​With the summer months approaching, you may not be thinking too much about roof maintenance. After all, no leaves are falling or cold weather to cause potential problems. While this is true, your roof still requires upkeep during the summer months.

Hot weather brings in a few unforeseen issues. Get to know how hot weather can damage your residential roof so you can take steps to prevent problems.

UV LightUV or ultraviolet light can cause roof damage, especially in the summer when light hits surfaces at “full strength.” It may even penetrate on overcast days. This means that no roof is safe from exposure to UV light during the summer.

Over time, UV light exposure can impact roof quality. It can cause the materials to decay faster, and eventually, the shingles may buckle, split, and peel while wood cracks and appears bleached. The protective oils in your roof may start to dry out, too, making it brittle, dry, and more susceptible to damage.

High TemperaturesIf your roof is exposed to the sun, it is extremely vulnerable to extensive heat damage with no shade. For example, on a hot, 90-degree day, the temperature that your roof reaches can exceed 150 degrees. This is especially true if your roof is made from darker materials that absorb the heat. The higher temperatures will also cause the materials used for your roof to break down faster.

High HumidityTemperature increases can also cause sticky, humid weather. When air is humid, condensation may accumulate under your shingles. The collection of water can result in serious damage and eventually leaks. Also, as moisture stays “stuck” in one place, mold may begin to develop. Not only does this cause further roof damage, but it is also a health hazard.

Thermal ShockDuring the summer, the temperatures on your roof can go extremely high during the day and then cool down quickly when the sun goes down. This sudden and rapid change in temperature can result in the contraction and expansion of your roof. This will result in the tension of the roof materials and a shorter lifespan. Also, sudden changes in temperature like this will weaken the integrity of your home’s roof structure as time passes and may cause a split or warped roof.

Tips for Preventing Damage to Your Residential RoofWhile all the factors above can result in serious damage to your roof during the summer months, there are a few ways that you can protect your roof, too.
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For example, one of the best ways to ensure your roof is ready for warm weather is to make sure your attic is properly ventilated. You should also invest in regular maintenance and inspections to find and handle any small issues before they become more serious. The professionals can get on your roof, look at the surface, and find and fix issues to keep your home’s roof in good, protective condition. 

​To talk a little bit more in-depth about what we do on a regular basis, let's look at some scenarios that property owners might have.
 
The first one is a problematic skylight in the ceiling of a room or space.
 
Over time, the flashing can come loose and admit moisture or even pests. Ice dams can create skylight problems as well. Excessive moisture can compromise the footprint of the skylight and require professional work to repair the surrounding area of the building.
 
Roof Pen Testing
 
In this scenario, the property owner has a leak that can't be easily pinpointed, or assessed at its point of origin.
 
What we often do is apply a type of roof penetration test with a power washer. That requires simulating heavy rainfall and helps in figuring out where water is coming in. Then we put together a treatment plan for your property.
 
Roof Coating
 
In the third scenario, somebody has a roof that's just generally weak or vulnerable across the board. They may have a traditional structure that doesn't have modern sealing or coating in place.
 
The coating is a comprehensive solution to make sure that there is an adequate barrier for moisture and precipitation and also support for the underlying insulation that prevents cool or hot air loss.
 
So these are three things that we do in local buildings, and there's a lot more that we consult on with local property owners. In other words, these are some of the things you might be considering as you look at your roofing areas and try to figure out why there's a problem and what to do about it.
 
In general, as we said, coating is a more comprehensive solution – for every part of your building that has vulnerability.
 
Basically, it's important to find a good firm that is licensed, insured and bonded, so that you know you'll get the work done the right way and protect your building.
 
Otherwise, you can run into some unpleasant surprises along the way.
 
Some states have homeowner and contractor conflict resolution boards in place, and some don't, so check the rules in your local area.
 
Let Boyd Construction help you to keep your property in safe and livable condition, preventing some of the threats that devalue a property before its time. We are active all over local neighborhoods, consulting, installing and generally, doing what we do best!

​If you’ve read this blog before you know that at Boyd Construction, we offer a range of services in home improvement.
 
But how does that relate to the most common piece of our services to our customers, the property owners who call us to help maintain their homes and investment properties?
 
Well, first of all, there's the question of how people perform interventions in terms of property maintenance. In other words, it’s worth looking at how they figure out that something is wrong, and how they go about fixing it.
 
One big question is whether a problem is cosmetic in nature, or whether it interferes with the functionality of the property.
 
Roof Work
 
In the roof world, this equation is a little bit more strictly delineated.
 
