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Benefits of Vinyl Siding 

Vinyl Siding on HomeThe exterior of your home is important for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Exterior elements of the home like your siding will make or break the curb appeal of your home. Siding is also important for maintaining temperature inside the home by providing insulation, preventing pests from finding ways into your home’s walls, and of course protecting against harsh weather conditions. There are many different materials you can use for siding on your home, but the most popular in today’s market is vinyl siding. Once you learn more about the benefits of vinyl siding, you’ll understand why it’s the siding material so many homeowner’s decide to purchase and install! Let’s discuss a few of the benefits below!

Economical

Vinyl siding is among the most affordable and cost-effective types of siding you can purchase. It’s easy to install, so you won’t be paying high prices for installation like you would with other siding materials like wood or fiber cement. The exact price point for material and installation of your vinyl siding will depend on the size of your house and the manufacturer you choose, but overall vinyl siding tends to be a very cost effective choice for your siding replacement.

Durable & Versatile 

Vinyl siding is extremely durable and can last longer nearly 50 years when properly maintained and repaired in a timely fashion! It’s not likely to be damaged by a storm, but if it is, repairing just the affected section of the siding is cheap and easy! Vinyl is also loved by homeowners because of how versatile the design options are. Vinyl siding can be found in nearly any color imaginable. You can also install vinyl siding in a vertical or horizontal pattern, and even add scalloped accents on certain areas of the home in order to add an extra touch of curb appeal! 

Energy Efficiency 

You’ll save money each month on your heating and cooling bills after installing new vinyl siding. Vinyl is very efficient at keeping outside temperatures from entering the home and keeping the temperature-controlled air that’s inside from getting out. While it’s not as important as your window or roof to your home’s energy efficiency, new siding, particularly insulated vinyl siding, will undeniably make an impact on your home’s energy efficiency. This will not only help your bank account; it helps to lower your family’s carbon footprint too! 

Low Maintenance 

Vinyl siding requires little to no maintenance. You should visually inspect it each spring and fall to look for any cracks, holes, or warping. The damaged areas should be repaired or replaced and that’s it, you’re done with your siding maintenance! You can also clean the siding with a scrub brush or power washer if it gets dirty, as shady areas may be prone to mold or mildew growth in the right conditions.

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in installing new vinyl siding on your home this spring, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! You can contact our team today by calling us at  (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your siding installation needs!

Why Should I Use Fiber Cement Siding On My Home?

Fiber Cement sidingWhen it comes time to replace your home’s siding, there are a tremendous number of options on the market available to homeowners in need! While of course the nation’s most popular siding material is certainly vinyl siding, there are plenty of other options available to homeowners, including stone or brick siding, cedar siding, and another option that has been gaining in popularity in recent years, fiber cement. As it continues to become more prevalent, homeowners begin to wonder about the benefits of this option over other materials. That’s why our team has put together a list for interested homeowners on why choosing fiber cement is a fantastic choice!

Longevity

The first reason that homeowners choose to install fiber cement siding on their home is that it offers nearly unrivaled longevity. Fiber cement siding is generally rated to last for at least 50 years, with warranties to match, while more traditional options like vinyl siding or wood, tend to last somewhere between 20 to 40 years. This means that if you’re looking to replace your siding and trust that it will keep your home protected for decades to come, fiber cement is a fantastic choice!

Aesthetics

Another reason that many homeowners consider installing fiber cement siding on their home’s is that it provides a tremendous boost to your home’s curb appeal! While vinyl siding has long been renowned for it’s wide variety of color options, in comparison to fiber cement siding it truly pales. James Hardie manufacturers their siding material in a continually growing array of color options, making it easy to find the perfect option for your home, no matter what your tastes are! Furthermore, the wide variety of texture options provides an extra degree of customization that makes it easy to find the right choice for your home!

