News and Updates

Planning to Make Your Home Energy Efficient? Consider Vinyl Siding

March 31, 2014John Zatwarnytsky

A lot of homeowners today are hoping to find ways to make their home more energy efficient. Aside from saving money, doing so can raise the re-sale value of a home substantially, especially for properties in Delaware. Tax incentives can also be granted to homeowners who take active steps toward making their home more eco-friendly. One thing that not many people realize is that besides protecting houses from the elements, properly maintained siding can also help fulfill the aforementioned goals:[…] Read More

Protect Your Property—Nip Roof Damage in the Bud

March 28, 2014John Zatwarnytsky

Prevention is always cheaper than replacement and this applies to the roof over your property. Given that roofs are supposed to be built to last, it is not unusual for property owners to neglect maintenance, only calling on a Delaware roofing contractor when it is already too late. Unfortunately, damage to a roof will usually extend to the property itself if left unchecked:

“Roof leaks are an inconvenience to the tenant and can damage property or equipment in the building interior. While this is the most immediate concern, there are long-lasting negative effects that can surface for years to come.

Many of the results of poor roof maintenance are seen on the building exterior itself. Damage to brick, stucco, EIFS, wood, concrete and just about any other exterior building component can occur from improper roofing maintenance. Extensive repairs, early roof replacement, lost tenants, damaged building components, decreased energy deficiency, voided warranties and concessions given at the sale of the building are just a few ways to lose money through inadequate roof maintenance.”

Before matters get worse, see to it that you address your roofing problem as soon as possible. Roof repairs will still cost you, but you’ll see that immediate action will help you save more money in the long run.

As one of the most trusted Wilmington DE roofing companies, HomeCraft, Inc. provides quality roofing to homes throughout the Tri-State area. Their products are designed to withstand all kinds of weather, from the harshest winters to the hottest summers, at affordable prices to suit all budgets.

Customers are also given a line of products from GAF to choose from, all backed up by the GAF “Golden Pledge” quality assurance. This combination of affordable pricing, topnotch products, and superior customer service makes working with pros like HomeCraft, Inc. easy for homeowners who want to make sure their roof —and property —lasts for generations.

(Article excerpt and image from Facilities Magazine, Maintaining Your Most Important Asset: Your Roof)

Good news Warranties from Delaware Roofing Companies: Beyond Duration

February 12, 2014John Zatwarnytsky

Many Delaware roofing companies like Homecraft try to put warranties in layman’s terms, but these can still be prone to misinterpretation. Nearly everyone who have had their roof repaired at one point (or installed) probably asked how long their coverage would last. However, duration isn’t the only thing you should be asking.

It’s imperative to learn other aspects of insurance like the “what” of insurance. What exactly is covered within this specified period? How will roofers charge for the repair or installation job? Everything a homeowner needs to know about a specific warranty is in writing; it’s a matter of absorbing the information.

Coverage Explained

Brand new asphalt shingles don’t always mean their warranty provides a 50-year coverage. This is basically an oversimplification of matters.

The duration of warranties depend on the shingle line installed; one line may be covered up to 50 years (or even a lifetime), another line may only be guaranteed for 20 to 30 years. Keep in mind this is just the tip of the iceberg. Other factors such as wind speed that damaged the roof will also come into play in warranty assessment.

You can also expect prorated terms in roofing warranties. If a 30-year warranty on shingles has a non-prorated period of 15 years, coverage will start to shrink after Year 15. The non-prorated period can vary by warranty; some start to lose coverage after half the warranty period, others lose it as early as the first year. After all, by half the warranty period, the roof may show signs of wear.

Defects Only

Manufacturers don’t always include labor in warranties. If they do, it’s most likely a case of failed installations on their part.

Manufacturers usually don’t cover situations beyond their control such as erratic weather. There are hybrid warranties in the market that cover both materials and labor, but their complex terms warrant a professional to take a look at it first. Repairs of defects, in this case, are usually done by reputable Delaware roofing contractors.

