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If you need a new roof, it’s not something you can put off. Your roof is responsible for protecting your home from the weather. If it’s not doing its job, your home could be susceptible to expensive water damage. Prevent that by replacing your old, worn or damaged roof as soon as possible.

Signs you need a roof replacement

If you suspect you might need a roof replacement, do not wait too long! The longer you wait, the worse the damage will be and the more expensive the repairs. Here are some tell-tale signs you need a new roof:

You’ve noticed a leak.

If you’ve noticed water stains on your ceiling or walls, it could mean your roof is leaking. It could also mean you have leaking plumbing, but first let’s check on the roof. Climb up into the attic with a flashlight. If you see stains or streaks on the roof board, trusses or moldy insulation, it means your roof is leaking and needs to be repaired or replaced.

The shingles are peeling, curling or missing. 

Your asphalt shingles should be laying flat along the surface of your roof. Over time, sun and weather exposure will cause your shingles to curl and peel. They will become brittle and can break and blow away in the wind. If your shingles are cracked, coming apart or curling, it’s likely at the end of its life. Have your roof replaced now before you spring a leak.

The flashing is damaged.

You should have metal flashing around your vents, chimney and sometimes, in the valleys of your roofing system. If your flashing is coming apart, cracked or damaged, it means it’s no longer protecting those critical areas of the roof. Upgrade the flashing, pay for repairs or consider a full roof replacement.

Your wood roofing is rotting.

In the case of wood shakes or shingles, check for signs of rotting. You’ll notice these areas if they are a different colour, have missing shingles/shakes in places or are growing an intense amount of moss or algae. Get up on the roof and push a screwdriver into the wood. If it’s soft, it might need to be replaced.

You’ve never replaced the roof.

If you’ve owned your home for decades and have never replaced the roof, it might be time. A good roof can last 20 to 25 years, if it was installed properly. If it’s been longer than that and your roof is showing obvious signs of damage, it’s time to have it replaced.

Read more signs you need a new roof.

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Roofing Options: Pros, Cons and Costs

There are many different types of roofing materials on the market. In this roofing material comparison, we will look at the most common roofing materials: asphalt, metal, wood, tile and rubber roofing. When evaluating each roofing material, we’ll look over the good, the bad and the cost of each type.

Asphalt Roofing

The Good

Asphalt roofing is the most popular and the most affordable roofing option. Asphalt shingles of the past did not stand up well, but new technology and manufacturing processes have made modern asphalt shingles durable and long-lasting.

With proper installation, high quality asphalt shingle can last 15 to 25 years before needing to be replaced. Most roofing companies will offer a warranty on the asphalt shingles and sometimes the warranty is transferable from home owner to home owner.

Asphalt also comes in a range of colours, tones and shingle styles. Choosing different shingle styles will have an affect on how the roof looks. The three main styles of asphalt shingles are 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles and luxury shingles, the go up in price in that order. Learn how to select the right type of asphalt shingles. 

The Bad

Asphalt shingles absorb the sun’s heat. This can make your attic very hot, so they’re not the best option for optimal energy efficiency. Sun exposure can also cause the shingles to curl, peel and detach from the roof. You’ll see this on the south facing parts of the roof sooner, because they are more exposed to the sun. If you’ve noticed your asphalt roof curling or deteriorating, it’s time for a roof replacement.

The Cost

Depending on the quality and type of asphalt shingles you choose, expect to pay between $3.00 to $7.00 per square foot, including installation.

Metal Roofing

The Good

Metal roofing has become increasingly popular over recent years. This durable roofing option has the longest lifespan compared to other roofing materials. In most cases, it can be the last roof a homeowner will ever have to buy, with a lifespan of 50 years or more. They are resistant to all weather, the sun’s UV, pests and rot.

Metal roofs are also maintenance free and completely resistant to moisture. Instead of absorbing the sun like other roofing types, they reflect it. This makes them one of the most energy efficient roofing materials, especially in the summer when you’re trying to keep the house cool. For more information, read these metal roofing FAQs.

