You can expect colder temperatures and more inclement weather as winter rolls in. Your roof protects you through the winter months, but you may be in trouble if you don’t protect your roof. At Badger Contracting, we understand the importance of roof maintenance and prep.

Repair Your Flashing

One of the first winter maintenance steps is to check your roof’s flashing. Even if you had the correct installation years before, it could become warped over time. If you see any warping or damage, you need to have it fixed as quickly as possible to prevent moisture from entering your roof.

Remove Snow and Debris Promptly

Do not let snow build up on your roof. While the snow may look beautiful, it can also cause issues when left for too long. The weight on your roof may lead to significant damage. When you see snow or ice on the roof, try to remove it as quickly as possible while paying attention to safety. Sometimes it is safer to have the debris removed by a professional.

Additionally, ice can also accumulate in your gutters. You should check your gutters for ice dams regularly. Gutters can struggle to hold the weight of ice and can tear away from your roof, leading to more extensive repairs and costs.

Follow Up After Heavy Winds

When a storm rolls through your area, you will want an inspection performed as soon as the storm passes. After the wind dies, you may see broken, damaged, or missing shingles. When you have vulnerable areas on your roof, you are more likely to have leaks and moisture issues. This can encourage the growth of mold, bacteria, and mildew which can lead to health risks.

If you want to ensure your roof is in the best possible shape for winter, schedule a roof inspection with a trusted professional, like Badger Contracting. We can ensure the work is completed correctly, so you don’t have to worry about the condition of your roof. Contact us today by calling 410-417-6972 or email us for more information!

With winter being around the corner, it’s time to take a look at your to-do list. Preparing your home for the winter may not be listed on the top at the moment, however, it is important to start doing home maintenance tasks. Look, we get it, most of us would rather spend our free time enjoying the various fall activities such as hiking, apple picking, or sipping pumpkin-spiced lattes. But, here’s the reality: you can’t procrastinate if you want your home to be prepared for the winter elements.

Cold weather, ice, and snow can do a lot of damage to your home. If you take the time to prepare your home before the winter chill takes hold, it will allow you to properly winterize your home and make it a lot more enjoyable when the temperature drops.

Roof and Gutter Inspection

Having a leaky roof is the last thing you want to deal with this winter. Before a huge snowstorm, inspect your roof for any damage such as missing or broken shingles, cracked caulk, or rust spots on flashing. If you’re not comfortable inspecting your roof on your own, hire a roofing company that can take a look and report back on what they see regarding roof damage. If you’re not comfortable inspecting your roof, hire a roofing company that can take a look and gives you any details they see regarding roof damage. In addition to a roof inspection, make sure to take a look at your gutters. Clogged rain gutters or downspouts can damage your home’s foundation and cause ice dams. To avoid expensive repairs, remove any leaves, twigs, or build-up to allow water flow. Also, ensure your gutters aren’t sagging and trapping water, tighten any loose screws, and replace any worn or damaged materials.

Tree Branch Trimming

Before a winter storm hits your area, make sure you trim any tree branches or limbs over your roof. This can cause excess water to seep into cracks in your home’s roof or siding creating more expensive damage to the structure of your home. Including tree trimming on your home maintenance to-do list will prevent any further damage from occurring to both your roof and house.

Fire Place Inspection

A visual inspection of both inside and outside of your home can ensure that your fireplace is in good working condition for the burning season. During an outdoor inspection, there are many things to look out for. From bird nests or debris buildup to crumbling or missing pieces on the chimney, it’s imperative to make sure that your fireplace, whether wood-burning or gas is safe to use during the burning seasons. When inspecting your gas fireplace, make sure to look for any structural issues including cracks or latch issues, or even the positioning of gas logs You’ll also want to test the gas valve and igniter to make sure they’re working. You can do this by attempting to ignite a fire, which can also help point out any clogged burner holes that need to be cleared. Additionally, when conducting an indoor inspection you want to confirm that:

The flue damper opens, closes, and seals properly
There are no combustible materials, such as animal nests, or other foreign objects in the flue
The fireplace surround, hearth, and firebox have no cracked bricks or missing mortar

If any damage is spotted, reach out to a professional to install a new fireplace or inspect the old one. These can cost on average between $80- $500, depending on what level of inspection you’re ordering.

Window Insulation

Poorly insulated windows can drive up the cost of your energy bill. To prevent this from happening, you can hire a professional to insulate your windows. By reducing drafts from your windows, you can lower your home’s energy costs by up to 20% per year according to the U.S Energy Department, while also making your living space cozy.

Ensuring that all of your home maintenance tasks are prepared for winter will help you breathe easy throughout the winter months. For your next inspection, contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-774-5122 or email us to make sure your home is ready for winter.

Looking for a contractor to fix your home is always a major headache. At Badger Contracting, we believe in the purpose of true professionalism. Our skilled experts work to provide services that cover a full range of roofing, siding, and window projects. We guarantee that you will be 100% satisfied with our workmanship, but also our ability to make it a no-stress experience. That’s why working with us will relieve any doubts on your next roofing, siding, and windows installation or repair projects.

