When it comes to roof health and potential repairs, people tend to consider two things. Are there any missing shingles and do they spot any leaks? However, roof decking also plays an important part in keeping your roof functioning and protecting your home. Roof decking keeps the interior of your home dry, while also improving soundproofing. 

Roof decking refers to pieces of plywood that sit beneath the visible roof. Unfortunately, this invisibility often creates an out-of-sight-out-of-mind effect. So, how do you know if there is a problem with your decking?


Signs Your Decking Needs Replacing

The good news is that roof decking lasts for a long time. While it acts as a foundation for the shingles, the singles also protect that wood. The limited exposure to the elements works in its favor. Even so, when the shingles suffer damage, the decking then becomes exposed and leads to the following red flags:

  • Spikes in your heating or cooling bill
  • Leaking in the attic or other top-floor spaces
  • Mildew or mold in the attic and other top-floor spaces
  • Stains along the walls or in the ceiling
  • Visible damage around the chimneys or flashing
  • Small or gaping holes in the roof

Replacement of Decking When Changing Shingles

Professionals recommend inspecting roofs twice a year, right before the winter and right after. Homeowners who do this can spot issues early enough to repair them before the decking suffers damage. Because of this, replacing the shingles does not always mean the decking needs replacing too. Good contractors test the strength of the decking to ensure all is well before laying down shingles, so if you need to replace it, you get told upfront.

The good news is that there are many easy ways to prolong the life of your roof decking. Always replace damaged or missing shingles as soon as possible. Next, ensure your gutters are kept clean to prevent water from sitting on the roof. For inspections and other roof maintenance needs, contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or emailing us today!

Your siding and roof are the key exterior features that protect your home from the elements. Knowing what signs indicate a need for siding replacement can be crucial. Don’t wait until it becomes compromised and allows moisture or other issues to damage the interior of your home. Contact a professional contractor if you experience any of the following signs.


Extensive Holes and Chipping

Small holes in siding can be patched or repaired, but significant damage to the structure of your siding means it’s time for a replacement. This can happen to most siding materials, including vinyl, aluminum, and wood. Replacing the siding altogether is typically more cost-effective than patching several holes.


Frequent Cracking and Peeling Paint

How often are you painting your siding? Other than wood siding, which should be painted every 10 years, paint jobs should not be needed frequently. If your paint begins to peel and crack after a few years, it may be a sign that there is an issue with your siding and it needs to be replaced. Talk to your contractor about the type of paint used, this will help determine whether the paint or the siding is the source of the issue.


Rot, Mold, or Mildew

While dry rot may only eat away at wood siding, problems like mold and mildew can affect any and all types of siding. These issues could also be pointing to moisture issues behind your siding. Some surface mildew can be cleaned, but rot, mold, or extensive mildew issues require your siding to be removed and replaced.


Enjoy Quality Siding Services for Your Home

Don’t let compromised siding allow moisture and insects to eat away at your sheathing, framing, and other interior materials. Contact Badger Contracting today to learn how you can restore your home and enjoy long-term savings. Invest in siding replacement to enjoy years of minimal to no maintenance and a home exterior that keeps you protected. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today for more information.  

Spring brings beautiful flowers and warm weather. Unfortunately, it can also bring roofing problems.  Roofing problems are usually a surprise, but this is the time of year when they may become visible. Learn more about why spring is the perfect time to have your roof inspected. 


Weather

As the weather gets warmer and you spend more time outside, consider taking a look at your roof. Now that the rain and snow have gone away, the sun can dry everything out. This makes it easy and safe to conduct a thorough inspection of all aspects of your roof, including shingles and gutters. While you could attempt this yourself, a roofing expert knows exactly what to look for and can spot any problems much more accurately.


Clear View

Now that the sun is shining, it’s easy to spot any damage that occurred during the winter. A professional contractor can clear away any leaves or debris from the roof and gutters as part of general maintenance. Then, they can inspect the roof for water damage, cracks, missing or loose shingles, and other signs of wear and tear. Detecting these problems early can save you from larger issues down the road.


Repair Schedule

Spring is the ideal time to schedule any maintenance or repairs before the weather changes again. If you do need to replace shingles or rotted wood, you can plan these repairs before summer, so any damage won’t affect your summer plans or energy bills. A professional contractor can help you figure out the necessary repairs and set up a timeline for fixing the issues.


Add Roof Inspection to Your Spring-Cleaning Checklist Today

Now that winter is over, it’s time to do some home maintenance. The cold weather can be harsh on your roof, but a springtime inspection can fix any problems. If you’re ready to take care of your roof, contact Badger Contracting today by calling 410-417-6972 or sending us an email to schedule a roof inspection or repairs.


While an extensive project, replacing your roof is also one of the most important when it comes to home improvement. While some people try to undertake the job on their own, it is a lot wiser to use a roofing contractor. After all, roofing installation consists of a lot of intricacies and key details that you need to keep track of.


