Author Archives: Legends Roofing Company

Does a house need gutters to pass inspection?      

For houses built today, there is concentration to build them so that water runoff is natural so that there isn’t an issue of ground erosion or pooling around the foundation. Therefore, gutter installation isn’t necessary for new build homes, as building codes do not require them. 

Existing homes are another matter, though, and a gutter installation can help with the ground erosion and pooling water around the foundation. So, there are gutters installed on the house, then yes, an inspection will include examining the gutters. The inspector will make sure they are attached to the house. They will check the gutter runs aren’t broken, the downspouts aren’t clogged, and if the gutters is leaking. 

Should you remove any gutters when trying to sell your house? No – they are a beneficial addition, and if there, as we stated earlier, they will catch a buyer’s attention. Before your house goes on the market, do an inspection of the gutter installation, and make sure all components are in place and working as they should. 

Do I need gutters around my entire house?

A roof that slopes in every direction won’t need a gutter installation job. However, most houses do not have that all direction slope. Most houses can benefit from a gutter installation for a roof that slopes in two directions, for example slope to the back and slope to the front and have a peak in the center. Only gutters installation in the back and front is recommended. 

Some companies specialize in gutter installation, and roofing companies usually gutter installation services too. If you’re not sure what you need in a gutter system, have a few companies provide a quote, and the experience of that person can advise you what you need. You can find several companies by doing an internet search for “gutters near me.”

Is it hard to install gutters yourself?

A handy DIY homeowner can find a few videos online and do a gutter installation on their home with reasonably good outcomes and success. Gutter installation can be challenging based on the house and what type of gutters you’re installing. 

We want to point out that if there is an area that takes a shortcut or leaves out, the entire gutter installation will be a waste of your time, and possibly the money spent. Calling a professional for quotes is recommended and then price the materials and estimate the time it will take you. Most likely, you’ll see where the little bit of money your saving isn’t worth the worry. 

Where do gutters drain to?

The rain flows through the gutter to the downspout. Then the downspout empties the rain and sends it out and away from the house. Some gutter installation jobs will have the downspout emptying into a drainage system. Some are running down the driveway or sidewalk and out into the street. The critical part of the gutter installation is making sure the water does run away from the house. 

Without a gutter installation on your home, all of the things we’ve mentioned here equal to one big issue: Property Value.  While gutters won’t get you a higher price, they will make your house look worth what you’re asking. Call 817-739-2190 today for gutter installation.

Of course, other improvements like replacing windows and doors might be necessary to give your home the look you’ve been searching for. If you are planning a remodeling project and want experts in interior & exterior remodeling in Dallas, TX, you can always rely on the team at Legends Roofing. Find out more about how we can help you by calling 817-739-2190.

How do I upgrade the exterior of my house?

When you’re considering exterior remodeling, there are many ways to go about it. If you are looking for remodeling exterior of house ideas, here are a few that can really add value to your home:

• Deemphasize a large garage door by painting it to blend in more with its surroundings. Upgrading your garage doors to better fit with your home’s overall design is also an option.
• Add various types of outdoor lighting, from soffit lighting to ground lighting to enhance various features. Lighting also improves your home security, and you can get home security lighting that fits with your home’s design.
• Adding touches of black or darker colors can also enhance various features, making your home’s look more balanced and interesting.
• Plant a flower garden or extend your current one. Some have suggested a flower garden with all the same colors that can make your house look larger.
• If it’s within your budget, adding a flagstone porch, walk, or steps can give a house a sense of permanence and solidity. 
• If gardening isn’t a pastime of yours, you can add permanent planters for color and texture to break up a home’s plainness.
• Consider replacing your roof with different shingles or different materials. Lighter shingles can cool the roof and house down considerably.

How do you modernize a split level house exterior?

While split-level homes can be very beautiful, they also might seem a little out of time compared with modern home designs. But you can give your split-level an exterior remodeling facelift with just a few enhancements and improvements. Painting is always a good and budget-friendly option for any home, so is replacing the siding. On a split-level, you can update the siding on the taller level of the home for a more modern look. New garage doors can change the look of any home, in particular some of the newer designs that are more than just rows of squares like a candy bar. Entrances are also good places to give your split-level a modern look. Possibilities range from putting in a glass door to moving the door from facing the front yard to facing the drive. Split-levels also sometimes lack for windows, and adding windows can be appealing, and give you more natural light inside the home. 

