Even when roofing maintenance is the least of your concerns as a homeowner, many other aspects of the home can still be in need of improvement. Among them, some of your home’s most essential components, including your siding, attic insulation and fencing--all of which contribute to a more comfortable and beautiful home. Take a walk around your home to check on the components mentioned, and see if they’re still in good shape. These warning signs, however, might indicate it’s time for an upgrade: Rotted, cracked, loose or warped siding Peeling and faded exteriors that require frequent painting Mold and mildew growth Wet and damaged insulation Inconsistent indoor temperatures Recurring indoor drafts Excessive heat inside the attic space Sudden increase in energy bills Holes, cracks, rot and other damage to fencing Fencing that falls short of a necessary function, such as privacy and keeping the pets in and other animals out Most of the issues can be solved with various home improvement solutions. In this ebook, we’ll discuss how siding replacement, attic insulation and fence installation can improve your home’s comfort and aesthetics.
PART 1: SIDING REPLACEMENT If you’re looking for an easy and effective way of sprucing up your home, you should consider siding replacement. A small change in style and color or an entirely new exterior can make a huge difference to your home’s look. Changes, both big and small, can increase the home’s future resale value; new siding can make your home sturdier and can improve its protection against the elements. And because most exterior options today are designed for greater durability and performance, you can save considerably on maintenance, as well. With all of these advantages, siding replacement is most definitely an investment every homeowner should seriously consider. Just make sure to have reliable siding contractors take care of installation. Which Siding Material Should You Choose? Your choice of siding material can directly affect the longevity and performance of your exterior, so choose well. Among today’s most popular options are:
• VINYL. This excellent material graces millions of homes across the country--for good reason! Vinyl siding is versatile, allowing for a wide range of styles and durable, fade-resistant colors that help eliminate the need for scraping and repainting. This is also a cost-effective option that’s both easy and quick to install. Reliable vinyl siding contractors offer a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty against fading, peeling and cracking--even though the material in itself is almost maintenance-free--as additional protection to your investment.
• INSULATED VINYL. An upgraded version of standard vinyl siding, this exceptional option is foam-backed to stop air escaping from your home. By trapping both cooling and heating energy inside your home, it allows for a more consistent indoor temperature. This improves comfort in your living space, while helping reduce energy costs. Insulated vinyl siding is not just highly energy-efficient; it also looks great. Choose from a wide selection of colors and patterns to better match your new siding with your home’s existing design elements.
FIBER CEMENT. One fine alternative to insulated vinyl siding is fiber cement, which offers the biggest return on investment compared with other options. Fiber cement is made from sustainable material, providing your home with the strength and durability to stand up against wet, cold winters and hot, humid summers. It is available in lovely, baked-on colors that can last longer than a regular paint job would. This means no scraping and repainting--only reliable, longer-lasting performance.
To make the most of your siding replacement, work only with trusted siding contractors who can ensure a safe and smooth process. Stay tuned for the second installment of our ebook, where we go into detail about the advantages of proper attic insulation.
PART 2: ATTIC INSULATION You probably already know just how important attic insulation can be. It can impact year-round comfort in your home by reducing the transfer of heat between your attic space and your living spaces. As with most essential components, however, attic insulation often suffers damage over time. One of the most common causes of damage is roof leaks: Wet insulation may encourage mold growth and other health concerns and can impact on the home’s thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Unfortunately, wet attic insulation can never be repaired or salvaged. You’ll have to invest in a complete replacement. To get you started on the right foot, check out these handy tips: • TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE R-VALUE. The effectiveness of your attic insulation will depend on its R-value, which measures its ability to resist heat flow. Make sure your attic insulation has a high R-value so you can expect better performance from it. • DECIDE ON THE INSULATION TYPE. Most attic insulation comes in loose fill or batt. The former is packaged in bags and blown into place with special equipment. This option works best for attics with irregular joist spacing and lots of obstructions to work around. The latter is available in different thicknesses and is rolled into place. It is usually cut to fit around obstructions.
• CHOOSE A GOOD INSULATION MATERIAL. There are many options to choose from on today’s market, such as cellulose, mineral wool and cotton. Premier home improvement companies, however, use the most efficient insulation material there is--fiberglass. One of the most cost-effective options available today, fiberglass, also delivers well in performance terms. Fiberglass insulation has a superior R-value, which means it can ably retain the desired temperature in your home. Warm or cool, fiberglass insulation ensures your living spaces are comfortable, without putting an extra load on your HVAC system. In addition, this choice can effectively resist moisture and fire. • HIRE A TRUSTED CONTRACTOR FOR THE JOB. Attic insulation is not appropriate for DIY work. To prevent mistakes and ensure your choice of insulating material retains its R-value performance, always work with a professional who’ll not just have the necessary tools and equipment for the job, but the experience to provide the timely and efficient workmanship you expect as well.
When aiming to improve the thermal comfort of your home, without the high energy costs, consider replacing your old and damaged attic insulation with a newer, better option from a trusted home improvement company. In the final installment of our ebook, we take a closer look at the many advantages you can enjoy from quality fence installation.
PART 3: FENCE INSTALLATION Is your home’s fence falling apart? An old and failing fence isn’t just an eyesore, it can also compromise a number of important things, including your home’s security and privacy. For this reason, you should consult a trusted contractor from your area and have a new one installed promptly. New fencing brings with it the following advantages: 1. INCREASED SECURITY. Unless you live in a sprawling estate with the nearest neighbor miles away, a new fence is often a necessity. This leaves your home less vulnerable to the outside world, as a fence can discourage trespassers from entering your property. It can also keep away unwanted or stray animals and wildlife out of your yard. 2. IMPROVED SAFETY. Having a fence installed can lend you peace of mind. Small children and pets are less are less likely to leave a fenced-in yard and wander off. By delineating between your property and the outside world, you set clear boundaries to keep the young ones safe. If you have a pool or other water features on your property that can pose as potential risks, you can also prevent accidents by fencing them in properly.
3. GREATER PRIVACY. Following a hectic day, it may be difficult to work or relax outside if everybody can see you putter about your garden. Installing a fence gives you privacy, providing you with the peace and solitude you will undoubtedly appreciate. Additionally, it can precisely define property boundaries with your neighbors’ yards. 4. ENHANCED CURB APPEAL. Investing in a high-quality, beautifully crafted fence can add character to your property’s landscape. Make sure your choice of home improvement company offers a wide selection of fence designs and customization options. When choosing a fence, take into account your home’s specific needs. If you want something that keeps your dog in the yard, a simple chain-link fence might do. Are you looking for something that’ll both help block noise and improve your privacy? A fence that’s tall and solid could be the perfect option for you. To draw further attention to your property’s architectural details, a decorative fence can make a huge difference.
Which Fence Material Best Suits Your Home? One of the most popular fencing materials is vinyl. While the initial costs of vinyl are higher, you’ll save more money over the long term because vinyl fences eliminate the need for frequent maintenance. This means you won’t have to worry about your fence bending or sagging, as the material is known to retain its initial shape.
Aluminum is a great alternative to vinyl fencing. It can provide your home with an additional level of security, minus the maintenance required by standard wood. Some premier home improvement contractors offer aluminum fencing that is available in traditional designs, even ones that look like wrought iron. Because the material is powder coated, the color lasts longer and there’s no risk of peeling, fading or rusting.
These three home improvement projects can best address your home’s specific needs. Just make sure you work only with a reliable contractor to get the most out of your investment.
DryTech Roofing LLC 3435 Walnut Road Aberdeen, MD 21001 (240) 491-5600 www.DryTechRoofingCompany.com