By blogger Construction 0 Comments

Warning Signs That Your Exterior Shutters Must Be Upgraded

Exterior shutters are essential these days as they help in heightening the curb appeal of the house. They add a wonderful and dramatic touch to your windows and make them look appealing. Apart from making your windows look great, shutters also enhance the overall exterior appearance of your property. They provide a very unique and finished look to the windows, which otherwise look dull. Exterior decorative shutters come in a variety of custom styles and numerous materials that can easily complement all the window structures.

The very purpose of the exterior decorative shutters is to boost the curb appeal of your house. Over the years, shutters have traveled a long way and are fancied by all homeowners. However, figuring out which window shutters will add character and functionality to your house is a highly tedious task. Keeping the shutters updated is imperative not to spoil the look of your house. If the window shutters are damaged, it will negatively impact the overall look of your house. So, if your shutters have got damaged, it is the right time to upgrade them or go for their repairs. Whether you have a simple shutter or a designer shutter, timely repair and maintenance are crucial to keep them looking great. Here are a few key signs that will depict your window shutters need to be upgraded:

Shutters Look Outdated:

You may see the signs of physical damage, and the shutters may look outdated. Damaged exterior shutters may take away the uniqueness of the house and give it a very dull appearance. Modifying your window shutters will have a significant impact on your windows as they will look pleasing. Old shutters become an eyesore for the visitors. The fading of the shutters and broken parts can degrade the overall look of the house.

Old Shutters Don’t Function Properly:

If your house was built decades ago, possibly it has functional shutters that no longer serve the purpose. Over the years, windows have modernized and they no longer need functional exterior shutters. For this reason, homeowners are replacing old and non-functioning shutters with decorative exterior shutters. So, if your old shutters don’t open or close properly, it’s time to think about installing decorative shutters that are easy to maintain.

Installation of New Windows:

As you renovate your house, you might have replaced the windows. If you have installed advanced windows, the old shutter may become useless and even look unsightly with your new, elegant windows. So, if you have installed new windows, consider adding decorative shutters to enhance the overall exterior appearance of your house. You can easily find stylish and durable exterior shutters that can complement the style of your windows.

By blogger Construction 0 Comments

The Benefits of Installing Exterior Shutters

When going for home improvement, we spend a lot of money on amplifying the house’s interiors. We want our windows and door to look great and thoroughly blend with the theme of our house. But similar to the interior window covering, the exterior shutters also help in enhancing the curb appeal of the house. Decorative exterior shutters are a great element to add style and character to our house. It can transform the overall exterior appearance of your house and embrace your windows.  With improvement in window technology, the use of shutters is shifted from protective purposes to decorative. Exterior shutters are now used as a decorative feature and can add an attractive finishing touch to almost any architectural design.

The exterior shutters are installed on the outer sides of the home and can virtually blend with any type of window. The exterior shutters add depth to your house, and your house looks plain with the mere windows. They are an essential part of remodeling and can redefine the house’s aesthetics. There are a plethora of designs, styles, and sizes available in the windows shutters, and we can also personalize any design depending on our needs and budget. The installation method is different for all the styles, so we must evaluate the material of the exterior shutters before selecting them. Let us discuss here the few benefits of having decorative exterior window shutters:

Improve the aesthetic appeal

The curb appeal is the first element that we all want to enhance. Our house should be at its best from its exterior and create a great impression on the visitors. The windows are very plane and will not contribute much without the shutters. The decorative exterior window shutters are available in different styles and colors to match your house’s color scheme. So, if you want to improve the aesthetics of your house, installing decorative exterior shutters can help you achieve this goal within your budget. You will be amazed to see how a shutter can transform the entire look of your house or shop. You can find decorative shutters in many styles and designs to get a product that compliments your space and suit your taste. The best decorative shutter installation contractor can provide a customized solution to match the colors and patterns of your house.

