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What Junk’s in your Trunk?

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It’s mid-February, the snow is off the ground and new projects are starting to surface. Most specifically – commercial and residential projects which are overdue for a repair OR complete replacement of exterior siding which has been damaged or perhaps broken down over the years.

Now, you might be looking at the siding or the roof of your home or even the building you work in and things may appear to look ok on the surface – however what lurks beneath or behind your siding/roofing could be telling a very different story.

On a recent project completed by Exteriors – it was apparent that there was excessive wood rot once the exterior siding was removed. You can see that years of moisture and water penetration have completely broken down and deteriorated the building frame in a bad way.

 

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Now you might be thinking to yourself “How will I know if my framing or building envelope is THIS badly damaged without actually being able to see it?” – And this is a valid question.

It’s fair to point out that building standards and building codes have improved dramatically over the last 20 years – so the lack of measures around water/moisture/mould management back then were not as stringent as they are today. Even the building materials themselves have improved – not only becoming much more environmentally friendly, but also manufactured to withstand excessive moisture/mould damage due to the introduction of engineered and treated wood, as well as Fiber Cement siding products.

One way in which you will be able to identify problem areas is by doing a walk-around your home or building and taking a closer look at your siding, soffit & fascia – and checking for areas which may be allowing for water or moisture to be penetrating the building envelope. Basically – if water is getting behind your siding, then there could be an issue.

Also – you can do an internal check of your building – identifying areas of mould buildup or paint which might be bubbling on the ceiling or near windows. If your walls or rooms typically feel moist, there could be some concerns as well.

The great news is that for the most part – water and mould/moisture damaged can be quickly treated and repaired. And for excessive damage like you see in these photos – our Framing team can have your building or home back to good health in no time.

So if you’re concerned with the building envelope of your home or commercial building and feel that you could do with some expertise to assess if there is a bigger problem, please call Exteriors and we would be happy to meet with you.

 

Exteriors by Leroy & Darcy is an (A+) BBB Accredited company and are proud members of the Lethbridge Construction Association.

Thinking about Renovating?

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Thinking about renovating?

Don’t let the cold weather scare you – renovating your home over the Christmas holiday isn’t such a bad idea, says Darcy Jerome – Owner of Exteriors by Leroy & Darcy.

“You’d be surprised at how low the barriers-to-entry are if you are considering renovating your home at this time of the year. We still have reasonably good weather, and with new home construction outside its peak building season, work can commence on your home and be finished fairly quickly”.

And with interest rates relatively low, completing that home improvement project might just be the right time.

We spoke with Canadian Home Builder’s Association (CHBA) Lethbridge Division, who have some tips if you are considering a home improvement or home renovation this Christmas.

  • Know why you want to renovate. What problems are you trying to solve? Most renovations begin with practical issues. For example, your exterior siding may be damaged from previous weather storms. Perhaps your roofing shingles appear to be peeling or lifting. Or maybe you’re walking towards your front door and notice that it’s a little outdated.
  • Evaluate the structure, systems and general condition of your house.With your renovator, list the repairs and replacements likely to be required over the next two, five and 10 years. If necessary, be prepared to make trade-offs between lifestyle improvements and work needed to keep your home in good shape.
  • Work with the strengths of your home.Choose from a wide selection of colors and manufacturer products like James Hardie Fiber Cement, Sagipur, or AL13 Aluminum Metal Panel.
  • Keep it simple.A complex design can result in complicated and expensive construction. Whether you want to build on to your home, change roofing shingles or reconfigure your windows & doors, consult with a professional renovator on the impact of design on construction and budget. Less complex designs will often let you achieve the same goals.
  • Don’t just focus on the upfront cost.Renovation is a further investment in your home. Consider the time, energy and cost required on ongoing maintenance and possible replacement down the road. A well-planned renovation can reduce these future costs.
  • Don’t cut corners to save a few dollars, or you may not get the results you want.There may be ways to stretch a limited budget or you may be able to scale down your project or alternatively, do it in phases over time. But don’t compromise on quality – it’s always better to do less and do it well.
  • Check local bylaws.Before you get too involved in a particular design for adding to or substantially altering your home, you or your renovator need to know the local regulations-for instance, lot-line setbacks or septic tank requirements.
  • Look at your neighborhood.Exterior changes or additions that blend with the existing streetscape will probably add the most value to your home, and they will usually be appreciated the most by your neighbors. If you do want a design with a difference, think about ways of complementing neighboring homes.
  • Don’t worry about trends.Design trends come and go. First and foremost, plan for comfort, ease of living and personal satisfaction. Enjoy exploring options and possibilities-then design the renovation that is uniquely right for you and your family.

