By blogger Construction 0 Comments

Why Soffits and Fascias Are Important: A Guide for Homeowners

What are Soffits and Fascias?

Soffits and fascias are an important part of households and roof topping. A fascia board is where the roof meets the outer house walls, while soffit board lies under it. A fascia is located at the lower edge of the roof, while a soffit can be easily visible from the streets. They help in protecting the rooftop against the wreck of rains.   Besides giving a finished look to the exterior of your home, soffits and fascias help in giving a sturdy protection to the house. They keep away pests, birds, squirrels, etc along with giving ventilation in attic. Soffits and fascia are made of wood and capped with aluminum to can withstand severe weather conditions.

If you are planning on selling your home or want to improve the aesthetic appeal of your property, here’s how soffits and fascia can play an important role.

Why are Soffits and Fascias important?

Soffits and Fascias have a lot to do than just giving a pleasing appearance to the home structure. Soffits have great importance and are located below the rafter tails. They prevent water seeping in the house after rains. They help in providing airflow to the attics, providing them with proper ventilation. Moisture in the attic can disturb the structure leading to dampening of walls. They also help in releasing heat from the attic during summer months. Besides, they also help in catching any insects like bees, pests, wasps or squirrels before they get into the house. One should keep a check that these soffits are not damaged or broken.

Fascias are also not less important. They form the end of the rafters and are visible from distance as well. Since they are located at the lower end of the roofs they provide a support system to the lower edge of roof tiles and bricks. Another major importance of fascias is, they hold the gutters that are attached on them. The gutters have a plethora of uses for one’s home, be it channelizing the waste water from the rains to the drainage systems, or preventing soil erosion, etc. They also protect and maintain the landscape around the house as well. Fascias are visible to everyone, so they can help in making the house look attractive and stylish, increasing the curb appeal.

The material that you choose for your soffits and fascias should be researched beforehand. Aluminum soffits and fascia are a popular choice because of its ease of installation, durability, and curb appeal. Aluminum soffits and fascia require less maintenance and can be installed in a range of environmental conditions. As a malleable metal, aluminum can be adjusted to fit into sharp, tight spaces like attic. Moreover, as a low maintenance material, aluminum soffits and fascia doesn’t flake, peel, warp, or rot.

Soffits and Fascias serve an important use when it comes to protecting the integrity of the house. One should keep a check that they don’t get damaged so easily. If you see their paints peeling off, getting cracked, becoming infested with pests, or with gutters leaking, prepare a check and get them repaired as soon as possible. Soffit and fascia cladding helps seal and insulate these spaces from the elements. Thus, Fascias and Soffits both have their own uses and merits. Fascias support the outer structure of the home and thus protects the interior from rains, snowstorms etc. While soffits protect the attic from getting moist and heated up, it also prevents growth of moulds and pests infestation on the rooftops. So if your soffits and fascia are damaged, make sure to repair or install new fascia and soffits in your home as soon as possible.

By blogger Design 0 Comments

5 Tips on Hiring the Best Gutter Contractor

Gutters are one of the most parts of a household. They protect our homes against water leaking and clogging during rains and snowstorms. They play a major part in protecting the foundations of the home, leakage in home, soil erosion, and preventing the basements from flooding. If you don’t have a gutter in your house, then you need to install it the sooner, the better. Without gutters, it can be fatal to the structure of your house leading to massive damage. It can be a daunting task to find a reliable and experienced gutter contractor. But if one tries to look for one, using the available sources, a professional gutter contractor can be hired. The quality of gutters matter a lot when it comes to choosing them for the safety of the structure of your house. In order to have a professional gutter system, people hire gutter contractors for it. Gutter contractors arrange for the entire process of installing gutters in your household, ranging from raw materials to manual labor implemented in it. Some expert gutter contractors provide stainless steel mesh or aluminum guards. Professional gutter contractors also help in detecting problems like wood rotting in your home’s fascia or water logging in the sides, etc. There are few tips that one needs to keep in mind in order to hire the best gutter contractor:

 

  • Online Reviews

One should do complete research by reading online reviews of gutter contractors. Asking friends and family may also be beneficial since they might have got personal experiences too. A gutter company that is well known in the area is beneficial as it will know the local conditions in your area.

