Should I Patch Or Remove and Replace My Old Roof?

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You can put off some home repairs indefinitely, but a leaky roof isn’t one of them. Cracked, curled, or missing roof shingles demand immediate attention; if neglected, they can lead to severe water (and savings-account) damage.

The Parts of a roof

Before you risk life and limb on a ladder, we recommend you stay at ground level and use binoculars to spot cracked, curled, or missing shingles—often signs that your roof is in need of repair or replacement.

If you need a new roof, and two layers of roofing are already in place, building codes require stripping the roofing down to the sheathing. Most homes are strong enough to support two layers of roofing, but installing some of the heavier laminated shingles over even a single layer may overstress rafters and other structural parts of your home. If you are considering doubling up, check the manufacturer’s warranty of the new roofing material to make sure it covers that type of usage.

Another important reason to consider complete removal before re-roofing is to have your roofer check for rot, water damage, or insect infestation underneath.

Whenever a new roof is installed—or if old shingles are being removed—you’ll need new underlayment (roofing felt) to create a moisture barrier between the roofing and the wood sheathing and rafters underneath. The sheathing may also have to be replaced if it’s damaged.

Still undecided on whether or not its time to replace? Head on over to our Contact Page and request a FREE In-Home Consultation with one of our roofing experts. 

$500 Off Your New Roof From Armor!

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The winter is in full swing, even though the temperature does not seem to think so, and now is a great time to take advantage of “off-season” discounts to ensure your home is ready for the spring. Give Armor Xteriors a call today and find out how you can save $500 on your next roof, or click here to learn about our affordable financing options.

signs its time to replace your roof

Off Season Home Exteriors Specials

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The winter in Chattanooga can be tough on a home but generally most homeowners save major home improvements for the spring. At Armor we understand this is a tough time of year to have work done and that is why we are offering 20% off ANY project now through the start of spring!

Give us a call at (423) 760-3333​ or fill out a free estimate request and we will be with you shortly.

roofing and siding specials

Vote For Armor In This Years North Georgia Best of the Best

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As the year comes to a close, another North Georgia Best of the Best is underway. We have always placed customer service at our highest priority and would love your vote of confidence.

Head on over to this link to vote for Armor Xteriors.

What To Consider When Buying Windows

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The single most important aspect of your windows is how they help insulate your home. But, did you know there are several factors that can effect your windows’ energy efficiency? Before you replace your windows we want you to be knowledgeable of these factors and what energy efficient windows can do for your home. Here are three things to consider when choosing energy efficient windows.

I: The window frame material affects its energy efficiency.

Here are a few of the most popular window frame materials.

There are several kinds of materials that can make up your window frame.

  1. Vinyl windows are known for their ease of maintenance, colors that coordinate with any exterior palette, and their energy efficiency. These windows have a high level of insulation, eliminating loss of air and keeping the muggy summer heat, or frigid winter winds, out.
  2. Wood windows require a bit more maintenance. However, wood is an excellent insulator, making wood windows extremely energy efficient.
  3. Aluminum windows are low-cost and low-maintenance. When considering these windows in terms of energy efficiency, it’s best to look for thermally-broken aluminum windows. A thermal break is a low-conducting composite material that separates the aluminum on the outside of the window frame from the aluminum on the inside and is designed to reduce the transfer of heat or cold between your home and the outside.
  4. Composite windows combine multiple window materials to take advantage of the benefits of each. Although these windows typically perform well, they are the most expensive window in the market.

II: Glass has the greatest impact a window’s energy efficiency.

Glass packages have the greatest effect on your window’s energy efficiency. You may pay a little more for a great glass package up front, but you’ll also save more in the long run.

Here are some glass options to keep in mind.

  • Low E – Reflects infrared light keeping heat inside in the winter and outside in the summer. It can also help keep your carpets and furniture from fading.
  • Gas Fill – Either Argon or Krypton can be placed in between glass panes to provide greater insulation than regular air.

