Home Exterior Projects for This Spring

As the snow melts and the brown foliage emerges, you can start to see your home’s exterior again. This means it is time for exterior maintenance! Spring brings a variety of outdoor projects that can reveal some problems with your exterior and/or yard. To help, we created a list of what you should do and the problems you might encounter when doing so.

Front Door

Project: Inspect your doorway and wipe it down.

Problem: If there is any squeaking or rattling, your door could be misaligned. Your door might not be properly insulating your home. If you have a squeaky and dented door, you may want to replace it. Front entry doors have a fabulous return on investment.

Walkways

Project: Look over your walkway and driveway.

Problem: If you have uneven or cracked pavement, seal any cracks and replace parts that are unrepairable.

Lights

Project: Check your outdoor light bulbs.

Problem: Are they old or broken? Replace the bulbs with LED energy efficient bulbs.

Siding

Project: Walk around and inspect your siding.

Problem: If your siding rattles, appears melted, is missing parts, or has dents, you should replace that section as soon as possible. If your wood siding gives and seems mushy, you will want to replace that right away, too. If you see a lot of these siding issues, consider replacing your home’s siding.

 Windows

Project: Clean the outside of your windows.

Problem: Moisture, warping, rattling, and drafty windows should be replaced this spring. You can find very cost effective windows that are energy efficient. Here are 4 signs you need to replace your windows.

Roof

Project: Inspect your roof from the ground.

Problem: Damaged or missing shingles need to be replaced. Here are some Common Signs of a Bad Roof.

Chimney

Project: If you have a chimney, see how the exterior of it looks.

Problem: Blockages, creosote build up, and cracks in the flue pose a threat to your home. Have your chimney cleaned out by a professional, don’t let it sit dirty until fall.
 

Appliances

Project: Clean your air conditioner.

Problem: Refrigerant leaks, corrosion, and electrical issues are a few problems you may face if you don’t properly maintain your air conditioner.

Faucets

Project: Check your outdoor faucets for any visible damage.

Problem: If you turn on the outdoor faucet and no water comes out, call a plumber right away.

Gutters

Project: Clean out your gutters.

Problem: Your gutters may be loose, rusty, or have holes in them. If there are too many issues with your gutters it may be best to replace them. They are important for keeping water away from your home’s foundation.

Yard

Project: Walk around your yard and look for problems.

Problem: If areas of your yard have some flooding or lack of grass, you may need to install a drainage system or reseed these areas.

 Mulch

Project: Add some new mulch around your trees, shrubs, and plants. Don’t add mulch until the ground thaws.

Problem: Using too much mulch can cause root decay, attract rodents, and fungi. This can harm the plants you are trying to protect.

Tools

Project: Clean and take inventory of your yard tools.

Problem: Broken, old, or dirty yard tools may not work properly and may harm you.

Trees

Project: Take a look at your trees. Any sick or broken branches should be pruned right away. Wait to prune the rest of your branches until early spring to stimulate growth.

Problem: Pruning the wrong way can harm your tree. Prune the proper way at the right time.

Plan

Project: Create a budget for any repairs or improvements you want to make to your home's exterior.

Problem: Without a plan, you may not have enough money saved up to complete your project.

Need to replace your gutters, siding, roof, or windows? Greenawalt Roofing Company has you covered. We offer a variety of roofing, siding, and windows to fit your home’s style and needs. Contact us today for your FREE estimate at 717-898-6000.

Upgrades for a More Energy-Efficient Home

You may be dealing with higher utility bills over the next few months—an indication that your home isn’t as energy-efficient as it can be. Now might be the time to beautify your home, though it’s also good to plan your next home upgrade that will reduce your energy consumption and subsequent costs.

From planning to installation, we’ll work with you to achieve the results you want. Learn which home upgrades you can pursue to reach higher levels of comfort and energy efficiency today.

Windows

In addition to compromising your protection, old and drafty windows can also add burden to your heating and cooling system. Windows that don’t perform as intended due to age and damage cause your utility costs to increase. As one of the best local window replacement companies, we recommend replacing old windows as soon as possible.

Many of today’s windows have features that help contribute to better indoor comfort and efficiency. For example, low-emissivity glass allows natural light to pass through while blocking the sun’s ultraviolet and infrared rays. Together with the right frame material and components, you won’t have to rely on your HVAC system too much.

Siding

Your siding isn’t just installed for aesthetic purposes. It also contributes to the home’s insulation, creating a barrier to minimize thermal energy loss. Choose a material that can provide protection from the elements and offer minimal upkeep. When looking for siding replacement companies in your area, look no further than Greenawalt Roofing Company.

