Hail doesn’t just have a big impact on your home. It can make a big hit on your wallet, too. According to Home Advisor, hail damage repairs cost anywhere from $2,400 to $15,000. Using the right products now can help avoid costly hail damage repairs down the road, saving you money in the long run. Read on as we discuss tips to avoid costly hail damage repairs.

Is Hail Damage Really an Issue?

First, let’s talk about what hail damage means for your home. Hail comes in at an angle, meaning it doesn’t just hit the roof; it assaults the side of the house as well. Cracks from hail damage leave the frame and interior of your home vulnerable to moisture, which can result in mold and dry rot, so hail damage should be repaired as quickly as possible.

Of course, it would be better if you could prevent that damage in the first place.

Choosing the Right Roof

The roof is one of the first parts of the home to take the brunt of impact from hail. A metal roof is much stronger than traditional roofing materials and comes with a longer lifespan, with many manufacturers offering a 50-year limited lifetime warranty on products.

The Best Siding for Protection from Hail Damage

When it comes to your home’s exterior, you have a lot of choices for siding. But testing has found vinyl and engineered wood just don’t offer the same level of durability, from repairing holes and dents to repainting products after severe weather.

United States Seamless® Steel Siding offers greater impact resistance. Made of multiple layers adhered to a galvanized steel core, even the paint is resistant to harsh weather, with a limited lifetime warranty against fading and chalking. Plus, you don’t just get the strength of steel, you also get a product that’s custom fit to protect your home without seams, splices, or joints, meaning even more moisture protection.

If you’re looking to upgrade your roof and siding, Spotless & Seamless is your top Twin Cities contractor for your home exteriors needs. We can help you determine what’s best for your home to avoid costly hail damage repairs from summer storms. Contact us today for a free estimate!

Skylights are a beautiful feature of many homes, offering exterior curb appeal, expanded indoor lighting, and a chance to see the night sky indoors. But for many homeowners they can be out of sight and out of mind, especially when it comes to maintenance. Read our blog for valuable information on when to replace your skylights.

Most Skylights Should Be Replaced Every 10 Years

The easiest way to keep up with your skylights is to consider their age. For optimal performance and minimal wear and tear, skylights should be replaced every 10 years or so. Of course, some issues can occur that may mean a replacement is in order a little sooner.

Signs You Need a New Skylight

If you’re seeing cracked glass, that’s a pretty clear indicator you need a new skylight. But other seemingly less detrimental signs of aging like yellowed or murky glass or bubbling around the drywall can mean it’s time to call in a professional.

Replacing a Leaky Skylight?

Leaks in your skylights obviously need to be repaired, but do they need to be replaced? Reflashing a skylight can range anywhere from $200 to $600 while a replacement can range from $800 to $1500. Depending on the age of your current skylights, it may be worth paying the extra cost now rather than having to replace it or repair it again in a few years.

Replace Your Skylight When Putting on a New Roof

Like skylights, roofs also have a limited lifetime. Depending on the material, you’ll need to replace your roof every 12 to 30 years. If it’s time to update your roof, you can save time on labor by replacing your skylights simultaneously.

Ready to replace your skylight? Spotless & Seamless is your top Twin Cities contractor for all your home exteriors needs, with solutions for windows and doors, roofing, and seamless siding. Contact us today for a free estimate.

The calendar is turning toward spring, but your home may still feel the harsh effects from winter. The best way to know for sure is to walk around your yard and take note of anything in need of attention. If you don’t know where to start, we can help with these exterior care to-dos for your spring list.

Roofing

Your home’s roof has endured a lot – cold, wind, ice, and snow – over the past several months.

Give the roof a good examination and look for signs of distress, such as loose, missing, or curled shingles. Pay attention indoors for signs of leaks originating from the outdoors. Take note of the roof’s appearance, as indentations or depressions may indicate larger issues beneath the surface.

Any and all of these issues should be addressed as quickly as possible. Taking care of them now will help you avoid bigger and more costly problems down the road.

Gutters

More than likely, you cleaned out the gutters last fall. Now, you’ll want to make sure the snow and ice melting from the rooftop have a designated and safe route for escape.

