Home Upgrades You Need

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Whether you’re planning to sell your home or you’re looking to make improvements on a home you’ve been for quite a while, there are endless types of upgrades to consider. But the most essential upgrades will do two very important things: a) increase your home’s value and comfort and b) boost its aesthetics.

As your trusted Norwalk roofing company, we’d like to help you learn more about which home upgrades you need and why:

Siding Installation
An easy and essential upgrade to any home is new siding installation. One of the most popular types of siding material that is durable and easy to maintain is vinyl, which comes in many colors and can spruce up your curb appeal. If you’ve done research on selling your home, you probably know that first impressions are lasting impressions, so make your home visually appealing by wrapping it in a beautiful upgrade!

Window Replacement
When it comes to your home’s comfort, you’ll want to upgrade your windows. If your current windows are outdated or cracked, your home might not be insulated the way it should be. This means you could be wasting extra dollars trying to heat your home this winter. Not to mention, a window replacement can also provide your home with more natural sunlight.

Roof Repair or Replacement
One of the most fundamental components of your home is the roof over your head. Not only should it have a nice appearance, but it should first and foremost provide you with the utmost comfort. Roofing companies, like Phil’s Main Roofing, can help you make repairs or replace your roof to save you from more costly work down the road (especially if your roof is past its lifespan).

For over 65 years, our family owned company has proudly served Fairfield County and the surrounding areas with our expertise in residential and commercial roofing. For more information on how we can help you with your new home upgrades, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today! 

Three Home Improvement Projects That Can Boost Resale Value

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Are you thinking of putting your home up for sale sometime in 2015? Whether it has been on your mind for years or you recently made a spur of the moment decision to pack up and go, selling your home is a process that begins before you even hang up the "for sale" sign. Starting with renovations, one of the first things homeowners often consider is how they can boost their resale value (even if only slightly) before they put a price tag on their home. But which home improvements reward you with the most bang for your buck? Find out below:

Freshen Up The Front: Being that your front yard is one of the first things potential buyers see when they pull up to the curb, it's important to always keep things looking fresh. If spring or summer is when you plan to sell, brighten up the front of your home by planting some of your favorite colorful flowers in your garden or window boxes. Additionally, if your walkway or front stoop is cracked or outdated, you may want to update to give off a better first impression - first impressions are everything!

Clean Up Your Kitchen's Act: Right off the bat most people would agree that an updated kitchen is a huge selling point. If your budget calls for it, any type of improvement to the kitchen is a must if you're looking to wow anyone that walks through the front door. Regardless of whether you update to new appliances, give new doors to your cabinets or simply change the lighting to make the room appear bigger and brighter, any updates you can make to cause your kitchen to stand out is huge.

Add To The Attic: Okay this one's easy, but as you update, don't forget to insulate! If your attic is unused you might not have had any reason to insulate in the past, but taking just a bit of time to do so can go a long way. Since future homeowners will want to know that their hard earned cash won't go to waste in terms of their heating and cooling costs, it's important to have a well insulated attic that will keep the wanted air in and the unwanted air out. 

Last but not least, we certainly couldn't forget about your roof. As a bonus tip, we'd like to remind you that taking care of your roof and repairing/replacing it can play a huge role in your home's resale value. If your Connecticut home needs some roof repairs, a new roof entirely, or some basic maintenance to whip it into shape before your house makes its way to the market, connect with Phil's Main Roofing! We offer a variety of residential roofing services that you can benefit from before you embark on the journey of selling your home.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for your FREE estimate, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today.

Things To Consider Before Installing A Skylight

Phil's Main Roofing 

26 Fitch Street, Norwalk CT

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

After a long winter, most people would do anything to let some more sunshine into their home. But is opening the blinds really enough? Although your everyday windows are a great source of sunlight, not to mention your doors as well, sometimes you just need another way for natural light to make its way in. The answer? Skylights.

Being that skylights are installed on your roof, they allow the sun to shine directly into your home without having to pass through any barriers; how much better could it get? If you're thinking of using skylights to make your home a bit more brighter, don't forget to consider the following before having them installed:

Cost | Like you would for any other home improvement project, make "cost" one of the first things you research. Although they are technically a window, that doesn't mean that the cost of installation will be equivalent to what it would cost to have new windows installed on the front or side of your home. And don't forget about hidden costs that might emerge - depending on the structure of your home, you may find that you have make additional repairs or changes along the way.

Placement | The placement of your skylight is extremely important to get the best results. If part of your roof is covered by a tree, chances are you might be welcoming in more shade than sun. Additionally, if you plan to install a skylight in a room that faces North, you should compare how the results will differ if you installed it in a room that faces South; you'd be surprised at how the amount of light available changes when switching directions!

Regulations | Being that skylights are a unique feature of the home, your local building department may have certain rules and regulations about what types of skylights can be installed and where. Before setting a date for the installation to begin, be sure to connect with a town official about the project.