Low Maintenance

Most homeowners want to enhance the appearance of their house but want elements that are as maintenance-free as possible. Unlike functional shutters, decorative shutters need low maintenance. Simple cleaning is sufficient to keep the shutter looking great for years. High-quality decorative shutters made of durable materials don’t rot, fade, or crack. Moreover, if properly installed, it can be tricky to identify if they are faux shutters. It allows you to accentuate your windows without worrying about maintenance.

Hassle-Free Installation

When it comes to installing functional shutters, it’s crucial to take accurate measurements to ensure that the shutter is properly over the window. However, installing decorative shutters is all about personal preference. The process is simple as there’s no hassle of closing the shutter over the window.

By blogger Construction 0 Comments

Everything about Eavestroughs

WHAT IS EAVESTROUGH? 

  • Eavestroughs are a major part of your roofing system. It plays a vital part in protecting the roof against several damages. A eavestroughs is a kind of gutter system installed on the roof that collects rainwater and discharges it away in downpipes. It’s also called rain gutters or roof gutters. Eavestrough systems are essential to protect the roof against extreme water damages. 

 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT COMPONENTS OF THE EAVESTROUGH SYSTEM ? 

  • Several different components of the eavestrough systems are : 
  • EAVESTROUGH/ GUTTERS – these are the main component which is a narrow duct that collects water from the roof.
  • DOWNSPOUTS- Vertical drain pipes that goes from the roof to the ground
  • SOFFIT – the underside of a structure such as roof or overhanging eaves. Part of the overhang where the roof meets the siding 
  • FASCIA – board along the soffit. Horizontal face of the roof edge where gutters are attached. 
  • GUTTER GUARDS – these are types of filters that avoid debris from clogging the gutters. 

 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF EAVESTROUGH SYSTEMS? 

  • Based on the style there are three major types of gutter system : k-style, fascia and half round. K- style is the most efficient and popular of the gutter systems. It holds a large quantity of water and is structurally strong due to crown molding. Fascia is long and narrow like a tube and horizontal face where the roof is attached. The last type of gutter is the half round which is also known as U-style because it looks like a U. U-style holds much less water and there’s a chance of overflow due to debris.
  • Based on the material there are five major types : aluminium, steel, copper, wood and vinyl. Aluminum gutters are really effective as they can withstand harsh weather conditions but might get dents. Steel and copper are much more sturdy than others but can corrode or develop rust over time. Vinyl is the most popular and efficient as they are less expensive and won’t develop rust and can withstand mostly all the weather conditions apart from harsh winters. Wood is again a very good option but an expensive one but this material will last for a long time. 

 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EAVESTROUGH SYSTEM ? 

If you are a homeowner you should understand the benefits of having a Eavestrough system because it plays a vital role in avoiding roof damage. Here are some major benefits of an eavestrough system : 

  • An effective eavestrough system helps avoid roof rotting and helps in expanding the lifespan of your roof. Without an eavestrough system , the melted snow and rainwater would accumulate in your roof causing several damages from shingles to fascia. It can rot the entire drainage system overtime. 
  • With a proper eavestrough system there would be no yard flooding. During heavy rainfall and snow the water from the roof might start spreading and falling randomly on the ground causing flooding. A proper drainage system needs to take place so the water is drained at a medium speed and not a lot of water falling at the same time. 
  • Installation of eavestrough systems on your roof can help you avoid damages in other areas of the house. If water accumulates at the same spot for a long time, the roof might start to develop leaks. As we all know moulds develop at moist places, chances of mould developing on the ceiling is high. Along with it, the water might damage the foundation of the house and the exterior walls. 

 

WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE PROFESSIONAL EAVESTROUGH INSTALLER? 

You might have the urge to install a Eavestrough system by yourself because of all the DIY videos but it’s always advisable not to. Always hire a professional eavestrough company for installing and maintenance of the eavestrough system because : 

  • They have the right skill, knowledge, expertise and experience. 
  • Safe eavestrough installation is assured.
  • They have the right equipment. 
  • They can help you save money on repairs .
  • They provide good quality materials. 
  • They will save you a lot of time. 
By blogger Construction 0 Comments

Tips to follow before purchasing the Exterior Shutters

Exterior shutters are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to amplify the look of their house in terms of appearance and functionality. They greatly enhance the curb appeal of your house. Exterior shutters play a significant role in keeping the house safe from the outside elements and maintaining privacy in the house. They give a very distinctive touch to the plane and dull windows. The exterior shutters are known to increase the insulation and ventilation inside the house. In addition to the exterior shutters, increase the value of your house by making it aesthetically pleasing.

