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Frequently Asked Questions for Exterior Work

Khyneesha Edwards Uncategorized Leave a Comment

We’re here to answer some questions! Updating your home’s exterior features is a great investment. While doing so can increase the value of your home, it can also become quite an expense. With that being said, it makes sense to ask questions during your renovation process – lots of questions. (If you want to make sure you make the best investment, that is). We’ve compiled questions we’ve gotten from our homeowners along with answers from our project consultants. Happy renovating!


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How do I know if it’s time to replace my roof?
When considering a full roof replacement be on the lookout for missing or cracked shingles, substantial granule loss curled and cupped shingles. The key thing to consider is that you are beating the leak. It’s not efficient to wait for leaks to replace your roof.
Along with age, storm damage can be another reason for a roof replacement. Quite often high winds and large hail can damage a shingle past functionality. If you run into these problems it’s best to contact your local Aspen office to assess the damages.

What’s the most eco-friendly roofing option?
Eco-friendly and affordability don’t always go hand in hand. Metal roofing has a very high R-Value, making it great for heating and cooling purposes. Most asphalt shingle manufacturers have an eco – series they offer. These asphalt shingles will be accompanied by an ENERGY STAR rating. Meeting with an Aspen Consultant can help determine which roofing material meets your needs and price range the best.

How do I maintain my new asphalt roof?
Asphalt roofs have a relatively low maintenance level. If properly vented, the roof life expectancy should be well past 30 years on a laminated shingle. However, it’s always a great idea to check your roof once a year for damage. Damage from wind, hail, rodents and even small branches can sometimes compromise a shingle. During this yearly inspection, it would be a great idea to check all caulked nail heads. Sometime caulk can dry out and needs to be re-applied.

 

questions on roofing
What are the best maintenance options for my new vinyl siding?
Vinyl siding can be easily maintained with a simple cleaning every few months. Using a sponge or brush dipped in warm soapy water has proven to be the best way to clean siding. Pressure washing is also an effective way to clean siding, but be sure not to apply too much pressure, which could result in damages.

 

What’s the most eco-friendly siding option? How?
Cedar and another wood siding would be the most eco-friendly siding option. However, most siding manufacturers have a handful of options to choose from.
Things to look for would be:
What’s the recyclability?
Is it “certified green”?
What’s the R-Value? The higher the value, the more it will save on heating/cooling cost
How was it manufactured?
Upon meeting with an Aspen Consultant we can help determine the best siding to meet both the aesthetic and eco-friendly needs you are looking for.

What’s the most cost-effective siding option?
Vinyl siding is typically the most cost-effective option. It’s important to weigh options when choosing a siding type. Usually, a cheaper option is going to be a thinner siding. In high heat situations, this siding can warp. It is also easily damaged by debris. Cheaper siding will often fade and lose color over time.

How can I increase my home’s energy efficiency with siding?
Siding with the highest R-Value is going to help bring energy costs down the best. R-Value is the number that represents how well it holds thermal heat. You can also add fanfold behind the siding in place of house wrap for further insulation. Wrapping and caulking windows properly can also bring energy cost down as this is the most common place interior airflow is left out/in.

 

 

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What’s the benefit of gutter guards?
Gutter guards are designed to keep your gutters from clogging. There are several different types of guards available on the market. Along with an Aspen consultant, take a look at the tree types around your property determine which type would work best for you.

What materials gutters work best?
Aluminum is a great choice for residential application. Seamless aluminum gutters are rolled out on site in a color you choose. This assures all runs are proper length, leaving very little possibility for leaks. One common thing you may run into is the roof pitch being too steep causing a heavy rain to “jump” the gutter. The standard gutter is 5” but in this case, you may want to upgrade to 6”.

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