Metal Roofing Blog

If you are searching the web for answers on how to properly ventilate an asphalt roof you have already discovered that there is no definitive answer. There are several things that go into the equation when calculating roof ventilation. What you have probably read is the importance of roof ventilation. In the summer months ventilation will reduce excessive heat and humidity build-up. In the winter months, ventilation will reduce condensation and prevent ice dams.

A roofing expert will have to determine total attic square footage, slope of your roof, venting requirement, and what type of product will be the best fit for your particular home. A roofing expert has to keep in mind what type of climate your home is in to properly ventilate your asphalt roof. In humid climates too much air intake can create moisture problems in your attic. In dry climates too little air intake can have the opposite effect. So what can happen if your roof has inadequate ventilation?

• Wood member rotting
• Formation of ice dams in winter months
• Buckling of roofing shingles
• Moisture accumulation in roof deck
• Shortened life cycle of roof

Did you know that attic ventilation is required by the Uniform Building Code, International Building Code, Standard Building Code and the BOCA National Building Code? Unfortunately for homeowners there is not one application that can be used for all asphalt roofing systems or fiberglass shingle roofing. So how do you ventilate your roof?

Asphalt Roof Ventilation Equation

For most residential roofs the standard for home builders and roofing contractors is a ratio of 1 sq/ft of ventilation for every 300 sq/ft of flat attic area. The caveat is that there has to be equal air intake and air exhaust. Your common sense may be telling you to put additional insulation under the roof sheathing or between the rafters of your roof.

Doing so can cause moisture and lead to damage to both the sub-roofing as well as your shingles. Excess insulation can also lead to increased temperatures in your attic and your roof shingles. Roof temperatures can decrease the longevity of your roof.

Benefits of Roof Ventilation

• Maximizes roofs longevity
• Prevents condensation
• Prevents ice-dams
• Reduces heating and cooling costs

Quick Ventilation Fixes

If you do not have an air intake or an exhaust ventilation system you will probably need to install a continuous soffit intake and ridge line outlet vent. If you have only soffit vents only you will probably need to install continuous ridge venting. If you only have ridge vents you will probably need to install continuous soffit vents at the eaves. If you only have gable vents you may need to add a continuous soffit intake along with ridge outlet vents. If you have any questions or would like to learn more contact our shingle roofing experts now.

For more information on Asphalt Shingle Roofing or to set up a free in-home estimate call Global Home Improvement at 888-234-2929 or visit online.

Copyright Global Home Improvement 2013. Serving PA, NJ, NY and DE.

The inherent problem with vinyl windows is in its name, vinyl. All windows expand and contract with temperature changes but vinyl itself expands more than most of its traditional counterparts and twice that of wood. In fact, the windows used by most vinyl window contractors begins to soften and distort at 165°F, a temperature that is easily reached on a sunny day. So how does temperature cause my window to fail?

Your window is made up of two major parts, the vinyl structure of the window and the glass itself. Because vinyl expands an estimated seven times father than glass with each degree of temperature, it will often cause the seal between the vinyl framework and the glass to fail. What makes matters worse is that the problem will increase with the size of the window. The larger the window, the larger the sash, the greater the probability of failure.

According to a 2006 United States Department of Energy fact sheet, the vinyl used in vinyl windows “may expand and warp at high temperatures and crack at low temperatures.” This reoccurring cyclical expansion and contraction causes enough stress to break window seals allowing moisture to fill in the air space between your window panes. Common sense tells us that if you live in an area of the country that experiences varying temperatures throughout the year, vinyl windows, although inexpensive at first may not be the best answer.

In addition to the aforementioned problems, sunlight and UV rays can fade vinyl replacement window colors other than white and cause yellowing in the surface of the vinyl. And, unfortunately vinyl products including window frames cannot be painted easily. UV rays can also lead to cracks and damages in the frame of the windows. Over a period of time the frame will chip away so that it needs to be replaced or repaired with sealant. This cracking can also lead to air leakage and weathering problems.

Another unsightly problem is warping due to extreme temperature changes. This can lead to dry rot in the surrounding wood frame, which may lead to yet another home project, only time it will be more than installing a replacement window.

For more information on EPDM 20 Year Flat Roofing or to set up a free in-home estimate call Global Home Improvement at 888-234-2929 or visit online.

Copyright Global Home Improvement 2013. Serving PA, NJ, NYand DE.

Most homeowners refer to them as rubber roofs. Most roofing contractors refer to them as ethylene propylene diene monomer roofs, or EPDM roofs for short. With a life expectancy of 50 years and a 20 Year Warranty there is no wonder why rubber roofing has become the most common choice for flat and low-sloping roofs in the United States.