Give the gutters another look in case branches or other debris got stuck in them over the winter. Or maybe you notice gaps in the system or loose connections. Replace and repair anything that’s broken or loose or reach out to a trained professional to handle the fixes.

Maybe now is the time to upgrade your gutters and consider a LEAFAWAY® protection system. You won’t have to clean your gutters or worry about drainage again.

Siding

Check the siding for any pieces that may have come loose or become damaged or warped over the winter months.

You’ll want to take care of any issues right away to prevent moisture from getting in as the spring thaw continues. Moisture can wreak havoc by causing wood rot or issues with mold, creating costly headaches and potential health issues for your family.

If your home’s siding is in need of full repair, United States Seamless® Steel Siding provides a superior option for ideal performance and protection.

Windows

Seasonal temperature fluctuations put your windows to the test, and winter’s frigid conditions are especially brutal. Thoroughly clean the windows so they’re ready for warmer weather, and check for cracks in the glass or damage to the panes or sills. Determine what, if anything, should be mended immediately to protect your home. You want to be sure to keep the unconditioned air and water outside where it belongs.

Perhaps this is the year you upgrade to energy efficient windows. Save on heating and cooling costs while increasing comfort, safety, and curb appeal with high-performance Ply Gem windows.

These are just a few ideas of exterior care to-dos for your spring list, but they’re enough to get you started. If you notice any issues that seem troublesome, Spotless & Seamless is here to help. Our Twin Cities home exteriors experts can assess roofing, gutters, siding, and windows and go over ideas for repair or replacement to fit your lifestyle and budget. Contact us today.

The gutter system on your home is meant to help protect your investment no matter the season. For gutters to effectively work, you should address a few key points. Now that winter has officially arrived, we can expect wicked weather and colder temps. But don’t worry; we can help you avoid frozen gutters with these ideas.

Keep Them Clear

If the channels are clogged, gutters cannot guide rainwater and melting ice away from your home.

Clean gutters at least twice a year and especially after all the trees have shed their leaves in the fall. When the weather changes, remove any icicles from the edge of the roof to prevent those from dropping off and collecting or freezing inside the gutters.

Check the Pitch

Gutters should be sloped a bit to ensure they properly keep water moving down and away from your home and its foundation. Check to make sure your system slopes at least one-quarter inch for every 10 feet of gutter.

Melt Away Ice

Ice that builds up in your gutters can create dams, which can allow melting snow and ice to seep into your home. Melt away any ice and avoid potentially costly damage to your roof and your home.

Try installing heated cables. Most often these cables clip to the shingles and lay in a zig-zag pattern at the edge of the roof, just over the gutter system. They gently warm any snow or ice and prevent it from building up in the gutters.

You can also sprinkle roof melt or sodium chloride to help prevent snow and ice accumulation. Be careful to avoid using rock salt, which is corrosive and may damage your gutters and your yard.

Rake the Roof

Keep the edge of your roof clear of snow so that it doesn’t fall into the gutter system. Use a roof rake and gently remove excess snow from the fringe of the roofline. This will help protect your gutters and decrease the burden of weight on your roof.

Check Insulation

Poke your head into the attic and check to see if your roof is properly insulated. Adequate insulation will keep the shingles cool and prevent melting snow from collecting and freezing in the gutters.

Ice and snow can collect in your gutter system during winter months and cause all kinds of issues. If gutters are frozen, they cannot properly function and protect your home. Furthermore, added weight inside the gutters can cause them to become overwhelmed and buckle, become loose, or break away completely. These ideas can help you avoid frozen gutters and keep your home safe and sound. If you do notice issues with your gutters, the Twin Cities home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. We can answer your questions and even discuss with you how the additional benefits of a LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system. Contact us today.

That crisp air and those colorful trees mean fall weather is officially upon us. With each changing season comes a new list of home maintenance tasks. The roof does its job of protecting you and your home all year, but how do you look out for it and keep it sturdy? Read on to learn simple ways to protect your roof this fall.

