Siding Contractor Michigan – Gutters Michigan

A.W. Ross is the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a business that has been serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area since 1979. Here, he shares his opinion on exterior improvements from roofing upgrades to window and siding options.

A basic roofing system: Homeowners ought to be aware of the basic components of a standard roofing system.

How to prevent a leaky roof: A strong and solid roof is sure to keep you warm and dry inside, but a leaky roof can cause problems.

A flat membrane roof: There are lots of good reasons to incorporate membrane roofing into a house or related structure.

Difference between asphalt and metal roofing: There are advantages and drawbacks to both asphalt and metal roofing.

Why to get gutter protectors: Gutter protectors are screen-like devices that sit on top of the gutters to protect them from accumulation of dirt and debris.

Exterior improvements: The right exterior improvements can help you sell your home.

A vinyl soffit: A vinyl soffit is a useful addition to most roofing systems.

What dentil molding is: Dentil molding can add style and class to your home’s exterior.

Benefits of vinyl windows: Anyone looking to replace his current set of windows should highly consider going vinyl.

Why to get wood windows: There are both benefits and disadvantages in choosing wood windows.

Using energy efficient doors: Energy-efficient doors seem to be getting trendier by the day.

Why to get professional door installation: There are several good reasons to consider hiring professionals for door installation.

What HardiPlank is: HardiPlank is a great choice for homeowners looking to invest in solid household siding.

Sun exposure damaging your siding: Sun exposure can definitely end up damaging certain types of siding in the long run.

Why to add a sunroom to your home: There are lots of good reasons to add a sunroom to your existing house.

Why to turn a deck into a sunroom: It might make sense to convert your deck to a sunroom.

The best time to build a sunroom: Find out when you ought to get started on your sunroom addition.

The 2009-2010 energy tax credit: The 2009-2010 energy tax credit was put into effect to incentivize homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient.

Why to use the same company for windows, roofing and siding: One of the best reasons is that a full-service business is more likely to be around for the long haul.

Why to hire a GAF Master Elite certified contractor: In order to enforce a higher standard of installation for its top-of-the-line products, GAF implemented a roofer certification program for contractors and companies in the industry.

A.W. Ross is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://local.yodle.com/articles”>roofer</a> or more <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=” http://local.yodle.com/articles/topics/contractors-construction/home-improvement-remodeling-services /”>roofing </a> articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. 　

When most homeowners decide to have new siding installed, they are often unaware that harsh weather can result in damage to siding over time. However, according to A.W. Ross, the controller of Lundberg Roofing, Windows & Siding, a multi-service company that has been serving the Charlotte, North Carolina area since 1979, sun exposure can end up damaging certain types of siding in the long run.

The purpose of siding is to protect the exterior of a house and shield people from the elements of nature. When most people think about the benefits of siding, they tend to focus on the aesthetic appeal. After all, the right type of siding can transform a worn and tattered household exterior into an eye-catching example. The problem, however, is that over time siding can end up falling victim to outdoor conditions such as wind, hail and sun exposure, which often catches homeowners off-guard.

Aluminum Siding

When it comes to siding materials on a whole, perhaps the most sun-friendly option is none other than aluminum. Unlike wood and vinyl, aluminum is able to withstand temperature extremes and won’t easily rot, warp, or fade from extended sunlight exposure. But on the other hand, aluminum is expensive and doesn’t contain insulating properties, which makes it a less common choice among homeowners in general. Additionally, although aluminum is better equipped to handle the sun, it doesn’t mean that it won’t eventually fade, it just might take longer to reach that point than wood or vinyl.

Wood Siding

As a siding material, wood is more expensive than vinyl, but it won’t fare much better when faced with sun exposure. In fact, wood siding requires far more maintenance than vinyl. Although many homeowners happen to prefer the look of wood, its visual appeal is likely to diminish after years of sun exposure. Not only can UV rays cause wood siding to fade, they can also cause the material to expand and contract, putting it at risk for cracks and other structural damage. Even though sealing, staining, and repainting wood siding can all help protect it against sun exposure, homeowners should understand the amount of work involved in proper wood siding maintenance.

Vinyl Siding

Vinyl is becoming one of the most popular materials for household siding because it is attractive and relatively inexpensive to install. Vinyl also has built-in properties that allow it to insulate, thereby saving residents plenty of money on heating and cooling throughout the year. Though vinyl is considered a fairly low-maintenance form of siding, homeowners should be aware that prolonged sun exposure can still cause it to fade over time.