III: Consider ENERGY STAR certified windows.

ENERGY STAR is a government supported program that uses a specific criteria to define an energy efficient window.

How does ENERGY STAR determine what makes energy efficient windows? By measuring four different parts of the window: the glass, the gas, the spacer and the reinforcement. The combination of these factors influences the unit’s U-value and solar heat gain, both of which are drivers for meeting ENERGY STAR performance level

To be labeled as an ENERGY STAR product, the U-factor and SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient) ratings must be less than or equal to those established by ENERGY STAR.

  • U-value The U-value or U-factor is commonly described as the amount of heat transferred through a material. The lower the U-factor, the slower the rate of heat flow and the better the insulating value.
  • Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) The SHGC refers to the amount of heat from the sun that windows and doors allow into the home. The lower the number, the greater the ability to reduce the amount of heat absorbed into the home.

Benefits of Choosing CraneBoard® Insulted Siding

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The triple-width, insulated span bridges structural imperfections and therefore bridges the gap between “that’s nice” and flawless. Plus the milled cedar-grain texture, straight face and deep shadows of the 6″ and 7″ profiles give your house a solid, authentic presence.

Solid CoRe Siding® has its good side, and its even better side. In addition to insulating your home in an awesomely energy efficient way, it may qualify you for incentives that may reduce your energy costs. Learn more at the home of the Vinyl Siding Institute: www.vinylsiding.org/map.

Performance Features

  • Only Solid CoRe® insulation has moisture management ridges that provide space for ventilation
  • Neopor® from BASF SE adds up to a 19% better R-value depending on profile
  • No Painting. No Scraping. True Maintenance Freedom.
  • Absorbs and reflects radiant heat with Neopor®
  • Reduces thermal conductivity
  • 200% stronger bond with our TXL™ Lamination Technology
  • 64% greater impact resistance
  • Quiet! Reduces noise up to 45%
  • Wind resistant up to 160 mph
  • Authentic straight-face design with clean hand-milled cedar grain look
  • Life of the Home Limited Warranty

Source: Exterior Portfolio

Fall Roofing, Siding, and Window Specials

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Home improvement projects can be expensive. If you need a new roof, or new siding, or replacement windows, those aren’t the kind of projects that can wait; putting them off can make things a lot worse—and potentially a lot more expensive—later. That’s why Armor Xteriors has partnered with the best to offer you affordable financing options that will fit your budget.

  • 18 Months Same as Cash

  • $1000 Off a Combo Roof & Siding Replacement

  • Credit limits up to $55,000

  • No Interest if Paid in Full within 12 months

  • Replace all the windows in your home with energy efficient double hung for under $100/mo.

  • $500 Off Your Service For Veterans

 

  Windows financing from Armor Xteriors of Chattanooga  Siding financing from Armor Xteriors of Chattanooga  Roofing financing from Armor Xteriors of Chattanooga

 

Choosing The Best Type Of Siding For Your Home

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One of the great aspects of siding, is that you do not have to worry about paint. It is an efficient way to improve the outdoor appearance of your home, without the hassle painting. Another benefits it that there is no maintenance required to keep it looking attractive for years to home. With Armor Xteriors of Chattanooga, you can have your home looking refreshed, modern, and energy efficient in no time!

Generally installation process that doesn’t take long. The only aspect about siding that can take the longest is deciding what color to get! The material comes in a wide range of shades and texture styles so that more options are available to fit your homes style. The color of the siding should not only looks appealing but also has a positive impact on the value of the property. If you become stumped on your color pallet plan, we don’t blame you- the decision is a tough one! You can click here to see some of the available colors or simply click here to schedule a free consultation.

In the mean time, we’ve come up with five questions you should think over when picking out a color for the siding.

