tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61115068089408939222024-03-12T20:01:45.026-07:00Maryland Windows Doors RoofsSjaunnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09677740711090971933noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111506808940893922.post-44584332870604973692013-08-25T08:30:00.001-07:002014-05-18T11:22:37.788-07:00Fall is almost here!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The kids are back in school, the weather has turned really nice at least here in the Northeast and fall is around the corner.<br />
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We know we have to feed the lawn, start putting summer clothes away, pull out some sweaters for the cool nights....BUT what do we do for our house for fall?<br />
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Well now is a good time to get your HVAC cleaned and serviced. You know your heating system only fails when it is freezing cold same way as your AC only fails when it is 95 degrees out.<br />
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Check the caulking around all windows and doors and repair or replace with a good quality sealant. Quad and Dap are 2 good ones.<br />
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Stick your head in the attic and check for wet spots or a smell of dampness. If moisture is detected or suspected, get a Roofing Specialist to check out your attic and roof. Sometimes it is a simple thing like the collars around the vent pipes. They degrade over time and that is when they leak. If you are brave, go up on your roof and check for loose or lifted shingles. Or try looking out of your neighbors 2nd story at your roof with binoculars. Look at the very peak of your roof. If you have a ridge vent, does it look secure or is some of it lifted?<br />
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The simplest of repairs can prevent thousands of dollars of damage. Most of us don't check out our roof until we notice water coming in through the ceiling. We tend to take our roof for granted until it fails. A yearly inspection, by you if you know what you are doing, or a professional can save you a lot of grief later on. Don't count on the local handyman for this, use a recommended professional roofer.<br />
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Check out the tracks on your sliding glass door. If the track has dirt or debris in it, this will prevent the sliding glass door from closing and sealing properly when the weather turns cold, rainy or snowy.<br />
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Here in the Northeast we get some pretty good rain in the fall and snow in the winter. Are your gutters working properly? Are they clogged with leaves and debris? Are your gutters and downspouts moving the rain water away from the house. A lot of times water in your basement can be fixed by keeping the water coming off your roof far away from your foundation. Prevention is always better than an expensive cure. If rainwater is coming over your gutters and causing a little trench around the house, this will lead to water in the basement. Better to fill it in now and slope the ground away from the foundation.<br />
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Check also that your gutters are firmly affixed to the fascia. That is the board they are attached to. In a big snowstorm, gutters that are not firmly attached can come crashing down and causing a lot of damage.<br />
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Okay, so you have checked that everything is in good working order. Mother Nature can knock herself out. Time to kick back, break out the pumpkin spice candles, put the football game on, invite friends over and put out the munchies.<br />
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You are as snug as a bug in a rug!<br />
<br />
Sjaunna<br />
Director of Operations<br />
Maryland Complete Home Improvements<br />
For more info check out www.MarylandWDR.com<br />
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<br /></div>
Sjaunnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09677740711090971933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111506808940893922.post-30830015390190666702013-08-03T15:02:00.000-07:002014-05-18T11:19:53.633-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I need a new
roof………I buy shingles and get some guy to put them on right? Wrong?</span><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Uh, well sorta of…actually NO!</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your roof is
your first protection against the elements. Protecting you and what you hold dear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Not all roofs
are created equal and the quality of the shingle and the quality of the
installation make all the difference in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Very
important here.. the quality and experience of the roofer can greatly impact
your warranties.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let’s start
at the beginning…….the process. The
right way is to tear off everything on your roof; all shingles and underlayment
and get down to the decking. Once the decking is cleaned off it should be
thoroughly inspected for rotted wood, unevenness or any soft spots. These
issues should be corrected before anything else. If it is necessary to remove
and replace some of the decking ¾’ CDX
is what you want. CDX is not pressed wood but 3 layers of veneer glued together.
Each layer is glued opposite to the grain of the layer below it. This is what will hold the nails used to
install your shingles. A soft decking will result in nail pops and loss of
shingles and can be a source of future leaks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once the
decking is sound, drip edge should be installed around the entire perimeter of
the roof. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The next is ice and water shield. These 2 items are code in much of
the country. The ice and water shield especially where the winters produce snow
and ice. This product prevents ice damming under your shingle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Next is the
underlayment. 15 or 30 lb felt. My thoughts are the heavier the shingle, the
heavier the underlayment. Not everyone agrees with this thought. If you are using a 3 tab shingle 15 lb felt
is fine and it can be fine for most architectural shingles as well. If you are
going to a faux slate or faux shake, I would recommend a heavier underlayment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once you
have selected the shingles and the underlayment the next thing is to think
about how your roof will breathe. Yes, breathe… otherwise heat builds up in
your attic and shortens the life of your roof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There needs
to be an intake in the form of vented soffits gable vents or attic vent fans.