 

  • Insurance

Insurance is also an important part to note of the company. One should be confirmed before hiring a gutter contractor, that they are authentic and know about their projects and work that they do. The compensation for the employees and the liability all should be covered in insurance.

 

  • Detailed writings

Writings are also very important part while choosing a gutter contractor. All the project details, the prices, deals, items that will be used, the working time, etc should be well mentioned in writing.

 

 

  • Company products

You should also inquire about the kind of products that the contractor uses and do they match with the type of gutters that you need for your home. Usually seamless gutters which are professionally installed serve most beneficial.

 

  • Gutter guards

In order to prevent yourself from cleaning gutters, gutter guards are a necessity. Spending so many hours in cleaning the gutters can be cumbersome too. Rotten leaves, mud, dust, insects, etc can clog your gutters if gutter guards are not present. So to prevent that, you must ask the contractor if they provide these guards.

 

 

Thus, a gutter installation is important for the safety of one’s home. If you are investing so much in this process, then make sure you make a prudent decision in choosing a professional gutter contractor.

By blogger Design 0 Comments

5 Signs That Tell It’s Time for New Gutters

When talking about the well-being of the home, gutters are an integral part. They are actually the unsung hero of the house. If maintained properly, they can go a long way and can protect you against rain and moisture-related problems. Well-maintained and high-quality gutters do last for a long time, but nothing lasts forever. Gutters also require replacement after a certain period. Read on the article to know the signs that tell its time for new gutters.

 

  1. Seam Stress –

Traditional gutters have seams after every 10 feet. Such gutters are vulnerable at the seam, where two horizontal sections meet. Signs of stressed seams includes – separating of the seams, or bending of gutters. A minor problem can be fixed by re-applying the seam, but in worse cases, there is a need of complete gutter replacement.

Nowadays, seamless gutters are easily available in the market. So, whenever you plan to get new gutters installed, make sure that they are seamless.

 

  1. Cracks in the gutter –

Small holes in the gutter can easily turn into big cracks. The cracks function as a hole at the bottom of the bucket. The water from the cracked gutter slowly seeps into the foundation of the house and weaken it. So never ignore the crack even if it is small in size. Be aware, as the cracks can defeat the purpose of the drainage system. Call the expert and get the new gutter installed on time.

 

  1. Peeling of the paint –

Trust me on this; if your gutters are not functioning up to the mark, then they can seriously ruin the paint of your house. Keep a check on the paint of exterior siding of the house. If it has peeled away, then the possibility is there that the nearest gutter is not in good condition. If the paint is peeling from more than one area, then not the gutter repair but its replacement is required.

 

  1. Mildew –

If you ever find mold or mildew in an area that used to remain dry earlier then damaged gutter is most likely the cause. If this problem persists there even after the repair of gutters, then it’s time to get the new gutters installed.

 

  1. Rotten wood –

If the wooden windows and doors start rotting, then moisture is the reason behind it. The wooden material slowly becomes soft, and you have to get it replaced. It will even hurt your wallet. Who likes unwanted expenditures? None! So keep a check on the gutters of the home for any leak or crack. A little rotten exterior wood element can be the cause of malfunctioning gutters.

 

If you find any of the above-mentioned signs in your house, then get the gutters checked by a professional gutter repairing company immediately.

By blogger Design 0 Comments

9 Critical Questions to Ask While Hiring a Gutter Contractor

Are you planning to hire a gutter contractor for your new house?

If yes, then make sure you hire only an experienced and professional gutter contractor. To ascertain that you hire experts, the following are the questions that you should never forget to ask.

 

  1. Do you have a license?

Having a license is proof that the company is allowed by authorities to extend particular services. You can even rely on the company easily if they are licensed.

 

  1. Are you insured?

Prefer hiring a company that is insured; it is a sign of professionalism. You will be protected from any unwanted financial exposure in the future if they have insurance. So don’t forget to ask about the insurance papers.

