall. Of course, every roof is different, but do you want to take the risk? Find out how much snow you roof can handle to make the best judgement for your home.

What it all comes down to is knowing what your roof can handle and what it cannot. To help you eliminate the odds of leaks and structural damage this winter, turn to Landmark Exteriors for our Home Care services. Our services include roof inspection and repair, gutter repair, snow guard installation, and ice damming – everything you need to keep your roof in excellent condition. To learn more, give us a call at 203.838.3838 or visit us on the web.

Top 5 Roofing Tips for You

Roofing is kind of a big deal – you invest a lot of money in it and rely on it to keep your family safe. Of all the tips we could share with you to keep you and your roof in the best shape, here are five recommendations to consider:

Top 5 Roofing Tips for You | Roofing Companies Fairfield County | GreenwichKeep safe. Safety comes above everything else, especially when working on your roof. Be sure to wear shoes with good grip and protective gloves. When using a ladder, be sure to have someone spot you and hold the ladder at the base. Take your time and do not do any work if you are feeling under the weather or tired.

Choose quality material. When installing a new roof, you need to choose the right material. We recommend selecting a material of high quality – one that might cost you more money upfront, but will cost you less in repairs and to repair it in only a matter of 5 to 10 years. Some roofing materials have a 25 or 50 year warranty or even lifetime. The decision is yours to make, but consider the cost to repair first.

Keep gutters clear. You hear it all the time – fall is a great time to clear your gutters. But do you know why we even clean out gutters? It’s because we need to keep them free of leaves and debris so that melted ice can drain properly in winter. Be sure to check your downspouts too, which should be tilted away from your home and basement.

Ask about insurance. Check your homeowners insurance be make sure leaks and damage are covered. Roofs are a major investment, and you’ll need your policy to cover it. You also want to make sure your roofing contractor is insured (ask to see a license too while asking these kinds of questions).

Sign up for home care services. A home care service can keep your home (especially your roof) in great shape. Ask your roofing contractor about it and how you can sign up for routine maintenance as well as emergency repairs.

If you need professional help taking care of your roof, Landmark Exteriors can help! We do everything from the installation process to the home care service. Our experienced and well-trained and licensed professionals are experts at installing and are ready to help! To speak with our professional staff about a new siding, give us a call at 203.838.3838 or visit us on the web.