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  • 5 Tips to Prepare for Roof Installation & Replacement

    Roof installation and replacement is a time-consuming and complex project that demands proper planning. When your roof is in good condition, you have peace of mind amid bad weather, ensuring your possessions and family are secure.  C&C Plastering is your perfect companion when you need to replace or install a new roof. Here are 5 tips to help you prepare for roof installation or replacement.

    1. Consider Your Pets and Family

    Installing a new roof is a noisy project. Before embarking on the project, consider how your family and pets will handle the loud noises. For instance, if your dog can’t stand storms, take them to a haven such as a pet daycare center and pick them up in the evening for the entire period of the project. For your family, you can plan the repairs or installation when schools are closed and send them for a holiday. Alternatively, you can explain to your kids what will happen and prepare them for the changes.

    2. Remove Any Items on the Roof

    As part of the preparation for roof installation and replacement, remove antennas or satellite dishes on the roof and store them safely. If you have challenges removing the satellite dishes, contact your service provider to ensure they remove and reset them as required. Your roofing contractor can help remove wires and cables clamped to the roof.

    3. Prune Trees and Trim the Grass

    Tall grass and extended branches can limit visibility on your compound and hinder your contractor from doing their work. Similarly, screws, nails, and other sharp objects can fall on the grass, becoming potential hazards to the workers and your family. Cutting the grass ensures the cleanup exercise after project completion is hassle-free.

    4. Inform Your Neighbors

    The roof installation project may cause disruptions on the property line. The project will produce extra noise and bring more vehicles into the neighborhood. Also, debris may spill over to your neighbors. Before the project starts, inform your neighbors to know what to expect.

    5. Pick the Right Contractor

    The success of the roof installation or replacement project relies on the choice of the contractor. Ensure the contractor has experience of installing your desired roof. For instance, some roofing contractors may be excellent at installing shingles but not concrete tiles. Ask the right questions and hire a professional roofing contractor for your project. Don’t sacrifice quality based on price.

    Are you considering installing or replacing your roof? C&C Plastering is ready to help. We have the experience, skilled roofers, and different materials for a successful roofing project. Contact us now for a free quote.

  • 5 Signs That You Need to Replace Your Asphalt Roof

    With most roofs, it’s fairly easy to tell when they need to be replaced. For example, with a metal roof, you can usually see rust and other damage that indicates it’s time for a new one. But with an asphalt roof, the signs aren’t always as obvious. Here are some things to look for that indicate it might be time to replace your asphalt roof:

    1. Your roof is over 20 years old

    Even if your roof appears in good condition, if it’s over 20 years old, it’s probably time to replace it. Asphalt roofs have a lifespan of 20-25 years, which means that after that point, they start to deteriorate. If you wait too long to replace an old roof, it could start to leak and cause damage to your home.

    By choosing a reputable roofing contractor and installing a new roof, you can ensure that your home is protected from the elements for years to come. So, why wait until it is too late? Get ahead of the game and replace your old roof today.

    2. Your shingles are curling or cracking

    If you notice that your shingles are curling, cracking, or otherwise damaged, it’s time to get a new roof. These signs indicate that your roof is deteriorating and might not protect your home as well as it should.

    One of the benefits of asphalt shingles is that they’re relatively easy to repair or replace. However, if the damage is extensive, it’s probably best to just get a new roof.

    3. Your roof is sagging

    One way to prepare for hostile weather conditions is to ensure that your roof can withstand high winds. If you notice that your roof is sagging, it’s probably because the sheathing underneath is starting to deteriorate. This serious problem needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

    A sagging roof can cause all sorts of problems, including leaks and structural damage. If you notice any sagging, it’s best to call a roofing contractor immediately.

    4. You have leaks

    Asphalt roofing is durable, but it’s not impervious to water damage. If you start to notice leaks in your home, it’s probably because your roof needs to be replaced.

    Leaks can cause many problems, including mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and structural damage. Even more it might cost you a fortune in your energy bills because heat and cool air will escape through the gaps.

    5. Your attic is hot

    If you have an asphalt roof, one way to tell if it needs to be replaced is by checking the temperature in your attic. If it’s significantly hotter than it is outside, it’s probably because your roof is no longer doing its job of protecting your home from the sun’s rays.

    This heat build-up can cause all sorts of problems, including making your air conditioner work overtime and making your home less comfortable. If you notice that your attic is unusually hot, it’s time to get a new roof.

    If you’re noticing these signs, it’s probably time to replace your asphalt roof. By choosing a reputable roofing contractor and installing a new roof, you can ensure that your home is protected from the elements for years to come.