 

  1. Can you provide any references?

If the gutter installing company is experienced, then they will surely have references from the previous projects. And a company who believes in providing high-quality services to their customers will never hesitate in giving references. You can check the reviews of their past clients on their website or social media accounts.

 

  1. In how much time the job will be completed?

Most of the gutter installation projects get completed in a day. But you should know this thing beforehand about how much time the company is going to take. Also, don’t forget to ask about the rescheduling procedure in case of bad weather.

 

  1. Can you provide a cost estimate in writing?

A professional contractor will never say no to this question. He will provide you the details of all the materials that will be used for gutter installation along with the costing. So if you hear a no, then move to some other contractor.

 

  1. Who will supervise the gutter installation process?

The person with whom you signed the contract might not be the one who will be present on site. So, don’t forget to ask about the project supervisor. After all, he is going to work at your place. If possible, meet that person. The behavior and communication skills of the supervisor will let you know if he is trustworthy and professional or not.

 

  1. Will you use seamless gutters?

If the answer is yes, then make sure that the distance between the adjacent seams is not less than 10 feet. Lesser the seams, lower will be the chance of leaks to form.

 

  1. Do you provide a warranty for your labor and products?

Find a contractor who is ready to stand behind the work of labors. A well-reputed company will always have well-trained and trustworthy staff. Furthermore, don’t forget to ask about the guarantee of the products that will be used. If possible, get it in writing.

 

  1. Do you install gutter guards?

Gutter guards are really important if you don’t want to clean the gutters more often. Guards prevent leaves and debris from sliding into the gutters.

By blogger Aluminum Siding • Design 0 Comments

7 Popular Types of Exterior Siding For Your Home

It is essential to pay attention to the type of siding you choose for the exterior of your home. It should coordinate with the design of your home. For example, installing expensive wooden siding on the house which is in front of the beach will never be a good idea, as it will expose the property to the elements of the sea.

The lifespan of siding varies depending on the climate of the area where you live. So be very cautious in choosing the siding for your home.

Following are the seven popular types of exterior siding that you can consider for your home exterior –

 

  1. Vinyl Siding –

The vinyl siding is composed of PolyVinyl Chloride and is available in a variety of colors and textures that can mimic like wood shingles, wood grain, and stone. The panel is installed using nails. It is very easy to handle and can installed very quickly. Thus, it reduces labor costs.

Two significant advantages of vinyl siding for which it should be considered are

  1. i) it is inexpensive
  2. ii) It never needs painting

 

  1. Aluminum Siding –

Aluminum siding is similar to vinyl siding, and it is tough to spot the difference between the two without touching. Depending on the temperature, it has a tendency to expand and contract. The good thing about aluminum siding is that it can be painted and experts suggest that it should be done using oil-based paint only. Additionally, they provide an excellent waterproofing facility if installed properly.

 

  1. Wood Siding –

It is produced in a variety of types such as shingles, clapboards, lap or shake. Its finishing can include paint, stain or sealants. It is suggested to do priming at the back and sides of the wood, so that water should not seep into the wood. Wood is a good alternative to make the home look beautiful, but it can rot easily and require high maintenance.

 

  1. Stucco Siding –

There are different methods for applying stucco, but the hand-troweled way is considered best. It can be rough or smooth. To make sure that water does not seep under the plaster, it has to be watertight. Otherwise, the material will be separated from the home. Though it provides unique aesthetics to the house, it demands high labor-cost.

 

  1. Stone Siding –

Stone siding can be natural or artificial. Artificial stone are light and can be installed easily. Still, it is considered expensive than all the other siding options available. Synthetic stone siding is less sound than natural stone.

 

  1. Log Siding –

It can make your home look like a log home. It is available in quarter logs and half logs. Some log sidings are also available in steel or vinyl and look like wood.

 

Now, you might be having clarity regarding types of siding available in the market for the exterior of your home. But be choosy in making selection of the siding.

