Benefits of Roof Repair Services

Have you ever purchased a house only to find out the roof was in disrepair? Roofs are critical to the health and well-being of our homes and their inhabitants. Here are 7 ways regular roof maintenance and roof repair services can help you.

Father and son working on roof repair

Encourages Energy Efficiency

When a roof is not tip-top shape, you risk less energy efficiency. Roofs that are not well maintained lose heat in the winter, and gain heat in the summer – a very unwelcome surprise to our electric bills. Roof maintenance ensures that all gaps are sealed and any other repairs are handled preventing these issues, thus lowering your energy costs.

Protects Home Value

One of the primary things a new buyer considers when purchasing a home is the age and durability of the roof. Routine maintenance and repairs help to ensure that your home maintains excellent curb appeal while also increasing the home value – an amazing benefit when selling your home!

Protects Your Family from Health Hazards

Your home should offer sound protection from the elements. Without a well-maintained roof, you risk damage from weather events, falling limbs, and potential leaks which can lead to mold and mildew. Each of these can risk your family’s health and well-being. Roof repair services can combat this possibility and ensure your home is ready to handle those elements.

Home Safety Assurance

Beyond protecting your family, roof maintenance ensures a solid layer of defense for other structural elements such as beams, rafters, walls, and foundations. This extends the life of different aspects of your home – a welcome round of savings!

Extends Lifespan of Roof

A major advantage of routine roof maintenance is the extended life of your roof. By not leaving anything to chance and calling your roof maintenance company for even small repairs guarantees your roof can “weather the storm”.

Identifies Weak Points Early

When you hire a professional roof repair contractor when damage is limited, you ensure that the roof’s weak points are identified early before they wreak havoc on your home. Through this, you can avoid costly repairs from compounding issues over time.

Ensures Roof Warranty is Maintained

Many roofs come with a warranty, however, warranties come with stipulations on how roofs are maintained. By using roof repair services, you can ensure your warranty is maintained and that any future repairs are covered.

There are numerous benefits to maintaining your roof.  Through routine repairs, you could save thousands on larger repairs or even a replacement and ensure that you offer much-needed protection. If you are looking for a roof maintenance company, look no further. Give Capital Exteriors and Renovations a call today for your free quote. Our experts can help you find the ideal solution to keep your roof in shape.

Your Guide to Choosing a Fence Stain

Staining your fence can be a great way to add curb appeal to your home. Not only does it spruce up the appearance, but it can also offer your fence protection as well. Even better, you can choose from many different stain styles and colors. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing the best fence stain for your project.

Person applying fence stain

 Stain Versus Paint

What is stain, and how does it differ from just paint? Here’s the breakdown:

Stain:

  • More transparent than exterior colored paint
  • Moisture protection
  • Limited UV protection
  • Penetrates wood surface and highlights the grains, rather than cover the wood

Paint:

  • Moisture and UV protection
  • Covers surface and is not transparent
  • Will not show wood grain

Stain Transparency

There are a few types of stains for fences: transparent, semi-transparent, and solid wood stains.

Transparent stain is ideal when you want to highlight the grain of the wood as well as add subtle pops of color. This is also typically the most cost-effective option for staining projects. Transparent stains are often used on new fences and create a more natural appearance.

Semi-transparent stains add more coverage while still showing a bit of the wood grain still. You will likely need at least two coats to be effective. One thing to note: this stain is pricier than a transparent stain and is comparable in price to solid wood stain.  Semi-transparent stains work on both new and old fences as they hide some of the imperfections in the wood.

Solid wood stain completely hides the original appearance of your fence. Colors such as dark walnut, light oak, or chestnut and other colors. Some solid stains have built-in UV protection which is beneficial for sunny regions. Solid stains are a great choice for fences that are damaged as they hide the wood underneath.

Something to note: Before committing to a stain color or formula, consider testing your choice on the wood. This can not only save you money, but time as well. No one wants to spend money on a stain only to find out it isn’t the right color for your needs.

Oil-Based Stain Versus Water-Based Stain

Beyond the stain color and transparency, the stain base should be considered when selecting a stain. Oil-based stains are easiest to apply and infiltrate wood better than water-based stains. However, oil-based stains come with the hazard of noxious fumes and flammable solvents. They often attract mold and mildew more than a water-based stain. Water-based stains dry quickly and often last longer than oil-based stains. For the best results, the wood needs special preparation. If preparation isn’t done properly, you could risk having visible laps in coverage as well as early stain failure.

Type of Wood

Did you know the type of wood impacts the number of coats needed, color of the stain, and the amount of preparation needed? For example, cherry, mahogany, and walnut have smaller pores which make the stain harder to absorb and work best with an oil-based sealant. Cedar and pine absorb oil-based stains well due to their large pore size. These types of wood should not use water-based stains. Ash and oak can tolerate oil-based or water-based stains.

Choosing a Fencing Stain Color

Beyond the type of stain, another consideration is the color. However, choosing the color goes beyond just personal preference in some cases. Factors such as the type of fence, the neighborhood, colors around your property, and color availability all play into the fencing stain color chosen.

Type of Fence

One of the factors considered when choosing a color is the fencing type. When staining a privacy fence, many people opt to stick with frequently used colors such as dark brown, redwood, or warm cedar. For rail fences, darker colors such as a black or dark brown stain are often used. For modern fencing, colors such as gray or even a staggered fence color pattern are great options.

Color Availability

When choosing a stain color, it is important to ensure that your color pick is available in the formula that works best for your project. Choosing a cheap fence stain could result in premature fading in just a year or two. Consider choosing a reputable stain brand with high solids and then pick from the color options within that product family.

Match Your Home’s Architecture

Your fence is an extension of your home. If it matches the style and feel of your home, it creates a more cohesive appearance. One way to do this is to match a stain used on another part of your home.

Color of Other Yard Features & Style Preferences

Your other yard features and the colors should be considered when making the final selection for your fence stain. Ideally, the fence stain complements the other features in your yard such as a shed, pergola, garden stones, etc. The chosen color should fit the design scheme you’ve created for the rest of your space. Your fence should enhance the best parts of your property rather than drawing attention away from them.

Additionally, the color chosen should reflect your own style. Certain stain colors fit a specific style. For example:

  • Warm tones and red undertones are considered rustic.
  • Dark tones such as chocolate browns or blacks are sophisticated.
  • Grays, some blues, and greens are contemporary (and not often seen in fence stains).

HOA/Neighborhood Considerations

While bold colors can be fun, it is important to consider any HOA rules or regulations that are applicable to your neighborhood before going with that bright blue. Many neighborhood covenants limit color choices, so be sure to check on any restrictions before starting your project.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes if you find yourself unsure, it helps to talk to someone who does staining, painting, and fencing for a living. If you are in the Raleigh/Durham, Charlotte, or Greensboro areas, give Capital Exteriors & Renovations a call. We offer custom color consultation, and comprehensive surface preparation to ensure a smooth finish to your painting projects as well as fence installation and repair.