    So, why wait until it is too late? C&C Plastering is your Pennsylvania roofing contractor, specializing in asphalt roofs. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation! We’ll be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the best roof for your home.

  • The Hidden Costs of Not Replacing Your Roof

    Have you ever considered the hidden costs of not replacing your roof? Maybe you’ve been noticing some shingles missing or that the ones that remain aren’t looking quite as good. Replacing your roof is an important decision that can ultimately save you thousands of dollars in the long run. 

    The following are several things that can happen to your home and property if you neglect to replace your roof. 

    Water damage 

    Water damage is one of the most common problems caused by a leaky roof. A single broken shingle or cracked tile can lead to water damage, which can severely impact your home’s exterior and interior. As time goes on, the damage will only get worse. 

    When moisture penetrates your roof and walls, it can cause them to deteriorate quickly. The longer you wait to replace your roof, the more extensive the repairs will be when you finally do call in professionals to fix it. 

    Ice dams 

    The most common problem associated with failing roofs is ice dams. Ice dams are caused by snow melting on the roof’s edge and then refreezing in place when it reaches downspouts or gutters. This creates a dam that blocks water from draining off the roof and into downspouts or gutters, causing water to back up on the roof’s surface in dangerous icicles and heavy snowfall. 

    Ice dams can cause serious damage to the structure of your home by weakening shingles and causing leaks that lead to rot in ceilings below them. 

    Mold and mildew growth 

    A leaking roof can lead to mold and mildew growth on walls and ceilings below the leak. This may not seem like much of a problem at first, but it can cause allergies, asthma attacks, and other respiratory illnesses if you are exposed to it over time. 

    Mold also has the potential to cause health issues for those with weakened immune systems such as children and seniors. 

    Increased energy bills 

    A well-maintained roof insulates your home from the elements and keeps out cold air in winter and hot air in summer. However, if there is damage on your roofs — such as holes or leaks — this insulation won’t work properly and your home will feel draftier than normal. 

    This can lead to higher energy bills as well as increased wear and tear on your HVAC system over time. 

    Loss of property value 

    Having an old and worn-out roof can affect how much money you can get for your home when you decide to sell it. Buyers generally prefer newer homes with quality roofs instead of older ones that need repairs or replacement. 

    In fact, replacing your roof with a new one can increase your property’s resale value by more than $17,000.  

    Contact us for a free estimate 

    If you’re currently experiencing any of these problems, it’s not too late to start planning your upgrade. Contact us today for more information about our roofing services. We are ready and able to take care of all your roofing needs. 

  • 5 Tips for Successful Siding Installation & Replacement

    Siding installation and replacement are one of the most common home improvement projects homeowners do, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to get right! Siding can be easily damaged if you don’t know what you’re doing.  

    Here are five tips that will help you get the job done right. 

    #1. Find Inspiring Ideas 

    Finding good, inspiring ideas is the first step to a successful siding installation or replacement. You can start by looking online, in magazines, or even talking to people who have recently had work done on their homes. Once you have some inspiration, it’s time to start planning your project. 

    #2. Choose the Right Contractor 

    Choosing the right contractor is crucial to any siding installation or replacement project. You want to be sure that they have experience with the type of siding you’re looking to install and that they have a good reputation in the industry. 

    #3. Choose the Right Material 

    There are various types of siding available in the market. Therefore, it’s essential to research before choosing the option that best suits your needs. Consider factors like climate, budget, maintenance, and aesthetics when deciding. 

    #4. Budget Properly 

    Before you start your siding installation or replacement project, you need a proper budget.  A good budget features the cost of materials, labor, and other associated costs. If you’re doing the job yourself, be sure to factor in the cost of renting or buying any necessary tools. Also, remember to factor in permits, if required. 

    #5. Think About the Future 

    Not only should you choose a material that will last, but you also need to think about how easy it will be to maintain and repair. Think about your home’s long-term maintenance needs before making any material decisions. You may find that vinyl siding is easier to clean than brick or stucco, and asphalt shingles are much less expensive than slate or clay tiles. 

    Get Help with Your Siding 

    C&C Plastering specializes in quality siding installation and replacement needs. Contact C&C Plastering to get started on your new home or commercial property’s exterior! 

  • How Does Fiber Cement Siding Differ From Other Siding Options?  

    So long as your home is protected, you may not think there is much difference in siding choices for it, nor is much innovation being made. However, that is not true. While you may be familiar with wood, vinyl, and aluminum as siding materials, fiber cement siding is newer and not yet commonly counted among those staples even though it was introduced in the 1980’s. Yet, what makes fiber cement siding different? What makes it special compared to other siding options? 

