dominic, Author at Roofing and Siding Contractors Baltimore

When you need a new roof, you don’t always have the luxury of time. While the ideal way to pay for a new roof is to save up your money until you can afford the cost, a roof replacement may be an emergency situation and you might not be prepared for the expense. After a huge storm or natural disaster, paying for a new roof may seem overwhelming, and you can’t just put off the expense until you can afford it. Luckily, homeowners have more roof replacement financing options than ever before that can help them afford the cost of a new roof. From personal loans and renovation loans to refinancing your home or using a roofing contractor’s roof financing options, here are some of the most financially-sound ways to pay for your home’s new roof.

Using a Credit Card to Pay for a New Roof

If you have a credit card with a high enough limit, you can use it to pay for a new roof. Credit cards are great for situations in which you have an emergency roofing problem and need to pay for repairs or a roof replacement right away. However, pay attention to the credit card’s interest rate and don’t use a credit card if you don’t think you can repay the cost within one or two years. If you take longer than that, the interest can end up making your new roof cost 25-30% more. You can also pay a down payment in cash and then put the rest of the balance on a credit card.

Applying for a Personal Loan for a New Roof

Taking out a personal loan can be a fast way to pay for a new roof. You won’t have to put up collateral, and if you have good credit, you may qualify for a lower interest rate. Pay attention to the repayment terms, as most personal loans have shorter repayment terms than loans that require home equity or collateral. A personal loan is provided in a lump sum, and you won’t risk having a lien placed on your home if you default or fall behind on payments. However, personal loans can have an annual percentage rate (APR) or annual interest rate of up to 36% so you should only take one out if you think you can pay it back within a year.

Using a Home Equity Loan for Roof Replacement

A home equity loan allows you to borrow money to repair or renovate your home or replace your roof, but you need to use your home as collateral. Home equity loans can take weeks or even months to finance. The benefit of a home equity loan is that it offers a fixed interest rate and can give you as long as 30 years to pay off at the lowest payment rate possible. You will need a decent credit score, and you will need to schedule a home appraisal. You will essentially have two mortgage payments each month: your regular mortgage and then the repayment of your home equity loan. If you default or miss payments, you risk foreclosure, however.

Using a Home Equity Line of Credit

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is like a combination of a credit card and a home equity loan. It is a credit line that is secured by the value of your home. If you default or miss payments, your home can be foreclosed upon. A HELOC is available through your bank, credit union, or mortgage lender. It can provide money in a matter of weeks with lower interest rates than a credit card or personal loan.

Refinancing Your Home to Cover the Cost of a New Roof

Refinancing your home can give you the money you need for a roof replacement. You will enter into a new loan agreement with a higher loan amount than what you owe on your remaining mortgage. You will use the loan to pay off your current mortgage, and the money that is left over can be used to repair your roof. Your interest rate may be less than that of a home equity loan and refinancing is usually easier to qualify for. However, it can take one or two months to finalize the process. You can usually borrow up to 80% of your home’s appraised value and your loan amount will depend on your credit, assets, and income.

Applying for a Home Renovation Loan for a New Roof

A home renovation loan can help you pay for a new roof and other home renovation projects. The loan is based on the value of your home after the improvements are completed, so you have higher borrowing power. Some lenders even consider applicants with lower credit scores.

Applying for Roof Contractor Financing for a New Roof

Roofing contractors often offer their own financing options for a new roof or roof replacement. Your contractor may offer in-house financing or have a partnership with one or two lenders who offer home renovation loans or personal loans. In-house financing options are sometimes more lenient and may offer six months or a year with no interest. The lender will work directly with the roofing company, and you may get a little more flexibility than you would if you worked with a bank or other lender. However, if you default or miss payments, the roofing contractor or lender can put a lien on your home.