By blogger Aluminum Siding 0 Comments

3 Helpful Tips to Find an Appropriate Siding for Your Home

A home is undoubtedly an individual’s most prized possessions. With all the time, money and efforts of a homeowner directed towards its maintenance, the wish is to keep the home look new as ever.

However, talking in practical terms, the wear and tear a house encounters is inevitable. The exterior of your house takes the most beating from the inclement weather conditions and heavy sunlight. These inescapable outdoor elements affect the property’s overall structural integrity demanding the homeowners to be extra careful when choosing the types of paint, gutters, and sidings.

Selecting the right type of siding is a crucial aspect of building a house. It not only improves the curb appeal but is also acts as a first line of defense against the outdoor elements. Sidings are available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and materials and you may have a difficult time determining which one is appropriate for you.

However, with these three tips, you can make quick decisions as to what siding option will best suit your needs –

Gather Knowledge of Siding Materials

When you explore the market, you will come across a lot of options like vinyl, brick, stone, aluminum, and stucco with each one of them having their own set of pros and cons. Vinyl is the most popular choice as it is affordable, has a long life and is really easy to install. Brick is the choice since ancient times because of its robustness and ability to withstand extreme weather. Wood is also durable and visually appealing but demands a high degree of maintenance.

Therefore, when you are done with evaluating the merits and demerits of these materials, it becomes easier to shortlist the siding that will be perfect for your home’s exterior.

Consider the Weather Conditions

While it is natural to get inclined towards an option based on its design and color, the type of weather conditions it is going to bear should never take a back seat. So, it is important that you take into account the climate you live in and then choose a suitable siding.

The siding you pick should be able to withstand everything from high humidity levels and rains to hot temperatures and scorching sun. There should be enough protection against harmful UV rays as well.

Calculate the Overall Expenditure

You get what you paid for. Some siding options are low cost while some can cost you hundreds of dollars. Hence, you need to have a pre-determined budget in your mind to make sure all your expenses are in alignment with it and you don’t end up spending more than what you desire.

And it is not only the buying costs that one has to consider, you also need to evaluate the level of maintenance required for the siding to be able to calculate the final costs.

 

By blogger Design 0 Comments

The Benefits of Rain Barrels

Collecting rainwater can be of great help to do so, one can use rain barrels. Rain barrels are containers that capture and stores rainwater from your rooftop. These barrels come in various shapes and size and is capable of storing 50 to 80 gallons of water, it also comes with a spigot that fills the watering cans. It is an excellent way of conserving water if you combine it with appropriate plant selection. Your home, garden, as well as the community as a whole, is benefitted from rain barrels. However, there are a few specific benefits, and they are as follows:

MONEY SAVER

Since rain barrels help store a lot of water, many homeowners save money on their water bills. Right from the garden to lawn irrigation, homeowners need gallons of water to make their plants survive the heat during summers, and by using rain barrels, they can save up to 1300 gallons of water during such seasons. You can further connect multiple barrels at the same time to capture rainwater. With rain barrels you no longer need to be dependent on the city’s water supply as it provides you with a free water source for irrigation.

HEALTHY PLANTS AS WELL AS SOIL

Tap water contains various inorganic ions and fluoride compounds that accumulate a lot of soil over time, which in turn harms the plant roots and micro-organisms present in the ground. But there is no such additives in rainwater like tap water. Hence, this helps the plants in your garden to grow as it cleans the salt build-up in the soil, it is very beneficial to plants as it provides them an apt environment that promotes root development.

REDUCES RUNOFF

Rain barrels are a great way to reduce the flow of storm runoff. During rain, runoff tends to pick up all the dirt, soil, oil, pesticide, and other toxic materials from hard surfaces to landscapes. Storm runoff doesn’t get treated and hence directly flow into streams, lakes and other freshwater bodies. This increases algae growth and endangers aquatic life. Furthermore, a lot of people go scuba diving as well as other recreational water activities in these waterbodies, growth of bacteria and algae risks their lives as well. Rain barrels on the other hand, stores water that would have swept from a hard surface to landscape, thereby minimizing runoff pollutants.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Now that you understand the significant benefits of a rain barrel, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Make sure that your rain barrel has a proper screen that separates debris out from the water. Furthermore, ensure that your barrel is appropriately covered and has a tight connection, which further prevents all sorts of mosquito breeding and algae buildups. In case you are concerned about roof contaminants, then it is recommended that you must empty the first collected rainwater. Also, do not use a rain barrel if your roof contains asbestos.