Exterior shutters are in high demand in the contemporary world as they suit every type of style and character. When we go for Upgradation to our house, we can always think of replacing the old shutters that thoroughly blend with the theme of our house. They can be adjusted to any angle and hinged to the sides and protect the house against direct sunlight. Finally, the most apparent benefit of the exterior shutters is that they can be customized according to your budget. They are available in diverse styles and designs, and the installation is different for all the designs. So let us consider few tips to follow before buying the exterior shutters. Also, it will reduce the stress caused in the last minutes as you can make comparisons beforehand.

Decide your budget: While renovating your house, you need to be very picky about your quality and the cost of each item. This will help you set a boundary and make this task easier. You will be able to make comparisons between the various sources of supply and not be misled by anyone.

The material used: We need to be very particular while picking the shutter for the house. The market is flooded with different designs. The durability and the functionality range according to the material used. The quality may vary from vinyl shutters to metal ones, and buying can make you feel lost. We have to sort out which one will look the best according to the style of the window.

Ease installation: The installation place must be decided in advance so that you can choose the quality that will fit into the area. The longevity of the shutter will be determined from the place where the shutter is being installed. From the bathroom and kitchen area, you can go for the entire length of shutters. Also, we must consider the companies which are providing us ease in installation and after-sales services.

Maintenance and repairs: In the bustling world, it is challenging to maintain and clean the house at regular intervals. No matter how sturdy the quality of the shutter is, it still requires regular dusting and cleaning. So we must always purchase the shutters which can be easily brushed off.

Insulation: We must go to buy the shutters that have the best insulation. The structure must be designed in such a way that it blocks the heat from entering the house. They must be energy efficient and play a significant role in maintaining the temperature of your home.

By blogger Construction • Eavestrough & Downpipes 0 Comments

How to maintain your Eavestrough and keep it clean

Eavestrough and gutter are one of the most important parts of your house, and if they malfunction, they can cause quite a problem for you, hence it is important to maintain them and keep cleaning them from time to time. Keeping the eavestrough clear of debris and garbage is an important part of maintaining your roofing system. However, it might sound easy, but the task of cleaning them is not easy and obviously not the most glamorous chores but proper eavestrough cleaning will ensure the proper drainage and foundation of your home is protected and water is channeled to the safe location.

It is important to clean the eavestrough and gutter at least twice a year. Especially before the winters, as the weather begins to become chill. Also, you should consider the surroundings and environment around your house, if you happen to have a lot of trees around your house; it would require you to clean the eavestrough and gutters more often.

You should note that cleaning the eavestrough is not at all easy; rather it can be quite dangerous. You would need to work with a ladder, which can be a dangerous position to be in, especially when devoting free hands to the use of tools. Here are a few tools that you would require for the cleaning process.

  • Gloves: You should wear thick work gloves while cleaning to effectively scoop out the debris and garbage. Make sure that the gloves are thick enough to protect you from sharp objects.
  • Eye protection: when you are working on a height or with any tools, you should make ensure that your eyes are protected with a help of eye protection wear.
  • Trowel: you can scoop out the debris or garbage with the help of a trowel or even a small shovel. You should avoid using your hands as much as possible.
  • Bucket: after you are doing scooping out the debris, you would need a place to throw away the garbage, it is always suggested to keep a bucket handy to dump the debris.
  • Ladder: to reach the roof of your house, you would need a ladder. Make sure the ladder is stable and solid. Also, you should make sure that you do not put too much weight on the eavestrough as the ladder can break or bend it.