Attic vent fans can come solar powered or hard wired. They can also come with a
thermostat and humidistat. If the upstairs of your home is hot in the summer,
this is a good option<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Vented
soffits and ridge vents (a protected vent along the ridge of the roof) allow
for air in and hot air rises up and out through the ridge vent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So now we
have selected materials, know how the roof will breathe so what about
installation?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The best
manufacturers of roofing systems (all the components) are CertainTeed, Owens
Corning and GAF. Tamko come in a distant 3<sup>rd</sup>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These manufacturers
offer better warranties through more experienced installers. For instance
CertainTeed Architectural shingle can come with a regular warranty, but with a
4 Star Certified Installer the warranty is much better for the same materials.
Owens Corning does the same through its preferred contractors. They can offer a
lifetime warranty with the first 50 years NON-Prorated.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Why is
NON-Prorated important. With a regular warranty if your shingles or a portion
thereof goes bad, the manufacturers will drop off the new shingles at the end
of your driveway and it is up to you to remove the bad shingles, dispose of
them and correctly install the new shingles on your roof.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Shingles
generally come in strips 36’ wide by 12 ‘ high. On this strip is an area where
the nails should go. Not above…not below, but directly on the nailing strip and
there should be 4 nails into each strip of shingle. Any less than that can void
the warranty and some installers will skimp on this to save time. If that is
the case, <b><i>I suggest you write your name on the back of each strip before it is
installed so when the shingle blows off your neighbor will know where to return
it.</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Can I put
new shingles over the old? Sure, but you will pay for it later. My personal
opinion is that you would be crazy to do it. Now the roofing nails have to go
through the new shingle, the old shingle, the underlayment and then into the
decking. If you live in an area that can experience high winds (don’t we all)
you have a greater chance of your roof coming off. The new roof will have a
much shorter life span with 2 layers. As a contractor, I personally won’t
install new over old. I cannot give a proper warranty with this installation.
Let’s also mention here that if your roof fails and you have to re-roof, more
than likely you will have to re-deck the whole roof. With that many nails in
the decking it will look like a sieve. Now we have to find good wood to put the
new nails into.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So check it
all out. The right materials, the right
roofers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Done right a
new roof will last a lifetime. Not only will it look good, it will do good!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sjaunna<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Director of Operations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">www.MarylandWDR.com<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Sjaunnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09677740711090971933noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6111506808940893922.post-20617736584733190782013-07-30T09:56:00.000-07:002014-05-18T11:21:44.418-07:00Capping windows..is it necessary?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here at Maryland Complete Home Improvements when we install a window we cap the wood trim around the outside of the window. This is referred to as brick mold for those into "window speak".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Wood is one of the most common exterior door and window trim options, especially for homes that have wood, stone, brick or stucco as their
primary siding materials. Many people feel that wood moldings are
"second-to-none" when it comes to ornamental value. The grain and texture of wood molding contribute to a natural style. However,
painted wood molding can also blend well with more contemporary exteriors. The
main disadvantage of wood door and window molding are their poor resistance.
Wood is susceptible to moisture-induced swelling, shrinking, cracking and
rotting and can also be the target of</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">insects.</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Maintaining the
molding requires regular sealing and painting.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span>We </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">typically use an exterior aluminum that is fused with PVC vinyl as a
capping or wrap that fits around the outside of existing wood molding. It comes in a roll and we use a tool referred to as a brake to form the product tightly to the trim. As a
nonporous, waterproof material, this is not susceptible to the same moisture-related
problems as wood, nor is it susceptible to insects. In addition, aluminum
moldings are fire-resistant and the vinyl outer </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">strata</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> provides an appearance of painted wood.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 7.5pt 0in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> As an alternative you can use a G8 product that is smooth and suitable for a more contemporary look. This product is also more scratch resistant.</span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 7.5pt 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Aluminum exterior
molding is also low maintenance. It does not require paint and you
can order them with colored finishes, which manufacturers bake on. The main
disadvantage of aluminum is that it is soft and thin, which makes it highly
susceptible to scratches and dents.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 7.5pt 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another product we use especially if we are replacing a lot of rotted wood trim is PVC board.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><a href="file:///C:/Users/sjaunna/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img alt="http://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/icon1.png" border="0" height="10" src="file:///C:/Users/sjaunna/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.gif" v:shapes="itxthook2icon" width="10" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">PVC exterior moldings consist of polyvinyl chloride, which is an
extremely durable</span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">synthetic resin. Like aluminum, the material is low maintenance
and is more resistant than wood when it comes to water, fire and invading
organisms. In addition, you never have to worry about painting PVC molding as
manufacturers mix pigments into the material during processing. In comparison
to aluminum molding, PVC molding is stronger and will not as readily succumb to
scratching and denting.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> For window sills and other structural areas we use Azak. This is a wood replacement product and is made from cellular pvc<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> with sustainable advantages related to life cycle and long-term sustainability. By using AZEK products, fewer trees are harvested and the lasting durability of its trim products makes the need for replacement far less frequent. And, because the products do not require staining or painting for protection or performance, the release of VOCs into the environment is greatly reduced</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">. . This trim can be painted and the paint lasts considerably longer than paint on wood.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">So unless you have HOA or historical requirements that prohibit capping or you are madly in love with climbing ladders to paint and seal, capping, in our opinion,is the way to go.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Sjaunna</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Director of Operations</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">Maryland Complete Home Improvements</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">www.MarylandWDR.com</span></span></div>
Sjaunnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09677740711090971933noreply@blogger.com0