Choosing the Best Replacement Windows For Your Virginia Home

Changing Your Virginia Home’s Look With Vinyl Siding

Changing the look of a home’s exterior is much easier than it sounds, especially in Virginia. There are several different coverings now available in vinyl siding to replace other finishes on homes. Installing vinyl panels on the exterior gives a clean, fresh appearance. There are many colors and finishes to choose from and there is less maintenance and upkeep.

Finishes
Vinyl finishes come in a myriad of styles. They are molded to imitate the look of other finishes while sustaining the durability of vinyl siding in Virginia. Visitors cannot usually tell the difference from the street. Wood veneer is one of the most popular types of designs with wide and fine wood grain patterns available. Also notable are brick patterns. The deterioration of bricks and mortar are eliminated and replaced by a solid panel instead.

Replacements
Many homeowners making the switch to vinyl siding in Virginia are replacing another material presently covering the exterior. For one reason or another, the former surface is not performing satisfactorily or it is simply time for a change. Many houses built with wood or metal siding are not ready for a new surface. After several years, wood does not wear well, especially in damp climates on the Mid-Atlantic that are prone to thunderstorms, hurricanes and winter sleet storms. Stucco finishes frequently develop moisture problems and must be replaced. One durable solution is vinyl siding.

Colors
The most popular feature about this material is the wide variety of colors available. While the standard white, gray and tan hues are mainstays of every vinyl siding company’s repertoire, shades of medium blues, bright yellows and deep reds are easy to find. They dot many neighborhoods and give a splash of color on a mundane street. The color is now baked through and through on the paneling. In the event of a scratch on the surface, it will not peek through with another color from underneath. It will blend in instead.

Maintenance
Colored vinyl siding does not have to be repainted every five to 10 years like most other home exteriors. However, it does require some maintenance. The house should be hosed off or power-washed at least once a year. This helps to protect the luster and shine. It does not every have to be repainted ever. In the case where a homeowner decides they do not like the color of the paneling after several years or after buying a new home, it can be painted over to another color. At this point, it will need regular painting maintenance thereafter. Other necessary maintenance for vinyl siding includes inspecting the home annually or after severe storms for loose siding and openings in seams at the roof and gutters. Caulking may be necessary from time to time as well.

Benefits of Vinyl Windows in Your Virginia Home

Vinyl windows are the most popular in the industry today, and for good reason. Vinyl, or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), offers many advantages over traditional wood-frame or metal windows.

Energy Efficiency

Vinyl windows are well known for their excellent insulating properties. Vinyl window frames have higher R-values than other materials. A window’s R-value measures its resistance to heat flow; a higher R-value indicates a more energy efficient window. Because the vinyl frame can be welded together to form a single piece of vinyl, the corners of the frame have an airtight seal. Vinyl windows will block heat from entering from your home during the summer, and will keep it from escaping in the winter, saving you money on heating and cooling bills.

Easy Maintenance

One of the great things about vinyl replacement windows is that they require virtually no maintenance. Unlike wooden frames, vinyl window frames never need to be sanded, sealed or repainted. The only regular maintenance is cleaning the glass, which can be done easily with normal household cleaners. Because the vinyl is colored during the manufacturing process, rather than coated with paint that can chip or fade, there is no need to worry about fading or discoloration.

Design Options

The properties of polyvinyl chloride allow it to be produced in nearly any color and molded into almost any style or shape. Vinyl is the perfect material for replacement windows because it can be easily retrofitted into an existing window space and colored to exactly match your home. Vinyl windows frames can even be given the appearance of wood, through a faux wood-grain finish.

Economic Value

Vinyl windows are a very economical choice. Vinyl replacement windows are available at very competitive prices; when you add in the easy installation, low maintenance, and energy savings, it is easy to see that these windows will save you money in the long run as well. Vinyl windows are also extremely durable, so you can expect to enjoy them for a long time before they will ever need to be replaced again.

