Taking On A Winter Roofing Project

Many homeowners rush to take care of a roof repair or replacement before the snow flies. While not a bad idea, don’t fret if you haven’t gotten your roof taken care of. Most roofing projects can be done regardless of the time of year.

You’re probably wondering why it’s sensible to undertake a roofing project in the middle of one of Rochester’s famous winters. For starters, leaving a compromised roof alone until spring can actually be more of a detriment than to have it repaired/replaced mid-winter. Just like the freezing and thawing action of water in the cracks in pavement creates the all-too-familiar potholes in Upstate New York, the same action acts on your roof. Not addressing roofing problems can lead to more problems throughout the winter.

While feasible, there are some considerations depending on your roofing material.

Sloped Roofs

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used residential roofing material, and can be installed regardless of the season. Because they are affected by temperature, however, they become more brittle in the colder weather. Installers must be cautious when installing them to ensure that they don’t bend and crack the shingle. The sealing strips are also heat-dependent, and installing them on cold days may cause them to not seal properly.

Metal roofs, however, can be installed easily in the winter months without any additional special considerations. The metal is designed to expand and contract with the changing temperatures, and will adjust without issue to the wide temperature swings we’ve come to know and love here in Rochester. Make sure you use a premium breathable underlayment, and upgrade ventilation whenever possible.

Flat Roofs

Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) and Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) roofing is easily installed during the winter months. These products are mechanically installed and are welded together with a hot air gun.

Rubber and adhesive-based roofing materials, however, are the exception. These two types of materials are very temperature-dependent, and may not be effective when applied. Rubber roofs are usually only installed in temperatures greater than 40°F, as the rubber can freeze and fail to adhere to the roof. Adhesives are also susceptible to freezing, and may not bond, either.

Regardless of your roof style or material, you can prevent common issues and the premature failure of your roof by thoroughly discussing your needs with a trusted roofing contractor.

Source: http://www.trinityhomerenovations.com

Home Checklist: Preparing for Fall

With fall upon us, homeowners are busy preparing their homes for the months ahead. Considering these tips will not only save you money in the short term, but cut down on repair costs come spring!

Exterior Maintenance

• Ensure the foundation is sealed
  Take a walk around your home and check your foundation for cracks or other openings that could lead to heat escape. Specifically, check where any masonry meets the siding, pipes or wires enter the structure, and around windows and doors.


• Inspect your windows
  Windows are a big source of heat loss in the colder months. Fix any broken windows, and ensure that they lock tightly. Consider installing storm windows to add an extra air cushion to further insulate your windows from heat loss.


• Make sure your roof is in good shapeA lot of heat loss can occur through the roof of your home as well. Look for missing and loose shingles, and have it repaired as necessary. With the frequent temperature shifts in Upstate New York, further damage can occur as the melting snow and ice re-freezes as it works its way under the edges of the shingles.


• Clean out gutters and downspoutsAvoid the ice buildup in your gutters this winter by removing any debris, flushing them with water, inspecting the joints for a tight seal, and tighten any brackets that are loose. A gutter system that is off pitch due to a loose bracket can cause pooling, and eventually an ice buildup.


• Weather strip your garage doorKeep out the driving snow and rain, characteristic of an Upstate New York winter with weatherstripping. Not only will it keep your garage at a more bearable temperature, but it will help keep out some of those smaller animals, too.


• Inspect your driveway and sidewalk for cracksWhen snow thaws and re-freezes in the cracks of your driveway or sidewalk, it further damages the pavement, eventually creating what we commonly know as “pot-holes.” Sealing the cracks with a commercial sealer helps prolong the life of your pavement, and makes it easier for snow removal.

Interior Maintenance

• Inspect your doors and windows for leaksPrevent unnecessary heat loss and expensive heating costs this winter by inspecting your doors and windows for leaks. Check with your hand for air movement around the edges of the doors and windows. Caulk or install weatherstripping where appropriate, and don’t forget to check the door to the basement.