The Bad

The downside of metal roofing? It is expensive. Depending on the roofing products you choose, you can spend up to triple the price compared to asphalt roofing. You won’t have to worry about roof repair or replacement costs, possibly in your lifetime, so it is worth the cost for some homeowners. If you can afford it, this care-free, maintenance-free roofing option is one of the best choices.

The Cost

Depending on the brand and type of metal roofing you choose; it can cost between $5.00 and $13.00 per square foot including installation.

Wood Roofing

The Good

Wood roofing is generally made from cedar. This is because cedar is naturally resistant to insects and rot compared to other wood species. Wood roofing is available in two different styles: shakes and shingles. Shingles are machine-cut and give your roof a more uniform, smooth look. Wood shakes are hand-cut, so they have a more natural and rustic appearance.

Roofing materials made of wood are the most environmentally friendly roofing option. Wood is a renewable resource and they are also recyclable. Wood is also a natural insulator, which makes wood roofing a good choice if you’re interested in improving energy efficiency. They can also last up to 5 to 10 years longer than asphalt shingles.

The Bad

Wood roofing is expensive, with wood shakes being more expensive than wood shingles. They also require a bit of maintenance to keep them looking good. While they perform okay in dry climates, they can be susceptible to moss and algae growth in humid, rainy climates. You’ll have to clean your roof regularly to keep growth from happening and to allow the shingles to breath. You can opt for special wood treated shakes and shingles, so ask your roofing contractor what your options are.

Wood shakes and shingles are also more hazardous if you live in a wildfire zone, as they don’t have fire resistance. They are durable, but repairs are expensive if they’re required.

The Cost

Depending on whether you’ve chosen wood shakes or wood shingles, a cedar roof can cost you between $5.50 to $9.00 including installation.

Tile Roofing

The Good

Tile has been used as a roofing material since the ancient times. A tile roof will give a home a look of sophistication, elegance and class. There are four main types of tile roofing used on residential homes: traditional clay tiles, slate tiles, concrete tiles and fiber cement tiles. All types are typically glazed or finished with a waterproof coating.

Tile roofing will give you home an upscale look. They come in a range of colours, textures and styles, giving you more options to choose from to class up your curb appeal. If you’re trying to achieve a Mediterranean or European look for you home, tile roofing is a great choice.

All four main types of tile roofing offer strength, durability and longevity. When properly installed, your tile roof can last 50 years or more. It is resistant to rot, insects and fire. If you choose a light-coloured tile, it will help reflect the sun off your room and increase energy efficiency. Tiles are also recyclable, making them an eco-friendly choice.

The Bad

Tile roofing is the most expensive roofing material option, priced higher than asphalt, metal and wood roofing. It also requires specific skills to install, and installation is more time consuming, which drives up the price of installation. Because tile is so heavy, your roof might need extra framing support. If this is the case, you’ll have to factor in the labour cost for that job too.

Tile can also break when it is walked on. This means you or any contractor working on your roof to do repairs to the tiles, vents or chimney, must be extra careful. Broken tiles are heavy and if they go unnoticed, they can damage your gutter system. Read more about choosing tile roofing for your home.

The Cost

The cost of tile roofing depends on the type of tile you choose. Slate tiles can range between $9.00 to $22.00 per square foot installed. For clay or concrete tiles, the cost estimate is $11.00 to $22.00 per square foot including installation. Fiber cement roof tiles cost around $10.00 per square foot.

Rubber Roofing

The Good

Rubber roofing in shingle-form is relatively new to the market, but a new and innovative choice for residential roofing materials. Sheet rubber roofing has been great option for flat or low-sloped roofs. Rubber shingles is a more attractive option for peaked roofs.

This roofing material is waterproof, so it will do a good job or protecting your home from rain and snow. It is also resistant to insect, rot and some are fire retardant. Typically, a rubber roof can last 30 years or more before needing to be replaced or repaired.

Rubber roofing can be made of 100% recycled materials and can be recycled again afterwards. Rubber reflects heat, which will make your home cooler in the summer. It also acts as a good insulator, which will help you keep that heat in during the winter. All-in-all, rubber roofing is an environmentally-friendly roofing option.