Weather & Damage Resistant

For homeowners in the market for a material that will be able to withstand a variety of weather, fiber cement is a fantastic choice that many homeowners trust to keep their home protected! Its Class A fire rating can help you feel confident that in an emergency, your home will have an extra degree of protection, and of course it’s resistant to rot, mold, water damage, and nearly anything else Mother Nature has to offer!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in learning more about our team’s fiber cement siding installation services, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! You can contact our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your siding installation needs!

Comparing Longevity of Roofing Materials

Metal RoofingYour roof is one of the biggest investments you can make on your home’s exterior. It functions are your home’s primary line of defense against the weather, provides curb appeal and resale value, and makes your home more energy efficient. However, different roofing materials offer advantages and disadvantages, and considering that your roof is such a major investment, one of the most important factors for many homeowners is the lifespan of the material. To help you make an informed decision about choosing the right material for your home, our team has put together a list of the longest lasting roofing materials! Keep reading below to learn more!

Rubber Roofing

To begin, let’s start with a material that has a lifespan on the shorter side; rubber roofing. While it comes in a few different varieties, perhaps the most well-known style is EPMD, which is most commonly used in commercial settings. While this material is quite inexpensive to install, it’s not know for lasting for decades on end. With proper preventive maintenance, you can generally expect to get between 20 & 30 years of out a typical rubber roof, although it’s possible under the right conditions that the roof will last longer. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to roofing materials. Let’s move on to a far more common roofing material!

Asphalt Shingles

When you mention roofing in North America, the word has become synonymous for most homeowners with asphalt shingles. The most popular roofing material in the country, asphalt shingles are preferred by many homeowners for their aesthetic & curb appeal, their economical price point, and of course, their durability & longevity. But how long do asphalt shingles generally last? Well, the answer ultimately depends on what kind of asphalt shingles you choose to install. The most economical asphalt shingle, 3-tabs, have the shortest lifespan. Generally, you shouldn’t expect to get more then 20-30 years out of a 3-tab roof. However, once you get into the higher end shingles, such as architectural shingles, your roof can easily last between 30-50 years with proper maintenance, making it a fantastic choice. However, there are some materials that are even more durable.

Metal Roofing

The most durable option that our team offers, metal roofing is a fantastic choice for homeowners who value longevity from their roof above all else. While you may sacrifice a bit of curb appeal in some homeowners eyes, you gain a tremendous amount of longevity. As you can imagine, metal roofing is incredibly resistant to all kinds of weather, and a well-maintained metal roof will generally last well over 50 years, sometimes approaching a century. Coupled with the fact that it’s an environmentally friendly option that can be recycled at the end of its lifespan, and metal roofing is a wonderful option for any home!

Contact Us Today

Interested in learning more about our team’s roof installation services? Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! If you’re ready to get started on your roof replacement, reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Comparing Asphalt Shingles & Metal Roofing

New Roof with VentYour home’s roof is perhaps the single most important piece of it’s exterior shell. It offers vital protection against the elements, functioning as your home’s umbrella, and also offering a number of other benefits including curb appeal & insulation. Considering how important your roof is to the health & function of your home, it is important to ensure that the system is kept in good repair! If you need to replace your roof, you may be wondering about which material is best for your needs! Check out our blog to learn about the benefits and differences between asphalt shingles & metal roofing.

Durability

To begin, let’s discuss one of the greatest assets of both materials; durability. Asphalt shingles are known to last for 2 or 3 decades at minimum, possibly far longer under the right circumstances. In comparison, metal roofing is more than capable of lasting a half century or longer, giving it a slight edge. Further, since it is installed in long sheets, rather than individual shingles, there are less areas where water can seep into the system, helping to keep your home protected from any moisture damage.

Aesthetics

When it comes to which roofing material looks better, the answer is truly subjective. Asphalt shingles have long been the standard of the roofing industry, which makes them the more popular choice among homeowners, but metal roofing is available in an enormous array of color & style options, making it a great choice if you have a particular goal in mind for the color scheme of your home’s exterior. Both options have their advantages, which makes this question far more subjective.