A recent study performed by Environmental Resources Management, a leading sustainability consultant company, and published in Professional Roofing Magazine, evaluated a number of EPDM Roofs across 9 states that had been installed for at least 16 to 26 years. All 33 roofs evaluated were found to be “watertight and functional with no obvious effect from long-term exposure to water, ultraviolet radiation, ozone, heat and thermal cycling.”

Why Choose EPDM?

The product itself has superior flexibility and high strength and can easily contour to fit the shape of just about any roof. Worried about going Green? Newer generations of rubber roofing are made of recycled tires, saw dust and slate and  are coated with a silver epoxy that add energy reflectance and energy efficiency by keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This epoxy provides increased reflectivity which allows customers to conserve energy and realize additional savings instantly.

Performance Benefits

• Has the roofing industry’s longest average service life
• High resistance to severe weather conditions including hail and pooling water
• Superior resistance to extreme heat and fire
• Recyclable and made from recycled materials
• Durable to thermal shock
• Shows superior resistance to ultraviolet radiation
• Has superior resistance to cyclic fatigue

Installation Benefits

• No torches or asphalt are required, making installation safer
• Less weight on your roof than mod-bit 2-ply systems
• Larger rolls mean fewer seams, allowing for quicker installation
• Faster installation means less disruption for building occupants
• Year round application

If you live in the northeastern region of the United States you are no stranger to extreme weather conditions. With weather temperatures varying between 100°F in the summer and 0°F in the winter, you simply cannot afford to choose the cheap alternative when it comes to protecting your home. EPDM Roofing by Global Home Improvement will flex and resist all changes in temperature without cracking or peeling. And most roofs can be covered in one piece which means less chance of a leak between seems.

For more information on EPDM 20 Year Flat Roofing or to set up a free in-home estimate call Global Home Improvement at 888-234-2929 or visit online.

Copyright Global Home Improvement 2013. Serving PA, NJ, NYand DE.

While you may be hearing about this product for the first time, fiber cement or cementitious siding has been around since the late 1980’s. Designed to look like wood but have the longevity and benefits of vinyl siding, fiber cement siding it is manufactured to never rot, burn or serve as food for certain wood eating insects.

In fact, for the 7^th consecutive year Remodeling Magazine has ranks upscale fiber cement exterior home siding as the #1 improvement project when it comes to delivering the highest return at resale. Do you need more benefits of James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding? Here Goes!

Reason # 1
Design Versatility – With a variety of different textures and profiles James Hardie fiber cement includes color accuracy, color matching, consistency of the paint application, fade resistance and finish longevity.

Reason # 2
Great Warranty – James Hardie Fiber Cement siding comes with a 30 year limited transferable warranty and all ColorPlus Technology finishes are warranted for 15 years.

Reason # 3
Environmentally Friendly – In addition to the Jamies Hardie using only raw materials found within 500 miles of its manufacturing facilities, the product itself is made with low toxicity of raw materials including wood pulp, cement, sand and water (recycled up to 4 times).

Reason # 5

Exceptional Durability – James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding is designed to last against cracking, rotting, hail damage, and is resistant to wood boring insects. In severe weather climates like the hot summers and cold winters that we see in the northeast Unite States, there is no siding more durable.

Reason # 6
Fire Safety – James Hardie manufacturers durable, non-combustible fiber cement siding that does not catch on fire and will not ignite, and thus carries a Class A flame spread rating. It resists flame spread and is recognized for installation where non-combustible construction is required.

Reason # 7
Cost – According to R.S. Means data the total installed cost, which includes materials, installation, and paint/stain for fiber cement on a new home is roughly 75% less than natural stone, 35% less than cedar, and 25% less than wood.

Reason # 8
Paint – Fiber cement siding is often primed during the manufacturing process and then painted during installation to protect against moisture penetration. Fiber cement is made to hold paint well with certain products warranted to hold paint up to 25 years.

Reason #9
Historical Homes – Fiber cement products can be used in historic preservation areas where most other cladding materials are forbidden.

Reason #10
Moisture Resistance – The combination of James Hardie fiber cement siding with the HardieWrap weather barrier offers a premium, non-woven water-resistive barrier that is manufactured thicker for exceptional tear resistance while providing a balance of water holdout and breathability.

For more information on fiber cement siding or to set up a free in-home estimate call Global Home Improvement at 888-234-2929 or visit online.

Copyright Global Home Improvement 2013. Serving PA, NJ, NYand DE.

New Jersey Marvin Windows has been manufacturing high quality wood windows for over 100 years and is New Jersey’s leader in top quality replacement wood windows and doors. Here are some of the unique features and benefits that make Marvin Wood Windows the absolute best for your home!

