Benefits You Can Expect From Vinyl Siding Installation

Asphalt Roof Installation Scranton / Wilkes-Barre

If you’re planning to spruce up your home this season, why not focus on its exterior? Siding that has already seen better days won’t do wonders to curb appeal. Not only that, a damaged exterior can leave your home more vulnerable to weather damage. For this reason, you should consider getting a newer, better one from your trusted local siding company. But like most home upgrades, siding replacement will take careful planning. You should, for example, take material into account.

Siding materials abound in today’s market, which makes choosing one a bit daunting. But if you want a safe, but incredible option, you should give vinyl a chance. In the past, this material had a bad rap, but now it has evolved into something that can easily compete with traditional siding options.

But First, What Exactly Is Vinyl Siding?

Wood was traditionally used to make siding. But environmental concerns, plus the steep pricing and high-maintenance requirements of wood, increased the need for alternatives. In the late 1950s, vinyl siding made its first appearance. This siding option needed a bit of work at the beginning because it was thin and flimsy. It also faded quickly under the sun. By the 1980s, advances in manufacturing allowed for vinyl siding that was thicker, more durable and longer lasting. Now, it is one of the most sought after choices for home exterior across the country.

Vinyl siding is made primarily of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a durable form of plastic, plus other elements that give it color, impact resistance, opacity and durability. Unlike wood, this material is man-made, which makes it cost-effective and readily available. When you choose this option for your siding installation, you can expect:

Superior Durability

Don’t underestimate vinyl siding: it can rival wood, fiber cement and aluminum when it comes to durability. It is engineered to withstand the harshest weather conditions, from heavy rainfall and snow loads to high winds and hailstorms. Depending on the chemical composition and thickness, vinyl siding can even resist impact damage from wind-blown debris. It doesn’t rust, warp or corrode, and is impervious to insect damage. What’s more, unlike wood, vinyl siding will not split or rot when exposed to excessive moisture. To ensure you get the most of your vinyl siding’s life and performance, make sure it is installed by a trusted siding contractor like Green Rhino Builders LLC.

Reasonable Price

One of the reasons vinyl siding remains a favorite among homeowners is its cost. Compared to wood, stone or brick, vinyl is much more budget-friendly – not only because it is readily available, but because it is fast and easy to install as well. Coupled with its durability and longevity, vinyl siding is an easy decision for those looking for an excellent alternative to traditional siding materials.

Low-Maintenance Features

Keeping your vinyl siding in good condition is worry-free. Compared to wood, which has to be treated regularly to prevent moisture and insect damage, vinyl is almost maintenance-free. You won’t need to scrape, paint or stain it year after a year. It only needs a bit of cleaning once a year. Using a mild cleaning solution, soft-bristled brush and a water hose will suffice. If recommended by a reliable home improvement expert, your vinyl siding can be power-washed to effectively remove mud or dirt buildup. But what about fading due to sun exposure? No worries: your vinyl siding can remain vibrant and beautiful for longer because its color is baked into the material itself.

Improved Curb Appeal

Gone is the thin, plastic look displayed by previous versions of vinyl siding. Now, this exceptional option can compete with wood when it comes to aesthetics. If you aim to increase your home’s curb appeal, you should look into vinyl siding. It is available in a wide selection of colors, designs and profiles so customization is never an issue.

Whatever your home’s architectural style or roofing color, there’s a vinyl siding that can match it beautifully. In fact, this man-made material can even emulate the rich look and feel of genuine wood shakes, allowing for even more design possibilities. If you’re having trouble choosing your vinyl siding color and design, just turn to the area’s top home improvement company, Green Rhino Builders LLC. Our skilled design technicians will be more than happy to help you explore your options and decide on a customized vinyl siding that best suits your home.

Increased Energy Efficiency

To keep your monthly energy bills to a minimum, you should consider investing in quality insulated vinyl siding. This option not only creates a barrier around your home to protect it against weather damage; it also prevents outdoor air from leaking into your home and costly energy from leaking out. This means your living space will remain thermally comfortable no matter the season, but you won’t be worrying too much about energy consumption. What’s more, investing in insulated vinyl siding is often used as an allowable energy tax credit.