The Benefits of Tile Roofing in Virginia

Traditional roofing still has some appeal to the modern homeowners. Tile roofing, which is a European or Mediterranean style, for example, is becoming increasingly popular in North America. What modern roofing products do today is they copy traditional clay tiles in the timeless curved design. Flat tiles for instance, imitate the appearance of expensive slate roofing. Basically, tiles are made out of either kiln-baked glazed ceramic or cast in concrete and they are being offered in many color options. Overall, tile roofs offer a highly durable roofing solution with beautiful, estate-quality old world appeal.

Talking about the durability of tile roof shingles – high quality ceramic tile can stand in just about any climate condition or geographical location. This is because ceramic is thermally efficient and a good insulator thus, a tile made out of this material can definitely last for centuries if it is baked at a sufficiently high temperature. On the other hand, cast concrete, in any form, gets stronger as it gets older. Usually, they are offered with a lifetime warranty. Moreover, they are not prone to insect, rot, or sun damage, and because its heavy, it can resist wind damage unless extreme conditions exist. So, a roofing made of either of these two materials can be fire proof, durable and long lasting.

Tile roof shingles are made available in many colors and designs to choose from. Usually, concrete and clay tiles have more variations in appearance and profiles ranging from the traditional European -Mediterranean look to modern slate. If you decide on using tiles for your roofing, you’ll certainly get a high curb appearance to the overall look of your roof. Actually, ceramic tiles and concrete versions are much heavier than asphalt. They can weigh from 6 to 9 lbs. per square foot depending on the product.

So, to achieve a beautiful old world look of roofing with the convenience of a durable, one-time roofing installation, opt for ceramic tile or concrete roof shingles.

What Happens When a Virginia Roof Doesn’t Have Proper Ventilation?

One of the most important aspects of the way your Virginia roof is designed and built is proper ventilation. You simply cannot over-estimate its importance. What happens when a roof doesn’t have proper ventilation? Improper ventilation allows formation of condensation, moisture accumulation, and damage to the roof deck and, eventually, to the stability of the roof. Improper roof ventilation can also affect the health of your family.

The industry standard for roof ventilation to provide 1 square foot of intake ventilation and 1 square foot of exhaust or outflow ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space, provided the area is insulated with a vapor barrier. If the area is insulated without a vapor barrier, the requirement doubles.

Proper ventilation of the roof and attic of a home achieves several important functions:

• It makes the attic space cooler
• It makes the home more energy efficient
• It prevents condensation and accumulation of moisture on the inside of the roof deck, and prevents rotting of the roof deck
• It reduces the risk of fire

Several types of vents can be used to properly ventilate the roof of your home. Roof ridge vents are placed along the ridge line of the roof. Ridge vents are used for exhaust or outflow of moisture, heat, and stale air. Soffit vents and Eaves are placed at the lower extremes of the roof and provide the intake ventilation. If you live in an older home, your roof might not be constructed for roof ridge or soffit vents. Older homes were not built with the tight seals of today’s houses. There were cracks and openings around windows and doors, chimneys and other openings. These cracks and openings allowed fresh air to flow into the house. On the principle that hot air rises, the accumulated heat and moisture would rise to the attic and out the roof vents.

Without adequate ventilation, moisture rises with the hot air and forms condensation on the inside of the roof deck. This moisture is released into the air inside the house from bathing, cooking, plants, laundry and other causes. When the condensation forms on the roof deck, it begins to rot the wood. This introduces mold spores into the air, as well as damaging the wood. The result, if the problem is not noticed and repaired, can be destruction of all or part of the roof deck and creation of unhealthy air inside the house.

In our increasingly airtight homes, the importance of proper ventilation in roof construction cannot be over-emphasized. It is important to take the time and do the research to understand the ventilation needs for your home in your region and how best to meet those needs.

Main Causes of Roof Damage

Damages to a roof can have many causes. Some of the causes of roof damage are connected to the type of roof you have.  Whether you are trying to protect and extend the life of an existing roof or you want to protect a new roof, here are some of the main causes of roof damage.

1.  Poor Maintenance.  It is important to regularly inspect your roof for small problems and damages and immediately make repairs. This is especially true if your roof has little or no slope.  Regular inspection and maintenance will prevent small minor damage from becoming a major problem or leak.