Learn More About Roof Replacement Financing in Baltimore County, MD

At Badger Contracting, we want to make it as fast, easy, and stress-free as possible for our customers to secure a roof replacement or roof repairs. We offer roof replacement payment plans and financing options for homeowners who can’t afford the costs of a new roof upfront. When you meet with our financing team, we will go over the terms and conditions and can determine if our financing offer is right for you. We use a simple, three step process that prioritizes customer satisfaction and makes it easier to get started on your roof replacement. You just need to complete a simple application form and then work with us to begin your project. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to ask questions or get started on your financing application online.

More and more homeowners are choosing Hardie® plank siding in Baltimore County, MD because of its ability to withstand the extreme changes in weather and climate throughout the year.

Over time, your home’s exterior siding may degrade due to exposure to the elements, wear and tear, insect and animal damage, and poor maintenance. When it’s time to invest in new siding installation, Hardie® plank siding is one of the most durable, versatile, and cost-effective choices. In fact, Hardie® is the number one brand of fiber cement siding in the United States.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of Hardie® plank siding, care and maintenance needs, and budgeting for the cost of new siding.

When Do You Need to Replace Your Siding?

The lifespan of your home’s exterior siding depends on your siding material, regional climate, how it was installed, and whether you have committed to regular care and maintenance. Vinyl siding can typically last for between 10-20 years, while aluminum siding has a lifespan of 20-40 years, and fiber cement siding can last up to 50 years. You should consider new siding installation or siding replacement if:

Your siding is significantly damaged and is more than 20 years old.
You plan on selling your home in the next five years.
Siding repair would cost as much or more than siding replacement.
Your siding has major water damage, insect damage, or animal damage.
You see signs of mold or mildew growth.
Your siding is sagging, cracking, chipping, blistering, fading, rotting, or missing pieces.
You have paid for siding repair more than once in the past year.
You can’t keep up with necessary siding maintenance.
Your siding is poorly installed, poorly maintained, out of date, poor quality, or doesn’t compliment the architecture or aesthetics of your home.

What is Hardie® Plank Siding?

Hardie® plank siding is a brand of fiber cement siding that is available in a wide variety of colors, styles, textures, and finishes. Hardie® is a reputable, national siding company that has been in business for over 130 years and is committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation.

Exploring Different Types of Hardie® Plank Siding

It’s easy to find the perfect type of Hardie® siding for your home:

Plank Lap Siding – Plank Lap Siding is the most common type of Hardie siding used in Maryland. It is clean, classic, and traditional and complements any architectural style and aesthetic.
Panel Siding – Panel siding is contemporary and striking and can add visual interest and texture to your home’s architecture.
Shingle and Shake Siding – Shingle and shake siding complements historic architecture and looks neat and clean.

What Are the Advantages of Hardie® Plank Siding?

Hardie® siding is the most durable and cost-effective siding brand available in the United States. When you choose Hardie® plank siding, you are getting siding that is:

Noncombustible and fire-resistant.
Resistant to moisture.
Resistant to pests like termites, insects, and woodpeckers.
Superior protection from the elements, including rain, snow, ice, hail, and strong winds.
Low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Protected by a 30-year, non-prorated warranty.
Available in a wide variety of styles, colors, textures, and finishes for unmatched curb appeal.
Superior color consistency, adhesion, and durability.
A great investment, as it can increase the resale value of your home.

Wood Siding vs Hardie® Plank Siding

You have several choices when it comes to new siding for your home: wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiber cement, composite, and more. The most common types of exterior siding in Baltimore are wood siding and fiber cement siding. So how does Hardie® plank siding compare to wood siding? Wood siding is not naturally resistant to pests and insects, and it requires specialized treatments to withstand the elements and maintain its beauty. You will need to commit to regular care and maintenance, including sealing, staining, and painting wood siding. In comparison, Hardie® siding is durable, low-maintenance, and requires little care and upkeep. It retains its color for decades without fading, peeling, or cracking and it is resistant to discoloration, pests, insects, and weather damage.