Worry-Free Installation

Vinyl siding is lightweight and typically comes with pre-drilled holes so they can be installed directly on the studs. These make its installation quick and stress-free, minimizing the amount of time you’ll be inconvenienced during the work process.

Vinyl siding replacement seems like a straightforward project, but it actually takes a precise workmanship. If you want to get the most out of it, make sure to work with the leading siding and roof installation company in the area, Green Rhino Builders LLC. We are:

  1. Fully licensed, making us eligible to perform home improvement jobs in your area.

  2. Insured with worker’s compensation and liability coverage for your greater protection and peace of mind.

  3. Experienced, which means zero potential for mistakes – only exceptional workmanship backed by rigorous training and education.

  4. Reliable because we always arrive on time and do efficient work to prevent unnecessary delays.

  5. Customer-centric as your complete satisfaction is our priority. Should you have questions and concerns, we’re always ready and able to address them.

Green Rhino Builders LLC is dedicated to providing the highest quality results in every project we undertake – and vinyl siding installation is no exception. When you let us handle your project, expect only a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish. We proudly serve the areas in and around Plains, Dallas and Scranton, PA. Call us today at (570) 901-1334, or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.

Common Roof Financing Options: An Overview

Asphalt Roof Installation Scranton / Wilkes-Barre

New roof installation will greatly enhance the architectural beauty of your home and improve the performance of your home by increasing the energy efficiency throughout your interior space. This results in less demand on your heating and cooling systems, leading to less energy usage and, therefore, lower utility costs over time.

Roof replacement is definitely an important investment for homeowners since it involves significant costs – a particular factor in remodeling ventures for which you have to thoroughly prepare. Fortunately, there are plenty of financing options available that will allow you to pay in installments. This benefit also helps ensure that you are not rashly pouring money down the drain, shingle by shingle. Read on to learn more about the most common financing options for a roof replacement.

Cash

Cash is the simplest tool to pay for a product. You can use your cash funds as long as you can afford it and believe that it is feasible for your situation. It is actually not a bad idea to pay out-of-pocket since it helps you avoid loans and spending more on interest. However, this financing option is not for all homeowners because some simply do not have that kind of savings, especially when it comes to comprehensive and more costly home improvement projects.

Insurance

Every homeowner is required to have a homeowner’s insurance – a type of property insurance that covers a private residence. This coverage is essential whether you have a monthly mortgage payment or not. It generally covers you from financial loss and injuries to the structure of your home and personal belongings due to fire, theft and other circumstances, such as natural disasters and calamities.

There are times when you can pay for a roof repair or replacement directly through your insurance company. However, this is only a viable option when your roof sustained damage from a cause other than normal wear and tear and negligence of regular maintenance. If you are eligible to fix roofing issues through your insurance policy, make sure to get in touch with your insurance provider in order to determine how much the company will cover as well as the process of receiving payment.

You may also want to connect your insurance company and roofing company so they can communicate directly. This will allow a seamless transaction throughout the renovation process until needed repairs and replacements are completed.

Home Equity Loan

Is your planned roof repair or replacement not covered by your homeowner’s insurance? You can explore other common alternatives for roof financing like a home equity loan or home equity line of credit. A home equity financing option allows you to borrow against the equity in your residence as collateral. The loan amount is based on the difference between the current market value of your home and the balance you still owe on your mortgage. If your loan-to-value ratio is 85% or less, a home equity loan or line of credit may be a reasonable financing option for you. Home equity loans tend to be fixed-rate, while home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) generally have variable rates.

A home equity loan or a home equity line of credit is helpful because it normally comes with a notably lower interest rate as compared to other financing options for roof repair. This is possible because the house itself is used as collateral to secure the loan, minimizing the risk for lenders in case someone defaults on payments. But keep in mind that you are also putting your home on the line, which means that you could end up with a bigger debt than what your home is worth if real estate values decrease.

