Replacing Old Siding

For the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance of a home, it is important to consider both when a home’s x--pictures-booked jobs 2009-santos, westford c ws-before-picture 114siding must be replaced and what material should be used as a replacement.  Not properly replacing old siding may be a costly mistake for a homeowner, requiring extensive repairs and possibly creating health problems that could be avoided with proper care.

One problem that often arises over time with old siding is rot beneath the siding, which may threaten the structural integrity of the house and thus drastically reduce its value.  Rot is common in homes made of wood and vinyl siding which was not installed properly.  Homes with moisture that seeps into the interior of the home may foster the growth of mold or mildew, which can lead to asthma and other respiratory problems for those living inside, especially children.  For this reason it is important to look at factors other than cost when deciding on replacement siding.

There are several main types of siding for houses that come with their own advantages and disadvantages.  Among the sidings are wood siding, metal siding, insulated siding, vinyl siding, masonry siding and composite siding.rot-blogphoto3-resized-600

Generally, wood siding leaves an appearance which many homeowners are willing to pay extra to have, though wood siding may need to be painted every four to five years due to the effects of weather, particularly in areas with extreme weather.  Wood is also susceptible to rot and termites.  Metal siding is durable, though aluminum siding may dent as a result of hailstorms, and steel siding may rust over time.  Insulated siding protects the home from extreme heat and cold, thus providing cost-savings in energy use, and is considered an improvement from traditional vinyl siding.

Vinyl siding is composed mainly of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, and is more affordable than wood siding, but tends to be less attractive due to overlapping seams between panels.  It is also not recyclable.  Masonry siding, made of brick and stone, can be very expensive to install, though it is very durable, requires minimal maintenance, and offers good thermal insulation.  Composite siding, made of various materials which mimic the appearance of other sidings, offers a good combination of the benefits of other sidings, such as affordability, appearance and durability, and requires minimal maintenance.

When replacing old siding it is recommended that professionals do the job to ensure that the siding is installed properly to prevent problems from arising.  The old siding may need to be completely removed in order to be replaced with new siding.  Color and harmony with the rest of the house and neighborhood also must be considered to maximize the value of one’s home and provide the look to complement the replacement siding.

For installing new siding, whichever type one prefers, United Home Experts will meet and exceed expectations and do so at very competitive rates.  United Home Experts also offers a free estimate with scheduling flexibility to ensure convenience.

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Fiber Cement Siding for Your Home

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Concrete siding is a great choice as a replacement for the siding on a home. This product is superior to vinyl and will hold up well in all weather conditions. If new siding is needed for a home, then look for a fiber cement siding installation contractor to complete the work. Contact us today to receive a personal consultation. We will discuss the advantages of fiber cement siding and provide an answer to any of questions about the installation process.

Advantages

Fiber cement siding is made to look like wood without any of the drawbacks. The material is offered in a variety of colors and textures. One advantage of installing fiber cement siding on a home is that it has resistance to fire and salt. The product is also not affected by the cold and does not fade, warp, or buckle.

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A customer has the option to choose a product that has been sealed and primed at the factory. Choosing a product that has not been pre-finished means that it needs to be prepared before it is installed. This is a preferable option if the homeowner desires a special color on their siding. On the other hand, priming and sealing of the product prevents penetration of moisture after installation. In such cases, homeowners are advised to ask about color choices available for the product.

Cost

The cost of fiber cement siding is comparable to vinyl siding and is cheaper than other siding options available for the home. This product is cheaper than natural stone, cedar siding, and other wood siding installed on typical homes. Homeowners can ask experts to compare the cost of fiber cement siding with other siding options to learn about the cost savings involved with this particular type.

Maintenance

Fiber cement siding is easy for homeowners to maintain. Dirt and debris that accumulate over time are easily cleaned with the use of a power washer. Caulking used on joints and around the windows may harden and need to be replaced and, as such, should be inspected each year for any deterioration. Repainting may be necessary within 7 to 15 years of installation.

Installation

Special tools are used for fiber cement siding installation. All cutting is done outdoors away from other people and pets, as this process will create a lot of dust. All workers wear face masks when the product is being cut.