A roof may come with a warranty, or a real estate transaction will show how much of a lifetime the roof has left. Then, on a certain timeline, the roof has to be replaced.
 
In the interim, it can be repaired, for example, with replacement shingles or some other type of repair.
 
Brick And Other Surfaces
 
When you're talking about maintaining other parts of your property, the question can be a little more ambiguous…
 
Most brick work is cosmetic in nature – the brick hasn't decayed to the point that it makes the building weaker. Instead, it just looks bad. There are certain interventions with brick and foundations that are functional, but a lot of times, the brick will just need to be pointed and re-mortared or even painted.
 
We have the ability to do these jobs, as well as power washing equipment and service to get surfaces clean before painting or other aesthetic fixes.
 
Dealing with Gutters
 
In the gutter world, early intervention is a must. Most of these projects are not cosmetic – they're functional. Property owners usually only figure it out after water has been diverted!
 
So that's a different type of work where we recommend preemptive inspection and service. Gutter work should be done early, to prevent bigger problems down the road.
 
Being able to distinguish between different types of fixes, and apply a good triage philosophy, will save you thousands of dollars as a property owner! We want to help with that. When our customers have good partnerships and guidance, they don’t feel “nickel and dimed” into oblivion. They feel confident about their homes!
 
Take a look at the website for more about Boyd Construction and what we do in the Washington, D.C. area.

For most homeowners, nothing is worse than a leaking roof. Roofs are the first line of defense for our homes, and signs of leaks mean your defense system is compromised and in need of your attention. Leaky roofs can happen for several different reasons, which is why you must determine the root of the issue before significant damage to the roof or your home occurs.
 
While professional roofing contractors can quickly determine why your roof is leaking and what needs to be done to stop it, here are some of the most common causes of roof leaks so you can spot them early.
 
Missing Or Damaged Shingles
A common source of a leaking roof is missing or damaged shingles. Shingles can become brittle and break or dislodge over time due to exposure to extreme elements. Years of being in the direct path of the hot sun can cause shingles to curl up and crack, allowing water to find its way into your home. Also, high winds and storms can blow and knock shingles off of the roof, which leaves it bare and exposed to water.
 
Clogged Or Broken Gutter Systems
Gutter systems are designed to funnel and direct rainwater off your roof and away from your home. However, gutters also catch debris that quickly gets clogged causing water to be backed up and flow into parts of the roof, wreaking havoc. Over time, water dammed up or puddled on your roof begins to rot the wood and cause leaks in your home.
 
Improperly Installed Or Deteriorated Skylights
Skylights are popular ways to brighten up a home, but if they are old or improperly installed, skylights can let in more than sunlight. The problem with skylights is that they are tricky to install correctly, and often homeowners are unaware there is a problem until they experience leaks. The seals around skylights can also deteriorate over time, leaving gaps and cracks for the rain to seep into, creating leaks in your home.
 
Critters Cause Catastrophy For Roofs
Your roof may become home to unwelcomed guests, which cause damage to wood and roofing materials, leading to leaks and water damage. Ants, bees, termites, and rodents all cause damage to roofs every year. Any chewed or bored wood becomes compromised, leaving your roof open to water damage. If you see signs of pests in and around your roof, be sure to have them removed and have your roof and structure inspected.
 
Final Thoughts
The best way to prevent a leaky roof is to have it inspected annually by a professional roofing contractor. If you do see signs of water damage or active leaks in your home, the sooner you act, the better.

​The dawning of a New Year usually means big changes for most people. If you are looking to change your surroundings in 2022, then choosing the right improvement projects is essential. In the past year, American homeowners spent on average $4,000 on improvement projects. When done correctly, a home improvement project can add a lot of value to a property.
The key to getting great results from your upcoming projects is by hiring professionals to help you out. At Boyd Construction Co., you can get the help you need and the prices you can afford. Are you trying to change your home for the better in 2022? If so, check out the great suggestions below.
Change the Outside of Your Home with a Fresh Coat of PaintWhen people pass by your home for the first time, they will usually notice the condition of your exterior covering. If you currently have brick as your exterior covering, you may feel like changing the look it has is impossible. In reality, you can paint brick walls and change their color. However, if you want to avoid making mistakes during this improvement project, it is best to let professionals handle it.
Seasoned painting professionals will have the tools and the time to get the best results. Before choosing a new color for your brick home, consider the type of décor and color schemes you already have in place. By doing this, you can choose a color that won’t clash with what you already have in place. 
Invest in a New RoofOne of the main things you need to keep your home dry and damage-free is a functional roof. If you have been patching your old roof for far to long, then 2022 is the year you need to replace it. The longer you leave an old roof in place, the more damage you will ultimately have to deal with. A new roof will help you keep your home dry and will also add lots of appeal.
Adding a new roof is also a good way to increase the value of your home. Before professionals arrive to install your new roof, take some time to get prepared. Covering items in your attic with plastic sheets and moving your cars out of the driveway are just a few of the things you can do to make the roof installation process easier.
Get Your Home Power Washed By ProfessionalsIf you have vinyl siding on the outside of your home, you know how dirty it can get over time. If there is a thin layer of dirt coating your vinyl siding, having it removed is a good idea. The best way to accomplish this is by hiring professionals to power wash the siding. With their help, you can remove this dirt and restore the appeal your siding has lost.
While beautifying your home won’t be easy, it is definitely worth the time you invest. With the right professional help, you can get the projects covered in this article done the right way. 

