it’s been some time since Hurricane Sandy

So… it’s been some time since Hurricane Sandy blasted Connecticut and left over 600,000 Connecticut residents without power. We hope and pray that, above all, your family is safe – and second, that your home is safe as well. As Connecticut continues to recover and as we all try to get things back to normal, it is time to start repairing the damage that our homes and offices have sustained. Whether your home or office has lost a portion of its roof, siding, windows, or doors – The Roofing Store is here to help.

From the time we began doing business here in 1982, one overriding principle has guided us – and that has been to consistently provide the highest level of service and satisfaction to our customers. Our licensed and insured employees are ready to restore your home or office – or maybe make it a little better - than it was before the storm. We install products from only the leading manufacturers in the industry, and we hold the highest level of certification and accreditation from these manufacturers.

Call us at 855-403-4966, or click here to set up your no-obligation repair estimate. Remember, “we do it right, we do it by the book, or we don’t do it at all.”

The weather has turned colder

The weather has turned colder, and the leaves are falling from the trees. It won’t be long before we are in the full throes of winter. If your home or office has suffered any damage over the summer, now is the time to address it – before it is too late. Proper roof maintenance in the fall prevents further damage to your roof and reduces the risk of ice dams.

This process begins with a full inspection of your roof. Some of this can be done from the ground, but most can be done only from atop the roof itself. So if you are not comfortable climbing a ladder or walking around on your roof – stop now and call in the cavalry.

From the ground, you want to see straight, horizontal lines along the gutter line and the roof top, or ridge line. If these lines show any signs whatsoever of bowing or sagging – you may have a serious issue developing.

Once on top of your roof, check for missing or damaged shingles, slates, or shakes. Missing or damaged shingles provide an easy point of entry for rain and snow.  Also check around any chimneys, vents, or skylights. The flashing around these structures has to be undamaged as well – or again, a point of entry for damaging water is present. Remove any branches, birds’ nests, Frisbees, or other items from the roof. If you have any branches hanging over the roof, trim them now, or this winter’s ice will trim them for you – only not quite as cleanly as you may do it. Lastly, check your gutters to ensure that they are properly fastened to the building and are free from clogs. Clean out any leaves, baseballs, or other debris from the gutters. Clogged gutters lead to ice dams, and the weight of an ice dam can tear your gutters completely off your home – leaving a lot of collateral damage, too.

If everything checks out okay, you’re good to go for another New England winter. If, however, you have found any damage whatsoever, please do yourself a favor and call us at The Roofing Store. In our 30 years of experience, we have never seen damage fix itself over the winter (and we doubt we ever will). On the contrary, it only gets worse and ends up costing you more money later. Please - call us at 855-403-4966 today, or click here to set up your no-obligation repair estimate. Remember, “we do it right, we do it by the book, or we don’t do it at all.”

Why vinyl windows?

Advances in design and improved technology have made vinyl windows a desirable addition to homes everywhere. Many of today’s replacement windows meet requirements that older wood-frame and metal windows couldn’t possibly match.  The Roofing Store, (Vinyl Windows) has a wide variety of vinyl windows to choose from.

Frames


The greatest benefit of today’s vinyl windows is the quality of construction. Another benefit is that they will never need sealing or painting, as traditional wood windows do. The vinyl window frames are extremely durable and will withstand fading and discoloration much better than wood frames. Today’s quality offers superior security as well.

Glass

Vinyl windows use high-grade products and ingenuity to deliver high-performance. Most vinyl windows use double-paned glass. The windows have an insulation barrier of air, which provides protection from damaging elements, higher energy-efficiency, and greater sound protection. These airtight layers of protection that are energy-efficiency. Each manufacturer’s windows are submitted to an energy-efficiency test conducted by a government-backed program.


Ease of Use


Vinyl windows typically last longer than wood-frame windows. Wood tends to swell and retract due to changes in temperature and humidity. This swelling and retraction may cause the wooden window frame to become misshapen. Over time this will become more difficult to slide or close properly.

Choice of Options

Vinyl replacement windows are available in a variety of styles, sizes, and colors. Window styles include casement windows, double-hung windows, bay and bow windows, and sliders with two, three, or more sashes. Vinyl windows offer the same style features found on other top-quality windows. Divided light grids, decorative glass, tilt-out sashes, and high-efficiency locking systems to name a few.

Value
Vinyl replacement windows add value to your home, giving them a positive cost-to-benefit ratio.

The Roofing Store, has a wide variety of vinyl windows, and services the Plainfield, CT and surrounding areas such as Norwich, Lisbon, Waterford, Woodstock and surrounding areas.  You can reach The Roofing Store at 855-403-4966.

Cement Siding

Fiber cement siding is long, rectangular boards that resemble aluminum or wood lap siding products. This siding gives the appearance of wood siding or vinyl siding, but has the durability of cement. Labor is a bit more intensive, and proper precautions should be taken when cutting fiber-cement siding. Therefore, use a professional; this is not a “Do It Yourself” project.

The Roofing Store offers, and installs, James Hardie fiber cement siding that gives you a beautiful home that is also safe from environmental and accidental wear and tear, with a choice of up to 26 baked-on colors via their ColorPlus® Collection. James Hardie fiber cement siding is designed to last a lifetime, resisting cracking, rotting, hail damage, termites and many other possible problems.

Fiber cement siding is also environmentally friendly! Fiber cement siding is made from a mixture of cement, wood fibers, sand, and water. These materials are safer than the chemicals used in the production of other types of siding, and fewer emissions are released during the manufacturing of the product. This product last for decades before needing replacement. This long, useful life span means less energy and resources will be needed over time.