You Have to Understand Roofing Material

Roofing contractors have the experience and knowledge to determine what material will suit your home the best. In order to choose the right material, the contractor factors in the local weather, the replacement roof budget, and the aesthetics for your home.

When you try to figure out the materials yourself, you may miss important details. While there are a number of different roofing materials, the most popular is asphalt shingles.


You Need to Know the Installation Process

Most people think that in order to install a replacement roof, you have to remove the old roof entirely. The truth is that you may be able to build your new roof on top of the old one. You do have to be careful that you don’t use materials that are too heavy for your roof. The contractor can help you determine whether you can build on top of the old roof or if you need to rebuild it entirely.


Choose Us!

When it comes to roof installation, you don’t want to do it on your own. When you try to roof your home, there are a number of details that you might forget about. These mistakes can cost you later on down the line. To have your roof installed correctly, you need the right roofing contractor for the job. Contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or sending us an email today to find out more about what a roofing contractor can do for you.

The structure of a home is the most important component of the build. This includes the foundation and all the supporting beams and walls that hold the house up and keep residents safe. Second in line is the roof. In fact, without a sound roof, moisture gets into the home and can cause irreparable damage to the structural integrity.

Because of this, if you have a leak, it’s important to find out where it’s coming from. Knowing the most likely sources can help make this easier.


Skylights

Glass additions to the roof to let in natural light are becoming increasingly common. The popularity of skylights in the master loft of tiny houses helped to spur this along. A stronger focus on sustainable living also fueled this. Unfortunately, they are prone to leaking. This may happen if the original installation was not completed properly.


Flashing

If you don’t have skylights, consider the flashing. In fact, this is one of the first places you should look. Leaking here also stems from instances where contractors do a subpar job during installation. Improper sealing also poses a problem. Materials may also deteriorate over time.


Roofing Material

Strong winds, heavier than normal snow loads, and other weather conditions can damage roof material. This can lead to missing shingles, pulled out nails, and other problems that result in leaks. Giveaways that this is the issue include cracks, buckling, corrosion, and excessive granulation.


Roof Valleys

When two sloping areas of a roof come together, it forms a valley. These areas fill with water and snow during rainy and cold seasons. In the fall and summer, they may also get filled with debris. Without proper drainage, this can accumulate and lead to leaks over time.


Call the Professionals

Sometimes identifying the source of a leak in your home requires professional expertise. Contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or sending us an email to see how we can help you to find the leak and fix your roof.

When you have a roofing job that you need completed, you don’t have time to waste on an unprofessional roofing contractor. Instead, you want to find the right roofer the first time. This may require you to do your due diligence beforehand to ensure that you have a roofing contractor who you can trust. If you are looking to hire a contractor, a few questions can help you to make a more informed choice.


Who Installs the Roof?

One of your first questions should involve inquiring about the roofing crew. Will it be subcontractors or employees of the company? You may want to find out if they have any current projects that you can stop by to see. You can also ask about availability and when you can expect to see the roofers on your job.


What Experience Do You Have?

Ask about your contractor’s experience. Find out how long the current owner has owned the business and how long the business, in general, has been around. You can also check online reviews and ask to talk to past customers.


Do You Have Permits and Licensing?

First, you want to ensure that you are using a contractor who has all of the proper certificates and licensing. In addition, you can ask about insurance and any workers’ compensation. If your roofing job requires specific permits, you can ask about that also.


Do You Follow Safety Protocols?

The last thing that you want is for there to be an accident on your property. It’s crucial that you ask what methods they use to keep their workers safe. You will also want to ask what measures they take to keep your family and anyone in the neighborhood safe.


As you prepare to have work completed on your home, it is important to find a roofing contractor who can answer all of your questions and offer full details on the job. For your roofing solutions, contact Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or emailing us today for more information!

If you’re looking for your next home remodeling project, consider updating your windows. Window replacement services, when performed by a professional, can add additional value to your home, lower your utility bills, and provide additional natural light and ambiance in your home. Learn more about these top three advantages to replacing your windows and prepare to schedule your next remodeling project today.


Energy Efficiency

Older windows can mean outdated materials. These older windows can also be improperly glazed or hung. Particularly old windows are only single pane, which are far less insulating than two-pane windows. If your windows feel cool or you experience a draft in your home near a window, window replacement services may help. Not only will it keep your house at the desired temperature, but you will be able to substantially reduce your energy bill. Many homes spend as much as 40% of their energy bill on heating and cooling, so reducing this large portion of your monthly costs could result in significant savings.


Add Value to Your Home

If you’re considering selling your home or taking out a second mortgage, new windows add great value to your home. Modern windows are easy to use, easy to clean, and offer an elegant look and feel. Choose windows that filter more UV rays in order to save even more on your heating bill. Buyers look at old windows with chipping paint and cracked glazing and correctly assume your energy bills are higher than necessary.


Improve Your Home’s Natural Lighting

Finally, replacement windows can be larger or easier to clean, which both result in more natural light in your home. Don’t be afraid to pull back the curtains and let the light in with the latest energy-efficient and beautiful window designs.