Have you noticed the growing number of painted brick homes in your neighborhood and town? It’s a bit of a trend right now and one that may be right for your home.

Brick is a versatile material and allows your house to look both modern and traditional. However, how do you know if painting the brick on your home is a smart move?

When you have the brick on your home painted, you can hit the “refresh” button without making any serious renovations. Keep reading to learn the top benefits of painting the brick on your home.

Improves Curb Appeal

When you paint the brick on the exterior of your home, it’s an effective way to improve curb appeal and even increase your home’s value. It’s smart to use a darker color, such as grey or slate. Another popular option is classic white, which offers impressive visual appeal when painted properly.

Protection from the Elements

If the brick exterior of your home is updated properly with paint, it will serve as a sealant for your home. This will help protect the underlying materials from rain and other weather changes that occur throughout the year. Also, the right type of paint will help reduce the deterioration and fading of your home’s exterior.

Easy to Clean

Brick is porous. This means if you don’t paint it, then dirt, dust, and debris may become trapped in the material and almost impossible to remove. However, painted brick provides you with a smooth surface that is a lot easier to clean. In fact, the occasional power washing will be all you need to keep the exterior of your home looking great.

What to Consider When Painting Exterior Brick

While painting the exterior brick on your home offers plenty of benefits, there are also some important considerations to keep in mind. These include:

It’s Permanent

Once you paint a brick house, it’s impossible to go back to the original brick exterior. Any professional painter knows that after brick is painted, it will have to stay painted. The process of trying to remove paint from brick is expensive. While you can’t remove the paint, it is possible to change the color as much as you want.

Paint May Chip

Excess moisture can cause the paint to chip; however, this is true for many home exteriors. The problem is especially seen close to the ground. The best way to prevent this issue is by investing in regular repainting every seven to 10 years. This will also help to keep the paint looking new.

More Cleaning May Be Necessary

Even though painted brick is easier to clean, it may have to be cleaned more often. Remember, mildew and dirt are easier to see on painted surfaces.
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If you want to paint your exterior brick, be sure to hire professionals who know what to do and how to handle the job. They will ensure you get the desired results with the painted surface. 

​Famous for its durability, beauty, and ability to adequately protect the exterior of a house, siding is the top exterior material of many homeowners today. Siding defends your home from the harsh elements of the outdoors, keeping your indoors safe and comfortable year-round.
 
However, the same factors that make home exterior siding so vital to a home's protection also undermine its performance over time. Often, long-term exposure to bitter cold, hot sun, high winds, and precipitation eventually wreak havoc on exterior siding. While this material degradation may take decades to occur in properly maintained siding, instances can arise that simple repairs or painting won't resolve.
 
As a homeowner, you must recognize when your home's siding needs to be replaced. If you notice any of the following issues with your siding, you may need to consider repair and maintenance to avoid total replacement.
 
Rot
Siding is supposed to protect your home from the harsh elements of the weather outside. When siding becomes compromised, water and moisture can create rot. If your siding has begun to rot and crumble, it can not perform its vital role of protection for your home. In some cases of localized rot, repairs may keep the decay from spreading. However, if the siding has corruption spread across large areas, replacing it with non-rot siding material may be time.
 
Cracks
Holes and cracks are not only unsightly but are also cause for concern when it comes to the health of your home's siding. Structural integrity may be compromised when siding has cracks, holes, and gaps where insects infiltrate and water seeps into the exterior spaces. It would be best if you repaired these damaged areas as soon as possible to prevent further problems down the road.
 
