Posted by TribalVision Admin on Mon, Mar 12, 2012 @ 10:00 AM
After a big storm, most Rhode Island homeowners check their roofs for damage or schedule an inspection. It’s a wise move and one that can save you thousands down the road because it leads to catching small problems early, before another storm comes through and turns them into big ones. An ounce of prevention, as they say, is worth a pound of cure.
But many homeowners don’t realize that the roof isn’t the only exterior part of a home that can be damaged in a storm without leaving big, obvious signs. Your home’s siding can also take a hit from excessive snow and rain, high winds, and airborne debris. That’s why we recommend doing a walk-around after each big storm to check your siding for any hint of wear or damage. After all, your siding is basically the skin that protects everything inside your home. If it becomes perforated, your home, its structural components, its contents, and its inhabitants are at risk.
What To Look For:
When inspecting your siding, there are a few basic things to look for. There are also a few telltale signs you’ll need to make calls and get a siding quote. Rhode Island homeowners who don’t already have a siding contractor can find one easily by utilizing social media and checking with the Better Business Bureau.
• Look for broken, chipped, or cracked siding. Some cracks and breaks are really minor problems. You can simply go to the home improvement store, pick up some replacement siding pieces, and swap the old out for the new. However, if you don’t know how to do it properly, if you’re concerned that water has intruded past the siding, or if the damage is over a large area, it’s time to get a siding quote. Rhode Island has many qualified contractors, so you should never have to wait long for some estimates.
• Check for loose siding. If you find any, refasten it properly. If you see that there are many loose pieces, this is another sign you’ll need to hire a professional because the entire house, from ground to roof, will need to be inspected.
When unsure whether you need a siding quote, Rhode Island homeowners are better off playing it safe than sorry. With such volatile weather and heavy wear to your home’s exterior, it’s always worth the money to have your home inspected after a big storm. Talk to your contractor. Many are glad to educate their homeowners and show them how to perform basic inspections themselves. This will save you from having unnecessary visits, and it’s a good sign you can trust your contractor.
For more information on when or how to obtain a siding quote, Rhode Island homeowners can contact us at 800-975-6666 or fill out the form on the right side of this page for a free in-home estimate.
Posted by TribalVision Admin on Wed, Mar 07, 2012 @ 01:17 PM
Whether due to damage or age, every once in a while, your home will need new siding, and that means you need to hire a siding contractor. Rhode Island has many qualified providers to choose from, and, of course, we also have our share of less reputable or lower quality contractors. So, before you get into your project, here are some tips on hiring the right siding contractor.
Step 1: Reach out to family, friends, neighbors, and other local contacts to see whom they recommend and whether they have any warnings or advice. Compile a list of companies, and then look them up on the State of Rhode Island’s Contractors’ Registration and Licensing Board. This will help you weed out the handymen from the licensed, insured contractors, which is really important for this involved a project. Further check with the Better Business
Bureau to determine the reputations of the licensed contractors you find. Now you’re ready to make some calls.
Step 2: For the next step in finding a siding contractor, Rhode Island homeowners should call each of the providers on their short lists. Make notes as you go. Was your call answered promptly or message returned within 24 hours? Was the person with whom you spoke pleasant, knowledgeable, and willing to help you? Were they able to make an appointment to come out to your home within a reasonable time frame? If a company is unable to handle returning phone calls promptly and professionally, and they don’t have time to come out and provide an estimate soon, move on.
Step 3: Obtain written estimates from no fewer than three companies of varying sizes. Make sure that each provider gives you a signed, written estimate that includes all of the following:
- Type and brand of materials to be used (moisture barrier, siding, trim, caulking, paint, finish)
- Removal of all debris
- Duration of project
Step 4: Check references on your top choices. If a contractor cannot provide any client references, walk away.
Step 5: Choose a contractor and enter into a contract. The contract should include the items listed above in Step 3, and should have clear start and end dates. Not only should your contract stipulate that debris removal is included, but it should also detail where debris will be stored during the project, if need be, and what will be done with the old materials. Responsible contractors dispose of waste properly and will not have a problem providing you with this information.
