At Advocate Roofing, we often asked about reviewing the home’s entire exterior. When a homeowner is considering a significant facelift for their residence, we’ve found that sharing some insights provides a good perspective. Every geographic area has some nuances. If you have specific questions, please get in touch with your local Advocate team member.

Complete Exteriors

Selecting the siding of your home or commercial building is an important decision. When choosing between siding types, some clients start by envisioning their finished product. There are many styles to choose from when it comes to siding, and each one presents a different aesthetic.

There is, however, more to think about than appearance. When selecting your siding material, durability and maintenance are also important factors to consider. Why? The exterior of your property can take a beating. Windstorms. Hailstorms. Extreme weather, hot and cold. Choosing siding that can survive the elements and endure regional climate changes is essential.

Partnering with a company can help you choose suitable options for your home. While proper care can maximize the longevity of your siding and roofing, it’s important to understand what that upkeep entails.

Siding Types

When starting a complete exterior makeover, choosing your siding is crucial. It’s not just about aesthetics (although looks matter, too). It’s also about price, durability, longevity of the material, and proper fit.

Here are some of the most popular types of siding:

Vinyl Siding

When you think of siding, vinyl siding may come to mind first. It is the most cost-effective way to protect your home or commercial property from the elements, allowing you to save on energy costs. One of the best features of vinyl siding is that it’s maintenance-free. You’ll never have to paint again!

But as with any material, vinyl siding has its pros and cons.

Here are some cons to consider…
While vinyl siding is a cost-effective way to protect your property, it could potentially be viewed as a lower-quality material by future buyers. If your home has some interesting architectural features, this style runs the risk of covering them up.

One of the reasons why vinyl is so durable is because it expands; this means it needs to be hung loosely. However, this expansion also means wind can get underneath the vinyl sheets and lift a panel from the wall. Windblown debris and intense hail can puncture vinyl as well.

James Hardie (Fiber Cement Siding)

This fiber cement siding is engineered to stand up to the elements. Fiber cement is a composite material of cellulose, wood fibers, sand, and water. It is such a durable product that it mimics the look and design of cedar wood—without the rotting, cracking, or splitting.

While less common or popular than vinyl siding, it is still found in nearly 5.5 million homes. One of fiber cement siding’s most substantial benefits is that it is commonly warranted for 50+ years.

James Hardie is known for its environmental friendliness. It has natural materials, as opposed to plastic or other artificial materials, common in different siding options. While the material has many benefits, it’s important to think about installing Hardie board siding. It can take longer, and it’s more labor-intensive than other options. In some geographies, it has additional service costs associated with it. But working with a quality construction company can give you the peace of mind that comes with proper installation.

Even better, its upkeep is low maintenance.

LP Smartside (Engineered lap siding)

LP Smartside is an engineered lap siding that offers the warmth and beauty of traditional wood, along with the durability of engineered wood.

This siding is manufactured to strengthen and resist fungal decay and termite damage.

Two of the most significant benefits of LP Smartside are its durability and impact resistance. You won’t need to worry about dents from hail or misdirected baseball pitches.

For many homeowners, the versatility of LP Smartside is also a significant benefit; there are many color options.

Cultured Stone by Boral

Give your home or commercial property a new look with Cultured Stone by Boral.

Utilizing Cultured Stone on the exterior of your building can completely transform its look.

It is a manmade, manufactured stone veneer that consists of a concrete mixture. It is cast in flexible molds and hand-colored with iron oxide pigments to resemble natural stone.

The possibilities with Cultured Stone are endless. Whether you are hoping to have a classic or modern look, Cultured Stone can make it happen.

In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the stone is nearly impervious to weather

Gutters

Are you looking for gutters that can complement your siding?

Seamless gutters are continuous gutters made onsite, typically consisting of aluminum, copper, painted steel, or zinc.

Since these gutters don’t have seams, the chance of leakage is exponentially reduced. Additionally, they are easy to maintain and durable, as they typically only have joints at the corners where they wrap around the roof.

Seamless gutters are made on-site to match your color. Fascia leaf guards can be added to your new gutters as well.

The roof is an essential part of any home, providing protection and shelter from the elements. When it comes to choosing the right roofing material, shingles are a popular and versatile option. They not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also play a crucial role in safeguarding it against rain, wind, snow, and other environmental factors.

There are various types of shingles available on the market, each with its unique characteristics and benefits. In this blog, we will explore some of the most common types of shingles, with a particular focus on the popular and widely used asphalt shingles.