Cost

If choosing the more economical option is a factor, asphalt shingles have the lower cost of installation. They are manufactured by a wide array of companies, and their widespread availability makes them the cheaper option to install. However, keep in mind that metal roofing lasts longer, so if you plan on living in your house for decades to come, installing an asphalt shingle that may need to be replaced in 20 or 30 years could be less cost effective than a metal roof that could last for 50 or more!

Environmental Impact

If you’re interested in reducing your home’s carbon footprint, metal roofing is the better choice. While asphalt shingles require the use of fossil fuels to manufacture, metal roofing is less damaging to manufacture, and also is fully recyclable at the end of it’s lifespan, making it a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to reduce their environmental impact.

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to install a new roof on your home this year, our team at Doing It Right is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting you!

Should I Consider Replacing My Siding?

Old Vinyl SidingWhen it comes to your home’s exterior, one of the most important aspects of your property is your siding. Much like your roof, your sidings primary purpose is as a line of defense against the elements. However, it provides so much more for your home, including insulation, and functioning as the single largest focal point of your home’s exterior. Considering how important your siding is to the health of your home, it is important to keep the system in good repair! Interested in learning a bit about why you might want to consider replacing your siding this year? Keep reading below for more information!

Do I Need New Siding?

The first question homeowners should ask themselves is whether they truly need a siding replacement, or if it can be repaired. It ultimately depends on a number of factors. First, you should ask yourself how old your home’s siding is. If it’s been on your home for twenty or thirty years and is relatively weather-worn, what looks like a minor repair could have allowed a great deal of moisture into your home, necessitating more extensive work. However, if your siding is new, or hasn’t been damaged for a great deal of time, you can likely consider repairs instead of replacements. Ultimately, it is best to enlist the help of a contractor, who can advise you on one option or the other.

Are There Any Visible Signs Of Damage?

Next, you should assess the siding for signs of damage. This could reveal itself in a variety of ways, including through visibly broken siding. However, oftentimes, the damage is much less obvious. In addition to blunt damage from falling branches or other objects, homeowners should keep an eye out for signs like mold & mildew growing at the edges of the siding, as well as warping, which can indicate that water has found it’s way into the home.

Do You Have Other Goals For Your Home’s Exterior

Finally, you may consider replacing your home’s siding simply because it feels like the right time. Maybe you’re considering a move in the coming years and want to improve your home’s value. Perhaps it’s simply time to update the look of your home. Regardless of your motivation, sometimes it’s simply time to consider a replacement, and that’s as good a reason as any!

Contact Us Today

If you’re ready to replace your home’s siding this winter, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your siding installation needs!

Reasons You Should Have Your Roof Inspected

Roofing InspectionWhen it comes to maintaining their roof, many homeowners neglect to keep up with maintenance until problems begin to arise. However, being proactive and aware of the potential causes of damage can help keep your home protected long before the damage has occurred. If you’re wondering how you can tell whether your roof needs to be inspected, check out our blog to learn about a few reasons you should consider an inspection for your home!

A Major Storm Rolled Through

The first reason you may want to consider having your roof inspected is if a significant storm just hit your home. Depending on what the storm was, your roofing concerns will be different. If it was just a wind storm for example, you’ll likely be looking for missing shingles, or potentially shingle damage from broken tree limbs and other debris.

However, if it was a thunderstorm, you’re inspector will likely be searching for signs of moisture damage both on the roof and inside the attic. No matter what kind of storm impacted your home, having an inspection can help prevent future damage from occurring by catching damage early on!

You Don’t Know How Old The Roof Is

Another reason you should have your roof inspected is if you have no idea how old the system actually is! Many homeowners purchase a home not knowing when the roof was installed. Typically you should be inspecting an asphalt shingle roof every three years at minimum, but for older roofs, it is a good idea to do it more inspected more frequently, as wear and tear will deteriorate the system over time.

The Roof Looks Weathered

If your shingles are beginning to look weathered and worn, it is a good idea to have the system examined by a professional. Typically, when your shingles begin to look damaged or weathered, there can be small leaks or damage to the system, and they may not be visible to the naked eye. If your shingles are curling, warping, buckling, growing algae & mold, or showing signs of physical damage, having the system inspected by a professional is the best way to ensure that your home stays protected!

