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Educating you with our Expertise
Here, we share valuable insights and expert tips on how to enhance the curb appeal and functionality of your home's exterior. From roof replacement to siding installation and everything in between, we cover all aspects of exterior remodeling to help you make informed decisions and achieve your dream home. Stay tuned for our latest posts and take your home's exterior to the next level!
Interesting Facts About the History of Roofing: From Thatch to Metal
The roof over our heads is something we take for granted, but its history is rich and fascinating. Let's delve into some interesting facts about how we've kept the elements at bay throughout the ages.
Preparing for a Roof Renaissance: Getting Your Home Ready for a Roof Replacement
A roof replacement is a significant undertaking, but with proper preparation, you can ensure a smooth and efficient process. Here's a helpful guide to get your home ready for a brand new roof
Don't Get Soaked: How to Spot Common Signs of Roof Damage
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. But like any exterior structure, it can wear down over time. Early detection of roof damage is crucial to prevent costly repairs and potential water leaks into your home. Here's how to spot some common signs of roof trouble
ROOFING IN 2024
The roof is one of the most important parts of the house.
For a homeowner, staying on top of the latest roofing trends means making informed decisions and protecting the value of your real estate investment. Meanwhile, for roofers, builders, and contractors, keeping up with industry changes is key to providing the best service to the customers.
Common Roofing Problems
Roofing is an essential aspect of any home or building, providing protection against the elements and maintaining its structural integrity. However, in a state like Virginia, where weather conditions can be unpredictable and extreme, roofing problems are a common occurrence.
Choosing a Shingle Color
Choosing a shingle color for your roof is a big decision. It can significantly impact your home's curb appeal and value. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the perfect hue for your roof.
The Benefits of Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles
Your roof is your home's first line of defense against the elements. In areas prone to severe weather, like hailstorms and strong winds, choosing the right roofing material is crucial. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles offer superior protection compared to standard shingles, making them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
2024 Trends in Exterior Home Remodeling
Here are some of the trends expected to be big in exterior home remodeling for 2024
CertainTeed or GAF…which one?
Certainteed Landmark and GAF Timberline HDZ are both top-of-the-line asphalt shingle options known for their durability and aesthetics. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Custom bending metal for a standing seam roof is a complex task that requires specialized tools and expertise. It's generally recommended to leave this work to professional roofers who have the necessary experience and equipment to ensure a proper and watertight installation.
Advantages of Low-E Thermasheet
Low-E ThermaSheet® is designed to reflect radiant heat, which can significantly reduce heat transfer between the roof deck and the living space below. By minimizing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, the thermasheet helps maintain a more comfortable indoor temperature and reduces the load on your HVAC system.
Proper Attic Ventilation is Critical
Ventilation is a system of intake and exhaust that creates a flow of air. Proper attic ventilation provides year-round benefits for all types of roofing systems, creating cooler attics in the summer and drier attics in the winter, protecting against damage to materials and structure, aiding in reducing energy consumption and helping to prevent ice dams.
Do I really need a Starter Shingle?
Starter shingles act as a barrier for your roof to protect your eaves and rake edges from water leaks.and lets water flow seamlessly off your roof. They will also have a tar adhesive strip to prevent your shingles from blowing off in harsh weather conditions. Without this starter course of shingles, your roof will lack the foundation needed to prevent water leaks and blow-offs or uplifts from strong winds in the most vulnerable areas.
Synthetic Roofing Underlayment vs. Felt Underlayment
When it comes to roofing, there are a lot of different materials to choose from. One of the most important decisions you'll make is what type of underlayment to use. Underlayment is the material that goes between your roof decking and your shingles, and it provides an extra layer of protection from the elements.
There are two main types of underlayment: synthetic and felt. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.
Benefits of installing a drip edge
Although the ideal time to install drip edges is with a roof replacement, it’s possible to install them on existing roofs. In fact, in many places across the United States, building codes require structures to be equipped with drip edges because of how beneficial they are. For the same reason, many homeowners are choosing to install drip edge flashing on their existing roof.
What is Ice and Water Shield
Ice and water shield is simply a barrier between your shingles and the roof. It protects or shields the roof decking from ice and water. Manufacturers require ice and water shield as one necessary layer to warranty your roof. If the water gets underneath the surface of the shingles on your roof, the ice and water shield protects the decking from getting wet.
How is My Property Protected During a Roof Replacement?
If you’re proud of the landscaping or foliage around your home, one of the first things you should ask your contractor is how they’ll protect it. LAB has come up with a simple and effective method for this. We will angle a tarp that’s secured from the gutters down to a “dump” tarp on the ground to cover the foliage and landscaping that surrounds the base of your home.
How to Deal With a Pushy Home Improvement Salesman
There are plenty of reputable contractors and home improvement companies who put their customers best interests first. They understand that that honesty, great service, and transparency are what keep customers for life.
2023 Trends in Exterior Home Remodeling
As we enter spring, it's a great time to start thinking about exterior home remodeling trends for the year. Whether you're planning on selling your home soon or just looking to give it a fresh new look, there are plenty of exciting trends to consider.
Pros & Cons of a Metal Roof
Metal roofs are a popular choice for homeowners due to their durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. However, like any roofing material, they come with their own set of pros and cons.