Care and Maintenance of Hardie® Plank Siding

Hardie® siding is durable and low maintenance. You should clean your siding with a soft power washer or hose every year or after heavy storms. You can also remove dirt, dust, and debris with a medium-bristle brush. You should keep landscaping, trees, and bushes carefully trimmed around your home’s exterior to prevent water damage and scratches.

Cost of New Siding Installation

On average, new siding installation costs $10 per square foot; however, the cost depends on where you live and what siding material you choose. Fiber cement siding costs between $5-10 per square foot, and Hardie® siding installation can cost between $7,000-10,000.

Request an Estimate for Hardie® Plank Siding in Baltimore County, MD

At Badger Contracting, we are the most trusted roofing contractor in Baltimore County, MD. However, we do much more than roofing. We specialize in roofing, window, and siding services throughout the Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia, Owing Mills, Towson, Bel Air, Westminster, and Glen Burnie, MD areas. We carry a wide selection of vinyl and fiber cement siding, and we can help you choose the best style, color, and material for your taste and preferences. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation or request an estimate for Hardie® plank siding services.

Exterior siding plays a very important role in your home’s energy-efficiency and longevity. Siding protects your home from the elements, animals, insects, and more. When you install the right type of siding on your home, you can reduce the effects of outside temperatures on your home’s interior comfort. But what are the best types of siding in Baltimore County, MD for residential homes? Keep reading to learn more about different types of siding and find out how to choose which one is right for your home.

Understanding the Most Popular Types of Siding

First, it’s important to understand the key differences between different popular types of siding. These are the most commonly used types of siding in Maryland:

Vinyl siding – Vinyl siding is the most popular type of siding for residential homes. Vinyl is durable, weather resistant, low-maintenance, and cost-effective. You can choose from a wide range of colors and even finishes, including siding that looks like wood or stone. With vinyl siding, you won’t need to worry about repainting or dealing with splinters, wood rot, or pests.
Fiber cement siding – Fiber cement siding is also very durable and affordable. It is resistant to weather, moisture, pests, and rot, and is non-combustible.
Metal siding – Metal siding is also very durable and can withstand extreme weather. It is low-maintenance, fireproof, and pest-resistant, but it is not as insulating as other types of siding, making it common for commercial and industrial applications.
Wood siding – Wood shingle siding is attractive and timeless. It requires regular maintenance and refinishing and is susceptible to rot. It can be painted any color you desire.
Composite wood siding – Composite wood siding is engineered to look like natural wood, but it is a composite of natural wood and resin. It is available in almost every possible color, and it is more durable than traditional wood.

Considering the ROI of New Siding

Some types of exterior siding offer a better ROI than others. The cost of your new siding will depend on the cost of the materials and the cost of labor, but sometimes investing a little more in materials will offer a greater payoff should you choose to sell your home in the future. Vinyl siding and fiber cement siding typically offer between 75-85% ROI.

How Different Types of Siding Will Hold up to Your Regional Climate

New siding installation can enhance your home’s energy-efficiency, reduce your carbon footprint, and keep your home more comfortable year-round. When choosing new siding, you should consider your regional climate and which siding materials can withstand the weather and temperature in your region. Vinyl siding and fiber cement siding are the most durable siding options in Maryland. They both are resistant to moisture and can withstand the extreme temperature fluctuations in the region. They both also offer superior protection from rain and wind.

Siding Installation Costs

Next, you want to consider your budget and the installation costs for different types of siding. Your costs may vary from region to region and company to company. Vinyl siding will typically be the most affordable option for homeowners. Fiber cement siding is still affordable but may have a slightly higher price tag than vinyl.

Siding Maintenance and Repair Costs

Once your siding is installed, you will have to commit to some level of siding maintenance and the costs of siding repairs. Vinyl siding is very weather-resistant and requires little maintenance. When you have a problem with your vinyl siding, you can often hire a contractor to replace or repair one small area of damage without having to commit to new siding installation. Fiber cement siding is also very low-maintenance and durable. Minor damage can usually be repaired by patching up the damage and refinishing the area.