2.  Wind Damage. Over time any wind can loosen nails in roofing materials. When this happens, a moderate wind can damage the roof. Strong winds and flying debris can also damage a roof, often removing some or all of the roofing material. The best way to avoid this potential damage is to check the roofing and the insulation regularly to be sure it is securely attached to the roof deck. You should also have a secure perimeter fastener.

3.  Other Weather Damage. Most roofing materials can be damaged over time by exposure to various weather conditions.  If you live in an area likely to see large snow accumulations, you need to be sure the roof is adequately supported against the weight of the snow and properly sloped so the snow will not stay on the roof any longer than necessary.  If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, you should know that hail can cause serious roof damage, and you should carefully inspect your roof after every hailstorm.  The sun, pollutants in the air and other chemicals in the air or in the rain can also damage roofing materials. Inspection and repair of minor damages can prevent big trouble.

4.  Problems with Flashing. Because the purpose of flashing is to create a water-tight boundary between roof sections, between roofing materials and other parts of the house and between roofing materials and roof projections, problems with flashing often cause leaks.  These leaks can damage the field of the roof as well as the interior of the house. Flashing problems usually happen because of either design or installation errors.  Some flashing problems can also result from wind damage.  Regular inspection of all types of flashing in all parts of the roof can catch problems early and correct them before there are major leaks.

Each of these major causes of roof damage can be minimized by regular and careful inspection for early and minor problems. Immediate attention to any flaws or damages with competent repairs can help you avoid major damage to your roof and prevent the need for early and costly roof replacement.

What to Expect During Your Home’s Roof Replacement Project

Replacing your roof is an essential part of maintaining your home. A damaged or improperly maintained roof can cause thousands and dollars in damage to other parts of the home. Repairs only go so far, and eventually it will be time to replace your roof entirely. Replacing your roof can seem like a daunting task for the first time homeowner. Choosing between hundreds of professional roofing contractors can be confusing. Thankfully, the project of getting a new roof is not too complicated, and it helps to know what to expect.  

The first step in any roof replacement project is obtaining estimates and choosing a contractor. It’s a good idea to research several companies. Make sure they have good reputations and are licensed in your state. Be sure to obtain estimates from several contractors before signing a contract, as roofing estimates can have a wide range. There are many factors that can influence the cost of a roof replacement. It’s good to know a little about them before you get too involved.  

The size and slope of the roof, the materials being used, and the region of the country can all affect the final cost of the project. A roof that is particularly steep and slippery will cost more to replace than a roof that is more easily accessible. The height of the roof matters as well. Roofs on two-story homes are more expensive to replace than roofs on ramblers or ranchers. This is simply because it’s easier for the workers to access a roof that is closer to the ground. Also, like almost anything, prices vary depending on where you live. Roof replacements cost more in places where the general cost of living is higher. The frequency of roof replacements differs depending on the region of the county as well. Roofs in the Midwest generally need to be replaced more often than roofs in other parts of the country due to extreme weather. Likewise, homeowners in Southern California replace their roofs less often since the weather is usually mild year-round.  

There are several different types of roofs you can have installed. The materials can range in price anywhere from $1 to $40 or more per square foot. The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. These are relatively inexpensive and are usually guaranteed to last anywhere between 20 and 30 years. They come in may different colors to compliment the exterior of your home. Another form of roofing is wood shake, which usually costs $6 to $9 a square foot. These roofs are usually made of cedar and can last 12 to 25 years, but they require almost constant maintenance. Metal roofing such as copper or aluminum can cost $15-$20 a square foot. Tile roofs, such as terra cotta, are generally used in southwestern architecture and cost $6 to $9 a square foot. (Tiles are not recommended in areas with frequent rainfall, as they have a tendency to leak.) A slate roof is the most durable, though it is also the most expensive, and can cost up to $40 a square foot ($120,000 to replace a 3,000 square foot roof). Slate is generally used on upscale homes and can last up to 200 years or more depending on the quality.  