Additional Information

We at United Home Experts have many years of experience installing fiber cement siding in the New England area and are the most experienced. Contact us by phone or through the email form on our website or for more information about our siding services, visit our main siding page!

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Awesome Time Lapse Roofing Video

One of the benefits of installing Everlast Siding is getting to interact with like-minded contractors in other parts of the country. Although we have not had the opportunity to work directly with Kola Exteriors of Charlotte, I’m throughly impressed with their book of projects, sharp website, general depth of experience, and AWESOME time lapse videos. These are a great resource for showing homeowners what it’s like to have their roof replaced.  Here is an example:

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The Durability Of Fiber Cement Vs Everlast Composite Siding

It can be hard for a homeowner to decide which siding material to have installed on their home. There are so FiberCement-BlogPhoto34many exterior siding options available these days. Two popular choices are fiber cement and Everlast’s composite siding. One of the most important things to consider when researching siding options is the durability of materials in various environments.

Some homeowners choose fiber-cement siding for their homes because it has an appearance that imitates wood and it costs much less than the real thing. This type of siding is made of cellulose fibers, sand and cement. The thickness and density of this material can vary. When lower-density products are cut, the edge is rough. Higher-density products have a much cleaner edge. Everlast composite siding is also a blend of materials. It is made up of PVC resins, crushed stone, and polymers. It does not contain any cellulose fibers, unlike fiber cement.

The installation of fiber-cement siding sometimes causes problems with moisture due to the fact that it is made up of wood particles. When used in areas that can receive exposure to moisture, it can peel. This looks very unsightly and most homeowners choose to have affected areas repaired. Since Everlast does not contain cellulose fibers, it does not cause moisture problems.macluresiding

Everlast composite siding is colored through the product. There is never a need for painting the siding since it has a lifetime warranty against fading (see warranty for details and limitations). It can be painted if a homeowner decides they would like to change the siding to a different color in the future. Fiber-cement siding has to be painted every 7 to 15 years on average.

The cost of painting a home can be an added expense that homeowners may not want to incur that often. This expense is something that is not incurred routinely with those who chose the siding produced by Everlast.

There are other differences between fiber cement concrete siding and Everlast siding that homeowners should know about. Everlast siding is not as heavy, so there is less of a chance of chipping during installation. Fiber cement is very heavy and may become scratched or chipped during the installation process. Fiber cement siding needs to be inspected often so that any developing issues can be caught and corrected early. Cracked caulking may need to be replaced to prevent moisture damage. If mildew occurs, the siding may have to be wiped down with a bleach solution. Since the siding manufactured by Everlast does not cause moisture problems, recurrent inspections are not needed.

Fiber cement siding and Everlast composite siding are both popular siding choices. Everlast siding may be best for homeowners who desire siding that is both durable and requires the least amount of maintenance possible. Some people do not mind having to have their homes painted every 7 to 15 years. However, some people do not want to have to go through that experience so often. Homeowners who are not up to routinely inspecting their siding after installation, and do not want to have a professional do so, should consider Everlast siding.

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Algae Stains on Fiber Cement (Concrete) Siding

Though concrete siding is very durable and requires less maintenance than other home siding options, it mayfibercement-blogphoto33-resized-600 grow algae over time, particularly in rainy climates.  Effectively removing algae from concrete siding may require the use of a pressure washer.  United Home Experts has the experience with pressure washing to remove algae from concrete siding to leave one’s home looking renewed.

Algae are self-feeding organisms that use the energy from the sun to fuel their growth, though they tend to thrive in shaded areas.  Algae are very common on homes in the Northeast due to frequent rain. They may leave parts of concrete siding with unattractive green or black splotches.

It is recommended that a homeowner hire professionals to pressure wash a home to avoid damaging it or suffering injuries due to inexperience with the machine.  Because power washers may deliver water at up to 2,000 psi (pounds per square inch), they can cause serious injury, and even death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  In particular, children, who may treat the equipment as a toy, may be harmed if allowed access to it around the home.

Power washers have been known to cause blindness due to the force of the water when aimed toward the eyes, which is why it is recommended to wear protective glasses or goggles when using the machine.  The chemicals used with the pressure washer may also pose a hazard to those not accustomed to using the machine if the chemicals are to reach the eyes or the skin.

