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Can rain get in my chimney?

Rain can enter your chimney in several ways, one such way can be through the top of your chimney when there is no cover. Another can be through leaks from cracks in the chimney’s crown which can occur from shrinkage or shifting of the structure through time. With your roof flashing you may also see areas in the brick structure where a gap is present and where water can pour through that hole if it hasn’t been sealed up. Finally, rain can enter your chimney from locations that didn’t originally originate from the chimney as water can travel away from its exposed source. That’s why it’s important to get a roof inspection conducted when you suspect a roof leak is infiltrating your home systems.

Is my chimney covered by insurance?

Chimney repair from normal wear and tear is typically expected to be the homeowner’s responsibility as is operating the chimney and fireplace with safety in mind. Additionally, any common chimney work such as damper or masonry repair as well as chimney cover replacements are not covered with homeowners’ insurance policies.

Is a chimney cap necessary?

A chimney cap can be helpful in not only keeping out the rain but also in keeping out critters, snow, fallen leaves, debris and other such things that can infiltrate your chimney system. The cost of chimney cap installations is pretty inexpensive and are great for protecting your roof from burning embers that can start a fire or from keeping moisture ,and the damages that come with it, out.

How do I know if my chimney needs a liner?

A quick way to check if you have a chimney liner is to look into your chimney, if you only see clay or bricks than it isn’t lined as typically they are made out of ceramic or metal.  Your chimney liner acts as a protection from heat and sparks that could potentially damage your home. They also protect flue masonry from developing cracks or crumbling mortar from the impact of repeated heating and cooling.  A flue lining with stone or brick chimneys can help move heat and gases up and out of your home. With a chimney liner, you also have insulated heat moving more equally throughout the chimney which can protect the flammable areas of your home’s structure.

Can a chimney collapse?

A chimney can collapse for various reasons such as with frost and water damaging masonry to more structural inconsistencies like with inadequate footing or lateral support. Additionally, with chimneys that lack reinforcement at earthquake-prone areas, you may see areas become triggered to collapse when such a disaster occurs. With a collapsing chimney not only are you being exposed to potential fire risks but also carbon monoxide poisoning.

Contact A Professional For Chimney Repair

As with these chimney repair ideas be sure to consult with a professional whenever there are damages to your roof or chimney. Oftentimes a leak or other damages may be in reaction to other areas of your roofing having issues as seen with such systems as metal roofing or other roofing materials. Water damages from your roof or chimney can be an issue of your home systems as much as a burst pipe in Philadelphia. Be sure to look for chimney repair in my area when you’re in need of chimney repair and cleaning or maintenance. With a professional not only will you be able to localize the issue of chimney repair with a roof inspection, but you’ll also be able to have quality repair jobs on your entire roofing system that will assist in the longevity of your property.

When you need chimney repair in Philadelphia, PA call 267-622-7158 with Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting!

Concrete and Services for Repair

Consider how much weight your home’s concrete supports every day. Then add the long-term degradation caused by weather, chemical corrosion, rust displacement, and other hazards, and it’s no wonder that concrete needs a little help every once in a while. When the driveway, garage floor, and foundation slab start to break down, it opens up the path for water to seep in and further damage the material.

That is why prompt repairs are so essential for the life of your concrete. Below, we’ll explore the costs associated with these home repairs and see which ones might be worth tackling yourself.

How Often Should You Seal Your Driveway?

One of the best ways to extend the life of your driveway concrete is to seal the top layer. Experts recommend getting your concrete driveway sealed every four to five years. You can select your sealant from a variety of materials, including acrylic sealers, epoxies, silicones, and polyurethanes.

Acrylics offer one of the most affordable options, though you should heavily consider mixing them with a more water-resistant material like silicone. Polyurethanes do a great job at filling in cracks within your concrete to prevent seepage. It’s a variant of the foam insulation used in so many homes throughout the US.

The time has come to put your first home on the market, and you’re wondering about practical ways to increase property value. Of course, there are all the major interior updates to the bathroom and/or kitchen. There’s even the little functional upgrades, such as fancy water filtration systems. But what about your home’s exterior? What about the roof? 

Today, we’ll be talking about roofing upgrades, specifically metal. Does a metal roofing system add value to your home, or is it a money pit too expensive to recoup your costs? By the end of our discussion, you should have the information needed to answer that question yourself! Let’s dive in.

Metal Roofing for Homes

First off, metal roofing owns a fantastic reputation in the building industry and among homeowners, for good reason. Whether you prefer corrugated, standing seam, or even metal shingle, there are plenty of customization options to choose from. On top of these styling capabilities, you’ll also experience a notable improvement in your home’s energy efficiency, as more sunlight (and heat) is deflected away from the house. Finally, metal roofing provides fantastic protection against the weather hazards, be it hail or severe wind. 

