Contractor Tips Blog

Sep
6

Does Your Home Need a Makeover?

Your home is your castle and one of the most expensive assets most people own. Keeping it maintained protects its value and your investment. If your home is starting to look rundown, it may be time for a makeover. Not only can a few home improvements make your home look better and maintain its value, it can help make your home more efficient. Here are the top three improvements that should be considered when remodeling your home.

New Roofing

Your home’s roof is vital for protecting your investment from the elements. A leak can cause thousands of dollars in damage. If your roof is beginning to fall apart, it is time to consider replacement. Whether you choose asphalt, cedar shingles or metal, replacing your roof is a wise investment.

Siding

Nothing can make your home look new again like new siding. Vinyl siding is a great option; it is easy to maintain and does not need painting to keep it looking like new. In addition, it can help with insulating your home to help save on energy costs.

Replacing Windows

Not only can replacing windows in your home make it look better, it can save money on your energy bills. Old windows without insulation properties seep air and make it difficult to maintain climate control in the home. Energy efficient windows can drastically impact your heating and cooling cost, usually paying for themselves over a few years.

When doing a makeover on your home, start with the most important aspects that impact the value: roof, siding and windows. Once those are complete, you can tackle aesthetic aspects like landscaping, outdoor living spaces and other features to improve the beauty of your home.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8
th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

May
16

FAQs About Getting a New Roof

Posted in Roofing

Are you considering replacing your roof? Most people only buy a new roof once or twice in their lifetime, so it is not something they do often. It is common to have questions on what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about getting a new roof.

How much will a new roof cost?

Unfortunately, the most commonly asked question is not easily answered. The amount depends on the size, type of roofing, number of peaks and many other variables. You need a quote based on your home and roof type.

Is asphalt the best type of roofing?

Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing used in the U.S. They are cost effective and depending on the type you get, they can last 20, 30 or more years. There are other options like wood, metal and tile, which are all high-quality; they tend to be more expensive, but some can last longer than asphalt.

How long will it take to replace my roof?

Having the roof replaced on your home can seem invasive, but most roofs can be replaced in less than a week, weather permitting. Some smaller homes with simple roofs can be completed in a day or two, with larger, more complex roofing systems requiring a several days.

How do I choose a contractor?

It is a good idea to vet your contractor – do not base your decision on price alone. Do your research to find a local contractor with an excellent reputation. You want a good warranty and guarantee from a reputable contractor with experience – be wary of low bids from contractors without a reliable track record.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the questions you may have about getting a new roof. Talk to a trusted local roof contractor to get answers to all your questions before you sign a contract to get a new roof.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-126

Jan
23

Roof Valley Flashing Matters

Posted in Roofing

When it comes to roof quality, valley flashing is one of the secrets of a durable, long-lasting roofs, yet many homeowners do not even know what it is. When your roof has different parts that meet for various peaks and parts of the home, the joints are referred to as valleys. These concave areas attract moisture and are the most likely to be saturated during rain and snow. Valley flashing is the material used to seal these joints and protect your roof and home, making it a very important element.

Valley flashing is usually made from metal and is needed to secure the joints on your roof and protect them from leaks. Once the roofing material is put on, you cannot see the valley flashing, but it needs to be there performing its job. Unfortunately, if not installed correctly or if it becomes worn or corroded, it can lead to a major problem with your roof. 

Problems with Valley Flashing

If installed correctly, your valley flashing should last with your roofing and protect your home from leaks. However, there are some poor flashing practices that can create issues with your roof valleys. These can include:

  • Not extending the flashing beyond the eaves
  • Using metal that is corrosive
  • Putting holes in the center of the valley for fasteners

Even if your roof looks great, if the flashing underneath is not high quality, you could have expensive damage occur to your home when heavy rain or snow hits. Valley flashing matters, so it is important to discuss the type of flashing that will be used when you have a new roof installed. Choose a quality roofing contractor and make sure to talk about the valley flashing that will be installed with your roof.

Posted on behalf of:
Atwood Home Builders
227 W 8th Ave
Homestead, PA 15120
(412) 638-1262

Jan
29

Is It Time For A New Roof For Your Home?

The roof of your home is one of the most important investments you can make when considering home improvements. Your roof protects the rest of your home, providing coverage from harsh elements and extreme weather conditions. When it comes time to replace your roof, you want to choose the type of roof that will best suit your needs for decades to come as well as fit into your budget. 

Choosing A Roof Type

There are several varieties of roofing materials, all which come with their own benefits. Since a new roof is a large investment, regardless of what type you choose, you will want to consider several factors before hiring a roofing contractor. Some of the factors to consider are: 

  • Weather conditions. Certain roof materials are better for holding up against extreme weather. For example, while aluminum roofs can be easy to maintain, they are also easily dented in hail storms. An aluminum roof may work well in many regions, but be a poor choice in areas where hailstorms are common.
     
  • Longevity. If you are planning to sell your home in a few years, you may not be as concerned with how long the roof will last. However, many higher quality roofs can have 20-year, 30-year and even lifetime guarantees which add to the value of your home.
     
  • Budget. Of course, budget is always a concern. An asphalt shingle roof will be much less expensive than a custom metal or slate roof. 

When choosing your new roof, while design and curb appeal are important, the main consideration should always be functionality. Your roof is a big investment, but it is protecting an even bigger asset; your home and your family.

Posted on behalf of Atwood Home Builders 

Nov
21

Replacement Roofing

Posted in Roofing

One of the most important parts of every home is the roof, which protects the occupants of the home, as well as their possessions and the structure of the home itself from weather.  Roofing materials include asphalt shingles, slate shingles, wood shakes and a variety of synthetic specialty materials used on flat roofs.  Although these materials have a long life span and are extremely durable when properly installed properly by a licensed and insured contractor, eventually the roof will need to be replaced either due to age or other causes.  Often these other causes will include extreme weather events such as hailstorms. 

The first step in determining if a roof needs to be replaced is to have a thorough inspection performed by a highly experienced and customer service focused roofing contractor, who is also licensed and insured.  During the inspection the technician will take note of any storm related damage, as well as normal wear and tear and discuss their findings with the property owner. 

If the roof is need of replacement, the contractor will provide a written estimate and can provide assistance to the property owner if they are seeking a bank loan or making an insurance claim on their homeowner’s policy to pay for the residential roof replacement.  Once the property owner has approved the roof replacement, the work will be scheduled and performed as quickly as possible by highly trained and experienced craftsmen.  Once completed, the new roof will provide years of protection to the home, occupants and their possessions, while providing the energy efficiency of the home as well as improving the aesthetics of the home.

Posted on behalf of Ken Christie, CZE Roofing and Remodeling

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