Always make sure you have the assistance as managing all the tools along with the ladder can be quite challenging. It is always better to have someone around the ladder while you are cleaning.

The steps involved in the cleaning of the eavestrough are quite simple, you will need to position your ladder at the end of your eavestrough and climb the ladder. Run some water through the eavestrough to know where the blockages are occurring and if there are any leaks. The next step is to remove the debris using a trowel or a small shovel. Once the section is clear of the debris, run the water again to ensure the smooth flow of water.

By blogger Construction 0 Comments

New Exterior Shutters: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Exterior window shutters are usually installed to maintain the privacy of your home and to limit the amount of sunlight entering your house. Window shutters, whether interior or exterior have become a popular trend among many homeowners.

 

If you are updating your house with new materials whether to give a classic touch or incorporating exterior window shutters into the renovation project for the first time, the choice of shutters and the way you install them plays a significant role.

 

If you believe that shutters are meant for adding just the functionality, you may be wrong. Shutters come in a variety of designs, colors and sizes, leaving room for making the right choice for your home. You are no longer bound to select the typical traditional shutters anymore. However, the problem arises when you are not familiar with some facts associated with the installation of shutters.

 

If you wish to enhance the beauty of your home’s exterior and the windows, here are some common mistakes to avoid when it comes to exterior window shutters.

 

1) Buying Low-Quality Shutters- If you are more deviated towards the decorative mode that you end up purchasing low-quality shutters, believing that there are other things to rely on when it comes to blocking the sun rays; you are wrong. It is the first common mistake that people make. You must know that low-quality shutters that you are putting to enhance the beauty will be fastened outside the home where they will be exposed to all sorts of weather changes. The brittle material will wear off within a month, and its paint will fade away within weeks. Therefore, buy high-quality shutters to get improved performance and look for years to come.

 

2) Purchasing the Wrong Size of Shutters- The wrong size of shutters can disrupt the symmetry of your house from outside. Secondly, incorporating shutters that are overly designed may not fit well on the windows. If they are too large, it won’t be easy to shut them. If they are too small, they won’t seal well. To make the most of it, measure the size from the outside of your window and then visit the exterior shutter store to purchase them.

 

3) Incorrectly Fastening Shutters- Fastening shutters is an important part since each material requires a proper technique and usage of equipment to fasten them to the windows. For instance, material like wood and vinyl expand or contract upon heating and cooling, it means they need a little room to breathe, and people often fasten them too tightly, damaging the shutters.

 

4) Choosing the Wrong Paint for Shutters- Although you purchase the right size and material of shutters, yet painting them with wrong paint can make a difference. Remember, if you have bought wooden shutters, make sure to use paint that completely seals them; otherwise a thin paint can wash away easily and damp the wood. Moreover, never use paint that is white or pale since it can get dirty easily because of the outdoor elements. It is better to spray the shutters with dark paint.

By blogger Construction • General Information 0 Comments

Benefits of Installing Soffit System

For a homeowner, the stability and security of a home often takes precedence over beauty and aesthetic. While most people tend to focus on installing security systems, CCTV cameras, window shutters and so on, the integrity and protection that your roof needs is often overlooked. This can be quite detrimental, since the roof of your house is the first line of defence against most natural agents like wind, water, heat and hail. This is where a soffit system comes in handy.

A soffit system is installed on the underside of the overhanging section of a roof. This structure ensures the stability of the roof and also makes your house look nicer. We shall look at the various benefits that come with installing a soffit system in your house.

 

  1. Protects the roof.

Any effective roofing system needs to have soffit installed to protect its structural integrity. The roof bears the brunt for most of the damages that is borne by any structure; hence it needs adequate support and stability to not come crumbling down. Installing soffit system ensures that the underlying rafters are not damaged by rain, heat or snow, this protecting your home.

  1. Easy to maintain.

You may think that installing another home system will be extra work in terms of money and maintenance, but you will be shocked to hear the prices for these installations as well as their easy upkeep. Soffit systems do not require any cleaning or maintenance, and are cleaned only once a year, if not less. They are not suited for replacement very soon since they last for very long.