What color exterior house sells best?

When it comes to exterior remodeling, painting your home is always a good first step. But, should you change the color of your home, especially if you intend to sell it soon? While you want to make your home appealing to buyers, you might not necessarily want to attach yourself to the latest trends, given how quickly trends fade away. Among the safest routes to take is painting it a traditional neutral off-white, contrasting it with darker color around trim, windowsills, shutters, and even doors. Other neutral colors like gray, lighter blues, along with lighter yellow work as well. 

Green exterior remodeling

As you’re considering all your exterior remodeling choices, green remodeling has become more and more popular. Along with benefits to the environment, green options are often energy-efficient, so you will find yourself saving money in the long term. Before you explore green options, you’ll want to get an energy audit to find out where and how energy is wasted in your home. With an energy audit, you’ll be able to tell where you might have drafts, what devices and appliances are using up the most energy, and whether your HVAC system is efficient. The audit can guide you in decisions about your remodel. For instance, if your windows are drafty, installing eco-friendly and energy-efficient windows will give your home a great look and help you save money. Windows with sustainably-harvested wood frames are not only safer for the environment, they can give your home a very classic look. When you are remodeling, remember it is a good green choice to source your materials locally.

App for remodeling exterior of house

Exterior remodeling can be a daunting task, especially when you are trying to plan the remodel. Fortunately, these days there are several apps available for download to help you with your remodel. Some of these apps are free, some you may have to pay for certain features or upgrades, while others you have to pay to use. Apps include a variety of features. Some, for instance, allow you to take photos of your home from your smartphone and upload them to get a 3D model of your home with dimensions and allow you to play around with different design elements.

What is the outside of a house made of?

Your home’s exterior has many components made from a variety of materials. Covering the exterior of most homes is siding, and siding can be made from anything ranging from vinyl to aluminum to brick. Another popular type of siding is fiber-cement board. The siding protects your home from the elements.

• Shingles: The estimate should include the type of shingles the contractor plans to use, as well as the manufacturer and length of the manufacturer’s warranty. Options like color choice may also be included.
• Flashing: Anytime you have a chimney, dormers, or walls on your roof you will need flashing.
• Underlayment: This is the protective layer between the roof deck and shingles. 
• Drip edges: These are metal strips along gutters and eaves that prevent water from seeping under the shingles. This should be an essential part of every estimate. 
• Ice and water shields: These barriers are applied to vulnerable parts of your roof like eaves and valleys.
• Valleys: Valleys—the areas where two roof slopes intersect—are essential for water runoff.
• Ridge vent: Ridge vents are common types of roof ventilation.
• Pipes and fans: The estimate should indicate how the contractor will handle ventilation like pipes and fans.
• Soffit and fascia: Soffit and fascia also assist with ventilation and replacing them when the roof is replaced is often a good idea.
• Plywood and sheathing: This is the roof’s deck, its solid structure. If your old decking is damaged or shows signs of wear, your contractor will normally recommend new decking.
• Warranties: The estimate should outline all warranties.

Other things to consider with a roof replacement is replacing gutters at the same time. If you have a chimney, a chimney cricket might be useful. This peaked structure prevents snow and ice buildup. If you are considering roof replacement in Dallas, TX, you’ll want to reach out to the experienced professionals at Legends Roofing for high-quality service. Find out how we can help by calling 817-739-2190.

Is it Better to Repair or Replace a Roof?

When your roof is damaged, several factors will determine whether you chose to repair or replace your roof. A primary concern should be the roof’s age. A well-maintained asphalt shingle roof will last about 20-25 years under ideal conditions. If you have a roof in need of repairs that’s over 15 years of age, you might want to go ahead and get the roof replaced. The severity of the damage will also play a role when deciding between repair or replacement. For instance, minor storm damage causing shingle displacement might only require repairs.

On the other hand, if a large section of shingles were blown off or lifted and allowed large amounts of water to seep under the shingles, you’ll need to replace the roof. If you’re making frequent repairs or have recurring problems with leaks, replacement is usually best. Not only is it a better long-term investment, but it also enhances your home’s exterior for curb appeal. Anytime you have damage and have questions about repairs, get a reliable roofing contractor to come out and inspect the roof.

