Tips to Help With Leaf Cleanup

The fall season is here, so it’s time to start thinking about the leaves that are slowly covering your lawn. While the falling leaves aren’t exactly an unwelcome sight, they can be quite a burden to deal with, especially if you live in an area with many trees. 

To make things easier on homeowners, our team has put together this list of four tips to help you with leaf cleanup this fall, so you can get the job done quickly and efficiently:

Check The Weather

It’s ideal to tackle leaf cleanup on a dry, cool day without rain in the forecast. Also, don’t head outside after a storm, as wet leaves are heavier and more difficult to move and work with. As well, check the wind; you won’t want to have to deal with leaves blowing all over the place and out of your piles. 

Rake Efficiently

Taking a rake and getting to work is the tried and true method for leaf cleanup. If you’re choosing to rake, first and foremost, don’t hurt yourself! Grab your rake with a firm grip, with one hand at the top of the bar and the other as comfortably as possible, far down, for stronger, sturdier movements. As well, try to rake with your knees bent to use your legs strength to avoid back injuries. 

Ditch The Rake

If the rake is proving too much work, try another technique. Mowing your lawn to shred your leaves into mulch is easy, effective, and can help your lawn stay protected during winter. Using a blower is another quick way to get your leaves into piles for removal. If you have a tarp nearby, try this useful trick: lay out the tarp, rake or blow all the leaves onto it, carefully and tightly fold over the sides, and pick up the tarp for easy leaf disposal. 

Protect Yourself

Wearing the right equipment and safety gear is essential when cleaning up your property’s leaves; the activity might not be particularly dangerous, but all the dust and pollen that will be kicked up could be a health hazard. So, wear glasses and a dust mask if you struggle with allergies. Protect your hands with comfortable gripping gloves, and wear close-toed shoes and covering clothes to avoid scratches and injury. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors of CT are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Fall in Love With Your Roof

This autumn season is the perfect time to fall in love with your roof again! And when you love something, you give it the love and attention it deserves. How can you show your home’s roof your care and appreciation?

From the Landmark Exteriors team, here are a few ways to care for your roof today and all year long:

Professional Inspection

It’s hard to tell if something is wrong with your roof from the ground! The best way to ensure your roof is doing well is to call a professional roofing company and have someone do a thorough inspection. During the examination, the roofer will be on the lookout for any signs of wear and tear and then provide you with the next best steps for you to proceed. 

Don’t Delay Repairs

If repairs are needed, don’t wait to get them completed. Lingering roof damages can get worse and worse as they go unfixed, as well as more costly. Get in touch with your local roofing team about getting these repairs scheduled. 

Clean The Gutters

Your home’s gutter system needs periodic cleaning to ensure it can continue doing its job. Fall is one of the most important times to get outside and clear out all the debris for the gutters and downspouts since all the leaves will be falling, and many will find their way onto your roof. Cleaning your gutters won’t take long, but it is a crucial job; consider calling a professional or getting some help while doing the task yourself. 

If you need some tips to help you clean your gutters, click here!

Is it Time For Updates?

If your home’s roofing system has seen better days, maybe it’s time for some updating. If your gutters, shingles, or entire roof need replacing, get in touch with your local roof professionals to get started. If you’re getting a new roof, consider other materials such as cedar, tile, and metal which can provide many more benefits over asphalt shingles. Don’t hesitate to ask the professionals for their opinion!  

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors of CT are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

5 Key Benefits to Cedar Roofs

At Landmark Exteriors, we want homeowners across Connecticut to feel secure knowing their home has a roofing system that’s not only beautiful but also strong and long-lasting. Cedar roofing continues to grow in popularity for homes throughout CT and the rest of the U.S. because of its many great benefits.

From the cedar roofing experts at Landmark Exteriors, here are five key benefits to installing a cedar roof on your house: 

  1. Durability

One of the best benefits of cedar roofs is that they are durable and therefore will last for many decades with periodic maintenance. This is a major difference compared to other roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, which will only last between 10 and 20 years. Cedar shingles are strong and tough and will protect your house and everything inside of it without worry. 

  1. Element Resistance

Cedar wood contains natural preservatives, meaning that the shingles resist many of nature’s elements, such as moisture, UV rays, insects, moss growth, and wind. As a result, cedar roofs are long-lasting and will require fewer repairs over time. 