Rubber roofing is available in a range of colours and styles. You can have it mimic the look of a traditional shingled roof or install rubber roofing in sheets. The rubber sheets are typically used for flat or low-sloping roofs, since the sheets can cover a large area and do not need gravity to work like pitched roofing systems. Rubber weighs less than wood or tile roofing, making labour and installation costs less.

The Bad

Rubber roofing needs to be installed by an experienced, skilled roofing contractor that specializes in this type of roofing material. Because it is a niche market, fewer roofing companies offer this roofing choice. You might have to find a company that specializes in low-pitched or flat roofs, and because it is a specialized material, it might cost more to install than traditional roofing materials.

If not installed and sealed properly, rubber roofing can leak around chimneys and vents on the roof. They might require resealing from time to time. Rubber roofing can also be damaged by falling debris and foot traffic, but repairs are easy and affordable. Make sure the roofers you hire have experience installing this type of roofing. Proper installation is key to preventing leaks and issues down the road.

The Cost

The cost of your rubber roofing will depend on the size of your roof and the type of rubber roofing you choose. Expect to pay between $4.00 to $5.50 per square foot including installation.

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What about roof repair?

In some cases, you can get away with having the roof repaired instead of paying for a full replacement. If you’ve noticed that you just have a damaged spot, but the rest of the roof is in good shape, it could be a candidate for repair. Here are things to consider when determining if you need roof repair or replacement:

– the amount of damage
– if there is a leak
– the age of your roof
– if you want to sell or stay in the home
– whether you can install roofing over the existing roofing
– if there is other damage to the roofing system including the gutters, soffit and fascia

Roof repairs are less expensive than a roof replacement, obviously, but they might just be a short-term solution. A new roof is a big expense, but it’s a good investment as it will protect your home and last for decades. If you’re not sure how extensive your roof damage is, contact a roofing contractor in your city to inspect your roof and make a suggestion.

Find a RenovationFind Certified roofing contractor in your city!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

It’s probably the number one question that potential clients ask us. But the real question should be what can’t a handyman do?

The simplest way to put it is that we do all the smaller projects and repairs that the big trades (contractors, plumbers, electricians, flooring companies) don’t have time to do. If you have a list of things that need to be done or repaired and you ask yourself, who can I get to take care of all of these things at once? Chances are the answer is us. One call to take all your stress away. It really is just that simple.

What is the 604Handyman difference?

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We are one of a few fully branded handyman companies. You know that someone is from our team because they show up in a branded vehicle you can spot from down the street. They will always be wearing branded clothing and they are ready to get to work. We understand that it can sometimes be a bit nerve-wracking to open your home up to a stranger, so we make sure that everyone who is hired is fully vetted. You know, someone we would invite into our own home as well.

Across all our franchises we make sure that communication between the front-line team and the operations team is smooth and the clients are always in the loop. Someone is going to be a few minutes late because they are stuck in traffic, we will be sure to let you know. We need to move to plan b to finish a project, the client is in the decision-making process.

We may run a bigger operation, but we don’t lose our small business feel. Supporting the communities that we live and work in is important to us, and the biggest reason why everyone on the 604Handyman team came onboard. We understand that it is a small business that keeps the communities together, helps to sponsor events for the kids and for the less fortunate.

Sometimes during the busy season, companies can be booked out weeks in advance. It can be frustrating if you really had your heart set on getting a smaller project done quickly. We have larger teams and we strive to get everyone booked in within 1-2 business days depending on the size of the job. That’s our business model, we don’t like waiting, so neither should you.

What do we specialize in?

We specialize in smaller projects for residential, commercial and strata clients. Smaller can mean many different things to different people. To make it a little bit clearer, think of a small job being anything that takes about 1-4 hours. Maybe you have a few small jobs or a long list of small jobs. That’s okay too! You can pile all the small jobs you want on us.

Some of our most requested items are below, although it can change throughout the seasons.

Everything above by itself is a small job unless you want to hang 40 pictures that’s a different story. But if you have to add it all together, we don’t consider it a big job, it’s still something that is within our scope. Wondering what else we can do, there is a whole lot more. We often get some out of the box projects that we love to take on. Does anyone need a catio? Don’t worry we got you covered!

I have a project in mind, do I need a contractor or a handyman?