Most importantly, don't forget to consider your roof! Since you will essentially be cutting a piece of it out, you will want to know how stable it is otherwise and ensure that it is fully equipped to handle a new structure in itself. To learn more about how Phil's Main Roofing assists residential and commercial customers with all aspects of their roofs, please visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today.

How To Be A Smart Remodeler

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

According to weather.com, our 10 day forecast includes highs in the 40s - can you believe it? After such a rough winter, we couldn't think of anything more refreshing than that! But will it stick? Time will certainly tell.

As the Spring season closes in on us, you might be starting to think about making some improvements to your home. And while each of you might have different plans for how you'll update your humble abode, there are a few ideas that can apply to each individual situation. The following are a few tips that you can use to become a smart remodeler this Spring season:

Use Your Neighborhood As A Guide | When choosing materials and finishes, always take a look at the visual cues that come from other homes in your neighborhood. If you use high-end, expensive products in a low priced neighborhood and vice versa, your resale value likely won't match your expectations.

If You DIY, Do It Right | Even for small scale interior projects, if you plan to DIY, you must be confident that you can complete the job just as good as a professional would. Remember, if you plan to sell your home in the future, potential buyers will inspect every inch of the home from top to bottom.

Do The Math | Before you adjust current space to serve a new purpose, think about if you are actually adding value to your home. For example, if you plan to turn an unused bedroom into a den or a "man cave," realize that you are actually taking away a room that is probably valued more by future buyers.

When going through these tips, one common theme continued to pop out at us - resale. All smart remodelers consider how their actions will impact the resale value of their home, even when they aren't planning to sell! Will you?

Fully licensed and insured in the state of Connecticut and Westchester County, NY, we at Phil's Main Roofing know exactly which remodel will help improve the value of your home - roofing remodels that is! If you're considering making a few changes this Spring, connect with us today to learn about our residential roofing services!

Should I Insulate My Attic?

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

Although Spring is in sight - at least in terms of the calendar - we still seem to be wrapped up in a vicious cycle of winter winter. Between the snow and the ice and its recurring nature, at this point it seems like it may never stop! That being said, we'd like to take today to cover a topic that often makes its way into the minds of homeowners - insulation.

Should you insulate your attic? The answer is yes. And not even just because it can help you save on heating and cooling costs or make your home more energy efficiency - proper insulation helps you maintain your home's overall comfort! And during winters like this, we know just how valuable a comfortable home really is. However, if your attic is unfinished and a lack of insulation is evident, there are a few things you should consider about your roof before you start the job -

1. Do you need any internal roof repairs?
2. Do you have the materials needed to keep air flowing between your roof and the insulation you plan to install?

After all of your hard work, we bet the last thing you would want is for your roof to come crumbling down due to a moisture problem, which is why it is so important to install baffles between your roof rafters; this will help keep air flowing despite the fact that insulation has been added. Furthermore, since you won't want to have to tear down your insulation if you notice roof damage mid way through the job, we recommend checking things out before you get started.

Still have questions about how insulating your attic could impact your roof? If you have any questions or concerns about your roof, contact Phil's Main Roofing today! We are fully licensed and insured in Connecticut and Westchester County, New York, and would be happy to help you with all of your roofing needs. For more information about our services, please give us a call at (203) 838-4545 today.

Mid-Winter Maintenance Checklist For Your Home

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

If you are currently living in the North East, then you are fully aware of the undesirably cold temperatures that this winter has presented us with. And if you think we are almost nearing the end being that it is already mid February, Punxsutawney Phil’s winter prediction for 2015 seemingly suggests we have quite a way to go – 6 weeks worth, at least

Unless you’re planning to take the family elsewhere for the remainder of this chilling season, here are a few tips that can help you grin and bear it at home –

• If you have an oil-burning furnace, make sure you have more than enough in your system at all times.
• Reseal your windows and doors with weather stripping and/or caulk to keep the drafts out and the heat in.
• Change your furnace’s filter at least once a month to ensure that your system can continue to do its job.
• Double check your attic’s insulation to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof. This tip is especially pertinent to all homeowners this year!
• Keep your gutters clean to prevent a backup of debris so that wet winter weather can properly be diverted away from your home.

Last but not least, don’t forget to inspect your roof regularly to ensure that damage from record-breaking winter conditions are not compromising the quality of your home. But in the event that your roof falls victim to an ice dam, leak, or other threatening activity, contact Phil’s Main Roofing for help! Located in Norwalk, CT, we offer a variety of residential and commercial roofing services to property owners in New York and Connecticut. For more information, visit us at www.philsmainroofing.com or contact us at (203) 838-4545.

Home Improvement Tips You Need To Know

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

 

Whether you've just bought a home that needs repairs or you're looking to make improvements to a home that you've been in for quite some time, there are several things you must consider before diving into your project. In addition to the most obvious things you must look at, such as the size of your home and your budget, there are many other smaller, and perhaps less obvious factors that need to be analyzed before any decisions can be made.