Remove Debris

Clear your roof of tree branches, leaves, pine needles, and other debris. These things can hold moisture and eventually mold or rot, which could cause shingles and roofing material to deteriorate.

Use a broom or blower to remove debris. Also, keep an eye on lower areas where slopes meet. Rainwater collects in these valleys to flow off the roof, so it’s important to make sure the passageway is open.

Additionally, look for and trim any low-lying branches or those that hang over the edge of your roof. This will help prevent moisture and debris from resting against or collecting on the rooftop. Remember to use caution: Be aware of and careful around any power lines near your home’s roof. Don’t hesitate to contact the utility company to do the trimming for you.

Look for Damage

Now that your roof is free from debris, check the surface for any signs of damage. Look for broken, missing, or curled shingles and repair or replace them right away. If you find significant flaws, have a qualified expert inspect the area to determine whether you may need a full roof replacement.

Also, check the flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights. This material directs water away from those vulnerable areas of the roof, so be sure it is in fine working condition.

Clear Gutters

If you have a gutter system along your roofline, be sure to keep it clear.

That debris from your rooftop often ends up in your gutters, which creates clogs and prevents the system from properly draining water. Rainwater can then overflow and damage your roof, siding, and trim boards. If the gutters become too heavy from rain-soaked debris and standing water, the system may start to pull loose or even collapse.

Save yourself from potentially expensive repairs by clearing the gutters throughout the fall. Once the trees around your home have lost their leaves, do another thorough cleaning to ensure the channels are unobstructed.

Or, to avoid the hassle of gutter cleaning altogether, consider installing a LEAFAWAY® Gutter Protection System.

With cooler weather finally here, be sure to get outside and keep up with home maintenance. These simple suggestions will help protect your roof this fall. If you have concerns about possible roof damage or questions about gutters, the Twin Cities area home exteriors professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. Contact us today to learn more.

If you have recently purchased a home, congratulations! Homeownership offers a host of opportunities, with some required maintenance and upkeep. Now that you’re situated in your new place, you’ll want to be sure it’s ready for the changing season. Use these traditional tips to protect your new investment this fall.

Windows and Doors

As the weather turns cooler, keep your home’s warm air from escaping. Check around doors and windows for gaps in caulking and weather stripping. These materials depreciate over time, so perform regular checks to ensure a proper seal.

Repair or replace any gaps with the appropriate materials. Additionally, check the seals around cable, gas, and electrical entry points to be sure they are properly secured.

If you feel your home may need new, high-performance windows or doors, schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced professionals.

Gutters

Safeguard your home’s exterior – and interior! – by keeping the gutters clean. Clogged gutters can lead to water buildup that can damage roofing and siding. Be sure to clear out leaves, branches, nests, and other debris. Also, consider covering your gutters with a LEAFAWAY® gutter protection system and never clean gutters again.

Prevent potential foundation issues by checking downspouts. Keep them free from obstructions and make sure they’re directing water several feet away from your home, sidewalks, and driveways.

Roofing

If you notice sand-like particles in your gutters, this may signal a shingle issue. That grit protects the roof’s shingles from sun damage. Inspect the condition of your shingles to make sure they’re still protecting your home from the elements.

Also, look for cracked, missing, loose, or warped shingles and replace them as needed. Check areas around ventilation pipes or chimneys to be sure the flashing is intact and secure. If it’s not, water can seep in and lead to expensive repairs.

Siding

Clean any dirt, mildew, or other debris from siding to protect its durability and keep insects away. Check for any damage, especially in corners and areas where trim boards connect. Any cracks or holes in siding should be addressed and fixed as soon as possible.

Trim tree branches and shrubs, especially if they’re close to the house. This will prevent scratches or other damage during high winds and help keep moisture from potentially seeping in through constant contact with exterior siding.

For better peace of mind, consider installing United States Seamless® Steel Siding. This maintenance-free option provides proven performance and offers a wide range of design and color choices.

Your new home is a big investment. These traditional tips should help you protect that investment this fall. If you have questions or concerns about your home’s windows and doors, roofing, gutters, or siding, the home exteriors experts at Spotless & Seamless are here to help. Contact us today for recommendations or to schedule an estimate or installation.

