Are you thinking about remodeling your home’s exterior?
Maybe you want to improve your property’s curb appeal with a beautiful design that brings you joy when you pull into your driveway. Maybe your home is energy inefficient, and your monthly bill just keeps going up. Maybe your roof and siding suffered hail damage, and you need a South Jersey contractor to fix them — so why not go a little further to give your house a great new look?
Once you’ve committed to an exterior home makeover, you have to make a lot of choices in a short amount of time. Materials, colors, styles…it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we’re here to walk you through your next exterior remodeling project.
Choose the Right Roof
The most important aspect of a beautiful new roof is durability and longevity. That’s why many reputable roofers use asphalt shingles and other protective roofing products from GAF, the leading manufacturer of roofing in North America.
Check out this short video to see how the GAF Lifetime Roofing System will protect your home:
Asphalt shingles are the most common choice for American roofs. These shingles are affordable, easy to install, and come in a wide variety of colors. Their aesthetic pairs nicely with most styles of home. In addition to top-of-the-line asphalt shingles like those offered by GAF, you may also consider a few other materials for your roof:
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- Wood Shingles: Wood shingles and shakes offer a traditional, rustic look. This material is vulnerable to mold and rot, though, and may be prohibited by your area’s local fire codes.
- Metal Shingles: Metal roofs resist extreme weather conditions. They are sleek, long-lasting, and lightweight. They are also more expensive than many other options.
- Slate Shingles: Slate has a distinctive, elegant appearance. It is durable, fire-resistant, and recyclable. This heavy material requires additional framing, however, and its quality may vary.
- Synthetic Shingles: Rubber, plastic, and polymer roofing offer the style of other materials without the price tag, but many newer products have not yet stood the test of time.
Discover Beautiful, Durable Siding
Lovely siding gets noticed, and unfortunately, so does worn-out and outdated siding. Color and style matter, but strength is equally critical. Your home’s siding is its first defense against the weather. Ideally, your siding should be:
- Easy to maintain
- Water-resistant
- Energy efficient
- Long-lasting
There are several options available, including brick, stone, stucco, and wood. Usually, however, we recommend vinyl siding. Check out our video to learn why the majority of homeowners choose vinyl siding, then read below for a more in-depth explanation.
You may be surprised to learn that vinyl siding is relatively new. It’s only been around since the late 1950s, yet more newly-built American homes are sided with vinyl than any other material. Why? Vinyl is…
- Affordable. It is less than one-half the price of cedar clapboard.
- Quick to install. Generally, professionals only need two to three days to put up new vinyl siding.
- Easy to maintain. It never needs to be repainted or caulked.
- Versatile. This siding comes in tons of colors, sizes, and styles — many of which provide the same lovely appearance as traditional materials without any of their drawbacks.
At Alan Cherry’s Exteriors, we only use vinyl siding from CertainTeed. This company offers vinyl siding in classic clapboard, beaded, or dutch lap profiles. Their products are available in a variety of styles, widths, textures, and colors. All of their siding is beautiful, durable, and effortless to maintain.
Additionally, many of our customers choose CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions siding, which is weather-resistant and needs less maintenance than the classic cedar shingles it resembles.
Help Your Home Shine with New Windows
Dingy windows in brand-new siding will stick out badly. When you replace a window, ask yourself: Do you want to let in fresh air, bring in plenty of light, or have a one-of-a-kind design? Here’s a quick run-down of different types of windows available for your home:
- Stationary Windows do not open but are incredibly customizable.
- Double-Hung Windows can open wide from either the top or the bottom.
- Awning and Casement Windows open outward with the turn of a crank.
- Picture Windows are large and let in lots of light but cannot be opened.
- Bay or Bow Windows extend beyond the home’s interior space.
Always pay attention to your windows’ energy efficiency! A new set of windows from the right manufacturer may reduce your heating and cooling energy use by up to 20%.
Find the Right Contractor
When you need a contractor to remodel your home’s exterior, it’s tempting to go with the lowest quote. Instead, consider several contractors’ credentials, and ask for referrals from satisfied customers who can tell you if:
- The contractor kept their job site clean and safe
- Workers were friendly, professional, and efficient
- The renovation stayed on time and on budget
- All of the work done for their home was high-quality
If you live in South Jersey, then Alan Cherry’s Exteriors may be the right contractor for you. We’ve helped customers complete stunning home renovations for more than 40 years, and we always take pride in our work.
Whether you need to repair hail damage to your roof in Deptford Township, NJ, or are planning a total facelift for your home, you can trust the team at Alan Cherry’s Exteriors.
Aug 15, 2018