Metal roofing certainly sounds great, but there are several crucial considerations to make when determining whether or not it’s right for your home.

Which Metal Roofing is Best?

Steel offers an impressively high value-per-square foot, which makes it ideal for large roofing projects. With that being said, most homeowners prefer aluminum’s outstanding energy savings and corrosion resistance. Aluminum is practically immune to rust.

Corrugated panels offers a very affordable entry point for homeowners wanting to get into metal roofing. At an intermediate price point, metal shingles create a more homey appearance for your property. Metal shingles may also be coated with stone and other materials to imitate different high-dollar roofing solutions. However, the most respected metal roofing systems utilize standing seams, which provide an outstanding waterproof barrier that greatly reduces the chance of leaks.

In summary, the best type of metal solution (as shown by homeowner preference) is aluminum standing seam metal roofing. There are more expensive options available on the residential market (such as copper), but these go well beyond the budgets of most homeowners.

Can I Put a Metal Roof Over Shingles?

That depends on local building codes. Some cities do not permit more than one layer of roofing. However, the process is very doable with sheet metal roofing. The metal roofing should have a new underlayment or furring strips. It’s critical that the area be properly ventilated to prevent moisture buildup and subsequent mold growth.

Will it Add Value for Your Home?

Yes. According to Executive Report, you can generally estimate the home value improvement by taking 70% of the total cost of the new roof. Metal is a highly favored solution in many parts of the country, so you may earn an even higher percentage based on where you live. You can also recoup up to 95% of your roofing installation costs.

If you like to learn more about metal roofing solutions, our team at Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting would love to answer any questions you have. We provide residential roofing in Chester, PA and throughout the tri-state area. To get started, give our friendly staff a call at 267-622-7158.

Whether you’re selling your home or it’s just time for as change, a bathroom remodel could be the answer you’re looking for. Along with upgrading to energy efficient HVAC and water heating systems, interior painting and flooring, and kitchen remodeling, a bathroom remodel can perk up any home. However, many questions can make the process uneasy such as, “How much will it cost to remodel my bathroom?” and, “How much does a bathroom remodel add to home value, anyway?”. Bathroom remodel and design projects don’t have to be expensive to render results. In fact, a simple coat of paint and new fixtures can brighten up any bathroom. However, for more dramatic results, flooring, cabinetry, and even tubs and toilets can be switched.

Why Bathroom Remodelling is a Common Choice

Bathrooms are some of the most occupied rooms in our home. As such, we like to present the best space possible for friends, family, and other guests who visit our home. Bathroom remodels can be done to the extreme or simply by changing a few basic points to reveal a brand new look.

What’s the Cheapest Way to Remodel a Bathroom?

Changing the paint or removing wallpaper is a great way to brighten up the space on a minimal budget. Most times, this project will only require primer, paint, and painting supplies. For best results when painting a bathroom, use a semi-gloss finish for easy wiping and minimal steam wear. Another inexpensive way to add a fresh style and appearance to your bathroom is by changing faucets and fixtures. By adding a stylish new sink faucet or new shower head to your bathroom, you can display a modern design with little cost.

How can I make my Bathroom Look Bigger?

Bathrooms are often the smallest rooms in the home, contributing to a cramped feeling when in use. Open up your bathroom by installing a pedestal sink and using lighter paint colors with more texture. This provides a feeling of depth to the room without taking up any actual space. Stand-alone tubs and showers can also help open up a small space by adding an open area at the ends.

Complete Bathroom Remodel-What to do First

When remodeling your bathroom, it’s a good idea to have a plan of action. But, what are the steps to remodeling a bathroom? First, decide on a budget. From there you can decide what you want to change and what will be left. Many companies have a “package price” when performing certain services together instead of separately, so be sure to ask about all of your desired services. For example, some companies may charge more for a separate sink installation and toilet installation, but charge a lower price when performing both services together. For a more accurate price, communicate your entire plan instead of just one step.

When beginning your bathroom remodeling project, think about what you don’t like about your current bathroom as well as what you do like. If your flooring is dingy and worn but your fixtures still look nice and new, you may choose to keep the current fixtures. In most cases, there is no need to remodel the entire bathroom to achieve the results you’re looking for. In fact, a few small changes can make a dramatic difference you will love.

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

When deciding what to remodel in your bathroom, it can be a difficult and tedious decision. From cost to workload and project time, every decision adds to the job. Knowing where to start and what you would like to change can help you have better luck with your remodel project.