Get Started Today

If you’re ready to replace your outdated windows and invest in quality upgrades for your home, contact Badger Contracting. The highly experienced contractors at Badger Contracting can help you enjoy a fast, efficient, and leak-free installation of windows and other exterior home projects. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today to learn more!

You face dozens of design decisions when building or remodeling your home. Whether you’re upgrading your siding, installing new siding, or simply touching up your paint job, color matters. Learn how to select the perfect siding color today and add instant curb appeal to your home.


Consider Your Climate

Do you live in a particularly cloudy region with lots of snowfall, or is it sunny and warm all year? Climate matters when it comes to color options. A specific color may look very different during a bright sunny summer than it will in a cold, snowy winter. Consider how your home will look throughout the seasons and various weather patterns that are typical to your area.


Size Matters

Deep, bold colors are popular for modern designs. However, if you have a particularly large house, it can feel quite brooding. Consider choosing a lighter, more neutral color for your siding and touch up a few trim details with darker colors.


Complement Your Roof

Finally, consider your roof color before committing to a new siding paint job. This is particularly true if you’re selecting a shade that’s very different than your current siding color. Brown shingles may match your wood-toned siding, but will look unattractive if you switch it up with a dark-toned siding color.

Find a matching or accent color to complement your roof. If you’re also replacing your roof, you can consider a brand-new color palette for both, but be sure you keep them both in mind as you shop for paint colors. Your roof and siding are significant investments that can last for decades, so be sure you find the perfect, timeless match.


Contact the Professionals

If you’re still struggling to find the perfect siding color for your personality and your neighborhood, contact Badger Contracting. Work with professional designers to get the most out of your paint job and create a memorable home with excellent curb appeal. Call 410-417-6972 or email us today to learn more!

During your roof replacement, there will be a lot going on. What can you do to prepare for the process and ensure everyone stays safe? The following are just a handful of ideas to get you started.

1. Clean Up the Yard Surrounding Your Home

If your kids’ bikes are stored at the side of the house and you have a grill outback, you’ll want to make sure those things are moved out of the way. You could store them inside a garage or shed until the project is finished, or you could just move them way out by the property line where they won’t be in the way. The roofers might be dropping things to the ground, whether on purpose or accident, and you’ll want your items to remain in good condition.

2. Have a Conversation With Your Kids

If you have little kids at home, be sure you have a conversation with them about what is going to happen. Not only could little ones get scared, but with your home becoming a construction zone, it will be dangerous for them to be outside. Explain why they have to stay far away from the job. If they are curious and want to check out what’s going on, go with them to ensure safety. You should also make preparations to have your pets remain indoors.

3. Prune the Trees That Hang Over the Roof

If there are any trees around your home that hang over the roof, you’ll want to have them pruned ahead of time. The roofers will need that space to work, and tree branches could get in the way and hinder progress. It might also be a good idea to mow the lawn so cleanup is a little easier.

4. Remove Any Satellite Dishes

Satellite is great, but it won’t be so great if your dish gets broken. If you have satellite dishes or antennas on your roof, remove them before the roofers show up. It’s possible they’ll get rid of old appliances for you if you need that service, but if you plan to keep them, make sure they’re safely put somewhere else until the job is finished.

Contact the Professionals

To learn more about what roofers would appreciate by way of roof replacement preparation, contact the professionals at Badger Contracting by calling 410-417-6972 or emailing us today!

There are many different types of roofing materials that homeowners can choose from, but asphalt shingles are the most common material used when building a new roof or replacing a worn down one. While there are other roofing types that might be more durable or attractive than this common material, there are several benefits to asphalt shingles that contribute to its popularity in residential settings.


1. Affordable

One of the main reasons that asphalt is used over other, sturdier, materials is that it is extremely affordable. While the price will vary depending on the quality of shingles purchased, this material often costs around $100 per square, which is significantly cheaper than other quality materials like cedar, metal, or clay that can cost from $470 to $800 a square.


2. Easy Installation

In addition to being inexpensive to purchase, asphalt shingles are very easy to install, which will bring down the cost of labor and installation. It also means that the job can be completed in minimal time and leave less room for error.


3. Easy to Repair

It is not uncommon for roofs to experience damage due to weather along with normal wear and tear. With asphalt shingle roofs, it easy to only replace affected shingles without having to replace the entire roof.


4. Design

When using asphalt shingles, homeowners can choose from a variety of colors, styles, and textures to achieve the exact look they want. These shingles can even mimic the appearance of other, more expensive materials, such as wood or slate.


5. Durable

While other roofing materials might need extensive care to maintain their appearance and performance level, asphalt shingles do not require as much maintenance. There are also many types of asphalt that are resistant to extreme weather conditions and high temperatures.


If you’re in the market for a new asphalt shingle roof, look no further than Badger Contracting. Call 410-417-6972 or send us an email today!