Cost-Effective and Energy Efficient Windows

Badger Contracting offers a variety of window styles and color preferences to meet your design needs. Updating or replacing your windows with energy-efficient windows can help add value to your home, while also providing you with natural light and a comfortable environment. Badger Contracting specializes in:

Casement windows
Vinyl single-hung tilt-in windows
Vinyl double-hung tilt-in windows
Bay windows
Bow windows
Low-E film protectant

Roofing Repair and Replacement

Working with your budget is what we strive to do best. Individualized inspections and unique solutions are the only ways to approach your roofing repairs. After your free inspection, our experts will work with you to identify the best and most cost-effective plan to meet your needs. We will work with you to find a financial plan tailored to you to help offset the cost of your project. Once we have a service plan in place, you can rest assured that we will only partner with companies we trust.

More Than Just Siding

We provide a wide range of our siding services—vinyl and fiber cement siding, including the popular Hardie plank for your needs. We pride ourselves in working with skilled professionals to ensure that you receive superior craftsmanship in more than just siding. Some of these include:

Insulation
Soffits
Gutters and down
Trim
Leaf away

Customer Service That Matters

The customer service at Badger Contracting is unparalleled. The payoff for a customer-centered business is that most of our business comes from referrals and existing clients.

Contact Badger Contracting for your residential roofing and siding needs in the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area.

What Shape Is Your Siding In?

On the long list of things to maintain in your home, siding is usually at the bottom of the list. While high-quality, professionally installed siding can last many years, there are still issues that can surface that you should watch for, address, and have repaired. Don’t let these problems go for too long as they can cause a lot of trouble and expense down the road. To keep costs low and your home in good shape, we’ve put together a few tips on identifying siding issues early before it’s too late.

Possible Siding Issues

What kind of siding do you have? Vinyl siding tends to have fewer issues than wood. Vinyl can warp in the heat, fade, and is susceptible to weather damage such as hail or high winds.

Wood siding can have issues, too, especially in an area like Baltimore.

Pests – Being a natural material, wood can attract a variety of pests, from beetles and termites to woodpeckers.
Moisture – While it’s designed to keep moisture out, siding can rot or mold in damp climates if it’s damaged.
Peeling/fading – After a while, some siding may fade or even peel, especially in locations of bright sunlight.
Roof problems – Issues with your roof can have a literal trickle-down effect on your siding.
Loud – If your siding creaks a lot or makes noise, especially as the temperature changes, it may have been installed too tightly.

Addressing Siding Issues

The good news is many siding issues, if addressed early, are easily avoided and repaired. Start with making sure you use a great contractor to properly install your siding. Check your siding thoroughly at least once a quarter and after any major storms. Look for any of the above issues. If you spot anything amiss, contact your installation contractor or an equivalent expert to repair it.

It’s as easy as that! With a little diligence and knowing what to look for, you can keep your siding in tiptop shape for years to come. At Badger Contracting, we can take care of all your needs. Contact us today for an inspection!

Is The Roof In Good Condition?

When you’re shopping for a new home, the condition of the house’s interior may be your primary concern. Although the interior receives the most attention, you should also carefully inspect the exterior for wear and damage. After examining the foundation, doors, windows, and paneling, you can check the roof to ensure your investment is sound. Here are some suggestions on what to look for when you’re assessing the roof.

Inspecting the Roof’s Ventilation System

A problem with the home’s ventilation system can lead to significant damage to the framing, tiles, and flashing on the roof. Organic material such as branches and leaves can clog the vents and lead to excessive condensation, ice dams, tile damage, and soggy insulation. Check the roof’s vents to ensure they’re free of debris and look for signs of mold or moisture build-up.

Examining the Roofing Materials

The type of materials used can make a substantial difference in the roof’s longevity. Asphalt shingles are more vulnerable to damage than a metal roof; however, a metal roof is more difficult to repair. Asphalt roll roofs are inexpensive to install, but they’re less durable than other materials and require frequent maintenance. Before purchasing a house, ask the real estate agent for the date of the original roof installation. Depending on the materials, roofs can last for 15 to 30 years.

Checking for Damage

A poorly maintained roof can cause leaking, insect infestations, and wood damage. Look for missing or broken shingles and water damage during your inspection. A small hole in the roof can lead to a costly problem if it’s not repaired promptly. Water damage is a common problem on aging roofs, but you can look at the ceilings of the interior rooms for discolored drywall or plaster. Talk to your realtor about essential roof repairs before making a final offer.

Trust the Professionals

For roofing installations and repairs, you can rely on Badger Contracting. Contact us today for an estimate.

Whether you’re having new windows installed in an old home or a new home, choosing the right windows will make all the difference. Energy-efficient upgrades are something that many homeowners are looking into, and for good reason. Find out why you should consider energy-efficient windows for your home.

1. Improved Energy Bills

The first and most obvious benefit of energy-efficient windows is the savings you’ll experience on that first energy bill, and for every other energy bill moving forward. The glass on these windows has a special coating that traps the right temperature inside the home, which means that your hard-earned cash isn’t slipping through the cracks in high energy costs.

