Do I Need Gable Vents?

By: Dave Lamoureux73

Importance of Roofing Ventilation

Ventilation is an often overlooked but vital aspect of a properly installed roofing project.  Unfortunately, many roofing contractors in Massachusetts either aren’t knowledgeable about ventilation or simply choose not to explain it to the customer.  Some contractors aren’t ethical and would rather just give the customer a cheaper job even though it may not be done properly.

Purpose of Attic Ventilation

Ventilation in the attic is designed to remove any heat that is pulled up and lost from the living space beneath.  Proper attic ventilation will keep the underside of the roof substrate cool.  It also serves to remove the moisture that rises into the attic space from bathing, cooking and laundry.  An attic space that has inadequate ventilation can lead to many expensive problems including, curling and premature failure of the shingle, mold, mildew and wood rot, and ice dam formation.  This is particularly important in cold weather states such as Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.

Most homes that were built years ago don’t have adequate airflow.   Contact United Home Experts today for a free no obligation roofing estimate which always comes standard with a thorough inspection of all aspects of your roof including ventilation.

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How Much Does it Cost to Paint a House?

In many cases homeowners approach us for help in deciding whether or not to continue painting their house or to replace the x--pictures-booked jobs 2009-santos, westford c ws-before-picture 113siding.  Inevitably one of the first questions is: “How Much Does a Paint job Cost for a home?”  As with any home improvement project the cost of painting a home is subject to many factors, but this article should help you get a general idea of how much it might cost to paint your home.

By far the most accurate way to know what painting your house costs is to request a painting estimate.  However, if you’re not quite ready for that, or you live outside our service region keep reading!

Cost of Painting By House Type and Project Complexity

The table below shows average and approximate painting costs for various size houses and various amounts of prep work, accessibility and levels of project complexity.

Prep Work: The term prep work or preparation work refers to the amount of work needed to prepare the surface of what you are painting to be painted again.  This could include scraping, sanding, caulking, priming, repair/replacing boards, chemically stripping, use of heat gun and of course following the EPA standards for lead paint removal (If applicable).  These approximations can vary based on the items listed above in the section “Factors Influencing the Cost of a Paint job in Massachusetts.”

Amount of Prep Work*/ Complexity of Project

Low-Prep / Basic Job

Mid-Prep / Average Job

High-Prep / Complex Job

Small
House

$2,000 – $4,000$3,000 – $6,000$5,000 – $12,000+*

Medium
House

$3,000 – $7,000$5,000 – $10,000$9,000 – $18,000+*

Large
House

$6,000 – $12,000$5,000 – $18,000$16,000 -$30,000+*

Extra Large
House

$10,000 – $30,000$15,000 – $45,000$25,000 – $70-000+*

*If the prep work is particularly difficult the cost could even exceed these numbers in which case it may be less expensive to just replace the siding.  See the cost of siding replacement.

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Influences on the Cost of a Paint Job

The following are all questions a reputable painting contractor must use to determine the cost of painting your home.

These are head and shoulders the top 2 factors influencing the cost of house painting:

  1. Surface area and square footage being painted
  2. Amount of surface preparation needed (scraping, sanding, priming, caulking, washing)

The following are other factors that will be considered:

  • Type of product being used (latex paint, semi-transparent, solid stain etc.)
  • Height of house
  • Amount of surfaces (complexity)
  • Substrate being painted (wood, masonry, aluminum siding, etc.)
  • Need for replacement of rotted wood
  • Ease of access (It can be very difficult to paint houses in densely populated areas)
  • Removal and reinstallation of fixtures (storm windows, awnings, lights, etc.)
  • Type of staging required
  • Need for extra equipment such as a hydraulic lift
  • Applicable taxes
  • Regional Overhead (in some states the cost to run a business is much higher and will affect the cost of new siding)

Clearly, given the amount of influential factors listed above it is tough to come up with a “ballpark” or “guesstimate.”  It’s impossible to get too specific; however, the painting pricing information listed below should help.