You may have noticed tattered or curled shingles on some homes. Perhaps the shingles on your roof are beginning to curl. This is often an inconvenient indicator for replacement. We’ll look at some common causes of shingle curling and things you can do to get the most out of your home’s dome.

Installation

Improper installation may cause shingles to curl. Either methodical or procedural errors during install can establish an initial issue, leading to bigger problems down the road.

For instance, you might save time by placing a new set of shingles over an existing layer. But if the original layer is damaged or already curling, chances are the new shingles will curl as well. Additionally, the newer shingles may not line up properly with the old. Without a proper seal, the new shingles may become loose and blow away in a heavy wind.

Flaws in the installation procedure can also cause shingle curling. Roofing materials are designed for specific requirements, including the type, length, and number of nails used per shingle; weather elements like temperature and humidity; shingle alignment; type of underlayment; and more. Failure to adhere to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines could mean headaches later on.

Ventilation

Inside your home, hot air – and moisture – rises to the attic. A well-ventilated space allows that moist air to circulate and disperse. If the air is trapped due to poor ventilation, heat and moisture can cause mold growth and lead to roof and shingle damage.

Deterioration

One of the most common reasons for shingle curling is also the most obvious: your roof is simply deteriorating from age. Asphalt shingles can last about 15 or 20 years. If you’ve noticed several spots of shingle curling, you may want to have your roof inspected and consider having it redone. Weakened shingles will allow water into your home, so replacing them now will help prevent further complications.

Prevention

Your home is an investment. To fully protect it and to get the most from your roofing, don’t take shortcuts.

Keep an eye on your shingles and clear any debris after a storm or heavy wind. Also, have an experienced company complete any roofing work to ensure it is done correctly and under warranty. Stay up to date on routine inspections and repairs, so that small issues don’t lead to big trouble.

For your roofing repair or replacement, trust the experts at Spotless & Seamless for fast, high quality, and personalized service. Whether you notice shingle curling or other issues, contact your Twin Cities roofing contractor today for a free inspection.

When summer weather turns too tropical or ominous, we retreat to the indoors for comfort and safety. Your home protects you from the elements, but how do you protect it? Here are a few tips for the general maintenance of your home’s exterior as well as some things to consider as you prepare for the elements of summer weather.

Roofing

As a homeowner, you should be aware of suggestions for regular roofing care. These include:

• Basic roof inspection. Pay attention to missing or curled shingles that could indicate damage or inefficiency. This is especially important if you notice more than one area with signs of deterioration.
• Check interior ceilings. Stains in the attic or on interior ceilings can reveal water leaking in from the roof.
• Remove loose debris. If you have trees close to your home, be sure to remove any twigs, branches, leaves, or seeds from your roofline. These items can clog gutters and eventually lead to roof or interior water damage.

If you notice significant or repeated damage after summer’s heavy rains, hail, or gusting winds, the roofing professionals at Spotless & Seamless can help. We can assess minor or major issues to determine your needs.

Siding

Depending on the type of siding, your summer projects may include minimal or excessive home maintenance.

Wood siding can warp or rot when exposed to moisture, and Minnesota summers are often wet and humid. Additionally, the hot sun causes paint to chip, peel, or fade. Wood siding should be treated every four to six years for optimal appeal and protection.

Some siding products are installed in overlapped sections, which creates visible splices. These, in addition to holes or cracks in wood siding, are entry points for moisture and pests. Extreme summer heat and sun can sometimes make vinyl susceptible to warping, chalking, or fading.

If your home needs new siding or if you’re drained by the upkeep for your home’s current siding, consider going maintenance free with United States Seamless® Steel Siding. Spotless & Seamless is an exclusive franchisee in the Twin Cities area, and our home exteriors experts can answer your questions prior to installation.

Your home’s roofing and siding are critical elements for its protection – and the protection of your family. Keep an eye on what’s happening outside to safeguard what’s inside. Stay on top of routine maintenance and small repairs to avoid costly fixes down the road. If you do run into issues with roofing or siding, contact Spotless & Seamless with questions or concerns or to schedule a free estimate.