No matter what type of changes you want to make in your bathroom, the Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting experts can help. We provide experienced, knowledgeable guidance throughout your bathroom remodel so you can be sure you end up with a finished product you love. When you want professional bathroom remodeling in Philadelphia, PA that you can depend on, call the Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting experts at 267-622-7158.

It’s often said that the hardest part of owning hardwood flooring is keeping it clean and dry. Doing so is truly a challenge for the whole family. Thankfully, there are some simple ways to protect your beautiful floor from contaminants! Here’s how you can get started.

Common Threats Against Your Wooden Floor

Most homeowners with hardwood flooring are more focused on not spilling grape juice than they are on the most common threats. There are numerous contaminants and objects that can damage your floor, such as:

• Basic Dirt Particles
• Wet Clothing
• Muddy Shoes
• Plumbing Leaks
• Excessive Humidity
• Furniture Legs
• Improper Cleaning Products

If you’re feeling anxious, don’t worry! There are several easy ways to safeguard your flooring.

How to Protect Hardwood Floors

Instead of focusing on each and every threat, start with high traffic areas. Your front and back doors are the top two entry points for dirt and mud. Try creating a shoe-free zone for your family, where you can conveniently store your “get dirty” shoes! Watch out for those soccer cleats and high heels; they can damage your hardwood flooring too! Also, see if you can store a towel near the backyard door to wipe off your pets when it rains. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to stop all dirt from coming into the house. You’ll need to vacuum the floor regularly to prevent the natural buildup of dirt.

Believe it or not, the next biggest threats to your flooring are furniture and water appliances. Make sure you have some floor covers or a rug for those pointy furniture legs, as these can harm your finish. You’ll also want to keep an eye out on leaky water appliances. Water heaters are a common source of leaky grief, though this isn’t an issue with tankless water heaters. Your kitchen sink is another “usual suspect”. That’s why it’s always prudent to finish plumbing before flooring when you decide to remodel your kitchen.

Schedule Your Hardwood Floor Resurfacing Today!

Has your hardwood flooring already fallen prey to deep scratching and degradation? Call our team at 267-622-7158 and ask about our Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting hardwood resurfacing! You can enjoy gorgeous flooring once more.

Your roof system is an expensive investment that serves to protect your entire home. New innovations in the roofing industry have produced roof coatings that can offer extreme benefits to every type of roof, commercial or residential. In fact, residential roof coatings offer up to 10 extra years of life for your roof material. Not only that, but these coatings provide lasting advantages that can save you hassle and money.

How Can a Roof Coating Help My Home?

Roof coatings are applied to your current roof material so there is no need for removal or roof replacement. This in itself can save you thousands. These coatings also provide key benefits like:

• Increasing the Lifespan of Your Roof=
• Adding a Clean, Uniform Appearance
• Restoring the Durability and Strength of Your Roof
• Delivering Repair for Minor Damages

No matter what type of roof material you have, there is a roof coating that can reinforce and strengthen your roofing system. Roof coatings of any type provide damage repair for cuts, tears, and otherwise damaged materials to deliver the ultimate home protection. They can also prevent new damages with their durable, flexible formulas. These coatings also offer extreme savings over the years by delivering unbeatable UV protection that decreases your energy bills. Some HVAC systems, such as a Carrier brand unit, also provide decreased energy use, contributing even more savings to your household. These two updates along with door and window resealing can save you up to 50 percent on your annual energy costs.

Local Roofing Experts

Learn more about your roof coating options in Philadelphia, PA or schedule your application appointment by calling the Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting experts at 267-622-7158. We provide the information you need to make the best decision for your home and have the experience you expect to deliver flawless results. Call our professional roofing team for more information on roof coatings in Philadelphia, PA.

We depend a great deal on our roofing. In the event of a major storm, it will ideally stand resilient against Mother Nature, and protect both residents and property from harm. Whether you own a home or commercial structure, your roofing represents a significant investment. You can protect this investment through good habits, including seasonal inspections and maintenance, and emergency roof repair. For the last issue, you will need an experienced emergency roofer. Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting gladly provides its clientele with emergency services.

Emergency roof repair becomes necessary in a few different scenarios. Specifics aside, you should call for an emergency roofer as soon as possible. If you do not, you risk additional, more expensive damages, and could potentially lose your entire roof to failure. For an emergency roofer in Philadelphia, PA, call 267-622-7158. The team at Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting is experienced and dedicated, and will work hard to resolve your issue quickly,

What Are the Signs for Emergency Roof Repair?

A few different indicators showcase the need for emergency roof repair. If you need help for any of these issues, call Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting at any hour. We offer rapid service for emergency situations, and we’re ready to provide help.

Leaks: Significant leaks can often require emergency roof service, a service that we readily provide. Roofing leaks will only appear for the duration of a storm. If your leak appears outside of a storm, then your problem requires plumbing service, not roof repair.