This financing option is usually ideal for covering large costs and expansive home renovations, including a roof replacement. You need to have strong credit and steady income to qualify. In fact, your credit score and payment history will play an important role in calculating the amount of the loan and the rate of interest that will be charged to you.

Personal Loans

A personal loan with a competitive rate is a great means to finance home remodel projects like roof repair or replacement. A roof loan allows you to receive a lump sum upfront through a traditional bank or online from a specific lender. The loan amount and the interest rate charged over the duration of the loan will largely depend on your credit score and history, similar to home equity loans. It may be a smart alternative to use a few financing options mainly if the repayment term is longer or the interest rate is lower.

A roof installation contractor recommends thoroughly reviewing the terms of the roof loan before putting your signature on a legally binding document to make sure you find the best personal loan for you.

Credit Cards

If you have strong credit, you may qualify for a 0% APR credit card either as a new card member or as a balance transfer offer. Credit cards as a roof financing option may provide a higher spending limit as compared to some personal loans. Moreover, you can save a significant amount of money over the financing period if there is no interest. However, it is important to consider that credit cards with 0% interest typically have a much shorter time frame for a full repayment than other financing options, such as home equity loans and roofing company financing, seeing that you need to pay off the entire balance before the 0% introductory term elapses.

Roofing Company Financing

It is possible to get roof financing assistance from your roofing company as well. Most of the time, professional contractors understand that the total cost for repair or replacement can be too expensive for some homeowners to pay all at once so they choose to provide financing options that allow customers to send payments over time.

The home improvement company will work with the bank to help manage the cost of your home improvement project based on your allotted budget. The company may also offer attractive promotions since it can get special rates from the bank due to volume lending. This means the roofers can pass these benefits along to their valued customers.

It is likely that your roofing company will charge interest; however, this financing alternative is usually sound and practical for residential owners with little home equity or less than ideal credit. A lot of people find it a better choice than banks and other lenders. Be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of your contract and make sure the required monthly payment fits well within your allocated budget for home maintenance.

Contact Green Rhino Builders for Your Exterior Remodeling Needs

Green Rhino Builders is a leading source of home improvement solutions in Pennsylvania. We work diligently to provide a smooth and stress-free roofing experience to our residential clients – whether they need minor repairs due to daily wear and tear or new energy-efficient roof installations. We offer flexible financing options so you can get your new roof in no time and without breaking the bank.

We are also the primary option for top-quality vinyl siding installation and window replacement services in the area. Call us today at (570) 901-1334, or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment.

3 Reasons to Avoid Roofers Who Offer to Cover Deductibles

Asphalt Roof Installation Scranton / Wilkes-Barre

If you’re investing in roof repair, there are many factors that will determine whether your insurance provider will cover it and how much the company will actually pay. But there may be roofers who’ll approach you and offer to cover your deductible on insurance repairs. You’ll do well to avoid them even if the offer seems promising. Here’s why.

  1. It’s a form of insurance fraud. The homeowner’s insurance policy is a contract between you and your insurance company. It will detail what you’re responsible for -such as the deductible – and what the insurance provider is responsible for – like the benefits, limits and exclusions. When you let a roofer cover your deductible, it violates the terms of your insurance contract. It’s illegal for contractors to waive your deductible or help you avoid paying it.

  2. You’ll be losing money. Roofing contractors who promise to pay your deductible either artificially inflate their estimates or find a way to finish the job for less than it actually costs just so they can pocket the difference. They make this possible through sloppy workmanship, cheap labor or subpar materials.

  3. A better price won’t actually save your deductible. There’s no financial reward for finding a lower price on roofing services. Your deductible always comes first. Your insurance provider will subtract the same amount from the overall job cost whether the price tag is big or small.