Some manufacturers of vinyl siding have taken steps to protect their products against sun damage, and even offer limited warranties. But, for the most part, the UV rays of the sun can eventually take their toll on vinyl siding also, causing it to become brittle and washed out. Unfortunately, from a maintenance perspective, there is really no way around this issue when it comes to vinyl siding. While some lighter vinyl colors may do a better job of masking the effects of sun damage, many medium and darker colors are doomed to an eventual degree of discoloration. And, since vinyl siding can’t be painted, homeowners should be aware of the potential for sun damage before they decide which type of siding to use.

If you’re in the market for new siding, you should know about the effects that prolonged sun exposure can have on the material. In some cases, you might have to commit to extra maintenance in order to ensure that your siding withstands the test of time. Ross recommends Alcoa Vinyl siding products. All of Lundberg’s siding projects provide the homeowner with a limited lifetime product warranty from the manufacturer, as well as their own five year installation guarantee. Choose your siding materials wisely to ensure that you truly get the best return on this rather significant investment.　

A.W. Ross is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://local.yodle.com/articles”>roofer</a> or more <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=” http://local.yodle.com/articles/topics/contractors-construction/home-improvement-remodeling-services /”>roofing </a> articles at Yodle Consumer Guide.

The US housing market has been a tough place to be over the past few years, something any tradesman will testify to. The recession has led to new building projects being scrapped and current developments being mothballed and put on hold until the future is clearer, and sources of funding are unlocked once again.

Confidence levels are starting to rise again, although it is still proving difficult to obtain credit, despite the billions of dollars that have been pumped into the economy over recent months. However, one theme to come out of the 2010 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas was that ‘green’ building projects will be one source of growth for the industry this year.

There are many benefits to using sustainable building products such as vinyl siding to clad your house in. For starters it smartens up the appearance of a property and will protect the building from the elements. On the environmental side, the process of manufacturing siding is very efficient and results in minimal waste, which in turn means less impact on the planet. Additionally, siding will also help insulate your house and stop heat escaping, which means better energy efficiency and lower heating bills.

The material is also very durable, so you’ll save time and money on maintenance, as siding only requires cleaning from time to time with soap and water. The cost effective nature of green building materials is what will really bring green building projects into the mainstream.

Building consultant Steve Bertasso, who helps builders turn to more environmentally friendly methods of work, said green building has reached a tipping point – moving out of the custom home market and into the realm of high-production homes.

He said: “This year is going to be a big change in the production (building) environment. Consumers are asking questions they didn’t ask two and a half years ago and contractors are making better decisions.”

If using sustainable building materials for home improvement work on your property appeals, then make sure you go online and search for siding quotes and home improvement estimates – this way you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible and the greenest materials at the lowest price.

One of the most popular projects when it comes to achieving a good boost in New York home curb appeal is vinyl siding installation.  But just like in any home improvements, knowing everything there is to know is important to avoid the pitfalls and achieve project success.  This makes it important to know the essentials before tackling the project.  And this serves true whether you are in Long Island, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens or Manhattan.

Why Vinyl?

When it comes to siding materials, vinyl can be said to be relatively new in the industry.  But even so, it is becoming more and more popular to homeowners because of the many benefits that it has to offer including:

1.  Savings

Not only does vinyl siding costs less per square feet but it also saves homeowners from the expense and hassles of exterior repainting every few years.

2.  Maintenance is a Breeze

Compared with its counterparts such as stucco, wood, aluminum, steel and brick; vinyl offers the lowest maintenance needing only a yearly washing to keep fresh its appearance.  The durable plastic that it is made of will not flake, rust, dent, conduct electricity or rot.

3.  Plethora of Choices

Vinyl siding offers the most flexibility when it comes to look and designs.  Products come in a great array of colors, trim options such as shakes and shingles, and can even mimic intricate architectural details.  Technological advancements have made it realistically copy textures of other more expensive choices such as stucco and wood grain.

Choosing Vinyl Siding for Your Home

When shopping for a product to install into your home, quality should always matter.  Vinyl siding products that have passed minimum standards will have designations of ASTM Standard 3679 by the American Society of Testing and Materials on the packaging and fact sheets.   Other things to look for include:

.   Thickness – as thicker is more durable and the extra thickness helps avoid the sagging of panels;

.   Anti-weathering protection – though vinyl siding already has other additives, sunlight can cause fading and weathering to raw vinyl; and

.   Warranty – this gives a good clue on how long the product can last ad how durable it is.  However, be careful as some manufacturers offer prorated warranties.  Make sure to read the fine print.

