4 Tips For Checking out That “Roofer” That Showed Up at Your Door After a Storm

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4 Tips For Checking out That “Roofer” That Showed Up at Your Door After a Storm

A severe storm can wreak havoc on your roof and, along with it, your budget. When someone comes knocking at your door offering an amazing deal for a free consultation, or even a free roof, you may feel relieved. But wait! You could be encountering a “storm-chaser.”

Before you sign up with that guy that showed up at your door, you’ll want to do some research.

What Is A “Storm-Chaser”?

A storm-chaser is a roofer who pays attention to where large storms have hit, and travels there to take advantage of vulnerable homeowners. They will often show up unannounced, passing out flyers or knocking on doors, offering a deal that seems too good to be true. In reality, they take the payout from your insurance company and do the bare minimum, pocketing the difference. A few years later, you need to replace your roof again because of their shoddy work. Protect yourself from these scams by taking these steps:

Take Your Time

When dealing with something as important as your roof, you may feel a sense of urgency. These scammers are counting on it. A rash decision could end up costing you more in the long run.

It’s important to take the time to make sure you are dealing with a legitimate company. Don’t sign anything or pay up front until you have thoroughly checked them out. Many of these scammers actually do more damage to your roof during a “free inspection” to ensure that the insurance company will pay.

Ask To See Proof of Legitimacy

It’s not uncommon for a client to ask their contractor for information about their license or insurance. If the contractor hesitates, you should as well. Check the status of their license in your state. If they are from out of state, make sure they are allowed to practice in your state. Ask for proof of liability insurance and make sure they have workman’s compensation included.

Visit The Office

A legitimate contracting business should have a physical address. If you are given information with only a P.O. Box address, that is a red flag. Make sure that there is an office in your area that you can visit should a problem arise in the future.

Ask For References

Testimonials are a great way to make sure that you are dealing with a contractor who will do quality work. Ask for a list of previous job sites and visit them to make sure they exist. Look the company up on the Better Business Bureau to see read reviews, including any complaints.

Reliable Roof Replacement in Central Maryland

Select Home Exteriors has over 20 years experience providing home services in Frederick County and the surrounding areas. We are BBB accredited, and our customers will tell you that you are working with the best. Contact us to schedule a consultation! Our experienced roofers answer any questions and help you make the best decisions that fit well within your budget. Call today for a consultation!

Choosing New Windows: A Guide to 5 Popular Styles

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Choosing New Windows: A Guide to 5 Popular Styles

Looking for new or replacement windows for your home isn’t as simple as you may think. There are many factors that go into the decision-making process, some of which you may never have considered before. Here are a few of the most popular window types for you to consider, along with what makes each of them unique.

Single- & Double-Hung Windows

These two similar styles of windows are the most popular and common styles in the US, and it’s easy to see why. They’re made up of two separate sashes which open and close the window by sliding up or down (to be specific, single-hung windows can only open from the bottom by sliding up, while double-hung windows can open from either end). This style of window is timeless and simple, and is one of the better options for any style of modern home.

Slider Windows

Another popular style of window, these consist of two panes that can be opened by sliding over or under one another. Since these are installed horizontally, they tend to be much wider than the single- or double-hung windows, allowing for more coverage. Due to the fact that only one window can be open at a time, however, this style provides less ventilation. These are very popular in kitchens, living rooms, and other areas of the house that benefit from more exposure.

Casement Windows

For a more modern and contemporary look, casement windows are ideal. Unlike the sliding mechanics of the hung windows or the slider windows, casement-style windows pivot on hinges, opening like doors. They’re taller than they are wide and because they swing open, they consistently provide a great deal of ventilation. Due to the nature of their mechanics, however, these windows work best in warmer and more mild climates.

Awning Windows

As their name suggests, these windows are hinged at the top and open out from the bottom, creating the appearance that an awning is being opened. While they can be popular on their own in more coastal areas, they’re most popular when installed below larger windows.

Bay Windows

Made of three or four large vertical panes, bay windows make a bold statement by helping make a room appear larger. Due to their large size and impact, they’re perfect for adding a great deal of natural light into smaller areas like bedrooms and breakfast nooks.

Experienced Window Contractor in Central Maryland

New windows can give your home a light, airy facelift as well as greatly improving the energy efficiency of your house. For more than 20 years, the team at Select Home Exteriors has installed high-quality windows of all sizes, shapes, and styles in homes throughout central Maryland. Are your windows sapping the heat from your home? Call today for a free window replacement estimate!

4 Exterior Home Renovation Projects That Pay Off When You Sell

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4 Exterior Home Renovation Projects That Pay Off When You Sell

When deciding to renovate your home, thinking about what the project will do for your experience living there is likely foremost in your mind. As you decide which projects to tackle, you may wonder which are the most likely to be most profitable if you eventually decide to sell your home. Although you may not be thinking about selling now, it’s wise to consider the most impactful projects for your budget, especially if you’re limited on what you can spend.