  1. Energy Efficiency

Cedar roofing is highly regarded for its excellent insulation and ability to block out cold winds and intense heat from entering your home while retaining your preferred indoor temperature. This is an extremely valuable benefit as it can save you money on your energy bills, especially during the winter and summer months. 

  1. Eco-Friendly

Many homeowners appreciate cedar roofing because it is an eco-friendly roofing material. Cedar is an organic material, and no chemicals are used while processing the wood into shingles. When the cedar shingles have reached their lifespan, they can be turned into bark dust, used in your garden, or repurposed into other items. 

  1. Increased Home Value

Cedar is a beautiful wood that will add a new level of classic elegance to your house’s overall appearance. Because of its beauty and advantages, homes with cedar roofs have increased value, which will be very beneficial when it comes time to sell. Potential buyers will love the added benefit that the house has an attractive, durable, and quality roof. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for cedar roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to contact our team.

3 Common Issues From Clogged Gutters

Three Problems That Occurs From Clogged Gutters

You don’t realize the importance of having clean gutters until they no longer work. Gutters protect the siding and the foundation of your home by keeping water away. Numerous contaminants, such as leaves, can prohibit the functionality of the channels. Therefore, our team at Landmark Exteriors in Fairfield County, CT, is here to share the problems that stem from clogged gutters so that you can take preventive measures.

  1. Insect Infestation

Have you noticed more insects buzzing around? Sitting water in the gutters makes a perfect breeding ground for those pesky bugs (e.g., mosquitos) and other animals. With the combination of loose foliage and H2O, bees and wasps view it as a cozy spot to build nests. The insects’ infestation will become an aggravating problem quickly, so we recommend letting the professionals help you get to the root of the cause: clogged or broken gutters.

  1. Damp Basement

If your gutters are filled with water and other pollutants, it is unable to do their job. When that happens, it can cause water to pour down your foundation and seep through the walls, resulting in a wet basement. It can become extremely harmful if not taken care of properly, as mold can form from the overabundance of moisture.

  1. Foundation Damage

The most serious and expensive damage of them all — water can spill on your home’s structure and inside the walls. If there is water pooling around the foundation, it can cause erosion which will weaken the walls, leading to cracks and a serious, costly problem for you. A properly functioning and clean gutter system will carry H2O safely through a downspout, preventing it from touching your house.

Get Your Gutters Cleaned Today!

No need to deal with clogged gutters any longer. We offer gutter repairs and maintenance services at Landmark Exteriors, CT. We’ll ensure your home is in great shape to handle anything. Let us help you clean your gutters thoroughly by contacting us at (203) 838-3838.

Patching Versus Repairing Your Roof

Every roof has a lifespan, and through its time, repairs may need to be completed to keep it in tip-top shape to protect your house and everything in it, but the time will come when a replacement will be your best choice. 

If you’ve noticed issues with your roof and there are some concerning damages, it may be time to have them addressed with a professional roofing company to determine if a patch job is the right fix or if a replacement is the best next step. Here’s what you need to know about your two options:

Getting Your Roof Patched

When an issue arises with your home’s roof, like a leak, a patch job may be all that is needed. To ensure this is the right decision to fix the damage, work with an experienced roofing company to handle the job. 

Before patching the roof, there are two important risks to keep in mind: 1. You must be sure there are no further underlying issues that won’t be fixed with a simple repair, or the patch will not fix the problem. 2. When patching a roof, there is a chance that the type of shingles or tiles in the patch area may not match 100% to the surrounding shingles. Work with professional roofers to find the best match possible to avoid an unsightly roof. 

Getting a Roof Replacement

When there is a slew of damage to your roof, and your roofing system is near or past its intended lifespan, it may be time for a total replacement. If you choose to get a roof replacement and forgo repairs of just the current issues, you will likely be saving yourself money and worry in the long run —  damages can get worse quickly and create even more expensive problems for your roof and other areas of your home.

Don’t hesitate regarding the well-being of your home’s roof. Speak with a team of local roofing professionals about getting a roof replacement complete as soon as possible; you’ll feel immediate relief!

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors of CT are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

How to Choose The Best Gutters For Your Home

Gutters serve an important function for the home; they catch and relocate water safely off your roof and away from the house’s foundation. Ensuring your home’s gutter system is always working properly is essential for any homeowner. That especially includes knowing the right time to consider gutter replacements.  