If you’ve got renovations on your mind, Exteriors by Leroy & Darcy would love to sit down with you and discuss products and show you a range of projects we’ve completed in Southern Alberta.

From us to you, Merry Christmas and have a great day!

 

 

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Exteriors by Leroy & Darcy

 

 

Let it snow, let it snow!

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Well there it is, Southern Albertans – the first ‘real’ snow for this season. It’s something we’ve come to expect – after all, it is a little late this year, isn’t it?

However, once the snow falls, it is a good idea to ask yourself: “Is my house ready for winter?”

Many homeowners find themselves asking this important question too late, and often find that the stress and added weight of all that snow & water sitting on their roof has caused bigger problems down the road.

Exteriors by Leroy and Darcy can inspect your home – including your roof lines, and make vital repairs to damaged roofing shingles, insuring that your home is safe – before the snow really kicks in.

Please call us on 4033279113 and speak to one of our friendly staff today.

 

Stay warm!

Exteriors by Leroy & Darcy

 

 

 

 

 

When the Storm Hits

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Extreme weather, like hail, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, and fire, have potential to wreak havoc on your home. In 2013 alone, overall storm damage exceeded $1 billion, according to the National Climate Data Center. If a storm were to hit where you live, you’d likely turn to your home insurance plan to help you pay for the repairs. It’s important to know what steps to take in order to file a claim with your insurance provider and get your home taken care of.

Here are five steps to follow to help ensure a smooth and successful claims process after a detrimental storm.

 

Check your Policy

Find out if you are eligible to file a storm damage claim. Ideally, you know this information before a storm hits you so you can be prepared with the proper coverage. For example, most standard home insurance policies provide coverage for winter-related storm damage, but many of these policies do not cover flood damage, so you would have to purchase that insurance separately. Once you have the information regarding your home policy and your eligibility for storm damage coverage, proceed with filing your claim.

 

Don’t Hesitate to File a Claim

If you need to file a claim with your home insurance company following a major storm, call right away to start the process as soon as possible. This is not only important for repairing your home and helping you return to normalcy, but most insurance policies limit the amount of time you have to file a claim. Don’t wait until you see the detrimental signs of damage, such as mould or dripping water.

 

Assess the Storm Damage

Before calling the insurance company, thoroughly assess the extent of the damage to your home. Check each room, the attic, and garage for signs of damage, including that to windows, doors, ceilings and flooring. Check your roof and siding for problems, particularly wind damage that may have blown off part of your home’s exterior. Check AC units, pool equipment, and any other outdoor appliances that may have been damaged.

In addition to your personal assessment, you should have a professional inspection by someone who is experienced with this type of report. Record information, both in writing and photos, about the damage as well as the storm itself, in case your insurance company asks for proof of the storm.

 

Get Quotes for Repairs

After your inspection, contact Exteriors by Leroy & Darcy for a FREE QUOTE for repairing different aspects of the storm damage. The National Storm Damage Center recommends contacting several reputable storm repair contractors and obtaining three written proposals. Prepare to present these estimates and the recorded information you collected to the home insurance company when you make the claim. When you file your claim, an insurance adjuster inspection is required. Ask your contractor to be present during this inspection to ensure a fair assessment.

 

Move forward with Your Claim

Once your claim is approved, your home insurance company sends you the first of two payments, which covers the materials cost for the home repairs. The National Storm Damage Center recommends your contractor orders materials in your name and uses your cheque to pay for them.

Once the materials arrive at your home, your contractor can begin the repairs. You receive your second payment when the repairs are complete and the project passes a city inspection.

Storms can be a frightening experience, and having to deal with storm damage and the claims policy is something you may have to face when the storm passes. Make sure you have the right home insurance policy and storm damage coverage for the types of severe weather typical in your area.

If you have any questions about storm damage or want to know more about Exteriors by Leroy & Darcy, please give us a call today.

 

 

EXTERIORS BY LEROY & DARCY

Your exteriors solutions specialist!

Siding. Roofing. Soffit & Fascia. Windows & Doors.

Phone: 403 327 9113

www.exteriorsld.com