It’s an important question based on what it is you need to get done. If you are planning a full kitchen renovation, an addition to your house or want to swap out a bathtub for a shower, chances are you need a contractor.

Some handyman companies do take on larger projects, but generally, if you need to get multiple trades involved; plumbers, electricians, carpenters, drywallers, roofers and others to all work on the same large project you need a contractor.

If you need a drywall repair, some baseboards installed, a few walls painted and a new door installed, then a handyman is a good fit for you.

What if I need more than 1 handyman?

If you are on a tight timeline and only have 1 day available to get your list done, or your project needs 2 people to complete. It’s no problem, we can help you out. Our teams are made up of multiple handymen so if you need 2, or 3, and maybe even 4 we can make it happen. A lot of our commercial clients take advantage of this as they are normally on a tight timeline due to business hours.

Regardless of what you need done, or where you need it done our goal is making your life easier. Give us a call, you will be happy you did!

Contact 604Handyman today for guaranteed quality work!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

There is no better feeling than spring finally arriving. Longer days provide the perfect opportunity to clean. If you are ready to tackle your spring cleaning, then consider these cleaning tips for both the exterior and interior of your home.

5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Home

Install More Shelf Space for Organization

One of the best ways to begin spring cleaning is to get organized. Organizing allows you to have more space in your home. If you are running out of storage space then consider installing more shelves in your garage, basement, closet, utility room, or wherever it may be.

Clean and Repair Your Windows and Screens

With Spring here it’s smart to clean and repair your windows and window screens. The weather is finally warm enough in most places to let fresh air in on a nice day. Make sure all your windows are clean and screens are intact before opening them for the season.

Clean and Inspect Your Decks, Patios and Driveways

While you are spring cleaning, don’t forget to consider the exterior of your home. It’s finally time to get back outdoors and enjoy your decks, patios and driveways with family. Before you start using them, make sure they are in safe condition. You want to make sure there are no loose nails or boards on your deck or any loose rocks and uneven ground on your patio and driveway. Once they are done being inspected, give them all a good clean and remove any debris.

Clean and Inspect Your Fences

While you are outside cleaning the exterior of your home, don’t forget about your fences. Your dog is probably very ready to spend hours in your yard once again. Give your fence a good spring clean, by power washing them, re-staining them or just making sure all gates and latches are in working condition.  

Deep Clean your Bathrooms and Kitchen

Lastly, give all the tile, appliances and countertops in your bathroom and kitchen a deep clean. If any tiles or grout work needs to be repaired, this is the perfect time to get it done!

Handyman Connection offers home improvement and maintenance services and can help you with your home improvement projects this Spring. If you are interested in any of our services, call our team to get started with our professional craftsman.

The post 5 Spring Cleaning Tips appeared first on Handyman Connection.

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot of things, including how we must do business. With most people staying at home, and tight restrictions in place for public places and gatherings, the way home service businesses will receive customer referrals are changing. Though it is a challenging time, your company has a unique opportunity to reach customers in different ways.

Here are three ways customer referrals will change for home service businesses:

1. Personal referrals will change from in-person to online.

Right now, people are not gathering at their kid’s hockey games, large family gatherings, and other social events. Word of mouth marketing will still exist, but not in a person-to-person way. If you have relied on personal referrals for your home services business, you must consider that this will change because of COVID-19, and it probably has already.

Just because people are not talking about your business face-to-face, doesn’t mean they still can’t refer you to a friend. Your customers are spending more time online these days, and these referrals can still happen on social media and other virtual channels. Consider how your business is marketing online during these times. Do you have a social media presence? Are you investing in online advertising? If you want those person-to-person referrals (online), now is the time to do so.

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Third-Party Certifications & Accreditations

Over 71% of consumers look for a third-party seal of approval.

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2. Business owners will help other business owners.

One positive thing that has come out of all of this is the spirit of mutual aid among business leaders. We have seen instances of business owners helping each other through referrals and sharing of resources. Home service companies often rely on related businesses in the industry for referrals, and through strategic partnerships, we can help each other survive and even thrive through this crisis.