Missing or Damaged Shingles: High winds can rip shingles clean off your roof, or toss debris that rakes across roofing to cause major damage. If a large number of shingles have gone missing or sustained damage, your house is vulnerable for major issues.

Gutter Issues: Your gutters are an indispensable component of your roofing system. Their failure can create the need for an emergency roofer to conduct roof leak repair. As gutters become filled with leaves, or if they have broken down from old age, your roof’s drainage system can’t operate properly. The result will be a leaking roof highly susceptible to the next storm.

Your Local Emergency Roofer

At Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting, we are the top emergency roofer in Philadelphia, PA. When emergencies occur, we can quickly identify your repair needs and perform proper service. The next time you have a need for roof leak repair, or any other issue that demands an emergency roofer, give us a call at 267-622-7158.

Ever wish your kitchen was just a little bigger? Need more energy efficient appliances? Your family spends a lot of time in the kitchen, from preparing meals to eating and chatting about the day. Kitchen remodeling can help improve your kitchen, bringing your vision to life and giving your family space to grow and live. Not sure about kitchen remodeling? There are many reasons to consider starting this service today!

Reasons To Remodel Your Kitchen

• Adjust the Layout: Modernizing the layout of your kitchen can give it a more open feel and allow you to have a comfortable kitchen space.
• Add Some Personal Style: You can work with your contractor to add personal touches to your new kitchen look to give it your unique style and preference.
• Improve Energy Efficiency: Newer appliances and fixtures actually can improve your energy efficiency while providing you with improved functionality.
• Adapt To Your Needs: Increased work and dining space can be made to give your home and family the ability to move and enjoy themselves.
• Increase The Value: Not only does an updated kitchen assist you with your needs, but when the time comes it can actually improve the value within your home for resale.

Want more information on  your kitchen remodeling options in Philadelphia, PA? The professional team at Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting is happy to help answer your questions! We provide quality kitchen remodeling service for your needs. Give us a call today at 267-622-7158 for your service needs.

When you’re installing hardwood floors in your home, the options can be staggering. From hard and soft wood choices to color, finish, and size, it can be difficult to know exactly what you want. Beginning with these considerations can help reduce the stress of finding the perfect hardwood flooring and give you a solid starting point to begin shopping.

Plank Construction

Today, your hardwood flooring can be solid wood or it can be engineered. Solid wood is created from one piece of wood and can be sanded and refinished multiple times during its life. Engineered wood is constructed from multiple layers of wood that is covered with a wood veneer. While engineered options are sturdy and often more affordable, they cannot be refinished or sanded like solid wood options can.

Plank Finish

How do you want your floor to look? This question is important to what type of finish you want on your floor. Prefinished options are available and offer quicker installation and less labor. Unfinished options typically offer more affordability and the ability to customize your look, but will still need to be finished to provide optimal protection from warping and other damage.

Plank Size

Today’s flooring market has a variety of options when it comes to wood flooring, and size is no exception. Standard floor planks are 2-3 inches wide. Other options can be 3-5 inches for larger areas or even 8 inches and up for high style and fewer seams. While narrow planks provide a more stable appearance in smaller areas, wide planks can be used to provide style and a modern feel.

No matter what type of hardwood flooring you choose for your home, trust the Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting experts to provide convenient, reliable installation. Call us now at 267-622-7158 to discuss your wood flooring options and to arrange your installation today.

As Spring approaches, don’t forget to ensure that your roof system can take the potentially severe weather and high winds that are coming your way. Taking care of these simple roof inspection tasks can save you hundreds in repairs down the road.

Check Your Material

Inspect your roof material for signs of damage that can include broken and torn shingles, missing or thinning asphalt, cracks or cuts in your material, and even missing materials. These problems may seem small, but they can turn severe quickly and should be repaired as soon as possible.

Secondary Materials

While you’re on your roof checking your materials, inspect other components of your roof such as flashing and gutters. Flashing is a common location for leaks to develop, and faulty gutter can cause roof damage, flooding, and even foundation damage. Also, check the underlayment from inside your attic. This material can tear, leaving your home vulnerable to leaks.

Property Hazards

Take a quick glance around your home to look for branches that hang over your roof or are falling down, random debris that can fly around during wind, and even troublesome power lines that could cause problems in the future. Taking care of these issues now could save you the hassle of roof damage and insurance claims later.

Keeping up with these simple activities can save you money, time, and hassle later on. Fro expert inspection of your roof system, call the Armour Seal Exteriors, Roofing, Masonry and Contracting professionals at 267-622-7158. We will thoroughly examine your roof system to ensure it’s in optimal condition and ready for any Spring event.