Contact Us Today

If you need to replace the roof on your home this winter, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! You can contact our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Winter Roof Maintenance

Winter RoofWinter is the most difficult time of the year for home maintenance. It can be a hassle to keep up with the necessary maintenance all winter long, but it is important for the health of your home to ensure that you’re aware of what needs to be done on your roof in order to keep you and your family safe. Interested in learning a bit about what kinds of maintenance you should be performing on your roof this winter? Keep reading our blog for more information!

Have Your Roof Inspected

First of all, before the snowfall begins, it is a good idea to have your roofing system inspected. By inspecting your roof early in the season, you can keep your home protected from moisture damage throughout the colder months. Your roofing inspector will examine your shingles for damage, ensure your flashing is in good repair, and warn you of any problem areas that may need to be addressed. This will help ensure that when the snow does begin to fall, your roof will be able to handle the snow without any leaks!

Ventilate Your Attic

Particularly for homeowners who struggle with ice dams, ensuring your attic is properly ventilated will go a long way towards protecting your home. Ice dams are formed with the air within your attic is warmer than the air outside, causing the snow on your shingles to melt and run down your roof to your gutter system. By ensuring your attic is ventilated properly, you can maintain an equilibrium between the outside area and your attic, which will prevent the snow from melting!

Clean Your Roof of Snow & Debris

Speaking of snow, it is a good idea to clear off as much snow from your roof as you can! Leaving snow to accumulate on your roof all winter can often cause damage to the system, particularly if there is already underlying damage to the roof deck that you’re unaware of. Cleaning off snow from your roof limits the weight the system needs to carry, helping to keep your home protected!

Additionally, before the snow begins to fall, it is a good idea to clear debris off of your roof before the snow freezes it to the system. Debris can rot from the moisture that accumulates on your roof during the winter, which will only contribute to the damage that the snow causes. Cleaning of debris is best for the health of the system!

Contact Us Today

If you’re interested in replacing your home’s roof this winter, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roofing needs!

Signs Your Gutter System Needs To Be Replaced

Broken GuttersYour gutter system is one of the most important parts of your home’s exterior, providing your home with invaluable protection against water. Without your gutter system, water would run down the sides of your home, causing damage to your siding, and foundation. Considering how important your gutters are for the health of your home, it is important to ensure that the system is kept in good repair! If you’re unsure whether your gutter system is working properly, check out these signs that your gutter system needs to be replaced!

Your Gutters Are Sagging

The first sign that you need to replace your gutter system is when it’s visibly sagging. Your gutter system will begin to sag when it is either overflowing with debris, or it’s fasteners are beginning to fail. This could be due to rot damage that has occurred to your fascia or soffit boards. If you notice that the gutters are sagging away from your home, take a look at the system and determine whether you need to clean the gutters, or replace the rotted fastenings and reinstall the system.

Water Damage Below The System

Another sign that your gutter system needs to be replaced is when you begin to find damage below the system around your foundation. If you see mildew or water spots, this means that the system is leaking water, rather than routing it away from the home successfully. If this is the case, you will need to replace the system in order to stop the damage and keep your home protected.

Your Siding Is Peeling

Sometimes, your gutter system may be leaking and you’re unaware that anything is wrong. If you’re not standing outside during a rainstorm, you may not have any idea where your gutter system is failing and leaking from.

One clear sign that you have a localized gutter leak is when your siding is peeling in specific spots around your home. This is most likely due to water leaking through the system and falling down the sides of your home. If you notice that your siding is peeling, check the seals of the gutters around the area. You will likely find that the seals have failed and water is able to seep out of the system.

Contact Us Today

If you need assistance with your roof replacement this fall, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to assisting with your roofing needs!