Along with being inexpensive, asphalt shingles require little maintenance, making them the most popular roofing choice for American homeowners. While asphalt shingle roofs are often designed to last 25 or 30 years, the actual life span of your roof can vary depending on where you live. High speed winds, hurricanes, heavy storms, blizzards, and dramatic temperature fluctuations decrease the longevity of your roof. Estimates for replacing an asphalt shingled roof can range from $1,500 to $9,000 depending on the size of the roof as well as location.  

The cost of a roof replacement project varies depending on where you live. A roof replacement costs less in the Midwest than it does in the Northeast. In places where the general cost of living is higher, roof replacements will cost more as well. If you live in the Midwest, you will need to replace your roof more often. High speed winds, tornadoes, blizzards, and ice storms will all wreck havoc on your roof. Temperature fluctuations can also damage roofs. In the desert the temperature can be over 100 degrees during the day and drop to 50 or 40 degrees at night. 20-year asphalt shingles in Arizona and New Mexico last on average only 15 years, due to sustained damage from temperature fluctuations. Homeowners in regions with mild weather can get away with more moderate roof repairs, putting off full replacements for longer periods of time.  

Roof replacement estimates may vary depending on all of these factors (location, materials, etc.). The final cost once the work is completed may be higher than the initial estimate, as your roof may have some unforeseen damage that will add to the final cost . Underneath the shingles, your roof could be rotted or have water damage. Replacing the roof support system can add thousands of dollars to the bill, depending on the extent of the damage. This is a good incentive to keep your roof properly maintained and have it replaced on time.  

When you’re choosing your roofing contractor, ask for references. You’ll definitely want to see examples of their work on local homes. When giving an estimate, a contractor will come to your house to inspect your roof. He’ll come up with a number that factors in the cost of materials and labor, including the cost of stripping and throwing away the old shingles. The estimate should include the cost of removal and disposal of the old roofing material. If not, ask about this to avoid surprises. There is a chance that there will be some unforeseen costs in the project, so it is good to avoid as many of these as possible. After the visit, they will send you a written contract. A contract from a roofing company should include a description of what is to be done, as well as when it is to be done and a schedule for payment. Having it all in writing can protect the homeowner later on. Be sure to shop around before settling on a specific contractor, as prices can vary considerably.  

Once you’ve chosen your roofing materials and your contractor, it’s time to set a date for the project. The actual work of replacing the roof can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the roof. You should plan to have someone at home while the work is being done. If they have any questions or discover any additional problems with your roof, it helps that you are home to discuss things with them.  

Before the workers arrive, it’s good to remove any items that may get in the way of their ladders. Climbing on roofs can be dangerous, even for professionals, so it’s best to stay out of their way. First, the roofers rip out all the old roofing shingles and replace any rotted or damaged wood in the roof. Next they lay a base, and then they lay the shingles. Roof work is noisy. Expect to hear a lot of hammering as well as people running around all over your roof. It’s not really an invasive home repair. You won’t have workmen coming inside your house. As long as you don’t mind the noise, it’s not much of a hassle.  

When the old shingles have been stripped, any un-shingled portions of the roof should be covered with a tarp overnight to protect your home in case of rain or overnight storms.  

Once your new roof is completed, make sure the workers have cleaned up all the debris that has fallen. When a roof is replaced, the workers usually toss the pieces of the old roof onto the ground or into a dump truck as they’re working. Once the bulk of the old material is disposed of, responsible companies will clean up after themselves to ensure customer satisfaction. They usually have a magnetic broom that picks up all the nails and other materials that can be hazardous as well as unsightly. You may find a shingle or two in your yard afterwards, which is perfectly normal.  

When you have roof work done, you should never pay anything up front. You always pay after the job is completed. This is standard procedure. All reputable roofing companies operate this way.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Connie_Gallerizzo

What Is the Right Roofing Material for My Home?

Your choice of roofing material will affect both the external appearance of your home and the comfort of your family inside the home.  Virginia Roofing materials are important in energy conservation, comfort, and the appearance of your home.  Your choice of material for a re-roofing project or for a new roof on a home addition should consider several factors.