There is much to consider when getting a new gutter system for your home: shape, material, cost, installation, etc. Overall, you’ll want your gutters to look great against your house, but ensure that they will function efficiently for years to come. To ensure you get the right gutters, working with an expert team is best.  

From the gutter experts at Landmark Exteriors, here’s what to consider when getting new gutters for your home:

Gutter Materials

There are many types of materials that can be used to make gutters that you’ll need to choose from: 

  • Galvanized steel – These steel gutters are coated with aluminum and zinc for extra strength and protection and to alleviate any chances of rusting.
  • Zinc – Another great option, zinc gutters are durable and often don’t need any painting or finishing. 
  • Copper – A very strong gutter material that offers a unique, beautiful appearance. 
  • Aluminum – The most common and often least expensive gutter material, aluminum gutters are lightweight, resistant to corrosion, and available in various colors to match your home but will need replacement every few years if not maintained properly.
  • Vinyl – Another more inexpensive option that is customizable but not as durable and long-lasting as the options above.  

Gutter Designs

Homeowners in the market for new gutters will not only have to choose the gutter material but also their shape and style. Some popular options to consider include: 

  • Half-round – Half-round gutters are the most decorative gutter option as they are designed to complement both traditional and contemporary architecture, adding upscale detail to any home. They have a weightier feel and work well when installed with a slate, wood, or tile roof. As they are convex in shape, they allow water to flow easily, typically with less pitch than other gutter options.
  • K-style (OGEE) – The most common gutter style, k-style or OGEE gutters, have a similar shape to decorative crown molding and are seamless, which adds to their appeal and reduces the possibility of leaks.
  • Yankee – Yankee gutters preserve the intricate woodwork details of a structure, are integrated into the roof’s framing, and create a traditional look. Their channels are generally wider than modern gutters and consist of a wood-framed gutter trough lined with copper.

Contact Landmark Exteriors for gutter inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s gutter system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

The Benefits of Replacing Your Roof During The Fall Season

A total roof replacement is a major renovation and takes a lot of hard work from an expert team, but they are essential to protect your home and all it houses. If you think it’s time to replace your roof, the fall season may be the perfect time to cross it off your list. 

From the expert roofers at Landmark Exteriors, here are five reasons why the fall season is ideal for your home’s roof replacement: 

Storm Season Has Ended

Spring and summer storms are not to be underestimated. Since rain can extend and derail a roof replacement, it’s important to avoid it as best you can when scheduling roofing projects. By the fall season, hopefully, most of the serious storms are past, and the cool, dry weather is in full swing. As a result, there will be little interruption to prolong the job. 

Be Prepared For Snow

Whether you want it to or not, winter is coming, and so is the snow! With a brand new roof, you’ll be more prepared than ever to protect your home from snow, ice, hail, and whatever else the winter season can throw your way; after all, that’s its job! You won’t have to worry about any damages or issues with your roof’s well-being all winter. 

Save on Heating

Just like the snow on its way, the chilling cold will be here before we know it! A new roof can reduce your heating bills this winter, as it can provide excellent insulation for your home. 

Proper Sealing

By getting your new roof installed in the fall, there will be an adequate amount of time for your roof materials to bond to the roof before snowy, cold weather arrives. This as well helps improve insulation from the moisture and cold temperatures.  

The Conditions Are Ideal

Many roofers will agree that temperatures between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for roof installations for the materials to dry and bond. Also, the cooler temperatures are more comfortable for your roofers to work in since roof replacements require intense labor and lots of work.  

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

Tips For Protecting Your Gutters From Severe Storms

Severe storms can pop up at any time, so it’s best to be prepared. Your home’s gutters serve an important function of collecting rainwater off your roof and rerouting it safely away from your home’s foundation. If your gutter system is clogged, broken, or not functioning properly, this could cause a serious and costly issue after a heavy storm.

From the team at Landmark Exteriors, here’s how to get your home’s gutter system ready for severe storms:  

Empty And Clean Your Gutters

To handle the tons of water that flood your gutters during a heavy storm, you need to ensure nothing is clogging or taking up space in your gutters. Make sure to periodically clean out any dirt and debris throughout the gutter system, downspouts included, to ensure they can do their job properly– this is the most crucial step in preparing your gutters for rain.  