If you live within our service region of Eastern New England:

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Signs of a Bad Roofer – 2 : By a Respected Roofing Contractor in MA

By: Doug Partridge: Doug Partridge has worked in the home improvement industry for  over thirty years in the areas of project design, estimation, project management, sales and sales management.

Part 2 : Signs of a Bad Roofer : Professionalism

Read Part 1 Here

  1. No personal presentation.    Roofing projects can be complicated. Customer questions and concerns should be patiently and fully answered.  Dropping an estimate in the mailbox gets the contractor “off-the-hook” for critical details and leaves the customer “in-the-dark”.
  2. “Get your own permit”.   DANGER!   If a “contractor” wants the homeowner to pull the permit, he probably is un-licensed, and almost always un-insured.  If the homeowner pulls the permit, he is completely responsible for the job; legally, financially and insurance-wise (both liability and workman’s comp.).  The contractor then becomes the homeowner’s employee.  If the contractor gets hurt, botches the estimate, causes damage, or wastes materials, etc., the responsibility, costs and liability fall totally on the homeowner.  This is how people lose their homes!
  3. No attic inspection.   Inspection of the underside of the roof (if possible) is critical for a complete and accurate evaluation and estimate.  (The exceptions  are cathedral ceilings and similar structures where access is not available).  This can prevent un-expected, huge, add-on expenses during the installation. (example: complete plywood re-deck, often building-code required)  It can also reveal potentially dangerous health issues such as mold, mildew, and animal infestations (commonly bats, squirrels and birds).
  4. No proof of licenses, insurances or permit.   A professional contractor will carry and provide copies of required licenses and an “Acord” insurance certificate which documents liability and workman’s comp. insurance.  This is required before a permit can be granted.  A copy of the permit should be available, preferably on-site, before works begins.
  5. Through-roof fixtures.    All through-roof fixtures, such as stack pipes, box vents, skylights, chimneys, etc. should be noted, evaluated and discussed.  Some are replaced with new units during installation.  Skylights rarely last longer than 20 years and when they leak, can create costly collateral damages (ceilings, cabinets, flooring, etc.).  Preventive maintenance is wise.
  6. Installation duration and schedule.    Most residential roofs can be installed in a day or two by a normal-sized crew.  Lengthy installs can often lead to many costly problems and often indicate inadequate staffing.  Long wait times in scheduling the install can be a sign of low priority.  If the contractor low-bid the job, he may put more profitable work in front of yours.
  7. Debris disposal and permit.   Many towns require disposal permits, dumpster permits, or written notice of the licensed waste disposal location.  Most roofing shingles are “hazardous waste” and must be disposed of properly.
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Cement Siding Steps 4-7: Installation, Clean-Up, Inspection, Warranty

4. Cement Board Siding Installation (and trim)

  • Next begins the installation of the chosen trim products and the fiber cement siding clapboard or shingles product.
  • Typically stainless steel nails are specifed.
  • It’s best to use full runs, (long pieces of clapboards), as much as possible to minimize seams for better apearance and longevity.
  • If contracted to do so, the final step in the siding process is to apply a high-quality, paint for a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

5. Site Clean-Up:

  • Light clean-up should be performed daily
  • Thorugh clean-up should be done at job completion
  • All supplies and rubbish should be removed
  • Outdoor fixtures and furniture are replaced
  • Several pieces of clapboards or shingles are left for future use

6. Installation Inspection:

  • Schedule a time to do a walk around and installalation inspection on one of the last days.

7. Warrantee:

  • Receive clear written documentation of any warranty both material and installation for your siding project.
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Cement Siding Steps 1-3: Contractor, Removal, Prep

This is part 1 of 2 on the topic of Cement Board Siding installation.  We give this guide to our customers to help them understand important aspects of a cement board siding project.

1. Selecting a Cement Board Contractor:

  • Select an experienced cement board siding contractor you have complete confidence in
  • Check that your contractor is properly insured and request to see documentation of Workers Compensation and liability insurance
  • Know the best way to contact your Project Manager and verify how they should contact you.
  • Confirm a couple references.  A good contractor should be able supply several without hesitation.
  • Check for appropriate contractors license, such as Mass HIC License.