  1. Roof insulation.

Soffit systems also act as roof insulation in cold winter months. They are designed to conceal the ventilation of rooms and they help to keep away moisture. This combined action enables the system to act as a source of insulation for the roof.

  1. Reduce expenses on utilities.

You may end up spending a large amount on your energy bills every month, simply because your home loses too much heat or cold which makes you overwork your heating and cooling systems. Installing a soffit system ensures that the loss of energy from your home is minimised, making you save on utilities.

  1. Increases resale value.

Anyone looking to buy a home would prefer one that has all necessary systems such as soffit, installed in advance. You can get a guaranteed return for your investment if you decide to sell your house with soffit installations in the near future.

  1. Aesthetic appeal.

Overhanging roofs look very aesthetic and vintage, but they have beams underneath them, which can dampen the overall appeal of your house. Installing a soffit system under the roofing will make your house look more ornate and beautiful by concealing these beams.

By blogger Construction 0 Comments

Top Three Reasons Why Installing Gutters In Your New House Is A Must

Gutters play a very important role in your house as they collect the rainwater from your roof and direct it away from your house. This way the foundation of your house remains protected and does not get destroyed due to rainwater. Gutters are considered as the main element of roofing systems, therefore once installed helps you cut down the cost of unnecessary repairs.

Before installing gutters or understanding the need to install them or leaving your house as it is, it’s essential to understand the main purpose of these rain gutters and why they are important. The primary motive of the gutter is to collect rainwater or water from melting snow running down your roof. Then the collected water is directed away from your house.

Gutters help keep your foundation strong and protected from rain. They also keep your exterior and siding safe from being damaged due to water. Gutters are very essential specifically for newly built houses in order to protect them from getting damaged due to rain, hence holding onto its beauty.

Below given are top three reasons as to why installing gutters in your new house is a must :

Ceases the entry of pests in your home :

  • Installing gutters in your home is very important as they collect the rain water and direct it away from your home which prevents water standing at one place. Pooled water attracts pests and insects into your home.
  • Presence of insects is very harmful for your and your loved ones well-being. Some of the common insects to be found around stagnant water include mosquitoes, flies, gnats, etc and this water acts as a breeding ground for these insects.
  • But when rainwater is directed away from your foundation or siding it eliminates the chances of pests entering your home.

 

It protects your siding from getting damaged :

  • No matter whatever type of siding you install on the exterior of your home it is at high risk of getting damaged by water and various other elements if there’s absence of gutter on your roof.
  • Gutters keep rainwater and melting snow water away from your home which safeguards all the external components of your house including both siding and foundation.
  • The collected water is directed into downspouts or drains where they are recycled and reused. If you do not install proper gutters around your house then your siding and foundation will get destroyed after some time due to exposure to excessive moisture.

 

Controls the growth of mold :

  • Mold usually grows in places where moisture content is high and lacks proper ventilation. Without installation of gutters the water keeps on collecting and damages the foundation causing leakages in the basement of your house. This water then can lead to cracks in the walls and substitutes to be the perfect environment for mold growth.
  • Gutters can help reduce the amount of moisture getting into your home thereby collecting water and directing it away from your home.
By blogger Construction 0 Comments

Why is it Beneficial to Hire Commercial Gutter Repair Company?

When it comes to gutter systems, most of the people only pay attention to the ones installed at their homes. They don’t give importance to the eavestrough of their commercial buildings. But, in reality, residential as well as commercial gutters are of equal importance. You and your staff have to spend a major part of the day in the office because of which it becomes paramount to ensure that the gutters are installed rightly and are in proper working condition.

 

Unclean, leaky, damaged and clogged gutters can destroy the commercial building and can harm its foundation too. In the worse situation, mold can grow everywhere and the building can become an unhygienic, unhealthy and unattractive place.

 

Just give yourself a thought; can you afford replacing your gutter systems and fixing all the problems created by them that too amid your office work going on? Things will get messy off course. But if you keep a check on the maintenance of gutters and get them repaired on time; then you can save yourself from all the hassle and costly expenses.