When it comes to storm damage repair or roof replacement, look no further than Green Rhino Builders LLC. We’ll make sure your project is completed in a timely and efficient manner, with zero potential for mistakes. We proudly serve the areas in and around Plains, Dallas and Scranton, PA. Call us today at (570) 901-1334, or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.

3 Telltale Signs of an Aging Roof System

Asphalt Roof Installation Scranton / Wilkes-Barre

Depending on the material, a standard residential roofing system can provide decades of reliable weather performance. But at some point, the material will deteriorate and fail. To discover if it’s near the end of its lifespan, you only need to check the roof surface for the telltale signs.

1. Curling Shingles

Constant exposure to the harsh elements can cause the layers of each asphalt shingle to expand or contract. The top layer usually peels away first, with the ends of the material curling slightly. Over time, the minor peeling will expose the inner layer of the shingles to weather damage, making it easy for water to seep through the roof.

2. Excessive Granule Loss

Asphalt shingles are coated with mineral granules that protect the substrate from extreme weather exposure. But as the roofing system ages, these granules wear down and get washed away by the rain. Once you’ve noticed your shingles are bald or worn smooth, and there’s a huge amount of shingle granules inside your gutters, it might be time to consult a premier home improvement company for a prompt roof replacement.

3. Damaged Underlayment

A roof that looks fine on the surface can be hiding damage underneath. Age can cause roof underlayment to become brittle, compromising the protective layer between the shingles and the roof decking. If your home has leaks when it rains, but the roof surface seems intact, the problem may stem from damage to the underlayment.

Did you know that insurance providers consider the roof’s age and condition when providing coverage? They can either increase your premium or drop your coverage. That’s why, if you’re looking to renew your existing homeowner insurance policies, you should consider investing in a new roof installation for your home. Look no further than Green Rhino Builders LLC for all your roof replacement needs. We proudly serve the areas in and around Plains, Dallas and Scranton, PA. Call us today at (570) 901-1334, or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.

Does Your Roofing Problem Require Emergency Repairs?

Asphalt Roof Installation Scranton / Wilkes-Barre

Having a well-built and reliable roof means it should be sturdy enough to withstand severe weather conditions. Any kind of problem that’s spotted on your roof during routine maintenance checks should be addressed to avoid further damage. But when harsh weather suddenly hits your area resulting in severe storm damage to your roof, what should you do?

So long as you rely on professional companies like Green Rhino Builders, you can be confident that your roof will get fixed as soon as possible. However, you still need to assess the situation first, so here’s what you need to do:

Determining if Your Roof Needs Immediate Repairs

This actually depends on how much damage your roof has actually received. Usually, when we’re called for repairs, the job is scheduled accordingly. But there are also times when the damage can be very intense and requires immediate repair, such as water actively leaking through the exposed roof structure, which will potentially affect the internal foundations and the electrical wiring. If this issue isn’t addressed, it could lead to more costly damages and even start a fire. Such cases are considered as emergencies so roof repairs are needed as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that one person’s definition of a roofing emergency may not be the same as someone else’s, especially when the roof repair would ultimately end up being very costly. But choosing to ignore the problem on your own roof will only become worse over time. A little leak erodes some insulation, which can introduce water into the wiring, which then creates a serious fire hazard.

Types of Emergency Roof Damage

Like most roofing experts, we consider it an emergency if the damage can compromise the actual structure of your roof and allow a great amount of water into your home. This isn’t just a few drops an hour, but a consistent drizzle that can saturate and cause internal damage to your roof’s structure, resulting in the growth of harmful molds.

When you see that your roof has been badly damaged to the point where you may even need a siding and window replacement, you need to keep calm and assess from the ground just how much damage was sustained. If it happened during a heavy rainstorm, make sure to call your trusted contractors so they can do the necessary roof repair services as soon as the weather becomes favorable.

