Custom Exteriors, Inc.

The Future of Shingle Innovation & Technology is Here!

Maintaining your roof’s shingles is a critical component of home repair. In addition to keeping your roof in good condition, well-maintained shingles can also help prevent water damage.

In this video, you will get a look at Owens Corning TruDefinition Duration shingles. Owens Corning TruDefinition shingles represent a step forward in shingle design and technology. Owens Corning uses its unique Sure Nail technology to provide reinforcement for shingles. This gives them more stability and durability. The shingles also have unsurpassed stability during harsh weather, like high winds and storms. 

What you Risk When You Delay Roof Repair

Many homeowners take their roofs for granted. One of the reasons for this it's quite difficult to spot potential problems from the ground. However, neglecting to have your roof regularly inspected and maintained can have serious consequences for your home. Indeed, without proper repair, you may have to prematurely replace your roof with a new one. Here's what can happen if you neglect roof repair.

• Water Damage
  When your roof is well maintained and paired with an effective drainage system, rainwater can easily be redirected away from your home. However, when your roof is damaged, water can collect in pools. Furthermore, if you have damaged shingles, water can leak through your roof. While it may be tempting to put off repairs of small leaks, over time they can become significantly more serious. Eventually, water can leak into your home and cause major structural damage to your home. In the worst case scenario, neglected water damage can even cause catastrophic roof collapse. In addition to structural damage, water damage can also lead to mold growth, which poses a health risk to you and your family.
• Increased Costs
  Neglecting roof repair can also increase your costs in the long run. Because small problems can progressively become more serious over time, delaying repairs often leads to very expensive fixes down the road. Leaks are a great example, as even small problems can cause serious structural damage. In some cases, you will have to buy a new roof and replace your damaged one altogether. Damaged roofs can also increase your energy prices, as your insulation can become compromised. In order to escape high costs in the long-run, it is critical to invest in regular inspection and maintenance for your roof.

Don’t let a failure to have your roof inspected and maintained lead to more expensive repairs down the road. A well-maintained roof has many benefits. In addition to preventing water damage and improving insulation, a roof in good repair can improve your home’s appearance as well. To learn more about the importance of roof maintenance or to simply inquire about our company’s services, call Custom Exteriors, Inc. at (888) 957-7800.

Improve your Home's Value and Functionality with New Sliding Doors

New doors can make an already well-designed home even more beautiful.  If you’re looking to make your house both fashionable and functional, then consider installing sliding doors to create a unique atmosphere. 

Types of Sliding Doors

There are a variety of sliding door styles to choose from today, including sliding French doors, sliding patio doors, and lift-and-slide doors that can span an entire wall. One of the benefits of installing new sliding doors in your home is that they can contain the same energy-efficient glass as replacement windows. This offers an uninterrupted view outside while reducing your solar heat gain, saving you on energy costs. 

A sliding French door can provide a classic look with a modern twist, and a sliding patio door is ideal for those who want to use custom designs. The lift-and-slide sliding door is one of the  newest sliding door designs that you can install in your home. At spans of up to 60 feet wide, these doors can truly offer a seamless transition from your indoor space to the exterior of your home. 

How Sliding Doors Improve Flow

The entertainment flow in your home is defined by the natural path on which a guest travels throughout your home. When you entertain, using sliding doors makes the transition between entertaining areas seamless, especially as a guest moves from inside to outside. Simply adding a modest sliding door at your patio entrance can help expand reusable space. Using a lift-and-slide sliding door across most of an exterior wall provides a stunning view and dramatically opens up your entertainment space. 

For a wide selection of sliding glass doors that complement any home, contact Custom Exteriors, Inc and see why we offer the best home improvement value in the Bay Area!

Educate Yourself on Roofing Ventilation And Window Performance Ratings with These Great Resources

Ventilation and insulation can make a huge difference in both the comfort of your home and your energy bill. If you are interested in learning more about roofing ventilation, window performance ratings, and other home improvement issues, check out the resources below.

• Learn about energy performance ratings for windows and doors through this site by the U.S. Department of Energy.
• The National Fenestration Rating Council offers information about buying energy-efficient windows.
• Check out this EnergyStar page to learn what makes windows, doors, and skylights energy-efficient.
• This Old House discusses the value of attic ventilation.
• Learn about the benefits of roofing ventilation in this article by the National Roofing Contractors Association.

For roofing or replacement windows and doors in the Bay Area, contact Custom Exteriors, Inc. Call us today at (888) 957-7800!

A Guide to Energy-Efficient Window Performance Ratings

Energy-efficient windows keep your home comfortable year-round with minimal heating and cooling costs. There are several factors involved in the energy flow through a window, which are reflected in a window’s performance ratings. The energy flow through windows can be divided into several categories: solar and non-solar radiation, conduction and convection, and airflow.

Solar Heat

The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) measures the amount of solar radiation that is admitted through a window. The most desirable SHGC depends on your location. In colder areas, a high SHGC rating is good, because it means more heat will be gained during the winter. For hot climates, a lower SHGC means better shading.

Non-Solar Heat Flow

The non-solar heat flow through a window is rated as the U-Factor. This number can be confusing, as it is expressed in units of Btu/hr-ft2-ºF. Most people simply need to know that a lower U-Factor indicates a smaller degree of heat loss and a more energy-efficient window. This is especially important in cold climates, where heat can escape quickly through less efficient windows.

Airflow

When airflow is intentional, it is called ventilation, and when it is unintentional it is called infiltration. Air leakage is expressed in units of cubic feet per minute per square foot of frame area. A low number means low air leakage, which is better for your home environment.

Where to Look

Check windows for an EnergyStar label, or look for a label from the National Fenestration Rating Council, which will display the ratings described above. This label may also provide you with information about condensation resistance and visible transmittance—the amount of light that comes through the window.

Looking to replace your old windows? You can find the energy-efficient windows you need, along with doors, roofing, and your other home needs at Custom Exteriors, Inc. Visit us at our Bay Area location or call us today at (888) 957-7800!