For over a decade, our professionals have been providing homeowners with high-quality roofing, siding, gutter, door, window, and insulation services throughout the Northern Virginia area. Through the close relationships we’ve built with our customers, we encounter some of the same questions time and time again. That’s why we decided to put together this list of frequently asked questions so that you can find the answers you need regarding our outstanding services.
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My roof is leaking! Should I have the whole thing replaced?
If your roof has sprung a leak, you are probably worried about the expense of having to replace it, and we understand. The good news is, in many cases, replacing your entire roof may not be necessary. Depending on the size and location of your leak, it’s possible that your roof simply needs some superior roof repairs. While we will always inspect the damage and communicate to you a custom roofing service recommendation based on your specific situation, it’s very possible you won’t need to dip as deeply into your emergency savings as you might fear.
What is emergency roof tarping?
Emergency roof tarping is necessary when roofs have experienced unfortunate events such as fallen trees, fire damage, hurricane winds, or similar types of problems. Roof tarping is a temporary solution, but it can certainly save you a lot of money in further prevention of damage. When you experience a roofing emergency, you need a team on the scene fast to prevent damage from escalating. Roof tarping is the solution for that, and our expert roofing technicians are committed to providing you with fast, effective emergency tarping right when you need it.
If you need emergency roof tarping, don’t delay! Contact the professional roofers at Beyond Exteriors now by calling (703) 830-0863 or reach out online!
How long will my new roof last?
Even the best roof has an expiration date, however the quality of your roofing materials and the expertise of your contractor play a pivotal role in the service life of your new roof. With that in mind, 20 years is typically considered an acceptable life span for a new roof, though routine roof maintenance could increase that number significantly.
How do I know if it’s time to replace my home’s siding?
It can sometimes be difficult to determine when you should replace your home’s siding. You may have an inkling that it’s time, but here are some reasons to consider siding replacement sooner rather than later:
- Your home has mildew, fungus, or mold
- Siding is severely cracked or loose
- Siding has rotted
- Siding is warped
- Internal wallpaper is loose or peeling
- Internal paint is stained or peeling
- You are experiencing high cooling bills
- You are experiencing high heating bills
If your siding is experiencing any of these indicators, contact us today and we’ll discuss the variety of options available to you, as well as the benefits and features of each.
What siding material should I use?
Our vinyl siding is fully customizable, from colors to textures to design aesthetic. We utilize UV-resistant coating to prevent fading over time, which never requires repainting. Our high-quality siding offerings include:
- James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding: Both durable and strong, we believe that James Hardie is the best siding in the business. It’s extensively tested to withstand extreme elements such as UV rays, moisture, and long-term hot or freezing temperatures.
- Natural Cedar and Wood Siding: Traditional and elegant, cedar siding is a great choice whether you want to preserve the cedar’s natural appearance or paint your cedar siding for a more modern look. Our natural wood and cedar siding is resistant to fungi, mildew, rot, and bacteria. With our protective finish, it also greatly reduces the risk of termites.
- PVC/Composite Siding: Designed to last a lifetime, our AZEK polymer composite siding is both incredibly durable and lightweight. It prevents energy loss and is resistant to weather, rot, insects, and moisture. It’s also fully customizable to be any color you’d like.
- Aluminum Siding: Our custom-fabricated aluminum siding can match any design aesthetic you’d like. It is rot resistant and adapts well to weather extremes. We utilize baked-on enamel, vinyl-coated PVC, and smooth painted aluminum finishes.
When performing your siding installation, Beyond Exteriors uses vapor barrier house wraps to make sure that moisture cannot permeate your home’s walls. Our siding includes a foam backing for additional insulation to help conserve energy efficiency within your home.
Not sure which siding is right for you? Give our professionals a call at (703) 830-0863 or contact our team of friendly professionals online — we’ll help you select the perfect siding for your home’s exterior needs!
Why do I need gutters?
Gutters are an important safety feature for your home’s exterior. They direct water away from your home when it rains or snows, ultimately protecting your roof, siding, and foundation from erosion and water damage. The most important part of having gutters is to maintain them. If your gutters are neglected and fill up with dirt, leaves, and debris, they cannot properly protect your home from water-related damages such as flooding, mold, mildew, and cracks in your home’s foundation.
How often should I clean my gutters?