Aside from severe storms, there are many different situations that could lead to roof damage and require emergency repairs. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • High winds – These are strong enough to tear shingles from the roof and expose the substrate, which could then be compromised by rain.
  • Tree limbs – They can be thrown into your roof by wind or lightning, and can cause significant damage. Lightning directly striking your roof can actually blow a hole in it as well.
  • Wildlife – Animals, including squirrels and raccoons, are known to chew through wooden structures and create holes that can be quite large.
  • Fire – This can lead to structural damage to the roof that may even make your home unsafe to enter.

What You Need to Do During an Emergency Repair Job

If you call your trusted storm damage contractors to fix the damages on your roof while the harsh weather is still ongoing, they’ll likely wait until the weather dies down. This is because a damaged roof is nearly impossible to fix while being exposed to weather conditions, such as high winds, heavy rain, snow, lightning and hail. Safety is a priority for the workers as well.

Often, roof damage appears far worse to a homeowner than it will to a professional roofer. Unexpected roof damage can also cause significant financial difficulty, so you’ll need to contact your homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible. If you have to vacate the home as it is unsafe, your insurance company may also offer coverage for hotels or other living areas while your roof is being repaired.

Meanwhile, the insurance company will send out an adjuster who will review the damage and determine how much your claim is worth. If you think that the estimate is too low, you can get estimates from different roof repair companies and provide those to the insurance company as proof of the damage.

Also, when you choose a roofing contractor for your estimates, be sure to choose one that’s licensed and insured. Be careful of “storm chaser” companies that prey on homeowners right after severe weather events. They’ll suddenly appear in neighborhoods to try to convince homeowners to use them for repairs. The repairs are either substandard, or the company requires a large deposit. And, once they receive it, they leave the area and never perform the actual work. It’s better to get references from the company you choose and ask the contractors for proof that they are licensed as well as insured.

If your roof was damaged by other causes like a fire, then you can be certain that it will get replaced immediately. When you hire us, we’ll make sure to be very careful when we do this type of repair job because it’s still dangerous to access all areas of your fire-damaged roof when its inner structure has already been compromised.

Quick Solutions for Temporary Damage Control

When the problem is fairly small and can wait until you have the time and money for a more thorough repair, there are some quick fixes that work nicely. Here’s what we can do:

  • Capping chimneys – Whether your chimneys are old or new, they can still leak. A chimney cap can be placed over the opening to stop the leak and prevent additional water damage.
  • Tarping – This is where a heavy-duty tarp is laid over the area where the leak originates. One-foot by three-foot wooden planks are used to fill in obvious gaps and help to secure the edges of the tarp. Deck screws are used to keep everything in place until a more permanent fix can be arranged.
  • Patching shingles – This is fairly easy and straightforward. We’ll gently remove the damaged shingles, waterproof the affected area and replace the damaged area with a similar roofing product. We’ll use ice and water shields (or any similar synthetic underlayment) to temporarily waterproof the area as well. After we have it waterproofed, we’ll provide you with some options on how to restore it as close to normal as possible. This could result in a full replacement if the roof is too old and damaged.

With Green Rhino Builders, you can be confident that your roofing and window replacement project is in the capable hands of the best company in the area. You can reach us by calling (570) 901-1334 or by filling out our convenient online contact form. Contact us today!

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Preventing Heat Damage From Happening to Your Shingles

Asphalt Roof Installation Scranton / Wilkes-Barre

Sometimes, you might wonder why asphalt roof shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials. It’s not just that the material’s been used successfully in various climatic zones around the world; it’s also been used for many decades, even in desert and tropical regions. So long as the shingles are properly installed by professional companies like Green Rhino Builders, your home can truly benefit from enhanced long-term shingle performance.

A Typical Roof Replacement Cost Break Down: What to Expect?

Asphalt Roof Installation Scranton / Wilkes-Barre

Replacing your old roof can be one of the best things you can do for your home. It will improve your protection against weather extremes and harsh elements. If you’re thinking about selling your property in the future, a new roof can also attract more buyers as it increases your home’s curb appeal. Moreover, this project will also ensure the year-round comfort of your family. The right roof will help prevent outside temperatures from affecting your interior, which results in savings in your heating and cooling costs.