• Have your heating system checkedSet up an inspection of your heating system by a licensed heating contractor. When properly serviced, heating systems are more efficient, last longer, and experience fewer problems.


• Get your wood stove and fireplace in working orderExamine your wood stove or fireplace inserts door gasket for a tight seal, and ensure there are no cracks in the door. Additionally, have your chimney cleaned by a licensed chimney sweep. Blockages in the chimney put you at a significant risk for a chimney fire.


• Change the direction of your ceiling fansBy reversing your fans, you create an upward draft that redistributes warm air from the ceiling.

By addressing these easy tips, you set yourself up for long-term savings in both emergency maintenance, and in utilities!

Source: http://www.trinityhomerenovations.com

Super Easy Home Decorating Tips For Every Rochester Homeowner

For a lot of people, decorating the home is almost more difficult that renovating it. Which color to pick? What type of furniture? The options available are overwhelming. Even if you see something on TV or in a magazine, does that mean it's the best option for your unique home?

Decorating doesn't have to be complicated. Start by using some of these simple tips to help improve the look of any room.

Tip #1 - Add Plant Life!

By adding flowers or indoor plants to any space, you can bring color and life (literally) to the room. Who knows, it could even help your mood. The nice part about plants is that they come in all sizes and shapes. Don't have a green thumb? Ask your local greenhouse expert about the easiest indoor plans to maintain.

Tip #2 - Lay Some Rugs

Area rugs are a relatively cost effective way to really transform a room whether you're remodeling or not. The rug will warm up any tile or hardwood floor while protecting your floors from damage, wear and tear.

Tip #3 - Dress Up Your Windows

Blinds, curtains and drapes can do wonders for a space. These small touches will make the room look polished and give you some privacy. When in doubt, stick to lighter colors.

Tip #4 - Paint

Nothing refreshes a room like new paint. Again, when in doubt, choose a natural or neutral color. If you're brave, go darker. But you may wish to consult with an interior design expert first.

Tip #5 - Upgrade Your Lighting

It's amazing what new lighting can do. Whether you're going with a floor lamp, table lamp, or something installed in the ceiling, having the correct lighting pattern will set the tone for the whole room.

Tip #6 - Pillows & Comfy Blankets

While also serving a practical purpose, adding new throw pillows and blankets to your furniture allows you to add color, texture and personality at a very low cost.

Tip #7 - Art Work

We find that choosing the right art work for a room is very difficult. Consider photography or something more subtle. Check out a local art studio in addition to the usual retail stores. There are online sites that have a wider selection as well.

Source: http://www.trinityhomerenovations.com

Choosing The Right Time To Start a Home Renovation

There's no question that here in Rochester, late spring, summer and early fall may be the best time to conduct a remodel or home renovation project at your house. But, don't just assume that the colder months are completely out of the picture. Here at Trinity, we've been known to do new roofing projects right through the winter!

Of course, indoor remodeling and renovation projects are generally a bit easier on everyone during the winter months. Here are a few good reasons to consider doing a renovation project during the cold weather months...

1. Winter Incentives
   Depending on the time of the year, the project and availability of crews, some renovation companies may offer an incentive for having them work on your project during the off-season.


2. Be an Early Bird!
   By scheduling projects during the winter months, you are putting yourself ahead of the spring renovation crowd.


3. Enjoy The Warm Weather, When It ArrivesOnce we complete your roofing, kitchen, bathroom or other home remodeling project, the only thing left to do come spring is enjoy the renovation to your home, making this the most important reason to schedule a renovation project during the winter season.

Do you have another idea or reason to consider a winter renovation project? Does your home need a new roof but you don't want to wait until spring? Reach out for a free estimate and let's see if we can help you.