Gutters

Gutters don’t add to your living space’s comfort, but they are worth keeping in top shape nonetheless. Superficial damage to the system may clog them, and once that happens, it affects your roof, siding, foundation and other parts of your exterior. Look out for cracks, rust and other forms of damage; they might mean a new gutter installation is in order.

Greenawalt Roofing Company is the top roofing and home exterior to turn to for your home improvement needs.

Contact us today for your FREE estimate, 717-898-6000 or 610-779-3111.

Tips for Preventing Roof Leaks

A leaky roof can be a costly problem. In addition to the expensive roof repairs needed, mold and mildew that thrive in moist environments can lead to serious health issues for you and your family. The best way to avoid these costs is to take a few simple steps to prevent leaks from occurring in the first place.

5 Ways to Avoid a Leaky Roof

1. Replace Missing & Damaged Shingles

A few missing or damaged roof shingles may not seem significant, but water needs only a single opening to cause lasting damage to your home. When you notice an issue with your shingles, replace them immediately. As a simple and inexpensive roof repair, it will save you money and headaches in the long term.

2. Regularly Inspect Around Chimneys, Vents, & Skylights

It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint the source of a leak, but the most likely areas are openings created around chimneys, vents, and skylights. Make sure the flashing and any caulking around the openings are in good shape. For plumbing vents, inspect the condition of the pipe and replace it if it’s worn.

3. Install Proper Insulation & Ventilation in Your Attic

Leaks don’t always come from the roof; plumbing, condensation, and ventilation problems in your attic can also cause water issues. Check that your attic is properly insulated and that ventilation is adequate to keep the air moving. Without proper ventilation, moisture can build up, resulting in leaks and mold.

4. Ensure Gutters Slope Properly 

Gutters should be cleared regularly to prevent the accumulation of leaves, branches, and other debris that can cause water to pool up. Gutters must also be installed at the correct slope so that they drain away from your home’s walls and foundation.

5. Trim Tree Limbs & Branches

If tree limbs are allowed to grow too close to your roof, you risk damage when the next big storm or heavy winds come through. You can avoid leaks and the need for roof repairs by having your trees trimmed every year or removing trees that are too close to your home.

At Greenawalt Roofing, we’ll provide a free assessment and give you an honest feedback on your roof’s condition. We’ll even tell you if your roof is still able to provide adequate protection for a few more years. We can help you make an informed decision.

New Year’s Roof Resolutions

2019 is a wrap. 2020 is an excellent time to look past the holidays and focus in on the health of your roof this year. A lot of us like to create lists containing our New Year’s Resolutions to achieve on a personal level. Some of the most common resolutions include losing weight, giving up smoking, saving money and vacationing more. But have you considered focusing your resolution efforts on your home or business and making some money-saving roof resolutions?

SCHEDULE A PROFESSIONAL INSPECTION

The truth of the matter is that most home and business owners are unable to spot faults on their own in a roofing system until it’s too late — or until water has penetrated the surface. By scheduling an inspection with one of our roofing experts, we can help to pinpoint potential problem areas before it’s too late. Preventative action always pays off.

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR GUTTERS

It’s critical to keep your gutters in working order to allow water overflow to drain from your roofing system. You want to ensure that water flows away from your roof without pooling in corners. You can also check your gutters to find out if you have significant and threatening shingle or tile breakage as well.

REPLACE BROKEN SHINGLES OR TILES

If your home or business has loose or missing shingles or tiles, you may wind up facing much more than an aesthetic problem. With missing or damaged shingles or tiles, your roof is much less likely to remain weatherproof.

CONSIDER ROOF CLEANING

Cleaning your roof not only helps to please the eye, but it also helps in keeping it in efficient working order. Eliminating leaf and debris buildup can reduce the risk of mold and mildew that can seriously threaten the functionality of your roofing system.

CONSIDER A ROOF REPLACEMENT

Do you know the age of your roof or what it's expected lifespan is? You never want to wait too long to replace the roof. Catching problems before they occur can help to preserve the interior of your home as well as your belongings and can wind up saving you a lot of money.

CONTACT US NOW

If you don’t know where to start with your roofing resolutions, allow the roofing specialists at Greenawalt Roofing Company to help you with all of your roofing concerns and needs. We will help you reach your roofing resolutions.

Greenawalt Roofing Company recommends that you add your roof to this year’s important list of New Year’s Resolutions. Contact us today for your FREE estimate at 717-898-6000 or 610-779-3111.