The groundhog’s prediction and the unseasonably warm weather lately have us thinking about spring! Spring is a great time to get started on home improvement projects, both inside and out. Here are some
of the best projects to tackle this upcoming season:
How To Properly Maintain Your Deck All Year Long
When you think of a deck, what comes to mind? We hope it’s great memories of time spent with family and friends, summer evening barbeques, and lots of relaxation — not constant upkeep and maintenance. Decks should add to your home’s enjoyment rather than being another chore. Here are a
few tips that will keep your deck looking great all year-long without constant maintenance.
3 Reasons to Invest In a LeafGuard Gutter System
A gutter is a gutter, right? Well…not so fast. All gutters are installed for the same purpose (to channel water away from your home’s foundation), but different factors can prevent them from performing their job efficiently.
One such problem is the buildup of leaves inside your gutters. As leaves and other debris land on your roof and slide down into your gutters, they get stuck and build up over time. Unless you are constantly climbing a ladder to clean out the gutters, it’s unavoidable that eventually the water flow will become blocked and the gutters will no longer be performing their job properly.
Sounds like a true hassle, right?
Luckily, that’s where covered gutter systems like LeafGuard come in.
Debris Shedding Hood
Unlike traditional gutters, LeafGuard systems come with a leaf and debris shedding hood, specifically designed to prevent hassles like described above. A large gutter bottom routes the rainwater away from your home, while the seamless hood prevents leaves and debris from impeding the flow.
Seamless Construction
LeafGuard gutters are designed to be a one-piece, seamless solution. Other gutter systems need to be welded or soldered together. Over time, these seams can become stressed due to constant exposure to water and fluctuating temperatures and will eventually break if they’re not repaired regularly. LeafGuard’s one-piece design is a sleek addition to your home with no bulky, unattractive add-ons and no seams!
No Roof Warranty Violations
Two-piece gutter systems often require additional nail holes into your roof. Over time, water can seep into those nail holes causing you lots of roof headaches. Even worse, the nail holes in your roof can sometimes be a roof warranty violation! It’s just not worth it to mess with the safety and durability of your roof. LeafGuard systems are screwed to the fascia board with internal hanging brackets, eliminating the potential for leaks or roof damage.
A LeafGuard gutter system is a wise investment when it comes to safeguarding your home against clogged gutters and potential water damage. Not only are LeafGuard systems patented and unique in their design, but they’ve also earned the Good Housekeeping Seal for their unwavering quality.
Quit climbing dangerous ladders to clean your gutters! Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation quote & go maintenance-free with LeafGuard.
3 Reasons We Recommend GAF Roofing
Why are we so dedicated to GAF roofing? Let us count the ways.
GAF is North America’s largest manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing. Since 1886, they have been providing comprehensive roofing solutions with an unwavering focus on quality. More property owners choose GAF for roofing than any other company. Here are a few reasons why we love partnering with GAF Roofing.
High Quality Products
At Exterior Source, we know you can’t just nail on a roof. There are a lot of factors and details that need to be considered to ensure the roof will last for decades to come. Improperly installing a roof, or leaving out important parts, can lead to serious structural damage. That’s why we recommend the the GAF Smart Choice® Weather Stopping® Roofing System. It comes with everything you need to ensure the longevity of your home’s roof, including lifetime shingles, attic ventilation, roof deck protection, starter strip shingles, leak barriers, and ridge cap shingles. We’re not the only ones who are big fans of this particular system – it has earned the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal as well!
Lots of Options
GAF has plenty of style, color, and configuration options to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find something that fits the style of your home. Their Timberline® shingles are the #1 best-selling shingles in North America, but they also offer other styles like designer, impact-resistant and three-tab. Our factory-certified GAF roofing installers can explain to you the purposes and benefits of each, but we love having this range of products to offer our customers.
Environmentally Conscious
At Exterior Source, we do our best to be environmentally friendly in our work and we love to partner with other companies that have this same mission. GAF’s commitment to sustainability and green initiatives is just another reason why we’re big fans of their products and work.
If you are in need of a replacement roof, contact us today to find out more about GAF roofing! See what our satisfied customers had to say about their Exterior Source-installed GAF roofing systems.