    Fiber cement siding very much lives up into the “cement” in its name. Fiber cement is planks that are principally made up of Portland cement, sand, water, and fibers. This creates a sturdy, yet lightweight synthetic alternative with many of the benefits of other materials. 

    One of the biggest benefits for fiber cement siding is its ability to retain color. Wood siding will need to be repainted while vinyl siding can fade over time. However, the baked on color of fiber cement stays vibrant over time with quite the variety of design options to suit your needs. It’s customization in color is another great boon. If you want beautiful wood grain, but definitely don’t want to deal with the rot, insects, and maintenance of wood siding, fiber cement siding can be a way to get that aesthetic without any of the downsides. 

    The one potential downside fiber cement siding has is one that you would expect given all the benefits. It has all the practical benefits, but it does cost quite a bit more compared to something very affordable like vinyl siding. Yet, with that initial higher investment, you do also get that low maintenance benefit from the siding as well. So you really will not need to put much more money or time into it once fiber cement siding is installed on your home. 

    How Does Fiber Cement Siding Differ From Other Siding Options?  

    So long as your home is protected, you may not think there is much difference in siding choices for it, nor is much innovation being made. However, that is not true. While you may be familiar with wood, vinyl, stone, and aluminum as siding materials, fiber cement siding is newer and not yet commonly counted among those staples even though it was introduced in the 1980’s. Yet, what makes fiber cement siding different? What makes it special compared to other siding options? 

    Fiber cement siding very much lives up into the “cement” in its name. Fiber cement is planks that are principally made up of Portland cement, sand, water, and fibers. This creates a sturdy, yet lightweight synthetic alternative with many of the benefits of other materials. 

    One of the biggest benefits for fiber cement siding is its ability to retain color. Wood siding will need to be repainted while vinyl siding can fade over time. However, the baked on color of fiber cement stays vibrant over time with quite the variety of design options to suit your needs. It’s customization in color is another great boon. If you want beautiful wood grain, but definitely don’t want to deal with the rot, insects, and maintenance of wood siding, fiber cement siding can be a way to get that aesthetic without any of the downsides. 

    The one potential downside fiber cement siding has is one that you would expect given all the benefits. It has all the practical benefits, but it does cost quite a bit more compared to something very affordable like vinyl siding. Yet, with that initial higher investment, you do also get that low maintenance benefit from the siding as well. So you really will not need to put much more money or time into it once fiber cement siding is installed on your home. 

  • How to Pick the Ideal Siding Color for Your Home

    The siding of your house is a significant exterior feature of your home. It’s to your house what the skin is to your body. Besides boosting your house’s curb appeal and resale value, giving your siding a colorful touch enhances your home’s style, personality, and aesthetics. 

    Picking a new siding style or color for your home can be fun, but also a little overwhelming. Besides choosing a color that is pleasing to the eye, you should also go for a shade that best suits the rest of your exterior palette. Here are some tips to help you consider the best possible color for your siding: 

    1. Match The Rest of Your Home 

    The siding color you pick should match the rest of your exterior. You do not want to pick a color that doesn’t match your shutters, roof, and other exterior features. Picking a matching siding color helps give your house a more attractive and consistent appearance. 

    2. Consider Your Home’s Architectural Style 

    The structure and style of your house can be a principal factor when deciding on the siding color. For instance, if you own a Victorian-style house, you can choose deeper colors mixed with pastel stones. On the other hand, if you own a contemporary house, you may go with neutral colors. 

    3. Check Your Neighborhood 

    Before picking a color, drive to your nearby areas. Have a look at some homes with a similar structure as yours, as well as the trending colors. You need to strike a balance with your nearby areas while making a mark in the style. 

    4. Choose an Ideal Siding Material 

    Picking the suitable siding material is just as crucial as the perfect color scheme. Considering that each siding material has its style, choosing a material that allows you to fashion the kind of look you have in mind for your home is essential. 

    Wrap-Up 

    Picking a new siding color for your house can be an exciting process since it allows you to explore various color schemes and choose the one that expresses your style. The right color combination can increase your resale value, beautify your home as well as enhance its curb appeal. 

    If you’re still unsure of the color scheme that best suits your home or is torn in between two siding materials, do not hesitate any longer. C&C Plastering has got you covered. Contact us today, and let’s help you get the fresh new look and standard quality you deserve! 

  • How Long is the Life Expectancy of Your Siding?