The roof of your home has protected you through another winter, but its job is continuous and always requires its best effort. Maybe you have noticed some aging, leaking, or other damage and are considering a replacement. Shingles and metal are two of the most common materials used to cover homes today. Learn more as we examine these suitable roofing options for a cold climate like Minnesota.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are made up of a combination of fiberglass for reinforcement, asphalt to provide water resistance, and stone granules to add color and help reflect heat from the sun. They are one of the most widely used roofing materials in the country. Designed for substantial protection with little upkeep, asphalt shingles are popular for many reasons.

• Durability. Asphalt shingles shield your home from seasonal temperature shifts and all types of weather, including snow and heavy rain.
• Environmentally friendly. They can be recycled and converted into roadway pavement.
• Long lasting. A well-maintained shingled roof can last 20 to 30 years.
• Visually appealing. Shingles are available in a vast assortment of colors and styles, which allows you to enhance the aesthetic look of your home.
• Affordability. In comparison to other materials, shingles are universally less expensive. They are also easier to install, cutting down on time and labor costs.

Metal roofing

While initially more expensive than traditional options, metal roofing proves its worth over time with many advantages.

• Longer lifespan. A metal roof can last from 50 to 100 years with little-to-no maintenance
• Sturdy. This type of roofing is highly resistant to hail, wind damage, and even fire.
• Watertight. Metal roofing protects your home from snow and rain penetration thanks to the way it’s manufactured and assembled. Furthermore, metal roofs are not susceptible to snow or ice buildup, as any frozen precipitation slides right off.
• Year-round installation. Because they don’t require sealing or curing, metal roofs can be installed any time of year, even in cold climates.
• Stylish. With many styles, colors, and types from which to choose, metal roofing is fully customizable to any look.

Whether you choose traditional shingle or opt for metal, either of these roofing options for a cold climate will add value to and protect your home. The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals from Spotless & Seamless are ready to assist with all your roofing and siding needs. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Winter is here. Any Minnesota homeowner knows that when the snowfall increases, so does the risk of ice dams forming along the roofline. Left untreated, ice dams can lead to extensive and costly damage to your home’s roof and gutters, and in some cases, the interior of your house. Read on for information and tips on what you can do to prevent ice dams from ruining the exterior of your home.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a thick ridge of ice that forms along the lower edge of rooflines in climates with cold temperatures and regular snowfall. As heat rises from the home, it melts the snow that has accumulated on the roof, sending water down to settle on the eaves and gutters. When the outside temperature drops, the water essentially refreezes, causing the ice ridge to continually expand and become heavier. This prevents subsequent melting snow from draining off the roof.

Effects

When the snow melts on the warmer part of the roof, the melted snow pools behind the ice and seeps back under roof shingles and, eventually, into the home. This can cause significant damage to walls, ceilings, and floors. In severe cases, ice dams can weigh several hundred pounds, which can tear off gutters, crack shingles, or compromise the overall structure of the roof. In addition, moisture that has entered the home can lead to the growth of dangerous mold and mildew, which adds excessive repairs and health risks.

Prevention

The best way to prevent ice dams from forming is to take action before the snow falls. Since heat loss through the attic is a major contributor to ice dam formation, proper insulation and ventilation are crucial. This creates an airtight seal, keeping the roof’s temperature near or at the outdoor temperature. However, once the snow does fall, be sure to remove it from the roof using a roof rake but take care not to damage the shingles in the process.

In emergency situations where water is flowing into the home, make a path or channel through the ice dam. This will redirect the water and allow it to flow off the roof. You can make a channel by pouring warm tap water where the ice has built up, then chiseling it to create the pathway. It’s most effective to work upward from the lower edge of the ice dam. However, the pathway is only temporary, so it’s best to implement a long-term solution to the problem.

Snow and ice are a way of life in Minnesota. By following these preventative measures, you can keep the damage and cost of ice dams at bay.

The Twin Cities home exteriors professionals from Spotless & Seamless are ready to assist with all your siding and roofing needs. Contact us today.