Vinyl Siding Installation

By almost a hundred percent, arising issues with using vinyl siding can be traced to improper installation.  This makes the quality of project result depend a great deal on the skill, experience and expertise of the installer.

Vinyl siding installation is more than meets the eye.  Though the task may seem relatively easy, it actually is not.  Proper equipment, precise cutting, and a good deal of layout skill are vital in making the vinyl siding efficiently fit around every corner and details of your exterior.  So if you are thinking of going DIY, carefully weigh if the risk that you are putting the project and your home into is worth the dollars you will pinch.  Hiring a qualified contractor is your best bet if you do not have what it takes to make a success out of the vinyl siding installation project.

Of the numerous siding materials available on the market today, vinyl siding is easily one of the most popular choices among homeowners. There are a lot of good reasons to choose vinyl for your home’s exterior. But on the flip side, vinyl also comes with its share of disadvantages. Ruben Jeruco, the owner of Jeruco Exteriors, thinks that by understanding the inherent advantages and drawbacks of vinyl siding, you, the consumer, will be in a better position to determine whether or not vinyl is right for you.

Pros:
Inexpensive: Vinyl is one of the most affordable siding materials available on the market. Since it is easy to install, contractors are often able to offer competitive pricing for projects involving vinyl.
Low maintenance: Unlike other materials such as wood, vinyl siding does not require much maintenance at all. A yearly power washing session is usually enough to remove accumulated dirt and grime from the face of vinyl.
Hassle-free repairs: Vinyl is the easiest type of siding to repair because vinyl panels are made to snap in and out without difficulty. In many cases, homeowners are able to successfully replace chipped or damaged vinyl siding panels without the help of an outside contractor.
Nice finish: Many people like the finish that vinyl has to offer. Vinyl also comes in a variety of hues, so homeowners can get somewhat creative with color. These days, manufacturers are pushing a type of vinyl siding that is made to look more like wood. This gives homeowners the best of two worlds: the classic appearance of wood without the heavy maintenance.
Insulation: Vinyl siding has insulating properties that can help lock warm and cool air into the home. The result is a significant savings in energy bills for the homeowner throughout the years.

Cons

Appearance: When it comes to the physical appearance of vinyl, there are two opposing camps: those who like it, and those who couldn’t disagree more. Many people are of the opinion that vinyl doesn’t look as nice as other siding materials. The biggest gripe among critics is that vinyl doesn’t look natural, and that instead of providing a classy finish to a home’s exterior, it makes it look cheap and plastic-like. Vinyl also almost always has seams, which many feel detracts from the home’s appearance. To combat this issue, a newer type of longer, thicker vinyl siding without seams is now available on the market. However, this option is considerably more expensive than standard vinyl panels. Given the cost involved, it might make sense for a homeowner to upgrade to a more high-end material rather than pay a premium for vinyl.
Not so solid: Vinyl siding can be quite flimsy, especially as compared to other siding materials. Vinyl, even when installed with great care and precision, cannot always stand up to harsh weather and wind. It has been known to blow off, buckle, crack, and even melt. While vinyl siding repairs are relatively simple, homeowners should be aware that they are also fairly common.

The Bottom Line

Vinyl, like many other factors in life, comes with its own specific set of pros and cons. When it comes down to it, you might just want to ask yourself how you feel about vinyl, and take it from there. Some people find that the look of vinyl speaks to them, while others simply just don’t care for it. If you fall into the latter category, then not to worry. With so many siding material choices available, there’s no need to jump on the vinyl bandwagon. Just get yourself a good contractor, and together, you’ll be able to find the siding material that’s suited just for you.

The Boardmate® combines the strength of aluminum with its lightness resulting in a tool that will set its user apart from others. For the professional drywall installer it is an extra hand that will increase productivity and income. For the do it yourself enthusiast it will really allow you to tackle dry wall installation by yourself. It will also find its place in the tool pouch of carpenters installing plywood or siding allowing them to undertake two man jobs without assistance. Visit: www.theboardmate.com

Mounting Bracket for Mointing on vinyl or aluminum siding

Host Robert Thomas demonstrates recommended steps for cleaning house siding with a Karcher gasoline-powered pressure washer

Commercial for Sears Installed Siding. Recorded in 1990.

This is our Siding Gallery from 2009-2010.