    When you make the decision to re-side your home, you want your siding to not only look nice, but you want it to last. It is the protective shell for a large portion of the home, and you want it to last as long as possible. However, the average life expectancy of your siding depends on the materials that it is made of.

    Life Expectancy of Siding

    When you have chosen to re-side your home, you have four primary options — some more viable than others depending on the climate of the area you live in. These include:

    Each have several benefits, disadvantages, and has its own specific lifespan.

     

    Vinyl Siding

    Vinyl is the longest-lasting and often the most flexible of siding options. Made of plastic, it is durable, impervious to rot, and can withstand some impact. You also have a lot of color options as well. The best part is that it often lasts 40 years or more.

    Stucco Siding

    Stucco has a good look but doesn’t last very long. It is fire resistant and a good insulator, but you typically only see it used in hotter climates. Stucco has a general life expectancy of 20 years and may require any cracking to be patched.

    Aluminum Siding

    Aluminum is notorious for being lightweight and affordable. However, it is not very sturdy when it comes to impact. If a panel is dented, then it needs to be replaced. If aluminum is kept coated with a protective finish, it can last between 20 to 30 years.

    Wood Siding

    Wood siding provides a very rustic look, but it comes with all the problems of wood. Homeowners need to be very diligent at keeping the wood coated with protective paint every five years to prevent water damage and wood rot. If diligent enough with this, it can last around 30 years.

  • When Should I Replace My Siding?

    When Should I Replace My Siding?

    Siding is one of those things that seems fine right up until it isn’t. While you may expect a day where you need to replace your siding, you probably don’t know when that day will be. However, a simple inspection and a few quick tips can help you make the decision as to if it is time for new siding on your home.

    Inspecting Your Siding

    If you aren’t sure what damaged or deteriorating siding looks like, this inspection can help you decide if your siding is damaged and needs replacement.

    • Missing Materials — If whole panels of siding are falling off, loose, or just plain gone. You will need to replace, at least, those areas or risk home damage.
    • Warping, Rotting, or Disfigurement — Some sidings, like vinyl, can warp when exposed to strong sun exposure over the years. Other sidings materials, like wood, can rot over years of moisture exposure. If this is starting to happen to any area, it needs replaced.
    • Mold and Mildew Growth — If spotted early, mold and mildew can simply be cleaned away. However, if you ignore it, eventually you will be left with only the option to replace the siding. It becomes too ingrained in the material, staining or ruining it.

    When to Consider Siding Replacement Outside of Damage

    Aside from when it is obviously damaged, there are other times you might want to consider siding replacement.

     To Add a New Look

    For some, the time to replace their siding is when they intend to sell their home or just want to create a new look. Maybe you want to paint your home another color, but not every siding material can be repainted. If you want to change the exterior look of your home, that is a great reason to replace the siding.

     The Materials Are Past Their Lifespan

    Most siding materials only have a maximum lifespan of 20 years, and for some, that is only if you maintain them. If you have had that siding for over 20 years, you can likely expect problems any day now. Sometimes it is better to just be proactive.

  • Siding Wars: Fiber Cement Vs Aluminum

    Siding Wars: Fiber Cement Vs Aluminum

    Fiber cement siding has been making a lot of waves in the construction community for years now, and demand for the material has steadily gone up among homeowners year after year. It’s not surprising when you look at the benefits that come with fiber cement, either; it’s strong, resilient, completely recyclable, and it can be made in a variety of colors and patterns to fit any palate. While it’s swept aside competition from wood and vinyl siding, is fiber cement tough enough to take on aluminum siding?

    Similar Benefits, But Very Different Materials

    At a glance, metal siding and fiber cement provide a lot of the same benefits for homeowners. Both are resistant to damage from wind and rain, and neither of them are mold nor insect friendly. Aluminum and fiber cement are both recyclable and made from common materials. Both are attractive, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns.

    Aluminum siding doesn’t age well, though. In fact, aluminum siding is particularly bad at holding its color when subjected to regular sunlight. Not only that, but matching color for replacement siding to the siding that’s still on the house is a near impossibility, which often means that to maintain a universal color when one piece of aluminum siding has to be replaced, all of them have to be replaced. Additionally, aluminum siding tends to dent fairly easily, which means that stray baseballs, hail, or even an attempt at power washing can all leave the siding looking more like the hood of a demolition derby car than the smooth, clean side of your home.

    That’s why fiber cement siding is steadily gaining ground. It provides all the benefits of its competitors, but with none of the negatives associated with using any of them.