Advice for Improving Your Roof’s Lifespan

Old Roof with failing shinge systemYour home’s roof is the most arguably the most important piece of your home’s exterior, serving as it’s primary line of defense against the elements. Since it is constantly exposed to inclement weather, your home takes a beating over time, and eventually, the integrity of the system will be worn away, necessitating a replacement. However, your roof is also an expensive piece of engineering that many homeowners want to avoid replacing for as long as possible. If you’re one of those homeowners who is looking for a way to improve the lifespan of your roof, you’ve come to the right place! Take a look below to learn a few tips & tricks for improving the lifespan of your roof!

Have a Water Barrier Installed Below Your Shingles

One of the most things you can do to improve the lifespan of your roof is ensure that you have a water barrier installed below your shingles themselves. Your roof deck is what your shingles are laid down on, and generally, it’s simply built out of plywood. This means that it is susceptible to rot, which is where a water & ice barrier comes in. If any moisture is able to seep into your shingle system, a water & ice barrier will help ensure that the moisture isn’t able to rot out your roof deck, keeping the system protected from water damage!

Trim Back Foilage

Another important tip for protecting your home’s roof is ensuring that you cut back any branches that may be scratching away at your shingle system. Branches from nearby trees have the potential to damage your roof by either breaking and falling onto the shingles, or by scratching the granules off of your shingles themselves, which will shorten their lifespan.

Clean Up Mold & Mildew

While you can get away with leaving it alone, if you’re trying to maximize the lifespan of your roof, it is best practice to address any mold or mildew growth on the shingle system. One of the easiest ways to limit mold growth is to install zinc strips on your roof, but you can always retroactively deal with the issue with a bit of cleaning solution & a hose. Just don’t let mildew sit on your roof for too long, as it can cause moisture damage or wear away at your granules!

Contact Us Today

Interested in replacing your Pittsburgh, PA area home’s roof this fall? Our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof installation needs!

Roofing FAQs

New Asphalt Shingle RoofYour home’s roof is one of the most important aspects of your home’s exterior, offering a number of benefits, from protection from the elements and pests, to curb appeal & resale value, to insulation! Considering how important your roof is to your home’s exterior, it is essential to ensure that the system is kept in good repair! However, it is also a complex piece of engineering, and it can oftentimes be difficult to assess whether your roof is still in good condition, or what needs to be done to repair it! If you’re interested in having answers to a few of these questions, keep reading below for our Roofing FAQ!

To Repair or Replace

One of the most common questions homeowners typically have when it comes to roof replacements is should I repair my roof, or do I need to replace the entire system, and the answer is entirely dependent on the condition of your roof, and how it’s been damaged.

Roof’s become damaged in a variety of ways, from blunt damage due to falling branches, to granule loss, to water damage. The possibilities are wide-ranging, and whether or not you need to replace the roof depends on the extent of the damage. If you suspect your roof has accrued significant amounts of damage, you will want to have it inspected by a professional to determine the best line of action!

How Long Does A Roof Last

This is another answer that will vary from roof to roof, but the most common roofing material in North America is asphalt shingles, so let’s examine those;

There are a wide array of manufacturers producing asphalt shingles of varying degrees of quality. Our main manufacturer, Owens Corning, has lines of architectural shingles, as well as more economical options. Typically, a well-installed and properly maintained asphalt shingle roof will last somewhere between 20 and 30 years.

How Often Should I Inspect My Roof

The correct answer to this question is twice a year, in the spring and fall to keep your home protected from the extremes of each season, but most homeowners won’t have their home inspected that often. Having at least one inspection a year is highly recommend, as it is incredibly difficult to spot a leak from the ground, and one season with a damaged roof can cause irreparable damage to your roof deck, necessitating a full replacement. If you want to keep your home protected from the elements, having your roof inspected on at least an annual basis is highly recommended!

Contact Us Today

If you need assistance with your roof replacement this summer, our team at Doing It Right Roofing is ready to assist! Reach out to our team today by calling us at (724) 351-0499 or by filling out our team’s online contact form! We look forward to hearing from you and assisting with your roof replacement needs!