 

To get the gutters repairs done makes sure to hire the most trusted commercial gutter repair contractor only. You will come across several gutters companies, but make sure to check their background and details before hiring. Check their license, insurance, reviews and website before reaching any final decision. Also, make sure to get the list of references of past clients to talk to them and to ascertain that you are hiring nothing less than the best. If you get successful at hiring the right gutter repair professionals, you can experience the following advantages.

 

Experts will perform the job efficiently – If the gutter repair contractor is experienced enough, he will surely do the task assigned to him efficiently. Moreover, for experienced and reputable companies, their profession is of utter importance to them, and they put their best efforts to make their clients happy. They understand that if they repair the gutters correctly, then their clients will refer them to others, and this way, they will gain popularity and success.

 

Experts will use their best knowledge to help you find the issue and repair it – This is another important benefit of hiring well-learnt professionals. Because of the knowledge that they have accumulated throughout their working life, they can spot the problem easily and thus can serve you with the best repair services. DIYing or hiring an amateur gutter contractor cannot prove to be helpful because of lack of knowledge and experience. But hiring highly trained and knowledgeable professionals can put your gutters in the right condition, and they can last longer.

 

Experts will take necessary safety measures – Gutter repair professionals have invested good time in learning installation and repair of gutter repairs. Along with it, they have learnt all the safety measures to be taken while fixing and installing gutters. Therefore, they can safely perform the job without any trouble. God forbid if some mishap occurs at your commercial property during repairs, the professionals will have insurance to protect you from falling under debts.

 

By blogger Construction • Design 0 Comments

Why Install De-Icing Cables this Winter?

 

If you reside in the region which is prone to heavy snowfall and winters, there is a wide chance of witnessing ice dams over your roof. Even if the roof of your house is slanting, the ice tends to freeze over it. Do you wonder why and how? That usually happens when the melting ice doesn’t entirely flow into the gutters through roof and downspouts. As the temperature drops, the resulting ice blockage creates a dam that further resists the melting ice from flowing.

 

The ice does not only cause a nuisance but also results in damages of roof coverings, gutters and downspouts. The melted pool on the roof can leak into the building leading to the dampness of walls and ceilings, form icicles over ice-filled gutters and so on. The interior damage by the leaky ice water can result in expensive repairs or maybe reconstruction.

 

The old school way to deal with ice dams is, shovels and other ice eliminating tools, but using them can be dangerous if you are not a pro. However, with modern equipment and options like roof de-icing cables, you can get rid of the roof ice dams easily and effectively.

 

What are the De-icing Cables?

 

De-icing cables are installed by the edges of the roof. They do not keep the snow away from the roof; instead, these wires generate heat that melts the falling ice, prevents it from freezing further and creates a path for the snow to fall directly into the gutters and downspouts.

 

The reason for installing de-icing cables near the edges is as the ice dam begins to melt because of the low temperature, the melted ice refreezes near the sides of the roof, creating a thick barrier of ice along the edges of the roof. It is because of this reason that de-icing cables are fastened into position over the eaves (inside gutters sometimes) so that the heat from the wires can melt the thick layer of ice.

 

It is prudent to minimize your vulnerability by using affordable and most direct easy-to-install de-icing cables that can offer adequate protection where you cannot turn the weather conditions. Made to resist the exposure to weather conditions like storm, heat, sunlight and ice, de-icing cables provide long term dam ice prevention.

 

The Benefits Over Utility Costs-

 

Being a homeowner and running a home means paying daily bills which might make you think that installing de-icing cables means adding to the electricity bill. Many homeowners believe that they are simply driving up the cost of their electricity bill whereas these cables are only used during winters.

 

I would like to ask them to think otherwise- Would you rather like to pay for the damaged roof, for changing the roof drainage system or remodelling the walls of the house caused by ice dams? The constant repair work will cost you more than the little increment on your electricity bill. Save your home this winter by investing in de-ice cables and sit back stress-free.