Lastly, your garden plants and soil can love rainwater, but it is not suitable for human consumption. So do keep that in mind.

By blogger Design 0 Comments

5 Signs you Need to Replace your Soffits and Fascia

When you buy a new house, you are darn excited about everything. However, just because your house is all new, that doesn’t mean that you would pay attention to regular maintenance and repairs. It is said that you must keep a small amount each year for home repairs.

Home repairs may include trimming trees, replacing windows, indoor carpeting, etc. But with such maintenance, you must also pay attention to your rooftop. Soffits and fascia are key elements of your roof, and they bear the heat, rainwater, storm, debris, animals, etc. all throughout the year, so it becomes imperative to make repairs time and again. However, how will you realize that your soffit and fascias need repair? Here are five signs that you should keep an eye out for.

SIGNS OF UNINVITED GUESTS

This usually occurs during cold winter months, your home acts as a beacon that attracts all kind of pests. If in the middle of the night you hear weird noises from your attic then be sure that there may be an issue in your soffit and fascia. Many pests and animals build their nests in these, which only creates a lot of disturbance. So keep an eye for such signs, and attend to such issues as soon as possible as it can cause expensive damage to your roof.

YOUR PAINT IS CRACKING AND FLAKING

The curb appeal is taken note of while selling or buying a house, but it is not just that. There is more to the picture than just looking pretty, if you see that there is some sort of flaking or cracked paint in your soffits and fascia, then you should be sure about the fact that it is time for a replacement. Make sure to attend to these issues, as this problem, along with bubbles in the paint can cause water to leak into your house premises, which further develops mold.

VENTILATION

Soffits are that part of the attic which helps to provide proper ventilation. They not only provide ventilation but also limits heat and moisture to enter as well as prevents the build-up of condensation. Hence, it saves your wooden items from rotting and maintains the efficiency of air conditioners. However, if there is a problem in the soffit, then there is a big question mark on your ventilation. Questionable ventilation means that your soffit needs a repair. It is sensible to look for a professional roofing company that will help you to repair your blocked or damages soffit and fascia.

LEAKY AND WOBBLY GUTTERS

The gutter helps to channel water outside the house, this further saves water from entering the foundation of your home. However, if you have leaky gutters, then it is time to invest in new soffits and fascia as they are the support system of your gutters and any damage in fascia or soffits will make your gutters of no use.

CHANCE OF ASBESTOS

Last but not least, asbestos is a very harmful and dangerous material; if you suspect the presence of this material, then call for professional help as soon as possible and get your fascia and soffits replaced. Experts will be able to examine your home and tell if it was used in your soffits and fascia. If confirmed, they will work with you for a safe removal plan.

By blogger Eavestrough & Downpipes 0 Comments

Commercial Gutters and Downpipe Installation: Know How

 

The gutter is of prime importance. It is the main artery of the house and should be handled with proper planning and care. They help to direct toxic material and water away from the home to avoid flooding the basement or rotting soffits. In today’s time, there are different types of the gutter to choose from. There is a gutter for every kind of people. Those who want to replace gutter themselves opt for the Vinyl gutter while those who wish to hire a professional, they often tend to opt for aluminum or copper gutter. No matter which gutter you choose, you must understand the process of gutter installation as it helps you to make the best decisions for your home. The steps to install gutter are as follows:

Look Around And Measure Your House

Even before the installation starts, you must look around your house. Not every section of your house needs a gutter.

Further, you should only consider those section that is directed towards your yard or slopes that are away from your home. Water is carried to downspouts with the help of gutter, directing it outward will save your basement from flooding. Also, all the corners that are inside or on the outside must be marked carefully which will help you to buy materials that you need and will give you an idea on the gutter length.