Beware of:

  1. A contractor that competes based on price alone.  This is a project you only want to do once.  Make sure it’s done right the first time.  On dozens of occassions, we’ve been called to fix a problem from poor installation.
  2. Someone who doesn’t use contracts or is very vague in their scope of work. (time may pass from when your project is estimated and when it is actually performed. A written contract helps both the contractor and the customer get what they expect)

2. Siding Removal:

  • Timely contracting for delivery of trash container (dumpster or trailer)
  • Removing nails and old siding down to sheathing, exposing any potential problems present on the surface of walls
  • Legal and sanitary disposal of all materials removed from the home
  • General area clean-up before new siding installation

3. Preparation and inspection

  • Replacement of any rotting wood
  • Inspection of visible insulation
  • Inspection of plywood sheathing or barn board sheathing
  • Repairs to wooden sheathing or other carpentry not being replaced
  • Full siding areas are covered with permeable vapor barrier

Beware of:

  1. Contractors trying to save money by doing partial or improper prep work. Professionals will agree that necessary prep is the single most important aspect of any home improvement project. Conversely, poor preparation will result in deterioration of siding and any paint or stain application.
  2. Poor or ineffective flashing must be replaced. Controlling water flow will add years to the life of any siding or trim installed.
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Quick Roofing Checklist From A Massachusetts Roofer

Andy Engdahl is Roofing Specialist for United Home Experts and works hard to educate his customers about a proper roof installation process, good quality products, and how to receive the best warranties in the roofing industry.

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A long lasting, high performance roof in Massachusetts is much more intricate and involved than what is in plain sight.  It is very easy and common to see a roof as basically a bunch of shingles covering your house.  To have a roof that will work and stand the extreme weather conditions in Massachusetts, it is very important to hire a roofing company that uses a proven roofing system.

A proper roof system will help prevent many of the problems associated with roofs in Massachusetts, such as ice dams. A roofing system is made up of many components that essentially work in unison.  The components that are part of a roof system include;

    • shingles
    • ventilation
    • underlayment

A strong roof system should always begin with removing the existing layers of roofing and inspecting the entire deck surface.  Sheathing that is has rot needs to be replaced. Next, ice and water shield should be applied six feet from all lower edges, eaves, dormers, in valleys and around skylights.  The ice and water shield provides protection from ice dams and prevents leaks from wind driven rain.  After the ice and water, a high performance fiber glass reinforced felt paper needs to be positioned on the remaining decking.  The fiber glass reinforced felt paper provides an extra layer of protection between the shingles and the roof deck.  Following the felt paper is a layer of starter shingles around the perimeter of the roof.   After the starter shingles are applied, high quality, strong warranty shingles should be placed on the roof.  The final step to a high performing roof system in Massachusetts is proper ventilation. There are various options for ventilating ones roof depending on the design of the roof.  A typical vent for a roof is a ridge vent.  The ridge vent works very well to prevent excessive heat and moisture. It is absolutely vital that a roofing company in Massachusetts follow a very similar roofing system as outlined above. The aforementioned roofing system should provide for a worry free durable roof for many years to come.

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Fiber Cement Siding

Article Summary: This article will help when trying to understand the benefits of fiber cement siding and reasons to consider using it as an alternative to wood or vinyl siding.

If you are remodeling your home and considering installing new siding, there are many options from which you can choose. Aluminum and vinyl siding are common choices, but the color may fade over time and the siding can be easily damaged during cold winter months. As an alternative, fiber cement siding offers the appearance of wood siding but with materials that are guaranteed for up to 50 years!

While slightly more expensive than vinyl siding, fiber cement siding is often less costly than stucco or wood siding. Another benefit of this type of siding is that it resists rot and infestation. Unlike wood siding that needs to be maintained to prevent termite damage, fiber cement siding will afford you the same look with less maintenance at a lower price.

