The Craftsman-style home is still the most popular house style in the country. Although newer ones built today have more variations than their predecessors, it still evokes that atmosphere of American suburbia due to their simple yet charming aesthetics.
But what exactly makes a Craftsman-style home tick? Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors, your roof repair and siding experts, share the key features of the American Craftsman home.
1. Low-Pitched Roofs
Both classic and newer Craftsman-style homes boast low-pitched roofs, with the most common being the gable style. The house covering’s modest aesthetics is widely considered a hallmark of the 1890s ‘revolution’ against the ornate Victorian style that dominated the day. Compared to the latter, these low-pitched roofs have a simple and sleek design that (for many homeowners) is more welcoming than an intricate and often imposing-looking roof.
2. Charming Woodwork
Another defining trait of craftsman-style homes is the intricate woodwork that makes its exterior aesthetic. These range from handmade details and figures that serve as decor to the wooden covering that surrounds the house’s exterior.
Wooden cladding and siding today is a fairly rare things since there are better materials for home exterior waterproofing. You can still achieve a classic Craftsman look with alternative materials like vinyl and engineered wood. The former can be manufactured to look just like wood without its weaknesses, while the latter is a more durable composite material that’s more resilient than simple wooden planks.
3. Windows with Eaves
Finally, Craftsman-style homes are well-known for their large windows with overhanging eaves. The most commonly used styles are double hung and casement, although newer ones tend to have varying styles in one home ranging from picture to both bay and bow windows. The key trait here is the eaves which is another defining feature that separates it from the old Victorian-style model house.
At Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors, we are experts at home exterior renovations. Whether you need a new gable roof installed or are looking for attractive but resilient siding for your Craftsman home, our state-certified construction professionals will make sure your project is done right every time.
Get in touch with us at (904) 262-6636 to learn more about our roofing, siding, and window services. We are roof repair experts serving homeowners throughout Jacksonville.
While it’s true that the condition and age of your roof are factors that affect your roof insurance premiums, most homeowners don’t know that its shape and style also drives its price. The reason isn’t centered around aesthetics, but how certain roof shapes perform better under different weather conditions.
Roof Shape and Performance
The main reason why insurance premiums differ between roof styles is their performance under inclement weather. The dimensions and geometry essentially play an important role in how it protects your home.
Hip vs. Gable Roof
The two most common styles for roof replacement are the gable and hip roof. While they seem similar to the untrained eye, they actually have key differences that affect their performance.
Gable roofs have two sets of rafters that run parallel at an upward angle, creating a distinct triangle shape. Hip roofs, on the other hand, have slopes on all sides; thus, they appear just like a pyramid and generally have more angles and sides.
What Makes Hip Roofs Better?
The difference between the two isn’t just cosmetic. Hip roofs have been proven to be more weather-resistant and capable of resisting strong winds even from hurricanes. The reason is due to their shallower slope and lack of sharp corners, which make them more stable.
As one of the top roofing companies in Jacksonville, Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors will make sure you’re always in the know when it comes to your roof and your insurance claims. Get in touch with us at (904) 262-6636 to learn more about our services. You can also fill out our contact form to set up a free consultation. We look forward to working with you and bringing out the best in your home.
We understand how disheartening it is to find that the new roof you spent a significant amount on is already leaking. However, you don’t have to worry so much because your roofers will likely be more than happy to help with this problem. Just make sure you call them as soon as you discover the issue.
Stay Calm and Assess the Damage
It’s best to stay calm in this kind of situation. Getting all worked up and mad at your roofer won’t get your roof fixed faster. Try to examine how the problem has affected your interior. Gather as much information as you can about the leak and its location. While this doesn’t mean going up to the roof, you can assess the damage by observing the underside of the roof deck or inside your attic.
Set a Realistic Timeframe
A reputable contractor will accomplish the roof repair promptly, usually within a week. Keep in mind that most roofers are professionals who will want to stand behind their work and repair your roof. Give your roofer a realistic time frame like a week to fix the problem. However, if it’s expected to rain in the next few days, then it’s fine to ask them to come sooner.
What if Your Roofer Disappears?
This can only happen if you’ve hired an unreliable contractor, one that’s not from your area. If this does happen, remember to stay calm, and you can still hire another pro to take care of your roof. Most roof leaks aren’t leaking from the roof itself. The common causes of roof leaks are issues with the flashing or the piece of metal around roof penetrations.
Before hiring a roofer, make sure to do your research, and read reviews. You may also ask for recommendations from your neighbors, family, and friends.
At Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing and Exteriors, we are committed to doing the job right the first time. With over 30 years of experience, we offer only the best services. We specialize in home exterior waterproofing, roofing, and exterior renovations. Call us at (904) 262-6636, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.
Waterproofing is essential in both residential and commercial structures. It’s also one of the best things you can do to care for your home, especially if it has multiple levels.