Types of Siding to Satisfy HOA Regulations or Match Your Neighbors

Finally, you may need to consider your neighborhood association or homeowner’s association’s regulations regarding new siding installation. Regulatory organizations like these often have very specific rules about what types of siding you’re allowed to install on your home. They may also dictate the appropriate colors you’re allowed to use for your siding and your home’s exterior. If you don’t have an HOA or neighborhood association, you may want to consider what types of siding your neighbors have chosen. If you want your home to complement those of your neighbors’, you might want to choose a similar type and color of exterior siding.

Schedule a Consultation for Siding Installation in Baltimore County, MD

If you’re ready to explore your options for new siding installation in Baltimore County, MD, our team at Badger Contracting can help. We specialize in installing high-quality, durable vinyl siding and fiber cement siding throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area, including Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia, Owing Mills, Towson, Bel Air, Westminster, and Glen Burnie, MD, and surrounding areas. Our experts will assess the age and condition of your home and offer you our recommendation for the best type of siding to protect your home. Call us today or fill out our online contact form to get started.

When you live in an area with high winds, your roof is much more susceptible to wear and tear and roof damage. If you want to protect your roof, maintain its safety and energy-efficiency, and extend its lifespan, you should commit to regular roofing inspections and maintenance. You can also take preventive measures to protect your roof from wind damage. Here is a guide to understanding how heavy winds can take a toll on your roof, and reducing your risk of wind-related roof damage in Baltimore County, MD.

How Much Wind is Too Much for Your Roofing System?

While all roofing systems are designed to withstand wind, rain, snow, and general wear and tear, some roofing systems are better than others at withstanding high winds. If your city or neighborhood frequently experiences high winds, you should consider the toll it will take on the type of roofing system you choose for your home. Your roof’s age, condition, installation process, and maintenance schedule will also play a role in how well it can withstand high winds. In general, wind speeds over 70 miles per hour can cause major roof damage, and wind speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour can cause catastrophic roof damage.

What Wind Speed Can Cause Roof Damage?

In general, any wind speed over 50 miles per hour will cause some level of damage to your roof. However, the frequency or length of time that your roof is exposed to high wind speeds will also play a factor. If a storm is coming through and your area will experience high-speed winds for days on end, your roof will sustain more damage than it would if it just was exposed to one day of heavy winds.

Inspecting Your Roof for Signs of Wind Damage

To protect your roof, it’s important to inspect it regularly for signs of damage. You should do a visual inspection of your roof before and after heavy storms and schedule a professional roofing inspection every 1-3 years depending on the age and condition of your roofing system. When you inspect your roof before a storm or period of high winds, you can catch early warning signs of problems that will get bigger, more dangerous, and more expensive if your roof is exposed to high winds. You can then schedule professional roof repairs that will strengthen your roof and enhance its ability to survive the storm. Inspecting your roof after a storm will ensure you understand the condition of your roof and can schedule necessary roof cleaning, roof maintenance, and roof repairs. The sooner you clean up after a storm, the less likely it is that the problems will get worse and more expensive to repair.

How Will Wind Damage Your Roofing System?

Before you do your visual inspections, it’s important to understand how wind affects each type of roofing system. This way, you will know what to look for and be able to recognize the signs of wind-related roof damage. Take a look at how wind can damage each type of roofing, and then call an experienced roofing contractor for repairs if you notice any of these signs of damage:

How Wind Can Damage Shingle Roofing – When inspecting a shingle roof for wind-related damage, look for missing or lifted shingles, shingles that are curling or buckling, granule loss, and exposed nails.
How Wind Can Damage Metal Roofing – While metal roofing is very durable, it can still sustain damage during high winds. When inspecting your metal roof for signs of wind damage, look for loose or missing hardware or fasteners, scratches or abrasions, dented panels, deformed panels, and bent or missing ridge caps.
How Wind Can Damage Slate Roofing – Slate roofing is very durable, but still cannot withstand severe wind. Look for these signs of wind damage on slate roofing: missing or broken tiles, cracked tiles, tiles that have shifted or migrated, uneven rows of tiles, or damage to the ridge tiles along the top of the roof.
How Wind Can Damage Flat Roofing – Flat rubber roofs can sustain damage in high winds. When inspecting your flat roof, look for these signs of damage: a lifted or damaged roofing membrane, displaced or exposed insulation, cracked or damaged sealant, and damaged roofing accessories like your HVAC unit, satellite dishes, solar panels, gutters, soffits, fascia, and siding.

Protecting Your Roof from Wind-Related Roof Damage

You can also take preventive measures to protect your roof from wind-related roof damage. If you live in an area that experiences frequent wind and storms, it’s a good idea to stay on top of roofing inspections, repairs, and maintenance. If you know that your area is expecting high winds or a major storm, you can take necessary steps to protect your roof from damage:

Choose wind-resistant roofing materials and a strong, durable roofing system.
Only trust professional, licensed roofing contractors for roof installation, replacement, maintenance, and repairs.
Install a wind-resistant underlayment.
Keep trees carefully trimmed and pruned so they don’t overhang your roof.
Schedule regular roof inspections.
Install roof clips or roof wind straps.

Finding a Contractor for Roof Wind Damage Repairs

If you notice roof damage, it’s best to hire a professional roofing contractor as soon as possible for repairs. Ignoring the damage or waiting too long to schedule roofing repairs will only allow the damage to become more extensive and expensive. In time, you may end up needing a total roof replacement. Waiting too long to have roof damage repaired can also affect your insurance premiums and result in a denied claim.

Call for a Free Estimate for Roof Repairs in Baltimore County

At Badger Contracting, we have extensive experience in roofing services for local homeowners and business owners in our community. We are a locally owned and operated roofing company that values honesty, integrity, and transparency in our services. We work hard to make sure the job is done right the first time, and we stand by our work. We specialize in roofing inspections, roof replacement and installation, and certified roofing repairs. We serve Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia, Owing Mills, Towson, Bel Air, Westminster, and Glen Burnie, MD and surrounding areas. Call us today or contact us online to request an estimate for the cost of wind-related roof damage repair in Baltimore County.

Supplies in place before a roof replacement in Baltimore County, Maryland.

A new roof is a big investment, and many homeowners are hesitant to commit to the cost and inconvenience associated with roof replacement. However, paying for costly roof repairs over the years will end up costing more than a roof replacement. A damaged roof can also affect the structural stability of your home and increase your risk of leaks, mold and mildew, water damage, high energy bills, and pest or animal infestations. A roof replacement offers peace of mind and long-term protection for the safety, comfort, and value of your home. Preparing for a roof replacement and understanding what to expect from the process will make it go more smoothly for you and your family. Here is what you can expect when you invest in roof replacement in Baltimore County, MD.

How Do You Know if You Need a New Roof?

Most roofing systems last 20-50 years, depending on the materials they are made out of, the regional climate, and whether they have gotten regular care and maintenance. Avoiding roof repairs will increase your risk of needing a new roof sooner rather than later. You should schedule a roofing inspection every three to four years if your roof is in the latter half of its expected lifespan, and a roofing contractor can determine the condition, structural stability, and safety of your roof. Here are some of the signs you may need a roof replacement:

Your roof is over 25 years old.
Your roof needs regular repairs that are getting more and more expensive.
You have multiple damaged shingles or roofing tiles.
The roof has bald spots.
The roof is sagging or buckling.
There is more than one leak or a major leak.
There is a major pest or animal infestation.
There is significant mold or mildew.
The roof has major storm damage or fallen branches have punctured the roof membrane.
The roof is structurally unsound and could cause issues with your home’s safety.