  • 13 Reasons to Choose a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor

    13 Reasons to Choose a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor

    Your new siding project doesn’t have to be a headache: choose a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor! If you’re looking to add James Hardie siding to your home, it’s important to understand a few things first. You’ll need to make sure you’ve got the best materials to work with and a trained installation specialist for the job. While we understand that finding the best contractor for your project can be tough, we encourage you to find a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor (like us!) When you do, you can rest assured that your project is in the best possible hands.

    So first of all,

    What is an Elite Preferred Contractor?

    The Elite Preferred Contractor title is an honor given to contractors who meet the installation and material qualifications set by James Hardie. These contractors are set apart in their standards, training, and quality of service in order to ensure you receive the best quality siding installation.

    Still not convinced?

    Here are 13 reasons to choose a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor.

    1. Installation Audits Performed at Random

    In order to make sure their contractors are exhibiting the standards of James Hardie, random installation audits are performed on installations done under the James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor name.

    2. Background Checks

    James Hardie performs background checks on contractors affiliated with the Elite Preferred Contractor program. When a background check is performed, the last ten jobs performed by that contractor are analyzed to be sure the clients were happy throughout the installation and that it was done to James Hardie’s specifications and standards.

    3. Salesmen Evaluation

    The sales tactics of your installation specialist are monitored by James Hardie to ensure you have a pleasant and professional experience. This is done so you can trust your siding contractor with your project to better protect your home.

    4. Credit Report

    In addition to the background check and salesman evaluation, a credit report is also performed to ensure the company you’re working with is financially secure. You can rest easy knowing you’re not being price gouged because your contractor is on the precipice of going out of business.

    5. Excellent BBB track record

    James Hardie monitors the BBB rating of your Elite Preferred contractor’s company. The Elite Preferred Contractor title is only given to companies who conduct their business professionally and with the highest quality service, skills, and materials. If there are negative reviews on BBB or other similar review sites, they are heavily considered, and the title is revoked if necessary.

    6. Licensed

    James Hardie ensures that your contractor is licensed and has met basic state requirements to practice contracting and installations. Being a licensed contractor is one of the most basic but highly important requirements of the James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor program. 

    7. Liability insurance

    All contractors with the Elite Preferred Contractor badge must carry liability insurance (a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence.) This is just another way James Hardie protects you and your home from unnecessary hassles, legal issues, unexpected expenses, and headaches.

    8. Workman’s compensation insurance 

    Nobody wants to think about what would happen if someone were to get injured while working on your home. That’s why James Hardie does it for you. The Elite Preferred Contractor program requires that businesses provide workman’s comp for their employees.

    9. Follows Installation Best Practices

    The James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor program is reserved only for exceptional contractors in the industry. This means they not only follow the program’s stringent qualifications, but they also excel in the quality of service and sales as well as professionalism and precision of installation. Installations performed by contractors affiliated with the James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor program have been installed by industry leaders.

    10. We ask, “How are We Doing?”

    The prestigious contractors carrying the Elite Preferred Contractor badge do so because they care. They care about what clients think of their product, service, and labor or they wouldn’t bother to comply with the long list of qualifications and requirements set by James Hardie. Contractors who participate in this program care about what they do and what clients think of it.

    11. You Deserve the Best

    And that’s why James Hardie follows up on every contractor’s project with a customer satisfaction survey provided by a third-party survey service called GuildQuality. In order to maintain the prestige of being part of the James Hardie program, contractors must score a 90 or above in the “likely to recommend” category.

    12. We Use High-Quality Materials

    James Hardie siding lasts because it is durable. Not only is it fire and water-resistant, but it also doesn’t crack or chip and the vibrant hues James Hardie offers continue to look rich and new over the course of many years. The durability of the siding helps protect your home and will keep your home looking lovely.

    13. The Backbone of an Exceptional Installation

    An exceptional installation starts with James Hardie. With the highest quality products and contractors who must follow a demanding and stringent set of regulations and qualifications in order to bring you the best project completion possible, you won’t have to worry if your James Hardie-affiliated installation is done properly. You’ll know by the logo!

    How to Find a James Hardie Preferred Contractor

    Look no further than right here! Our top-notch installation specialists understand the importance and status of being a James Hardie Preferred Contractor and will bring you the best quality service, products, and installation possible.

    When you’re looking for the best contractor for your next siding project, choose a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor. You won’t be disappointed to know your contractor is qualified and believes in using quality materials along with exceptional service and installation practices. And you’ll already know these qualities are important to them because of the James Hardie Preferred Contractor seal of approval!