1. What Is The Size Of Your Home?

Some colors that contrast between light and dark can completely change the homes appearance. Since color swatches can generally seem misleading, be aware of the effect it has on the building. Dark shades draw attention to features while light colors tend to neutralize.

2. What Is The Design Or Architecture Of My Home?

Certain style homes look better with specific shades while other styles can match any color. Note the visual cues of your home when selecting the color of the siding.

3. What Do The Homes In My Neighborhood Look Like?

We aren’t suggesting you copy the same styles as your neighbors, but if you pick out an over the top shade, it might look funny against the scene as a whole and in some cases, cause a stir with any homeowners associations. So consider the outdoor surroundings during the process of your color selection.

4. Does The Shade Look Good All Year Around?

Since our area experiences erratic seasonal changes, the color of your siding may appear differently based on the weather. For example, bright direct sunlight can make colors look brighter. We suggest applying color swatches to the house so that you can view them during different times of the day effectively giving you a feel for how the shade will look.

5. What Other Colors Are You Working With?

If you are trying to combine other features of your home with the siding, definitely keep those in mind while making your decision. The shades should complement each other well for an elegant appearance so don’t let the color of the siding be your main color scheme. Choose one that brings light to all of the aspects of the structure.

Are you still stumped and need a little more guidance? We would love to help! Head on over to our Request A Quote page and someone from our team will gladly meet with you and go over all your options.

Roofing Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I Need To Replace My Entire Roof If I Find a Leak?

Not always. A Leaky roof can be a result of flashings that have become loose or a section of the roof has been damaged. However, a total roof failure is generally irreversible and results from improper installation or choice of materials. Make sure to contact roofing contractor who will come out and properly diagnose whether the situation needs immediate repair or not. At Armor Xteriors we will always be honest about whether work needs to be done, and if a total roof needs to be installed, we will work with you to get the financing that fits your budget.

Do I Have To Tear Off My Old Roof?

Most roofing material manufacturers consider it best practice to tear off all old roofing if possible in order to inspect the decking underneath. Depending on what materials were used in the old layers of roofing, it is sometimes impossible to install a new roof over the old. The appearance would be less than acceptable.

How Long Can I Expect My Roof To Last?

The condition and lifespan of your roof heavily depends on the type of roof you choose, weather, and maintenance which your roof has received. Roofing manufacturers offer a variety of warranties on their products, so take a look at the warranties on their products to see what responsibilities and financial obligations they will assume if their products fail to reach their expected lifetime

Will The Roofing Installation Mess With My Daily Routine?

It is true that the roofing process can be disruptive, at Armor we work hard to minimize the impact on you and your family. However, for several days, your home does become a construction jobsite. Before we begin work on your home, we will outline the things you can do to prepare for our arrival.

Still Have More Questions?

A new roof can be quite the investment, and we want to make sure you have all the knowledge in order to make a more informed purchase. Head on over to our contact page and one of our team members will be in touch with you shortly.

The Positive Financial Impact of Siding

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The siding you choose might not be able to influence traffic patterns in Chattanooga, but it will have a say in how much money you can save in electrical cost. Here are three of the major benefits of installing energy efficient siding this fall.

Upfront Financial Benefits

Vinyl siding is relatively less expensive initially because it costs less to install than wood, fiber cement and many other types of siding.

Long-term Financial Benefit

Vinyl siding is less costly over time because maintenance expenses are virtually non-existent. You don’t need to repaint or restain it like wood. In fact there’s barely any upkeep at all, other than the occasional hose shower.

Energy financial benefits

Insulated siding’s high R-value (resistance to heat) will keep energy costs manageable, giving you naturally cooler summers and efficiently warmer winters.

We strongly recommend walking/driving around your neighborhood to see how different home siding styles work (and don’t work). Before you fuel up, you also have the convenience of seeing an array of cool and complementary siding styles in our gallery.

Want To Learn More?

Want to learn more about how you can side your home for no payment for up to 18 months? Request a Quote Here and Armor will be in touch!