If the potential for remodeling your home is in the near future, check out these three home improvement tips that every homeowner should know:

Value:
Always start by asking yourself, "what value will this project add to my home?" While some projects add more value than others, every change you make will have an impact on the value of your home. Especially if you plan on selling your home, we recommend leaning towards projects that will bring the value of your home up at the greatest rate.

Time of Year:
If you have a long list of changes that need to be made, start by seeing which ones are the most pressing at that time of year. For example, during the winter, it's best to attack any projects that include re-caulking or resealing your home so that you are prepared to battle the cold weather.

To DIY or to Not DIY:
Many homeowners often feel like they can tackle parts of their home improvement project on their own. However, even when it seems doable, the act of actually completing the project is often harder than it looks. If you have any doubt that difficulties may arise, always contact a professional contractor for help.

For a complete list of home improvement tips you need to know, click here.

Is roof repair or replacement on your list of things you must complete this year? Contact Phil's Main Roofing for help today! At Phil's Main Roofing, we offer comprehensive residential roofing services to help you with all of your roofing needs. For more information on how we can help, please visit us on our website or contact us at (203) 838-4545 today!

Roof Design and Style Tips

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

 

Image courtesy of ddpavumba / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

While a roof is just a roof, every homeowner will have to make different decisions due to the architecture of their home. Sitting at the highest point of a home, a roof is not usually the first thing a person notices. However, when it is noticed, it can say a lot about the style of the home or the even the person living in it! Thanks to Better Homes and Gardens, we've compiled a list of popular roof designs and styles that you can consider when making home improvements:

Ranch:
A ranch style roof is generally composed of gently sloping roofs, making it less noticeable overall. For this style, consider colors and materials that blend with your home's exterior.

Contemporary: 
If the nature of your home calls for it, think about a contemporary style roof. These kinds of roofs are typically flat and therefore only visible from a birds eye view. Although it doesn't quite matter what your roof looks like, the design is incredibly important to make sure you have an effective drainage system. 

Dutch:
Dutch style roofs are reflective of Dutch Colonial houses. They are characterized by steeply sloped roof sides and often cover most of two exterior sides of a second floor, making them very visible to the naked eye.

Materials Tip >> Mix It Up!
Who says you can only choose one material when designing your roof? Some unique homes have different sections to their roof, or first floor awnings around the home that require some roofing materials. If you really can't decide between two materials, then pick them both!

For more design and style tips, click here.

Are you thinking about re-roofing? If you're looking to make a change, choose Phil's Main Roofing to get it done! We are a family owned and operated roofing company that has been serving CT and NY for over 65 years. Services include but are not limited to new construction, tear off and replacement and structural repair, and we are available for work in both the commercial and residential sectors.

Begin to build the home of your dreams today; for more information on how we can help, contact us at (203) 838-4545 and speak with a representative!

Flat Roofs vs. Pitched Roofs

Phil's Main Roofing 

(203) 838-4545

www.philsmainroofing.com

If you're thinking of re-doing your roof, the first thing you should consider is what kind you plan to install. The decision between a pitched roof or a flat roof could be a difficult one, but knowing a little bit about each one will make your renovating efforts a whole lot easier. 

Pitched roofs are available in a variety of styles, including gable, cross gable and hipped, and each option is sloped to a different degree. On the other hand, flat roofs have no slope and come in built-up, single-ply and sprayed polyurethane foam designs. We've gathered some information about each for you to use when jumping into the remodeling process:

Maintenance:
While both pitched and flat roofs require regular cleaning and maintenance, flat roofs often require more. Because flat roofs are exactly that, flat, their draining system is not as effective as pitched roofs and are therefore prone to damage and leaks. The majority of flat roof leaks are due to a lack of inspection, so be prepared to leave time to check your roof regularly if this is the style you choose.

Cost:
Usually a flat roof is significantly cheaper than a pitched roof.  However, depending on your location and susceptibility to excessive rainfall, the money you save on roof installation for a flat roof could be needed for future repairs.  It is more expensive to repair a flat roof than a pitched roof, so paying more for a pitched roof up front might be more affordable in the long run.

Structure:
While cost is an important factor in any kind of home improvement project, choosing between a flat roof or pitched roof really comes down to your location and preferences. A pitched roof provides more structure and stability than a flat roof, and they are also better equipped to handle large amounts of rain, so be sure to make location and weather a primary factor in your decision. However, don't forget to think about your own personal tastes. If you want your home to convey a modern look, choose a flat roof or a pitched roof with as little slope as possible.

If you're ready to install a new roof, then it's time to call in the professionals! Here at Phil's Main Roofing, services include flat roofs, modified roofing, roof drainage and re-pitching, as well as repair and maintenance programs. Our dedicated team of roofers will work with you to make sure you have the optimal roofing system and will use the top roofing materials when working on your home.

Achieve the home of your dreams today - call us at 203-838-4545 to schedule your free estimate or visit us online at www.philsmainroofing.com for more information.