TrendingMaintenance Tips
11 min4.9K views
Showing 1–3 of 3 articles
Showing 1–3 of 3 articles
Join 14,400+ homeowners who get our weekly newsletter with:
Quick answers from our roofing & siding experts
We recommend professional roof inspections twice a year—in spring and fall—plus after any major storm. Regular inspections can identify small issues before they become costly repairs, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. A typical inspection takes 30-60 minutes and costs $150-$400.
Put our 15+ years of expertise to work for you. Get a free professional consultation and detailed estimate today.
Professional tips from certified contractors with 15+ years of experience. Cost calculators, maintenance checklists, and project inspiration.
A
BBB Rating
5
Star Rating
15+
Years Experience
Planning an exterior renovation? This step-by-step checklist covers everything from roof to foundation, with a priority order that saves money and prevents rework.
VM Exteriors Team
Not all gutters handle water the same way. Here's how to know whether you need 5-inch, 6-inch, or something else entirely—and why getting it wrong matters.
Ice dams cause thousands in damage every winter. Learn what causes them, how to prevent them, and when that icicle situation needs professional help.
In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, roof replacement typically costs between $8,000 and $25,000 depending on roof size (1,500-3,000 sq ft), material choice, and complexity. Asphalt shingles cost $4-7/sq ft installed, while metal roofing runs $8-14/sq ft and slate $15-30/sq ft.
Signs you need full siding replacement include: warping or buckling across multiple areas, frequent repainting needs (every 2-3 years), high energy bills indicating poor insulation, visible rot or mold spreading, or damage covering more than 30% of the surface. If damage is localized to one area, repairs averaging $300-800 may be sufficient.
Yes, if your roof or siding sustained storm damage (hail, wind, fallen debris), file a claim within 30 days. Document all damage with dated photos from multiple angles, get a professional inspection report, and don't make permanent repairs before the adjuster visits. Most homeowner policies cover storm damage minus your deductible ($500-$2,500 typically).
Slate roofing lasts 75-150 years, making it the longest-lasting option. Metal roofing lasts 40-70 years, clay/concrete tiles 50-100 years, wood shakes 25-30 years, and asphalt shingles 20-30 years. Factor in your budget, home style, and local climate when choosing—longer lifespan often means lower lifetime cost.
A typical residential roof replacement takes 1-3 days for asphalt shingles on a standard home. Siding installation takes 1-2 weeks for a full house. Factors affecting timeline include home size, weather conditions, material type, and complexity (dormers, steep pitch, multiple stories). We always provide a detailed timeline before starting.
VM Exteriors Team
VM Exteriors Team