A Stronger Structure
Concrete waterproofing extends the lifespan of a structure by minimizing water penetration through ceilings, walls, or floors. Ensuring these parts of your home are safe from water infiltration can prevent rust, rot, corrosion, and deterioration.
Higher Home Value
Mold and water damage can reduce your property value by up to 25%. On the other hand, waterproofing increases your home’s protection and overall value. If you’re thinking of waterproofing your home, then you must hire a skilled contractor to do the job.
Mold Prevention
Waterproofing can also help in improving indoor air quality and avoiding health risks. Moisture that settles in the ceilings and walls can cause mold to grow. Mold can trigger allergies and asthma as well as compromise your immune system.
Lower Maintenance Costs
You can save on costly repairs by investing in waterproofing your home. A home that doesn’t have moisture-related issues is easier to maintain. Keep in mind that water damage can result in issues with electrical systems, paint jobs, and wooden components. A small amount of water is enough to cause cracks in concrete.
Sump Pump Protection
Sump pumps can greatly help with basement waterproofing, but sometimes they can experience issues. Additional waterproofing in the basement can provide added protection to your home in case the sump pump stops working.
For reliable waterproofing services, turn to Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors. We are one of the area’s most experienced roofers and providers of home exterior services. Our team will make sure that your home stays protected from moisture-related problems, including mold and mildew. Call us at (904) 262-6636, or fill out our contact form to get a free quote.
The roof is one of the major players in your home’s overall curb appeal. A quality roof can even increase your overall resale value if you choose to put your home on the market.
However, there is one issue that can cause a blow to your roof’s aesthetic appeal: blue-green algae. What’s worse is that it can affect almost every roofing material out there – asphalt shingles, tile, slate, and even metal. So, what can you do about this issue?
How to Remove Blue-Green Algae
While blue-green algae can affect almost every roof on the market, removing it can be a fairly easy task as all it takes is a little chemical cleaner. When it comes to removing algae from your roof, you can opt to buy cleaning products from your local hardware store; you can also opt for the safer option of making your own solution. Simply make a cleaning solution by mixing water, bleach, and trisodium phosphate before pouring it into a pump-type garden sprayer.
After wetting the roof with the solution, let it remain there for 15 minutes before rinsing it off with a hose. However, keep in mind that going up your roof to do this can be a hazardous task so consider enlisting the assistance of roof repair and maintenance experts to get the job done.
Alternatively, if you have asphalt shingles, and you have plans of replacing them, consider installing shingles that have GAF’s StainGuard Plus™. Compared to other asphalt shingles with older layered technology, shingles with the StainGuard Plus time-release technology have specially engineered capsules that are infused into the roof itself, ready to be activated once it comes into contact with moisture to combat blue-green algae.
How to Prevent Blue-Green Algae Growth
On the other hand, if you want to prevent blue-green algae from growing on your roof again, simply have your roofing experts install a strip of copper- or zinc-coated sheet metal along the sides of your roof just below the ridge. This is because both copper and galvanized steel can be toxic to algae, preventing it from growing on your roof.
Planning to conduct some work on your roof soon? Simply turn to Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors, your leading service provider when it comes to roofing and home exterior renovations. Give us a call at (904) 404-7221, or fill out our contact form to get a FREE quote.
Painting your home is a good investment. It can freshen up your home’s exterior, make it more visually appealing, and it can also raise your home’s overall value. However, it’s a task that shouldn’t be done by the homeowners themselves. Instead, they should hire a house painter to get the job done and minimize mistakes. But there is a catch; you shouldn’t hire the first house painter you see. Instead, there are a few details you should look at when searching for contractors.
Protection plan – While you’re in the vetting stages of hiring a house painter, check to see if they have a thorough plan of protecting you and your property, such as protective tarping. This is because exterior work can involve falling debris or lead paint from the scraping and sanding, which can be hazardous to your health.
A detailed breakdown of preparation plans – Since you’re already looking at your potential house painter’s protection plan, make sure to look at their breakdown of how they plan to prep the job areas as well. Find out how they intend to clean the surfaces they’ll be painting and how they’ll scrape, sand, grind, caulk or repair these same areas. Make sure they include an estimate of the number of hours and rates per hour as well.
Painting plan – Make yourself privy to a comprehensive account of their painting plan. That way, you’ll learn how many coats per surface they’ll apply for both primer and paint.
Cost of materials – This is one of the most important details you need to know. During the vetting process, make sure to know the cost of materials associated with each project phase as some painters may budget for five cans of paint for one section while another may budget for ten or another may just be using better paints. By doing this, you can better determine which painter is the right one for you.
Need an expert house painter to do some work on your home? Don’t hesitate to turn to Stonebridge Roofing, Waterproofing, and Exteriors. When it comes to home exterior waterproofing and roof repair services, we are the trusted experts, and we won’t let you down! Give us a call at (904) 404-7221, or fill out our contact form to get a FREE quote.