Here are 4 exterior home renovation projects that are likely to net you the most profit when selling your home:

Adding a Deck

A well-constructed deck adds extra entertaining and living space, as well as curb appeal, to any home. Prospective buyers will be able to imagine having backyard barbecues, relaxing with a cup of coffee, or watching their children play when they see a deck in your backyard.

Opt for pressure-treated wood or hardwood whenever possible, as these materials add an extra air of sophistication to your deck that other materials don’t. Small or large doesn’t really matter much, but if you’ve got a smaller yard be sure not to create a deck that’s too oversized for the space.

Landscaping

There’s no better way to boost your home’s curb appeal than by making the yard as inviting as possible. Although landscaping can be done yourself, if you’re seriously thinking of selling or your yard is in rough shape, it may be worth the money to hire a professional team.

Making sure all your trees and shrubs are trimmed up, walkways are clear and in good condition, and that there’s aesthetically pleasing color surrounding your house can go a long way toward getting people to take a second lap around the block when you put up that For Sale sign.

Replace Siding

This is especially true if your siding is old, in poor repair, or a difficult-to-care-for material such as wood. New siding gives the entire exterior of your home a facelift, and potential buyers love seeing notes that the siding recently was replaced on your disclosure sheets or listings.

Be sure to choose a siding type and color that fits in with the rest of your neighbors, as the home on the block that doesn’t look similar enough can be a drawback for some buyers.

New Windows

This project will reap benefits for your family as well as any future selling opportunities. When you replace old windows that aren’t in the best shape, your energy bills decrease, saving you money. They add to your home’s curb appeal and are another project that potential buyers will be happy to see listed as a “recent update” on your listing.

Experienced Exterior Home Contractors in Central Maryland

At Select Home Exteriors, we know you want to get the most for your money when you decide to do a home renovation project. Our team works with you every step of the way, making sure each choice falls in line with your budget, your style, and your needs for your home. Schedule a consultation today!

5 Common Causes of Roof Leaks

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5 Common Causes of Roof Leaks

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as a leaky roof. It not only signals an external problem, but can also cause a lot of internal damage, as well. Fortunately, the most effective ways of preventing a roof leak is simply checking your roof for damage every now and again. Here are 5 common causes of roof leaks to look out for:

Poor Shingles

This is the easiest problem to spot. Shingles act as a sort of armor for your roof, and it only takes one small gap in that armor to cause problems for everything underneath. You may notice that some of your shingles are crumbling or falling apart, which allows for condensation to slip through. You may even notice some shingles are missing from your roof entirely! Either way, it’s crucial to fix that broken or missing patch to prevent any further damage.

Cracked Flashing

Shingles aren’t the only things working hard to keep your roof waterproof. Underneath your shingles are thin pieces of metal specifically designed to prevent water erosion and to help run it off into your gutters. Unfortunately, even the best of flashing corrodes over time; ice, hail, and heavy rain can cause your flashing to crack. Some houses have exterior flashing, which can be blown away entirely by high winds. Securing blown off flashing with nails and tar is a good fix, but rusted or cracked flashing must be replaced altogether.

Clogged Gutter

This is probably the most familiar reason for a leaky roof. It’s a very typical problem around the autumn and winter seasons when dead leaves accumulate inside. Because your gutters are meant to help water travel away from the roof, a gutter stuffed with wet leaves doesn’t do you or your house much good. Brave the mess and clean them out before the excess rainwater or melted snow with nowhere else to go starts dripping into your house!

Weak Mortar around Chimney

Chimneys are a handsome addition to any house. Due to how sturdy they’re built, it’s easy to assume they’re practically indestructible. Unfortunately, chimneys do have one weak spot: mortar. Mortar is the glue that holds the chimney together; it’s also essentially a simple combination of water, sand, and cement. Harsh elements like rain, snow, ice, and even extreme winds can wear it down over time. Cracks, holes, and other deterioration can easily cause roof leaks.

Age

Unfortunately, one of the most common and frustrating causes of leaky roofing is time itself. As your house ages, it’s expected that certain parts will need updating and replacing. Your roof is no different, so it’s important to give it a quick look-over whenever you have the chance. Make sure that there is no damage from any recent storms. Double-check the shingles, the flashing, and the mortar. Look over any skylights you may have and make sure they’re securely shut. It’s a lot easier to look everything over as opposed to fixing an entire section of your ceiling.

Free Roofing Estimates in Central Maryland

At Select Home Exteriors, we take pride in making our clients’ homes as beautiful from the outside as possible. We offer a wide variety of roofing shingles to match your home’s style, and we know what types of shingles perform best in Maryland’s weather. Contact our experienced contractors today for a free consultation!