Source: http://www.trinityhomerenovations.com

Top 6 Things To Consider When Choosing a Roofing Company

Having a new roof put on your home is a major investment. It will not only increase the value of your house but it will also help protect it from the elements while improving the aesthetic curb appeal!

How should you go about finding a roofing company? There are many to choose from in the Rochester area. Some are new to the scene and others, like Trinity, have been doing it for years.

Before you sign any sort of contract with a roofing contractor, be sure to consider each of these factors carefully:

#1 - References

Generally, the longer a company is in business, the more references they should have. Don't be afraid to ask for references from some of their customers.

#2 - Warranty

With so many different options and products on the market for roofing materials, find out which materials the contractor uses. What is the warranty offered either by the contractor or the manufacturer of the actual roofing shingles? Is it a limited warranty and if so, what are the restrictions? You can often find out more details about the warranties on the manufacturer's website.

#3 - Licenses & Credentials

If a potential contractor says they have a license, ask to see proof. A business license is necessary for tax purposes and has nothing to do with their qualifications as a roofer. State and local licenses will indicate whether the roofer you’re considering is qualified for commercial or residential projects and whether there are any limits on what work they can perform.

#4 - Reviews

In the modern era of the Internet, many customers will write reviews online. Check out the many sites that allow for candid third-party reviews from customers including Google, Angie's List and Yelp. What are the customers saying? Are the reviews and feedback primarily positive?

#5 - Better Business Bureau Ranking

Any legitimate roofing company will have a listing with the Better Business Bureau. Investigate their overall "score" as well as any major complaints or lawsuits against the company.

#6 - Insurance

Ask to view the potential contractor’s certificates of insurance. They should carry comprehensive liability insurance as well as worker’s compensation insurance and will happily forward verification to you. The legal name of the contractor may offer a clue about the level of insurance they carry.

Uninsured contractors are likely to be less expensive to hire because they are not incurring the high cost of insurance. But beware, if a worker is injured on your property, the property owner may be held liable for all associated costs unless his employer is insured through worker’s compensation. Although an uninsured or underinsured contractor may be less expensive to hire, ask yourself whether that is a risk you want to take.

Source: http://www.trinityhomerenovations.com

Picking The Right Roof Color For Your Home

With so many options to choose from these days, picking the right color shingles for your homes' roof can be a challenge. Trinity is a proud certified partner with GAF, one of the largest residential shingle manufacturers.

We believe in GAF's products and the warranty they offer. You may have seen them featured on Extreme Makeover Home Edition recently. Before we get into the various color options (after all, that's why you're reading this!), we want to point out some of the benefits of GAF's most popular shingles — Timberline HD:

• Lifetime limited warranty


• Awesome Value - Priced right for the homeowner


• A Look With Dimension - Features GAF’s "High Definition" color blends and enhanced shadow effect for a genuine wood-shake look


• Very Safe - Class A fire rating from Underwriters Laboratories, the highest rating possible


• The Best Performance - Designed with Advanced Protection® technology, which minimizes the use of natural resources while providing superior protection for your home


• For a full list of features, check out the GAF website

Ok, now the fun part...picking out a color. Here's a chart that shows you the various roof colors available for the Timberline HD shingle in the Rochester area:



When looking at the color options, be sure to consider the color of your home. Whether your home has siding, cement or wood, we recommend coming up with a palette of complimentary colors, with a bit of contrast. You don't want it to match per se but it should complement the existing colors of your house including the windows and doors.

Genevieve Gorder from HGTV put together a cool guide for choosing the right shingle color for your roof.

For more details on roofing in Rochester and the various options, check out our complete website. Have a question? No problem. Get in touch with us and we'll get right back to you.

Source: http://www.trinityhomerenovations.com

Top 7 Things To Give The Value Of Your Home A Kick

In no particular order, we’re presenting the top things you should consider to give the value of your home a jump. Looking to sell in the near future? Or just looking ahead and planning for what may come down the road when it’s time to sell? Either way, doing some home improvement or remodeling is never a bad thing.