Hiring any type of contractor can feel overwhelming. For more information and assistance in selecting a siding contractor, Rhode Island homeowners can contact us at 800-975-6666 or fill out the form on the right side of this page for a free in-home estimate.
Posted by TribalVision Admin on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 @ 10:10 AM
Exterior Home Maintenance
When it comes to home maintenance, many people think of their home’s interior. Cleaning, fixing small problems, keeping up with appliances, changing air filters, and other simple tasks. But home maintenance goes far beyond aesthetics and interior home systems. Home maintenance also means keeping up the exterior of your home so it can protect everything inside.
In Rhode Island (RI), your home’s siding is much like it’s skin. It is that outer layer of protection that keeps out the elements in protection of the interior elements. But siding needs protection and maintenance too. And sometimes, it needs replacing.
When it’s time for new siding, RI homeowners are often at a bit of a loss. After all, siding doesn’t need to be replaced very often. In fact, you may live in a home for many years and never have to do much of anything to your siding unless there’s a major storm that causes siding damage. But eventually, siding does need to be replaced, and then what?
First Things First
First, it’s always good to do periodic inspections of your home, both inside and out, to look for areas of damage or wear so you can take steps to repair problems before they become such major issues that you have to replace entire systems or elements of your home. When inspecting your siding, there are a few things to look for:
Loose siding – Depending on the type of siding you have, a loose piece can often be snapped back into place after you’ve ensured that it’s still attached to your home.
Broken siding – If you see cracks, breaks, or other obvious damage, you may be able to handle the repair yourself by simply removing the old piece of siding and installing a new piece. If you haven’t done this before, consider bringing in a professional and watching him or her work so you can learn a proper technique for the next time. If there is a large area of damage, you will definitely need some new siding. RI has extreme weather, and siding is a major factor in protecting your home from it. Take the time to have this work done right.
Impending damage – Look around your home for any loose debris, fallen tree limbs, or weak trees that may break and fall into/onto your home. There’s nothing like a storm and a weak tree to lead to homeowners needing new siding. RI homeowners should have their larger trees inspected semi-annually to ensure their health and trim back limbs close to their homes.
Do you need new siding? RI homeowners can contact us at 800-975-6666 or fill out the form on the right side of this page for a free in-home estimate.
Posted by TribalVision Admin on Wed, Dec 14, 2011 @ 09:00 PM
Sometimes, getting quotes for home repairs can feel a bit like having your car break down in a strange town and having to figure out whether the mechanic is being honest about you 
needing a new alternator or whether you need to flag down the tow-truck driver before he takes off. If it’s not your field, it’s just hard to know exactly what you need, especially in an emergency.
Fortunately, replacing your home’s siding isn’t usually a sudden emergency, so you can usually take your time in selecting a siding quote. MA residents have much to take into consideration when replacing siding for their homes or outbuildings, so let’s take a look at the various types of siding.
Siding ABCs
First, what is siding? Siding is the exterior “casing” of a home or structure. It’s the material you see from the outside, and it can be made of a broad range of materials, including multiple types of siding in a single structure. The most common types of siding are:
• Vinyl
• Plastic
• Wood
• Metal
• Insulated
• Stone or Brick (imitation)
• Composite
• Masonry
When seeking a siding quote, MA homeowners need to take a few things into consideration. First, if you’re just looking for a repair (replacing a small section), you need to find out whether the type of siding you currently have is still available. If your structure is very old, this may be an issue. Second, and again particularly for older buildings, ask: Is a repair cost-effective, or are these older materials going to end up costing more in upkeep and replacement in the long-term? Are you better off with a whole-structure re-siding using newer, longer lasting, more efficient materials?