Check The Hardware

Gutters can take a real beating from a storm’s rain and wind, so while cleaning your gutters, take a few moments to check over all the hardware that makes up the system to ensure it’s ready for what’s ahead. Be on the lookout for cracks, loose pieces, rusting, or anything else concerning that might need to be fixed.  

Trim Nearby Trees

And now that your gutters are clean and debris-free, you’ll want to make sure any overhanging or nearby trees are trimmed back. Doing this helps reduce worry that leaves and sticks can fall off and damage or clog your gutter system. 

Get an Inspection

The best way to be certain your home’s gutters are ready to handle severe weather is to have a local professional inspect the system. It’s recommended to get an inspection done at least once a year to ensure the gutters are doing their job properly and to avoid more costly damages. 

Don’t Wait For Repairs And Replacements

If you or the inspector determines that repairs are needed, or it’s time for a total replacement, don’t put it off. Waiting to get them fixed can leave you with more serious and costly problems for the gutters themselves and your house’s exterior. 

Contact Landmark Exteriors for gutter inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s gutter system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

How Long Does It Take to Replace a Roof?

Getting a Roof Replacement

A roof replacement for your home can take anywhere between one to twelve days (even longer if unforeseen circumstances arise). On average, roof replacements don’t need to take too long, especially if you have a skilled team handling the job. However, there are various factors that can affect the project’s timeline.  

What Affects How Long a Roof Replacement Takes?

Several factors can affect how long your home’s roof replacement will take:  

Roof Accessibility

The ability of your roofing contractor and their team to access your roof may impact the roof replacement. For instance, if your home is surrounded by many bushes, trees, or fences that get in the way of the roofers and the equipment, it could take longer for the project to be done.

Roof Materials

There are many different roofing materials to choose from when getting a roof replacement, and some roof types will take longer to install than others. For example, metal and tile roofs are among the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials, but they can take longer to install initially as opposed to asphalt roofs which are designed to be installed quickly and replaced more frequently.  

Home Size

In general, the larger your home is, the longer it will take to get the roof fully installed. Some small homes can be done in a day, no problem, while other, larger homes will need at least a few days to complete. 

Weather

Weather, as we all know, is very unpredictable. Installing a roof is unsafe for the workers and the roofing materials when there is rain, snow, or very hot or cold temperatures. If bad weather is on its way, your contractor will have to delay the project until it’s safe to continue.  

Contact Landmark Exteriors for roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.

The Importance of Cedar Roofing Preservation

Cedar roofing continues to be a popular choice for homeowners for its beautiful appearance, longevity, weather resistance, and energy efficiency. However, some homeowners forget the importance of regular maintenance and preservation to ensure that their home’s cedar not only looks its best but lasts as long as possible.  

Benefits of Cedar Roofing Preservation

Here are some of the many ways cedar roofing preservation is beneficial: 

  • Enhance the cedar’s natural beauty. Cedar roofing adds elegance and class to your home, and with preservation, that beauty will remain and last for years to come. 
  • Increase your roof’s lifespan. An untreated cedar roof may need complete replacement after 15-18 years, while treating your roof every five years may make it possible for your roof to last 35-50 years before needing to be replaced.
  • Protect against the weather. As the seasons’ change, your cedar roof will be battered with snow, rain, winds, and more. Though your cedar roof is durable, the shakes can be damaged more easily if not protected and preserved regularly. 
  • Prevent mildew and algae growth. Cedar shakes are prone to mildew and algae growth if left untreated for long periods of time. 

Cedar-Life by Landmark Exteriors

Cedar-Life, the sister company of Landmark Exteriors, is a leader in cedar roof and siding preservation. Our proprietary process cleans and preserves cedar, delaying the harmful effects of sun, rain, and snow, as well as preventing mildew and algae growth. We only use proven, tested, and certified products, including our one-of-a-kind cedar cleaner, which is bleach-free and environmentally friendly. 

Cedar-Life is proudly regarded as an industry leader in cedar roof and siding preservation. When you choose Cedar-Life, you are hiring cedar experts dedicated to improving the health and beauty of your home’s cedar.

Contact Landmark Exteriors for cedar roofing inspections, repairs, and installations!

The cedar roof experts at Landmark Exteriors are here to help ensure your home’s roofing system looks great and functions properly for years to come! Give us a call at (203) 838-3838 or visit our website to learn more.