Cutting And Joining The Gutter

If you assemble the gutter’s section on the ground, it will be easier to assemble than to collect it on the top of the ladder. Don’t butt up part together with a seam instead overlap the seams and then seal them with the help of screws and connectors. Make sure to cut the extra length of the gutter with the help of a hack saw. Further, attach the corner pieces at appropriate points to move it quickly around the house.

Adding Downspouts And Outlets

Measure the corner of the house to the center of the chosen downspout. Now with the help of a hammer and a hole saw, or chisel carves a round hole in the gutter for a downspout outlet. Once done apply gutter sealant to the flange of the downspout outlet. Then screw the outlet to the hole in the gutter.

Install Trim Or Fascia Board

Many houses are already equipped with a trim or a fascia board under the roof tiles. So check it beforehand and replace if necessary. In case it is absent make sure to buy one and attach it. Also, color and prime the board before you hang the gutter. Temporarily screw the gutter with the fascia board and install hanging brackets onto the gutter. Later, raise the gutter, tighten the brackets by screwing through the fascia and into the rafter tail.

Finish By Hanging Gutter Sections

Finish the gutter job by hanging the downspouts. Attach the downspouts to the wall. If you can’t find U-shaped brackets, make them from sections of the downspout. Always remember to make it sloping this helps eliminate standing water that can cause corrosion and leak through the seams.

When you install gutter, always be careful as slightest of mistake could lead to a lot of damage during heavy-rainstorm. The wind could make it lose and that can lead to creating puddles. When you do not have an idea on gutter installation, you should always seek the help of a professional gutter installer as when a gutter is installed well, it protects your house from water damage for years to come. Also, for a long-lasting gutter, make sure to clean it often. There are a lot of companies that specialize in gutter-cleaning, they can be hired to avoid clogged gutters and plugged downspouts.

 

By blogger Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

What is Downspout Disconnection and Why Do It?

Areas of Canada like Toronto and Mississauga have serious flooding issues. Hence, to mitigate the flood damage, the local government has taken various measures, one of which is the downspout disconnection from sewers and storm drains. Even though the benefits of such disconnection is unclear but yet it is wise to do so. In this article you will understand what precisely is a downspout disconnection and why should you do it?

WHAT IS DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION?

You install gutters in your home to manage the flow of water down your roof. Your eavestroughs of the house are connected to downspouts, and this downspout channels the water off your roof. There are downspouts in some homes that release the water into the ground while there are some downspouts that discharge water to local storm drains or sewers.

The process where you disconnect downspout from a municipal wastewater drainage systems is known as downspout disconnection. This process is nothing but disconnecting the downspout from the pipe that runs into the ground.

WHY IS DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION NECESSARY?

Firstly, like already discussed that it is necessary as it is a program that has been run by the government and anyone who doesn’t follow will be subjected to a fine. So All the houses need to comply with this program, exceptions are always there.

IMPORTANCE OF DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION

The process of downspout disconnection has been identified as one of the most essential measures to prevent flood damage. It saves the local drainage system, if you allow it to drain into the local waterways, then it can expose your house as well as neighborhood to basement flooding. Further contaminating the local streams, river, and lakes.

The local sewer and drains can handle only a certain amount of water. Times when you encounter heavy rain and snow melting, the local sewer and drainage get overwhelmed with a lot of water. This overflow can drain people’s homes and mix contaminated water with domestic water.

Hence the connection of downspouts leads to such problems. But if you disconnect the downspout, then you will be able to take some stress off the drainage system and direct the water towards the ground where it is absorbed by the local water table.

THE ACTUAL PLACE TO RELEASE WATER

Once the downspout disconnection takes place, you have to direct the water away from your house to protect it from water damage. So with utmost care attach an elbow as well as an extension that steers the water away from your home. The length of the extension is about six feet. However, in all this do notice that the water is not emptying into your neighbor’s property. If it does then, it may cause havoc in the entire neighborhood.

Downspout disconnection is not a very costly affair, but it depends on the work needed. Some may need less work while some needs more work. In case you are hiring a professional, make sure that they are licensed one and abide by the professional standard of work.