Many homeowners accidentally damage their siding by not adjusting the power properly or by using an incorrect angle for spraying.  Such mistakes may also allow the water to reach into the walls, which can damage them and leave them more easily penetrated by rain and moisture, causing rot and mold to develop.  The correct distance from the home when spraying and proper motion are also needed for effective removal of the algae.   FiberCement-BlogPhoto21-resized-600

Removing algae, mold, and other foreign particles from the concrete siding is essential for homeowners who prefer stained concrete siding, which appears more like real wood.  The grains of the siding are more visible when the foreign particles are removed, giving the stained concrete siding a more professional, finished look.

Whether to remove unsightly algae from concrete or other siding, or to stain concrete siding that has just been thoroughly cleaned with a pressure washer, United Home Experts will do the job in a safe, professional, and cost-effective manner.

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Need a Roof Replacement?

Replacing a roof is a major undertaking, but when leaks develop or when a new look is called for, then virtually no improvement to a home beats the long-term value of a roof replacement.  This is especially true here in the northeast, where wind-driven rain and ice dams can cause havoc with even the best roofs.

When it comes to a new roof there are actually two components to consider: the quality of the installers and the quality of the materials being installed.  If possible, demand your roof replacement be done by a quality company that not only offers quality products but insured, licensed and will be there for you after the replacement takes place.

Leak Protection Barrier

All roofs in the northeast are required by law to have a leak protection barrier installed underneath the shingles or other actual roofing material.  Unfortunately, not all leak protection barriers are created equal.  Many inferior brands are sold, and even with the services of the best in town, results can be disastrous due to the inferior leak protection barrier.

Consider quality brands, like Owens Corning, which provide a true protection barrier.

Once the leak protection barrier is laid down by competent roofing specialists, the actual roofing material itself comes next.  Choices include shingles, tile, and shake.

Roof Shingles

In the harsh conditions of the northeast, it is vital to choose the very best roofing protection possible.  Asphalt shingles provide one of the best roofing protection choices in the region for several reasons.  Durability and long-term protection against wind, rain, ice and snow, and the harsh summer sun are the main reasons most homeowners choose shingle roofing.  Shingle roofing also comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns to enhance virtually any home.

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If a home is to be re-roofed with shingles, it is vital that only the best quality shingles be used for quality and durability.  This can be determined by comparing the warranties available from different installers for materials manufactured by a range of companies.  Owens Corning, for example, provides some of the longest warranties on shingles in the industry.

Shingles come in different grades, or thicknesses, to match any budget.  Obviously, the thicker the shingle, the more protection it will offer and the more expensive it will be.  Homeowners are encouraged to choose the highest-grade shingle that their budget will permit.

Qualified Roof Installers

Once the grade, color, and pattern of the shingle has been determined, the next step is choosing the right company to install the new roof.  Several factors should be considered when choosing a company to install a new roof.

While it is certainly advisable to get referrals from neighbors and local businesses, it is important that due diligence be performed on any company before it is hired.  The amount of time that a company has been roofing homes in a given area is an indication of the company’s reliability and service; a company which performs shoddy work or uses substandard materials will not survive long in a competitive environment such as roof replacement.

Check reputable third-party references as well like local Better Business Bureau.  Many fly-by-night roofing companies will come into an area, advertise heavily for a few weeks, pluck as many pigeons as they can, and as the saying goes, “before they disappear into the night, never to be heard from again.” Do not be taken in by such companies.

For total peace of mind, only choose companies with a well-established track record in the northeast.  In business since 1997, United Home Experts brings decades of experience and uses only top quality products with lifetime replacement warranties (that even include the cost of labor!). As you can imagine, a company will not offer a lifetime warranty unless they expect a product to last a lifetime.

Obviously, many factors must be considered when a roof replacement is needed.  Time, care, good quality materials, price and attention to detail are all things that the homeowner must take into account for value received.