The first consideration must be the architectural style of your home. The pitch or angle of the roof might suggest a particular type of roofing material. The style of your Virginia home will also suggest some materials and argue against others.  For example, cedar shakes would look out of place on a southern colonial home.

The most commonly used roof material is asphalt shingles.  Asphalt shingles can work on the roof of many home styles. They are often chosen because they are less expensive and they are considered the most cost-effective option.

Cedar Shakes are a good option if you are trying to create a “rustic” look. Like asphalt shingles, cedar shakes can be expected to last up to 30 years. They are made from wood blocks and usually are not of uniform size or thickness. They are usually pressure-treated to make them fire resistant. They can be stained or painted to change their appearance.

Concrete tile roofing has become increasingly popular in recent years.  The concrete tiles can look like slate, shake or terra cotta tiles. The concrete is much more durable and can be effectively used to create a well-ventilated roofing system that will help to prevent loss of interior conditioned air.

Several types of metal roofing materials are also available.  Metal costs more than asphalt shingles or cedar shakes, but will last a lifetime with relatively little maintenance. They will also reduce air conditioning costs if properly insulated and installed.  Tin is still used in many areas of the country. Copper offers a wonderful antique appearance, but probably is unaffordable for most people today.

A number of new metal roofing materials are now available that will last a lifetime, provide the insulating value of a metal roof, but look like other materials.  These roofing materials are shaped into panels, baked to various colors, and backed with insulating fiberglass or foam in some cases. Some of these materials are made from recycled materials, making them more environmentally friendly.  Painted aluminum and steel roofing are often made from recycled drink cans.

To choose the right roofing material for your Virginia home, first consider the architectural style and the type of roofing “look” that is right for the house. Then evaluate the natural materials and the metal simulations.  You should be able to find a roofing material that matches the style of your home, fits your budget and provides better insulation for your home.  This will make the home more attractive, more comfortable and more energy-efficient.

What Happens When a Roof Doesn’t Have Proper Ventilation?

One of the most important aspects of the way your Virginia roof is designed and built is proper ventilation. You simply cannot over-estimate its importance.  What happens when a roof doesn’t have proper ventilation?  Improper ventilation allows formation of condensation, moisture accumulation, and damage to the roof deck and, eventually, to the stability of the roof.  Improper roof ventilation can also affect the health of your family.

The industry standard for roof ventilation to provide 1 square foot of intake ventilation and 1 square foot of exhaust or outflow ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space, provided the area is insulated with a vapor barrier.  If the area is insulated without a vapor barrier, the requirement doubles.

Proper ventilation of the roof and attic of a home achieves several important functions:

• It makes the attic space cooler
• It makes the home more energy efficient
• It prevents condensation and accumulation of moisture on the inside of the roof deck, and prevents rotting of the roof deck
• It reduces the risk of fire

Several types of vents can be used to properly ventilate the roof of your home.  Roof ridge vents are placed along the ridge line of the roof. Ridge vents are used for exhaust or outflow of moisture, heat, and stale air. Soffit vents and Eaves are placed at the lower extremes of the roof and provide the intake ventilation.  If you live in an older home, your roof might not be constructed for roof ridge or soffit vents. Older homes were not built with the tight seals of today’s houses. There were cracks and openings around windows and doors, chimneys and other openings.  These cracks and openings allowed fresh air to flow into the house.  On the principle that hot air rises, the accumulated heat and moisture would rise to the attic and out the roof vents.

Without adequate ventilation, moisture rises with the hot air and forms condensation on the inside of the roof deck. This moisture is released into the air inside the house from bathing, cooking, plants, laundry and other causes.  When the condensation forms on the roof deck, it begins to rot the wood.  This introduces mold spores into the air, as well as damaging the wood.  The result, if the problem is not noticed and repaired, can be destruction of all or part of the roof deck and creation of unhealthy air inside the house.

In our increasingly airtight homes, the importance of proper ventilation in roof construction cannot be over-emphasized.  It is important to take the time and do the research to understand the ventilation needs for your home in your region and how best to meet those needs.