Keeping debris, leaves, and twigs out of your gutters is extremely important and allows them to operate at their best. However, many homeowners aren’t sure how often gutter cleaning is required. The professionals at Beyond Exteriors recommend cleaning out your gutters twice a year, in the spring and fall, although they may need more attention if your gutters are located close to trees.
When should I call a gutter professional?
Any time you need gutter repair or installation services, you should seek the help of qualified professionals. Incorrectly installed gutters can cause damage to your home’s roof and lead to more expensive problems long-term.
How often should residential windows be replaced?
If your home’s windows are 25 years or older, you may want to consider your replacement options. Updating your windows will not only allow your home to be more energy-efficient, but it will also save you money on your monthly energy bill. If your windows are sealed or painted shut, experience ice buildup or a frosty glaze during the winter, you’re a perfect candidate for Beyond Exteriors’ energy-saving replacement windows.
No matter how old your windows may be, here are some common signs that they need to be replaced:
- Uncomfortable drafts
- Rising energy bill
- High degree of noise transfer
- Moldy or rotten window frames
- Broken or hard-to-operate windows
Ready to get started? Schedule your free window replacement estimate with Beyond Exteriors today!
How do I choose a window frame material?
When it comes to choosing the right window frame material, Beyond Exteriors offers three premium options:
- Vinyl: This is a popular choice because it’s affordable, efficient, and low-maintenance.
- Fiberglass: While this option tends to be a little pricier, our long-lasting fiberglass windows offer efficiency, durability in extreme temperatures, and moisture protection.
- Wood and wood-clad windows: For a unique and traditional look, consider wood window frames. As a top choice among high-end architects, they can be stained or painted to suit any preference. Plus, with the option to install cladded wood windows, you can enjoy the warmth of real wood on the interior, with durable fiberglass on the exterior.
If any of these windows sound like they would be a good fit, give our team of experts a call at (703) 830-0863 or schedule your consultation online today! Our team is happy to equip you with the information you need to select the best windows for your home!
Can you install a door where there is none now?
Of course! Our team of highly skilled contractors and technicians can cut a new opening into any type of wall – frame or masonry – and handle all of the necessary details. We are often called on to convert windows to doors as well. Our skilled installation team is equipped to handle virtually any type of door project.
Do my new doors qualify for a tax credit?
Yes, with some restrictions. The door(s) much be ENERGY STAR® rated and must be installed in your primary residence. The maximum credit allowed is $500. For more details and incentives for energy efficiency within your home, check out ENERGY STAR’s site.
What types of doors and materials do you offer?
You can trust Beyond Exteriors to offer the best in quality door installation and replacement. We offer the following premium door materials and types:
- Wood doors
- Patio doors
- Steel entry doors
- Heritage fiberglass doors
- Signet fiberglass doors
From modern to traditional to completely unique, whatever aesthetic you desire for your home’s doors, we can provide you with the highest-quality design, installation, and replacement services in the Northern Virginia area. Contact our team today to get started!
Why does my home need insulation?
Insulation is an important aspect of your home’s construction, and is essential in keeping your house energy-efficient, comfortable, and quiet. Optimal insulation will retain heat in the winter and prevent wasteful loss of cool air in the summer. Insulation also helps your HVAC system operate efficiently, raising the air quality in your home and reducing mold, allergens, and moisture.
What does the R-value of insulation mean?
The R-value refers to insulation’s resistance to heat flow. It’s sometimes called “thermal resistance” and the most important thing to remember is that the higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power. Any materials with the same R-value, regardless of type, thickness, or weight, are equal in insulating power.
The R-value of different materials is based on testing methods established by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). The R-value is determined by material type, thickness, and installed weight per square foot, not by thickness alone.
How much energy will I save by adding insulation to my walls, ceilings, and floors?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical family spends close to $1,500 each year on energy bills. The DOE states that homeowners may be able to reduce their energy bills from 10% to 50% by taking certain steps, the most important being increasing the amount of thermal insulation in their existing home, or purchasing additional insulation when buying a home.
Unless your home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, adding insulation is very likely to reduce your utility bills overall. However, the amount of energy you conserve will depend on the size, shape, and construction of your house, as well as the heating and cooling system you use. Overall, energy conserved is money saved.
If you’d like to discuss adding energy-saving insulation to your home, contact our team today! Our industry-leading experts can answer any questions you have and get you on track to reduce your monthly energy bill fast!