Unique Windows for Historic Homes

Marvin features a wide array of custom and unique windows for historical homes including french push out casements, tilt and turn windows with duel opening hardware, curved casement windows, circular picture windows, and magnum double hung windows with no size restrictions. In addition, Marvin is the only major wood window manufacturer to offer True Divided Lite Patterns featuring individual glass panes in between the wood grilles. With custom craftsman Marvin can create any window with any style, you just have to ask!

Specialty Wood Options

Marvin makes it easy to complement any project or design with an array of high-quality standard wood options, including Pine, Douglas Fir, White Oak, Cherry and more. And if your project requires the one-of-a-kind look of an unusual wood species, Marvin offers many beautiful and unique species including Maple, Black Walnut and Western Red Cedar.

Aluminum Clad Exterior

Marvin is the only window manufacturer to use high quality extruded aluminum cladding as standard on all their clad products. They also hold our finishes to a higher standard than the rest of the industry. According to industry guidelines, sun and weather can take 1/10 of the finish every ten years. Marvin’s thicker 1.4 mm finish directly translates to more years of finish. They can warrant our finish for 20 years because it’s .2 millimeter thicker than anyone else’s.

Energy Efficiency

Marvin offers thousands of window and door options with two or three panes of glass. Dual-pane products with appropriate glazing options are versatile, beautiful and energy efficient.

LoĒ²-272^®: Features a double metallic coating on the inside glass surface to reflect heat into the room in winter and reject the sun’s warmth in summer, reducing damaging UV rays. This coating option provides better protection against heat loss than LoE 180. It has good solar gain control. Suitable for all climates except the Southern zone of ENERGY STAR.

LoĒ³-366^®: Features three metallic layers of silver. This coating offers the lowest U factor and lowest solar heat gain. It is often specified in the Southern ENERGY STAR zone where cooling costs are high and intense exposure to the sun is an issue.

Elegant Hardware with PVD Finish

Window and door hardware in Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze, and Satin Nickel feature a PVD finish. Your PVD finished product has undergone a state of the art process known as Physical Vapor Deposition. A layer of hard-wearing metals are deposited onto the solid brass substrate which means it has been given a tough finish to resist fading and discoloration by direct sunlight, humidity, and most other environmental factors, even in coastal areas.

Expert Installation and Free Estimates

Because Marvin has partnered with Global Home Improvement to open their North Jersey Retail Showroom, homeowners can now visit the Marvin Window Showroom at 31 Washington Street, Morristown NJ or call 888-234-2929 to schedule a free in-home estimate. Global Home Improvement has gone through extensive window training and only uses factory trained installers for replacement Marvin window installations.

Global Home Improvement Launches Marvin Window Showroom in Morristown, NJ

Morristown NJ, March, 2013 – Global Home Improvement, one of the nation’s top 200 home remodelers, has teamed up with the elite window and door manufacturer, Marvin, to open a 1600 sq ft retail showroom located in the heart of Morristown. According to Global Home Improvement’s President, Paul Kazlov, “The sole purpose of the showroom is to bring quality products and lifetime remodeling solutions to North Jersey homeowners in an upscale and educational environment.”

Global Home Improvement’s fresh perspective on exterior home improvements features products that combine old world durability with innovative “green” technologies such as Metal Roofing, Fiber Cement Siding by James Hardie© and both Fiberglass and Wood Windows by Marvin. Marvin has a rich history of craftsmanship, knowledge and dedication dating back to 1912 and offers an unlimited array of windows to fit any historic renovation or modern update.

While many home improvement companies have downsized since housing prices and remodeling hit its peak in 2006, Global has expanded their operation including the installation of a 50 kilowatt solar system on their company headquarters in Feasterville, PA that offsets 100 percent of their energy bill. It’s all part of Global Home Improvement’s long term thinking and business philosophy of “offering homeowners a lifetime of value versus quick fixes that end up costing more in the long run.”

This is Global Home Improvement’s first retail location and no detail was left out in designing a sleek and modern atmosphere to showcase their Windows, Siding and Metal Roofing. According to Marketing Manager, Adam Parnes, “We wanted to create a luxury experience that changes the way homeowners shop for exterior home improvements. Instead of sitting through a 2 hour sales presentation, homeowners can visit us for as little or as long as they want while having their questions answered and can even enjoy an Italian roast coffee while flipping through thousands of pictures on an IPad.”

This refreshing approach is another welcome addition to the Morristown Business District that continues to attract both local and out-of-town businesses to it’s happening downtown. We would encourage everyone to welcome Global to the neighborhood but seeing their new location and talking with their manager and president, they’ve already made Morristown their new home for quite some time!