According to the HomeDoctor.net fiber cement siding is most easily cleaned using a power washer. A hose can work, but the pressure is often not enough to get rid of any resistant dirt, mildew, or mold. Also, you should clean your fiber cement siding annually to keep the dirt and mildew from building up.

When you first begin cleaning your fiber cement siding, inspect your home. Look for areas that may need a little extra attention. Some areas of the fiber cement siding may have accumulated more dirt, mildew, or mold over the year. You will need to scrub these areas a bit harder. This is also a good time to fix any areas that need more caulking or areas where nails need to be replaced.

Once you have inspected the area, use the power washer to wash and rinse the fiber cement siding. At this time, you may also need to use a wire brush, rag, and dishwashing detergent or vinegar mixture to clean any tougher mildew or mold stains. You can also use the power washer extensions to remove these stains.

During this cleaning, it may also be wise to trim any trees or bushes that are creating more pollen build-up on your siding. Also, the trees and shrubs should be cut away from your home. If you follow these simple tips for cleaning your fiber cement siding, you will have a house that sparkles!

The Roofing Store, servicing the Plainfield, CT and surrounding areas such as Norwich, Lisbon, Waterford, Woodstock and surrounding areas. You can reach The Roofing Store at 855-403-4966.

How to Clean and Maintenance Vinyl Siding

According to the Vinyl Institute, you should wash vinyl siding with a soft cloth or long-handled, soft bristle brush. For textured surfaces, use only a soft bristle brush to keep the grooves in the texture stain-free.  You should start at the bottom of the house and work up.  It is best to rinse the cleaning solution completely before it dries. If your house has brick facing, cover the brick so that it is not affected by the runoff.  You can use a power washer, though you should read the washer instructions carefully before use. When cleaning, hold the power washer straight at eye level to keep the water on top of the siding where it can clean most effectively. Do not aim the power washer upward because the water will be driven behind the siding.

You should also follow the siding manufacturer’s recommendations. Some manufacturers don't want pressure washers used on their products at all. Others allow them, but have limitations on the amount of pressure and the cleaners that can be used. Most will caution against the use of pressure washers around any opening in the wall, such as windows, doors, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Most important thing to remember when using a power washer is that you could be voiding your warranty, so check with your manufacturer BEFORE using.

Use a gentle cleaning solutions when cleaning your vinyl siding. Use a 30/70 mix of vinegar and water. (If that doesn't do the job, the Vinyl Siding Institute suggests mixing 1/3 cup laundry detergent, 2/3 cup powdered household cleaner, 1 quart liquid laundry bleach, and 1 gallon water.)

To maintain your siding, use the proper cleaning techniques as well as common sense. Keep barbeques away from your siding, as well as other items that emit a lot of heat. Also, avoid overspray from pesticides, stains, sealants and wet concrete, these can stain your vinyl siding.

The Roofing Store, http://www.roofingstorellc.com/, can assist you with any questions you may have regarding the maintenance and cleaning of your siding. The Roofing Store services the Plainfield, CT and surrounding areas such as Norwich, Lisbon, Waterford, Woodstock and surrounding areas.

The vinyl side of life….

The Roofing Store offers many types of siding for your home, but the most cost effective type is Vinyl. Vinyl has come a long way since the 1950’s. The most important thing to remember about vinyl siding is that it needs to be installed by professionals. The Roofing Store has been installing siding since 1982, so needless to say, they know vinyl.

The main difference between vinyl and wood is maintenance. Vinyl does not need to be painted! When installed by a professional like the Roofing Store, you will have a product that does not blow off during a wind storm, or sag after years of installation. Believe it or not, vinyl does not retain moisture like a wood product. This means no rotting like the wood, and no replacement of warped, or molded pieces. If a piece of vinyl siding does get damaged, replacement it easy, and convenient!


Vinyl siding does come in different grades, so the price will be different depending on the grade. You might consider how long you plan to stay in your home. The higher grade of vinyl will be similar to the best grade of cedar; however, the cost savings is the installation. Vinyl is less labor intensive than a wood product.


Vinyl siding adds beauty to a home, which will add to the value of the home. It is also a building product that carries an outstanding manufacturer limited lifetime warranty by most manufacturers.

All vinyl will fade after 10-15 years and, if desired, can be painted with latex paint. So, if you decide after years and years of having the same color of siding, you can either replace all of it, or simply paint the color you desire.

If you are thinking of installing vinyl siding to your home, contact The Roofing Store at 855-403-4966.  The Roofing Store, www.theroofingstore.com, services the Plainfield, CT and surrounding areas such as Norwich, Lisbon, Waterford, Woodstock and surrounding areas.

Hot Flashing Not Hot Flashes! Check out our hottest product!

HOT NEW PRODUCT ALERT!

If you are buying a 20-30 year roof, should’nt your pipe flashing last that long too?

You deserve the ultimate flashing on your rooftop!

The Roofing Store LLC is please to offer the “Ultimate Pipe Flashing” from Lifetime Tool & Building Products LLC. A break-through design using a proprietary sealing method for flashing plumbing vent stacks and other penetrations that will provide a lifetime of trouble-free service.

That’s right…a lifetime.

Look what happens to the other guys flashings:

The “Ultimate’s” premium material choices allows it to withstand even the harshest conditions, from its 24ga. Galvanized Kynar coated plate to its high quality ultra-pure high consistency Silicone and its proprietary precision molded PVC compression collar designed not to cut or notch the Silicone boot.  This means you won't have water pentration from faulty flashings when you have the Ultimate!

Please visit our website to watch a very informative video and learn more about this hot new product!

The Roofing Store really has you covered when it comes to roof replacement and repair in Plainfield, CT and surrounding areas such as Norwich, Lisbon, Waterford, Woodstock and surrounding areas.