 

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New Types of Siding Means Easy Maintenance

Owning a home is a deeply rewarding experience, but sometimes home maintenance chores and upkeep can quickly erase those feelings and make homeownership seem more like a burden instead. Luckily, there are several key choices that a savvy homeowner can make to keep their home looking great all year around, and with little to no effort or additional expense on their part.stacked everlast

One of the best and most economical ways to accomplish this is by considering the installation of siding on the home. Not only does the installation of siding minimize the need for costly and repeated siding maintenance, it also offers an additional defense barrier against the elements. This is especially true for homeowners who reside in the Northeastern and New England area, and who are familiar with the challenging climate conditions that occur locally.

Though it may seem like a heavy expense initially, installing Everlast Composite Siding is an investment that pays for itself over time with surprisingly low maintenance costs and a long-lasting useful life. Not only does this type of new siding for houses come with a lifetime warranty against fading, but homeowners who choose Everlast Composite siding can quickly bring their home back to its original luster with an easy hosing down. For those harder to remove stains, such as oil, paint, or other similar product, a simple rag and a small amount of almost any standard household cleaner can get the job done.

Another low-maintenance and surprisingly low-cost siding option is vinyl siding. This type of siding for houses offers some of the protection of Everlast Composite Siding, though weaker, it fits into even the tightest of budgets. The siding maintenance for this option is also easy and takes very little time and effort from the homeowner. With a strong pressure washer, cleaning vinyl can be done in a fairly short amount of time.

Fiber cement siding, is another low maintenance option that is great looking. It offers all of the protection of new siding installation yet offers a convenient way for a homeowner to maintain a beautiful home with virtually low maintenance all year round. Use of a pressure washer can help clean up Fiber Cement siding in no time at all, and, just like the other siding choices, tougher stains are handled with a little hands-on spot treatment.

Although it does require much more maintenance, there is also a wood or cedar siding option for those homeowners who are looking for a more authentic look and feel to their home. Repairs on wood siding are actually easier to repair than those on vinyl siding, and for some, the cost and upkeep is far outweighed by the beauty of true hardwood.

Interested in learning more about available siding options? We at United Home Experts can give a homeowner an on-site cost estimate and can answer any other questions regarding siding installation and cost. Give us a call today to learn about all the benefits of top-quality siding.

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Sherwin Williams Paint vs Valspar Paint

An internal comparison paint survey was conducted by the United Home Experts team. We provide siding, PaintBucketroofing, window and door replacement services throughout eastern New England. Unbiased opinions were retrieved based on our individual experience using the products. The ratings provided are opinion based and not the result of lab testing or product specification examination. Sherwin Williams and Valspar paint products were rated on a scale from 0 to 100, with 100 being the highest score that could be attained. Sherwin Williams received a score of 92 and Valspar received a score of 86. Characteristics rated included application, price, and warranty or guarantee satisfaction.

Painters and homeowners desire to use paint that is easy to apply. The best paint is neither too thick nor too thin. Paint that is too thin has the tendency to create drips. Paint that is too thick can dry before the painter is done covering an area. The application characteristic also considers the adequacy of coverage and the amount of fumes emitted from the paint. Sherwin Williams received a five out of five for application while Valspar received a three out of five. Valspar received a lower score because the paint dried too quickly which caused brush strokes to show.

Another characteristic that was rated for Sherwin Williams Paint and Valspar Paint was price. This was based on how satisfied people were in relation to the price paid. Sherwin Williams and Valspar both received a three out of five rating.  Sherwin Williams can range from $25 to $50 per gallon, depending on the type of paint. Valspar offers paint in a similar price range, from $25 to $40 per gallon. Valspar may be a better buy based on price if it can be purchased inexpensively.

Paint warranties can be very important in case something happens after application that causes a homeowner to become unsatisfied. Painting an interior room can require several gallons of paint which can add up quickly. When it came to satisfaction with the guarantee or warranty offered, Sherwin Williams received a rating of 5 out of 5 while Valspar received a 3.

Sherwin Williams received the better overall rating because more customers were happy with the ease of application of their paint as well as the warranty offered.  Valspar still received a respectable rating that was only six points lower. Valspar is sold at home improvement stores while Sherwin Williams paint is available through their stand-alone stores.

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Marvin Windows vs. Simonton Windows

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