To see the full line of Marvin products as well as all of Global Home Improvement’s innovative products visit them at 31 Washington Street, Morristown NJ 07960 or call 888-234-2929 for more information.

There is always some sort of ding, dent, or chip that will catch the eye of an overly critical homeowner. Whether the headache originates from your missing shingles or warped siding, there always seems to be an issue. Millions of American home-owners have finally had enough; it’s time for a change! It’s time to move forward.

Forging ahead on a path of responsible home-ownership requires one to take a step back and truly examine what he or she really wants. What priorities come to mind? What are my best options? The answer to these questions for the American people moving into 2013 is durable products that provide longevity. According to Harvard University’s report “The US Housing Stock: Ready for Renewal” recent home-owner behavior has shown “sustainable home improvements are gaining popularity,” and that energy related product sales are up 10% from 2007 to 2011.  Even more alarmingly so, one in four have completed home improvement projects simply for higher energy efficiency.

The generational shift of baby boomers, including most rapidly approaching or in retirement, has fostered a home improvement culture change. “Echo boomers” are preparing to ensure their security for the future, considering many looming question marks surrounding social security, pensions, and ACA health insurance.

To put it simply: the trend is clear. Longer lasting products that help home owners build for the future will define 2013. Products that give a unique combination of energy efficiency, long-term durability, and eye-popping beauty are sure to be the most popular. It’s all about choices, possibilities, and, more importantly, opportunities. Never before have home owners had such a myriad of combinations, designs, styles, and the like. Global Home Improvement expands these options, not only to provide explicit product choices, but to personalize every home improvement for each individual.

Although different neighborhoods, home style, and personal preference often dictate remodeling projects, there are always certain products that shine through. Perhaps the most monumental and ultimate trending product of 2013 is metal roofing. Whether it is a contemporary standing seam look, or a traditional metal shingle/shake style, metal is the obvious choice for any and all roofing. Metal provides you with a sleek look yet prevents all the hassle that is associated with asphalt shingle roofing.

Another great trending product for this year is James Hardie Siding. Working as a preferred installer, Global Home Improvement has experienced continual customer satisfaction with Hardie products. The “Hardie Zone” system provides appropriate product materials to specific climates, all the while not limiting or slighting consumer options.

Global is committed to helping any and all home owners prepare themselves adequately for the future. It is a year of change and evolution; it is a year to dictate your own future. For your free estimate on all our lifetime remodeling solutions call 888-234-2929 today.

Stone Siding in it’s most affordable and elegant form yet… Versetta Stone® Stone Siding NJ and PA

This cement-based, manufactured stone veneer siding delivers the authentic beauty of traditional stone masonry without the excessive cost and installation time. At Global Home Improvement we install Versetta Stone® siding as a perfect accent and compliment to James Hardie® Fiber Cement Siding for homeowners in NJ and PA!

Remarkably Engineered Stone Siding Performance

Moisture is the biggest enemy to the home’s exterior, that’s why Versetta Stone® siding allows water to safely pass to the outside of the wall system, which helps in preventing mold growth. Rigorous product testing proves that Versetta Stone® siding meets or exceeds all standards for masonry veneer products, including:

• Nail Strep 60-year corrosion resistance
• 110 mph wind load resistance
• Class A Fire Rating
• Less than 3% mass loss in freeze/thaw testing
• Minimum of 50 % recycled content as validated by

Timeless and Endless Ways to Transform Your Exterior

Nothing is more versatile than Versetta Stone® siding. From new construction to remodeling and replacing existing siding, Versetta Stone® siding adds luxurious detail that replicates the beauty and craftsmanship of authentic stone masonry. Use it to transform your home’s exterior, accent a front entry way or completely re-stylize and part of your home’s façade! Versetta Stone ® panelized stone veneer is in keeping with our high standard of excellence. With no need to paint, coat or seal, it is backed by a 50-year limited warranty including one-time transferability.

Global Home Improvement is a James Hardie Shake Siding Installer

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding is geographically manufactured for the North East climate of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware and is rot and climate resistant unlike wood siding. What is even more amazing is the design features that fiber cement siding can provide a home. Fiber cement siding not only mimics traditional wood plank siding but as you can see from this beautiful home in West Chester PA, it can also replicate traditional cedar siding.

Not only is Hardie Shake Siding Beautiful it is also GREEN! Fiber Cement siding is made of all natural materials; sand, water, sicilica and is manufactured locally, within 500 miles of every job! In addition, fiber cement doesn’t offgas harmful dioxins like vinyl siding. So for the look of real wood plank or shake siding without the harmful chemicals and cheap plastic of vinyl, Fiber Cement is the way to go!