Celebrate National Home Improvement Month with Exterior Source
One of the best ways to increase your home’s value is by updating its exterior. And what better time to focus on your home than during National Home Improvement Month?! At Exterior Source, we understand the importance of your home’s exterior. Not only does it protect you from the elements, but it also plays a large role in the curb appeal and real estate value of your home. Here are five projects that can improve the exterior look and quality of your home:
Upgrade Your Siding
HGTV ranks new siding as the #1 way to increase a home’s value. Damaged, cracked or peeling boards can be an eye-sore and will greatly reduce the selling points of your home. Replacing your home’s siding with CertainTeed or James Hardie durable siding will improve not just the look of your home, but provide maximum thermal and moisture protection; help save on energy costs; and drastically reduce the amount of maintenance. You can also add personality with beautiful accents like trim, soffits, and window and door surrounds.
Replace Old Gutter Systems
If the gutters and downspouts on your home are old, chances are they’re starting to cause a few problems — like rust spots and leaks. Exterior Source is the exclusive Englert LeafGuard rain gutters dealer in the Central Virginia, Charlottesville, Roanoke and Tidewater areas. We know the costly water damage headaches that come with non-functioning gutters. That’s why we only install the very best — LeafGuard. With LeafGuard you can “Get It. And Forget It” and, while new gutters may not seem like the most glamorous update to your home, it is certainly one that will pay off in the long run! Plus, they are guaranteed not to clog, or we’ll clean them for FREE.
Become Energy Efficient
Energy efficient windows are a great way to improve your home and, according to Money Crashers, you can expect to recoup 60%-90% of your costs back. We offer Energy Star certified Soft-Lite replacement windows, designed to provide superior energy efficiency, beauty, durability, and are easy to maintain. You’ll immediately reap the benefits of upgrading to Energy Star by increasing the value of your home when you’re ready to sell. Learn more about our replacement window services here.
Revamp Your Roof
Roof issues are one of the most expensive parts of homeownership because they can quickly compile into water damage and structure problems. A replacement roof will improve your home’s appearance while extending its value for years to come. At Exterior Source, we specialize in GAF Advanced Protection® asphalt roofing shingles which are rated #1 in quality and protection. Options like architectural and designer shingles will add a level of sophistication to your home, improving the look of your home now and its sale value in the future.
Style Your Front Door
A front door is the focal point of your home’s curb appeal and gives a sneak peek of the style that lies behind it. Our superior line of ProVia® entry doors are customized to work with your style and needs. Your front door should not just look good, but also provide security, insulation and performance. That’s why our ProVia® entry doors all come with expert installation and lifetime warranties.
Ready to start improving your home? Contact us today for a free, in-home consultation on any of our services, including gutters, siding, roofing, windows or doors!
Do I need a new roof? 5 signs that say “yes”
A damaged, leaky roof can quickly catapult into a host of other problems, affecting the walls and foundation of your home. That’s why it is so important to keep an eye on the condition of your roof and make repairs when needed. Sometimes, though, the best option is to simply replace your roof. Here are five things that may signal it’s time for a replacement roof.
1. Your roof is at least 20 years old
An older roof is the most obvious sign that it’s time for a replacement. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that asphalt shingles typically last for 20 years, although climate and extreme weather changes can shorten that life span.
2. Your roof’s shingles are curling
Curling shingles are a sign that something is going on with your roof, whether it be lack of ventilation, improper installation or shingles that have reached the end of their life span. If your roof shingles are curling at the edges, it’s time to investigate the cause before matters get worse.
3. Your roof has dark streaks
This is typically caused by airborne algae or other types of vegetation growing on your roof. The good news is your roof could still be in good condition. The bad news is it reduces the curb appeal of your home. Nobody likes a dirty-looking roof.
4. Your roof is leaking into the attic
A leaky roof is never a good thing. You should routinely check the inside of the roof for light and water stains. If light is coming through, so can water, cold, and snow.
5. Your energy bill is high
High cooling or heating costs could be a sign that your roof is not functioning properly due to inadequate ventilation. At Exterior Source, we know you can’t just nail on a roof. Every detail is important to ensure the roof functions properly for years to come. If you’re tired of dealing with a sub-par roof, call us today to have a trained expert examine your roof and give you a thorough and honest assessment.