2. Beauty

One of the reasons energy-efficient windows are quite popular is because they are beautiful. There are several design options that give you plenty of possibilities when it comes to the style of your home. If you want your windows to open, there are both vertical and horizontal options. Bays and bows, casements, and both single- and double-hung tilt-in windows are also some options. If color is an issue, you don’t have to settle for white unless you want it. Check out our selection for a color that matches the style of your home.

3. Increased Comfort

Not only will energy-efficient windows save costs on energy bills, but keeping the correct temperature inside your home will increase comfort as well. Aside from the fact that these windows keep your HVAC system running correctly, you can turn the system off and open your windows to regulate temperatures as well. With tilt-in windows and sliding windows, you have total control over how much fresh air you allow to flow through your home.

Finding the Right Windows Today

At Badger Contracting, we are committed to helping you find the right windows for your home. Regardless of whether improved energy bills, beauty, or increased comfort are most important, we cater to all three, so you are able to experience the entire package. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today to get started!

If you’re ready to get started on that next home improvement project, it could be devastating to realize you don’t have the funds for it. At Badger Contracting, we understand this predicament, and we are here to help. Our financing option helps customers to get the job done, whether it’s new windows, a new roof, or new siding.

What Is the Financing Option?

At Badger Contracting, we make financing an easy process. You have better things to do than worry about being approved, which is why our three-step process is so convenient.

You fill out an application – This is a simple, to-the-point application form that homeowners can complete in a short period of time.
We make a decision – It often only takes a few minutes for us to make a credit decision, and we’ll inform you right away.
We begin the project – As soon as you are approved for financing with Badger Contracting, we can get started on planning your project.

What Are the Benefits of Financing?

Financing your home improvement project comes with several benefits. They include:

The ability to get your project started sooner: If you wait until you have saved enough cash for the project, it’s possible that in that time, your home will have experienced greater damage that will be more costly. When you finance with Badger Contracting, we can get started on your project right away.
The option to have a professional complete the job: Too many homeowners try to complete their home improvement projects on their own because they don’t feel they can afford to hire professionals. Unfortunately, this typically leads to more damage. When your project is financed, you’ll have a professional on the job in no time.

Contact Us To Apply Today

If you’re in the market for a remodel, remember that you don’t have to pay for everything upfront. Contact Badger Contracting to apply for financing so we can get started on your project as soon as possible.

Spring Is The Ideal Time For A Roof Inspection

A harsh Baltimore winter can do a number on your home’s roofing system. Heavy snows, ice buildups, and high winds have a way of damaging shingles and other roofing components. At Badger Contracting, we know this is the perfect time for a comprehensive roof inspection.

An early spring inspection offers many advantages. The weather is usually relatively mild at this time, allowing workers to get a complete view of the entire roof as they look for winter damage. You also have an opportunity at this time to plan for needed repairs. Our experienced workers will come to your home and look over your roof for potential problems.

Fewer Distractions and Debris

Spring is also a time when your roof is less likely to have leaves and other debris piling up. This allows our team to concentrate on the shape of your roof, looking for dried-out or torn shingles, warped structures, and other common problems.

If repairs are needed, we will schedule an appropriate time to get the job finished. Our team will always follow through and complete the job to your satisfaction. We will even recycle any old materials in the most earth-friendly way possible.

Better Roofing Solutions

Our goal is to provide you with the best solutions for maintaining your roofing. This includes everything from minor roof repairs to a quality new roof. Working with Badger Contracting, you can expect the following advantages:

Free on-site inspections
A local company that knows the Baltimore area
Cost-effective solutions
Strong work ethic
The best roofing products
Around-the-clock services

We know important it is to have a safe, sturdy roof over your head. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today to schedule a free inspection this spring.

Replacing the roof is often one of the costlier repairs a homeowner makes. Although a well-maintained roof can last 20 to 30 years, climate and weather conditions can reduce its useful lifespan. However, there are steps you can take to extend the life of a roof.

Trim Overhanging Branches

The more branches brush up against the side of the house or bang against the roof during a storm, the more they weaken and damage the shingles’ structure. Branches also shade the roof, making it easier for mold to thrive. Pruning tree limbs minimizes damage and can reduce the chances that small creatures use them to find a way into your attic or crawl space.

Clean Gutters Frequently

When gutters become clogged with leaves and other debris, they can get backed up when it rains. This can damage not only the shingles but the roof underneath. Clean the gutters in the spring and fall to reduce the potential for damage.

Check for Damage

When left untreated, minor issues can result in major repairs. What starts as a small leak under a single shingle can expand, causing the wood to swell and result in significant water damage. Check the roof after a storm and repair any damaged or worn shingles immediately. A small fix now can save thousands of dollars in repair costs later.

Have Regular Roof Inspections

Even if you take a look at the roof a few times a year, nothing beats a professional residential roof inspection. Experienced roofers know what to look for; they can pinpoint potential issues and document damage such as:

Shingles with curled or ragged edges
Asphalt shingles have cracks or bald spots
Dark streaks signaling algae or moss may be thriving
Flashing around a chimney or at the border of the roof is damaged

At Badger Contracting, we offer comprehensive roof inspections and replacement roofing systems. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today to schedule an appointment and to discuss your roofing needs.