AT HOME WITH STEPHANIE: How to decide on home remodel – Wicked Local Saugus

By Stephanie Vanderbilt

Q: My home exterior needs some updating, but Im not sure whether to repair or replace. Im specifically referring to our windows, roofing and gutters.

A: Beautiful weather makes most New England homeowners want to boost curb appeal from every angle. This time of year, an exterior home remodel is an excellent choice. Not only does it make your home look more beautiful, but it also increases home value and energy efficiency.

With that said, sometimes it can be difficult to determine if your exterior home remodel project requires repair or replacement. These are the top signs to keep in mind for windows, roofing and gutters.

1. Repair or replace worn out windows?

Should you repair or replace your windows? This is one of the most-common questions for any replacement window companyin New England. The truth is that this question is best evaluated in person by a professional. A replacement window company can help you determine if your windows need replacement or just a quick repair, but these are the top signs that replacement is in your near future:

-- The window frames are deteriorating. Many old homes in New England have wood window frames. Although wood frames complement the character of homes in our area, deteriorating frames wont do you any favors. When your old wood frames are deteriorating and the wood is becoming soft, thats an indication of rot.

-- Your energy bills are skyrocketing. As temperatures rise with summer approaching, escalating energy bills are a common sign that its time for new window installation. New replacement windows can save you up to 40 percent on your energy bills.

-- You constantly feel drafts. Drafty windows are inefficient windows. Choose new energy-efficient windows with low air-infiltration ratings.

What qualifies for a window repair? This depends a lot on the condition and age of the window. Seal failures can sometime be fixed under a manufacturers warranty. Other times, you might be better off replacing the entire window, especially if its old, inefficient and no longer under warranty.

2. Repair or replace damaged gutters?

Gutter repair or replacement is essential to keeping costly clogs at bay. There are numerous reasons why gutters get damaged, including ice dams from the winter or brackets pulling off the side of your home.

How do you know if your gutters need replacement? Some telltale signs of gutter replacement include:

-- Water damage occurring directly underneath the gutters, which is damaging to soffit and fascia board.

-- Sagging gutters that pull away from your home.

-- Large sections of rust spots.

-- Eroded landscaping.

-- Peeling exterior paint.

If the condition of your gutter system isnt up to par, gutter replacement may be in order.

What qualifies for a gutter repair? If your gutters are leaking, you can repair just a section by adjusting or adding gutter hangers as needed. You can also patch small holes with roofing cement and smooth it out with a putty knife.

3. Repair or replace roofing?

Whether your roof needs repairing or replacement, this is a big exterior home remodel for any homeowner. The rainy spring season isnt the time to let roof damage linger, but it can be tough to determine if you need a whole new roof or just a couple new shingles.

How do you know if your roof needs replacement?

If you need to replace the entire roof, youll notice numerous danger signals such as:

-- Large dark patches that span over your roof, which indicate moisture damage.

-- Excessive growth of mold and moss.

-- Interior damage from water leaks.

-- Aggressive staining from lichen and algae.

-- Exterior decay of your home siding.

-- Shingles that break or crack at the touch of a hand.

-- Numerous shingles are missing.

-- Shingles are cracked, buckled or curling.

-- Your home is losing excessive amounts of energy without explanation.

-- Roof is 15 years old or older.

What qualifies for a roof repair? You can typically get away with roof repair when youre missing a couple shingles here and there.

What should you look for in a new roof? Key components include quality asphalt shingles that are extra durable, to ensure they will hold up against the elements. Furthermore, investing in roofing that can withstand 130 mph is smart for any New England homeowner, especially if you live along the coast. In addition, adequate ventilation and insulation are important, as well as all six parts of a roofing system, as it's more than just applying new shingles.

Dont forget that you should never hire a roofing contractor in Massachusetts who is not fully licensed, insured and trained by factory regulations.

-- Stephanie Vanderbilt is owner of Coastal Windows & Exteriors. She would love to answer any questions that will help you make your home beautiful, warm, safe and energy-efficient. Do you have other home improvement questions she can help answer? Ask her atsvanderbilt@mycoastalwindows.com or call at 978-304-0495.

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AT HOME WITH STEPHANIE: How to decide on home remodel - Wicked Local Saugus