When Should I Replace My Roof?

Age is a significant determining factor when it comes to roof replacement. The older the roof, the more wear and tear it will see, and the more repairs you’ll need. As a rule of thumb, if you are spending more than $3,000 a year on roof repairs, especially if you have several leaks, you are probably better off replacing the roof. Another major determining factor is the type of roof you have. For instance, under the best of conditions, an asphalt shingle roof will last anywhere between 20-25 years, whereas metal or tile roofs can last 50 years or longer. A roof inspection can help you determine whether or not your roof is ready to be replaced.

Should Gutters Be Removed When Replacing a Roof?

Usually, with roof replacement, gutters are removed. The main reason for this is to make sure that the gutters and the new roof will fit together correctly so runoff won’t be affected. Your gutters and your roof must mesh together to ensure water drains off the roof without any problems like leaks or moisture build-up that could lead to mold growth.

How Can I Get My Insurance to Pay for My Roof?

If you need a roof replacement because of storm damage or other events like a fire, one of the first things you’ll need to do is check your insurance to see what your policy covers. If a covered peril damaged the roof like hail or fire, the type of policy you hold will determine how much the insurance company pays. You may have a replacement policy that will cover the full cost of a new roof in some instances. In other cases, your coverage may be repair coverage that considers the depreciation of your roof as it ages. This type of policy only covers a percentage of replacement expenses.

Is Roof Replacement Tax Deductible?

A roof replacement is not tax-deductible. The IRS considers getting a new roof a home improvement cost, which is not deductible. You will want to keep records of your roof replacement or any home improvements, as they may affect the amount of tax you pay when you sell your home.

Roof Replacement for Mobile Homes

Mobile homeowners often have more roof replacement options than other homeowners. You can, of course, fully replace your roof, or you can get a roof over, which means you can place a new roof over your existing roofing material. You can even opt to change the type of roof you have. For instance, if you have a flat roof on your mobile home, you can roof over it with a pitched roof. While flat roofs are less common these days on mobile homes, TPO is a popular replacement option, applying roof coatings or foam roofing.

How Loud is Roof Replacement?

When you’re having your roof replaced, one thing you should expect is noise. As with any construction project, roof replacement is loud. If you are sensitive to loud noise while the project is going on, you may want to leave the house.

How can I increase the value of my house? That’s the big question that thousands of homeowners ask themselves every year. While many turn inwards to the bathrooms or kitchen, smart property developers also look outside and consider exterior house renovation.

Today, we’ll reveal some excitingly easy exterior updates, plus a few challenging projects for avid home developers. Afterward, you’ll be inspired to investigate your creative house makeover! Let’s get started.

Exterior Updates on a Budget

How do you increase curb appeal on a budget? Start by creating a list of home exterior updates and prioritizing. Look for changes that can provide fresh curb appeal for your home without having to knock anything down. Landscaping updates have the most extensive visual impact on your home’s perceived value, but there are many small ways to touch up the place. You’ll also want to consider the time investment of each project.

Below, we’ve separated some of the most popular updates based on difficulty.

Other Fun Exterior Projects

Front Railing

If your property contains steps leading up to the front door, a new railing can spice up the walkway. Natural wood provides a rustic look that complements most color schemes. You can modernize a wooden design with metal bars, though that might get a little pricier

Garage Remodeling

A garage remodel can completely transform homeowners’ space with a cluttered, unused garage that they want to clean up. While it might not be a purely exterior project, one of the coolest ways to renovate the garage is by turning it into an open studio space with wooden doors! Installing a skylight for natural lighting can turn a dusty garage into one of the house’s hottest areas.

Updated Brickwork

For those wondering how to update a brick exterior, you have multiple options. If the brick is badly faded, a limewash or latex paint over the entire siding will create a lovely whitewashed appearance. It’s a classy look that imitates aged brick from European townships. You can also produce a mixed brick design through a German Smear, though you’d want a professional to complete the work.

Start Updating Your Home Exterior Today

If your family is looking for home exterior updates on a budget, our team would love to help however we can. With the help of our roofing SEO team, our Legends Roofing metal roof replacement page showcases the long-term weather resistance and outstanding energy-efficiency. Talk with one of our professionals today at817-739-2190.