(Article excerpt from “Roofing Warranties: Always Read The Fine Print,” Facilities Management, February 2008)

Safer Delaware Roofing Ahead with HUD’s Strategic Housing Initiative

February 7, 2014John Zatwarnytsky

In February last year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rolled out its strategic initiative for making American homes a lot safer. Dubbed as “Advancing Healthy Homes: A Strategy for Action,” the HUD outlines five goals to be achieved within the next few years. Some of these include adopting recommendations and educating the public.[…] Read More

Keep Your Home Warm with the Help of Newark, DE Siding Contractors

January 31, 2014John Zatwarnytsky

Snow continues to fall up and down the First State as the latest winter storm intensifies.

The National Weather Service says a winter storm warning remains in effect until 6am Wednesday. New Castle County is expected to see the most snow -7 to 13 inches. Kent County could see 5 to 9 inches while Sussex gets 4 to 8.

Temperatures in the 20’s and gusting winds approaching 30 miles per hour are also in the forecast for the rest of the day, contributing to hazardous conditions.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Mitchell Gaines says the right blend of blend of moisture and cold air is fueling the storm.

“It’s taken advantage of a fairly tight temperature gradient, and also it’s been able to pull in some Atlantic moisture as well, as it’s developing and moving off to the east and northeast,” said Gaines.

Now that cold temperatures are at an all-time low, perhaps it’s time for you to think about getting some energy efficiency home improvement projects done. One project worth considering is having new sidings installed. With utility bills climbing, vinyl siding, especially when installed by highly capable Newark DE siding contractors, presents a good option.

The way vinyl siding is manufactured efficiently blocks the passage of heat. In summer, it can deflect the sun’s heat; in winter, it can block out cold winds. When partnered with good insulation and interior finishing, vinyl siding can keep your living space comfortable all year long.

High on energy efficiency and low on maintenance, vinyl siding installation is indeed worth the cost and effort. If you’re in the market for upgrading your siding, call trusted Newark and Wilmington DE siding contractors like Homecraft® to schedule a consultation.

(Article Information and Image from Delaware remains in grip of winter storm and cold, WDDE 91.1 FM, Jan. 21, 2014)

ROOFING, SIDING & REPLACEMENT WINDOWS IN WAYNE PA

Snow Accumulation on the Roof—Call a Wilmington, DE Roofing Contractor

January 27, 2014John Zatwarnytsky

Ice and snow have shut down Delaware for the second day in a row, but there are signs going on of people digging out. Governor Jack Markell announced the state of emergency, which limits driving, was lifted at 10am.

The state and the region were hit with several inches of snow throughout the day Tuesday and according to the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, snow accumulations varied across the state. Hockessin in New Caste County reported 10 inches of snow while the Dover area saw about 5.5 inches. In Sussex County, Laurel reported 1 inch.

Temperatures dropping into the single digits Tuesday night and the Delaware Department of Transportation said removal efforts have been a struggle.

It is the responsibility of local authorities to keep roads clear of snow for the safety of the public. It is your responsibility to keep your roof free from snow buildup for the safety of your family. Once your local weather announcement alerts you of snow loads that can threaten your roof, be prepared to remove snow from your roof to keep your home and your family safe.

Inadequate insulation, shoddy workmanship, and insufficient ventilation can cause the snow accumulation on your roof to become ice dams. Once ice dams form, water can no longer drain from your roof. Instead, it can begin to seep through the shingles, which can then lead to mold growth or the weakening of your roof’s structural integrity. Call a Wilmington DE roofing professional to address these issues.

Excellent roof repair services provided by trusted Wilmington and Newark DE roofing contractors like Homecraft® can protect your roof from the harshest weather conditions. Don’t hesitate to call them for any and all roof repair needs.

(Article Information and Image from Big snow dig is on in Delaware; cold temps set in NewsWorks, Jan. 22, 2014)

Choose Doors in West Chester, PA based on Home’s Architectural Style

January 22, 2014John Zatwarnytsky

A particular architectural style is dominant in each U.S. state in one way or another. In Massachusetts, for instance, the Cape Cod style is most common, while the California Craftsman style is most popular in California. In Pennsylvania, Patch.com’s Nick Vandekar writes that the Colonial architectural style is quite popular, but not everyone is aware of its characteristics.[…] Read More