Our ideas range from simple, low cost upgrades to full remodeling and renovation projects. Feel free to pick and choose a project or two that suits your timeline and budget and go from there.

Take a look at Chase’s Home Value Estimator which will give you some guidance as to the current value of your house. Of course, there are many other factors to consider when using this tool including recent upgrades and home improvements you’ve made. The estimator primarily uses local trends and recent home sale data from homes around you and on your street. The reality of selling your home and the final amount will depend on this data but also the unique features and upgrades done to your home since you purchased it.

#1 - Upgrade Your Flooring

Most people would love for the majority of their home to have hardwoods in it. Unfortunately, that’s not always realistic and hardwood flooring can be cost prohibitive to many. Nonetheless, the floors in your home should be up-to-date, clean and stylish. There are many options on the market for flooring — from tile to carpeting, hardwood and pre-fabricated and laminate. Not sure where to begin? Check out a local flooring dealer, find a reliable local contractor, or ask an expert online (see Mohawk, Shaw or Armstrong).

#2 - Don’t Forget The Garage

Sure, most people don’t spend a ton of time hanging out in the garage but you should’t ignore this very valuable area of your home. Take the time to clean it out, clean it up and spruce it up. Install new shelving units, organize your tools and other essentials. And don’t forget the floor. You may want to consider applying an epoxy coat to the floor which will bring it new life (and a hefty dose of shine to boot!).

#3 - Boost The Bathroom

Next to the kitchen, the bathroom is the most common room new home buyers focus on. Aside from doing a complete re-model or bathroom renovation, start small and make some minor improvements. Upgrade the hardware on cabinets and towel holders (and don’t forget the toilet paper holder)!. Purchase a new vanity or mirror (many companies sell pre-matched vanity/sink/countertop units). Fix broken tiles or consider re-tiling the floor, walls or bathtub area. Even a relatively simple upgrade like a new toilet can make a world of difference.

#4 - Invest In A Cleaning Plan

We all love a perfectly clean, spotless and great-smelling home. And so do home buyers! If you’re putting your home on the market, invest in a professional house cleaning service. They’ll take care of areas you may have forgotten about and are pros and finding hidden (and not-so-hidden) dust and dirt. Most major metropolitan areas have commercial services that can come clean your house. If you’re going to go with a private cleaner or someone you know, be sure to read reviews, ask for testimonials and verify they have any necessary insurance.

#5 - Curb Appeal Is Everything

From simple flowers to a professional, well thought out plan for overhauling your home’s landscaping, everyone agrees that curb appeal is critical. Remember, the outside of your home makes a huge first impression. What better way to get a potential buyer in a good mood than to have them be uber impressed with your outdoor areas?

#6 - Make Over Your Kitchen Cabinets

The work needed to make over your kitchen cabinets will depend on what you currently have. How old are they? How do they look? Do they match the decor in your kitchen or has everything else changed but the cabinets? A simple paint or sand and re-staining job may do the trick. If you don’t want to do the work yourself, find a professional who can resurface your cabinets for you. You may want to consult with an interior designer to help pick out paint or stain colors that will really pop and give your kitchen a fresh look. Also, don’t forget the hardware. Sometimes new hardware alone can make a big difference.

#7 - A Fresh Coat Of Paint

One of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements of all is paint! Most of us can handle this project on our own. The hardest part? Choosing the right colors! You don’t want to choose a color that is too bold. Imagine a red wall in your home and the potential buyer hates red! Pick something modern, perhaps a bit trendy and of course—neutral. Most paint runs $20-$35/gallon. Consult with your local home improvement or paint store regarding which type of paint is best. Many of them have primer built right into the paint which can save you time.

There you have it. 7 areas to think about when considering selling your home. We could go on all day with hundreds more but this is a great start!

Image courtesy of nuttakit / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Source: http://www.trinityhomerenovations.com