How to Find a Qualified Roofing Contractor

If you need a roof inspection, repairs, or a new roof installation, it’s important to hire an experienced, qualified roofing contractor. Your contractor should be fully licensed and insured, and should have years of experience. You can start by asking friends and family for recommendations. If you are working with other home improvement professionals like an architect or plumber, you can also ask them to recommend a reputable local roofing contractor. Evaluate the contractor’s biography and website to determine how much experience they have and what services they offer. Read through customer reviews and testimonials to make sure they have a good reputation. You can also check their license on the Maryland Home Improvement Commission website and make sure it is valid with no violations or complaints filed. Next, schedule an initial consultation and evaluate the contractor’s communication style and ask any questions you have. You should also get estimates from more than one contractor. When you choose a contractor, be sure to get a contract or scope of work in writing that includes a timeline and cost estimate.

Preparing for Roof Replacement

A roof replacement is a complex, noisy, and lengthy process, and you and your family should be prepared. Before work begins, you should move your vehicles out of the garage or driveway and relocate any valuables or fragile items. You should move all toys, bicycles, patio furniture, potted plants, or anything else that could be in the way or get damaged. Remove landscape lighting, security cameras, statues, water features, wind chimes, and anything else that is near or hanging from your roof. You should also cover up plants, your pool or hot tub, and anything else that could be damaged by dust or debris. Mark ponds and sprinklers so the roofing team can avoid them. You should also let your neighbors know that you are having a roof replacement so they can prepare for the dust, noise, and disruption. Other steps you can take to prepare include:

Clearing out your attic
Protecting the attic floor
Securing windows
Taking photos, mirrors, and artwork off the walls
Securing fragile or valuable items on shelves and tables
Plan to have your pets elsewhere or keep them secured whenever workers are on your property

Budgeting for the Cost of Roof Replacement

The cost of your roof replacement will depend on a number of factors: the type of roofing system, the materials used, the architecture of your home, the condition of your existing roof, and the prices in your region. Getting quotes from multiple roofing contractors will help you get a sense of the cost of a roof replacement so that you can budget. If you don’t have the money up front, you can apply for a home improvement loan or construction loan to finance your roof replacement. You can often get roof replacement financing through your bank, credit card company, your local credit union, or a private lender. The average cost of a roof replacement in Maryland is between $15,000-45,000.

The Roof Replacement Process

On the day of your roof replacement, the roofing contractors will need access to the roof and the attic. If you have any special instructions about where they should park or whether they can use your bathroom, make sure they know ahead of time. They should arrange a dumpster rental to collect old roofing materials and debris, and should put down tarps to reduce the mess. They will begin by removing your old roofing materials and they will then inspect your roof deck and flashing. They may need to do minor repairs or replace the roof deck. They will then install the underlayment, which is the protective barrier that prevents moisture and debris from damaging the roof deck. Then they will install shingles, roofing tiles, or the roofing materials. They may need to install or replace vents, fascia, or soffits. They may also need to replace or install a gutter system.

What to Expect After Roof Replacement

When the roofing contractors are done with your roof replacement, they should do a walk-through with you so you can inspect their work. They should also go over roofing care and maintenance. They will remove all debris, roofing materials, hardware, tools, equipment, and the dumpster rental. They should also completely clean up after themselves and do a final check for loose nails and other debris. They will also go over your roofing warranty and any labor warranty they offer.

Call for a Free Estimate for Roof Replacement in Baltimore County

If you need to schedule a roof inspection or roof replacement in Baltimore County, Howard County, Harford County, Anne Arundel County, or anywhere else in the Baltimore metropolitan area, our team at Badger Contracting can help. Call us today or contact us online to get a fast, free estimate. We have years of experience and are an employee-owned and operated local business. We offer honest and fair pricing with detailed estimates. We even offer free gutters with every roof replacement or roofing installation. We specialize in windows, roofing, and siding and offer unparalleled craftsmanship and quality products. Call us today to find out how we can improve the comfort and safety of your home.