• Asphalt Shingles:

Asphalt shingles are the most prevalent roofing material in North America, and for good reason. They are cost-effective, easy to install, and come in a wide range of colors and styles to suit various architectural designs. These shingles are composed of a fiberglass or organic base mat, coated with asphalt, and topped with ceramic granules that provide weather resistance.

One of the significant advantages of asphalt shingles is their durability. They can withstand harsh weather conditions and have a relatively long lifespan, typically ranging from 15 to 30 years or more, depending on the quality and maintenance.

Advantages of Asphalt Shingles:

Affordability:

Asphalt shingles are more budget-friendly compared to other roofing materials, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for cost-effective solutions.

Ease of Installation:

Asphalt shingles are easy to install, reducing labor costs and installation time.

Wide Variety:

They come in a wide array of colors, styles, and textures, allowing homeowners to find the perfect match for their preferences and home design.

Low Maintenance:

Once installed, asphalt shingles require minimal maintenance, adding to their appeal for homeowners looking for a hassle-free roofing solution.

• Wood Shingles and Shakes:

Wood shingles and shakes offer a natural and rustic look to a home. They are typically made from cedar, redwood, or pine. Shakes are thicker than shingles and have a rougher texture. Wood shingles and shakes are eco-friendly, making them an environmentally conscious choice. However, wood shingles require more maintenance than asphalt shingles. They are susceptible to rot, mold, and insect damage, so regular inspections and treatments are necessary to maintain their longevity.

• Metal Shingles:

Metal shingles are gaining popularity due to their modern appearance and long-lasting performance. Made from materials like aluminum, copper, zinc, or steel, metal shingles offer excellent durability and resistance against fire, mildew, and insects.
Metal shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles, but their longevity often compensates for the higher initial cost. They can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance.

• Slate Shingles:

Slate shingles are a high-end roofing option known for their elegance and longevity. Made from natural stone, slate shingles can last over a century if well-maintained. They are resistant to fire, mold, and insects and are available in various natural colors.
However, slate shingles are heavy and require a sturdy roof structure to support their weight. Additionally, their installation requires specialized skills, which can make them more expensive to install and repair.

• Synthetic Shingles:

Synthetic shingles are manufactured to resemble other types of shingles, such as wood or slate, but are made from composite materials like rubber, plastic, or polymer. They offer the same appearance as natural materials but at a lower cost and with improved durability.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right type of shingles for your home depends on various factors, including budget, climate, and personal preferences. While all shingles have their advantages, asphalt shingles stand out as a versatile and cost-effective option for many homeowners. They strike a balance between affordability, durability, and ease of installation, making them a popular choice across the country.
Before making a decision, consult with a professional roofing contractor to assess your home’s specific needs and determine the best shingle type that will not only protect your home but also enhance its curb appeal for years to come.

Working with a commercial roofing contractor that offers storm monitoring services is important for property owners for several reasons:

• Early detection of damage: Storm monitoring allows the roofing contractor to keep a close eye on the roof’s condition during and after severe weather events. This proactive approach enables them to detect any potential damage early on. Timely identification of issues can prevent minor problems from turning into major and costly repairs.
• Faster response and mitigation: With storm monitoring in place, the contractor can respond quickly to any damage that may occur due to storms or extreme weather conditions. Rapid action is essential to minimize further damage and prevent leaks or structural issues that could negatively impact the property.
• Preventing insurance claim issues: Having a roofing contractor with storm monitoring capabilities can be valuable when dealing with insurance claims. They can provide detailed reports and documentation about the extent of the damage caused by the storm, which can help streamline the claims process and ensure that the property owner receives fair compensation.
• Extending the roof’s lifespan: Regular monitoring and prompt maintenance can extend the lifespan of the commercial roof. Timely repairs and addressing potential issues can prevent premature deterioration and increase the roof’s longevity, saving the property owner money in the long run.
• Expertise in storm-related roofing issues: Contractors experienced in storm monitoring are well-versed in identifying and addressing problems specifically caused by severe weather conditions. They have the knowledge and tools to deal with storm-related issues effectively and efficiently.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that a commercial roofing contractor is actively monitoring the roof after a storm can provide property owners with peace of mind. It reduces the stress and uncertainty associated with potential damages and ensures that a professional team is looking after their investment.
• Preventing secondary damage: Roof damage from storms can lead to water infiltration, mold growth, and other structural issues if not addressed promptly. A roofing contractor with storm monitoring capabilities can prevent secondary damage by taking swift action to repair any issues that arise.

Overall, working with a commercial roofing contractor that offers storm monitoring services is a proactive and cost-effective approach to roof maintenance and protection. It helps property owners safeguard their investment and ensures that their commercial property remains in good condition despite challenging weather conditions.