By now, you know the drill. Fuel and food and energy costs have skyrocketed. Bikes are hot. SUVs are not. Green is, most definitely, the new black. And as you grow more aware of managing energy and other expenses, don't discount what is likely your biggest expense-your home.
Sure, we all know to unplug unused appliances or opt for ceiling fans and closed blinds instead of frigid air conditioner settings. For a true investment, however, consider these latest home improvement and repairs for the summer.  Below I have listed a few of the most popular projects we are doing right now to protect your biggest investment, your home.  

When it comes to improving your home, one of the quickest, easiest, and least-expensive ways to make a significant impact is to paint. Nothing revives weatherworn siding or adds a touch of style better than a new coat of paint. Painting is like an instant renovation.

But choosing paint colors can be tricky. Paint colors have gone through such dramatic changes in the past few years that it can be hard to know what to buy. We're here to help you look through all the colors so you can make the right decision for your house.  It's generally recommended to paint your house every 3-5 years to protect your siding, stucco, or shingles, as well as maintain a fresh looking exterior. 

A heavy rain flowing down house walls to the ground below can cause a great deal of damage. At the very least, it taxes paint and wriggles into cracks, contributing to eventual decay. At its worst, it foils windows, invades walls, and undermines foundations. Gutters and drainage systems handle rainwater removal to keep these things from happening.

Architectural shingles are premium asphalt-based roofing shingles. Since the first commercially-successful asphalt shingle was produced in 1953, manufacturers have endeavored to create "composition" shingles that could rival the texture and visual interest of real wood, tile, and slate roofing.

Given that a composition shingle is essentially a flat, asphalt-saturated cellulose or fiberglass mat coated with mineral granules, making it look natural, textured, and dimensional has been a challenge.

In the 1970s, the three-dimensional, or laminated, shingle was introduced, built-up from two or more layers of material sandwiched together. To enhance the effect, coloration of the surface granules imitated shadow patterns.

In recent years, refinements of the three-dimensional shingle have resulted in a new generation of high-quality asphalt roofing products with distinctive, often dramatic, appearances. With these advancements come a new name: architectural shingles.
The top overlay of these shingles is often notched, sawtooth-cut, or offset for definition and interest. Because of their extra thickness, these shingles weigh considerably more than conventional asphalt-based shingles and have longer warranties. Weights run up to about 430 pounds per square (100 square feet of roof) and limited warranties may be 25 years or longer.
 

 

 

 

If you are interested in any of the above home improvement projects, just give us a call! We hope you have a fun and safe holiday weekend.  Happy 4th of July!

 

Sincerely,

 

www.brooksidecontracting.com