You may find that patching a small area is really a Band-Aid solution and that, in the long run, you’ll be better off with all new siding. Get opinions and estimates from multiple providers before making your choice. Make sure that the estimates are all comparing “apples to apples,” so to speak. That is, be sure you’re not ruling out a company as too expensive without considering whether that company’s quote was for a higher cost or better quality material than the others. Cheaper is not always better in these situations. Look at each material and consider the anticipated lifetime, required maintenance, available warranties, overall quality, weather resistance, and how long you intend to own your home.
To learn more about determining whether you need a repair or entirely new siding, or to seek a siding quote, MA homeowners can contact us at 800-975-6666 or fill out the form on the right side of this page for a free in-home estimate.
Posted by Rebecca Langley on Tue, Sep 28, 2010 @ 08:53 AM
Cleaning your home’s siding is a small step that you can take to making your home look like new. The quickest way to achieve this is to use a power washer to clean your siding. Massachusetts homeowners should consider this method since the New England weather will soon turn cold, and you cannot clean the siding when it is cold outside.
If you choose to power wash, first inspect your home for damage and cover all landscaping, doors, lights, windows and outdoor electric outlets (The power should be turned off). Clean each side of the house when it is not in direct sunlight, which can cause the cleaner to dry too quickly. Power washing can be harmful if you do not use caution when operating the machine. Be sure to hold the power washer straight out at eye level and stay above the siding. If you use the power washer too low and it points upward, then it will get under the siding causing water damage and/or the siding to get loose. Be sure to read the instructions for the machine to confirm you are using the correct pressure and nozzle for your home’s siding. MA homeowners can consult their local hardware store when renting the machine for specific instructions.
You can use a cleaner, found at most hardware stores, specifically made for siding. Read the instructions when mixing the cleaner since it is potent and can harm the finish of your siding if not diluted correctly. Power washing should never be used on wood or brick exteriors. Consult your siding manufacturer since power washing is not recommended for all siding.
If your home is beyond cleaning and needs new siding, MA homeowners can contact Moonworks by filling out the form on the right for a free estimate.
Photo Credit: Flickr User Song-sing's
Posted by Rebecca Langley on Wed, Sep 22, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
As a homeowner, it is important to clean your siding to keep your home looking fresh, clean and prevent the buildup of mold, mildew and algae on your home. There are several ways to clean your siding. Rhode Island homeowners should consider this project in September/early October to ensure the best weather. Be sure to inspect your home before cleaning for optimum benefit. Be sure to close all doors, windows, turn off power to all exterior outlets, and cover all bushes, scrubs, plants and lighting fixtures with plastic.
Some homeowners hand wash their homes while other prefer power washing their home’s siding. Rhode Island homeowners, if you want to wash it yourself, gently scrub using a soft bristle brush. This allows the bristles to get into the cracks. Cleaners formulated especially for siding can be purchased at your local hardware store. Be sure to follow the instructions on mixing the cleaner since these are very concentrated. Start on the bottom and work your way up. Rinse the siding from top to bottom. While this is the opposite of the professionals, most of us are not as quick as them which will cause us to have long streams of dirt coming down the side of the house.
If your home needs new siding, RI homeowners can contact Moonworks using the form on the right for a free estimate.
Posted by Rebecca Langley on Tue, Sep 21, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
Fall is the perfect time to clean your siding. Massachusetts homeowners are busy dealing with the falling autumn leaves, but adding the cleaning of your siding to your fall checklist is a smart move. There are many substances that can cause build up on your home’s vinyl siding. Car and airplane exhaust can be a large problem if you live near an airport or on a busy street. Other participles such as pollen, mold, mildew and algae can also build up on your siding.
Before cleaning your siding, inspect the exterior of your home for cracks in caulking that could be causing gaps. Repair these gaps with the caulking in the appropriate color for your home. Weather that is at least 65 degrees in temperature and dry is best for adhesion to the siding. Massachusetts and other New England homeowners, this means that September is the best month for this task due to the temperature requirement. If you need to replace whole siding panels, hiring a professional contractor is best.
If you need new vinyl siding installed on your home, Moonworks would love to give you a free estimate. If you are interested in siding, MA homeowners can fill out the form on the right side and we will contact you for the free estimate.
