Handy Exterior Renovation Blog

Roof Replacement, Repair and Installation Costs in DuPage County

We’d like them to last forever, but your roof has a life expectancy, generally no more than 20-25 years (asphalt shingle – other materials, such as slate, which is quite costly, last longer). With some general maintenance, DuPage County residents can prevent leaks, total roof system failure and protect everything under it. However, one day that roof will need a complete replacement, so the big question is – “what will whole roof replacement cost?” Continue reading

Hail Resistant Roof: Are Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles Worth The Investment?

Of all the risks that are associated with shortening the life of a roof, hail is among the most feared. Hail-resistant shingles bring some peace of mind, but how impact resistant are they? When storms with high wind include hail, homeowners are rightfully nervous, because hail doesn’t have to penetrate a shingle to damage it. In fact, rarely does hail do more than bounce off shingles, but there are times when the wind is fast enough that the damage, perhaps barely visible, will be significant enough to require the attention of a roofing professional. Continue reading

How to Choose the Best Color for Asphalt Shingle Roof?

Asphalt roof shingle colors are numerous, giving homeowners plenty of options. This is important, as the roof represents a large percentage of a home’s outward appearance and the color you choose will have a big impact on the home’s curb appeal, but more importantly, making the right decision will impact your level of enjoyment of the home for many years to come. Continue reading

Choosing Between Vertical and Horizontal Siding Installation: Which is Right for You?

Argh – the decisions that have to be made when taking on a residing project! What material should it be made of – vinyl, wood or fiber cement? What size and shape should it be? And most important of all – what siding color do you choose? Now there is one more question to ask – do you choose vertical or horizontal siding? Continue reading

James Hardie vs. LP SmartSide: Which Is The Best Siding For Your House?

At VIS Exterior, we get a lot of questions from customers about which type of siding they should have installed on their homes. The answer from us is always James Hardie or LP SmartSide siding. Why, you might ask? Continue reading

How to Choose the Best Color for Siding Replacement?

One of the first things homeowners think of when it comes time to replace their siding is color. There are definitely other aspects of a siding replacement project that are important, such as the type of siding and finding the right contractor to install it, but for homeowners looking for a specific aesthetic or to blend in with the surrounding homes or to stand out, color is the focal point. Continue reading