Fiber cement siding also gives you a myriad of finishing options. If you like the look of cedar shingles, you can choose a wood grained texture, or you can opt for a smooth texture with widths ranging from as little as four inches up to one foot. You can also choose to purchase either horizontal or vertical lap siding, which is available in many finishes. In addition to the texture that you select, you can paint or stain the siding virtually any color that you desire.

Fiber Cement Siding Fast Facts

  • Non-combustible
  • Can be painted any color
  • Lasts longer than wood
  • Weather resistant
  • Guaranteed for up to 50 years
  • Strength and thickness provide impact resistance caused by hail or wind

Alternative to Fiber Cement Siding

Some homeowners don’t like that fact that Fiber Cement siding will eventually need to be be re-painted.  In some climates fiber cement has shown a propensity to sustain damage from water, snow and ice.  If you’re worried about this being a problem consider Everlast Composite Siding an excellent alternative to vinyl sidingor fiber cement.

 

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Signs of A Bad Roofer : Warning From an Expert Massachusetts Roofer

By: Doug Partridge: Doug Partridge has worked in the home improvement industry for  over thirty years in the areas of project design, estimation, project management, sales and sales management.

Part 1: Signs of a Bad Roofer: Financial

  1. The lowest price.  A  sub-standard roof job can be done for ½ to 1/3 of the price of a thorough, properly installed and warranted roofing system.  Corner-cutting is very profitable!
  2. Large deposits.  No more than 1/3 deposit.  The contractor should be willing to be financially upside-down, never the homeowner.  Contractors often disappear completely, take too much time, or demand huge surprise add-ons, if the financial leverage is in their hands, at any point in the process.
  3. Payment by cash only.  Any reputable business will be able to take payment by credit cards and should be able to offer financing through a nationally known financial institution. “Cash only” is often an indication of intent to commit tax fraud and a dying business.
  4. Payments to an individual.  Writing checks or paying cash to an individual is dangerous and an unnecessary risk.  Payments should be made to a business, not to (example: John Smith, dba. Trustworthy Roofers).
  5. Omissions.  A.)  The costs of removing and disposing of extra layers of the existing roof.  B.)  The installed costs of replacing rotted or damaged decking and structure (example; joists). C.)  The costs of any add-on work to be agreed-upon by the customer before the work is performed.
  6. Old  and/or poorly –maintained vehicles.  Any well-run business will have pride in the professional images they portray.  (example:  vehicles, clothing, paperwork and tools).

 

Stay tuned for Doug’s next post Part 2 : Signs of a bad roofer: Professionalism

Many homeowners are interested in finding out how much does a new roof cost. You may also find our free roofing guide helpful.

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Part 3 of things to ask yourself when replacing your siding

This is part 3 in a 3 part series about 9 questions to ask yourself when considering replacing your siding.  We hope you’ve enjoyed this series.  Please feel free to comment with any questions.

#7 : Is my wall insulation sufficient?

Not So Good

If your home was built before the 1960s chances are you have little to no wall insulation. If Everlast Sidingyour home was built before 1990 chances are there isn’t an effective moisture barrier underneath your siding. With all siding types your options are to blow-in cellulose insulation during the project, or to add rigid foam insulation behind the new siding if needed.

Sufficient

In all cases make sure you request a moisture barrier such as EverWrap® Tyvek® or Typar®, which will also lower energy loss by decreasing draftiness.

#8 : What type of siding does my neighborhood warrant?

Especially here is New England there are traditional neighborhoods where the use of vinyl siding is frowned upon. If you live in an area like this, good quality, CVG cedar is still an option. If you desire something with less maintenance required, consider Everlast Composite Siding or fiber-cement siding and Cellular PVC trim products such as Azek® or Trex®.

#9 : Have I seen an abundance of ants, bugs, and termites in or around my home?

Yes

If your property is more prone to ant or termite infestation, I recommend steering clear of wood products. Everlast and Cement Siding® are completely impervious to insects, and Generations® insulated vinyl is treated with Borate a natural mineral that resists ants and termites.

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