We know that you want what is best for your home, which can make it stressful and overwhelming choosing the right contractor for your home. Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision for your home.

Before choosing a contractor to meet with:

• Track down the history of your roof
• Research roofing companies
  • Are they local or a branch?
  • How many years have they been in business?
  • Are they BBB accredited?
  • Look at their reviews and customer testimonials
  • Don’t just look at the 5-stars look at their lower stars as well to see where customers may have thought they fell short
• Ask for referrals

During your meeting with a contractor:

• Ask a lot of questions
  • Ask about property protection
  • Ask about warranty turnaround time
• Request photos and documentation
• Understand workmanship warranty over material warranty
• Understand the contract
• Set clear expectations

It can be helpful to get estimates from multiple contractors to give you peace of mind that you are making the best decision for you and your home. Decide what aspect is most important to you and choose your company based on that.

If your roof is showing signs of damage, frequent leaks, or has reached the end of its expected lifespan, it may be time to consider a replacement. There are many different things to look out for that can suggest that it may be time to replace your roof Here are just a few things to look out for.

• Missing, loose, or worn shingles
• Split or worn wood shingles
• Discoloration of roofing shingles
• Granules from shingles collecting in gutters
• Loose flashing in valleys or around chimneys, skylights and vents
• Blocked roof vents
• Stains or dampness on underside of roof decking
• Loose or damaged gutters

Central Ohio weather can be tough on your roofs, so it is important to stay up to date and knowledgeable about your roof’s conditions, so you can catch a problem before it causes major damage to your home.

In Central Ohio an average roof tends to last between 18 to 25 years, though this varies by material and maintenance.

Weather plays a large roll on the longevity of a roof in Ohio. Ohio tends to have a lot of different weather throughout the year. From freezing cold temperatures, high humidity, heavy storms, and wind your roof can go through a lot throughout the years.

Many roofs can be repaired instead of replaced, especially if the damage is isolated and the roof is still in good overall condition. Having an inspection with an experienced contractor that can give you their input on the condition of your roof and will tell you about the best decision for your home. However, here are a few things to take into consideration that might give you a sign that it is likely that you will need a replacement.

• Roof age 20+ years
• Damage covers 30%+ of the roof
• 3+ repairs in the past 5 years
• Interior leaks and structural rot

This depends on the age of your, if your roof has recently experienced any severe weather, and the material of your roof.

It is also important for you to be aware of any leaks, worn shingles, and any other issues with your roof, so that if your roof is damaged you can receive the care you need before a problem escalates.

There are a few different factors that can tell you it might be time for some new siding. Here are a few things to check to see if a siding replacement may be the best option for you.

• Age of your siding (siding typically lasts 20 to 40 years)
• Rotting, warping, or soft spots
• Interior water damage
• Pest infestations
• Cracked or loose panels
• Fading

If you only have a small, isolated issue you may only need a repair. However, if the damage effects a larger portion of your exterior and you are experiencing more than one of these issues it may be time to get your siding replaced.

Vinyl siding typically lasts 20-40 years.

However, the lifetime of this siding typically depends on different elements including climate, weather, and maintenance. Looking for signs of rotting, warping, interior water damage, etc. can give you insight into the lifespan your siding has left.

Here at Newman, we offer three different siding types, all with their unique attributes and design styles.

MASTIC Vinyl Siding

• Most popular option.
• Designed to withstand natural elements.
• Designed not to chip, no need to repaint.

LP SmartSide Composite Siding

• Made from ethically harvested wood strands that are engineered to withstand exposure to elements of nature.
• Shown to have higher resistance to hail damage when compared to fiber cement or vinyl siding
• Designed to withstand wind gusts up to 200 mph.
• LP’s SmartGuard process is designed to withstand impacts, freeze/thaw cycles, and high humidity.

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

• Engineered for superior durability.
• Color is resistant to chipping, peeling, cracking, and fading.
• Lower cost than wood siding.
• Engineered for climate to provide the best performance for Ohio weather.

Yes, new siding can increase your home’s value by improving curb appeal, energy efficiency, and protecting the home from weather related damages.

In addition to improving appearance, replacing old or damaged siding can provide several long-term benefits including:

• Enhanced curb appeal and refreshed exterior.
• Increased buyer confidence by reducing concerns about future maintenance.
• Improved energy efficiency when paired with proper insulation.
• Better protection against moisture, pests, and Ohio’s changing weather

While every home and real estate market is different, new siding is generally considered a worthwhile investment because it improves both the appearance and performance of your home.

In many cases, damaged siding can be repaired instead of replaced, especially if the damage is limited to a small area and the rest of your siding is in good condition. However, if the damage is widespread or your siding nearing the end of its lifespan, a full replacement may be the more cost-effective long-term solution.

A repair may be the right option if:

• Damage is limited to a few panels or small section of your home.
• The rest of the siding is in good condition.
• The siding material and color are still available for a close match.
• There are no signs of moisture damage beneath the siding.

A replacement may be recommended if:

• Damage is extensive or affects multiple sides of your home.
• Your siding is cracked, warped, rooting, or pulling away from the house.
• Moisture has gotten behind the siding and caused damage to the home’s structure.
• The siding has faded significantly, making repairs difficult to match.
• Your siding is nearing the end of its expected lifespan and has required frequent repairs.

If you are unsure about the condition of your siding do not hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to helping you with any questions or concerns you may have.

We suggest that gutters should be cleaned at least twice a year.

Once in the fall and once in the spring is suggested. However, if you live in a heavily wooded area you may need to get them cleaned more often. Even with gutter guards it is suggested that you still check and clear them once a year.

There are a few different factors that can show that your gutters may need replacing.

• Sagging or pulling away from the fascia board.
• Cracks, holes, splits.
• Rust and corrosion.
• Water damage and peeling paint.
• Pooling water
• Frequent repairs

If your gutters are experiencing some of these issues it may be time to get them replaced.

Yes, gutter guards are very helpful for homes near wooded areas and multiple story homes that may be hard to reach to clean.

At Newman we offer Alu-Rex products which offer superior durability and debris protection. Using these guards can also help to extend the lifespan of your gutters by keeping your gutters free of debris and ice year after year. They do not completely eliminate maintenance, but they will require less cleaning.

Aluminum gutters typically last 20-30 years with proper maintenance.

However, weather can play a large role in how long your gutters will last. Heavy snow, ice, and severe weather can shorten the lifespan of your gutters. This is why consistent gutter maintenance very important. Making sure your gutters are clear of debris to prevent standing water is essential.

When gutters become clogged, rainwater can overflow instead of draining away from your home. Over time, access water can lead to:

• Roof leaks
• Rotted fascia boards
• Foundation damage
• Basement flooding

These are just a few of the issues caused by clogged gutters, which is why it is very important to maintain your gutters and not put off routine gutter cleanings.