Hard To See Hazards
We recommend that homeowners inspect their home's siding annually as many hidden hazards can eventually become significant problems. When examining your house's siding, look at it from several different angles to determine if any siding is bulging or warped. Panels that are no longer lying flat may be the tip of the iceberg, signaling more extensive issues are threatening the structure.
 
If you feel like you need a pair of expert eyes when it comes to assessing your home's exterior siding, call a professional contractor who can diagnose, advise, and repair or replace any siding that is compromised.
 
Your home's structural integrity depends on the health of its siding. Making repairs or replacing compromised or outdated siding will ensure your home is protected for years to come. 

​Most people take a lot of pride in the homes they own. The only way to keep your home looking and functioning great is by investing time and money into improvement/repair projects. If you want to find out about the issues your home has before extensive damage occurs, then performing routine inspections on a monthly basis is a wise move.
Taking a look at the gutter system attached to your home’s roof is a must when performing these in-depth inspections. During the inspection of your gutter system, you need to keep an eye open for some of the signs below that indicate this system needs to be repaired.
The Gutters Are Pulling Away from Your HomeThe gutters attached to your home have to be mounted properly to function correctly. If these gutters are not snugged tight to the house, it is only a matter of time before water damage occurs. Are your gutters starting to pull away from the side of your home? If so, this is an indication that it is time to call in professionals to take a look at your gutter system.
In most cases, this problem is caused by the gutters being weight down with either water or debris. If this debris or water isn’t removed, it is only a matter of time before this system collapses. Trying to clean the gutters without the help of professionals is a recipe for disaster. This is why you need to call in professionals to clean your gutters. At Boyd Construction Co., we can get your gutters cleaned and back in good working order in a hurry.
Peeling Paint Is Never a Good Sign The paint applied to gutters is designed to withstand the punishment that Mother Nature dishes out. Unless the gutters on a home are very old, paint problems usually won’t be a problem. However, if your gutters are relatively new and the paint on them starts to peel, then you need to take notice.
Generally, this problem is an indication that there are water drainage issues present. If the gutters are retaining water, it is only a matter of time before other significant damage takes place. By allowing a professional to diagnose the cause of your peeling gutters, you can address these issues with ease.
The Presence of Gutter CracksAnother problem that you may notice when gutter repairs are needed is substantial cracks. Some homeowners ignore gutter cracks until they start to grow. If you detect smaller cracks in your gutters, you need to get them fixed before they get any worse. In some cases, the only way to address this problem is by completely replacing the gutters. The money invested in new gutters will be worth it, considering the damage they can help you avoid in the future.
If you have noticed one or more of the problems mentioned in this article, it is time to schedule professional gutter repair. Boyd Construction Co. is here to help you fix your broken gutter system. 

​Are you planning on selling your home and are looking for ways you can increase its value? Unfortunately, many people often find themselves in this situation without any fundamental ideas on improving their properties equity. Most of the time, people end up throwing away money into unneeded services in an attempt to raise the value of their house, only to find out later it was all a waste of time and cash.
 
Luckily, there are some proven ways that you can increase the value of your property instantly. So, without further ado, here are the three best methods.
 
Ensure A Pest Free Structure
The first thing that you can do is to have your home inspected for termites. Termites can cause severe structural damage that can devastate your home. Nobody wants to buy a home that is infested with termites, so it is best to have your property professionally inspected before trying to sell it.
 
Most termite problems can be easily managed with professional help and treatment; however, sometimes, the termites have caused so much structural damage that you may need to contact a renovation company. Regardless of whether or not you suspect your house to be termite-infested, it is always good to have it inspected.
 
Start At The Top
The second thing you can do if you want to increase the value of your home is to ensure that the roof is in good shape. Most people forget about the top of the house, even though it’s arguably an essential part. Roofs are exposed to intense weather regularly and can start to accumulate damage after a while.
 
Often, this damage will go unnoticed unless you have your roof inspected by a professional. A professional roof repair service will inspect your roof for any damage and repair it accordingly, raising your home’s value tremendously.
 
Repair Brick Siding
The next tip is specific to brick homes. Homes made of brick are extremely tough and resilient; however, they too are susceptible to damage and wear. The bricks of your home are exposed to water, wind, dirt, and debris, which can break down the bricks and lead to cracks and gaps in your wall.
 
If left untreated, these cracks and holes can increase in size leading to more severe damage. If you notice any damage to the bricks of your home, then contact a local brick repair company to have them check it out. Their professionally trained experts will know exactly what to do and have your home good as new in no time.
 
Remember, putting effort into making any necessary repairs to your home before putting it on the market for sale will ensure a better return on your investment.