If you have some downtime, use it to engage with other business owners. When people need home services, they often will need more than one type of contractor. For example, while getting their roof repaired, they might discover they need new eavestroughs. These situations present an opportunity for a referral from another business. Start connecting with other home services business owners, offer to refer them to your customers, and ask that they do the same in return.

3. Referral websites will grow.

What is a referral website? In basic terms, a referral website is a website used to get a visitor to another site. For example, you might be reading an interesting blog on one website, and then see a link to a related product or service. You click on the link to do more research and, in that sense, are referred from one website to another.

Having links to your website on referral sites is an excellent way to increase web traffic and leads for your business. Because most consumers have turned to the internet for research, purchasing products, and inquiring about services, these types of referrals will expand. They were already an effective way to increase referrals for your business, but because of stay-at-home recommendations amid COVID-19, they will only become more effective.

When your company has a blog on RenovationFind’s blog, we include a link to your website in that blog article about your company. You also have a link to your website on your directory listing. RenovationFind acts as a referral website for the companies listed on our website.

To learn more about how you can get more online referrals with RenovationFind, contact us.

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Today’s Consumers are Digital.

Did you know Google released a stat indicating users check out 10.4 sources before purchase.

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Trustworthy home improvement companies on RenovationFind.com

When a homeowner finds a company on RenovationFind.com they can consider it a personal, unbiased and truthful personal recommendation from us to them. This is good for business.

Another Helpful Article is >>> TOP 5 WAYS TO GROW YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT BUSINESS ONLINE

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

When you invest in your home, you want to do so both inside and out. Interior renovations transform your home for you, but your exterior is just as important. Changing and updating the outside will both boost your home’s curb appeal and add major market value. Better yet, some renovations can be done together to ensure the transformation happens quickly!

Asonic Roofing and Construction Ltd. in Calgary are a full-service roofing company. They share the three types of exterior renovations to tackle together:

Change the look of your new asphalt roof

If it’s time to replace an aging asphalt roof, don’t just keep the same old style with your new roof. Instead, consider customizing your shingles with a new colour or design. Between 3-tab shingles and architectural, your asphalt shingles can make an impact on your house. Architectural will give a more aesthetic style, while 3-tab keeps a more traditional look.

Choose the colour of your shingles in a way that will also complement the look of your home. Pair the right colours and style to give your home a fresh and visually appealing first impression. Try a dark home with a light roof, for example, to create a beautiful contrast. Or, keep both the roof and home light to make it not only bright and open but also keep things cooler. Check out these colour matching tips for some help when choosing a new colour palette for your home‘s exterior.

Exterior renovations: big or small

Exterior renovations can range in scale depending on what ideas you have in mind or what your home needs. For small exterior changes, focus on a new paint colour for your siding, or repaint those trim and accent colours. For a more significant change, update your old windows with newer and more efficient ones. Likewise, pairing roof renovations with new siding is the perfect chance to match the two. Each plays a key role in your home’s energy efficiency and protection, so you want the best of both.

Whichever you choose, make sure it complements the other changes to your home. If you have a new roof colour, then update the look of your siding to match. Soffits and fascias also go hand-in-hand with your roof system and boost that curb appeal. If you need inspiration, take a look at the other homes in your area for some ideas.

Update those eavestroughs for value and style

Well-cared-for eavestroughs are important for the upkeep of your home. By keeping water away from the roof and foundation, they help prevent the risk of costly water damage. On the other hand, rundown or aging eavestroughs not only risk causing damage, but they affect your home’s appearance. New and updated eavestroughs, however, will bring significant style benefits to your home. They can create crisp, clean lines on your home, giving it an overall cared for and quality appearance. You’ll get the monetary value benefit of a well-maintained house, plus it is personally appealing to own a nice-looking home!

Roofers in Calgary and Exterior Renovations in Calgary

At Asonic Roofing and Construction, they believe that customer care and satisfaction always come first. They pride themselves on their commitment to quality and care, no matter the job. Asonic Roofing and Construction offer everything from roofing, siding, windows, eavestrough, and more. Whatever your needs may be, they have the help you need.

Ready to transform your home?

Call now to start the change!

This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk

This post first appeared on https://www.homebuilding.co.uk